HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERS REPORT ON PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES

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The three leaders of California’s higher education systems joined in a civic event convened by the California Coalition for Public Higher Education.   University of California President Janet Napolitano, California Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and California State University Chancellor Tim White spoke to the strides that have been made in the enrollment and graduation of California students and the fiscal challenges facing all three institutions.

President Napolitano and Chancellor Oakley reported on the unprecedented agreement that will assure all qualified community college graduates the opportunity to transfer to a UC campus.  Chancellor White highlighted CSU’s role as the primary source of teachers, engineers and other essential members of the state’s workforce.

Although all three leaders acknowledged the recent progress in gradually increasing State support for higher education, there was a recognition that overall State funding for higher education remains well below historic levels.  They also emphasized the critical need to address the infrastructure demands for all three systems.

Coalition Co-chair Mel Levine, who moderated the discussion, brought up concerns about some recent legislative efforts to micro-manage public higher education, which has traditionally benefited from the leadership of independent boards.

Nearly a hundred civic and community leaders attended the September 24 event at the Los Angeles home of Chip and Carrie Robertson.

Event: What will the Future of Higher Education be? Find out Feb. 26

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You are invited to “The Future of Higher Education” Symposium/Reception

Friday, February 26, 2016, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m

Join national experts to discuss the path forward for higher education”

  • Ralph Cicerone, President, National Academy of Sciences
  • Howard Gillman, Chancellor, University of California, Irvine
  • James E.K. Hildreth, President, Meharry Medical College
  • Maria Klawe, President, Harvey Mudd College
  • Michael Riley, Editor-in-Chief and CEO, The Chronicle of Higher Education

What is the future of the American university? How should we re-think our vision in the face of slashed state funding, $1 trillion-plus in student debt, demographic transformations, breakthrough teaching methods, challenges to the research mission, and other structural changes?

At the Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, 100 Academy, Irvine, CA 92617.

Click to RSVP

California’s Higher Education Challenge

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California Coalition for Public Higher Education–Education Fund hosts discussion at UC Hastings with University of California President Janet Napolitano, San Francisco State University President Dr. Leslie Wong, and California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Brice Harris.

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UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood discusses student-housing plans with UC Hastings and the impact of higher education with University of California President Janet Napolitano, San Francisco State University President Dr. Leslie Wong, and California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Brice Harris.

UC Hastings College of the Law hosted University of California President Janet Napolitano, San Francisco State University President Dr. Leslie Wong, and California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Brice Harris for a provocative panel discussion on Thursday, February 4th regarding “California’s Higher Education Challenge.”

The event, presented by the California Coalition for Public Higher Education–Education Fund, engaged leaders in a frank discussion of issues which both provide challenge and potential opportunities for the California public higher education system. Topics included the Governor’s budget proposal, transfer and completion rates, financial aid, the ever-growing demand for a college education by an increasing number of applicants, student housing, and more.   All of the academic leaders spoke to the benefits that increased State financial support would bring to public higher education.

“It’s not just about numbers,” noted University of California President Janet Napolitano, “it’s about excellence.” She noted that California wouldn’t be California without the University of California and pointed to agriculture, biotechnology, entertainment and high tech as industries that are closely linked to UC.

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Chancellor Harris emphasized the unprecedented level of cooperation and collaboration among the three branches of California’s higher education system.

“California has the nation’s finest public higher education system,” agreed UC Hastings Board of Director’s Vice-President Carl W. “Chip” Robertson, who, along with UC Hastings Board of Directors member Sandi Thompson, helped sponsor the event. “The return on investment is enormous, and maintaining that level of excellence is a challenge we must all rally behind and meet together.”

The CCPHE-Education Fund is a non-profit 501c3 corporation dedicated to increasing public understanding and awareness of the State’s public higher education system and the benefits it provides to the people of California

Reserve your spot: California’s Higher Education Challenge, Feb. 4

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RSVP today for a provocative discussion with:

  • DR. BRICE HARRIS, Chancellor, California Community Colleges
  • HON. JANET NAPOLITANO, President, University of California
  • DR. LESLIE WONG, President, San Francisco State University

Thursday, February 4, 2016, 6-7:30
UC Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco
Alumni Reception Center
200 McAlister
San Francisco, CA 94102

 

Contribution request for attendees is $500 per person:

1. Reserve your spot by making a donation on our website
2. Or print this form (PDF) and send checks to:

CCPHE-EDUCATION FUND
638 Lindero Canyon Road #101
Oak Park, California 91377-5457

CCPHE-EDUCATION FUND is a 501c3 corporation and contributions are tax deductible.

