In the raging aftermath of non-violent student protesters at UC Davis being pepper-sprayed a spotlight has been placed on the Chancellor of UC Davis: Linda Katehi, who has refused to resign from her position. Looking at her benefit package you understand why she wouldn't want to resign - benefits like this are unheard of outside CEOs and upper-level UC administrators.
San Francisco state Senator Leland Yee, a frequent critic of UC's benefit packages coupled with massive tuition increases,released a statement today calling for an independent investigation into the incident. He also released details of Katehi's benefit package - all provided for by the citizens of CA and partially paid for by the same students she authorized the removal of last Friday:
"Katehi's salary is $400,000, reflecting a 27 percent hike from her predecessor. Her compensation package also includes a house provided by UC, $9,000 per year in automobile allowance, relocation expenses now and upon exiting the position, a promised faculty position after leaving the Chancellor’s office, a low-interest home loan after serving as Chancellor, and a generous pension and health care package, among other benefits."
I think this speaks volumes about the major problems we're having in the UC system. Bloated benefit packages for upper-level administrators coupled with savage tuition increases = unacceptable and unsustainable. Now I understand why Katehi doesn't want to leave her position. Or maybe not considering that she receives a "low-interest home loan" and lifetime pension and health insurance when she does.