State Watch

The California State University (CSU) has sponsored several pieces of legislation for 2010:

• AB 867 (Nava) California State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree: This proposal would allow the CSU to offer the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to prepare nurses for the CSU and community college classrooms, and also nursing leadership roles. AB 867 moved out of the Assembly and the Senate policy committee and awaits further action by the Senate Appropriations Committee this summer.
• AB 1890 (Committee on Higher Education) Lost Property: This proposal would reduce the length of time the CSU must hold property from six months to three months, consistent with other agencies and the UC. In addition, it would establish a monetary threshold of $300 for an item that must be kept or auctioned, and would allow items under this threshold to be donated as an alternative to a costly auction. AB 1890 will be eligible for a hearing in committee after March 19.
• AB 1971 (Lowenthal) Affinity Programs: This measure extends the “sunset” on the ability of our alumni associations to operate affinity programs by five years – to 2014. AB 1971 may be heard in committee after March 20.
• AB 2075 (Committee on Higher Education) Prequalification for CSU Contractors: This proposal would increase the time period for CSU to complete the prequalification process from five calendar days to ten working days. This will allow the Capital Planning, Design and Construction department to better assure contractors a that their prequalification application will be processed before the bid date and increase the number of contractors available to do our public works projects AB 2075 may be heard in committee after March 21.
• SB 1046 (Cogdill) Modification to Claim Filing Process: This proposal would remove the CSU from the jurisdiction of the Victims Compensation Government Claims Board (VCGCB) when the system settles with a potential plaintiff and would instead allow the CSU to manage claims directly through the CSU Office of Risk Management, removing a 15 percent surcharge imposed by VCGCB on top of any settlement fees. SB 1046 may be heard in committee after March 19.
• In addition, Cal State Northridge continues to oppose several measures including SB 330 (Yee), which would have a chilling effect on the ability of our campus to raise non-state revenue.
• For a complete list of CSU “priority legislation” see http://ct2k2.capitoltrack.com/report.asp?rptid=U32960
•  Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield has introduced AB 2382: California State University: Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. While the CSU has not taken a position on this legislation, it would affect Cal State Northridge by allowing the granting of professional doctorates in Physical Therapy at CSU campuses. The Physical Therapy profession is taking the lead on securing support and passage of this legislation.

Budget Update: Enrollment Impact

Click here to download a memo that went to all members of the State Legislature on March 9, 2010. It outlines the CSU enrollment situation due to the state budget situation. At Cal State Northridge, in Fall 2008, we enrolled approximately 36,000 students; in Fall 2009, we enrolled 34,000 students; and, in Fall 2010 we plan to enroll approximately 30,000 students. Over a two-year period, the budget situation has forced our campus to reduce our enrollment by 6,000 students. State investments in the CSU would enhance our ability to increase enrollment numbers. For more information about the Cal State Northridge Budget Situation, click here.

FY2010 Federal Appropriations

Congressman Brad Sherman secured a $400,000 appropriations project for Cal State Northridge. The funding will be used in the Michael D. Eisner College of Education to support a clinical training model to prepare potential teachers, administrators, resource specialists, school counselors, school psychologists, clinicians, and family therapists to work collaboratively to successfully support the needs of children who are at risk of failing in school. For more information on this model see the Teaching, Learning and Counseling Consortium.

Ready or Not Here They Come: Access to College At Risk, According to CA Report

The California Postsecondary Education Commission has issued a report estimating that demand for undergraduate enrollment at CSU campuses will increase from 362,226 students in fall 2008 to 419,572 students in fall 2015. Meanwhile, the Legislative Analyst Office reports that enrollment growth funding is unlikely. Enrollment demand and budget situation will result in “significant pent-up demand”.

Cal State Northridge Faculty, Staff and Students Participate in ‘Day of Action’

Hundreds of faculty, staff and students rallied in support of public education on Thursday, March 4, as part of a nationwide “Day of Action” to bring awareness to education funding. The daylong event, organized by the California Faculty Association, was peaceful.  That evening, however, five individuals were arrested during an off-campus demonstration. See President Koester’s statement.

Instructional and Athletic Field Lighting Project

Cal State Northridge recently issued a mitigated negative declaration for a instructional and athletic field lighting project on the campus’s north field. The primary purposes of the project are: 1) Allow for intercollegiate soccer events in the evening hours, thereby increasing opportunities for attendance by students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members; and 2: Improve outdoor space utilization by facilitating  evening instruction and student recreation opportunities. The project will construct a total of 6 light poles between 80 and 90 feet in height. A public meeting to collect community comments was held on campus on Monday, March 15, 2010.

Legislative Aides Association

Save the date! The next meeting of the Legislative Aides Association will be Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 9:00-10:30 am. More information is forthcoming.