Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) hosted a live Webcast discussion through The California Channel, in a statewide discussion in response to the recent student fee increases made in higher education on Feb, 23 at 7:00 p.m.
A product of the University of California system Steinberg addressed the controversial issue millions of students are facing in the state of California due to the inadequate funds in higher education.
The 54-minute webcast included a pre-taped “day-in-the-life” segment of a few students devastated by the fee increases, sharing their personal adversities, experiences and concerns.
The discussion was followed by questions answered by the panelists, previously submitted via email, from various student participants statewide.
“Higher Education is critical to the future of our state, these institutions have served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of students,” Steinberg said.
“The state’s budget has taken a plunge along with the international economy, our public colleges and universities have been hit the hardest,” added Steinberg.
After the UC’s Board of Regents vote to increase tuition by 32%, caused by the $1.2 billion spending gap in result of the state’s budget crisis, California’s students are dealing with the after math of skyrocketing fee increases.
Fees at UC’s are up 144 percent suffering an increase of $5,000 per year. CSU’s are dealing with a 180 percent increase a $2,600 increase per year.
Community Colleges are dealing with a136 percent increase and $15 per unit increase.
Students all over are dealing with, various circumstances, like not being able to enroll, experiencing difficulties getting their classes, which in turn, prolongs their time in their respective institutions.
The estimated time to earn a degree is 5.5 years, in the CSU system and 4.2 years for UC’s.
“Experts have already warned that if we don’t change these trends California will not have the workers it needs to keep our economy on the cutting edge” Steinberg said.
The “day-in-the-life” segment featured different stories of students struggling like, Jordan Mortimer, a special education major, at Sierra Community College.
Mortimer shared some of the struggles he is facing stating, “With the high cost, the probability of attending next semester, as a full-time student, won’t happen.”
“I fear that prices will continue to rise, and fulfilling my life dream may not be possible,” Mortimer added.
Yeimi Lopez, a Junior at CSU Sacramento, shared her experience as a first generation college student in her family describing the hard circumstances she is facing stating, “It’s a scary situation because instead of dedicating my self in my studies, half of the time I’m thinking how will I continue to pay for college.”
The student leaders were able to voice heir concerns to Senator Steinberg. Victor Sanchez Jr., External Vice Chair at UC Santa Cruz stated, “Our undocumented, known as AB 540 students, are suffering more disproportionally then any other population in our campus.”
Roberto C. Torres, President, Associated Students, Inc. of CSU Sacramento said, “We’ve seen in the CSU system a loss in quality in our education, less class availability, and fewer professors, we are essentially paying for a full gallon of milk when we are only getting half of it.”
Marchez Shurn, a student at UC Davis and single mother said, “We are all trying to progress in this society, the only way that it will become possible is if they make it possible for students.”
California spends more than 10 percent on prisons and seven percent on higher education more money is being given to prisoners rather than students.
Steinberg said, “An issue far beyond as students but a less educated work force will put a big hurt as a whole state, if changes are not made.”
“It is important that students get involved, and educate themselves in the budget process and get informed on what is going on in the state followed by effective advocacy is also consistent advocacy, added Steinberg, students of California have incredible power to make changes it the system.”
Questions submitted by local students ranged from government providing more grants to help those who have financial difficulty to an overhaul of the master plan, were some of the questions answered by the panelist.
Steinberg reassures that Cal Grants will remain a primary source of help for the recipients who qualify, and financial aid kept in tact but is in need of an increase of resources, since it is not keeping up with the fee increases.
Not only are UC and CSU students being affected by the increases made in tuition, lack of class availability, and being turned away from enrollment, some of Cerritos College students are dealing with similar issues.
Natty Kan-art, a biology major stated, “It has become a bigger burnt in the pocket, Im dealing with trying to find more financial aid through Cal Grants, but community college still remains more affordable than other institutions.”
Many of the challenges that students face at the UC and Cal State level show Cerritos College students of what is to come for their future.
Leslie Villegas,an intern at Senator Steinberg District office and Senior at CSU Sacramento said, “Things in California are not good, these drastic changes have not only impacted the students of our generation but they will affect the generations to come, if we don’t make an effort to improve the system.”
Jonathan Rodriguez, a business major stated, “The financial burden of being able to afford higher education, makes me question the affordability for the future generations.”
For more information please visit: California Senate Majority Caucus website at: http://dist06.casen.govoffice.com
If you missed the live webcast visit The California Channel and check out the TV Schedule for any future webcasts at: http://calchannel.com/channel
