Council of UC Staff Assemblies presents vital advocacy for workforce well-being and compensation

The University of California Board meeting on July 13, 2025, featured a significant presentation from the Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUXA), highlighting the vital role of staff across the university system. CUXA Chair Jen Brauser and Chair Elect Desiree Hennen emphasized the importance of staff in sustaining university operations and advancing its mission.

CUXA, representing policy-covered staff from all ten UC campuses, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Office of the President, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, has been a key advocate for staff interests for over 50 years. The organization focuses on enhancing communication between staff and UC leadership, particularly regarding total compensation, professional development, and employee well-being.

Brauser noted that non-represented staff make up approximately 39% of the UC workforce, underscoring the need for their voices in decision-making processes. CUXA's work groups have concentrated on three main priorities: staff well-being, total compensation, and workforce sustainability. These areas reflect ongoing concerns about recruitment, retention, and employee engagement.

The presentation highlighted several initiatives, including the anticipated resumption of a system-wide engagement survey, which has been paused since 2021. This survey is crucial for understanding staff experiences and informing institutional priorities. Additionally, CUXA has advocated for inclusive benefits, such as a dependent tuition remission program, which aims to enhance UC's competitiveness in attracting and retaining staff.

Brauser also addressed the challenges posed by the high cost of housing near UC campuses, which affects staff morale and retention. The organization has called for flexible work arrangements, especially as some locations have begun requiring staff to return to the office more frequently without clear justification.

CUXA's recommendations included establishing dedicated well-being leadership at the UC Office of the President and prioritizing data collection to inform well-being strategies. The organization stressed that these initiatives are not merely perks but essential components for fostering a resilient and high-performing workforce.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue between CUXA and UC leadership to strengthen the workforce and address the pressing issues facing staff.