Declining state support forces Fresno State to cut fall classes

iscussing the reduction of classes offered are, from left, Jessica Sweeten, ASI president; Provost William Covino, Dr. Dennis Nef, Dean of Undergraduate Studies; and Bernie Vinovrski, associate vice president for Enrollment Services.

The state’s worsening budget crisis has forced California State University, Fresno to cut hundreds of class sections from the fall 2009 schedule and to advise students to act quickly to register for new classes so they can stay on track toward degrees.

To serve 22,500 students who enrolled in fall 2008, Fresno State provided 4,810 sections. This fall, there will be less than 3,800 class sections for an estimated 21,170 students.

Fresno State will offer fewer lecture-course sections, compared with last fall’s schedule. The number of students affected is difficult to calculate because lecture sections range from 15 to 299 students, said Dr. Dennis Nef, dean of Undergraduate Studies.

Also cut are 627 supervision sections, where one or two students work with one instructor.

Fresno State students were notified this week via e-mail if any of their classes were cut. Nef urged students to pay close attention to communications from the university this summer.

More cuts could be ahead, Nef said, depending on how budget matters unfold. The CSU has a $584 million shortfall in state support for the 23-campus CSU and its more than 400,000 students. The funding gap at Fresno State, even if two-days-per-month employee furloughs are implemented, is expected to be $18 million-$20 million for 2009-10.

Just ahead for students is the July 24 deadline to pay fees for the fall semester. However, if trustees increase fees at their meeting three days earlier, students will receive an additional billing with a separate deadline in August for the increased portion.

“The impact of state budget cuts on class offerings, fees, financial aid, enrollment, deadlines and more means students and parents need to stay connected with Fresno State announcements as never before,” said Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president of student affairs.

“We will ensure that students are provided essential, timely information and offer as much support as we can,” Oliaro said. “Students need to check their e-mail and student portal/account on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the summer.”

“We are saddened that this crisis continues to escalate,” university President John D. Welty said. “We will continue to work to maintain quality higher education for our students. However, serious measures – major spending cuts, possible employee furloughs, reducing enrollment and, now, eliminating classes – have been undertaken to ensure we preserve the institution so vital to our region.”

Oliaro is spearheading a team made up of representatives from various campus departments to ensure the flow of information to students is as efficient, frequent and thorough as possible.