Dear Titan Community,
As we navigate an increasingly challenging financial environment, let me share an update on Cal State Fullerton’s budget. Like many institutions across California and the nation, we are facing economic constraints due to a drastically reduced state budget proposal that requires us to tighten our belts, find efficiencies, and support one another during this period of fiscal uncertainty.
First, I want to thank and acknowledge the dedication and resilience of our students, faculty, and staff. Your commitment to our shared mission – providing innovative, equitable, and quality education – remains our north star as we make difficult but necessary decisions to move Fullerton Forward.
Cal State Fullerton has been strategically preparing for fiscal uncertainty over the last few years. We have built reserves, pursued efficiencies, and prioritized enrollment. At this time, we do not anticipate layoffs for fiscal year 2025-2026. I am asking that we all continue to carefully monitor expenses and spend wisely as the state budget becomes clearer in the coming months.
California State University (CSU) Budget 2025-2026
Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom presented his state budget proposal which includes a $375 million ongoing budget cut, representing a 7.95% reduction, for fiscal year (FY) 2025-2026. The proposal also includes a deferral of the multi-year compact agreement with the CSU to FY 2027-2028. This is equivalent to losing critical funds to support approximately 36,000 students across the CSU system.
Further, the gap between rising operating costs and funding increases provided by the state continues to grow. The Governor’s current budget proposal threatens to harm CSU’s ability to support student success, facilitate faculty research, and increase graduation rates. If passed, these cuts will be extremely detrimental to Cal State Fullerton and the CSU, which will result in significant consequences, both in and out of the classroom. The recent tuition increase, intended to help cover rising costs, was partly driven by decreasing state support. However, this proposed significant cut will only widen the gap further.
What this means for Cal State Fullerton
- Together with the Chancellor’s Office, Cal State Fullerton is planning for a $29 million or an 8% reduction. Growing and sustaining enrollment will be crucial, along with the strategic use of reserves and cost-saving measures to manage this reduction.
- We are also preparing for potential federal funding reductions, including cuts to various grants, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) funding, and significant risks to federal financial aid.
- Next month, we will join hundreds of students and campus leaders across the CSU system to advocate for critical funding. We hope that our efforts will help preserve these essential resources.
- In May, the Governor will unveil a revision to his proposed budget which will provide a clearer picture of state funding for Cal State Fullerton. We are closely monitoring this process and will continue to advocate for the resources we need to support our entire campus community.
We all have a shared responsibility to collaborate and be the best stewards of the budget. My commitment to you is transparency and candid conversations about the road ahead. I have been actively working with the CSU Chancellor’s Office, my cabinet, deans, and campus leaders to mitigate financial risks while protecting the core of our academic mission. This includes:
- Cost Management and Prioritizing Efficiencies: Every division is exploring strategies to address the proposed reductions which include leaving some positions unfilled, delaying purchases, reassessing long-term commitments, identifying new revenue sources, reallocating resources to priority areas, limiting non-essential expenses (e.g., travel, conferences, hospitality), and extending equipment replacement cycles.
- Strategic Enrollment: Enrollment is critical in securing the financial resources required to support students from admission through graduation. This includes recruiting new students as well as retaining and supporting those currently enrolled. To continue our robust enrollment, I have launched the national search for a Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and will continue to work together to ensure sufficient support to foster student success. This position is funded through the reallocation of existing resources.
- We have and will continue to leverage our reserves strategically.
I know budget challenges create uncertainty, but I believe in our ability to face them together. Cal State Fullerton has been through tough financial times before, and each time, our university has come out stronger—thanks to the creativity, teamwork, and resilience of our Titan Community. This is the Fullerton Way. I see all that you do and appreciate your collaboration to strengthen our university for years to come.
With gratitude and respect,
