California State University leaders took a first step in creating new bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in as little as three years, taking work experience into account.

California State University’s $17 million contract with ChatGPT’s maker OpenAI is up for renewal. Some students and faculty say equal access to AI is important for preparing students for the workforce. Others the implementation of AI tools has been confusing and opens the door to cheating.

The current base pay for Cal State campus presidents ranges from $370,000 to more than $500,000. San Jose State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson is paid $474,840.

The $144 million loan will be used to pay for 3% one-time bonuses for Cal State faculty and staff, including executives.

The Cal State system is bracing for a cut of $375 million — a result of rising costs and declining enrollment. University officials warn of fewer classes and faculty layoffs.

Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million and warning of layoffs and cuts to academic programs. San Jose State has cut $55 million the past two years, by not hiring new staff and avoiding replacing non-faculty job openings.

Lawmakers approved two bills to allow some community colleges to provide bachelor’s degrees in nursing, but California State University already offers these degrees.

Changes are underway one year after scathing audits showed how the California State University system failed to handle reports of sexual discrimination, harassment and assault in its Title IX offices.

Two major forces are at play: Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back his promise of increased financial support for Cal State, while university officials agreed to 5% salary increases earlier this year.

Members of the California Faculty Association approved a two-year agreement that the union and administration hammered out after a strike last month that lasted one day.

After months of negotiations, university officials and the faculty union remain far apart on key contract terms. Cal State provided a 5% general raise; the union wants 12% this year.

The strike in the first week of a new semester could be called off if both sides reach an agreement in contract talks Jan. 8-12, the union said.

Faculty members at California State University campuses also are at impasse in labor negotiations.

During the first year of the program, SJSU is offering guaranteed admission to 14 majors, including many in sought-after fields of study, including business, engineering, public health, political science and child and adolescent development. 

After weeks of negotiations, state legislators will start voting today on a budget deal that sets spending and policy across a wide range of issues affecting Californians.

Increasing CSU tuition up to $8,000 over a five-year period by 2030 might not be enough to cover the system's spending, as faculty press for 12% pay increases.