CSU system tells applicants forget about it

While we here in Hawaii watch the Governor and the labor unions bicker over the layoffs of state workers to help balance the budget, the California State University system is taking massive steps to reduce their spending by $584 million. That’s close to the total state budget deficit for Hawaii!

So what are the CSU folks doing? They’re going to reduce enrollment in the system by 35,000 to 40,000 students! Next spring semester is closed to new applicants. That’s correct, NO applicants being accepted, nada, none. Go somewhere else. (Are colleges in Hawaii taking notice of this?)

full details follow:

Budget Cuts Force CSU to Close 2010 Spring Admissions

Quarter Campuses Directed to Close Applications for Winter

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Claudia Keith or Erik Fallis (562) 951-4800

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CSU Board of Trustees Hear Plan to Close $584 Million Budget Deficit

CSU Public Affairs

(July 9, 2009) – As part of an overall strategy to address an unprecedented budget reduction of $584 million for 2009-10, California State University campuses will not accept student applications for the 2010 spring term – with very few exceptions.  In addition, quarter campuses that have been accepting admission applications for the 2010 winter term ceased accepting applications as of July 6, 2009.

“Only fully-eligible first-time freshmen, upper division undergraduate transfers or graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants who have applied for admission prior to July 6, 2009 may be offered admission to the 2010 winter term,” said Jeri Echeverria, CSU executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer.

In addition, no admission applications will be accepted for the 2010 spring term at either quarter or semester campuses, for any enrollment category.  CSU has typically enrolled more than 35,000 freshmen, undergraduate transfer and graduate students during the spring term.

Despite budget cuts, CSU’s enrollment for the past several years has exceeded the state funding received for each student.  Echeverria said that the measure is needed to bring enrollment in line with available resources.  Overall, CSU is looking to reduce its enrollment by 40,000 students systemwide for 2010-2011 through a combination of enrollment tools.  The decision to close spring admissions is part of the overall effort to reduce enrollment.

CSU has been working to  finalize a plan to address the unprecedented budget cut, which will include measures to reduce enrollment, employee furloughs, possible student fee increases, salary and hiring freezes, and restrictions on travel and purchases. The CSU Board of Trustees will consider the overall plan to address student fees, enrollment and employee furlough plans at its July 21 meeting.

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About the California State University The California State University is the largest system of senior higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, approximately 450,000 students and 46,000 faculty and staff. Since the system was created in 1961, it has awarded nearly 2.5 million degrees, about 90,000 annually. Its mission is to provide high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of the people of California. With its commitment to excellence, diversity and innovation, the CSU is the university system that is working for California.  (well perhaps not anymore!)

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