The budget cuts at CSUSB are devastating and will have a lasting impact on our campus community. Photo Credit: Inside CSUSB
San Bernardino, CA – California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) is confronting a severe budget crisis that threatens to significantly alter campus operations and student services. In a recent campus-wide email, CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales detailed the university’s financial challenges, warning that without immediate and substantial cost-saving measures, the institution could face a staggering $1 billion deficit for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The entire California State University (CSU) system is grappling with financial difficulties, currently experiencing a $218 million shortfall for the 2024-2025 school year. This fiscal strain has taken a considerable toll on CSUSB, which has already implemented various budget mitigation strategies over the past few years. However, these measures are proving increasingly inadequate in addressing the growing financial pressures. In response to the budget crisis, California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) is implementing several cost-saving strategies to address the growing financial pressures. The primary measures being introduced include:
- Reducing Travel Expenses: CSUSB is cutting back on travel costs, limiting non-essential trips to conserve funds.
- Decreasing Equipment and Furniture Purchases: The university is minimizing spending on new equipment and furniture, opting to extend the use of existing resources.
- Adjusting Course and Class Sizes: Class sizes are being modified to maximize resource efficiency, potentially resulting in larger class sizes to reduce the need for multiple sections.
- Consolidating Academic Programs: CSUSB is considering merging or downsizing certain academic programs to lower operational costs while maintaining key educational offerings.
These measures are part of a broader effort to manage the projected $21 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year while attempting to sustain the university’s educational standards. However, the situation remains fluid, and additional actions may be taken as financial conditions evolve.
The root causes of the budget crisis are multifaceted. Reduced state funding, a decline in student enrollment, rising operational costs, and ongoing inflation have all contributed to the dire financial situation. For the upcoming fiscal year, CSUSB is staring down a projected $21 million deficit, a figure that shows the severity of the crisis.
Despite the looming challenges, President Morales emphasized CSUSB’s commitment to upholding its high standards of education and support services. However, he acknowledged that the financial crisis would necessitate difficult decisions in the months ahead. To ensure transparency and community involvement, the university plans to hold a budget open forum in the fall. This forum will provide more detailed information about the budget situation and offer a platform for students, faculty, and staff to share their concerns and feedback.
As the financial pressures continue to mount, the CSUSB community is bracing for a period of austerity. The university’s leadership is focused on navigating these challenges with the hope of emerging from the crisis with its core mission intact. However, the road ahead is expected to be fraught with difficult decisions and significant changes to the university’s operations.
