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news:
Chancellor sends
congrats
By Alex Roman
Online Forty-Niner
California State
University Chancellor Charles B. Reed wrapped up this year's
series of teleconferences with a positive message for graduates
and addressed the energy crisis and financial aid.
"I send my
very best congratulations to the 2001 graduates," Reed
said as he began the last of four teleconferences this spring.
Reed formally addressed
only one topic - the energy crisis - and the possible effect
that it, coupled with economic slowdown, may have on the distribution
of funds for the upcoming school year.
"This is a
time of year when major budget decisions are made in Sacramento,"
Reed said. "We are entering into uncharted waters, a
storm called the energy crisis and a small offshoot of that
storm, which is economic slowdown."
Reed suggested
the across-the-board increase of 4 percent, which is proposed
by the State legislature, will be protected. The increase
will be used for libraries, maintenance, repairs and technology.
"Because of
economic slowdown, there will still be a deficit according
to the budget of $3.1 million this year," Reed said.
"We don't really know what that means, but I assume that
means everyone will have to take a little less."
Reed's conference
call then became a question and answer session, with schools
discussing topics important to their campus.
Reed was questioned
about the law concerning students with felony convictions
not being allowed to receive financial aid.
The law, which
was passed two years ago, has recently been brought to the
forefront by the new presidential administration.
"This is not a new law; this was passed two years ago,"
Reed said. "I have tried very hard and I think with some
success to minimize the effects of this law on our campuses."
The chancellor
also added that the information is given voluntarily and it
is his stance that the CSU system would not seek out students
who have felony convictions in an effort to deny them the
opportunity to receive higher education.
Armando Contreras,
executive assistant to the CSULB President Robert Maxson echoed
similar sentiments at Cal State Long Beach.
"We don't
do background checks," Contreras said. "It is not
our intent to prohibit someone who maybe did make a mistake
from doing something to benefit themselves."
Ending his teleconference,
Reed spoke about the board's plans to discuss the use of alcohol
on campus and promised to discuss the findings at the beginning
of his first teleconference next fall.
"I promise
that we will open up next fall's teleconference with the findings
of our board's recommendations," Reed said. "It
might be a good idea to get the word out to all students who
will be back next fall."
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