FOR THE WEEK OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013
Highlander University
Volume 61
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C a l i f o r n i a , R ive r s i d e
Issue 13
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Proposed state budget increases UC funding Gov. Brown’s initial budget provides a modest consideration of higher education, but future tuition increases still loom. S a n dy V a n SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Governor Jerry Brown released his proposed state budget for 2013-2014 on Jan. 10., which includes an increase of $256.5 million in state general funds to the UC. Included funds from Proposition 30 will provide a promised amount of $125 million, preventing any further tuition increases, but only for the current academic year. An additional $10 million is specifically earmarked for creating a “virtual campus,” which involves the expansion of UC online courses. As part of a stable multi-year funding plan, Governor Brown proposed a five percent increase in state contributions to the UC for the next two consecutive years, followed by a four percent increase. The plan will assist the state in cementing a consistent stream of funding after years of state divestment from the UC. The UC Board of Regents, who meet this week in San Francisco, have not yet indicated how the budget may affect a previously discussed tuition increase for the 2013-2014 academic year. “The leadership of the University of California is grateful that Gov. Brown is proposing re-investment in higher education,” stated Patrick Lenz, the UC Vice President for Budget and Capital Resources in a UCOP press release. “After absorb-
C o u rte s y
ing nearly a billion dollars in state funding cuts during the past five years, we see his budget proposal as a very positive step forward in a process that will unfold over the next several months.” Other funds that are also dedicated to the UC include investment in the advancing of technology for online courses. The $10 million is intended to increase statewide student accessibility, create a centralized and systemwide course site, and expand overall faculty instruction. The budget’s commitment to additional funding for the UC marks a significant shift
for the state, whose shrinking allocation of funds to the university has resulted in steep tuition hikes in recent years. UC tuition and fees have seen an increase of $5,556 over the last five years, bringing the cost to $12,192 for the 2013-2014 academic year. California’s steep recession and the state’s divestment in higher education have led to decreasing accessibility and affordability, specifically for middle-income families, who are often not eligible for financial aid reserved for less privileged ones. According to the state budget report, “California students in public and nonprofit
Campus officially welcomes Chancellor Conoley Sandy Van
SE N IOR STA F F W R I T E R
The sounds of Scottish bagpipes issued a warm Highlander welcome to UCR’s newest chancellor, Jane Close Conoley, as she took the stage at her welcome reception on Jan. 11. Held in the University Theater, the welcome event invited an interactive discussion about UCR’s ambitions for admission to the Association of American Universities (AAU), the UCR 2020 strategic plan, the role of the chancellor at UCR and the promise of higher education. In her first public address to the UCR community, Chancellor Conoley made clear her aims to help UCR meet the requirements for the AAU, primarily through the hiring of additional faculty. The AAU is an association of North America’s leading research universities, consisting of 62 U.S. and Canadian colleges. All member universities have an increased international presence through areas of research and education. Addressing the elephant in the
o f at v n . o r g
A s p a r t o f G o v e r n o r B ro w n ’s s t a t e b u d g e t , t h e U C i s s e t t o re c e i v e a b o u t $ 2 5 0 m i l l i o n i n a d d i t i o n a l f u n d i n g .
room, and a topic of much concern to the UCR community, Chancellor Conoley said, “I do know that I am walking behind very mighty footsteps made by Chancellor Tim White, so I will do my best.” “You should know that when President Yudof asked me to take this assignment, he said to me ‘Your first priority is reaching the goals...set through their UCR 2020 plan,’” stated Conoley, who followed up with her desires to maintain a positive trajectory for the university, while upholding the morale of faculty and the experience of students. After recapping the passing of Proposition 30, a tax measure which temporarily staved off UC tuition increases for the 2012-2013 academic year, Chancellor Conoley relayed the student enrollment rate for the UCR School of Medicine (SOM), which has received nearly 2,000 applications. Additionally, over 40,000 students applied as freshmen or transfer students to the university for the 2012-2013 academic year. CHANCELLOR CONT’D ON PAGE 3
colleges rank 46th in student debt levels— half of California undergraduates have student debt, averaging $18,000, compared to two-thirds of graduates nationally, averaging $26,600.” “The state’s recent disinvestment in higher education has forced significant tuition increases, but it’s important to remember that tuition revenue covered only about 38 percent of the budget gap resulting from the cuts in state funding; the rest of the shortfall was met through spending cutbacks, efficiencies and alternative rev■H enue sources,” stated Lenz.
INSIDE: Highlander Editorial: The Editorial Board writes an open letter to Riverside’s new mayor.
OPINIONS
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ASUCR Senator Chris Salvador offers his eight steps for student success at UCR. FEATURES
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The bloodsoaked Gangster Squad doesn’t live up to the talent of its all-star cast. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Player Spotlight: Men’s soccer player Otis Earle describes his journey from London to UCR.
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SPORTS
T s u n g S u /HIGHLANDER Chancellor Conoley delivers her first public address at UCR during her welcome reception on Jan. 11.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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STAFF
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