Redefine the Possible
Budget Central Archive
Previous News and Updates
Nov. 15, 2012
CSU budget request balances system needs with fiscal realities
The California State University Board of Trustees today approved its 2013-14 budget request of the Governor and the legislature, which seeks to balance the system's continued unmet needs with the state's fiscal challenges.
CSU is requesting a total of $371.9 million over its current baseline budget that includes state funds, tuition and systemwide fees. The plan includes revenue for enrollment growth, compensation, as well as maintenance of facilities.
"This budget request is a genuine reflection of the fiscal needs of the university, but moderated by the reality of the state's fiscal challenges," said Robert Turnage, assistant vice chancellor for budget. "The revenue plan strikes a balance between a reasonable request to the state and revenue associated with enrollment growth."
Nov. 7, 2012
President Gonzalez' message on passage of Proposition 30
California voters yesterday approved Proposition 30, which means the California State University budget will not be reduced under a $250 million “trigger” cut in the current fiscal year.
This sets in motion a number of actions for us at Sacramento State regarding tuition fees, the campus budget and admissions.
We have already begun working on how we will rescind the $249-per-semester tuition fee increase that was previously enacted for the current fall semester. Students will either be credited, refunded or receive a reconfigured financial aid package to account for the revised tuition fee rates.
Nov. 7, 2012
With passage of Proposition 30, CSU to roll back tuition
The California State University will avoid a $250 million mid-year budget cut after voters’ approval of Proposition 30, and will start the process of rescinding the $249 per semester tuition fee increase already in place. With the passage of Proposition 30, CSU's budget will essentially remain flat for the remainder of this fiscal year, but state funding is still approximately $1 billion less than several years ago.
Sept. 27, 2012
President Gonzalez holds budget town halls
President Alexander Gonzalez held town hall meetings on Sept. 25 and 27 to share information and answer questions from the campus community. The town halls were co-sponsored by the University Staff Assembly.
View President’s presentation
Sept. 19, 2012
CSU trustees adopt budget contingency plans
The California State University Board of Trustees today adopted budget contingency measures based on the outcome of Proposition 30 on the November 6 ballot. The board voted 11 to 3 to raise tuition fees by $150 a semester or 5 percent if the Governor’s tax initiative fails and a $250 million “trigger” budget cut to the CSU goes into effect. Alternatively, the board also voted to roll back the 9.1 percent tuition fee increase already in effect for fall if voters approve the tax measure. Faculty trustee Bernadette Cheyne, student trustee Jillian Ruddell and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson voted against the resolutions.
“It is clear that we cannot simply cut our way out of another $250 million hit to our budget,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “We need to take a balanced approach in terms of cost reductions and revenue enhancements. That is reflected in the contingency plans approved by the board.”
Over the past six months, CSU has been meeting with stakeholder groups to receive input about how to address the potential cut, which would bring the total loss in state funds to $1.2 billion over the past several years. The university system has already implemented numerous measures including enrollment cuts, workforce reductions, employee furloughs, deferred maintenance and a host of other steps to address massive funding losses from previous state cuts.
July 20, 2012
President Gonzalez updates campus on finalizing of 2012-13 fiscal year budget
We have finalized Sacramento State’s General Operating Fund budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year, and it reflects the uncertainty our campus faces with possible “trigger” cuts following the November election.
The University Budget Advisory Committee and campus budget staff had the difficult task of planning for a possible $250 million cut to the California State University. To avoid this cut, voters must pass Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative – known as Proposition 30 – on the November ballot.
The CSU Board of Trustees endorsed Proposition 30 at its meeting Tuesday in Long Beach. It is more important than ever that we promote our value as a University to the people of California.
The campus budget includes divisional baseline reductions of about $11.1 million. We are also using reserves to cover part of the campus budget gap, and we are putting some one-time projects on hold until we know the outcome of the election.
If Proposition 30 passes and trigger cuts are avoided, we will allocate additional funding midyear to every extent possible.
As painful as this budget is, I believe that it represents the best plan we can put forward, given the uncertainties of the election and the system-wide measures being considered by the Board of Trustees. These measures were outlined in CSU Vice Chancellor Gail Brooks’ message.
All of the campus budget information, including my full budget letter, will be posted today on the UBAC information page and here on Public Affairs’ Budget Central page.
I want to thank everyone who has helped us cope with the ongoing budget troubles, and I especially appreciate the members of UBAC and our budget staff who have put in so much time and effort in a very difficult situation..
Posted by: President Alexander Gonzalez
June 18, 2012
Campus planning continues as Legislature passes state budget
The State Legislature’s passage of a budget Friday is the first step in what will likely be a very uncertain period for Sacramento State and the California State University system.
