We, the undersigned members of the Counseling Psychologist of UPTE, UC community and concerned citizens, petition University of California negotiators to engage in fair bargaining. The University Bargainers have stated, unequivocally, that the recruitment, hiring, and retention of effective counseling psychologists is not a University priority. UC has lost staff due to the lack of competitive campus wages, which has substantially decreased the availability of mental health staff for students. The intensity of student needs is increasing to the point that we, the staff, fear for our safety and that of the students and campus community. We urge campus to communicate their priorities of retention and recruitment, as well as the importance of campus mental health services, to their UCOP Bargaining Team.

Members of Counseling Psychologist of UPTE and the undersigned the UC community and concerned citizens, therefore, petition the University of California to engage in fair and honest negotiations, keeping in mind the consequences of not providing essential care. Neglecting these issues will be catastrophic to the health and well-being of students and staff. In the interests of our campus community, the need for recruitment and retention of effective, experienced, multi-culturally competent mental health providers should be our number one goal.