Facing steep budget cuts and a freeze on enrollment, Cal Poly Pomona will use innovation, creativity and a greater focus on community service to continue its legacy of success and achievement, President J. Michael Ortiz told hundreds of faculty and staff Monday.

In his inaugural State of the University address 53 days after taking over as president Ortiz shared his goals for the year and discussed the many changes facing the university.

"I cannot remember a time in my life when I've had to process so much information in such a short period of time,' he said. "Every day has been a learning experience.'

During a convocation breakfast, the fifth president of Cal Poly was greeted by an enthusiastic standing ovation from the crowd, many of whom were hearing from him for the first time.

"You don't make it easy on a guy, do you?' he joked.

Ortiz said many people have asked about his vision for the university, but he said it would be inappropriate to create one without the input of the faculty and staff. He assured the audience he would be honest, open and fair in working with them to develop a vision.

The most important issue currently facing the university is the adjustments made on campus to accommodate hefty budget cuts, he said.

The 20,000 students who begin classes this week will pay 30- percent more in student fees than last year. The spring 2004 enrollment had to be cut short. Budget woes have also forced Cal Poly to institute zero enrollment growth for the 2004-05 academic year.

"For a university that has been in a growth mode for 10 years, this is a new world order,' Ortiz said.

The university must look for ways to save money and still meet needs, like having less food at this breakfast than in past years, he said.

Ortiz also encouraged faculty to spend four hours per month engaged in some type of community service. For most people in the San Gabriel and Inland valleys, the university is something they drive past but don't feel a connection with, he said.

"Cal Poly Pomona needs to be in their world,' he said.

He also highlighted several upcoming and recently completed projects, including a library expansion, multilevel parking structure with 2,100 additional spaces, pedestrian walkway and the Aratani Japanese Garden.

Another addition, the university's revamped Web site, was unveiled live at the breakfast.

Many in attendance were excited about the contents of Ortiz's message.

"It was upbeat, gave us some information about his plans for the year, focused on the students,' said Barbara Way, dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. "I think he's off to a great start.'

Others were thankful for what he left out.

"I appreciated that he's not wanting to impose his vision on the university,' said Joan Hill, who is both a student and a member of the staff. "We are a big family here at the university, so I'm glad that he's going to take that same perspective and be part of the group.'