Consternation over UC compensation packages

Re “Perks for UC Aides Disclosed,” April 1

I am shocked by the excesses and secrecy of the University of California compensation packages. But as a full professor in the California State University system, I would also like to point out that there are other gross inequities in the way tax dollars are distributed in California’s higher education. As a full professor at Cal State Long Beach with 15 years of teaching experience, I make considerably less than the UC administrative assistant whose duties include managing a calendar and handling correspondence.

I received no relocation money (above moving costs) when I moved here from out of state and, like all other faculty in this system, got no assistance with housing or mortgages. Cal State faculty, across the board, are significantly underpaid even in comparison to faculty at like institutions across the country.

I hope that the current scrutiny of UC pay practices leads the public -- and our legislators -- to think more broadly about fair compensation within the entire system.

ALEXANDRA JAFFE

Lakewood

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Your article regarding the salaries being paid to some UC staff urgently suggests that the entire system needs an immediate investigation and audit by the state attorney general’s office.

The abuses are an absolute outrage to state taxpayers, many of whom have far more responsible positions with nowhere near the absurd salaries and perks being given to these individuals.

Public servants have a fiduciary responsibility to those who employ them and pay their salaries. UC President Robert C. Dynes and others who have allowed these abuses to occur and those who have benefited from them should be fired and made to repay any money or benefits improperly given.

STUART SINGER

Long Beach