Jerry Brown detailing plans for universities

SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Jerry Brown is pushing forward with plans to shake up California’s higher education system, including strict rules on tuition and fees, according to an administration spokesman.

Under the governor’s proposal, university officials would forfeit increases in state funding if they raise student costs during the next four years.

The governor originally outlined his plans in his January budget proposal. Now, as he prepares to release a revised spending plan next month, administration personnel have been briefing legislative staff and university officials on the details.

In addition to holding the line on costs, Brown wants universities to ensure that students -- particularly incoming freshmen, transfers and low-income students who use federal Pell grants -- are able to finish their studies more quickly, reducing student expenses and wait times for critical classes.

“The ideal time for graduation is four years,” said H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for Brown’s Department of Finance.

Palmer said the administration will detail specific targets for universities next week, when the governor’s proposals is scheduled to be vetted by a legislative committee.

“This is about keeping tuition and fees at a reasonable level so students and their parents don’t need to suffer sticker shock,” Palmer said.

The increasing cost of higher education has been a hotly contested issue on California campuses, and university officials have previously balked at committing to a long-term tuition freeze.

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Twitter: @chrismegerian