Student Success Framework

The California State University (CSU) system, as the largest public university system in the United States, plays a critical role in shaping the future of California’s workforce and economy. Given the scale of the CSU’s impact, we are committed to becoming a national model in student success. The Framework aims to improve opportunity outcome gaps, strengthen career readiness and advance social mobility for all CSU students. This​ includes supporting America’s new majority learners, comprising of first-generation students, low-income students and adult learners seeking to advance their careers.

Our Guiding Principles

To develop a Framework that will address these goals and challenges, while remaining true to the culture and values of the CSU, Guiding Principles were established to steer the approach and decision-making throughout this work.

Student-Centric | Center decisions, strategies and actions around the needs, experiences and aspirations of students, striving to understand and empathize with their perspectives and address their challenges and concerns.

Equity-Driven | Approach all aspects of the Framework through an equity lens, identifying and addressing disparities in every decision, strategy and action.

Data-Informed | Use data to inform recommendations, leveraging analytical insights to refine the approach and measure outcomes.

Collaborative | Fully engage the CSU and statewide stakeholders, understanding and accounting for the diversity and identity of each university.

Transparent | Foster trust and accountability by consistently communicating in an open manner, making sure decision-making, processes and actions are accessible and understandable to all stakeholders.

Student Success Vision​​

Building on the co​​mprehensive stakeholder input gathered during the Year of Engagement, the Student Success Vision establishes a clear and unified direction for student success across all 22 CSU campuses. This vision serves as the foundational compass that will guide decision-making, resource allocation and strategic priorities systemwide. By articulating shared aspirations and outcomes, the vision creates alignment across diverse campus contexts while allowing for locally responsive implementation approaches that honor each university's unique strengths and student populations.

Student Success in the CSU is​​ achieved through…

• Providing personalized and collective experiences within a supportive community that prioritizes flexible and impactful learning opportunities, self-discovery and holistic growth.
• Equipping students to achieve academic excellence, career success and economic mobility through accessible, inclusive and experiential learning environments.
• Developing curricular and co-curricular pathways for each student to graduate and excel in their career and/or further study and preparing them to thrive as engaged leaders and members of society.
• Fostering lifelong relationships with students and graduates by cultivating meaningful experiences with their university, alumni and communities.
  

​​​Strategy Details​​​​