SAN BERNARDINO, CA – California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is nearing its funded enrollment target, but Provost A. Rafik Mohamed has urged faculty to take extra precautions to prevent students from being dropped from classes before the upcoming census deadline. In a message sent to faculty colleagues at 12:52 p.m. today, Provost Mohamed revealed that the university is currently at 93.1% of its target, a positive sign but dangerously close to the threshold that could trigger significant budget repercussions.
The urgency stems from the “CSU Enrollment Target and Budget Relocation Plan.” If CSUSB falls below 93% of its funded enrollment target – a margin of just 12 full-time equivalent students (FTES) – the university will face a 5% sweep of its enrollment target and associated general fund. This “sweep” provision is activated if the university falls 7% or more below the target.
“This is great news because it’s below the ominous 7% threshold that will trigger a 5% sweep of our enrollment target and associated general fund,” the Provost stated in his message. “But, the margin is razor thin. Census is tomorrow and, if we lose just 12 FTES before census, we will fall to an even 7% below target and any additional losses would activate the sweep provision.”
The Provost expressed his gratitude to faculty for their efforts in maintaining enrollment and supporting students, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which has significantly impacted student priorities and academic paths. He acknowledged the challenges students face as they navigate their post-pandemic educational journeys.
However, the provost emphasized the critical need for vigilance in the coming hours. He made a direct appeal to faculty, asking them to be especially mindful of student requests to drop classes. “Here’s the ask (of course there’s an ask!),” the Provost wrote, adding a smiley face emoji. “Please be as thoughtful as possible when considering requests from students to drop classes, and please do all you can to ensure students are not dropped in error.” He also urged faculty to process any outstanding enrollment requests before the census deadline on Friday.
The message shows the delicate balance universities face in managing enrollment and budget constraints. While celebrating the current progress, Provost Mohamed’s communication highlights the potential for significant financial impact if even a small number of students are dropped from classes before the official census. The call to action emphasizes the crucial role faculty play in ensuring accurate enrollment numbers and supporting students in their academic pursuits. The university’s financial stability appears to rest, in part, on the careful consideration of each student’s situation in the next 24 hours.