Financial Transparency

Generally, waitlists can assist institutions in managing demand for high-demand courses by providing additional information about student interest and potentially informing future adjustments to course offerings. However, waitlist activity alone should not be interpreted as an indicator of overall enrollment or broader trends in student matriculation.

With respect to the number of classes offered, student success and access to courses needed for academic progress remain important considerations. As course schedules are developed, the institution will continue to consider student demand, academic needs, and available resources. In the context of current budget constraints, there may be opportunities to enhance schedule efficiency through adjustments to the number of course sections offered or section sizes, while continuing to consider students’ ability to access courses necessary for timely academic progress.

The University’s budget mitigation strategies may include measures to reduce instructional personnel costs, which could have a disproportionate impact on Lecturer faculty. Depending on adjustments to the number of course sections offered and course sizes, there may be a corresponding reduction in available teaching assignments for Lecturer faculty. Any impacts to instructional personnel will be addressed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the CFA Collective Bargaining Agreement, including those governing appointment and assignment order.

The University will conduct a careful review of positions across the institution, including management roles, as part of its ongoing consideration of budget mitigation measures. The duration and scope of these measures remain uncertain and will depend on the evolving budget situation. Current conditions may require these efforts to continue through FY 2026–2027.

Critical or high-priority positions may continue to be considered for recruitment or appointment based on the University’s strategic priorities, operational needs, and available resources.

Employee compensation represents a significant component of the University’s recurring operating costs. While CSUSB typically receives some additional State funding to support certain mandatory cost increases, including salary increases, the funding provided may not fully offset the associated costs. As a result, salary increases can contribute to ongoing budget pressures when the costs associated with these increases exceed the additional funding available to the University.

The Administration has utilized multiple channels to provide faculty and staff with information regarding the University’s budget and financial outlook, including:

• Financial Transparency Portal: Provides access to budget information and related updates.

• Faculty Senate: The Administration has engaged with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee on matters related to the University’s budget situation.

• University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC): Includes representatives from across the campus community who review budget allocations and provide input as part of the University’s budget planning process.

• Campus-Wide Communications: Periodic communications provide information regarding budget developments, decisions, and projections as information becomes available.

CSUSB  will continue using these and other appropriate communication channels, as well as explore opportunities to enhance access to financial information. These efforts are intended to support transparency, informed engagement, and continued communication with faculty and staff as the budget situation evolves.

CSUSB allocates resources across a range of areas that, while not exclusively academic, contribute to the overall student experience and campus environment. These areas may include:

• Campus Maintenance: Resources support the maintenance of facilities and grounds, contributing to a safe, functional, and welcoming campus environment that supports student well-being and academic success.

• Student Wellness and Support Services: Resources support services such as mental health, disability support, and other wellness programs that can contribute to student success, persistence, and retention.

• Extracurricular Activities: Support for student organizations, events, and other activities contributes to campus engagement, community-building, and opportunities for learning and development beyond the classroom.

In addition, certain University resources are designated or restricted for specific purposes. For example, self-support programs and certain student fee revenues, including fees supporting health services and student success initiatives, may be subject to legal, regulatory, or other restrictions governing their use and generally cannot be redirected to unrelated purposes, including academic programs.

Taken together, these areas reflect the range of resources necessary to support students both inside and outside the classroom. The University’s allocation of resources across these areas is intended to support the overall student experience while remaining consistent with applicable funding requirements and restrictions.

Budget reduction decisions involving personnel are made in accordance with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provisions and other relevant requirements. In considering potential budget reductions, the Administration evaluates the potential impacts on essential student services, academic functions, and University operations, with the goal of maintaining continuity of critical services and supporting student success.

Factors that may be considered include:

• Impact on student services and retention

• Preservation of instructional quality and faculty support

• Operational efficiency and campus functionality

• Alignment with the University’s strategic and operational priorities

This process is intended to support informed and thoughtful decision-making as the University responds to financial constraints, while considering the potential effects of budget reductions on students, employees, and campus operations

Budget shortfalls can result from a combination of factors, including inflationary pressures, changes in funding, and State-mandated costs that may not be fully funded. In recent years, CSUSB has taken steps to address these pressures; however, available reserves are not intended to provide a long-term solution for ongoing structural budget challenges.

Across the CSU, reserve levels currently represent approximately 34 days of operating expenditures, which is below commonly referenced guidance for maintaining a three- to six-month operating reserve. While one-time reserves may provide flexibility in addressing short-term budget needs, using these resources to support recurring expenses, such as salaries and benefits, would not address the underlying ongoing costs and could reduce the University’s financial flexibility over time.

Please see CSU website for more information.

CSUSB’s Management Personnel Plan (MPP) staffing levels are generally comparable to, and in some measures below, the CSU system average. For example, CSUSB has approximately one MPP for every 7.2 instructional faculty members, compared with a CSU system average of approximately 1:6.3. Similarly, CSUSB has approximately one MPP for every 97.5 students, measured by FTES, compared with a CSU system average of approximately 1:82.

MPP compensation is established in accordance with applicable CSU policies and guidelines, which are intended to support consistency and competitiveness with comparable positions and institutions. MPP positions are also subject to ongoing organizational and operational review to assess their responsibilities, resource needs, and alignment with the University’s priorities and mission.

As part of its ongoing budget and organizational planning, CSUSB will continue to evaluate its administrative structure and resource allocation in consideration of institutional needs, operational requirements, and available resources, while supporting the University’s academic mission and student success.

CSUSB is committed to providing a range of services and resources that support students’ academic progress and overall well-being. Key areas of student support include:

• Academic Advising: Advisors assist students with course planning, degree requirements, academic progress, and, where appropriate, career and educational planning.

• Services to Students with Disabilities (SSD): SSD provides accommodations and support services intended to promote equitable access to educational programs and opportunities for eligible students with disabilities.

• Black Student Success Initiative: This initiative provides mentorship, community-building opportunities, and other resources designed to support the academic and personal development of Black students.

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS provides counseling and related services to support students in addressing personal, emotional, and other challenges that may affect their well-being and academic experience.

• Financial Aid Guidance: Financial aid staff assist students with understanding financial aid options, financial planning, scholarships, and related resources that may help address financial barriers to enrollment and continued attendance.

Together, these services contribute to a broader approach to student support, providing resources intended to help students navigate academic, personal, and financial considerations throughout their educational experience at CSUSB.