The presidents in the California University system are paid very well, and typically get great raises each year as long as things go well. Over the past couple of years the recession has slowly been working into the college system of California and now presidents are earning a little less or not getting any raises. In the survey from the Chronicle of Higher Education, they indicate that UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau had no increase in the 2008-2009 school year. Presidents in the UC system are still doing well, as total compensation for Birgeneau was $467,556 last year. UC President Mark Yudof is paid even better bringing in $600,000 overall for his total compensation. In addition to salary and bonuses, presidents at California colleges are accustomed to receiving extra perks like car allowances. Some may feel that the pay of these UC presidents is already too high, but these colleges in California are competing with the best private schools and Ivy League schools across the country. Therefore they have to stay competitive to attract the right executive talent to lead their college to success.
It is not only the presidents in the UC system that are feeling the crunch, as many faculty and athletic coaches in California colleges have also had to get paid a reduced salary. UC presidents like Birgeneau and Yudof have taken two 5% pay cuts over the last year to help with the budget. As tuition and fees rise at California colleges and universities many students and citizens want to make sure that no one is taking advantage of the system. 2010 is already shaping up to be an interesting year for higher education in California, which people in the state and across the country will be following.
Tags: California Economy, california education, California Universities, California University, UC Berkley
