Student leaders press UC regents on financial aid delays, $10M request for undocumented students and wildfire relief

Student leaders addressed the University of California Board of Regents Jan. 23 to press several systemwide issues: delayed financial aid disbursements that students say are forcing them into untenable choices; a requested $10 million ongoing allocation to fund paid professional training and internships for undocumented students; and calls for more comprehensive wildfire relief and climate readiness for campus communities.

Aditi Hariharan, president of the University of California Student Association (UCSA) and a fourth‑year student at UC Davis, told the regents that campus surveys and reports show students enduring harmful financial aid delays at multiple campuses. She said insufficient staffing and outdated technology in financial aid offices contributed to students being unable to enroll, pay rent, or access food. Hariharan urged the system to ensure financial aid offices are adequately staffed and modernized.

On undocumented student support, Hariharan and Ryan Manriquez, president of the UC Graduate and Professional Council, repeated student network demands for a $10 million annual allocation to guarantee paid opportunities and to streamline administrative barriers that previously limited the spending of similar funds. Manriquez also urged hiring staff to manage recruitment and mentorship and building partnerships with external organizations to expand fellowships and internships for undocumented students.

On climate and disaster response, Manriquez asked the board to prioritize rapid communication during crises, provide emergency housing and financial aid to students affected by wildfires, and expand access to N95 masks and mental health resources. He linked climate impacts and undocumented student vulnerabilities, saying both require targeted, equity‑focused responses.

Why it matters: Financial aid and support for undocumented students directly affect student retention, enrollment and graduation. A $10 million recurring allocation would fund paid opportunities for roughly 2,500 undocumented students systemwide and would require administrative changes to deliver funds equitably.

Details and clarifications - Financial aid delays: Hariharan cited campus survey data from UC Santa Cruz and UC Irvine that found students experiencing delayed packages and difficulties accessing funds, and said about 70% of undergraduates at UC Santa Cruz rely on financial aid; one third of on‑campus undergraduates are Pell recipients. - Undocumented student funding proposal: Request for $10,000,000 in ongoing funding to support paid training and fellowship opportunities; proposed allocation of 55% to undergraduate programs and 45% to graduate supports, with an aim for every undocumented UC student to have at least one paid fellowship opportunity. - Previous experience: Hariharan said a prior $5,000,000 allocation faced administrative hurdles, restrictive eligibility and staffing shortfalls that limited its use; the new proposal aims to streamline processes and expand staffing. - Wildfire relief and climate preparedness: Manriquez requested emergency financial aid, temporary housing, N95 masks year‑round and improved communication protocols during disasters.

Board response: President Drake and board members thanked student leaders; the board did not take immediate votes on the $10 million request or on specific financial aid operational changes during the Jan. 23 meeting.

Ending: Student leaders left the board with a clear set of operational requests tied to staffing, funding and process changes that would require administrative follow up by campus and system offices.