But if the measure fails, the CSU will look for new places to chop because the budget will lose an additional $250 million. In that event, the system will have lost almost $1.2 billion or 39 percent of its state support since 2007-08.

What more could they cut?

At their September meeting, CSU trustees are expected to discuss a contingency plan with options including payroll cost cuts, another tuition increase, and enrollment reductions, among other snipping and slicing.

Practically the only cutting not on the table are presidents' salaries. Those went up recently, partly on the reasoning that these cutbacks have made the job more stressful.

In the meantime, students who have earned an "associate degree for transfer" can begin submitting applications starting August 1, with the priority application period extending through August 31.

For a list of deadlines, visit the CSUMentor status page. To learn more about CSU classes, applications and financial aid, go to CSUMentor.

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Calif. State Universities Limit Enrollment for Spring