Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: News

Lillian Taiz, president of CFA, gives a presentation during the Town Hall Meeting Union today at Sac State. [Click to enlarge]

Faculty members voiced their concerns about the impact of state budget cuts on professor workloads and class sizes today.

The effectiveness of The Alliance For The CSU, a coalition of students, faculty and other members of the community, was also a key topic at today's town hall meeting, which was organized by the California Faculty Association.

Lillian Taiz, president of the CFA, said they are working with students and administration to let the governor know the CSU can not take the fiscal hit.

Department chairs and professors asked if the alliance will be able to exert convincing power. Taiz said there is no for sure answer, but the recent rally at the capitol on March 20 is a sign support is moving in the right direction.

"We know what the answer will be if we do nothing," Taiz said.

The alliance's goal is to keep members involved and active in petitioning after the semester ends.

"It's time to look toward the summer and keep the momentum going," Taiz said.

Some attendees expressed concern about expanding class sizes. Professors say they should be compensated for this added workload, which drains their energy and time.

Taiz said faculty should send the data on class sizes to members of the association. From there they can address the issue with the provost.

Other questions that arose regarded grievances against the administration that have been delayed or not addressed at all. The new statutory process in effect the last few months should speedily resolve those issues.

While relations between faculty and administration have had a rocky history, Taiz said conditions are improving.

"The good news is we are working with administration for the first time," she said.

Chloe Daley can be reached at cdaley@statehornet.com.

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