Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/939681
Erika Sizemore CFA Protests Lack of Student Access to CSU System L A S T Y E A R , California State University turned away a record numbers of qualified applicants — 1 in 10, or 31,000 — for lack of space. California Faculty Association leaders and others say the 3 percent increase for the 23-campus CSU system proposed in Gov. Jerry Brown's 2018-19 state budget is not enough to help fix the problem. On Jan. 11, the same day Brown unveiled his budget, CFA members staged a pop-up art installation called "Every Stu- dent Deserves a Seat — Fund the CSU" on the north lawn of the State Capitol. • $212 million in ongoing funding to extend career technical education programs under the community col- leges' Strong Workforce Programs to K-12 districts, and $12 million to hire local industry experts for technical expertise in setting up the programs. Heins praises the funding for induc- tion programs for beginning teachers and professional development. "At a time when we face a critical teacher shortage, we must do everything possible to attract and retain the most qualified to our pro- fession," he says. "e proposed increases in funding for special education, the state preschool program, child care, and health care for low-income families are also crit- ically important." Brown's budget also sets aside $120 million to create a new online community college program geared toward working adults. Higher education advocates and others responded with some reservations, as they have traditionally urged funds go to bolstering existing in-person programs and institutions. Heins says that further discussion on the topic is warranted. " We are taking a closer look and have some concerns about a few items, such as the online community college and the proposed funding for the vital UC and CSU systems. We look forward to having meaning ful conversations and working with the gov- ernor and the Legislature to ensure they enact a budget that provides all students with the quality public education they need and deserve." Brown will present a revised 2018-19 proposal in May. e state Legislature is expected to pass a budget by June 15. The installation — 1,507 empty white chairs, with each seat representing 20 qualified students — was meant to symbol- ize the increasing lack of access to CSU and quality public higher education. Brown's plan proposes $92.1 million in additional state funding for the CSU. CFA is calling for an additional $422.6 million in state funding, which would allow for healthy enroll- ment growth of an additional 18,205 students. "By not allowing qualified students access, we're failing them before they even have a chance to walk in the class- room," says CFA President Jennifer Eagan. "It's time for our state to stand up for the CSU — for our students, for our university, and for the future of California." See calfac.org for more information. 37 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 018 Pop-up art installation at the State Capitol with 1,507 empty chairs, each representing 20 qualified students turned away from CSU for lack of space. CFA members protesting the lack of student access to CSU. Top row: Kim Geron, CSU East Bay professor; Kevin Wehr, CFA secretary, communications chair; Jorge Quintana, CFA intern, CSU Sacramento student; Steven Filling, CFA CSU Stanislaus president. Bottom row: Martha Ancajas, CFA intern, CSU Sacramento student; Margarita Berta-Avila, CFA CSU Sacramento president; Jennifer Eagan, CFA president. Erika Sizemore