If the state budget is signed by the governor in its current form, the CSU’s budget will be essentially flat for the upcoming fiscal year, unless $250 million in “trigger” cuts are enacted. These additional cuts would lower state funding to 1996-97 levels, despite the CSU educating 90,000 more students. To prevent the trigger cuts, voters would need to approve the governor’s tax initiative on the November ballot.
On campus, we are preparing as well as we can.
The University Budget Advisory Committee has given me its recommendations for the year. I am considering each recommendation independently and carefully.
Much will depend on our enrollment target. As you know, enrollment has taken on even greater importance after the recent years of deep reductions in state support.
With students paying a greater share of the cost of education, campus budgets rely even more on tuition, and we must know how many students we will have in order to make the best decisions.
This week, I will be attending a meeting of the CSU campus presidents, and I expect to reach a level of certainty about our enrollment, which will allow me to act on UBAC’s recommendations. I will continue to provide updates on the campus budget throughout the summer.
I appreciate your continued patience, and I thank you for your dedication to our students.
Posted by: President Alexander Gonzalez
March 20, 2012
CSU outlines options if budget is cut by additional $200 million
If Governor Brown’s tax initiative is not passed by the voters in November, the California State University will face more budget cuts, and that will mean slashing enrollment, laying off employees, reducing classes and the elimination of academic programs. Those were among the options that the CSU Board of Trustees heard about as the system tries to plan for a potential $200 million “trigger” cut from the state that would take effect in the middle of the academic year if voters do not approve the Governor’s tax proposal in November.
“Increases in student tuition fees have not made up for drastic state funding cuts to the CSU,” said Robert Turnage, CSU assistant vice chancellor for budget. “The university system is still a half-billion dollars in the hole, and if this trigger cut goes into effect, we will be at the same level of state funding as 1996, but serving 90,000 more students.”
State support for the CSU has been cut by almost $1 billion or 33% over the past four years, with student tuition increases covering only about half of the lost revenue. To fill the budget hole, CSU has implemented numerous cost cutting measures, as well as increased efficiencies.
Over the past four years, CSU has decreased the total number of faculty and staff by over 3,000 or 6.6% of its workforce. In addition, class sizes have increased, faculty have been asked to teach more, and administrative functions are being consolidated. Despite these efforts and more, university officials warn that further measures are necessary.
Jan. 5, 2012
Governor proposes flat budget for CSU
Governor Brown today released his 2012-2013 state budget proposal that calls for no change from this year’s level of state support of the California State University, provided that his tax initiative slated for the November ballot is passed by voters. The proposed $2 billion in state support for the CSU is the lowest in 15 years, and reflects the continuation of a $750 million or 27 percent reduction in funding made in 2011-2012.
In addition, the proposed budget relies on the passage of the Governor’s tax measure that would raise income taxes on high-income earners and increase the state sales tax, generating approximately $7 billion a year in additional revenue. If the measure is not approved by voters, the Governor’s budget proposal includes a series of trigger cuts that would go into effect, including an additional $200 million cut to the CSU, which represents almost 27,000 enrolled students. That would bring state support to $1.8 billion, which would be the lowest level of state funding since 1996-97, even though CSU enrolls 95,000 more students today.
“Our campuses have done everything they can just to get through this fiscal year with a $750 million budget cut,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed.
Dec. 13, 2011
President Gonzalez discusses 'trigger' cuts
Revenues to the state have fallen short of expectations, and today Gov. Jerry Brown announced that the “trigger” cuts will be put into place. This means an additional $100 million reduction to the California State University, bringing the system’s total cut for the year to $750 million.
That is a staggering number, especially when you consider that it creates a 27 percent year-to-year reduction in state support for the CSU.
At Sacramento State, a trigger cut like this in the middle of an academic year is certainly painful, but it is somewhat mitigated for the coming months by our prudent budget planning. Our share of the additional cut is about $6 million, and we prepared for the trigger being pulled by reducing expenditures and setting aside reserves.
Hopefully, our cautious approach means we will be able to meet our obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year and have as many courses as possible for students in the spring semester. But it is also important to note that we are using one-time funds to address the new cut, so next year’s budget will be even more challenging.
Nov. 16, 2011
CSU Asks State To Restore $333 Million in 2012-13 Budget
The California State University Board of Trustees today unanimously approved its 2012-2013 budget, which requests that the governor and legislature provide an additional $333 million in state funding for the upcoming fiscal year. The board also approved an increase in tuition of $498 a year that will go into effect for fall 2012. The vote was 9 to 6.
“The additional revenue requested in this budget is critical to addressing the deep and painful cuts the CSU has had to absorb, and to ensure that students have access to needed courses and support services,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed.
Full story
July 13, 2011
Budget Cuts Trigger Fee Increase, Program ImpactionThe fallout from devastating state budget cuts continued Tuesday when California State University Trustees approved an additional 12 percent tuition fee increase beginning this fall. The board also approved Sacramento State’s declaration of impaction for three programs: Criminal Justice, Psychology and Health Sciences.
