 "Photo: mylo wiles")
On Tues., Nov. 3 the Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) senate passed a resolution recommending that $600,000 be spent on course instruction, for the reopening of courses closed due to the current budget crisis.
The $600,000 was Sonoma State's share of a federal stimulus package given to the CSU system; its arrival was a convenient surprise in a time of greatly limited funding.
"We request that the one-time $600,000 allocation of federal stimulus be used solely to re-open much needed instructional courses for Spring 2010," said Cameron Baxter, a member of ASI.
While the passing of the resolution does hold significant weight, the destination of the stimulus money has yet to be determined officially.
"Passing this resolution does not guarantee the outcome that we specified. The senate only has the power of opinion and influence," said Baxter.
"It is our hope that the administration strongly considers our decision when making theirs. I trust that the administration will make the best decision for students when deciding upon where the stimulus money will go," she said.
Of the alternatives available, ASI feels that course instruction holds priority over the many underfunded areas on campus.
The money could have a number of potential applications, from funding diversity programs, to creating jobs.
"There were many alternative suggestions made from faculty and Academic Senate as to where the money could be used," said Baxter.
"There are so many current shortfalls in funding that the money could be helpful in any and all aspects of the SSU community, but because it is only a one-time allocation, we believe that it is the effective use of the money to reopen as many classes as possible," she said. "That way we are not opening jobs or programs that may not see continued funding in the future."
It remains unclear how much of a positive impact the funding will have on course instruction, if the administration does follow the ASI recommendation.
"The California State University lost more than $584 million in support from the state, and Sonoma State's share of that cut was $8 million" according to the resolution passed on Tuesday.
The $600,000 is just a drop in the bucket compared to the $4 million dollars of funding lost by the Division of Academic Affairs; funding that was a direct aid to course instruction, according to the resolution.
"I cannot speak to how many classes this money will reopen and the impact on class numbers and sizes, or that they money will be solely used to open classes. That is something we will have to wait and see," said Baxter.
Regardless, students should notice a number of courses open for enrollment that would have previously been unaffordable.
"I am hugely in support of this resolution. Because it is a one time allocation of federal stimulus money, the best option is to open classes now," said Baxter. "I think people often forget that the first and most important role of a university is to educate students, and that class options need to be the number one priority."
Be the first to comment on this article!