The union representing California State University faculty says San Diego State is a prime example of how officials are squeezing out students to make the CSU a more elite institution.
The California Faculty Association released a white paper yesterday alleging CSU administrators are using the state's money problems as an excuse to make radical policy decisions that will change the nature of the public university system.
Those changes include cutting classes, programs, departments and services at 23 campuses. They also include tightening admission requirements and limiting enrollment to thousands of students.
San Diego State was sited for its recent decision to limit the number of local students next fall. CFA president Lillian Taiz said SDSU’s decision goes beyond getting through a budget crisis.
“That's not about simply cutting down the number of students that are in the university system. That's determining who gets the shot and who doesn't. That's whole other kettle of fish. That's about managing who gets opportunity and who does not,” Taiz said.
Union leaders say many top officials have always wanted the CSU to be a smaller, elite institution. She says the economy gives them the excuse to do that.
The CFA is calling on the CSU to make more cuts to the administration. They also say top-ranking officials should support legislation that would tax oil companies for the benefit of public education.
CSU officials, meanwhile, say administrative cuts have already been made. Officials also deny any attempt to restructure the system. They say the bottom line is the CSU is being forced to take on enormous sacrifices so it can handle unprecedented state budget cuts.
