After CUNY had raised its tuition for community colleges by up to $175 this fall, it is being raised once again. The proposed tuition hikes and budget cuts will undoubtedly make students’ financial situations considerably worse, if not preventing some students from attending altogether. On October 6, 2009, Governor Paterson announced his proposal to cut $53 million from funds for CUNY senior colleges, and a week later added a $9.9 million cut to CUNY community colleges. The proposal also reduced the amount of funding given to the Higher Education Services Corporation by $35 million. The Higher Education Services Corporation administers student aid such as TAP, which was cut by $120 per semester, per student.
This means numerous things for students. The result of the hike does not only affect students financially, but also affects the way they get their education. Not only does tuition increase, but due to the lack of funds, colleges also cancel courses, increase class sizes, limit the hiring of faculty, and cut down on maintenance needs.
Nearly two thirds of students at CUNY’s community colleges come from homes with an income of less than $35,000 a year. Students have not been reacting kindly to the proposed hikes. When asked for his opinion on the budget cuts and tuition hikes, LaGuardia student Christian Canarte said “I feel it’s a negative thing. I’m kind of having financial aid problems as we speak. I worked full-time last year so they said I make too much for financial aid this year when I’m only working part time because of the recession.” Almost half of community college students work more than 20 hours per week, and can barely afford tuition at the current rates. Some students take on more than one job to be able to pay tuition, but they fear that with the tuition hike, it will not be enough. LaGuardia student AnnMarie Giove said “I already work two jobs and I am barely able to pay for school. If they raise tuition, I don’t know what I’ll have to do. I might not be able to come back next semester.”
Dr. Barbara Bowen, President of the Professional Staff Congress (PSC), said “CUNY cannot absorb any more cuts; the University is already cramming students into overcrowded classrooms. Enrollment is the highest it has ever been; the demand for a CUNY education has never been greater. It makes no sense - economically or morally - to cut the University now.” The Professional Staff Congress is doing a lot to try to help the situation. The PSC represents 22,000 CUNY faculty and staff members.
The U.S. is in an economic recession and people are being laid off from jobs. Unemployment rates in New York City have soared reaching 9%; the highest since 1983. People believe that this encourages people to go back to school. It is reported that CUNY enrollment is at its highest point since 1975, with a 4.8% increase throughout the past year. CUNY officials believe that at this point in time, more than ever, funding for CUNY and SUNY is imperative to ensure an educated society, and the opportunity for success.
There have been several rallies since the first mention of tuition increase. The most recent took place on October 27, 2009. Members of the PSC, United University Professions (UUP), United Federation of Teachers (UFT), hundreds of SUNY and CUNY faculty, staff, students, parents, and teachers rallied at CUNY Hunter College. The rally focused on protesting new budget cuts, and urged lawmakers to invest in CUNY and SUNY schools.
There are several ways students can get involved. One way is by visiting www.psc-cuny.org and clicking on “Act Now”. There are two options that follow: “Oppose Tier V”, and “Stop the Governor’s Proposed Cuts.” The steps are easy to follow, and a group effort can encourage lawmakers to vote “no” on budget cuts and tuition hikes. Once the personal information of the student is filled out and submitted, an e-mail is sent to the representatives in the area. By students reaching out and expressing their opinions and objections to law officials, there is at least a possibility for change.
