UC Board of Regents recognizes CUCSA for 50 years of impact

By Jen Bowser, UC Santa Barbara, 2024 CUCSA Chair

On July 17, 2025, the UC Board of Regents formally recognized the Council of University of California Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) for 50 years of dedicated service and advocacy on behalf of UC staff. Regent Richard Leib read a commemorative resolution honoring CUCSA’s legacy and its lasting contributions to the university system since its formal establishment on July 18, 1975.

Read the resolution

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION HONORING THE COUNCIL OF UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA STAFF ASSEMBLIES

WHEREAS, the Council of University of California Staff Assemblies (CUCSA), originally known as the University of California Staff Employee Associations, was founded on November 26, 1974, and officially chartered on July 18, 1975, began with representatives from six campuses, and grew to include delegates from all ten campuses, the Office of the President, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; and

WHEREAS, CUCSA has served as a vital conduit for communication between staff and University leadership, ensuring that staff voices are heard on issues such as professional development, compensation, workplace safety, and equity, and has contributed meaningfully to the advancement of systemwide initiatives related to diversity, work-life balance, succession planning, and housing; and

WHEREAS, CUCSA’s steadfast advocacy led to the creation of the Staff Advisor to the Regents, established in 2005 and made permanent in 2007, ensuring that staff voices are represented in University governance at the highest level; and

WHEREAS, in partnership with Systemwide Human Resources, CUCSA was instrumental in the creation of the Systemwide Staff Engagement Survey, established in 2012–2013, which provides valuable insight into the experiences, needs, and morale of University staff and informs institutional decision-making; and

WHEREAS, CUCSA has partnered with faculty to advocate for stronger retirement benefits, and has played a key role in securing benefits for all families in supporting the implementation of the Pay for Family Care and Bonding program for University employees; and

WHEREAS, over the past five decades, CUCSA has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in fostering a culture of respect, recognition, and collaboration among all members of the University community, while consistently providing insight and guidance to the Regents on issues of strategic importance to staff and the University at large, including budget matters, staff well-being, and inclusive workplace policies; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Regents of the University of California commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Council of University of California Staff Assemblies, extend deepest appreciation to their members—past and present—for their dedicated service, exemplary leadership, and tireless advocacy on behalf of staff in support of the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service, and direct that a suitably inscribed copy of this resolution be presented to the Executive Board of the Council of University of California Staff Assemblies as a token of the Regents’ enduring esteem, respect, and gratitude.

July 17, 2025

Watch Chair Leib read the resolution

50 years of dedication and impact

The Regents’ resolution serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of CUCSA’s enduring impact.

In 1975, staff leaders worked with the UC Board of Regents to establish CUCSA as an official channel of communication between staff and university leadership. What began as a coalition of six campuses has grown into a truly systemwide body, representing all 10 campuses, the Office of the President, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Over the past 50 years, CUCSA has consistently worked to ensure that staff voices are heard, valued and included in decision-making at the highest levels of UC leadership.

CUCSA’s contributions include:

• Establishing the Staff Advisor to the Regents program, which gives staff a formal presence and voice at the Regents’ table
• Launching (2012) and continuing the Systemwide Staff Engagement Survey in partnership with Systemwide Human Resources to provide vital insights into staff experiences and priorities
• Advocating for inclusive benefits, including support for all families, paid family leave (effective 2021) and improved retirement options, in partnership with faculty
• Leading efforts on key staff concerns, from housing and morale to training, diversity and workplace wellness.

Explore more of CUCSA’s history.

Discover CUCSA’s impact today

During the Regents meeting, 2024-25 CUCSA Chair Jen Bowser, UC Santa Barbara, and Chair-Elect Desiree Hennon, UC San Diego, presented the 2024–25 CUCSA year-end report to the Regents. This presentation highlighted CUCSA’s workgroup findings and recommendations from the past year, offering a forward-looking perspective on staff priorities across the UC system.

Watch CUCSA’s presentation for a timely look at the council’s continued leadership

Congratulations, CUCSA, on a remarkable milestone! Learn more about CUCSA.