As California Faculty Association affiliates assembled inside a packed University Union Ballroom in a quiet protest, President Alexander Gonzalez delivered his spring address today, outlining some of Sacramento State’s accomplishments and some foreseeable budgetary obstacles.

“Change is difficult, and there are things that we have to do differently,” Gonzalez said, referring to tight budgets and pending student fee increases.

Gonzalez said the quiet protest – composed of faculty, staff and students holding signs stating “I don’t want to strike, but I will” – did not affect him as he gave his speech. During his speech, he did not mention the protest, which stayed mostly in the back of the room throughout the speech.

“I understand,” he said after his speech. “It’s their right to protest, and they can express their dissatisfaction.” After the speech, about 50 California Faculty Association representatives met to discuss pending contract issues. They plan to have another protest at noon on Monday near the library.

In addition, Gonzalez said the campus is moving forward with plans to build new apartment-style, on-campus housing for students, expected to erect by mid-2009. Foley Hall will be demolished to make room the new structure, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez smiled, mentioning something he has been unable to in previous speeches: plenty of parking should be available for the spring semester. Parking Structure III, which will open on Monday, will add about 3,000 spaces to campus.

For more information, see Wednesday’s State Hornet.

Gamaliel Ortiz can be reached at [email protected] .