Another Year in the Books

Nearly two years following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 promised better days as the CSU was able to gradually welcome students back to campus and relaunch the many programs and services that create a well-rounded college experience. The year brought its share of ups and downs, but the CSU continued making its students the top priority, caring for their educational needs and well-being. As the year closes, we look back at the work accomplished these past 12 months while preparing for what lies ahead.

JANUARY

A Strong Start: The CSU kicked off the new year by enhancing the educational opportunities available to its students. First, the ADN-to-BSN program, a pathway designed to shorten transfer students' time to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, was expanded to eight more campuses after a successful pilot at Cal States Fullerton and San Bernardino beginning in 2019. In addition, 16 campuses became #CaliforniansforAll College Corps partners, offering students who volunteer for public service hours an option to earn $10,000 for their work. Several students reflected on their time serving this year.

FEBRUARY

Power of a Degree: In February, the CSU participated in the 17th annual Super Sunday event, partnering with more than 100 predominantly African American churches to advance access, opportunity and success for African American students.

We also dove into 10 benefits of earning a college degree. Besides gaining knowledge and real-world experience, being exposed to a diverse student population and making lifelong friends and mentors, doing so offers a whole host of additional perks from earning more money to living longer.

MARCH

Change in the Air: Following the resignation of Dr. Joseph I. Castro, the Board of Trustees appointed Jolene Koester, Ph.D., California State University, Northridge president emerita, interim chancellor of the CSU. She assumed leadership on May 1. That month, the board also voted to approve the removal of the SAT and ACT standardized tests from undergraduate admissions processes. The university is currently developing admissions criteria to replace the tests.

APRIL

Action for Equity: In an effort to eliminate graduation rate equity gaps that affect underrepresented students, the CSU announced five new priorities for Graduation Initiative 2025. We launched a five-part series looking at each of those priorities, beginning with reenrollment efforts.

In June 2020, the CSU Council of Chiefs of Police pledged to implement recommendations from President Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing that were created in response to a public outcry for police reform and accountability across the U.S. We checked in with University Police Departments on how they're implementing strategies to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

MAY

Great Minds of the Future: Each spring, student researchers from across the CSU present their work at the annual CSU Student Research Competition. We spoke with a few of this year's first-place winners.

Wherever students are learning today, the CSU is making strides to meet them where they are. Our “The Future is Flexible" piece explained how faculty and staff are learning new ways to embed equitable learning practices into their teaching and course design to address students' diverse learning needs.

Student turning her tassel during commencement.

JUNE

Turn Your Tassels, Class of 2022!: After two years of navigating campus life amidst a global pandemic, the 2022 graduating classes of all 23 CSU campuses were able to toss their caps at traditional commencement ceremonies surrounded by family and friends.

Also in June, the CSU convened its inaugural biennial Juneteenth Symposium to celebrate African American history and achievement and promote and sustain the anti-racism work underway across the university.

JULY

An Open Road to Education: With the approval of the state budget, seven CSU campuses received funding through the state's K-16 Education Collaboratives Grant Program to eliminate equity gaps in higher education and workforce participation.

AUGUST

Photo of the Year: As the summer came to a close, we took a look back at meaningful moments from the 2021-22 academic year. Photographers from each of our 23 campuses shared their favorite shot from the school year—excluding commencement—and why it captures the CSU spirit. Meet the top three winning photographers.

We also explored CSU Summer Bridge, a transitional summer program that helps first-year students from historically underserved backgrounds realize their potential.

SEPTEMBER

Lifting Up California Communities: In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, some of the CSU's Latinx university leaders reflected on their journey and inspiration.

September also marks the start of a new school year. As students returned to school, they saw a few changes on their respective CSU campuses. And, for the first time since 2019, the university's 23 Trustees' Scholars were honored in-person at the CSU Office of the Chancellor for their talent, diligence and zeal.

OCTOBER

Preparing the Next Cyber Defenders: October is designated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to increase the public's understanding of cyber threats and the urgent need for talent in the vast field of cybersecurity. As a national leader in cybersecurity education, the CSU is helping close this workforce gap by accelerating its graduates into a broad range of cyber careers.

NOVEMBER

Servicemembers to Students: To commemorate Veterans Day, we asked student veterans about how their military service has shaped them and how their university helps them achieve greatness.

Food, fiber and fuel make up the trifecta of agriculture. But rising threats are upending the security of those agricultural products across the world. Four CSU campuses received funding to enhance their agriculture programs, prepare the next generation of experts and secure the industry's future success.

DECEMBER

HSI Grants for Statewide Impact: The Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub at CSUN awarded its first grants supporting CSU efforts to inspire the next generation of creators and innovators to pursue high-demand careers in STEM and the creative and tech industries.

As the year closes, we anticipate what's to come in the next 365 days. For now, the CSU wishes everyone happy holidays and happy new year!