Chancellor White Urges YOU to Voice Your Opinion!

On September 24, thousands of students, faculty, and staff across all UC campuses are engaging in a Day of Action to save access to public higher education in California. These actions have been endorsed by the University of California Students Association, which represents over 200,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at the University of California.

This message is to inform you on what will happen at UCR on September 24, and why different groups are getting involved. We are not saying that we expect you to participate. Ultimately, it is *your* decision, after getting informed on the issues, to decide if you want to get involved, and/or how.

WHY THIS ACTION?
The UC system, the world's premier public university, is now at a breaking point. Students are facing three fee hikes in two years, totaling over 40%, including a proposed 15% tuition increase for the middle of this year. Staff who support low-income and middle-income families are facing furloughs and pay cuts as much as 8%. Faculty are concerned about a future UC where thousands of eligible students are turned away, or take longer to finish their degrees. All are deeply concerned about the future of the UC system that remains affordable and accessible to California's residents.

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT UCR ON 9/24?

Teach-in: Speakers, hip-hop theater, and rallies from 10am to 3pm. The teach-in will occur at the corner of Canyon Crest and University Drive.

Strike: UPTE, representing 12,000 University Professional and Technical Employees, will strike and picket on 9/24. At UCR, the picket line is at the campus entrance at Canyon Crest and University.

Student and Faculty Walkout: Over 800 UC faculty, including 88 so far from UCR, have chosen to participate in the day's activities. The UC Student Association will participate in the walkout and is calling on all its members to get involved.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the issues at stake for public higher education, see

Understanding the Crisis at UC:
http://keepcaliforniaspromise.org/?p=230

UCSA resolution:
http://www.ucsa.org/board/resolutions/UC%20Walk%20Out%20Resolution%20Final.pdf

Open Letter to UC Graduate Students:
http://www.gradstudentstoppage.com/

UPTE Strike:
http://www.upte.org/publication-mm/2009-08-31.html

UC Faculty Walkout:
http://ucfacultywalkout.com/