The majority of students on campus understand the anger upon learning that a required course is not available. We share similar frustration when we cannot add a class because the room is too crowded. These experiences have almost become a routine of campus life that occurs every semester. But what seems to change every year is the cost each student pays to attend Sacramento State.

This past summer, we paid an additional 10 percent in fees but expected the same semester routine. This is ironic considering the argument made by the CSU Board of Trustees said that as we pay fees, our quality of education will increase. We have been paying more since the fall of 2002 with an additional 94 percent ($1,344) increase in fees. We can expect to see more increases in the years to come, paying $3,690 in statewide fees by 2010. So, it seems students are paying more while getting less.

This also comes at a time when the same trustees recently decided at a Sept. 19 meeting to give an almost 12 percent raise to Chancellor Charles Reed, his four chief deputies and 23 campus presidents as part of a plan to significantly boost their salaries over the next few years. This recent salary increase is in addition to the 23 percent increase in salary and perks over the last two years.

For President Alexander Gonzalez, this would mean a 33 percent ($73,996) salary increase in the past two years, bringing his total to $295,000 per year in addition to his $60,000 housing allowance and $1,000 car allowance. The salary increases raise questions as to where students fall in the list of the priorities for the CSU system. The California Faculty Association and several students have voiced concern over the lack of funding for the CSU and the increased student fees by showing their presence at the Board of Trustees meetings in Long Beach. Doing so caused an early adjournment in last November’s meeting. They also voiced their outrage at the Sept. 19 meeting when the salary increases were approved.

What is required in order for the trustees to listen is a collective message on behalf of the more than 400,000 students of the CSU. For this reason, a movement of students has emerged, calling themselves Students for Quality Education – and with strong support from the California Faculty Association. These groups of students are making their presence known, addressing issues of affordability, accessibility and quality within the CSU system. Sacramento State’s chapter of SQE can be reached at [email protected]. They are taking part in a system-wide movement of students reclaiming their own education and involving themselves in the decisions that define our college experience and the experiences of future students.