Tidal Wave II looms large over board

  CATHERINE JUN/Daily Bruin Regent George
Marcus and Regent-designate Jeffrey
Seymour listen to the various speakers of the UC Regents
meeting Thursday at UCSF.

By Shauna Mecartea and Kelly
Rayburn
Daily Bruin Reporters

Though the words “Tidal Wave II” were not uttered
during the UC Regents’ meeting Thursday, the discussion
centered on how to deal with the expected increase in student
enrollment.

Taking on more rudimentary tasks than Wednesday’s repeal
of SP-1 and 2 and approval of RE-28, the regents listened to
reports from the Committees on Finance and Educational Policy.

Both committees expressed concern about the expected 40 percent
increase in undergraduate student populations over the next 10
years.

“Clearly we are running into very difficult times,”
said UC President Richard Atkinson, speaking about the UC’s
need for funds to match the projected influx of about 60,000
students into the UC in the next decade. “I’m not
optimistic.”

With the energy crisis placing a dent in California’s
budget, as well as a looming economic slowdown, the UC’s
state, federal and private funds will be threatened at a time when
the university needs them most, said Larry Hershman, UC vice
president for budget.

“We are buried right now,” said Hershman, who
reported on the UC’s financial situation.

He added that legislative support for a “basic
partnership” between state legislators and the Board of
Regents, to take on the expected influx of students, is not as
vigorous as it once was, when funds were more accessible.

Earlier, after a period designated for public comment, Regent
Peter Preuss discussed what the UC will do to receive appropriate
funds from state, federal and private sources during the next 10
years.

Preuss suggested the regents publish an annual or a bi-annual
report that would show legislators on the state and federal level
UC’s financial situation in dealing with the expected
increase of students.

Many regents supported the idea, especially Regent Ward
Connerly, who was enthusiastic in his advocacy. Connerly said a
named report would better help the Board of Regents articulate its
needs to the legislature, which sometimes expects too much given
the regent’s limited budget.

“There is a strong disconnect between the demands of the
public and what we have the capacity to do,” Connerly said.
“This model is something that is long overdue and it will
help articulate this total disconnect.”

At one point during the discussion Chancellor Albert Carnesale
stood up to offer his input, indicating that the influx of students
will have a more complex impact on the budget than might be assumed
at first glance.

“We’re growing by 40 percent (over the next 10
years). When you’re growing at this level you do need to add
new faculty and new sections, you can’t just enroll more
students in a class.”

Later in the meeting, to ensure students receive quality
education and services on the eve of Tidal Wave II, Atkinson and
Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs C. Judson King mandated a
“Student Service Task Force” assembly, who presented
their future vision of student services at the UC.

The task force, working within the committee on educational
policy, outlined strategic approaches in providing student services
regarding admissions, application processing, affordable childcare
and housing, career planning and placement services for graduate
students.

It also addressed services for students with disabilities and
the funding and delivery of financial aid.

Before declaring these issues as “urgent needs,” the
task force consulted vice chancellors of student and academic
affairs, student service providers on individual campuses and the
UC Student Association.

“We believe the use of the framework coupled with a formal
rapport will truly be able to meet the needs of our
students,” said Winston Doby, chair of the Student Services
Task Force and vice chancellor of student affairs at UCLA.

Regent Odessa Johnson congratulated the effort but wondered
where the money to fund this vision would come from.

“There will be a whole series of programs that will be
filled out in detail and then funding for those will be
identified,” Atkinson replied.

Near the end of the meeting the board adopted a motion, without
objection, to honor Student Regent Justin Fong, who attended his
last board meeting of his term Thursday.

Fong’s grandparents, mother and sister were present to
watch him be honored by the board, later in the day.

Atkinson, Regent Markell Kohn and the Student Regent-Designate
Tracy Davis offered Fong their personal thanks and
congratulations.

Davis said she looked forward to seeking out Fong’s advice
in the future.

Upon being recognized by the board, Fong gave a brief
speech.

“These may be the greatest 11 words ever: “˜Now,
therefore, be it resolved that SP-1 and SP-2 are
rescinded,'” he said in closing.

A teary-eyed Regent William Bagley said to Fong:
“You’re wonderful. Damnit, you made me cry.”

Neither Gov. Gray Davis nor Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, regents by
virtue of their positions, were present at Thursday’s
meeting, though Bustamante said on Wednesday that Fong’s work
on RE-28 was one of the main reasons the item passed
unanimously.