McGinty-Letter

SANTA CRUZ: DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS VICE CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA—(Letterhead for interdepartmental use)

October 15, 2009

ROBERT FRANSON President, UCSC Lifelong Learners Re: Funding Proposal to the Bernard Osher Foundation

Dear Mr. Franson:

Thank you for your continued leadership with the UCSC Lifelong Learners friends group and your thoughtful approach developing a funding proposal to the Bernard Osher Foundation to become an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Santa Cruz. I believe the support from Osher will greatly benefit the friends group and allow you to continue building the wonderful community of men and women who are devoted to the pursuit of learning. On behalf of the past, present, and future students, thank you for your generous support of UCSC students through scholarships.

I have reviewed the Osher funding proposal and consulted with Kathleen Hughes about some of the concerns expressed by members of the friends group. I understand the Lifelong Learners Board of Directors has unanimously decided to recommend approval of the Osher application to the membership. Additionally, I want to confirm the campus commitment to the Lifelong Learners, including:


 * The relationship between Lifelong Learners and the University will not change as a result of becoming an Osher institute. The friends group status will remain the same, and the Services forTransfer and Re-Entry Students (STARS) unit within the Division of Student Affairs will continue to work with the group and provide excellent support;
 * Lifelong Learners will continue to determine its offerings to the membership, including courses, interest groups, and short series. Campus administration is not a decision-maker in this process; and;
 * As the official recipient of the Osher grant funds, the University will provide fiscal managementand oversight of the grant along with any other funds received to support the friends group;however, Lifelong Learners and the Board of Directors will continue to make decisions about budgeting and the allocation of funding on behalf of its members, following past practices.

Again, thank you for your support of our students and your leadership with this important friends group. The Lifelong Learners are a valued part of the UCSC community, and I hope the opportunity for additional financial support from Osher will help sustain and grow the group for many years to come. I look forward to learning the outcome of the upcoming vote regarding the Osher proposal. Should you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Felicia E. McGinty, Ed.D. Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs Cc: Development Director Hughes