Abrams meets with staff
Chancellor Norman Abrams addressed a wide array of topics, from campus security to salary increases, at a May 8 Town Hall meeting attended by nearly 200 staff members at the James West Alumni Center.
Shelley Brown, president of Staff Assembly, emceed and, following Abrams' remarks, posed questions sent in earlier by staff. Also on hand were Assistant Vice Chancellor Lubbe Levin of Campus Human Resources and UCLA Chief of Police Karl T. Ross.
"I have always believed that staff are vital to the success of the university," Abrams began. "Without the staff … this place would collapse. It's as simple as that. You are the engine that keeps UCLA running."
On staff compensation, Abrams said UC's 2007-08 budget proposes a 5% increase in funding for salary increases, effective Oct. 1, 2007, as well as health benefit increases.
"Our long-term goal is to bring staff as well as faculty salaries back to market," he said, acknowledging that UC wages fell behind as a result of the state budget downturn several years ago.
On campus security in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, Abrams pointed to a number of campus programs and trained staff that can head off potentially dangerous situations. Chief Ross explained that UCPD officers are trained to immediately engage with an "active shooter" rather than wait for specialized tactical teams from off campus. Meanwhile, emergency coordination and communication at UCLA are currently undergoing a thorough review, Abrams and Ross said.
Levin addressed a question about salary discrepancies for employees working in different academic units. She explained that she and her staff look closely at equity issues across organizations and provide "equity criteria" to deans and directors each year to help guide salary decisions.
Diversity among staff, faculty and students remains an important issue, the chancellor said. Particularly troubling last year was a very low admission rate for African-American students. This spring, after UCLA's new holistic admissions policy was instituted, he noted, 392 African-American students were admitted, compared with 249 last year. "Our percentage of [admitted] underrepresented students went up, and at the same time, academic quality — SAT scores and GPAs — also went up."
Focusing on energy conservation, Abrams announced that efforts have resulted in a 12% decrease in energy expenditures per square foot of campus space. Turning to UCLA's plans to renovate Pauley Pavilion, he noted the goal is to complete the project by Oct. 14, 2010, Coach John Wooden's 100th birthday.
Abrams also talked about Chancellor-designate Gene Block, who is scheduled to assume the top post August 1.
"I have gotten to know Gene over the past months," Abrams said. "I must say I'm very impressed. You will like him. You will find him open, a quick study and one whose values are all in the right place."
