Assemblywoman Baker Requests Tuition and Fee Freeze and Subpoena of UC Records

From the Office of Assemblywoman Catharine Baker: In the wake of the Auditor’s report on the University of California Office of the President, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker requested an immediate freeze of any increases in UC tuition, and UC Office of the President’s salaries and benefits, and a legislative subpoena for all financial records and correspondence related to the undisclosed $175 million maintained by the University of California Office of the President. Additionally, the Assemblywoman requested an independent forensic audit to determine if UC administrators engaged in criminal activity in interfering with the audit.

“It is unfair to increase student tuition and ask again for California families to pay more in UC when the Office of the President holds this kind of money,” said Assembly Higher Education Committee Vice Chair Catharine Baker (R-San Ramon). “It is also troubling the UC Office of the President interfered with—even edited—communications with the Auditor. An independent review to unearth what really happened is the only way to restore people’s trust in the UC. California families deserve no less.”

The request came in response to a California State Auditor report which revealed that the UCOP developed and controlled an undisclosed $175 million fund while increasing tuition and fees. The UCOP used the fund for a variety of non-academic purposes, including excessive salaries, benefits, and administrative costs. The report also noted that UC officials interfered with the Audit by withholding financial data delaying disclosure of financial materials, and editing employees’ confidential responses to the Auditor.

A full copy of the subpoena request can be found here.

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