The Cal State system is bracing for a cut of $375 million — a result of rising costs and declining enrollment. University officials warn of fewer classes and faculty layoffs.

National and California experts say Trump’s mass deportation plans make filling out the federal financial aid application for college a risk to students with undocumented parents. California’s own application has more safeguards.

Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million and warning of layoffs and cuts to academic programs. San Jose State has cut $55 million the past two years, by not hiring new staff and avoiding replacing non-faculty job openings.

Changes are underway one year after scathing audits showed how the California State University system failed to handle reports of sexual discrimination, harassment and assault in its Title IX offices.

Two major forces are at play: Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back his promise of increased financial support for Cal State, while university officials agreed to 5% salary increases earlier this year.

Members of the California Faculty Association approved a two-year agreement that the union and administration hammered out after a strike last month that lasted one day.

After months of negotiations, university officials and the faculty union remain far apart on key contract terms. Cal State provided a 5% general raise; the union wants 12% this year.

After months of negotiations, California State  University officials announced a 5% pay raise. The union that represents 29,000 faculty sought 12% and will strike at all 23 campuses the first week of classes, beginning Monday.

While the Cal State and UC systems received more money in 2023, they still face financial challenges. And they also must address labor strife.

The strike in the first week of a new semester could be called off if both sides reach an agreement in contract talks Jan. 8-12, the union said.

Faculty members at California State University campuses also are at impasse in labor negotiations.

Student workers at the 23-campus CSU system say their pay is low, their hours are restricted and they get no sick pay. They are hoping to join the employees union to fix that.

During the first year of the program, SJSU is offering guaranteed admission to 14 majors, including many in sought-after fields of study, including business, engineering, public health, political science and child and adolescent development. 

While the numbers of transfers to four-year colleges are increasing, still fewer than 15% of local community college students take steps towards undergraduate degrees, according to CalMatters.

Community college officials said that the UC and Cal State universities rejected nearly 30,000 eligible community college applicants in the fall of 2020 — more than enough transfers to meet the community colleges system’s goal.

Mildred García confronts a budget shortfall, declining enrollment and complaints about how Cal State officials have handled sexual misconduct allegations.