The University of California Board of Regents convened on November 14, 2024, to address significant budgetary concerns and campus climate issues, with decisions that will impact both current and future students.

A key decision made during the meeting was the approval of a 10% increase in non-resident tuition for the upcoming academic year. This increase, which is part of a cohort tuition plan, will only affect incoming students and is approximately three times higher than typical adjustments. Regent Cohen emphasized the importance of monitoring the impact of this increase on the diversity of the incoming student body, ensuring that the university remains accessible to a broad range of applicants.

While the tuition hike was approved, it was met with some dissent. Regent Kunalakis abstained from voting, expressing concerns about the affordability for out-of-state students and the need for ongoing evaluation of tuition rates in comparison to other universities. This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the financial pressures faced by students and their families.

In addition to financial discussions, the board addressed troubling incidents of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia on campuses, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events. The board acknowledged the need for a proactive approach to foster a more inclusive environment at UCLA, following reports of bias that have emerged since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the implications of these decisions, particularly regarding tuition and campus climate. The Regents plan to continue discussions in the spring to address individual budget plans from each campus, ensuring that the university can navigate its financial challenges while maintaining its commitment to diversity and inclusion.