KUCSHA Elects New Officers and Discusses Employee Tuition Breaks Proposal

The University of California Board meeting held on July 13, 2025, commenced with a recognition of outgoing officers and the introduction of new leadership. Immediate past chair John Boden Schantz and operations officer Jeremy Thacker from UC Irvine were thanked for their service, while Greta Carl Helle from UC Santa Barbara was acknowledged for continuing her role as communications officer. The board welcomed Andrea Grazer from UCSF as chair-elect and Zoey Balestra Reynolds from UC Davis as the new operations officer.

Following the introductions, discussions shifted to the challenges and successes faced by staff within the university system. Regent Cohen emphasized the importance of transparency regarding office work policies, urging campuses to provide adequate notice and explanations for staff returning to in-person work. He highlighted the need for promised benefits, such as improved collegiality and collaboration.

Regent Lieb echoed these sentiments and proposed the idea of implementing tuition breaks for employees, noting that such initiatives could aid in employee retention. He expressed a desire to explore pilot projects in this area, recognizing the competitive landscape for staff benefits among universities.

The meeting also included expressions of gratitude towards Jen, who was attending her last meeting as chair after five years of service. Colleagues praised her dedication and contributions, acknowledging the significant role staff play in the university's operations.

Staff representative Maite added her appreciation for the advocacy shown by the outgoing officers, reinforcing the importance of staff perspectives in decision-making processes. A question was raised regarding the percentage of employees working remotely, with a commitment to gather this data from system-wide HR.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need to explore tuition assistance options further, with a suggestion to consider a pilot program. After a brief intermission, the board planned to reconvene to continue their discussions.