Illustration by McClatchy Tribune

With deep gouges to state health-care funding and prison facilities, the CSU system is faring well in comparison. Expectations may be premature, however, as mid-year cuts and dismal economic conditions may undermine the sustainability of current university budgets.

CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed engaged several student media representatives in a conference call on Thursday addressing some of these concerns. He also outlined several plans in the works to promote and increase enrollment in the coming semesters and suggested a number of energy-saving strategies.

Turning away new students “an unfortunate reality,” Welty says

Reed admitted that the current level of funding was not enough to meet the anticipated enrollment next year, but the recently approved budget did not fall below anticipations.

“We did not get cut below where we were last year,â€Â said Reed, acknowledging an estimated $100 million shortfall that will have to be endured. “The UC and CSU system probably got treated better in the budget than anyone else.â€Â

Fresno State was funded $153.6 million by the state this year compared to $153.7 million last year, but Reed said it̢۪s still not enough to meet the demands of future enrollees, some of whom have been turned away.

“Everybody has more students than they’re funded for,â€Â Reed said. “The students don’t get the kind of services that they really need and deserve.â€Â

While applying students were denied admission as early as March 1 this year, the CSU is already preparing programs to boost enrollment next year. Reed said most universities do not accept Fall 2009 applications after Nov. 30 and few allow any leeway on the matter. University President John Welty said it would be a difficult year when Fresno State has to close it̢۪s doors to so many eager applicants.

“That’s an unfortunate reality,â€Â Welty said in a press release Wednesday, “when Central California—the region being called The New California—is growing and needs the nurses, teachers, businesspeople, engineers and other key professionals that Fresno State produces.â€Â

Compact provides for enrollment, faculty pay raise

A compact signed in 2004 between the governor and the CSU and UC system proposed funding for a 2.5 percent enrollment growth over three years. The 8,000 students covered by the compact was projected to generate $82.5 million for the CSU system annually, but enrollment has increased by nearly 17,000 since last year.

The compact also provided for a 4 percent annual increase for basic needs like closing salary gaps and health benefits. Also, a 2.5 pay increase for CSU faculty and staff should be retroactive beginning on June 30 of next year. Even with the salary gaps, Reed mentioned only a 3 percent faculty turnover in the CSU system.

Cost-cutting strategies proposed

While Reed assumed an optimistic outlook for the current semester, he urged more people confer with the state legislature to answer a $600 million need next year. The CSU system is already short $215 million of its desired budget for the current school year and Reed did not anticipate better terms in 2010 with all that is going on in the economy.

“We’re facing some really bleak, harsh times in California,â€Â Reed said, citing the effects of the Wall Street crisis and the downturn in the housing market. “We’re entering a time of great uncertainty about California’s future.â€Â

Reed mentioned several ideas that might offset the cost of tuition and prevent excessive increases in the future. For one thing, Fresno State and other CSUs receive special compensation from the government for utilizing energy saving techniques. Furthermore, more benefits are expected to come from Pel Grants and Cal Grants for students, and a more convenience and inexpensive system of obtaining textbooks in the works.

So far, nothing has been announced about mid-year budget cuts, but Reed said all the questions surrounding that issue should be addressed in February. Students will have to accept some limitations in the near future with larger classrooms and fewer services available for additional students.