The state of California has had to grapple with a dismal economic situation for months, and combating the pressing issue has been a challenge. The most plausible response would be tax increases. While they are perpetually unpopular, the additional revenue could begin to ease California’s budget woes. Unfortunately, an area that will have to resort to compromise is the state education system. California State University has proposed a plan to freeze enrolment for the spring 2013 semester, except for a small percentage of transfer students at select campuses. Furthermore, according to an article published in the San Francisco Chronicle on Tuesday, between 20,000 and 25,000 students could be barred from attending the university in the 2013-2014 academic year should voters decide to reject new tax measures in a November ballot.
This has justifiably angered many students. Amidst soaring tuition costs and sharp budget cuts already being implemented, higher education for many students who can’t afford to venture elsewhere will no longer be readily available. In addition, the fear of losing a chance to obtain a college degree will mobilize voters to pass the new tax plans. According to another article published in the Los Angeles Times yesterday, CSU typically receives about 700,000 applications with 90,000 students matriculating.
While a smaller class size could be advantageous for students and the administration, such uncertainty will unfairly penalize many Californian residents. Yet, this wasn’t the only controversial news to emerge from CSU’s administration. The presidents of the East Bay and Fullerton campuses are set to receive a 10 percent salary increase. With austerity measures being implemented, a rise in pay for staff is incredibly inappropriate.
Education, regardless of whether it is private or state-affiliated, should not be mindlessly compromised without consideration. This may be a great opportunity to review and reform CSU to make some financial changes, however if this freeze in enrolment persists, hundreds of potential students would face a serious predicament. Unfortunately, both current and future students will have to wait until November when their fate will be decided. Hopefully the outcome won’t hinder higher education in the state to the point where it can’t be rectified.
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