Earlier we posted the news that a group of SDSU researchers -- the SDSU PI Group -- uncovered the existence of SDSU Academic Affairs "Carry-Forward" funds (aka Rainy Day Funds) totaling more than $27,000,000.

We have now learned that in the past fiscal year these Carry-Forward funds have grown -- from $27 million to $44.5 million, as of June 30, 2011.

These figures come from inside the SDSU campus administration and are provided to us by the SDSU PI Group. You can view the Carry-Forward balances at this link:

http://www.calfac.org/post/carry-forward-spreadsheet

We have asked Provost Marlin to confirm the accuracy of this data at next week's Senate meeting.

We hope this information leads to a broader discussion about priorities. The decision not to spend available funds in times of need impacts all of us.

For example, spending just $2 million of these Rainy Day Carry-Forward funds would purchase hundreds of additional course sections. This would provide more course opportunities for students, new assignments for Lecturers who have been laid-off, and alleviate workload increases for all faculty members.

We look forward to discussion of these issues at next week's meeting of the Senate.