Here are some interesting results from a survey taken recently by the UC Alumni Advocacy group called Friends of the University of California. The survey was distributed to active alumni advocates for UC interests. More information about this group is available on the web at http://www.ucforcalifornia.org/ucfriends/home.html
RESULTS:
What issues pose the most critical opportunities for the University of California in the coming years?
Advocates were asked to check up to three of six choices. UC should:
88% Continue to provide access to a high-quality education at a reasonably affordable price for all eligible students.
52% Continue to drive California’s international economic engine and create new jobs by developing cutting-edge technologies and training a highly skilled workforce.
48% Use UC’s size and scientific breadth to mount “big science” initiatives to conduct multi-disciplinary research with broad applications, such as what’s being done by UC as part of the new California stem cell research initiative.
40% Lead a new initiative to dramatically increase the training of math and science K-12 teachers in California.
36% Launch new efforts to better reflect the diversity of California’s growing population and serve the needs of all communities throughout the state.
32% Continue to provide quality patient care at its hospitals, train California’s doctors and nurses, and develop new treatments to fight life-threatening diseases.
Selected comments:
“UC needs to be both visionary and traditional. We must continue to be the best public university in the world. We must attract the best faculty and the most dedicated staff. Only then can we continue to offer an unparalleled educational experience. From that position of strength, we can be an asset to the state and the world. We can foster math and science education to sustain our strength. We can take advantage of our status as a multicultural state to show the world how to be a diverse, respectful, and productive community in these days where international borders are increasingly artificial.”
“Fund the University of California in a manner that is not so dependent on the variabilities of the political process and insures the excellence of all campuses and the global preeminence of several campuses.”
“I think that increasing the diversity of the university really has to be addressed. Over the last 10 years, the student population has become less diverse due to the rising of standards and the inability of students in areas plagued by poor K-12 education to be prepared to meet those standards. UC’s need to focus some attention and efforts on creating programs as well as initiative that will prepare students to meet the rigors and demand of the UC application process. All students benefit from a diverse student body, and the world benefits from having individuals entering the work force who come from a variety of perspectives as well as point of views.”
“The University needs to continue to create both a workforce and the engines of new work to make the state economy strong enough to support all of its citizens and again be a national if not an international leader worthy of respect. In all of that, the University needs to never diminish its role in creating a thoughtful and compassionate citizenry that the critical thinking skills and ethical understanding to use wisely what it creates.”
“I think that providing quality patient care and training California’s doctors and nurses and developing new treatments is extremely important.”
“UC should pursue research efforts that help the world with environmental efforts and issues such as global warming, pollution, quality of drinking water, deforestation, etc. and other “natural” threats to humanity (e.g., meteor striking Earth, tsunamis, and supervolcanoes). These are not fantastic fabrications of a Bradburyian mind, but pressing realities. Especially because of California’s prominence and physical location next to the Pacific Rim countries, the UC is in a very good position to be a leader in these and other similar areas.”
“I just retired after 39 years teaching American history. I realize that math and science must be top priorities but I feel that it just as important to improve the teaching of history. All of the UCs have eminent historians who should get their feet wet and work with all of the schools, primary through secondary.”
“As a scientist I feel the most important goal for the next two years is to retain the contracts at the national laboratories.”
“UC should conduct leading-edge research in all disciplines not just the sciences – economics, the social sciences, the arts, etc. With the resources of the UC system, the world and its challenges is our laboratory.”
“I worry about the stress on science. Why train only math and science teachers? What about English, history, etc.? I am afraid “big science” will crush the liberal arts.”
“Maintain the quality of the libraries and other research resources.”
“I consider our advocacy efforts to be a high priority. We must continue to inform legislators of the benefits UC provides to California’s economy in order to solicit more financial support from the State.”