University of California delays start of tuition increase

Amid ongoing budget discussions with the state, the University of California has postponed a proposed 5 percent tuition increase from summer quarter until the fall.

“We are doing this as a good-faith gesture, optimistic that the ongoing negotiations will bear fruit,” UC President Janet Napolitano said during a speech Wednesday at the University of Southern California, according to remarks provided by a spokesman. “As a matter of fairness, we want potential summer quarter students to enroll free from any uncertainty and unpredictability inherent in a fluid and still unresolved budget situation.”

UC approved a controversial tuition plan last November that would allow the university to raise tuition by up to 5 percent annually for each of the next five years unless the state kicks in more money than already promised. Gov. Jerry Brown has proposed an increase of $119 million to UC’s state funding next year, but the university is seeking an additional $100 million to “buy out” the tuition hike.

In a statement, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins said she was “pleased President Napolitano is beginning to walk back UC’s reliance on fee increases.

“With the Assembly beginning our top-to-bottom review of UC’s budget today, I am sure we will be able to identify savings, as well as increased state funding, that will help ensure UC remains a world-class treasure,” Atkins, D-San Diego, said.

This story was originally published February 18, 2015 at 6:01 PM.