Caps off to graduates of 2010
Cal State L.A.’s 63rd Commencement in June celebrated the success and achievements of more than 5,500 graduatesÂmany of whom were the first in their families to graduate college. Students were conferred bachelor’s and master’s degrees in multiple disciplines, and five joint doctorates in educational administration and leadership during the two-day festivities.
“I feel relieved. I feel a mix of emotions; I’m happy, I’m grateful. Some people have been six years in the making, I’ve been 10 years … so this is a good thing for me,” said Jahayra Gastelum ’10, who received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Gastelum, along with numerous other new alumni, expressed relief and gratitude to University faculty as well as families, and much joy in celebrating the culmination of one journey and the start of another. To hear more from Cal State L.A. graduates, check out the videos in Their Say, or watch Commencement clips online, at the University’s Spotlight on Commencement or the event’s web page.
Also unique to this year’s ceremonies was the presentation of the CSU Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Bishop Charles E. Blake. Blake was recognized by the CSU Board of Trustees for his leadership and efforts to increase the number of African American students eligible to attend college through his partnership with the CSU in the Super Sunday program, and other avenues. Blake serves as the pastor of Los Angeles’ West Angeles Church and is presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, one of the nation’s largest denominations. For more, read http://www.calstate.edu/externalrelations/news/BlakeHonoraryDegree.shtml
Final Provost candidates to host campus forums
Cal State L.A. President James M. Rosser invites the campus community, friends of the University and the public to meet the two final candidates for the post of University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in open forums on August 9 and 10 in the University-Student Union Theatre.
The two candidates are Ashish Vaidya, dean of the faculty and professor of economics at California State University, Channel Islands, and Paul Wong, dean of the College of Arts and Letters and professor of sociology at San Diego State University. Vaidya will be present on campus on August 9 from 1-2:30 p.m., and Wong will be available on August 10 from 1-2:30 p.m. The sessions will be convened by Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kyle Button and will provide an opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions of each candidate.
For more information on the candidates, see Vaidya and Wong’s biographical profiles.
Budget challenges continue…
The 2010-11 fiscal year began July 1, but a state budget has not been adopted. Public budget proposals from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California State Assembly committee have called for the restoration of $305 million to backfill a “one-time” reduction to the CSU budget last year, and as much as $60.6 million for enrollment expansion.
CSU Board of Trustees say that if such a budget were passedÂand with additional funding from Student University fee increases approved in June (5 percent for undergraduate and graduation professional programs, and 10 percent for doctoral education students)Âthe system could serve more than 29,000 additional students and restore some classes and sections. Funding levels, however, would still fall short of the resources provided in the 2007-08 fiscal year.
Over the past two years, the CSU has faced cuts amounting to roughly $625 million, and in response has implemented a number of measures to reduce costs, including employee furloughs, layoffs, increased student fees, reduced enrollment and other cost-cutting measures.
For the most up-to-date information on the CSU budget, visit http://www.calstate.edu/budget/.
Applications for Winter 2011 accepted, enrollment is conditional
Beginning August 1 and running through the end of the month, Cal State L.A. will be accepting graduate and upper division student transfer applications for enrollment in the Winter 2011 term. Admission into any of the University’s programs, however, is conditional on the state budget, and offers of admission will not be sent out until the University and the CSU know what funding is available. Without a state budget in place, the CSU does not yet know how many students it can admit.
For more information on applying, visit /sites/default/files/univ/ppa/newsrel/wtr2011-admit-process.pdff.
Building the ‘honors’ experience at Cal State L.A.
In anticipation of the opening of an Honors College at Cal State L.A. in the fall of 2011, the University has accepted about two dozen students into an Honors Program this fall.
As honors students, this new cohort of young scholars will have access to seminar-style classes that emphasize discussion and critical thinking; be eligible for cultural field-trips that help reinforce the connection between the University and Los Angeles; participate in community service and exciting programs on campus; and have the opportunity to live in dedicated residential housing with other honors students. This year’s honors students will also have the opportunity to apply to the interdisciplinary Honors College next year.
For more information about the opportunities available to students in the Honors College and Honors Program, or for the academic requirements, visit the program’s web page at /academic/honorscollege/.
Mark your calendar
A look at two big University events happening this fall …
Billie Jean King and Friends, Honoring Joe Shapiro
September 25
The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa,
Pasadena
The 13th annual Billie Jean King and Friends event will honor Rafer Johnson, a two-time Olympian and the 1960 gold medalist in the decathlon, with the 2010 Joe Shapiro Humanitarian Award. The event is a major fundraiser for the Athletic Department, with proceeds benefiting the student-athlete scholarship fund.
Call the CSULA Intercollegiate Athletics office at (323) 343-3080 for tickets or information; or learn about the evening online at http://www.csulaathletics.com/sports/2009/5/12/GEN_BJK09.aspx?id=471.
Alumni Awards Gala
October 21
Luckman Fine Arts Complex
The 36th annual Alumni Awards Gala will recognize eight alumni, two students and one faculty of CSULA for their professional and personal achievements, service to the University and their community. The red carpet event, organized by the Alumni Association, includes dinner, and an awards ceremony and video presentation.
Tickets for the event will be available in late August.
For more details, visit the Alumni Association online at http://alumni.calstatela.edu or call the office at (323) 343-4980.