Summary of CSU Systemwide Federal Policy Priorities for 2009

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With 23 campuses, 450,000 students, and 47,000 faculty and staff, the California State University (CSU) is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country.  The CSU Board of Trustees has identified the following as systemwide federal policy priorities for 2009: 

Pell Grants: Support overall funding increases for the program and an increase to the maximum award.

Campus-Based Aid: Seek increased funding for the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program and to reinstate a federal capital contribution for schools participating in the Perkins Loan program.

Community Service: Advocate increasing incentives and resources for student and campus participation in national and community service activities.

Veterans Education: Enhance veterans’ opportunities through thoughtful implementation of Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act and funding new Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success in HEOA.

Developing and Hispanic Serving Institutions: Seek increased funding and effective implementation of programs to strengthen “developing” and “Hispanic Serving” institutions, including new HSI graduate program.

Early Intervention Programs: Advocate maximum funding for programs such as GEAR UP and TRIO, which are vital to preparing underrepresented students for college and decreasing the need for remediation.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields:  Promote participation and success of diverse California students in STEM fields, including by funding Professional Science Master’s program grants in the America COMPETES Act.

Teacher Preparation: Support efforts to strengthen teacher preparation, especially in STEM fields, and through programs that increase opportunities for disadvantaged students to become classroom teachers and faculty.

International Education: Support international education programs that promote global awareness and understanding, such as the proposed Paul Simon Study Abroad Act.

Applied Research and Workforce Training: Broaden the federally supported applied research base for comprehensive universities and programs that fund the vital workforce preparation conducted by the CSU.

Farm Bill: Effectively implement and fund new competitive grant program supporting non-land-grant colleges of agriculture and new programs supporting Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (HSACUs).

Energy and Sustainability:  Support federal initiatives consistent with the CSU commitment to sustainability through best institutional practices and applied research, education, and service.

Transportation and Infrastructure: Advocate inclusion of support for applied research and university infrastructure needs in economic recovery and transportation legislation.