Budget message from Chancellor Gene Block

To the campus community:

As you know, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed 2008-09 state budget contains significant across-the-board cuts in state spending, which include the University of California.  The Regents are in the process of determining how the UC should react to the proposed budget.  The Governor, meanwhile, has stated that he expects UC to address cost reduction through a combination of fee increases, limits on enrollments, program reductions and administrative efficiencies.

It is too early to predict the outcome of the budget negotiations.  And, while all state agencies are being asked to share the burden of cuts, it is clear that reductions to the UC budget, and to UCLA, will pose tough challenges for our campus and will be detrimental to the economy and to the state of California. I want to assure you that UCLA leadership will play an active role with UC in advocating on behalf of public higher education and the role of UCLA in providing opportunity and improved quality of life for all Californians.

Next week, I will be in Sacramento to meet with elected officials individually.  I also will speak to a group of about 60 elected officials and key opinion leaders at a dinner.  Budget issues will be foremost on my agenda.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellors Steve Olsen and Sam Morabito are engaged in UC system-wide planning efforts. Steve is helping to develop a strategic plan for guiding our campuses through a tough budget year.  Sam is chairing a system-wide task force on administrative efficiencies; UCLA’s cost-saving initiatives serve as a model for the UC system.

We will keep you informed of the budget process.  You will find more information at www.ucla.edu/about/budget, which will be updated as the process continues.  If you wish to join our campus advocacy efforts, please click on the advocacy link at the Web site.  We welcome your support and involvement.

There is no more credible voice for the importance of UCLA and public higher education than our faculty, staff and students.

Sincerely,

Gene D. Block
Chancellor