The beginning of this semester, at CSUB, has started off to an anomalous start. CSUs across California were shutting down and closing their doors, with professors, lecturers, counselors, librarians, and coaches going on strike. CSUB ended up taking part in the strike, with the hopes of increasing the salary wage.
Subsequently, CSU and CFA (California Faculty Association) were able to come to an agreement for a salary increase. Emails had been previously sent out that the first week of classes would be canceled, however there was no notice to be prepared in case classes began sooner.
With the strike ending, emails were sent out to students notifying them that classes were beginning the following day. The issue with this notice was that not only was it sent very late in the night, but many students including myself believed we would not have to attend classes until the following week.
Being notified that classes would begin in less than 24 hours affected me, as I was not prepared. When I received the email, I was about to fall asleep because I had planned to drive my parents to the airport, the following morning. I quickly got up from bed and told them I wouldn’t be able to since the strike had ended.
Clearly, my parents and I began to stress out and worry about how they would make their flight. We did not have enough time to call and ask a family member to take them and it was too late to make other arrangements. Eventually, my parents had to pay for a bus to take them and the issue was resolved.
However, I believe it was exceedingly unprofessional and insensitive that students and even professors were not given at least a 24-hour notice. I was not the only student at CSUB who did not agree with such a late notice.
Saria Uribe, a junior majoring in criminal justice, stated “I think it could have been done more accordingly. The late notice was lacking a lot especially the stating to disregard any previous communication with our professors about classes being canceled”.
Valerie Santos, a senior majoring in business administration, was also affected with the late notice, stating, “I had made other commitments and wasn’t able to attend my classes the week of the strike because the announcement to return to classes was so sudden. Also, I do feel for those who were so negatively affected by this surprisingly quick change because many had other pressing matters.”
Like myself, there were several other students who also had plans for the week such as taking extra shifts at work, going out of town, and attending important family events.
Erika Calderon, a senior majoring in liberal studies, stated “I made plans to go visit my sick dad and with the late notice of the strike ending, I couldn’t attend classes for Tuesday. I had to come earlier from my out-of-town visit, in order to attend classes on Wednesday”.
It is remarkable that members of CSUB decided to take part in the strike. Their commitment to civilly demand an increase on their pay was a great example that it is important to advocate for labor rights.
It is noteworthy that CSUB faculty were given an increase in their pay, considering their pivotal role in the academic lives of students.
However, in future scenarios it is imperative to notify students and professors ahead of time that classes will be beginning once again. With enough notice, all members of the university, including myself, are able to return to classes more prepared and organized.
