CSUDH Update from President García:
January 10, 2011
Governor Brown's Proposed Budget for 2011-12
Dear Colleagues,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a relaxing holiday break and were able to spend some quality time with family and friends. Students are coming back to classes in just a few weeks and I know everyone is working hard to prepare for the new semester. Thank you for being student-centered and doing whatever you can to help with student success.
As many of you know, this morning Governor Brown announced his proposed budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year. Without question, it will offer some significant challenges for the State of California, the California State University system, and CSU Dominguez Hills. His budget proposes a cut of $500 million to the CSU — an 18% reduction in state funding. The proposed $2.2 billion in state support for CSU is equivalent to 1999-2000 levels even though the university system currently serves nearly 70,000 more students. It is too early to know the exact financial impact to CSU Dominguez Hills, and we must keep in mind that changes can be made between now and the time the budget is approved. I will provide regular communications so you are informed as more information becomes available.
The good news is that CSU Dominguez Hills is in a better position to address this shortfall than was the case when we faced budget cuts two years ago. Through all of our hard work, we have been able to eliminate previous structural deficits and are on much stronger financial footing. Our ability to continuously meet and surpass our enrollment targets since spring 2009 has been instrumental in improving our financial stability. We know the budget situation will continue to be challenging and we will need to keep all options open, but we will certainly get through this economic crisis by focusing on servicing our students and their educational needs.
I also feel any communication today can’t be sent without recognizing the shock and grief we all feel over the tragic and senseless shooting in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday morning. On behalf of our campus community, I have sent a message to the family of Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford that she and everyone involved are in our thoughts and prayers. During these times of tragedy it is more important than ever we commit ourselves to open and thoughtful civil dialogue that respects the opinions of all members of our community.
I want to again thank you for the work you are doing to help our students academically, personally and professionally as they reach their dream of graduating from our University. For almost half a century, CSU Dominguez Hills has been a driving force in the South Bay and we will continue to not only survive, but thrive in fulfilling our commitment to the students and communities we serve. I look forward to seeing you as we head into a new semester. If you have any questions, please contact me at president@csudh.edu.
Sincerely,
Mildred García, Ed.D.
President