CSU: Trim the Fat Rather Than Raise Fees

When Chancellor Charles Reed and the California State University Board of Trustees voted to raise student fees, they did so without a complete examination of the CSU budget and a thorough study of the alternatives (Dec. 17). Such an analysis would have uncovered layers of budgetary “fat” that could be shed. The CSU could, for example, delay implementation of its $400-million information technology project, or pare administrative costs. Scaling back expenses not central to its educational mission is a viable alternative to raising revenue through student fee increases.

In not taking the time to examine the alternatives, Reed and the trustees have left students holding the bill. This is especially distressing given the fact that the CSU draws many of its students from low-income families. Even though Reed implies that the CSU is a relative bargain, data from the College Board indicate that the total cost of attending a CSU campus ($13,631) is actually more than the average total cost of attendance at public four-year institutions ($13,463).

Susan Meisenhelder

President, California

Faculty Assn., Los Angeles