ACR 80: University of California: student tuition and fee increases.

This measure would urge the Regents of the University of California to reverse recently adopted, unnecessary tuition and fee increases for students at the University of California campuses statewide.

WHEREAS, On January 26, 2017, the Regents of the University of California voted to increase tuition at all University of California (UC) campuses statewide; and

WHEREAS, Tuition at UC campuses increased by $282 and the Student Services fee increased by $54, per academic year, resulting in a total increase in tuition and fees for UC students for the academic year of $336; and

WHEREAS, Undergraduate nonresident supplemental tuition increased by $1,332 per academic year; and

WHEREAS, An audit released on April 25, 2017, by the California State Auditor, Elaine Howle, admonished UC President Janet Napolitano for raising UC student tuition to fund office perks and excessive executive and administrative personnel salaries at the expense of Californias students; and

WHEREAS, The California State Auditor reported that the Office of the UC President has amassed substantial reserve funds, used misleading budgeting practices, provided its employees with generous salaries and atypical benefits, and failed to satisfactorily justify its spending on systemwide initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Howle stated that additional concerns were also raised of intentional interference by President Napolitanos office in the audit process and inappropriately screening information given to auditors; and

WHEREAS, The April 25, 2017, audit concluded by stating that the Office of the President also spent more than $2 million for its staffs business meetings and entertainment expenses over the past five years, including, but not limited to, theater tickets, expensive hotel rooms, and even limousines for staff; and

WHEREAS, It is now apparent that the UC Regents and UC President Janet Napolitano have failed the students of California by raising their UC tuition unnecessarily; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature urges the Regents of the University of California to reverse recently adopted, unnecessary tuition and fee increases for students at the University of California campuses statewide; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.