CSUN administrators have implemented an existing policy in response to the State’s budget cuts to the California State University (CSU) system by encouraging students who have over 140 units, more than enough to receive an undergraduate degree to graduate.

The goal is to have 1,800 full-time students graduate under this policy, said Harry Hellenbrand, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Current students who have 140 units or more will meet with department chairs of each major to discuss future enrollment.

‘We’re creating a way to inform people who are close to graduating and help them move on,’ Hellenbrand said. ‘Most (CSU’s) are doing some versions of this.’

While the policy had been in place, the campus only enforces it when necessary, which was the case in 2003 through 2005, because the language allows CSUN some flexibility in its implementation.

The Provost said some students may have switched majors several times which would explain why they have so many units. However, the reasons vary from student to student and the campus would try to be ‘flexible’.

While he doesn’t agree with the policy Hellenbrand agrees that the implementation of the policy is necessary because of the budget cuts.

‘However it’s unfair that the state is taking this out on students,’ Hellenbrand said.

Amber Prince, 21, who is a graduating senior, agreed with CSUN’s approach to decreasing the capacity of students, but thinks it should have been taken care of before the impaction of the school occurred.

‘There is no need to continue taking more classes unless it’s one or two more,’ said Prince. ‘If they (students) want to take more classes then its best they transfer.’

Jose Bustamante, 25, CSUN alumnus feels CSUN should promote education rather than taking it away.

Bustamante graduated from CSUN with a total of 170 units and a degree in communications and Central American studies, with a minor in psychology.

Although he was well over the university’s required units to graduate, he feels faculty contributed to his delay in graduating.

‘There was a lack of good counselors who actually took their time,’ said Bustamante.

Bustamante said the university should focus more on students rather than raising the cost of tuition. Adding, if tuition is raised then there should be more classes.

In situations such as availability of classes that cause a delay in a student graduating, department chairs will review student files on a case-by-case basis, said Hellenbrand.

Admittance for first-time students will become more competitive starting fall 2009 as CSUN prioritizes prospective student’s enrollment by local residencies and high-test scores.

Because CSUN has exceeded its capacity by 1,800 students admittance will be decreased basing freshman eligibility on two tiers, according to a report written by Hellenbrand before the beginning of the semester.

The first category consists of graduates who attended high schools in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and the second category is based on high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores.

Torie Takaki, 19, a sophomore, agreed with the approach CSUN is taking with future freshman enrollment.

‘Enrollment should be strict by not letting in so many freshmen who have to take remedial classes,’ said Takaki. ‘I think they need to be ready for the college level classes.’

Hellenbrand also indicated once freshman students are admitted they have until June to take the EPT and ELM test, which is another way to curb enrollment.

However, Hellenbrand said cutting enrollment will have long term effects, such as an increase in high school dropouts and a decrease in college enrollment which will in turn produce an uneducated and unqualified workforce in the future.

He blames the state for not making higher education a priority in the budget.

‘It’s a short term solution to a long term problem,’ Hellenbrand said.