News and Information for California State University Leaders
Vol. 5, No. 15, March 21, 2006

Chancellor Reed: CSU is "On the Move"

The California State University is "on the move" with projects of critical importance to the state, CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed told CSU alumni and supporters who gathered for the university's annual Alumni Legislative Day in Sacramento yesterday.

"We are looking at a good budget year ahead, we are working on important projects that are making a difference, and we are getting national recognition for our work," Reed said in his annual "State of the CSU" address.

The event, co-sponsored by the CSU Alumni Council, brought together approximately 300 CSU supporters for a morning briefing on CSU issues and an afternoon of visits with legislators.

Reed described the university's efforts to discuss workforce needs with industry groups, and to work with community groups to help students from traditionally underserved populations prepare for college. "The steps that we take today are going to be critical for the students of tomorrow," he said.

Participants also heard a briefing on major legislative issues affecting the CSU including the 2006/07 state budget; the authorization of a higher education bond measure; and AB 2813 (De La Torre), legislation backed by the CSU and the California State Students Association to make modifications to the Cal Grant financial aid program.

During a luncheon session, the CSU named State Senators Jack Scott and Tom Torlakson as its 2006 Legislators of the Year. Scott was recognized for his sponsorship of SB 724, which authorized the CSU to offer independent educational doctorate degrees; and Torlakson was honored for his sponsorship of SB 569, which allows campus alumni associations and auxiliaries to offer benefits and services to members through affinity programs.

Actor/producer and former professional football player Fred Dryer, a San Diego State alumnus, gave the keynote speech at lunch.

More information:

 

CSU Receives Edison Grant for Math/Science Teacher Preparation

Edison International has awarded a $150,000 grant to the CSU Foundation for developing a program to prepare prospective teachers of science and mathematics.

Edison's New Era Awards For Excellence in Higher Education recognized the CSU's Early Assessment Program (EAP), which helps high school mathematics teachers prepare students to meet college-level math standards.

The Edison grant will underwrite nine regional two-day training sessions over two years for approximately 450 high school math teachers in nine counties within Southern California Edison's service area. The New Era award also will leverage a $50,000 grant from the Boeing Company as participating teachers are provided with instruction and materials that are used to train other teachers. More information.

 
CSU Summer Arts

The CSU's Summer Arts Program, now in its 21st year, will be held this July at Fresno State. The arts program features 17 intensive two-week, three-unit courses. A full course catalog is available here.

CSU Dominguez Hills held its first annual Tongan High School Conference on March 8, offering talks and programs by successful members of the Tongan community in an effort to encourage Tongan youth to aspire to college and careers.

"When we learned of the Tongan American community's interest in holding such a forum, our response was immediate: We need to be a part of this," said College of Health and Human Services Dean Mitch Maki. "The Tongan American community lives in the geographical areas surrounding CSUDH, and is an often neglected community. While small in number, the Tongan and Tongan American community is an important piece of the Los Angeles mosaic of cultures." More CSUDH news.

 

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's admissions and recruitment office has launched an online tool that allows Spanish-speaking prospective students to ask questions and receive answers in Spanish directly from the Web.

The university teamed with Hobsons, an international provider of education and recruitment information, to provide "Respuestas EMT," a program endorsed by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

"We are proud to be the first to employ this tool that will allow us to serve Hispanic students and their parents in a more customized way," said James Maraviglia, vice president for admissions, recruitment, and financial aid. More Cal Poly SLO news.

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