Dear SJSU Students,
You are no doubt aware of California’s budget deficit. The CSU is facing a $585 million dollar reduction in funding. The cut to San Jose State University is around $40 million. By cutting back on salaries for administrators, managers, staff workers, maintenance workers, nurses, instructors, librarians, etc., our campus can make up most, but not all, of the $40 million shortfall.
Most of the workers mentioned above voted for a furlough plan, which means employees will see a 9.23% reduction in pay, and a corresponding reduction in workload. By taking furloughs, more teachers can remain employed, so more courses can be offered to you. As a result, this semester you will see the whole campus closed on designated days. The faculty will also personally select six furlough days for the semester, which we must designate in writing. It is against our contract for us to do any work on a furlough day: no returning or taking phone calls, no reading emails, no grading papers—nothing.
Additionally, you are paying more for your education now than ever before. Instructors may have to cancel some class meetings. Many course sections cannot be offered and have been canceled. Many lecturers have lost their jobs. Please know that this situation is outrageous and heart breaking for us. We want you to have the best academic preparation possible, but that goal is becoming more difficult to reach given the economic realities we all face.
We encourage you to step up and get involved in your higher education, your future, and the future of California. Please contact your state legislators and tell them what you think. Contact our Governor, as well. Tell him him of the devastating effects of these cuts. Attend the rallies and events that will occur on campus this semester. By taking action, we can make change!
We urge you to contact:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.445.2841
Fax: 916.558.3160
Email here
Dr. Charles B. Reed, California State University Chancellor
401 Golden Shore, Rm. 641
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562.951.4700
Fax: 562.951.4986
For CSU Board of Trustees contact information here
Go here to find out who your assembly and legislative representatives are.
Thank you for you help.
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