November 29, 2017
Dear Members of our Campus Community,
We have been monitoring the federal taxation proposals now before Congress and are deeply concerned about the potential financial impact on our talented graduate students. Graduate students are integral to our campus community and to our University mission of teaching, research, and public service. The accessibility and affordability of their education are essential.
We are writing to express our strongest support for those whose access to higher education could be threatened by proposed changes. We are working with our colleagues on campus, at UCOP, and with the UC Regents to advocate on behalf of our students.
Our Graduate Division Dean Carol Genetti has provided materials to the offices of our local members of the House of Representatives as well as to both California senators. She also is working closely with the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and with GSA’s vice president for external affairs.
Links to important resources for understanding and responding to the proposed tax law changes, including a list of frequently asked questions, can be found on the Graduate Division website at www.graddiv.ucsb.edu.
In addition, UC has launched a UC Advocacy Network (UCAN) call-to-action campaign around tax reform, asking alumni, parents, and friends of the University to join with UC in calling on Congress members to oppose tax reform legislation that will be detrimental to students and to the university. More information about the UCAN campaign can be found at https://www.
We join with President Napolitano, who noted in a statement earlier this week, “We stand in solidarity with students as we work together to advocate for fair tax policies and to advance our shared mission of supporting higher education.” We are committed to working closely with our colleagues, students, alumni, and supporters from across the University of California system on this important issue in order to help ensure the continued successes of our students.
Sincerely,
Henry T. Yang
Chancellor
Henning Bohn
Chair, Academic Senate