On April 24, 2023, Dr. Terrence Cheng, President of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, co-hosted press conference at the state capitol with Representative Haddad regarding the effect of proposed 2023-24 state budget on higher education. Cheng articulates the scope of the damage of the draft budget proposal to both current and upcoming state university students, as well as the faculty and staff. Cheng noted that the CSCU system is composed of seventeen campuses across Connecticut, serving 85,000 students (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) and 14,000 employees.  

He went on to describe the proposed budget in its current form as “devastating,” highlighting that the budget in its current form would create a bleak academic future. With 650 faculty and staff layoffs and 3,000 part time positions the first to be on the chopping block, many larger programs at any of the CSCU universities could be forced to shut down. These cuts would also require a tuition increase, meaning that students would pay more for fewer opportunities and services. If the state universities become less accessible, Cheng continued, this will greatly harm communities that have been established through the CSCUs. It is estimated that 96% of Connecticut students remain in the state for their education, while 93% remain after graduation to serve as a worker in the state, according to official statistics.  

Many of these students also come from diverse backgrounds and valuable unique perspectives. Cheng cited university census data that 52% of CSCU students alone are non-white. Additionally, many of these students are commuters who likely cannot afford the tuition rates and cost of living at universities out of state. By forcing these cuts and raise in cost to the CSCU many students will be robbed of the chance of a higher education. Cheng also reiterated that despite what some may claim, the enrollment rates at the CSCUs are stabilizing after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession on university enrollment. Overall, Cheng called loudly and clearly for this budget proposal to be reconsidered. The same week, on April 27, 2023, CSCU students gathered in the state capitol in a rally previously reported by the Echo.  

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has also been vocal in recent weeks with support of students and the dire need for reform to the proposed budget. On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, students and faculty from the CSCU system came together to tell their stories at the Legislative Office Building in the state Capitol Complex, having gotten up early to show distaste for this current budget proposal. Students were clad in white t-shirts that proudly proclaimed themselves as products of a state university, or waving signs with passion, as students, faculty, and lawmakers came together in the conference room. Reporting for the Echo, I got to see and hear firsthand how these students, like me, have thrived in the CSCU system.  

From engineering students to education majors, all talked about their stories, and how they’ve grown as people and as CSCU students. Many, like myself, cannot afford private institutions and other options. One of the highlighted speeches was given by Alina Wheeler, who struggles with multiple disabilities, including diabetes, and severe depression. Alina went on to talk about how Social Security Disability Insurance effectively limit the amount of income for disabled people, and thus ability to invest in education. For her it’s $14.80 an hour before she would get cut off from her benefits which keep her alive by paying for treatment for her diabetes. Education offers hope for a long-term salaried career with stable benefits, however in the short run, Alina says, working through college at a private institution is not an option. Alina describes this as the “bleak reality” for a lot of disabled people. 

It’s clear that for many students in diverse circumstances, the CSCUs are essential to accessing a proper education, and further aspiring to a business or career. At press time, the budget proposal is still undergoing discussion at the state legislature, with members expressing differing opinions.   

Sources within the legislature estimate that discussions will wrap up within the next couple weeks as party leaders aim to prepare for a final version for a vote. The university administration, faculty, unions, and student government are urging members of the campus community, including students, families, and local residents and businesses, to speak out against the proposed budget cuts and reach out to state legislators while there is still time. Connecticut residents can look up their local representatives here. Students outside of Connecticut can contact members of the appropriations committee, or House and Senate leadership.