Budget News

Check this page for updates on budget-related news from the UC Office of the President, UCSD News, UCSD campus notices and other sources.

Nov. 19: UC Regents approve student fee increases
Faced with a state funding gap of $1.2 billion next year, UC Regents voted today (Nov. 19) to increase student fees and adopt a financial plan that asks the state to fully fund the university's needs. UCOP release

Nov. 18: Regents committee OKs budget plan, fee hikes
A committee of the UC Board of Regents today approved a systemwide budget plan that seeks an additional $913 million in state funding and also incorporates two student fee increases. Both measures aim to help bridge a severe budget shortfall brought on by the state fiscal crisis. UCOP release

Nov. 18: California's fiscal outlook: The 2010-11 budget
The LAO forecast of California's general fund revenues and expenditures shows that the state must address a General Fund budget problem of $20.7 billion before the Legislature enacts a 2010-11 state budget plan. LAO report

Nov. 15: UC seeks $913M increase in state funding
The University of California will advocate for a $913 million increase in its allocation from the state as part of a budget plan for fiscal year 2010-11 to be presented to the Board of Regents this week. UCOP release

Nov. 12: Commission on the Future hears radical funding ideas
Charging a fee to companies that hire university graduates and eliminating student fees were among the ideas the UC Commission on the Future heard at its recent meeting in Oakland. UCOP release

Oct. 21: New federal role needed
UC President Mark Yudof calls for federal government to bolster its financial commitments to the nation's universities and colleges. UCOP release

Oct. 16: Yudof letter to students and parents
UC president offers an update on student fees and financial aid. UCOP PDF

Oct. 15: Academic Senate leaders talk issues with Yudof
UC President Mark Yudof traded insights with faculty on a range of issues the university is grappling with, including furloughs, retention and future planning, at an Oct. 14 meeting of the Assembly of the Academic Senate. UCOP release

Oct. 7: Internal loan to soften budget cuts
UC San Diego plans to borrow $40 million from internal funds to help offset $84.2 million in state budget cuts. Article

Oct. 1: Yudof speaks to students about fees
This op-ed from UC President Mark Yudof about why the UC has to raise fees first appeared in the Chronicle of Higher Education. UCOP release

Sept. 28: New campus task force welcomes budget ideas
In response to the severe impact of the State budget crisis and the resulting drastic budget cuts to the University, a joint Senate-Administration Task Force on Budget has been established. UCSD campus notice

Sept. 16: UC Regents discuss budget, possible fee increases
The UC Regents received a briefing Sept. 16 outlining the severe financial challenges facing the university through the 2010-11 fiscal year, along with long-term options and recommendations. UCOP release

Sept. 16: Yudof talks about possible fee hikes
See videos of UC President Mark Yudof's remarks to the Regents on the state fiscal crisis. UCOP Web site

Sept. 16: Myths and facts: unrestricted assets
UC Chief Financial Officer Peter Taylor addresses the question of whether the UC could offset steep reductions in state support by tapping a treasure chest of billions of dollars in unrestricted net assets. UCOP release

Sept. 14: Furlough info for faculty
Read an open letter to faculty (PDF) and see furlough information for faculty from Academic Affairs.

Sept. 11: How furloughs will work at UC San Diego
September marks the beginning of the salary reduction/furlough plan adopted by the UC Regents at their July 2009 meeting. This is a recap of key points of the plan as it will be implemented at UC San Diego. UCSD campus notice

Sept. 10: Reduced hours, other budget impacts at UCSD Libraries
At the UCSD Libraries, which depend on state funding for nearly 85% of their budget, funding shortfalls are requiring us to rethink how we deliver resources and services to members of the campus community and other library users. UCSD campus notice

Sept. 3: Furlough plans begin across UC
The University of California began its systemwide furlough program this week, with most UC employees sharing the pain of pay cuts to help offset the loss of more than a billion dollars in state support. UCOP release

Aug. 25: Furlough salary bands
See the pay-cut/ furlough salary bands for staff and faculty, effective Sept. 1, 2009. UCOP PDF

Aug. 25: Q&A for administrators
Information intended to assist administrators to plan for implementation. AYSO doc

Aug. 25: Use of furlough time
Furlough time is to be used in accordance with the following UC provisions. AYSO PDF

Aug. 17: Stimulus funds for research top $40 million
Surging past the $10 million in federal stimulus the university reported in June, the University of California, San Diego now has received more than $40 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to date, with more such national investments in the pipeline. UCOP release

Aug. 14: Q&A on budget, campus construction
Employees, students, parents, and the public may seek a better understanding of why UC campuses are continuing any construction activity during a major reduction in general fund budget support from the state. This document is intended to provide a set of quick answers to basic questions. UC release

July 28: Yudof calls for sacrifice, innovation
As Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a new state budget, UC President Mark Yudof renewed his call for shared sacrifice and forward-looking innovation from the 10 campuses. UCOP release