The tuition fee increase was a last-resort response to the $650 million budget cut imposed on the CSU for 2011-12, bringing funding levels down to 1998-99 levels — all while the CSU is serving 72,000 more students than it was then. (Tuition Fee Schedule for Fall 2011/Spring 2012)
"The enormous reduction to our state funding has left us with no other choice if we are to maintain quality and access to the CSU," said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. "We will focus on serving our current students by offering as many classes and course sections as possible."
In a message Wednesday to Sacramento State faculty and staff, President Alexander Gonzalez said it was too soon to know how the additional $150 million cut would affect the campus specifically. All 23 CSU campuses had been planning for a $500 million cut, the amount previously proposed by the governor.
Gonzalez stated that Sacramento State will be accepting applications for Spring 2012 admissions next month and that the University is “proceeding as we normally would for spring enrollment, as part of our ongoing commitment to ensure access to a quality education.”
The president also informed the campus of impaction status for Criminal Justice, Psychology and Health Sciences that would take effect in Fall 2012. Program impaction occurs when student demand for a program exceeds the University’s funded capacity to accommodate those students. Students seeking to pursue those programs will need to meet additional criteria for entry into the major. Information on the changes for newly impacted programs is available at www.csus.edu/pa/impaction.
July 13, 2011
A Message from President Alexander Gonzalez:Yesterday, the California State University Board of Trustees approved an additional tuition fee increase of 12 percent for the coming fall semester. This action is a last-resort move in response to the $650 million cut in state funding in the recently passed state budget, which represents a 23 percent year-to-year cut for the CSU.
State funding to the CSU is now at the lowest level since the 1998-99 fiscal year. And if state revenue forecasts are not met, we face an additional mid-year cut of $100 million. The tuition fee increase of $294 per semester for full-time undergraduates brings the annual total to $5,472. A third of the revenue from the tuition fee increase will be used for financial aid, and the CSU estimates that 170,000 students – almost half of all the undergraduates in our system – will not be affected by the higher rate because of various forms of financial aid.
We will not know for sure how all of this will affect the Sacramento State budget until the Chancellor’s Office informs us of our share of the $650 million reduction. And if the additional $100 million cut is enacted, the CSU would have to adjust once again.
Our campus, however, will be accepting applications for Spring 2012 admissions next month. At this time, we are proceeding as we normally would for spring enrollment, as part of our ongoing commitment to ensure access to a quality education.
The board yesterday also approved Sacramento State’s declarations of impaction for three of our programs – Criminal Justice, Psychology and Health Sciences – and the changes will take effect in the Fall 2012 semester. This type of impaction occurs when student demand for a particular program exceeds the University’s funded capacity to accommodate those students, and it is similar to what we are currently doing for the Graphic Design, Interior Design and Nursing programs. To enter these programs, students will have to meet additional criteria. More information on the changes for the newly impacted programs is available at www.csus.edu/pa/impaction.
June 15, 2011
Thanks to some very difficult work by the University Budget Advisory
Committee and our budget staff, we have finalized Sacramento State’s
General Operating Fund budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year, based on the assumption of a $500 million cut in the state allocation to the California
State University.
The divisional baseline reductions of about $12.3 million are in line with
the information provided during the spring semester. These reductions range from 5 percent to 11 percent by division. It is important to note that we used one-time funds to offset the reductions, including $1 million for Academic Affairs.
We did not cut each division equally because, as we said during the last
budget town hall, the recent years of drastic cuts in state funding have forced us to carefully scrutinize our budget and take a strategic approach. For this reason, I also made adjustments to some of UBAC’s recommendations. Lesser reductions to some of the smaller units are appropriate given the previous cuts they have weathered and their important roles on our campus.
As painful as this sounds, this budget plan remains the “best-case scenario”
for our campus. If the CSU is cut further in the final outcome of the state budget, UBAC may need to reconvene and address even deeper cuts.
In fact, today the State Legislature is considering a budget package that
would increase the CSU’s cut to $650 million.
I still remain hopeful that Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax extensions will pass and therefore limit our cut to $500 million. None of us wants to see the further increases in tuition fees or larger reductions in enrollment that would come with a $1 billion cut.
I ask you to join me in sending this message to our elected leaders.
Right now, there are tens of thousands of young people out there who have been planning all their lives to go to college in the next year. I hope we
do not abandon them. With a $1 billion cut, we risk losing an entire generation of students, along with the innovation, the jobs, and the positive contributions to our society that go hand-in-hand with a college education.
All of the campus budget information, including my full budget letter, will be posted soon on the UBAC information page at www.csus.edu/aba/budget/UBAC/ and on Public Affairs’ Budget Central Page at www.csus.edu/pa/budget/.
I will continue to keep you apprised of the latest budget developments,
and I thank you for your work on behalf of our students.
- Alexander Gonzalez, President