If a proposed state-level budget cut to the California State University system passes, Cal Poly Humboldt will have to deal with a $7.9 million reduction in the budget on top of a pre-existing $3.8 million deficit.

Governor Gavin Newsom released the proposed California budget back in January. Included in its provisos is an 8%, $375 million reduction in the CSU’s budget to cover a projected $47 billion deficit. 

There’s still a chance the CSU might not be hit with the reduction. Newsom has until late June to finalize the budget, and the CSU is attempting to convince students and alumni to reach out to legislators and complain.

It’s coming at a bad time for CPH, which is already dealing with a projected budget shortfall. It’s 26% under enrolled, and although it did manage to enroll 1% more students this year than the last, the university estimates there will only be 6,105 students enrolled this fall. It needs 7,375 to receive full funding from the CSU, who will withhold 3% of CPH’s state funding because it is considered overfunded. 

The University Resource and Planning Committee has a plan to negate about $7.7 million of the total $11.6 million it’s lacking. 

Instead of taking a funding hit, the President’s Office will take on the responsibilities of two other divisions. CPH anticipated some future budget challenges, so the remaining $3.8 million gap will be filled by the use of one-time funds set aside during 2024.

“The URPC recommends that the campus continue moving forward with the proposed $7.7 million in reductions, regardless of the eventual outcome of the state budget or its impact on CSU funding,” reads the URPC budget recommendation. “If the state budget does improve, it could provide the University with a valuable opportunity to get ahead of projected budget deficits in future years.”

The University’s budget will be finalized in July.

CPH isn’t completely sure what kind of practical effects these reductions will have on the university, but it’s safe to say that there will be fewer classes and fewer professors.

“Students will be impacted,” reads a message from the university. “They will have larger class sizes and less courses available, and it will take students longer to graduate. These cuts will negatively impact pathways that put people on a trajectory to achieve upward social mobility.”

The URPC said it made its recommendations with students and long-time employees in mind.

“While we must continue to monitor the California state and CSU budgets as they evolve over the coming months, thanks to the diligent work of our campus community, we are entering the 2025-26 fiscal year with an approved draft budget that is reflective of the priorities and principles of our university,” vice president of administrative affairs Michael Fisher said in a press release. “This outcome is a testament to the collaborative spirit, strategic thinking, and hard decisions that have shaped our path forward. It is also a powerful affirmation of what we can achieve together when we engage in transparent, inclusive planning.”