About the event:

The California economy needs more than a million new college graduates over the next decade, yet funding constraints for the State’s public higher education systems are keeping thousands of qualified California students out of the classroom. Because of reduced State funding over the past decade, UC, CSU and the Community Colleges have been forced to do more with less—an unsustainable position for the nation’s finest public higher education system. Top leaders of the three pillars of California’s Master Plan for Higher Education will engage in a frank discussion of how we can meet this challenge.

Sponsors: Hon. Mel Levine • Alan Mendelson • Chip Robertson • Sandi Thompson • UC Hastings College of the Law

About your support:

California’s public higher education system is the finest in the world. Your support will enable the CCPHE-Education Fund to get the word out about the importance of the University of California, the California State University system and our Community Colleges are to California’s future and the need to make public higher education a priority for the State.

For more information:

Please email adruk @ aol.com.

CCPHE-Education Fund Hosts Leaders Forum

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Beverly Hills, May 13, 2015–UC President Janet Napolitano, CSU Chancellor Timothy White and Glendale Community College President David Vlar participated in a community roundtable to discuss funding needs for California public higher education and the need to sustain and grown all three branches of the California system.

Chancellor White emphasized the need to “build capacity for California’s future” and spotlighted the CSUU’s track record of graduating 100,000 students a year, including almost half the bachelor’s degrees awarded in California annually. He said that $5.43 is returned for every taxpayer dollar invested in CSU.

President Napolitano said that public higher education is “the one proven tactic for closing the mobility gap” and pointed out that 42% of the enrollment on UC campuses is composed of first-generation students. Increased State support for higher education is a way “to pay it forward,” she added.

President Vlar, who was representing State Community College Chancellor Brice Harris, emphasized the unprecedented level of cooperation and coordination among the three systems—UC, CSU and community colleges—established by the State’s Master Plan for Higher Education a half century ago. He also noted that the community colleges have a big stake in seeing UC and CSU adequately funded, since the community colleges prepare more and more students to transfer to four-year campuses.

Almost 100 community leaders, alumni, faculty and students attended the event. Former Congressman Mel Levine, who serves along with former State Senator Dick Ackerman as CCPHE Co-Chair, served as moderator. Education Fund Vice Chair Jeff Seymour also participated in the program. The forum was sponsored by the California Coalition for Higher Education—Education Fund, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of the vital role public higher education plays in the state’s economy and quality of life.

EVENT: The future of public higher education in California

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Join a candid discussion with:

  • University of California President Janet Napolitano
  • California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White
  • Glendale Community College President David Viar

Public higher education in California is at a crossroads. State financial support has dwindled over the past two decades, while demand has grown. College education remains the vital path to successful careers and productive lives. Leaders of the three institutions that comprise the world’s greatest public higher education system will engage in an important discussion of the challenges and opportunities ahead—financial, technological and cultural.

Event co-chairs: Hon. Dick Ackerman, Hon. Mel Levine, Dick Beahrs, Dan Chernow, Bruce Corwin, Laura Dowling, Jeff Levine, Alan Mendelson, Susan F. Rice, Chip Robertson, Jeff Seymour, Lisa Sugimoto, Gene Tackett, Sandi Thompson, Howard Welinsky, Michael Woo

Wednesday, May 13, 6:30-9 pm
Temple Emanuel
300 North Clark Drive
Beverly Hills, California

Sponsored by California Coalition for Public Higher Education—EDUCATION FUND
Requested contributions: Sponsor $5,000  Co-Sponsor $2,500  Individual $500
CCPHE-EDUCATION FUND is a 501c3 corporation and donations are tax deductible.

To RSVP, please print and mail this form (PDF)