OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT VICE CHANCELLOR
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
November 20, 1995
ALL AT UCSD
SUBJECT: 1996-97 University Budget Plan
For your information, the following is the official news release from the Office of the President - University Relations, regarding the 1996-97 University budget plan.
If you have any questions concerning this notice, please call Pamela Sanford at 534-3480.
Margaret F. Pryatel
Assistant Vice Chancellor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 17, 1995
News Office (510) 987-9200
REGENTS APPROVE UC BUDGET REQUEST
A 1996-97 budget plan, which would require a minimum $130 million or 4.8 percent increase in funding, was approved today (Friday, Nov. 17) by the University of California Board of Regents.
"It is critical that this budget request be funded. It is what we 
     believe is minimally required to ensure that the university can 
     sustain its excellence and honor its commitment to take all qualified 
     California high school graduates," Associate Vice President Larry Hershman, the university's budget director, said.
After the governor announces his budget proposal Jan. 10, Hershman said any proposals for modification of the plan and "any 
     recommendations with respect to student fees needed to meet the 
     university's expenditure plan" will be presented to the Regents.
Buoyed by reports that state revenues are up, the Regents set three priorities if additional state funds are made available by the governor and the legislature.
-- Accelerate the rate at which UC is closing the gap between UC faculty salaries and those of comparison institutions.
-- Set the goal of no student fee increase.
-- Seek greater funding for student outreach programs.
The expenditure request is consistent with the four-year funding compact with higher education announced last year by Gov. Pete Wilson. Under the compact, UC could expect a 4.5 percent, or $83 million, increase in state funding. Another $35.5 in state funding would be needed to prevent any general fee increase next year and to accelerate the returning of faculty salaries to the level of comparison universities. A proposal for expanded outreach is still under development.
The spending plan seeks funds to cover inflation and an estimated 1 percent increase in enrollment. UC is requesting the equivalent of a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment for all university employees and funding equivalent to an additional 3 percent salary increase for faculty. The total faculty increase is the first step in a three-year plan to restore by 1998-99 faculty salaries to the averages at comparison institutions. Accelerating the closing of gap to two years would mean a 4.5 percent parity increase for faculty beyond the general 2 percent increase for all employees. UC faculty salaries currently lag about 10 percent behind comparison institutions.
Also consistent with the governor's compact, the proposed budget calls for a $10 million expenditure savings through productivity improvements.
It provides reassurances that for the near term UC will sustain the excellence of its programs, that all eligible Californians seeking undergraduate admission will be offered a place, and that classes will be provided to enable students to graduate in a timely fashion.
The plan also anticipates a continuation of the differential fee structure for professional schools as previously agreed by the Regents as well as an increase in nonresident tuition.
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