SF State University Students Deserve Better
Students at San Francisco State University rallied in protest on Tuesday, voicing discontent and frustration over the deteriorating quality of education amidst a litany of grievances. The proposed slashing of hundreds of classes, rising tuition costs, reduced faculty, and substantial pay hikes for campus presidents fueled the uproar. Despite forthcoming tuition hikes of 34% over five years, concerns persist regarding the affordability of education, especially for students ineligible for grants that cover tuition fees. The impending increase in base price to $6,087, alongside escalating housing and other ancillary expenses, exacerbates financial strain. President Lynn Mahoney attributed the course cuts to declining enrollment accelerated by the pandemic, with statewide enrollment declining by 6.4% since 2020. While campus administrators cite budgetary constraints and declining state funding, students vehemently oppose the tuition hike, aiming to persuade trustees to rescind the increase, emphasizing that they are paying more for diminished educational opportunities.
The protests signal a demand for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in decision-making processes. Students' advocacy reflects the growing disillusionment with the prioritization of financial aspects over educational quality and accessibility. The reluctance of trustees to reconsider the tuition hike further intensifies the perceived disconnect between student interests and administrative decisions. This mirrors a larger trend within higher education, showcasing the complex interplay between financial constraints, enrollment dynamics, and the pursuit of quality education. It highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions that prioritize students' needs while addressing the fiscal challenges faced by institutions. We need to prioritize our students over profits. SF State must do better.
Photographer: Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle
Frustrated S.F. State students walk out over class cuts, rising tuition and executive pay hikes
Nanette Asimov, SF Chronicle | Nov 28, 2023