Statement from Senator Jeff Gordon Regarding the Terrence Cheng CSCU Report

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) released the following statement regarding the report submitted by former CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng:

“Former Chancellor Cheng was paid $442,000 a year to produce a 2,007-page report, roughly costing taxpayers $220 per page. All while CSCU student meal fees increased $200-$300. The $442,000 could have helped 2,000 students avoid cost increases, instead it funded this no-show job.

Additionally, AI was used to write the report, yet CSCU students are required not to use AI to do their schoolwork. If students are expected to do their own work, why is a taxpayer-funded employee earning $442,000 a year using AI to produce an official report?

The median family income for students attending CSCU is approximately $42,000, which is approximately 1/10th of Cheng’s salary. Our students, faculty, staff, and taxpayers deserve accountability, transparency, and leadership that puts education first. It’s time for a thorough review of CSCU’s governance and leadership so we can refocus on making higher education affordable, accessible, and accountable for the people of Connecticut.”