RATIONALE: Despite drastic cuts to state general fund revenues, the CSU is still the
most affordable university system in the nation. The CSU and its campuses have undertaken heroic efforts to maintain access even in the face of historic funding
shortfalls. While the CSU has continued to play a vital role in the economic, cultural
and intellectual health of the state, California now spends less per public college and
university student than any state in the nation. It is impossible to maintain quality under
these conditions. This is evidenced by a reduction in student services, dramatic cuts to
libraries and research support, deteriorating physical plant, delays in implementation of
technology, erosion in the numbers of faculty and staff, persistent gaps in CPEC
compensation levels, increasing class sizes, and diminishing opportunities for
professional development and engagement with other scholars from outside of the CSU.
Threats to quality in the CSU, exacerbated by the State’s disinvestment in higher
education, are nothing new. This is evidenced by two resolutions passed unanimously by
the ASCSU during the 2003-04 academic year (attached). What have changed are the
increases in the magnitude of the shortfalls in funding and challenges to maintain
quality.
There is compelling evidence that California’s investment the CSU has provided great
benefit to the state. A recent independent economic analysis showed that every dollar the
state invests in the California State University results in a return of $5.43 within a few
years*. College graduates pay more taxes, use fewer social services and create new jobs.
Universities contribute to job creation and help businesses, industries and public
organizations to operate more effectively. They also contribute greatly to the cultural,
intellectual, and social well-being of their communities.
Approved – November 3-4, 2011
* http://www.calstate.edu/impact/docs/CSUImpactsReport.pdf
