Plans for handling academic affairs and enrollment at Sacramento State during the spring 2010 semester were discussed by university President Alexander Gonzalez at his annual spring address, today, in the University Union Ballroom.

“It’s my job and the job of everyone here to help assure we take every step necessary to offer quality education even when times are difficult,” Gonzalez said.

Joining Gonzalez to explain future plans were Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Joseph Sheley and Vice President of Student Affairs Lori Varlotta.

Sheley discussed the challenges higher education faces due to state budget, and the “budget dance” that the university must do to guarantee fairness to everyone, including students. He discussed future plans to change and meet challenges, including the revision of general education requirements at Sac State.

“I can say honestly I don’t think anything we do at this university now is unimportant or frivolous,” Sheley said. “We should never be ashamed of what we have been doing … but we, nonetheless, have to prioritize what we do.”

Varlotta explained that even though times are tough she is optimistic about this semester and the future of Sac State. She noted that the university has done extremely well with enrollment management and continues to strive toward being a destination campus.

Also in attendance were members of the California Faculty Association and students from the Sac State Coalition, a Sacramento-based organization that advocates for quality and affordability of higher education.

During the address, 10 students from the coalition stood in front of the stage, facing the crowd, with black tape over their mouths and holding signs that read “the tape on our mouths symbolizes the voiceless … Gonzalez has repeatedly failed to listen … We have no confidence of Pres. Gonzalez’ ability to support and advocate for the students of CSUS.”

Kevin Wehr, president of the Sac State chapter of the CFA, said the students sent out a strong message.

“They have been left out of the conversation. The administration hasn’t been listening to them, hasn’t made an opportunity for them to speak,” Wehr said. “The CFA … has worked with student to try and bring that message forward.”

Leidhra Johnson can be reached at [email protected]