Cal State Bakersfield’s financial deficit has skyrocketed from $12 million to $17.6 million in the last four months. CSUB announced a $12 million deficit in November 2024, which represented the 7.9% cut the governor made to every CSU. The new, larger, deficit reflects a further increase of nearly 50%. CSUB administration has put the number at $17.8 million in past communication with The Runner.
“In 2022, the governor and the CSU agreed to a multi-year compact that would provide the CSU with 5% annual funding increases through 2026-2027. The governor is deferring paying the CSU the compact allocation until 2027-28. What that amounts to for CSUB is $5 (million),” wrote Jennifer Self, CSUB’s public information officer.
Dr. Kristen Watson shared that this resulting budget deficit was one of three scenarios that CSUB laid out to the campus previously.
“There are three areas that account for the $17.8 million shortfall:
“1). Gov. Newsom has proposed a nearly 8% reduction in funding to the California State University for 2025-26. CSUB’s portion of that reduction is $9.3 million.
“2). Gov. Newsom has also announced plans to defer previously promised budget increases of 5% — part of his multiyear compact agreement with the CSU — until 2027-28. That equates to a $5.8 million cut to CSUB.
“3). The remaining portion of the deficit reflects rising expenses, including mandated salary increases and other costs,” wrote Watson.
What still remains to be seen is how this is going to affect the campus. There have been concerns buzzing around campus about job security, potential cuts to essential programs, the impact on vital DEI initiatives, and how transparent has the administration been with the campus community about the severity of the situation.
The Runner asked how the administration plans to address these financial issues without compromising the core mission of CSUB, and if there is a realistic plan in place to make up for the losses.
“It would be premature to provide answers at this point. However, we are working through these tough budgetary issues and will have communications prepared for campus as information becomes available,” wrote Self.
The next budget forum is Monday, March 24, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Student Union Multipurpose Room. The budget forum will be hosted by Dr. Di Wu, Chair of Academic Senate, and Watson.
