Join the Movement. This is Our Time!

Join us at the University of California Student Association Congress Aug. 18-21, 2011 @ UC Riverside

Are you upset about the recent 10.5% tuition increase?

Does it make you mad that the State of California cut UC funding by $650 million?

Do you want to help build a statewide movement of UC students?

Are you a current UC Student?

Join the Movement this Summer and Come to Congress!

On Aug. 18–21 at UC Riverside join hundreds of UC students from every campus at the annual University of California Student Association’s Congress.

The UC Student Association is the official collective voice of all UC students. In addition to workshops, trainings, clinics and social events, UCSA Congress delegates will discuss and choose the Graduate and Undergraduate campaigns that UC students will be organizing and advocating for in the 2011-12 school year.

This trip is 100% paid for by the EVP office, so don’t let cost be a barrier! Currently, there are enough funds to pay for 7 graduate students to attend. Spots will be given on a first come, first serve basis- the deadline to apply is August 5. Email esciaky@gmail.com for more information on how to join.

Despite a strong mobilization of students across the state against further tuition hikes, the UC Regents approved an additional 10.5% increase to tuition this morning.  The total tuition increase for 2011-2012 will be nearly 19%.  Only four Regents voted against this increase—Student Regent Mireles, Regent Marcus, Regent Island and Lieutenant Governor Newsom.

This tuition increase is a significant blow to affordability and accessibility in the UC system.  “This is a sad day for the University of California.  Once again, the Regents have refused to consider alternative options, and chosen the easy route of placing the entire burden on students and their families,” said Claudia Magana, UCSA President, and 4^th year student at UC Santa Cruz.

Students greatly appreciated the comments of Lieutenant Governor Newsom who was the only Regent, other than Student Regent Mireles, to speak out against the tuition increase.  “We agree with Lieutenant Governor Newsom.  This tuition increase is another direct attack on the middle class.  The Regents should have refused tuition increases, and done something different.  Students are afraid we are simply going to be in the same place next year,” said Nelson Cortez, External Vice President and 4^th year student at UC Santa Cruz.

The Regents had initially proposed a 5.6% increase to occur automatically in 2012-13 if an additional $100 million cut came down from the state. Students poured into the Regents meeting to speak against this “trigger” increase and organized across the state to make sure that their voices were heard.  “This trigger increase was completely unacceptable to students.  We mobilized and advocated aggressively with dozens of students coming for public comment and hundreds of students sending in letters and emails.  The removal of the “trigger” increase was a significant victory for students on an otherwise sad day for affordability and accessibility in the UC system,” said Joelle Gamble, External Vice President and 4^th year student at UCLA.

” My name is ________ and I’m a student at UC _______. The proposed tuition increase threatens affordability and accessibility of the UC system. I urge you to pursue a more balanced approach, oppose this fee increase, and remove any “trigger” increase. Please stand up and advocate for alternative revenue solutions to UC’s budget challenges that do not fall so heavily on students and their families. Thank You ”

In January, Governor Brown released a budget that cut the UC an unprecedented $500 million, and reduced the total funding for higher education by $1.2 billion.  Students opposed all cuts and told their legislators to find a real solution for higher education.

 

Now the Governor is abandoning his original budget plan that required bipartisan support and instead with Democratic leadership he has reached a deal yesterday that will go even further to reduce the state’s commitment to higher education.

The current budget proposal cuts an addition $150 million each to the UC and CSU, with more cuts of  $100 million promised to each system if revenue predictions fail to meet these new expectations.  Consequently mandatory student fees at the both systems are expected to increase 20-30% for the 2011-2012 year.

Your elected officials will vote on this newly crafted plan as soon as today and send it to the Governor for his approval by the end of the week. Call the Governor’s office now at (916) 445-2841. Here is what you can say:

” My name is ________ and I’m a student at UC.  I’m opposed to Governor Brown’s cuts to higher education as it threatens affordability and accessibility at all of California’s public institutions of higher education. I urge him to work towards a better budget deal that protects current and future students and our families. Thank you.”

Hello Grads,

Student representatives are scheduled to meet with the UC Regents this weekend to discuss potential fee hikes, among other pressing issues. Here is a link to the agenda:http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regmeet/nov10.html

Thanks to all of you who have applied! There are still a few positions left. Remember, University of California Office of the President reimburses you for travel, and it’s a great resume experience. Check out the following link for more information, or to apply:

This is a fantastic opportunity for graduate students looking to learn about and participate in the greater UC system. Committee members will attend meetings (frequency of meetings depends on the committee) either in person or via conference call to help contribute to UC policy. Members must also submit a report on the meetings to the UCSA Board of Directors. All travel is reimbursed by the University of California Office of the President. See website for further info.

http://ucsa.org/section/view/systemwide_committees

Fantastic news from Billy Jankowski:

Hello folks,

I received word that the local postmaster has fully and officially rescinded the decision for USPS to stop mail delivery.  At this point, there will be no change in services on June 1^st, nor at any date in the future as far as we know.  We expect this issue to be fully closed.  Please feel free to spread the word.

I want you to know that I deeply appreciate all the efforts you took on such short notice to get our residents notified and involved.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Have a great long weekend!

Billy

Billy Jankowski

Assistant Director, Apartment Student Programs

Apartment & Community Living

University of California, Santa Barbara

805-893-5831