New committee to advise state universities

Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Woodland Hills) has been appointed as chair of the newly created Select Committee on Higher Education in the 21st Century.

The committee will focus on the University of California and California State University systems with a focus on their budgets, student fees, enrollment projections, financial aid, long range planning and more.

"The future of higher education warrants extra attention," said Brownley. "In 2011, the compacts negotiated between the university systems and the governor will expire. This committee will provide an excellent way for us to prepare for 2012."

In addition, the committee will look into public/private research projects, K12 partnerships, graduation rates and other issues.