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The Dean of Students Parent Council was founded in Spring 2006. The Dean of Students Office and parents of freshmen developed the following vision:
To positively affect the success of students and satisfaction of parents
and families with the education and environment at CSULB.
This e-newsletter is designed specifically for the parent’s of students new to California State University, Long Beach, but everyone in the CSULB community is welcome. We want the information to be “news you can use.” Therefore, we have tried to keep the items utilitarian and brief. Our goal is student success, and better informed parents play a significant role in the lives of CSULB students.
**May 16 – Last day of instruction
- Deadline to drop with college dean’s signature (Note: Drops at this time are rarely approved)
**May 19-23 – Final examinations
**May 23 – All residents must vacate residential housing by 7:00 p.m.
**May 26 – Campus closed in honor of Memorial Day
**May 28 – Commencement ceremonies for College of Health & Human Services and College of Business Administration
**May 29 – Commencement ceremonies for College of Liberal Arts and College of Education
**May 30 – Last day of the semester
- Final day to file Request for Medical Withdrawal
- Deadline to file Request for Educational Leave for Fall 2008 with $10 missed deadline fee
- Commencement ceremonies for College of the Arts, College of Natural Science & Mathematics and College of Engineering
Disabled Student Services, located in Brotman Hall Room 270, offers students support services for in classroom activities, career development resources, use of and training on adaptive computer equipment and access devices, disability-related counseling, and academic advisement. Its mission is “to assist students with disabilities as they secure their university degrees at California State University, Long Beach.” Deaf and hard of hearing students can be provided sign language interpreters, real-time captioners (RTC), note-taking services and a parking permit for priority parking spaces. At the High Tech Center, students can receive assistance in editing written assignments for course work, and assistance in the use of production software applications. The Center also offers test accommodations for WPE, ELM/EPT examinations completed with the use of a computer, and print media converted to an alternative e-text format, audio media, or literary Braille. The Stephen Benson Program for Students with Learning Disabilities (SBP) serves the needs of CSULB students who have a diagnosed learning disability. The program provides counseling for clarification of issues related to learning disabilities, makes recommendations for accommodations, and fosters self-advocacy in students. General services for all students with disabilities include academic advising, tutoring, disability parking, campus and agency liaison, test taking services and accommodations, note taking, reader services, registration assistance, priority registration, scholarship applications, admission advising, research assistants, financial aid advising, and disability management. For more information, visit the Disabled Student Services website.
In late March, leaders of Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), Long Beach City College (LBCC) and CSULB pledged to make higher education more attainable for all students. The “Long Beach Promise” is a collaboration of these three institutions with the goal of reaching out to parents and students regarding higher education starting in the sixth grade. LBUSD students who do not qualify for sufficient financial aid will receive a tuition-free first semester at LBCC. CSULB will admit all LBUSD students who meet the minimum college preparatory or transfer requirements. “CSULB currently uses dual admission standards based on where an applicant lives. Those living within an approximately 20-mile radius of the campus – an area that includes the entire LBUSD – have to meet only the minimum CSU admission criteria.” Essentially, students from LBUSD will have greater higher education options as long as they stay on track from the sixth grade on. For more information and the entire article, visit the Press Telegram website or This Week @ the Beach (3/24/08).
On Friday, April 4, the University Police and Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) participated in a drill that simulated a shooter on campus. “Members from the CSULB agencies who would be dealing with what happens after a school shooting observed the drill to get a feel for what would happen in such a scenario.” CSULB student and employee volunteers helped in the drill by simulating victims and bystanders; all participants wore protective gear including the person who played the shooter. According to Chief of Police Stan Skipworth, the officers involved in the drill performed well by meeting their training objectives. For the entire article, visit the Daily 49er website.
In Sharon Jayson’s article Boomers’ hope: That the ‘kids’ are all right, she confronts the fears of many baby boomer parents that their supportive nature toward their sons and daughters have not enabled them to grow into responsible adults. Many parents of post-college degreed children in their mid- to late 20s are worried that their “close relationship with their children may have stifled their self-sufficiency.” She then examines the difference between being supportive and being a crutch. According to Jayson, many baby boomers jumped into relationships and careers at a young age and want to help their kids avoid the same mistakes. Yet, they worry about how much is too much. Researchers at the University of Haifa in Israel found that “adult children with close parental ties were more financially self-sufficient and more independent in their daily lives; it didn’t matter whether they lived with their parents.” Barry Schwartz, a psychology professor at Swathmore College, believes that young adults have too many options and are afraid to follow their dreams “because they’re worried there might be something better around the corner.” Although this may be true, social psychologist Jane Adams, suggests that parents need to let their sons and daughter know their expectations. “We need to make clear what we are prepared to do for them and for how long … at a certain point, you can no longer set limits on your children, but you can set them for yourself and what you’re willing to put up with.” For the entire article, visit the USA Today website.
The Commencement Ceremonies at CSULB are a joyous event for students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators. Although tickets are not required, guest seating is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Guests are recommended to arrive at least one hour prior to the ceremony, allowing for a twenty-minute walk from the parking area to the Central Quad, on upper campus. The ceremony lasts for about two hours with outdoor seating so guests are advised to dress appropriately. The University also hosts an optional hour-long reception immediately following the ceremony on the Terrace Level of the University Student Union. Refreshments and music will be provided at the reception. Parking is free in all of the student lots and two shuttle services are available for guests parking in the North and East side of campus. For the more information including the schedule of ceremonies, visit the Commencement 2008 website.
The 49er Textbook Scholarship Program is a partnership among the Center for Scholarship Information, the Division of Student Services and 49er Shops, Inc. Currently, ten scholarships are offered each semester; however, the goal of the 49er Textbook Scholarship Program is to raise $149,000 to create an endowed scholarship whereby a minimum of 30 scholarships may be awarded to deserving CSULB students each year. These scholarships will increase student access to textbooks so that students may focus on their academic endeavors. The program has already raised $52,000 and is progressing towards its $149,000 goal. Starting May 2, the program will begin the next phase of its fundraising efforts, the Piggybank Placard Fundraiser. All CSULB community members may participate by contributing $1 or more at any 49er Shop’s location and write their name on a piggybank placard which will be displayed showing support. All proceeds support 49er Textbook Scholarships. This fundraiser will continue through Saturday, May 24, 2008.
The Men's Volleyball team, ranked 3rd in the nation, will play in the NCAA semifinals on May 1 at the UCI Bren Center. The Dirtbags (Men’s Baseball team) host eight games at Blair Field on May 6, 9, 10, 11, 19, 23, 24 and 25. The Women’s Softball team hosts two games at the Softball Complex on May 9 and 10. For more information, visit the Long Beach State 49er website.
For more information about these and other campus events, please visit the CSULB Calendar of Events.
Newsletter by Valerie Kelsey
Edited by Dr. Jeane Caveness
