Does the Faculty Have A Voice?

Does the Faculty Have A Voice?

By Michael MeranzeThe UC faculty needs to assert their own vision of the core functions of the University. For too long we have accepted the conventional understanding of a multiversity—that the definition of the institution must proceed from the top down; that the incredible complexity of knowledge demands that faculty can only tend their own gardens; that broad discussions...

We Need a Better Faculty Position on the New Pension Plan

We Need a Better Faculty Position on the New Pension Plan

By Bob SamuelsI would like to suggest here what the UC’s faculty position on pension contributions should look like. First of all, we should only accept the new plan if they promise to put employees on the pension board, and they allow for a public hearing to study the handling of the investments. Here is my fear: we will pay in more money, they will take out an expensive bond,...

UCRP Task Force Presents! At UCLA

UCRP Task Force Presents! At UCLA

By Michael MeranzeAs a follow-up to Chris' post on the meltdown of UCRP I wanted to give a brief report on some of the highlights of the UCRP Task Force Presentation at UCLA on April 6. Several Members of the Task Force were present and while I can't give a blow by blow account I can point out some of the plans that they are seriously considering. They went out of their way,...

Predicting the Meltdown of the UC Pension

Predicting the Meltdown of the UC Pension

UC's state-paid employees took about an 8% pay cut this year.  On April 15, the total cut climbs to 10% with the restart of contributions to UCRP.  Income over the Social Security wage base ($106,800) will be withheld at 4%.  The base rate of 2% is expected to rise to 5% for employees (the current CalPERS rate) in step increases of 1% a year.  The employer...