Academic Senate increases salaries

Cal State Long Beach President Robert Maxson spoke out about the cost of education and the Academic Senate Committee voted on the passing of Performance Salary Increases, or PSIs, at the Academic Senate meeting Thursday.

Maxson expressed his concern with the problem of growing tuition. Noting that the majority of colleges across California and the United States have raised their schools' state tuition, Maxson said he would not hike fees.

"I'm not inclined to approve any fee increases at this university," Maxson said. "No decision will be made without the input of our students."

Maxson also recommended a 13-member committee of mostly students to address any new fees and to recommend the allocation of those fees.

The committee will consist of the student body president, staff from Finance Administration and Staff Affairs, Vice President of Student Affairs, Vice President of Student Affairs, two faculty members and some students. This committee will recommend any new fees and any change in fees.

Enrollment at CSULB has increased by 940 students this year, with most of these students being freshmen, whom Maxson said "could be the smartest freshman class in this school's history."

Lengthy discussions ensued about the phrasing of the PSIs Draft Revision for 1996-1997. This suggested amendment is to create an incentive for faculty to maintain adequate performances and to be rewarded for meritorious performances.

The committee also felt that student evaluations would strengthen any candidate's application.

Senator Schmidt announced his intention of proposing an amendment which would make submitting student evaluations optional.