Every so often I get word of a question swirling around campus. These things seem to take on a life of their own. I would like to take an opportunity to clear up a few rumors that I have heard recently:
Summer Session
There are a number of community colleges throughout the state that are either canceling summer school outright or making reductions of 50% or more. I am happy to report that CSM is not one of those schools. We will need to reduce our offerings by about 15% due to the budget crisis. Our online summer schedule will be out the week of March 1; priority summer registration begins April 21 and for general summer registration, May 22. Register as soon as you can because many students who were planning to take summer classes at other colleges will be heading our way.
Building 10 at dusk
Construction
I understand that it is difficult to see us spend millions on construction when we are not able to offer students all the classes or services that they need. Here is why we must continue our construction projects: the voters of San Mateo County passed a bond measure in 2005 for the explicit purpose of renovating and/or building new buildings at CSM, Skyline, and Canada College. By law, we must use these funds for construction projects. Our construction projects are “on budget and on time.” Furthermore, we have a Bond Oversight Committee, comprised of community leaders, to make sure that we are spending our construction dollars wisely. Finally, the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury has cited our construction program as a model program.
Enrollment Fees
Our current enrollment fee for resident students is $26/unit. I hear from some that we should raise the enrollment fee to offset the lost revenues from the state. I hear from others that school is too expensive already because of textbook costs and transportation. Regardless of how you feel, CSM has no control over the enrollment fee. This amount is set by the state and is the same for all California Community Colleges. It is likely that the fee will be increased in the future.
Furthermore, CSM does not keep student enrollment fees. The bulk of the fee is forwarded to the state. Finally, the enrollment fee does not cover the real cost of educating students. A full-time student taking 30 units per year will pay an enrollment fee of $780 ($26 x 30 units). However, it costs about $4,500 to educate that same student. The difference is paid for by the taxpayers. If you are struggling to keep up with the costs of education, let us help. Please visit collegeofsanmateo.edu/finaid for more information.
Let me know what other questions you have or tell me about what you are hearing on campus. I will try my best to answer your questions and concerns.
#1 by Michelle on February 9th, 2010
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The situation is out of your direct control as it is with the rest of us. I feel bad when other students/faculty are giving you such a hard time.
#2 by Mike Claire on February 13th, 2010
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Thank you Michelle! Actually most students, faculty and staff have been very understanding. I think that people realize that our budget woes are directly tied to the state’s budget problems. It is very difficult for everyone.
#3 by michael cardona on February 11th, 2010
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Hey Mike, i was curious as to what information you could give me when it comes to reaching out for supporters in our community. The EOPS club would like to initiate a walk for fundraising just like the “breast cancer walk,” but before anything like that could happen i would like to know of any companies that have supported the school in the past to try to get them on board for a good cause!! so who should i contact??
#4 by Beverley Madden on February 17th, 2010
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Michelle – check out Support CSM on the College of San Mateo web site for ways to provide advocacy and support for College of San Mateo, Community Colleges and education. We’re here to help!
#5 by Dave Scott on February 24th, 2010
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I have an idea, why don’t you reduce the outrageous salaries of your staff and maybe lay off a few of superfluous postions and you might be able to support more students. The private sector has lost a large percentage of jobs and taken 20% paycuts on average, what about you guys!
#6 by Mike Claire on March 9th, 2010
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College of San Mateo has reduced its budget by 20% by eliminating staff and administrative positions and by reducing low-enrolled class sections. We have done our best to serve as many students as possible. In fact, our enrollment has increased over the last few years despite annual decreases in our operating budget. We now serve over 11,000 students each semester. Our faculty are experienced professionals who hold advanced degrees. Their pay is comparable to professionals in the private sector. People who have lost jobs in the private sector enroll at CSM for retraining, which is one of vital roles of our community colleges.
#7 by Erin Lee on April 19th, 2010
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Hi Mike,
I first want to say that I am happy that the blog has been such a great success. However, I also have a question about KCSM. I am a big believer in the KCSM brand. We have a unique station, a talented crew and many loyal listeners and viewers. I wonder however, how can the board approve another year of running the station, even though KCSM is 1/10th or, $100, 000 short of the $1 million dollars it will take to operate the station next year? It seems to me, that our biggest problem both locally, at the state and federal levels, is that we make grand plans, without funding them. In fact, we approve a lot of projects with less than needed funding. If I did this in any private business, I would go bankrupt and/or be fired. Thank you for taking your time to comment on this issue.
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