Students for California's Future: News - August 3-9, 2009

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California's universities in trouble: Before the fall - THE best public higher education in the world is to be found at the University of California (UC). This claim is backed up by Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, which provides an authoritative ranking of research universities. The UC’s campus at Berkeley ranks third behind two private universities, Harvard and Stanford. Several of the other ten UC sites, such as Los Angeles and San Diego, are not far behind. Californians are justifiably proud. The Economist

Budget cuts devastate California higher education - When California college students return to campus this fall, they'll find crowded classrooms, less access to faculty and counselors, fewer campus services and more difficulty getting classes they need to graduate — all while paying higher fees. The state's financial crisis is battering its world-renowned system of higher education, reducing college opportunities for residents and threatening California's economic recovery. The Associated Press

Budget Cuts Hit California Campuses - Born out of a vision to offer all residents access to higher education no matter the size of their paychecks, California's expansive higher education system is now dealing with budget cuts recently imposed by the state legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that could undermine its mission, the Los Angeles Times reports. The state officials behind the cuts contend they had no other way to effectively close California's massive budget gap, but the schools that make up the system (including the campuses of the University of California, California State University, and community colleges) are already raising fees, dropping courses, slashing enrollment, and compelling employees to take unpaid furlough days. In addition, class sizes are up, library hours are down, and plans for new programs and new schools are on hold. U.S. News & World Report

Rising Tuition Rates, Recession Having Impact on Students, Schools - Many of the nation's colleges and universities are raising tuition for students this school year, and the economic recession is having an effect on several Minority-Serving Institutions. California State University, which has a large minority population, raised tuition and fees 20 percent for students this fall. Diverse

College students will 'feel the crunch' - When California college students return to campus this fall, they'll find crowded classrooms, less access to faculty and counselors, fewer campus services and more difficulty getting classes they need to graduate — all while paying higher fees. The state's financial crisis is battering its world-renowned system of higher education, reducing college opportunities for residents and threatening California's economic recovery. Modesto Bee

Athletic programs at public colleges feel California's budget ax - The California budget crisis has put state colleges and universities under tremendous pressure to cut spending. Schools have eliminated classes, raised fees and asked faculty to take unpaid furlough days. Now intercollegiate athletics are feeling the bite. Los Angeles Times

The game has changed for Pauley Pavilion - The state of California, the University of California system and UCLA are making difficult decisions to prioritize their needs in line with available funds in these tough economic times. Such fiscal discipline should extend to the renovation of Pauley Pavilion. Los Angeles Times

The future of California depends on a strong CSU - California's recent budget deal is a major blow to the historic mission of the California State University system. At its 23 campuses, classes are being slashed, tuition increased by 30 percent, students turned away, graduations delayed, salaries cut, and positions eliminated. As administrators scramble to address the budget deficit, political decisions are being made that will cause irreparable damage to California's great university system. The new budget is a victory for conservative forces that have long sought to limit the public sector and roll back the social and civil rights gains of the 1960s and 1970s. Daily News

Soapbox: State cuts take their toll at CSUMB - As state support dwindled last winter, several CSU campuses began rejecting qualified applicants for lack of funding. Enrollment limits are in place across the 23-campus CSU system as we confront a $564 million gap in funding for this fiscal year, part of legislative cuts to close California's $26.3 billion deficit. The Californian

Community colleges trying to weather the funding-cut storm - Lack of funding, tuition increase, reduction of classes, limited enrollment and the halt of mid-year transfers is putting a strain on two-year schools. Times are tough for community colleges, and getting tougher their students who are finding themselves in the system longer than expected. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Community colleges aren't the bargain they used to be - Classes were cheaper when Merced College students enrolled for their summer courses, but now they have to pay a higher bill for this fall. When registration opened in April, fees for the statewide two-year college system were set at $20 a unit. After an extended debate over the state budget, fees were bumped to $26 a unit on July 28, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a final budget into law. Merced Sun-Star

California budget cuts make it harder for Hartnell students to transfer to a university - California State University, the largest college system in the state, will not accept student applications for the 2010 spring term. About 32,000 community college students typically transfer during the spring. The Californian

Cabrillo costs rise with new bill - The wallets of Cabrillo College students will feel a little lighter than last year when fall semester rolls around.  A bill signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on July 28 increased enrollment fees at California community colleges by 30 percent. Press-Banner