Student journalists addressed their concerns and asked questions regarding impending budget cuts, funding and other university policies with University of California President elect Mark G. Yudof on Tuesday.
Yudof fielded questions about a broad range of topics, including his plans to continue restructuring efforts at the Office of the President, sustainability measures as university policy and the importance of a diverse student population.
Yudof said he plans on following former UC President Robert C. Dynes’ plans to trim administrative costs to help the UC save money.
Yudof spent much of the press conference addressing the possible effects next year’s budget cuts could have on student fees and the quality of the education provided by the UC.
He said he advocates low student fees and higher salaries for university professors but worries that changes in the state budget and efforts to trim costs could result in changes for the worse such as the loss of important programing or larger class sizes.
“We can look to save dollars where it does not hurt students, (but) I’m desperately afraid we’ll hit too close to the bone,” he said.
Yudof said he worries that changes in the lending market may result in fewer loan options for some students, but he remains optimistic about the level of federal funding available to help students cope with the increasing costs of higher education.
To help offset increased fees, Yudof said he hopes to make scholarship availability a priority and will explore innovative ways to cut costs such as offering internet based classes.
Yudof also addressed concerns about fair salaries for UC service workers, saying he supports “adequate minimum salaries” but is not yet familiar enough with the situation to present a solution.
Yudof spoke in favor of university efforts to implement environmentally conscious policies and ongoing efforts to ensure a diverse student body.
Compiled by Udeitha Srimushnam, Bruin senior staff.