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July 15, 2011

Cal State East Bay Students, Faculty and Staff —

Last Tuesday the CSU Board of Trustees voted last week to increase tuition by an additional 12 percent effective in Fall 2011. This action was in response to the additional $150 million reduction in appropriations to the CSU following the Governor’s approval of the 2011-12 budget. The total reduction of state appropriation to the CSU now stands at $650 million, rather than the $500 million for which we had initially planned and developed a balanced budget. The effect to the CSU is a 24 percent reduction from last year’s state appropriation.

Having attended the Board of Trustees meeting I can tell you that neither the Chancellor, the Trustees, nor I were pleased with the prospect of increasing tuition costs. However, the alternative would have been that we would not be able to provide our students the classes they need to advance toward their degrees nor preserve access to qualified students in our service region.

The tuition increases take effect with the fall term and will raise tuition by $196 per quarter for full-time undergraduate students, $226 for credential program participants and $240 for graduate students at CSUEB. For a full academic year, the added amount would be $588 for a full-time undergraduate student.

In planning for next year, Cal State East Bay had strategically planned for a budget cut of $8.5 million, based on our share of the CSU’s $500 million initial cut. While we have implemented cost reduction measures and continue to evaluate administrative services and programs, it simply would not be feasible for us to implement an additional $4.8 million in budget cuts before the start of the 2011-12 academic year.  

We will continue to manage our budget and expenditures prudently. A strategic approach is especially important, as the CSU faces the possibility of an additional mid-year cut of $100 million. This would mean another $3.2 million reduction for Cal State East Bay if state revenue forecasts are not realized.

We will keep you informed of any further developments as they pertain to Cal State East Bay’s budget and enrollment plans for the future. In the coming year, more than ever, it will be necessary for all of us to work together to provide the best possible educational experience for our students and continue to make CSUEB a great place to learn and work. I thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support in these difficult budget times.

Sincerely,

Leroy M. Morishita, Ed.D.
Interim President