The University of California has announced its response to the budget crisis. The plan includes this information of particular relevance to job seekers: “UC Berkeley, for example, anticipates reducing faculty recruitment from a typical 100 positions a year to 10. …Moreover, most campuses are deferring at least 50 percent of planned faculty hires.…”
This newspaper account adds additional details:
The $813 million state funding cut represents about 20 percent of all general state revenue for UC, [UC President] Yudof said.
Yudof's plan for furlough days would be progressive, meaning lower-paid employees would experience a lower percentage of furlough days and lower percent of lost income compared to high wage earners. Here's Yudof's proposal:
$40,000 and under -- 11 furlough days -- 4 percent of income
$40,001-$46,000 -- 13 furlough days -- 5 percent of income
$46,001-60,000 -- 16 furlough days -- 6 percent of income
$60,001-$90,000 -- 18 furlough days -- 7 percent of income
$90,001-$180,000 -- 21 furlough days -- 8 percent of income
$180,001-$240,000 -- 24 furlough days -- 9 percent of income
$240,000 and above -- 26 furlough days -- 10 percent of income
The one 'advantage' of a furlough as opposed to a salary cut in this context is that, absent further action, salaries remain officially at their current level, and so after one year return to normal--unless, of course, there is another round of 'furloughs.'
Comments from UC faculty about effects of the budget cut on their departments are welcome--also comments from Cal State faculty. Additional informational links are also welcome.
UPDATE: A related IHE story here.
