CSU Begins Accepting Applications; State Budget Restrains Enrollment Growth
The priority application period began October 1 for students intending to enter a California State University campus as first-time freshmen in Fall 2009. CSU is strongly encouraging prospective students to apply as early as possible, and no later than November 30, 2008 in order to be admitted to their preferred campus.
Challenges brought on by California's current budget shortfall are forcing the university to reduce increases in student enrollment, and, as a result, an early application will help students have a better chance of entering the CSU campus of their choice. The new state budget provides the CSU system with essentially the same level of state support as last year.
“Enrollment restrictions hinder the opportunities for students from all communities to obtain a college education,” CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed said. “The pipeline of students in K-12, is two-thirds students of color, who have a critical need to attend college. Many of these students will be negatively impacted if the State is unable to restore adequate funding for higher education next year."
The 2008-2009 final CSU budget consists of $2.97 billion from the state General Fund and $1.5 billion from student fee revenue. The budget is $215 million below CSU’s operational needs for 2008-09, according to the inflation and enrollment growth calculations by the Governor’s Department of Finance. Press Release.
CSU and AT&T Show Students the “Road to College” on Statewide Tour
The CSU and AT&T Road to College Tour hit the road over the last three weeks to provide students, parents, teachers and counselors with information about how to prepare for college. After more than 14 stops across the state, the tour will conclude in Northern California at a CSU High School Counselor Conference today.
The tour was funded in part by a $1.6 million grant over four years from AT&T and featured a customized 40-foot biodiesel bus that traveled to high schools, college fairs and the CSU’s Counselor Conferences throughout the state from September 23 to October 3. The bus was loaded with laptop computers, and at each stop students, teachers and counselors explored the CSU’s 23 campuses, learned about the admissions process, got information about financial aid and talked to CSU experts.
In addition to the Road to College tour, the AT&T Foundation contribution will be used to fund the CSU College Corps pilot program, which will use CSU upper division and graduate students in counseling and related career programs to offer pre-college advising to underserved high school students. The program will initially be deployed through CSU campuses at San Marcos, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno and East Bay, with the goal to provide advising to 1,000 ninth through twelfth grade students during each academic year from 2008-09 to 2011-2012. Press Release.
CSU Chancellor Honored by McGraw Hill
The 2008 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education honored Richard Blais, Judith Berry Griffin and Charles B. Reed for their work in paving the way for increased higher education access and success for U.S. students. The honorees were recognized at a dinner at the New York Public Library on September 23, 2008.
"The three educators we honor this year have demonstrated a commitment toward bridging gaps to higher education and breaking down barriers faced by too many of today's young students," said Mr. McGraw.
The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education annually recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to enhancing learning in this country and whose accomplishments are making a difference today. Honorees are chosen by a distinguished board of judges from the education community. See the video. |
