After previously referring to 2008 as his “year of education,” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recommended to cut $312.9 million from the California State University system in his 2008-09 budget proposal.

Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez said the budget cuts will negatively affect the university in three different areas, including access to the university, retaining the Sac State workforce and bringing in underrepresented students.

The proposed budget is an attempt to reduce fiscal shortfalls that have amounted to an estimated $14.5 billion state deficit. If the cuts are approved, Sac State would be affected as soon as the fall 2008 semester.

“I understand how difficult (the cuts) will be for many people, but we need to be fiscally responsible and spend only the money we have,” Schwarzenegger said at a press conference on Jan. 10.

At his annual spring address on Jan. 24, Gonzalez seemed optimistic when talking about the effects of the possible budget cuts.

“We need to continue to plan and behave in such a way that we are going to be able to do what we can to provide the best education we can to our students,” Gonzalez said.

All 23 campuses of the CSU system receive funding from the state based on enrollment. While it is still uncertain how the budget cuts will affect each campus specifically, enrollment figures will play a huge role in the end result.

Gonzalez said the university is expecting higher rates of applications and acceptance for next year.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Joseph Sheley outlined the Strategic Plan, the university’s response to the proposed cuts. The plan will entail improving enrollment, retention and graduation rates.

At the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 23, various state leaders vowed to fight the proposed cuts and work toward more funding for the CSU system.

“In such a challenging time extraordinary steps have to be taken,” said California Faculty Association President Lillian Taiz. “If the state is to recover from this economic crisis, the CSU will be part of the solution.”

Roberta Achtenberg, Board of Trustees chair, echoed those comments, saying she was determined to “reverse course from the disinvestments in higher education and in the CSU.”

CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed stressed the need for cooperation when advocating for the state budget, stating that the CSU administration is committed to working with faculty, students, staff and alumni to fight for more funding.

“I want everyone to know that we need to take the (proposed budget) numbers to the politicians, businesses and editorial boards and let them know what kind of California we want,” Reed said. “We are on our way to building world class prisons and second class universities.”

Lt. Gov. John Garamendi said the current budget is unacceptable to future education in California. An ex-officio University of California regent, he is encouraging students to protest the funding cuts because they will likely lead to more fee increases, he said.

“Fees are going to go up unless we can get the legislature to give us more money,” Garamendi said. “I frankly think students should march in Sacramento. You’ve got to protest. You’ve got to make your point known.”

With the threat of increasing tuition fees, some students seemed concerned about more money coming out of their pockets.

“Fees have gone up every semester that I’ve been here and I’m tired of it,” said Jennifer Willets, junior biology major. “It’s unfortunate that the students are the ones paying for the state’s financial mistakes.”

Other students agreed that the budget cuts might put a strain on their wallets, but understood the necessity of another possible fee increase.

“The deficit isn’t going to correct itself without help and sacrifice from everybody,” said sophomore child development major Brian Wilkinson. “I wish college didn’t cost as much as it does, but everyone has to do their part.”

Besides the possibility of increasing student fees, the budget cuts may also affect students inside the classroom.

Faculty Senate Chair Bruce Bikle said the amount of classes could fall along with the school’s funding.

“The potential budget cuts may force the university to tighten up the number of sections offered in certain subjects,” Bikle said in a telephone interview.

“Some classes that do not get filled might also be cut down as well.”

Because the CSU system is run by California, schools must compete for funding with other state agencies and services, such as prisons and highways, Bikle said. The less money the state has, the less funding the schools will receive.

In May, state officials will have the chance to revise the budget and decide whether or not to approve the proposed cuts in education.

“As of right now, we have about nine months to plan,” Bikle said. “Hopefully we can mitigate the impact of the cuts as best we can.”

Bikle also expressed his desire to see students take charge of a situation that could influence their future academic careers. “I wish students would get more involved, especially because this has the potential to affect them in a major way,” he said.

Michael Calvillo and Chloe Daley can be reached at [email protected].