November 12, 2008

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Fresno State budget and hiring freeze because of the state fiscal crisis. If you have a budget question, click here www.csufresno.edu/CSUF/contactus/index.shtml and a Fresno State administrator will reply with an answer.

The CSU has declared “systemwide impaction.” What does that mean?

The 23-campus California State University system is serving many students for whom the state provides no funding, and therefore must limit new admissions in 2009-10 to get the enrollment down to a number supported by the state.

How many new students will not be admitted to get to the number in line with state support?

10,000 students throughout our 23 CSU campuses.

What is the situation at Fresno State?

We have been carefully managing our enrollment over the years and we are over-enrolled by only 2.6 percent. Our enrollment this fall is 22,622. Our target for 2009-10 is 22,100. So we must reduce new admissions by about 500 students.

Are current students affected by this?

No. This does not affect those already enrolled.

How will you reduce the number of new students admitted?

We will reduce new admissions by implementing these moves for the 2009-10 academic year:

1. We will hold firm on the previously announced application deadline for first-time freshmen of Feb. 1, 2009. All qualified first-time freshmen from our service area (Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare counties) who apply by this date will be admitted. (NOTE: Because of the state fiscal crisis, the deadline was moved up to Jan. 9, 2009.)

2. Qualified first-time freshmen applicants from outside our service area will be guaranteed admission if they apply by Nov. 30. But if they apply between Dec. 1 and Feb. 1 they will be placed on a waiting list for review. We think we will be able to accommodate the wait-listed students, but we are not certain at this time. (NOTE: Because of the state fiscal crisis, the deadline was moved up to Jan. 9, 2009.)

3. We will hold firm to the April 1 deadline for upper division transfer student applications.

4. We will not accept applications from the following: lower division transfer students, students with a bachelor’s degree who want to return for a second degree and graduate students who have not decided on a major.

What advice do you have for local students who want to attend a CSU campus outside of our area?

They should apply as soon as possible to the out-of-area campus of their choice, as well as applying to Fresno State, in case they are denied admission elsewhere. They also might want to consider attending a community college and then transferring as an upper division student to a CSU campus.

Does Fresno State expect layoffs at this point? What about next year?

We do not anticipate the need to consider layoffs for this fiscal year. We don’t know what the
budget picture holds for 2009-10, but we will make every effort to avoid layoffs.

Are Fresno State and CSU employees subject to Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed cutbacks that include once-per-month furloughs, elimination of two holidays and changes in overtime?

CSU employees are not subject to these proposals.

Will fee waivers still be available to Fresno State/CSU employees?

Yes. There is no change in this policy.

In his response to the Governor’s Office about the proposed $63 million cuts, Chancellor Reed indicated that additional cuts would disrupt campus operations and the university's ability to provide mission-critical services. Have these areas been identified, and if so, which ones are they?

The vice presidents have been advised of the potential level of reduction that could occur. They are working with the appropriate people to develop contingency plans if it becomes necessary to complete a second mid-year reduction.

Is the university considering the four-day week as a cost reduction measure?

We have had a brief discussion on this topic and some information is being gathered for a further discussion. It is not likely to be considered at this time.

Will the CSU raise student fees and, if so, how much?

Fees will not change for 2008-09. We don’t know about next year. The Board of Trustees will
evaluate the situation and make a determination in the coming months.

Will student services and the number of courses available at Fresno State be reduced?

Not in Spring 2009, though there may be some delays in providing services. Depending on our budget for 2009-10, there may be reductions in that year.

What is the university doing to ensure that students can stay on track toward completing their degrees?

Because of our efforts to shield students from any impact of budget cuts this year, there should be little or no impact on their progress toward degrees. We will keep student progress as our top priority as we face any future budget reductions.
 

FAQs for employees regarding hiring freeze

How long is the hiring freeze going to continue?

We do not know how long the freeze will last. We may experience further budget cuts to the CSU at mid-year. As such, the hiring freeze is not expected to be lifted any time soon.

Are faculty positions frozen?

Yes. Any exceptions will require a written justification and are to be approved by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. It is anticipated that the total number of faculty searches will be significantly reduced.

What about the permanent Management/Staff positions into which we are currently recruiting?

