bricks and ivy

It is likely the future of the local area guarantee will be discussed at public hearings to be held on dates to be determined.

Contact:
Pat Lopes Harris
, Media Relations, 408-656-6999

SAN JOSE, Calif., — San Jose State will accept all CSU-eligible local frosh and transfer applicants as originally planned.

However, our message to all future applicants remains grades and test scores matter now more than ever, and alternative plans should be made in case you are not admitted to SJSU.

We also would like to remind fall 2012 applicants that MySJSU, our online communications system, remains your first and best source of information.

Why is this happening now?

The California State University sustained a $750 million cut this year, and there’s a strong possibility of an additional $200 million trigger cut. A $950 million cut for the CSU means a $58.4 million cut for San Jose State.

SJSU is receiving more applications than ever but enrollment cannot grow when state support declines. Tuition covers only half the cost of attendance.

In 2011, San Jose State raised admissions standards, a practice known as “impaction.” This made it tougher to get into all SJSU majors than to get into the CSU in general.

How will this affect fall 2012?

At the same time, SJSU sought to honor a local area guarantee by offering admission to all CSU-eligible local applicants. Over the past several weeks, SJSU considered ending the guarantee in fall 2012, but is now examining other options, such as closing admissions for most programs in spring 2013

For frosh, admissions will proceed as planned. All CSU-eligible local frosh will be admitted for fall 2012. Those not admitted to a major will be assigned undeclared.

For transfers, CSU-eligible local transfers not admitted to a major will have two options: Apply now to CSU East Bay, or work hard to gain admission to an SJSU major by the end of fall 2012 while applying to CSUEB for spring 2013 as a back-up plan.

Is this permanent?

SJSU will hold public hearings on the future of the local area guarantee. Details are in the works, and will be shared broadly.

Meanwhile, unprecedented budget cuts to higher education have forced the university to close its doors to thousands of well-qualified students.

It is now more important than ever for all university stakeholders — faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and friends of the university — to become advocates for higher education.

Remind legislators and the governor that education is integral to the state’s economic recovery, workforce needs, and international competitiveness.

Be an SJSU advocate.