July 24: Responding to budget cuts
UC is responding to the challenge of providing access and opportunity for California in times of grim budget challenges with the launch of the Commission on the Future of UC. UCOP release

July 16: Regents launch commission on UC future
Regents Chairman Russell S. Gould launched a commission that will shape a far-reaching vision for UC while addressing acute financial challenges resulting from the state's fiscal woes. UC news release

July 16: UC statement on Cal Grant awards
An estimated 46,000 UC students who were awarded state-funded Cal Grants will receive their grants in fall 2009 despite the current state budget impasse, UC President Mark Yudof announced. UC news release

July 16: Regents approve fiscal plan, furloughs
The UC Board of Regents approved a plan proposed by UC President Mark Yudof to enact systemwide furloughs as one of a set of actions to offset an anticipated $813 million reduction in support from the state general fund. UCOP release

July 16: Regents launch commission to shape UC future
University of California Board of Regents Chairman Russell S. Gould have launched a commission that will shape a far-reaching vision to ensure excellence and access to UC in the future while addressing acute financial challenges resulting from the state's fiscal woes. UCOP release

July 16: Furlough facts
With UC facing a 20% decline in state funding, UC President Mark G. Yudof is proposing a one-year systemwide furlough program for UC employees. Read information about the proposal. UCOP PDF

July 16: Yudof letter regarding furloughs
"The furlough plan is a necessary, albeit painful, part of closing the significant budget deficit confronting us." UCOP letter (en Español)

July 2009: UCOP recommendations to the Regents
President Yudof sent the following recommendations to the UC Board of Regents for addressing the state financial crisis. UCOP PDF

July 13: Yudof proposes budget-reduction plan
UC president proposal addresses system's response to fiscal crisis. UCSD News release

July 10: Yudof letter on budget-reduction actions
UCOP PDF (en Español )

July 10: Yudof video on furlough/ salary reduction plan
YouTube posting

July 10: Message from Chancellor Fox and SVC Paul Drake
A response to the campus community regarding feedback on budget reduction proposals. Campus notice

July 10: Office of the President recommends budget reduction actions
UC President Yudof has recommended that the UC Regents declare a financial emergency and approve budget reduction actions. UCOP PDF

July 2: Chancellor's report to campus on Town Halls
Chancellor Fox has issued a summary of many of the themes expressed by faculty/ staff at the recent series of Town Hall meetings on the UC salary reduction/ furlough plans. Chancellor's report

July 2: Excerpts from e-mail feedback to Chancellor Fox
Chancellor Fox received nearly 1,700 emails from the UC San Diego community about the UC budget plans. Here are a few verbatim excerpts from several of them. Chancellor's report

June 30: Updated Yudof message to faculty and staff
UC President Yudof has issued an update regarding your feedback on the furlough/ salary proposals. UCOP PDF

June 29: See videos of three Town Halls
Videos are available online for the June 18, 19 and 26 Town Hall meetings held by Chancellor Fox for faculty and staff.

June 26: Videos of campus town halls
See videos of Chancellor Fox's June 18, June 19, and June 26 Town Hall meetings.

June 26: Yudof issues budget video letter
UC President mark Yudof has issued a video letter to all faculty and staff as a follow-up to his recent communication to the UC community regarding proposed furloughs/ salary reductions. UCOP Web site

June 23: Yudof: Education investment can spur recovery
Joining state higher-education leaders, University of California President Mark Yudof affirmed at a recent forum that the way for the embattled state to create jobs is to invest in education and research. UCOP release

June 18: Salary reduction/ furlough proposals
The UC Office of the President has released a summary of options for systemwide furloughs/salary reduction proposals. UCOP PDF

June 18: Q&A: salary/ furlough plans
Read questions and answers regarding the salary/ furlough proposals. UCOP release

June 18: Letter from UC President Yudof on the budget
President Mark Yudof provides an update on the UC's position in the current state budget situation. UCOP PDF (en Español)

June 17: Federal funds boost UCSD research
More than $10 million in federal stimulus funds are giving selected research programs at UC San Diego a timely boost. UCSD News release

June 17: Opinions sought on budget reduction proposals
Chancellor Fox invites faculty and staff to town hall meetings to discuss UCOP budget reduction proposals, which include salary reductions and furloughs. Campus notice

June 10: Budget VP: UC will share the pain
California is facing one of the nation's most severe state deficits. Vice President of Budget Patrick Lenz says that like everyone in California, UC will inevitably share in the pain of this dismal budget outlook. UCOP news release

June 1: Yudof talks to budget panel
Testifying before the state's Joint Legislative Conference Committee on Budget, UC President Mark Yudof described the devastating consequences to the UC of the proposed state budget cuts. UCOP news release

May 29: Support colleges, universities
"We — the San Diego Community College District; the University of California San Diego, California State University San Marcos and San Diego State University — have done our job in preparing and educating students to excel in their future. But in this economic climate, no amount of proactive career programs, alumni networking opportunities or the reputation of an alma mater can combat the effects of the state of California's reduced commitment to higher education." San Diego Union-Tribune op-ed piece

