California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA. - CSU Channel Islands is announcing budget cuts in the form of eliminated positions and reduced staff appointments in addition to ongoing operating budget cuts, in the face of $3.8 million in budget reductions for the CI 2011-12 academic year. This cut is part of the $500M reduction in state support to the California State University system, an 18 percent decrease.

“All decisions to reduce the budget are made to minimize the impact to students and instructional programs at CI,” stated President Richard R. Rush. “Covering our campus’ $3.8 million cut is not viable without substantial structural changes in the way we operate. It is heartbreaking to lose people we respect that are part of the CI family.”

Eliminated positions included the Vice President for Advancement responsible for oversight of the areas of donor, alumni, and community relations, as well as communication and marketing; the Athletics Director charged with the development of Intercollegiate Athletics; and the Faculty Development Director responsible for faculty training and support for academic programs.

State limits on expected enrollment growth reduced the Athletic and Recreation Fees students paid toward the development of Intercollegiate Athletics. The campus will continue to build recreation and club sports to transition into an Intercollegiate Athletics program at some point in the future.

Actions to reduce staff appointments included the elimination of 12-month laboratory technician positions. It is anticipated that the positions will be available as 11-month positions. However, CI’s current hiring freeze will remain in place for other vacant positions, as well.

CI does not expect to make further reductions at this time. However, the University does not rule out additional cuts in the future. Governor Jerry Brown has reported that if the sales, vehicle and income taxes are not extended it is likely that the CSU can expect an additional $500M reduction to its budget.

“The people of Ventura County, who fought to build this four-year, public university, know that higher education is the economic engine of the region,” said Rush. “We should not be gutting public higher education; we should be growing it.”

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.