The University of California Board of Regents meeting this week at UCLA will consider, among other items, building plans for the Merced campus and a hike in student fees.
On the agenda: TUESDAY
The Regents are expected to approve the university's 2010-11 budget for state-funded building projects. The proposed construction at all 10 university campuses totals $631.5 million.
UC Merced projects that year include the renewal of the campus' Castle facility, a second science and engineering building, social sciences and management building, and environmental mitigation requirements. Those projects are expected to cost nearly $110 million.
The proposed funding for the projects is from a state general obligation bond, which voters would have to approve next year.
The Regents Committee on Grounds and Buildings will also review each campus' building plans for the next five years. Additional planned structures at UC Merced before 2015 include a student services building, more housing, administration building, student union and aquatics center.
WEDNESDAY
The Regents Committee on Compliance and Audit will review the university's audited financial reports for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
The Committee on Finance could approve a 15 percent midyear increase in mandatory systemwide fees for undergraduate and graduate professional students, and a 2.6 percent increase for graduate academic students, effective for this coming spring semester. The committee will also consider an additional 15 percent increase for all students the following summer semester.
Each of the increases is recommended by University President Mark Yudof.
The increases are necessary because of $535 million in cuts last year and the possibility of more cuts from the state this year, according to meeting documents.
Some of the money from the fee increases will be used to help the systems financially neediest students.
THURSDAY
Regents are expected to designate UC Merced's Sierra Nevada Research Station at Wawona as part of the UC's Natural Reserve System. The natural reserve system is a 45-year-old system of protected natural sites that are used for outdoor instruction and research.
Time for public comment has been set aside at 8:30 a.m. Residents wishing to address the board should call (510) 987-9220 before the meeting.
The full meeting agenda is available online at: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regmeet/nov09.html.
The Sun-Star will post a link to the live audio stream of this morning's meeting at www.mercedsunstar.com.
Reporter Danielle E. Gaines can be reached at (209) 385-2407 or dgaines@mercedsun-star.com.
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