The incoming chancellor of the 23-campus California State University system won fans and earned some cheers Wednesday when he requested that his salary be reduced by 10 percent in light of the state's continuing budget problems.
``Despite the passage of Proposition 30, there remain grave economic issues to solve in California and the California State University,'' incoming Chancellor Timothy P. White said. ``The success of the measure was the voice of the voters and taxpayers of California to start to reinvest in education. ``... Consequently, as I join the faculty, staff and students who have experienced cuts, salary freezes and increased fees, I too must do my part,'' he said.
``This is the basis of my request to reduce my own compensation to contribute to the rebuilding of this great university.''
White, who will move from his position as chancellor of UC Riverside to become CSU chancellor for the Long Beach-headquartered system at the end of the year, was expected to be paid $421,500 from state funds, plus a $30,000 supplement from CSU Foundation sources.
At his request, his state-funded salary will be dropped to $380,000. He will still receive the $30,000 supplement. CSU Board of Trustees chairman Bob Linscheid praised White's decision, calling it ``a testament to his commitment to CSU and a demonstration of his leadership.''
The Cal State University Board of Trustees, which meets two consecutive days monthly, postponded it agendized consideration of student fees including what it called a "graduation incentive fee." That and other fees were meant to motivate students to graduate sooner and to not drop classes after enrolling, to make room for the estimated 18,000 CSU students eligible but for space.
A group of about 50 members of CSU Students for Quality Education protested any fees and demanded a voice in the discussion of then outside the CSU Chancellor's office. On Wednesday they released a preliminary report on "Obstacles to Graduation."
Following requests from the governor and students, the CSU board tabled the proposed tuition hikes set for consideration at this week's meetings, the Associated Press reported board chairman Robert Linscheid saying.
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/11/13/4983183/csu-board-postpones-fee-hikes.html#storylink=
--City News contributed to this report.
