Some California State University, Fresno, students say they have been affected in different ways by the school’s budget cuts.

     The proposed budget cut for the 2009-2010 year is $15.8 million, and University President John Welty has already begun to decrease spending. The library opening date was pushed back a couple of weeks and less furniture will be available for students. The university has also frozen hiring.

     Fresno State senior Andrew Serns notes that students will all be affected by the budget cuts because tuition will increase.

     Increasing tuition and book costs are daunting. “I have to buy books online rather than at school because it’s cheaper,” said Jordanne Tyler, 23.

     Students are finding that they must change their spending to accommodate the budget cuts. The reality worries many students, and even those thinking of transferring to the university from community colleges.

      “The budget cut has affected my chances of transferring to Fresno State. The deadline for application submission was a month sooner than usual and I read that they weren’t going to accept as many transfer students as before. I think that’s dumb because the more students they let in, the more money they would make,” said Marisa Wheelock, 21, a student at the Willow International Community College Center.

     Some students have not felt the effects of the budget cuts on campus, but many have to deal with the current economic crisis. Students are losing jobs on and off campus.

     “The budget cut on campus hasn’t personally affected me much. The economy, however, has made it hard to get a job and that has affected me. It is hard to concentrate and stay focused in my studies when my money is running low,” said Melissa Molesworth, kinesiology major.

     Students feel the only way the budget cut will directly affect them is if it changes something important to them. For example, student athletes see the budget cut differently because their activities and spending are changing.

     “The cut has only affected me because of cheer. The less money we have, the less we are able to do,” said cheerleader Tyesha Hendrix, 19.

     Students have noticed changes in the classroom. Teachers are more aware of saving money as well. “My teacher doesn’t print out any handouts. She posts everything online and it’s up to us to print them. I guess everyone is trying to save money in any way they can,” said Britney Slaven, 22.