These cost-cutting solutions came in response to Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2012-2013 budget that relies on a tax measure.
If the tax initiative passes, it would prevent trigger cuts and give California colleges more than $200 million in funding.
But what if that tax initiative doesn’t pass? Then these schools face an additional $200 million in cuts.
These schools were forced to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
College officials can’t simply assume the measure will pass and let students in. If students were allowed in and the measure doesn’t pass, then what?
What are these colleges supposed to tell the new students? “Thanks for coming, but we don’t have the money or the room for you.”
While it’s bad for the student who planned on transferring to a CSU in 2013, students have to realize that the freeze is for the betterment of the CSU system and its students.
If the freeze was revoked, then the colleges would be forced to raise an already increasing tuition.
The policy also helps take the pressure off a crowded CSU system. Not only would it decrease enrollment, but it would also help students graduate faster. That would create room for incoming freshman and allow their college experience to not be overwhelmed with large classes and huge crowds.
The freeze would also allow current state college students to get into their necessary classes which in turn, allows them to graduate faster. The process will then allow students transferring in 2014 to have an easier time getting into classes.
One major beneficial item this freeze helped students become aware of was the Associate in Arts for Transfer and the Associate in Science for Transfer degrees. Many students did not know these degrees previously existed, but the freeze raised awareness about them. The degree will be one of the most secure ways to guarantee a transfer spot going into the future, even after the freeze.
Students already protest the cost of colleges with things like the March in March event. Santa Monica College nearly rioted when they were told about a new policy that would allow students to pay premium price to get into a class over another student who couldn’t afford the premium. It has come time for students to pick their battles.
While the freeze seems ugly, is stopping it really worth another tuition increase? Maybe students could take something from the old saying, “Good things come to those who wait.”