UC Student Walkout
Student fees already contribute almost as much to the UC budget as funding from the state legislature (students: $2.5 billion, legislature: $2.6 billion). UC President Yudof’s proposal to raise student fees by an additional 32% over the next year, for an unprecedented increase of $2,500, will bring student fees to over $10,000 a year for resident students for the first time ever, leading the UC further away from its original mandate to provide free public education to the students of this state.
These budget cuts are not inevitable. Rather than accepting the state legislature’s cuts to advance an agenda of privatization, the UC should be advocating on our behalf to re-prioritize public education in the state of California. There is a budget crisis, but there is also a crisis of priorities. If this 32% fee increase goes through it will mean a serious blow to the quality, accessibility, and diversity of the UC system. And it will open the door for further fee increases in the years to come, which will systematically price out California students from what was once the educational jewel of this state.
What can I do?
1. Read these articles:
Execs Still Get Raises as UC Cuts Staffing, Pay (August 2009)
Follow the Student Fee Money (September 2009)
Persistent Dishonesty from the UC Office of the President (September 2009)
2. Walk out and Sign the Petition!
We understand if you have that lab worth 94% of your grade, or that midterm your professor refuses to move. But the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) and the Coalition of University Employees (CUE) are asking that you respect their picket line by skipping as much class as you can on the 24th, and using the time for a Day of Action on your campus. Sign the student petition endorsing the walkout!
3. Email your Professors!
Over 1000 professors around the UC system have pledged to support the walk out. Your professors don’t know just how much you need them to stand with you, and may hesitate to act on such a critical political issue. Ask them to walk out and/or teach in!
4. Email your Grad Students Instructors/Teaching Assistants!
Over 1000 graduate students around the UC system have pledged to support the walk out. What about your GSI’s/TA’s? Ask your Grad Student Instructors/Teaching Assistants to cancel section to honor the picket lines!
