The state-funded summer quarter was canceled because Cal Poly Pomona, along with all other CSU campuses, is facing an unprecedented budget crisis brought on in large part by the state’s deteriorating economy. Earlier this year, th projected budget cut for Cal Poly Pomona was roughly $15 million to $20 million. In late May, the state revised its projections. The CSU system now faces a budget reduction of $400 million to $700 million for the 2009-10 fiscal year, and Cal Poly Pomona’s share of that cut is expected to range from $20 million to $35 million. That is equivalent to cutting 15 percent to 26 percent of our state funding.
CSUs receive state funding based on a predetermined student population, known as the full-time equivalent student, or FTES. A university does not receive extra funding if it exceeds its FTES. By canceling the state-funded summer quarter, Cal Poly Pomona gains more flexibility as its makes difficult budgeting decisions for 2009-10.
No. Student fees cover about 29% of the cost of the education at Cal Poly Pomona. State funding makes up about 66% of the university’s budget. See the chart below for more information on Cal Poly Pomona’s sources of funding, based on numbers from 2008-2009. Cutting the university’s budget by $20 million to $35 million is equivalent to cutting 15 percent to 26 percent of our state funding.
Most CSU campuses are on the semester system and have already started their summer sessions, which removes cancellation as an option. Cal Poly Pomona, which operates on the quarter system, typically reaches or slightly exceeds its annual FTES allotment. Its state-funded summer session traditionally is one of the largest in the CSU, which has a significant impact on annual FTE numbers. This year, about 6,600 students were expected to attend, with an average course load of 8 units.
To support student graduation requirements, the university will offer a fee-based summer schedule through the College of the Extended University beginning on July 13. These fully transferrable accredited courses meet Cal Poly Pomona degree requirements. More information on the CEU courses will be posted as soon as they are available. The number of students who will attend through the extended university is not yet known. The curriculum will be firmed up on June 29. Until then, students may suggest which courses they would like to take.
The decision was made as soon as reasonably possible. California voters rejected several propositions on the May 19 ballot that would have affected the state budget. University presidents then met with the Chancellor in early June to assess the CSU funding crisis. After that meeting, President Michael Ortiz and his Cabinet decided that canceling the state-funded summer session was the most prudent initial step at Cal Poly Pomona.
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2009 California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 W. Temple Ave. Pomona, CA 91768