On top of recession dilemmas, lack of job opportunities and an even worse economic situation happening to individuals all around the United States, California is facing an even bigger pinch thanks to the legislature’s failure to pass a state budget. At Fresno City College, the lack of a budget has had negative effects on the community as well as students’ uncertainty of their educational future.
At FCC alone, the campus is estimated to make cuts that will reduce the budget by $1.7 million from a total amount of $72 million. According to President Cynthia Azari, the preliminary budget will be set in the budget review exercise that will take place on March 2. Azari stated that the main goal during such meetings was to device a plan to “stay within our allocation.”
Due to the reduction of 2.3 percent that will be lowered, the college will have to give up some of its luxuries. Commencement, for instance, is rumored to take place at FCC’s venue, Ratcliffe Stadium. Azari stated that she was pushing for a shave of about $20,000 to $25,000 of the $85,000 total cost of the commencement ceremony.
“We need to look at all expenditures and see where we can cut back. If this means using our own facilities or other venues, we need to explore all suggestions, and adding suggestions to the list,” Azari said. She later went on that she desired to “put that money in education.”
Even with such cuts in items that FCC could do without, students are still feeling the difference in their wallets. The 11% of students, or 2500 individuals that receive the Cal-Grant from the Financial Aid department is being lowered until a budget is passed by the state legislature. Until then, students that receive the state award will only see 75 percent of their cash. The federal grants, however, have not been affected and will continue to be sent out on time and for the full award price.
“The college is trying to evaluate, review, and determine how to keep serving students,” Director of Financial Aid Frank Ramon said.
Due to the economic situation, there has been an increase in the financial aid requests from students. For the current school year, Ramon stated that there has been an increase of 4000 applications, up to 24,813 from 20,113 for the 2007-2008 school year. Although the state grants are nowhere in sight, Ramon still advices students to apply for financial aid. “There are resources such as fee waivers, pell-grants and student loans,” he said.
Through the turmoil of budget cuts and student finances, the administration will work around the economic hardships. The main goal, according to Azari, is “to continue to provide access to students and preserve permanent positions.”
