The California State University system has found itself in the path of one of the worst financial storms the state has ever experienced.

Fiscal mismanagement, budget shortfalls and overspending are just a few of the labels used to explain why the state is staring blankly at a $14 billion dollar deficit that Sacramento has yet to find a solution for.

President John Welty addressed the problems Fresno State’s faculty and students will face in the future at the annual faculty assembly on campus today.

“We cannot let the budget define us this year,” Welty said. “Whatever the budget issues and fiscal uncertainties may be, we will not retreat from our vision.”

After a summer of furloughs, class reductions, fee increases and layoffs, the president warned that the worst might not be over.

“We will be reviewing our situation at mid-year and will determine if any further personnel actions will have to take place at that time,” Welty said.

Welty challenged both faculty and students to, “rise above self interest to determine what is necessary for the long-term health of our state and region”.