The University of California Board of Regents meeting on November 13, 2024, highlighted significant concerns regarding staff compensation and the impact of rising living costs on non-represented employees. Several speakers addressed the growing disparity in salary increases between represented and non-represented staff, emphasizing the urgent need for equitable pay adjustments.

Evangelia, a staff member, expressed that non-represented employees have seen their income growth lag behind that of their represented counterparts. She pointed out that as the cost of living in California continues to rise, many non-represented staff are struggling to manage their finances. She urged the Board to adopt a fair approach to salary increases that would alleviate financial pressures and recognize the contributions of all staff members.

Caitlin Lagrow, a delegate from Santa Barbara, echoed these sentiments, sharing her experience of earning 21% below the market rate after seven years of service. She stressed the importance of predictable and reasonable salary increases to retain skilled staff, particularly in high-cost areas like Santa Barbara. Lagrow noted that stagnant salaries lead to financial burdens, with some staff spending over half their income on housing, prompting many to leave the university system.

The meeting also featured comments from David Anacora, who praised the UC system for its leadership in patents and technology transfers, linking these achievements to regional development efforts.

Overall, the discussions underscored the critical need for the University of California to address compensation disparities and ensure that all employees are fairly compensated in light of the rising cost of living. The Board's response to these concerns will be pivotal in shaping staff morale and retention in the coming years.