Council of UC Staff Assemblies shares January updates

Each month, the CUCSA Corner newsletter provides updates on the UC Council of Staff Assemblies’ important work. To get CUCSA updates in your inbox, join the mailing list.

Message from CUCSA Chair Greta Carl-Halle

As we pass the halfway mark of our year, I wanted to share a brief update.

CUCSA is navigating a small number of delegate and leadership transitions due to recent changes in staff representation. We are working closely with location Staff Assemblies to ensure continuity and a smooth transition, and we remain focused on maintaining strong, consistent staff leadership at the systemwide level. CUCSA remains committed to our mission of enhancing communication within and across the University Community on matters of interest to staff employees

We are also continuing conversations about the evolution of CUCSA and the role of staff assemblies across the UC system. These discussions are centered on how we can best support staff voices, strengthen collaboration across campuses, and remain effective advocates in a changing environment where our pipeline of volunteers is being stretched thin. 

In addition, a new systemwide staff engagement survey is in development in partnership with Deloitte, with input from a UC-wide workgroup that includes CUCSA representatives. The survey, similar to past engagement survey efforts, is anticipated to launch in spring for non-represented staff at non-health locations. Feedback from this survey will help inform future CUCSA work and initiatives.

The CUCSA delegation looks forward to coming together again in March at UC Merced.

ICYMI: CUCSA town hall on UC Advocacy

On January 13, CUCSA hosted an All-Staff Town Hall that gave UC staff the opportunity to hear directly from the Systemwide State and Federal Government Relations Offices. Presenters shared updates on the state budget and key legislation, provided an overview of the UC Advocacy Network (UCAN) and how staff can engage in advocacy efforts on behalf of UC, and were joined by the Press Secretary from the Office of California State Senator Jesse Arreguín. Watch the recording on CUCSA’s website.

January Regents highlights

The UC Board of Regents met at UCLA on January 20 and 21. CUCSA Chair Greta attended alongside UCLA Staff Assembly President and CUCSA Delegate, Mike McCormick. 

Key discussions included public comments and remarks from undergraduate and graduate students, a review of Governor Newsom’s January 2026–27 budget proposal, the 2025 UC Accountability Report, a proposed amendment to the faculty code of conduct, and a compelling discussion on the global impact of UC cancer research.

UCAN campaign to protect access to federal student loans for graduate and professional students

In response to a new definition of professional degree programs that could limit federal loan access for many students, including nurses, social workers, engineers and more, UCAN has launched a campaign to mobilize UC advocates to contact their elected officials in support of legislation that would protect access to federal loans for graduate and professional students.

Congress is currently considering H.R. 6718, the Professional Student Degree Act, which would ensure that more graduate and professional students have access to the federal loans critical to workforce development and economic mobility. Help protect loan access for graduate and professional students.

Legislative reception in Sacramento

Chair Greta Carl-Halle and Immediate Past Chair/Communications Officer Jen Bowser had the opportunity to attend the welcome reception to celebrate new and returning elected state leaders. The program included special recognition of District 11 Senator Scott Wiener, District 49 Assemblymember Mike Fong and Assemblymember Fong’s Chief of Staff, Sophia Kwong Kim.