Western Association of Schools and Colleges

The Commission discussed at its June meeting how it should be responding to the financial crisis throughout the region. At the time of the meeting, the budget had not been adopted in California, but it was clear that major reductions would be imposed on the University of California and California State University campuses. Similarly, the University of Hawaii was notified of major reductions in its system budget.

In discussions with members of the Commission and institutional representatives appearing at the Commission meeting, it became clear that the financial crisis is affecting institutions differently. Some are better prepared and are able to be more flexible than others.

The Commission requested that discussions be held with presidents of different institutions in the fall, once budgets have been set and fall enrollments are known, to learn how the financial crisis is affecting different institutions throughout the region. The Commission will discuss the financial situation at its November retreat and explore how the it should respond.

While there will be more formal opportunities to address these issues, we invite your thoughts and comments on them now. Please send them to me at rwolffwascsenior.org