As part of a broader effort to maintain UC’s excellence and sustain its long-term financial health, in May 2015 President Napolitano announced a multi-year budget agreement between UC and the state under which UC will receive nearly $1 billion in new annual revenue and one-time funding over several years, including $436 million in one-time funding over three years to help UC pay down its pension liability. Consistent with the agreement, UC is implementing a cap on pensionable earnings for future UC employees hired on or after July 1, 2016 that mirrors the limit on pensionable pay for state employees under the 2013 California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).

Last summer, President Napolitano convened a task force to recommend options for the new retirement benefits. The task force presented her with its recommendations in Dec. 2015. The president solicited feedback on the recommendations from the UC community to help inform the proposal she took to the UC Board of Regents in March.

Task force members included faculty, staff and representatives from the Academic Senate, the Staff Advisors to the Regents, the Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUCSA), UC labor unions and UC administrators. Additionally, President Napolitano solicited feedback on the task force recommendations from the UC community from January 15 through February 15 to help inform her proposal. Faculty and staff were invited to submit comments through a dedicated website, and all comments received were reviewed and considered. The Academic Senate formally reviewed the recommendations and provided feedback to the president. In addition, two online webinars were convened by executive vice president Nava in February to explain the recommendations to and solicit questions and comments from interested employees. Several hundred faculty and staff participated in the webinars. Letters also were sent to campus deans and department chairs, requesting they urge all faculty to provide their feedback. Information sessions were also held in February for campus staff, such as academic personnel directors and chief human resources officers, who play a critical role in implementing the new benefits.

News

President Napolitano proposes new retirement program for future employees
Friday, March 11, 2016

Task force submits recommendations on new retirement benefits for future UC employees; final decisions expected from UC Regents in March following input from UC community
Friday, January 15, 2016

Task force named to advise on 2016 retirement benefits
Friday, August 7, 2015

UC reaches long-term agreement for more funding, tuition predictability
Thursday, May 14, 2015