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Facing what the president of the University is terming the worst budget crisis in UC's history, the Executive Committee of the California Alumni Association is asking Cal alumni to galvanize their efforts in support of adequate funding for Berkeley and the rest of the UC system. On January 8, Chancellor Robert Berdahl sent an e-mail appeal to 69,000 alumni, asking them to contact the governor and state legislators to "remind them that the University is a treasure unique to California [which] took generations to build, but could disappear quickly--if we neglect it." He was referring to a "crossroads" for the Berkeley campus and the UC system, which already faces a $1-billion shortfall in support based on budget agreements made with the previous two governors. Next year, UC will raise fees again by at least 10 percent, making the increase 40 percent or more over the last two academic years for in-state students. For graduate students, professional school students, and out-of-state students, fees have risen even more, undermining our ability to attract the best scholars. But the budget crisis not only burdens our current students, it threatens the very fabric of the University. We cannot maintain safe, adequate lab and classroom facilities, we cannot be competitive in recruiting the best faculty members, and we cannot uphold Berkeley's long-standing tradition of excellence in the face of such severe cuts. (For more information on the UC budget, click here.) We urge all Cal grads to join in this effort. Listen to the words of a Berkeley graduate in her response to the chancellor's call for support. She wrote the governor: "As a graduate of UC Berkeley (B.A. '68, M.A. '75, Ph.D. '82), I am writing to ask you to protect the University of California in this year's budget. My treasured Cal education has had a tremendous impact on my life, and I feel that I owe my considerable successes to my years at UC Berkeley. I am a tenured professor at another major state university, and so I continue to be familiar with the challenges and rewards of highly acclaimed public educational institutions like ours.... The University of California is the best public university in the world; it is a national model of excellence in many fields." This is an issue that transcends political boundaries. Another testimonial sent to the governor states: "As a loyal Republican all my life...I wish you would remember that the UC program develops mostly Californians to contribute to the state by increased taxes from earnings and developing new companies...." Each of us who continues to be loyal to Berkeley, to support the University's mission and goals, and to give generously of our time, resources, and efforts knows this is a fight we must take up. Please heed Chancellor Berdahl's call for alumni to write and call their legislators and/or the governor. We also ask you to write to us at California Monthly with your thoughts and ideas about what could or should be done to ensure that the University of California continues in its historic mission of excellence, without fear of financial cutbacks and obstacles. The governor can be reached at: Governor's Office, State Capitol, Sacramento 95814; by fax to 916/445-4633; or e-mail to governor@governor.ca.gov. Contact information for your state senator and assembly member can be found at www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html. In addition, please learn about Propositions 55, 57, and 58, which will be on the March ballot in our state. Their outcomes could have a serious impact on the finances of the University, and we urge all Cal graduates to be knowledgeable and informed as they vote on these measures. Information on them can be found at the State of California "Elections and Voter Information" website under the March 2, 2004 primary election, and at UC's Proposition 55 website. Join us as the sons and daughters of California help to protect and preserve the crown jewel of the UC system, the most respected public institution of higher education in our state, and one of the nation's best universities. --The Executive Committee of the California Alumni Association |
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