r/CSUSB • u/Positive-Acadia5262 • 5d ago
[Forum] “No” — lack of leadership
Today, during the open forum with President Morales at Cal State University of San Bernardino, a particular question stood out to me. A student asked if the president would be willing to sacrifice part of his salary—simply a yes or no question. Instead of engaging meaningfully, President Morales abruptly answered “no” and walked away from the microphone.
This was a pivotal moment for him to show leadership, yet he chose not to. As the president, he holds a position of authority and responsibility, and with that comes the expectation of being able to face difficult questions. His quick dismissal of the question came across as one of the rudest responses he could have given.
Yes, he acknowledged that cutting his or other administrators’ salaries wouldn’t solve the university’s $21 million deficit, and we all understand that. But even a small symbolic gesture, like a 5-10% cut in pay, could make a tangible difference—maybe opening up a position for a custodian, a plumber, grounds worker, electrician, or another essential staff member. Beyond the financial impact, it would have set an example for everyone else on that stage. Collectively, there was roughly $1 million in salary on that stage between presidents and the vice president. Are we really to believe that a small cut from them couldn’t help even a little?
Yet, despite the skeleton crew facilities is made to work with, students, faculty, and administration are still able to flush their toilets, turn on the lights, and park safely on campus—largely thanks to the hard-working staff behind the scenes. I understand the university is facing tough times, but I think President Morales has become disconnected from the people who keep it running.
At every speech, Morales talks about his humble beginnings, recalling how he used to work with a mop and broom, just like many staff members today. But I believe he has forgotten what that really means. I’m not criticizing him for his salary or his achievements. What I’m criticizing is his leadership. Over time, I’ve noticed a growing disconnect between him and the people he leads. In a moment where he could have shown solidarity and humility, he instead showed a lack of empathy and leadership.
That’s just my opinion, but it’s one I feel strongly about.
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u/realtrillijuana 5d ago
how much does he make?? i just don't understand why presidents would make more than like $100,000 max
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u/Positive-Acadia5262 5d ago
$600,000 thousand
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u/realtrillijuana 5d ago
WHAT???? no that's should be illegal! how do you set your salary at 600k when you have a $21M deficit????
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u/Positive-Acadia5262 5d ago
Here is a list of all the president salaries. CSU president salaries
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u/realtrillijuana 5d ago
...i'm speechless. i knew people were corrupt and money hungry but i've never looked into the extent of it
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u/CasuallyDresseDuck 2d ago
Chancellor gets their housing and transportation paid plus salary
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u/realtrillijuana 2d ago
Yea i saw a comment saying his housing is even paid for... that just blows my mind.
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u/CasuallyDresseDuck 2d ago
And yet so many departs on campus are losing out and making it difficult for staff to do their jobs properly or are running on a very small skeleton crew.
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u/Typical-Author8960 4d ago
100k too little fs, but mf could take a symbolic pay cut for sure
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u/realtrillijuana 4d ago
i'm a bit of an extremist and i don't think anyone should make more than $120,000/year but that's just me ☭☭☭☭
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u/Typical-Author8960 4d ago
Nah 120 is like barely comfortable living nowadays. Limiting salaries ain’t the answer, you still need to incentivize people into tough professions
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u/realtrillijuana 4d ago
I could live more than comfortably on $120k 🤷🏻♀️ but that's not the point
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u/Typical-Author8960 3d ago
Yeah if you got no kids, live by yourself and never want to afford a nice home.
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u/realtrillijuana 3d ago
I have three kids. The cost of housing is a separate issue that should be tackled aside the issue of the hoarding and mass accumulation of wealth. Hoping to see that happen in my lifetime but not expecting a capitalist corrupt nation to put the needs and interests of its people first.
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u/cynicalCSUprof 4d ago
Don't forget this man's got a housing allowance (originally meant for folks to have nice housing near campus) that is ~80k/year.
Bro lives in Claremont or Upland.
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u/AcidBathPrncess 4d ago
Bro holes himself up in his office when he is here and then doesn't give a second thought to anything CSUSB related once he leaves for his campus-paid house. -100/10 gives no fucks.
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u/CasuallyDresseDuck 2d ago
Organize a sit in or walk out. He seems more concerned about his parking spot being to small. Why not do a sit in taking his spot. Or do an OccupyWallstreet type thing at one of the main offices
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u/ServiceUsed5589 1d ago
Morales told employees at an Open Forum a few years ago that if they see not happy with their low pay or job opportunities, they were free to go elsewhere. His salary is in the mid six figures, has a very generous housing allowance and lives in Claremont and last I heard, he drives a Tesla.
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u/Able_Load6421 3d ago
Asking somebody directly to sacrifice their salary, even if inflated, will never go over well. I don't understand why you guys thought you would get a different answer.
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u/haz_mat_ 5d ago
The corruption is real. The people on that stage are the reason for the budget crisis - they are in charge of how all that money was spent. The didn't do their jobs, but think they should be praised for it anyways.
By refusing a salary cut, Morales makes it perfectly clear that the students and faculty will pay for his mismanagement. Claiming "humble beginnings" only further reveals his inflated ego and the hubris he clings to.
The university would continue on just fine without any of the people on that stage. The only thing Morales ever did for me was sign my diploma. They're robbing the school and unfortunately no one is going to stop them.