August 3, 2009
 Next month, University of California employees will begin a systemwide furlough and salary reduction program as part of a plan to offset more than $800 million in state funding reductions. No one wants salary reductions and we understand that furloughs will create very real hardships. But I do want you to know that your voices were heard and the feedback from our campus community did have an impact on the final adopted UC budget reduction plan.
Feedback from UC Community Incorporated in Budget Reduction Plan
After the University of California Office of the President asked for input from faculty and staff regarding the budget reduction proposal to be presented to the Board of Regents, you responded. In fact, I received more than 1,700 emails from the UC San Diego community and our five Town Hall meetings were attended by more than 2,300 people. Your concerns were conveyed to President Mark Yudof and his staff, and the revised proposal that was passed by the Regents on July 16 reflected many of the concerns you had expressed—furloughs over straight salary reductions, a more tiered approach with the pay reduction percentages, and flexibility for the Medical Centers and when you can take furlough days. OP and the Board of Regents also decided that employees who are fully funded by extramural funding, such as government research grants, are exempt from salary reductions because reductions would not help the state’s budget crisis. The Board of Regents also took an additional step of protecting retirement and benefits. You can read more details of the furlough plan here.
I want the UC San Diego community to know how much I appreciated your comments and recommendations for action by the President. As anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” You became a part of the solution when you spoke up.
Parking Passes Will Cost Less This Year
I’d like to share a little bit of good budget news. UC San Diego’s annual parking permit fees will be temporarily reduced by five percent through June 30, 2010. Transportation Services was able to reprioritize operational initiatives to provide some relief for faculty, staff and students during these difficult economic times. I’d also like to take this opportunity to encourage you to join the 54 percent of UC San Diego commuters who already use Commute Solutions' alternative transportation programs. These programs not only reduce our carbon footprint but also have cost savings for you. To learn more about the various commuting options offered at UC San Diego, click here.
Staff Picnic Will Celebrate Our Strengths
The annual All Staff Picnic is about recognizing the hard work and dedication of our staff members, and all that they do for the university on a daily basis. I realize this is a tough time to have a celebratory event such as the picnic, but it’s because of our tough economic situation and the recent budget reductions that I feel this event is especially important this year. The picnic, hosted by the Staff Association, will be held on Friday, August 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Town Square and Matthews Quad near the Student Services Center. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Strengths.”
I invite all staff members to break away from work for a little while to attend the picnic and enjoy time with their colleagues in a relaxed, festive setting. We have 3,750 free food tickets available, so be sure to reserve your ticket by clicking here. We also ask that you do your part to be green and bring your own cup or mug for beverages at the picnic. This event also presents a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our various staff associations and most will have information tables at the picnic, including the Chicano-Latino Staff Association and the Faculty-Staff Christian Fellowship. We will again host the annual volleyball tournament and you won’t want to miss the UCSD’s Got Talent Showcase. I hope to see you there.
I am grateful to all of our university employees, students, alumni and community members who are working together to preserve our mission of higher education, research and public service. I know it’s not easy in this economic climate, but every day I see examples of students, staff and faculty helping each other, innovating and improving lives. Our important work continues despite the budget reductions and I am proud of our UC San Diego team.
With warm regards,
Marye Anne Fox
Chancellor |
