Catherine Baker, director of the UC Student and Policy Center in Sacramento, told the Regents committee the center is operating as a hub to bring UC research, students and faculty directly into the state policy conversation.
Baker said the center’s programming this past year has included a bipartisan California Leader Speaker Series with figures such as Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher and Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones; a California Economic Futures Forum showcasing the UCLA Anderson forecast; faculty briefings; student training before legislative meetings; and partnerships with media outlets including POLITICO and CalMatters. She said events now frequently sell out and that the center sometimes requires overflow rooms.
Baker outlined immediate priorities: continuing to showcase UC research and student opportunities for policy engagement; partnering with the California Policy Lab and the Goldman School of Public Policy (which will offer an MPA operating out of the center in the fall); and expanding programs for students and statewide partners. She announced a space‑rental pilot starting July 1 to offset operating costs and said minor construction is planned to reconfigure the center to host the state governmental relations team and other partners.
Provost Newman and members of the Board praised the center’s bipartisan forums and asked Baker to explore additional training for incoming legislators and staff; Baker said she has already spoken to the Capital Institute and rules committees and is open to hosting training and staff development. Regents and trustees offered to increase alumni engagement and suggested Baker return with usage metrics after a second year of programming.
Baker said the center’s mission is to foster constructive dialogue in Sacramento and to translate UC research and expertise into policy-relevant formats for lawmakers, agencies and community stakeholders.