Robert Dynes is a name students should know if they care about
the future of this university.
When he takes over as president of the University of California
system in October, Dynes will be asked to guide it through one of
the university’s most difficult periods in history ““
enrollment continues to soar and the state budget continues to
shrink.
The numbers are startling: the UC expects an unprecedented 40
percent growth in enrollment over the next decade, while its budget
continues to experience substantial cuts. The tentative state
budget shows that the UC allocation will be slashed by at least
$300 million, with student fees projected to increase by at least
$795.
There are no easy solutions to the problems the UC faces. Fees
will most likely increase, and campuses will experience
overcrowding. Students will undoubtedly be frustrated with their
wallets hard hit and classrooms filled beyond capacity. Not only
students, but frustrated parents, faculty and staff will also be
looking to the top to ask for help or point the finger. Dynes must
expect this, step into the spotlight, and accept the challenge.
Clearly, he will have to hit the ground running ““ and he
should get ready now.
To be a good leader during this trying time, Dynes must prove to
the university, and especially to its students, that he is willing
to fight to keep his promise that he will not compromise the
quality of the university.
Students’ faith in UC leaders was significantly shaken
last year when the UC Board of Regents voted to increase its fees
for the first time in eight years during winter break when students
were not around. The regents also moved a subsequent meeting about
fee increases from the UCLA campus to the UC San Francisco campus
““ where there are no undergraduate students.
Whether intentional or not, both actions made it difficult for a
student voice to be heard. The regents have already voted to
conduct meetings at UCSF next year, but Dynes must seek the student
voice regardless of how loud and angry it may become.
Rather than avoiding opposing views, Dynes must be willing to
listen to those who disagree with him. Dynes must take firm and
justified stances on issues, knowing that he cannot please
everyone. He must not resort to fence-riding tactics that
ultimately appear conniving and turn him into the enemy. And most
importantly, he must gain the trust of students and faculty and
restore their faith in the UC’s top officials.
Dynes should remember the UC system is defined by its public
nature. If fees rise to private school levels, or diversity
declines, the system will cease to serve the general population of
the state.
As the chancellor of UC San Diego since 1996, Dynes does have an
impressive track record. In the past seven years, UCSD’s
outreach, enrollment and graduation rates have improved. Also, the
university is currently the seventh-ranked public university in the
nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. But despite his
past successes, a daunting task awaits him as the UC’s head
official starting next fall.
Now that he has a view from the top, we hope he doesn’t
forget what it looks like from down here. At the very least, he
should remember that open lines of communication go a long way
toward making people feel secure. Ultimately, his actions must
protect the UC’s status as the most prestigious public
university in the world.