University departments plan to take a 5 percent hit in anticipation of the $100 million in possible cuts to the California State University system put forth by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The potential midyear cut would come on top of the budget that was $215 million below the CSU system's needs for the fiscal year, according to a CSU press release.
Admissions at Chico State will be looking to enroll fewer students, as the state funding for enrollment growth is unavailable, said Joe Wills, director of public affairs and publications.
Total enrollment for the CSU system lies at about 460,000, but will be reduced to 450,000, said Chancellor Charles Reed in a Sacramento Bee article published Monday.
"The CSU prepares the majority of California's work force, and these budget cuts will have a direct impact on the state's economy if we are unable to provide graduates for California's key industries," Reed said in the press release.
Schwarzenegger proposed further cuts of $66.3 million along with a $31.3 million reduction, said Teresa Ruiz, public affairs communication specialist for the CSU Chancellor's Office. Because the reduction isn't a mandatory cut, Reed can decide whether to give that money back to the state.
"Restoring the state economy is a top priority, but students should be a priority as well," Ruiz said. "We are in the middle of a budget crisis, and students are the backbone of our economy."
Senior Melody Taylor, a theater major, thinks Schwarzenegger's ideals for California differ from those of its citizens, she said.
Taylor doesn't think the state sees education as a priority, as the university has cut theater courses she needs to graduate, she said.
"Education affects population, environment and the economy," Taylor said. "All these cuts are going to have some serious repercussions."
President Paul Zingg disagreed with the governor's reduction because no amount is appropriate to take back, he said in an e-mail.
"It is very upsetting because it further weakens the ability of the CSU to provide access to students and to offer a quality education," Zingg said.
Before any of these cuts go into effect, Schwarzenegger and the California Legislature have to agree on the budget update and proposed cuts, Ruiz said.
Reed has yet to make a final decision about the $31.3 million reduction, but put the money aside until the finalized budget, Ruiz said.
"There is a large picture we are all a part of," she said. "In the end, because the state gives us our money, it is our duty to help how we can."
Ben Burg can be reached at bburg@theorion.com
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