University of California Student Association Rejects New UC Tuition Plan

The University of California Student Association (UCSA) does not support this tuition plan for multiple reasons, and does not in fact view the proposed plan as one that would bring stability to UC students. While claiming stability, the plan makes assumptions regarding state funding in three years, after Governor Brown’s 5-5-4-4 plan is set to expire. Students fail to see how this plan provides any greater level of predictability than today’s current situation. The UC plan demands that Governor Brown and the Legislature uphold their part of the Stability Plan, while the UC now wants to break their side of the agreement, which was to freeze student tuition.

UCSA views the plan proposed by UCOP as one that does not prioritize students, but rather holds them hostage for the future of their education. Instead of using students as political pawns, the UC and Regents should consider partnering with students on a meaningful level to advocate to the state for more funding. University of California students have been ready, willing, and urging the UC to let students be a part of planning for their future. However, students were not consulted in the development of this proposal. UCSA was informed of the plan less than 24 hours before it was released to the press and the public, and exactly two short weeks before the November 19th Regents meeting at UCSF.

Students join the Legislature in its rejection of the UC’s tactics and the lack of a truly stable plan. UCSA President Jefferson Kuoch-Seng asserted that “UCSA has and always will be against a UC tuition increase, as it is the core of our mission to fight for affordable and accessible public higher education. Students will continue to do the right thing in making our case to the Legislature, louder than ever.”

The UCSA Board of Directors will continue discussion around the proposed tuition plan to unite and mobilize students across the state to advocate for an accessible, affordable and quality UC education.


About the University of California Student Association

The University of California Student Association is the official voice of over 240,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from the eleven UC campuses. It is our mission to advocate on behalf of current and future students for the accessibility, affordability, and quality of the University of California system.

http://ucsa.org/