Cal State Fullerton joined leaders from across the California State University system for the 2026 CSU Advocacy Day in Sacramento. The event emphasized the vital role of state support in driving student success, workforce development and regional economic growth.
Led by President Ronald Rochon and Associated Students Inc. President Haneefah Syed, the CSUF delegation advocated for state approval of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2026-27 budget proposal, one-time funding for CSU facility needs and a request for the CSU to be included in the Affordable Housing Bond of 2026.
“We appreciate Gov. Newsom’s thoughtful and bold budget proposal, which recognizes the essential role the CSU plays in expanding affordable access to higher education, advancing equity, and powering California’s workforce and economy,” said Rochon. “The proposed budget is the right investment at the right time for the CSU and our students.”
The governor’s budget proposal would support critical enrollment efforts at Cal State Fullerton, promote recruitment and retention of qualified staff and faculty, and address a portion of the university’s deferred maintenance and critical facilities needs.
Cal State Fullerton, one of the most populous campuses in the nation’s largest four-year public university system, currently serves more than 45,000 students. Last fall, CSUF received nearly 80,000 applications and enrolled over 11,000 new students, underscoring its demand for services and support.
In addition, the university has a longstanding commitment to serving first-generation and low-income students, with nearly half of CSUF students receiving Pell Grants.
“At CSUF, we serve many nontraditional students, including veterans transitioning to civilian life, formerly incarcerated students rebuilding their futures, adult learners and first-generation students trying to break generational cycles,” shared Syed. “When funding is reduced, students feel it immediately through fewer classes and fewer support services, which delays graduation and increases costs.”
With much of Cal State Fullerton’s campus built in the 1960s and 1970s, buildings are now operating beyond their original design. Facing approximately $700 million in deferred maintenance and critical infrastructure needs, campus leaders stressed the importance of safety and reliability for current and future students.
“This request is not about cosmetic upgrades. It is about safety for students, maintaining ADA accessibility and preserving the state’s long-term investment in higher education,” said Sarab Singh, associate vice president for capital programs and facilities management.
Campus leaders also reinforced the direct link between affordable housing and student success, particularly in Orange County, where housing costs are among the highest in the state. They urged policymakers to include CSUF in the statewide housing bond to expand affordable on-campus housing as a way to improve retention and graduation outcomes.
Join CSU Voices to learn, speak out and take action on policies that impact students.