CSUN Will Seek Feedback Before Decisions Are Made

Characterizing the issue as emotional as well as economic, Cal State Northridge administrators are expected to seek public feedback before any decisions are made regarding cuts within the athletic department.

Ron Kopita, Northridge dean of students, said Tuesday that an open forum likely will be held before the end of the month to solicit feedback from the campus community. The athletic department, which faces a severe budget shortfall next year, has delivered to Kopita a series of funding proposals, some of which would eliminate programs.

Northridge President Blenda J. Wilson has indicated that she wants “broad-based” input before she decides which budget scenario to pursue, Kopita said. Feedback would be welcome from coaches, boosters, students, faculty and staff, he said.

“It’s an economic decision, it’s an emotional decision, it’s an academic decision,” Kopita said. “Cutting one program affects another. . . . We want everybody to understand the options and consequences.”

Kopita reiterated that he would like to settle all athletic budgetary issues by Dec. 1.

In a related issue, the Associated Students voted Tuesday to ratify the results of last month’s student election. Included on the ballot was an athletic fee measure that would have hiked fees $49 per semester for each student.