GOOD news(for a change) about UC Berkeley

[katliamom]

<p>"flush with cash" and a new high ranking. Go Bears.</p>

<p>UC</a> Berkeley greets year with optimism, cash</p>

<p>(I thought I'd post this because there's been a lot of grim speculation here about the state of the UCs these days.)</p>

[lilmom]

<p>Good to hear. We have wuite a few kids from our HS going there this fall!</p>

[dignified1]

<p>Thanks for the information. A little optimism goes a long way.</p>

[ucsd_ucla_dad]

<p>

he feels “cautiously optimistic” that the campus of 35,000 students is on the track to financial stability, not only because a 32 percent tuition increase is bringing in more money, but also because donors have showered Berkeley with cash in the face of its budget woes: $313 million, or $7 million more than last year.

Some quick math indicates that’s about a 2% increase in donor money over last year. Although good to have, this doesn’t seem very significant to me but I also think the budget woes were overstated to use as leverage.</p>

[xiggi]

<p>Is this really good news for California students?</p>

<p>Let’s take a look at the coverage:</p>

<p>Should California students be thrilled with that 32 percent increase in tuition? </p>

<p>

In back-to-school remarks, UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau said he feels “cautiously optimistic” that the campus of 35,000 students is on the track to financial stability, not only because a 32 percent tuition increase is bringing in more money, but also because donors have showered Berkeley with cash in the face of its budget woes: $313 million, or $7 million more than last year.</p>

<p>versus </p>

<p>The idea of paying more for less set students off on a year of angry and sometimes violent protests. Their Berkeley seemed far different from the one just named the world’s No. 2 university.

</p>

<p>Should California students be thrilled that the UC will make FEWER spots available to local students? Or thrilled that the campus plans to spend the new “riches” on faculty spending?</p>

<p>

Birgeneau wants 20 percent of the entire student body to be from out of state in four years - up from 11 percent today. The campus expects to hire 67 faculty members this year, Birgeneau said

</p>

<p>Should California students be thrilled that the UC’s idea of addressing unrest is to hope for fewer protests? </p>

<p>

Meanwhile, an internal review released in June found that campus officials did a poor job handling protests last fall, failing to anticipate the seriousness of a daylong student takeover of Wheeler Hall and never communicating with protesters. </p>

<p>“We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to handle the situation,” he said. “I’m optimistic” that there will be fewer protests this year.

</p>

<p>Here’s a clearer UC message:</p>

<p>"We know the systemic funding problems of this school have remained largerly unaddressed, but, heck, don’t we look wonderful in China and shine on that truly relevant ranking? </p>

<p>After all, should students not be thrilled that research is still the main focus of our faculty. It sure helps our rankings! As you know, we delivered on our promise to spend the 32% increase in tuition well, as we hired more research faculty and plan to add a handful of those foreign graduate instructors you cherish so much. </p>

<p>Since it is obvious that protests tend to fall on deaf ears, we expect fewer protests. And, for what it is worth, your time should be better spent finding the classes you need to graduate in six years. Or hike to Sacramento to annoy Arnold who is the sole culprit. </p>

<p>Join us in praying for another Obama stimulus. There is still time! "</p>

[katliamom]

<p>xiggi sticking to his bad-news guns…</p>