By Melissa Martinez
News Editor
Since Nov. 12, students have been in a panic regarding the CSU Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 13 and Wednesday, Nov. 14, to discuss and vote whether to approve fee increases to CSU students in an attempt to give students an initiative to graduate and make space for those who need classes This initiative is a response to an SQE survey taken by thousands of students regarding “Obstacles to Graduation.”
On Nov. 5, the board announced they were planning to take action in proposing student fee’s, assuming Prop 30 was approved. The board planned to punish students who’ve accredited more than 160 units and have not graduated. In their attempt to alter the behavior of students, the board proposed three fee increases for students including: charging students per unit for every unit taken after they’ve reached 160, discourage students from double-majoring or minoring aw well as charging students per unit who do so and charging students an additional fee per unit if they are retaking a class they’ve failed.
Due to rumors of student protests in different regions in California, the board decided to postpone the meeting. Shortly after, incoming Chancellor Timothy P. White requested the board reduce his salary funded by the state, by 10 percent, according to a media release by the CSU.
White believes that since many employees haven’t received raises themselves, he feels the pay cut is appropriate, saying “Despite the passage of Proposition 30, there remain grave economic issues to solve in California and the California State University. The success of the measure was the voice of the voters and taxpayers of California to start to reinvest in education. I also recognize that Californians expect me to properly steward these resources. Consequently, as I join the faculty, staff and students who have experienced cuts, salary freezes and increased fees, I, too, must do my part. This is the basis of my request to reduce my own compensation to contribute to the rebuilding of this great university.”
The Cougar Chronicle was given the chance to interview member of the board and student at CSUSM, Cipriano Vargas on his position as a member of the board, opinions regarding the fee increases and Chancellor White’s initiative to help the CSU.
When asked his view on the increases as a student and a member of the board, Vargas stated, “I do not support the fees either as a student myself or as a student representative on the board. At the same time, I recognize the need to preserve access for all students. I share the views of the California State Student Association on the right strategy to approach this issue—including presenting other solutions or alternatives as amendments.”
As for Chancellor White, he sent a clear signal of the need for a new dialogue on rebuilding higher education. I believe his decision demonstrated the type of steward he will be of our system’s resources. The trustees selected him because he is the ideal candidate to represent the CSU (students, faculty and staff). He is the product of the California Master Plan for Higher Education and a first-generation college student from a migrant family. Chancellor White’s deep connection to the university community clearly influences his leadership.
My time with the board has definitely given me a much deeper knowledge of the policies and issues that the CSU and higher education currently face. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Chancellor White, Student Trustee Ruddell and the rest of the board to secure state reinvestment in the CSU. I also welcome the chance to share this first-hand experience with students in the region and statewide.