The Regents Of The University Of California

The meeting focused heavily on public comments concerning various issues impacting the University of California system. Key discussion points included demands that the University resist federal government coercion regarding constitutional rights, academic freedom, and admissions; support for the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) incentives; calls for the implementation of Senate Bill 98 (SAFE Act) and increased support for undocumented and international students regarding food assistance (alternatives to CalFresh). Other topics involved resident physicians' requests for virtual open bargaining, concerns over proposed changes to the Tuition Stability Plan affecting middle-income students, staff morale issues related to funding uncertainty and organizational efficiency calls, and allegations of political indoctrination and antisemitism within certain School of Medicine programs. Furthermore, discussions touched upon the necessity of defending academic freedom against federal overreach, maintaining commitment to gender-affirming care, and addressing safety and funding for staff. Following the recess, the Committee discussed the Medical Center Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25, noting the support provided to the state's safety net population and the $1.3 billion contributed to teaching and research missions. A specific request was made to explore implementing a capitation billing model for UC SHIP to allow billing of Medi-Cal for eligible students, thus improving access to on-campus care.

This notice serves to comply with open meeting laws as the Regents' Governance Committee will meet concurrently with the Advisory Group on Research and Programs Funding Legal Issues. The sole discussion topic listed for this concurrent meeting is Research and Programs Funding Legal Issues, pursuant to the Litigation citation within the Education Code.

The Health Services Committee meeting covered several key areas. Discussions included public comments regarding maintaining the St. Mary's Medical Center name following UCSF acquisition, the need for secure bicycle parking and investment in active transport, concerns over student health services referral processes at UC Riverside, and advocating for increased investment in Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE) centers. The Committee approved a market-based salary adjustment for Chad Lefteris as CEO of UC Irvine Health System, which included a 20 percent salary increase and continued eligibility for incentive plans. The Executive Vice President of UC Health provided an update on his 90-day plan, focusing on stakeholder engagement, health equity, and aligning services with State health goals, noting an upcoming Request for Proposals for health plans to improve affordability and network access. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to advancing health equity and justice, outlining a five-point strategic plan covering workforce diversity, equitable care, and community engagement, including the UC Anchor Institution Mission (UC AIM) pillars. Regents requested statistical data and specific goals, such as reducing severe maternal morbidity for Black mothers by a target date.

The Compliance and Audit Committee meeting focused on approving the Compliance Plan for 2025-26 and the Internal Audit Plan for 2025-26. Key discussion points included strengthening compliance related to federal research funding security under NSPM-33, improving transparency for foreign gift reporting, mitigating risks associated with export controls and international engagements, and enhancing transparency in federally funded research disclosures. Other topics involved strengthening systemwide accountability through risk assessment practices, ensuring Clery Act compliance, addressing updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) digital accessibility requirements, and protecting institutional data through privacy compliance programs. The Internal Audit Plan detailed planned audits and advisory services across various UC locations and functional areas, shifting focus toward more advisory services.

The meeting convened following congratulatory remarks by the Chair regarding the 2025 graduating class. The Public Comment session featured various stakeholders addressing key concerns. Topics included resident physician contract negotiations and compensation, support for the growth of the UC Riverside School of Medicine to address healthcare gaps in the Inland Empire, campus climate and deportation anxieties for undocumented students, challenges to labor contracts at Children's Hospital Oakland amidst planned UCSF integration, funding shortfalls for student basic needs programs like community gardens and food insecurity initiatives, concerns about the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project, allegations regarding academic freedom restrictions, and construction quality issues at a UC Santa Cruz housing project. In the Chair's remarks, discussions centered on maintaining the University's collective voice against federal actions, noting the difficult fiscal moment for the State and the University, and acknowledging several departing Regents, Advisors, and Chancellors, including President Drake. President Drake's remarks focused on acknowledging state budget actions, continued advocacy regarding federal funding impacts on research and financial aid, support provided to international students following visa revocations, and reiterating the significant accomplishments of departing Chancellors Wilcox and Yang. The Chair of the Academic Senate noted ongoing efforts, including the UC Adaptation to Disruptions Task Force, to mitigate harm from federal and state funding shortfalls, such as providing institutional funding for research deprioritized by the current presidential administration, and addressing faculty promotion review processes.