Summary of CSU Systemwide Federal Priority Projects for
FY 2010

• Printable version (.pdf)

The CSU is a leader in high-quality, accessible, student-focused higher education. With 23 campuses, 450,000 students, and 47,000 faculty and staff, we are the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country. We offer unlimited opportunities to help students achieve their goals. We prepare graduates who go on to make a difference in the workforce. We engage in research and creative activities leading to scientific, technical, artistic and social advances. And we play a vital role in the growth and development of California's communities and economy.

CSU’s Board of Trustees has identified four broad, multi-campus initiatives that tap into the system’s applied research and workforce training strengths as federal appropriations priorities for 2009 (FY 10). Federal support for these programs will enable the CSU to enhance and extend important work being done in each of these areas.

Agricultural Research Initiative (ARI)
The CSU’s Agricultural Research Initiative (ARI) leverages state, federal and industry resources to support the ongoing need for quality applied agricultural and environmental research, development, education, outreach, and technology transfer activities to assist the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and consumers.  CSU faculty and students benefit from hands-on applied research experiences, which are directly applicable to the industry and of value to society.  ARI competitively funds science and best management research related to climate change, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon sequestering; food safety and security; water quality, infrastructure, and conveyance; and public health and welfare. 

CSU Biotechnology Partnerships Program
The CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB) seeks funding to significantly enhance and accelerate workforce training and applied research activities in support of California’s biotechnology industry.  This CSU-industry partnership will provide access to professional research experiences, modern laboratory equipment, and industry-compliant facilities for well-qualified students across California. This unique program will strengthen California’s capacity to recruit, retain and prepare the diverse, creative, analytical and productive professional biotechnology workforce needed for 21st century jobs, tighten the innovation loop that drives the competitiveness and economic growth of US technology-based businesses, and provide education and career advancement for California’s diverse citizenry.

COAST Equipment and Infrastructure
The CSU's Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST) seeks equipment and infrastructure funding to upgrade technological capacity statewide.  Funds will help COAST create an unparalleled resource that maximizes the use of coastal research and education capabilities throughout the CSU system.  COAST will conduct applied research studies to address California’s critical environmental challenges, establish more cost-effective and sustainable equipment and facilities usage, provide state agencies, government, and the public with accurate coastal management information, and accelerate the training of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and policy makers equipped to build the coastal economy while protecting its environmental quality.

Strategic Language Initiative
Our nation’s defense, diplomatic, and business employers need affordable, accessible strategic language instruction programs. The CSU Strategic Language Initiative (SLI) has created an effective learning model in Arabic, Chinese-Mandarin, Korean, Persian, and Russian that capitalizes on campus-based language program strengths, faculty language instruction expertise, student heritage language diversity and interests, and local linguistically diverse communities. Requested funds will help SLI meet the nation’s demand for graduates - particularly those with science, engineering, and business degrees - with fluency to communicate professionally in critical world languages in local and international areas of high need.