Summary of the January 16, 2009 Meeting
I. Campus Quality Fee Update
Piper provided information on the purpose and process that leads to final decisions on the allocation of the Campus Quality Fee. A discussion of the strengths and concerns that have been expressed by a variety of constituents and participants followed.
II. 2009-10 Enrollment
Hellenbrand announced that the decision to reduce Systemwide enrollment by 12,000 FTES represents a reduction of approximately 1800 FTES at CSUN. Some of the strategies CSUN will be planning to employ to ensure that the reduction is broadly distributed and doesn’t unduly affect any particular group subset are: reduction of summer enrollment, a more stringent DQ process, more effective placement exam scheduling, and the establishment of a 2 tier service area for the admission of freshmen.
Piper said that Tier 1 is designed to serve CSUN’s immediate service area without any change in admission standards. Tier 2 is designed to serve students outside the Tier 1 service area. Admission criteria for students in Tier 2 will include data such as GPA, SAT scores, math readiness, and other factors which will contribute to an admissions index.
Substantial efforts are underway to ensure dynamic communication with High School administrators, counselors, parents, and students.
III. 2009-10 Governor’s January Budget
McCarron summarized the main issues of the 2008-09 and the 2009-10 Budgets. He reiterated previous cuts of $66 million and anticipated $31 million of additional one-time cuts to the CSU that are anticipated to be taken in the 2008-09 budget.
The 2009-10 Governor’s budget, currently assumes a 10% student fee increase, does not seem to be worse than anticipated. Of course, the January Budget must be considered just a starting point in the state budget process.
CSU campuses have been informed that they will not receive marginal rate funding for any enrollment that exceeds 2% of their target.
IV. Update on Capital Projects
McCarron announced that in mid-December the state required the cessation of all major and minor capital outlay capital projects that are funded in any measure by state funds. The major capital projects affected at CSUN are Chapparal Hall (Science) and the Valley Performing Arts Center. The campus has issued a field order to suspend construction for 90 days. The campus is in negotiation with the CSU to complete Chaparral Hall with campus funds.
Hellenbrand said campus planning at CSUN anticipated the big economic picture very accurately. As such the campus planned for resource carry-forward but is now engaged in adjusting to the ever-changing economic environment.
V. Update on Academic Affairs Planning
Hellenbrand provided a detailed walk through “Heart of Dumbness, giving his analysis of the impacts of the budget, finance gaps, construction, and impaction. The full document is on the Academic Affairs website http://www.csun.edu/academic.affairs/