Despite our difficult present and uncertain future, there is much good news to report.
All campus construction projects are on time or ahead of schedule. The Hall of Science building is scheduled to be completed ahead of schedule in Spring 2011. The Nursing Building is scheduled to be completed and ready for occupancy in August 2010. The Student Recreation and Wellness Center is on track to be finished by August 2010.
The initial stage of the Resource Planning Process (RPP) is complete. Input from the colleges, departments, the Academic Senate Retreat and the Cost-Saving Suggestion Web site have proven to be very helpful and informative. This input will have an impact on the second round of campus presentations on the budget, “Road Show II,” which will begin in early Spring semester.
We received a record number of undergraduate applications for Fall 2010 – more than 71,000, breaking the 70,000 mark for the first time in CSULB's history. Last year CSULB received about 61,000 applications at this point in the year.
Over the last few weeks we had the opportunity to meet with four finalists in the College of Health and Human Services dean search. I’d like to thank everyone who assisted in the search, met with the candidates and provided feedback online. It is our hope that an appointment will be made before January 1 with a starting date at the successful candidates’ earliest convenience.
Finally, the provost search committee is continuing to do its work, and is reviewing a pool of applicants that is highly qualified and diverse, based on gender and ethnicity.
On behalf of President Alexander and all of us in Academic Affairs, I thank you for your professional and collegial manner in dealing with our difficult and unique circumstances this semester.
I wish you, your families and friends a wonderful holiday season and happy New Year.
