Q: Is the recent agreement between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the UC to stabilize funding helpful in this effort?

A: While the budget compact that was reached in May between the University of California and the governor improves the predictability of state funding, the long-term trend of restricted state support for public universities compounds our challenge, demanding a focused fund-raising effort in which everyone can play a part and a rededication to our academic core of faculty and students.

Q: Is this initiative enough to close the gap? What are some of the other steps that are being taken to address these resource challenges?

A: The resource gap is real and growing, and it is something we want to correct before it gets out of hand. This initiative, in conjunction with other steps we have already taken, will make a substantial difference. Through Campaign UCLA, for example, we have raised $290 million for faculty and student support. We are nearing completion of an 840-unit graduate student apartment complex, Weyburn Terrace, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2004. Because academic fees for top graduate students may be fully covered by the university, the hike in student fees will mean increased costs to the Graduate Division — we estimate that these increased costs will total $4.6 million in 2003-'04 and $3.2 million the following year — and I have committed to cover these increased costs. And we will expand permanent funding for the support of merit-based aid to graduate students.

In addition, we are leveraging our substantial strengths, including location, breadth and depth of fields of study and academic talent. In light of our many competitive advantages, we don't need to close the resource gap entirely. We can do more with less, so long as it's not too much less.

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