Message to the Campus from President Alexander Gonzalez (2/05/09)
To All Members of the Campus Community:
I want to update you on the latest developments affecting our campus budget and enrollment. As I said in my Spring Address, the CSU system is currently not moving in the direction of the employee furloughs that are proposed for other state agencies. Our campus’s enrollment numbers are also right on target.
Again, I want to thank everyone who helped us prepare for reductions in our state funding. Your outstanding work has left us in better shape to weather this crisis.
The Public Affairs office has created and is continually updating web pages for both issues. You can view them at:
Please read below for a summary of the latest developments, and I will continue to keep you posted.
Sincerely,
Alexander Gonzalez
State Budget Update
State Controller John Chiang this week began delaying payments to state programs, vendors and other businesses for 30 days. If a budget accord is not reached, the controller has warned that these delays could be extended or he may be forced to issue IOUs. Under the state Constitution, however, the state has an obligation to meet its payment to public schools and public higher education systems. Therefore, CSU employees will continue to be paid.
The longer the state delays reaching a budget compromise, the more at risk the CSU is to deeper budget cuts that will significantly impact programs, services, payroll and personnel. My fellow campus presidents and I will continue to meet regularly with the chancellor and vice chancellor to plan operations under a variety of budget scenarios. I will update you as soon as we hear about the budget.
Cal Grant Disbursements
Sacramento State students received their first disbursement of Cal Grants for the spring semester. Our University is covering the gap that resulted from the California Student Aid Commission’s decision to pay 85 percent of the Cal Grants rather than the normal 95 percent.
This decision is to ensure that the financially disadvantaged students, who rely on Cal Grant A and B awards, will be able to stay enrolled for the spring 2009 term. We are evaluating our options for the second disbursement, which is scheduled for the middle of the semester.
Enrollment Update
Two key dates are approaching for prospective students. First-time freshmen have until March 1 to apply to Sac State. In addition, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be filed by March 2.