All permanent positions in e-Recruit have been cancelled in the system unless you have been notified by someone in one of the Vice Presidents’ or Athletic Director’s offices (i.e., the Provost, Administration, Advancement, Student Affairs) that your position can continue through the recruitment process. HR has developed a specific letter notifying the applicants through an e-mail that Fresno State has initiated a hiring freeze and that the position to which they applied has been cancelled. A notice has also been posted on http://jobs.fresnostate.edu advising of the hiring freeze.

How can I hire a permanent employee during the hiring freeze?

Any recruiting into a vacant permanent position must first receive approval via the appropriate VP. The VPs are responsible for forwarding requests for an exception to the freeze to President Welty. It is recommended that you initiate requests for exceptions through a memo format noting the reasons you believe justify an exception to the freeze. President Welty has indicated that approval of these requests will be very rare.

How can I hire a temporary employee during the hiring freeze?

Any recruiting into a temporary position must first receive approval via the appropriate VP. The VPs are responsible for forwarding requests for an exception to the freeze to President Welty. It is recommended that you initiate requests for exceptions through a memo format noting the reasons you believe justify an exception to the freeze. President Welty has indicated that approval of these requests will be very rare.

I have a temporary, benefitted employee in a vacant position for which I was recruiting. Can I extend the temporary appointment since the recruitment for the position has been cancelled?

No. Temporaries not paid on an hourly basis can only be retained through the “end date” of their current appointment. Requests to extend a temporary beyond the end date in PeopleSoft must be forwarded to the appropriate VP. It is recommended that you initiate requests for exceptions through a memo format noting the reasons you believe an exception is warranted. VPs are responsible for forwarding such requests to President Welty for approval. Again, President Welty has indicated that exceptions to continue a temporary appointment beyond their current end date will be very rare.

Can I still hire intermittent, hourly employees?

Yes, with advance written approval from the appropriate VP. All intermittent employees must be hired appropriately per the collective bargaining agreement based on the classification being hired.

Can I extend my intermittent, hourly employees?

Yes, but only with advance written approval from the appropriate VP. All intermittent employees must be re-hired appropriately per the collective bargaining agreement based on the classification being hired. Intermittent hourly employees include casual workers, interpreters, rehired annuitants, and emergency hires of a very limited duration (up to 60 days for Unit 4 or up to 180 days for Units 2, 5, 7 & 9 per their respective collective bargaining agreements).

Can I still hire student workers?

Yes, with advance written approval from the appropriate VP. Student workers cannot be hired to do the work of a collective bargaining agreement protected position. Because there is no way to monitor the hiring of student workers, on a monthly basis the Payroll Manager will provide each VP with a list of newly hired student workers to ensure appropriate approval has been received.

Can I extend my student workers?

Yes, with advance written approval from the appropriate VP.

What is the process to release non-federally aided student workers early?

If you have decided to reduce your budget through releasing student workers in your department, you may wish to consider providing them with a two-week written notice as a courtesy although there is no specific requirement to do so. Because there may be other employment opportunities available, you may direct the released student to visit the Career Services website: www.bulldogjobs.com for potential openings elsewhere on-campus or off-campus.

What is the process to release federally aided student workers?

If you wish to release federally aided student workers, it is recommended that you first contact Lisa McReynolds in the Financial Aid Office. She is responsible for the Work Study Program and will be able to assist you. Her direct phone line is 278-6566.

Why am I able to hire student workers and intermittent, hourly employees, but not temporaries?

Student workers and intermittent, hourly employees do not receive benefits and are generally hired for a much shorter duration. Therefore, they have much less impact on the budget.

Does the hiring freeze impact positions funded through grants, contracts or auxiliary funding?

Yes. Positions funded through grants, contracts or auxiliary corporation funding will receive the same level of scrutiny in terms of business necessity.

Are positions frozen if paid through trust funds or Comprehensive Campaign funds?

Yes. Hiring into these positions has been suspended.

Can staff still request re-classifications or in-range progressions?

Yes. Fresno State will continue to abide by the collective bargaining agreements. In the case of re-classifications or in-range progressions, it is the responsibility of the appropriate manager and/or the VP to determine if funds are available to cover the additional expense. If funds are not available for a re-classification of a position, the manager will be required to re-assign the work that resulted in the upgrade and/or promotion to other higher classified employees in the work unit.