Cal Advocacy

In light of my previous post, I thought I'd share a request from the Chancellor for a letter writing campaign, in case you are inclined to take action:

Dear Colleagues:

As part of the University's systemwide advocacy efforts, President Yudof is inviting all UC faculty and staff to join in a letter-writing campaign aimed at impressing upon state leaders the critical importance of adequate state support for UC and public higher education in California. I am writing to urge you to be part of this campaign on behalf of UC Berkeley and public higher education.

As you know, the state budget process for 2009-10 ended recently with a budget that leaves UC with 20 percent less state funding than it had at the beginning of last year. That translates into a budget cut for UC Berkeley of nearly $150 million. Faculty and staff pay reductions, student fee increases, and program cuts at UC Berkeley and across the UC system are being implemented to cope with this immediate budget shortfall.

It is critically important to communicate the consequences of these cuts to the elected officials in Sacramento who have disinvested in the University of California.

As the Governor and state lawmakers turn their attention to next year's budget, now is the time to let them know that you care about investing in California's future through higher education. State support is critical to the core instructional program at UC, and if it does not rebound, the impacts to California will be more shocking than most people realize today.

I encourage you to take this opportunity,before the Legislature's scheduled adjournment on Sept. 11, to email the governor and your local members of the State Assembly and State Senate.

A sample letter is available on the Cal Advocacy, http://www.ucforcalifornia.org/cal/home/ website. Please consider personalizing your message for greater effectiveness. Above all, please join us in this movement, one that will continue throughout the coming year, to ensure that your voice is heard with decision makers in Sacramento.

Cal Advocacy
www.ucforcalifornia.org/cal

Sincerely,

Robert J. Birgeneau