UT
NIVERSITY IMES
October 17, 2016
www.csulauniversitytimes.com
C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S
CSU Chancellor’s office talk budget and graduation rates
Prop 55, the CSU, and You Carlos Gomez
Production Manager
Photo courtesy of The California State University
J. Aaron Delgado Photo Editor A common concern for students in the Cal State University system is how they will be affected with the current financial problems and how the Chancellor’s office is going to resolve these problems. The Office of the Chancellor for Timothy White addressed all these issues and plans in excelling student success for those attending California State Universities statewide in an exclusive online web conference in the early morning of October 14 presented by Ryan Storm, CSU Assistant Vice Chancellor for Budget, James T. Minor, CSU Senior Strategist for Academic Success and Inclusive Excellence, and Rob Shorrette, CSU Association Executive Director. The issues with the budget were addressed at the top of the conference stating that the support budget meets the “core” mission to state-supported instruction, applied research, public service, and general operations of the university. The support budget works on an incremental model with the value of $5.3 billion, tied directly to the state budget. Its primary sources are from the State general fund, provided by
the state legislature and governor, and system-wide tuition and fees paid by students and their families. Since the drop of the State General Fund appropriation was down one third, or approximately a billion dollars of the support budget. Ryan Storm, CSU Assistant Vice Chancellor for Budget, stated that the loss had a significant impact on the Cal State campuses and still lingers to this day, though the CSU is recovering slowly from the impact. “The state has been slowly reinvesting in CSU,” Storm said, adding, “we are now about 65% of the way out of that billiondollar hole.” A multi-year funding plan has been implemented in recovering from the recession and in result the state has met or exceeded the governor’s plan. The factors for 2017 – 2018 fiscal year relies on the State Budget and economy, where if the state’s economic expansion continues for the next three years, revenues could grow from 1% to 5%, according to State projections. The outcome of the economic expansion continuing could result in higher education for the CSU system. Student
Success is also heavily rooted in the mission of the CSU. “Our campuses have exceeded our graduation rate goal set back in 2009,” Storm said. “Building on that success, grad initiative 2025 establishes more ambitious student completion in equity targets to meet the future recourse needs of California.” The birth of the Graduation Initiative 2025 is a goal that was set up by the CSU Chancellor’s office to increase graduation rates. To meet these goals the advisory committee established guiding principles to ensure accomplishment. The first principle is to set goals that are ambitious and challenging but are realistic enough that the CSU system can tackle. The second principle is to sustain a high level of academic rigor among the 23 campuses across the state. Providing access to education opportunities by admitting diverse students is the foundation of the third principle. The fourth principle is to meet the CSU’s students where they are, while helping them to graduate in a timely manner.
Many California voters have their eyes on the election. Many items will be up for voting on the November ballot, but one item should stand out to students and faculty: The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act, otherwise known as Prop 55. Prop 55 is an extension of Prop 30, which was passed in 2012. Prop 30 provided an increase on sales taxes, as well as an increased income tax for high-income taxpayers. These effects will last until the end of 2018 under Prop 30. Prop 55 would extend this end date by 12 years, and direct its revenue to fund state education. The California Faculty Association (CFA) hosted a news conference call to discuss Prop 55 with student journalists and its impact on the CSU system. Joining the call was State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. Dr. Jen Eagan, the CFA President, stated, “Prop 55… would generate $4 - $9 billion in revenue each year to public K-12 schools and community colleges in California…” While the money generated by Prop 55 does not directly affect the CSU, Dr. Eagan encourages others to
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advocate for it. “Prop 55 would free up money in the general funds for other needs, such as funding the CSU…without it, the CSU could lose an estimated $250,000,000 per year from its base budget.” Over the past three decades funding has haunted the CSU system. Every year more and more students are accepted into the CSU system the budget, however, does not seem to increase accordingly. “The CSU’s budget actually declined by 2.9%...during that same thirtyyear span.” “I’m urging voters to pass Prop 55,” Speaker Rendon said. “Especially when they receive their vote by mail ballot. It’s important because it impacts class sizes, impacts budgets, impacts staffing levels…if we have to cut overall funding, then that will certainly affect the Cal State System.” While Prop 55 receives support, there are also those who oppose it. The argument against this proposition is that Prop 30 was passed because it was temporary, but Prop 55 wants to extend the timeframe that voters in 2012 agreed on. Whether you vote yes or no, make sure your voice is heard on November 8.
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The 2025 goal starting at freshman year is at a forty percent (Continued On Page 3)
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