The California State University system will be forced to limit enrollment due to state budget cuts, CSU officials say, but the Monterey Bay campus expects to feel fewer effects than its sister campuses.

The cuts mean those who want to earn second bachelor's degrees are out of luck at most campuses, and anyone wishing to enroll as a new student for spring semester needs to hasten to the registrar's office.

To attend CSUMB this spring, students must enroll by Aug. 31, far earlier than in previous years, said spokeswoman Holly White.

The school has also said it will reserve the right to deny acceptance to any student with a previous bachelor's degree, although it has already admitted several dozen with previous degrees, said Student Administration Executive Lucha Ortega.

"We're thinking the effect will be minimal," Ortega said. "Fees will be increased, but our goal still remains for students to be able to get the services and classes they need."

A student taking a full course-load will be charged $2,046 per year -- an increase of $474 from 2002.

"Some impact will be felt economically by our students," Ortega said, "but it's hard right now to say how many will be affected by that."

Six other CSU campuses will not be admitting any new students this spring, including freshmen or junior transfers from community colleges, and three have ended enrollment for first-time freshmen, but are still admitting transfers. The fee increases and enrollment changes are the system's response to $345 million in state budget reductions.

CSUMB's White said the school will enroll about 3,900 students this year, a figure officials had "expected under normal circumstances."

What it means
Because California State University campuses may have to limit enrollment due to budget cuts, California State University, Monterey Bay, spokeswoman Holly White says new students must be enrolled by Aug. 31 to attend in the spring semester.