May 28: Putting UC under Legislature's control is a non-starter
Read a statement from the University of California regarding Assembly Constitutional Amendment 24, legislation sponsored by state Sen. Leland Yee and several of his colleagues that would repeal the university's autonomy. UCOP news release

May 22: Budget proposals threaten Cal Grants; UC faces deeper cuts
Read a statement by UC President Mark Yudof on the UC's role in sorting through the shifting budget scenarios and its aim to be a vigorous participant in the state's efforts to work through the fiscal crisis. UCOP news release

May 20: What now for UC?
Read a statement from UC President Mark Yudof on the outcome of the May 19 state ballot propositions, which leaves the University of California facing significant budget reductions in the 2009-10 fiscal year. UCOP news release

May 14: UC president concerned with latest budget scenario
Revised state budget scenarios would seriously impact service provided by UC to students and taxpayers. Failure of the May 19 state ballot propositions would leave UC with a net budget reduction of $322 million, or 10%, in 2009-10. UCOP news release

May 7: Regents approve fee increase
Facing a severe budget shortfall as a result of the state's fiscal crisis, which has been exacerbated by a deepening economic recession, the University of California Board of Regents approved student fee increases for the 2009-10 school year. UCOP news release

April 27: How Prop. 1A could affect the University
Chancellor Fox discusses the impact the passage of the Budget Stabilization Act could have on the University California. UCSD campus notice

April 20: UC president praises release of federal stimulus money
Recovery Act funding provides $268 million to UC. UCOP release

April 20: California to get Recovery Act funds
California school districts and universities are immediately eligible for $3.1 billion in funding. Governor's press release

April 10: The UC Budget: Myths and Facts
This document aims to provide members of the UC community with basic facts about how the University of California is funded, using several oft-repeated "myths" to illustrate key points about the University’s funding sources. UC PDF

April 7: Yudof statement on employee furloughs
UC president says UC should begin planning for possible employee furloughs and/ or temporary and permanent salary reductions in response to the budget situation. UCSOP news release

March 19, 2009: UC pursuing cost-saving measures
UC officials presented several initiatives to the Board of Regents this week. UCOP news release

March 19, 2009: UC regents endorse Prop. 1A on May ballot
The measure would establish a state "rainy day" reserve fund. UCOP news release

(See Prop. 1A fact sheet and FAQ PDFs, and a fact sheet PDF for all state budget propositions)

Feb. 20, 2009: Budget stretches UC cut to $450M
The state budget adopted by the Legislature and Gov. Schwarzenegger through the 2009-10 fiscal year contains $115 million in new permanent funding cuts for the UC system. UCOP news release

Feb. 19, 2009: Budget passes
California state legislators have approved a budget and have passed it to Gov. Schwarzenegger, who was expected to sign it. San Diego Union-Tribune

Feb. 17, 2009: Town Hall video
See a streaming video of the Chancellor's Town Hall meeting of Feb. 12.

Feb. 6, 2009: Budget crisis addressed
Chancellor Fox and Senior Vice Chancellor Drake summarize UCSD's budget challenges. UCSD campus notice

Feb. 3, 2009: Fox hosted Town Hall meeting on Feb. 12
Chancellor Fox addressed the impact of the budget challenges on UCSD. UCSD campus notice

Feb. 2, 2009: UC statement on Cal Grant awards funding
UC will provide funding for UC students' Cal Grant awards for spring term. UCOP news release

Jan. 29, 2009: Lenz's Q&A about the budget
Patrick Lenz, UC vice president for Budget, answers budget questions. UCOP news release

Jan. 27, 2009: How students can save money during tough times
Parents and students get tips on how to go back to school on a budget. UCSD news article

Jan. 14, 2009: Regents trim enrollment, freeze senior management pay
The UC Regents reveal plans to respond to state budget challenges. UCOP news release

Jan. 9, 2009: Yudof's message to employees
President Yudof writes about pay-related actions. UCOP news release

Jan. 5, 2009: Yudof's statement on 2009-10 state budget proposal
President Yudof issues a statement in response to Governor Schwarzenegger's state budget proposal. UCOP news release

Dec. 21, 2008: Regents approve final budget for 2008-09
UC Regents formally approve 2008-09 UC operating budget. UCOP news release

Nov. 10, 2008: Yudof's message to employees
President Yudof writes a message to UC employees about the UC Retirement Plan. UCOP news release

Nov. 6, 2008: Midyear budget cuts
The governor's mid-year cuts include new UC reductions. UCOP news release

Sept. 23, 2008: 2008-09 California state budget
The 2008-09 state budget gives no increase to the UC system. UCOP news release

Nov. 22, 2008: Systemwide salary increases
UCOP releases information about 2008-09 systemwide salary increases. UCSD campus notice