They discussed campus growth. They showed the PowerPoint presentation given previously to the Academic Senate on long-term enrollment planning and new buildings. The university is working on a new Environmental Impact Report and a new campus physical master plan that eventually be submitted to the CSU Board of Trustees. Dowell said the campus has been looking at these issues for the past three years. There are significant demographic changes due to the "Tidal Wave II" of college-age students. There is a great deal of CSU student demand growth in Southern California, especially since 1996. A new California Department of Finance report estimates that the number of high school students in L.A. and Orange Counties will rise to 2010, then flatten and somewhat decline to 2016. The level of Latino participation in higher education remains a question. Their participation numbers are expected to increase, but when? Community college transfers also are a question. Current transfer rates are relatively low, but there is pressure for the colleges to increase the number of transfers. The CSU System is obligated to serve the upper 1/3 of high school grads. It is expected that there will be 45,000 additional CSU students systemwide by 2011. The Chancellor's Office asked campuses to review Master Plan ceilings-how many more students could be accommodated, so a number of CSULB planning task forces formed to address campus growth.
Issues and recommendations for CSULB growth:
A proposed full-time equivalent student (FTES) increase for CSULB from 25,000 to 31,000 was approved in 2003 and reaffirmed in November 2006. We need a margin for likely growth and a formal ceiling.
Passage of Proposition 1D on the November 2006 ballot authorized a new science building, final library remodeling funds and nursing program funds.
A question was asked about why the campus does not schedule freshmen courses at more convenient times? Answer - An expected smaller freshman class next year will help. We plan on adding more transfer students.
Scott Charmack discussed campus growth and master plan revisions. CSULB plans (not yet funded) over next 20 years:
Statewide, the CSU System is looking at growth issues that may be re-examined based on changing trends. He will update the campus as numbers change.
He thanked everyone involved in helping to select new Provost Karen Gould from University of Cincinnati, who starts March 1. He also thanked staff for their support of Proposition 1D that provides $90 million to CSULB. It passed by 56%.
CSULB’s fundraising efforts are up thus far this fiscal year. One-third of giving occurs in November and December, and he encouraged individuals considering gifts to do so to receive a deduction on this year’s taxes.
He congratulated the campus on improved graduation rates, which saw 1.5% growth over last year. Rates have improved nearly 18 percentage points since the 1990s. More first-generation students are graduating.
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree plan is completed and passed by the Academic Senate. It will then go to CSU Chancellor’s Office along with WASC reaccreditation plans.
He spoke about the recent attacks on students and said the more information that goes out, the better. The campus has hired private security in residence areas and heightened the police presence. This is not a common occurrence at CSULB and the focus is on ensuring that the campus will be safer than ever. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is helping with officers. There is no common thread; different suspects at different times. People need to be cautious at all times, especially at night. The campus is looking at better lighting and possibly placing video cameras in parking areas.
A suggestion was made to remind people about campus self-defense classes.
From his previous experiences at other universities, we are complacent as a campus and need to be more vigilant; e.g., people shouldn’t run in the dark while listening to music on headsets. A couple of the incidents occurred in trafficked areas, so we need to watch and help each other. We need to share information with everyone.
Sharon Olson reminded about the safety escort service for anyone on campus.
Remarks were made about being aware of office thefts and that thieves also could be women.
The President noted that the campus is forming a parent’s council that can help address issues. This is not unusual for large urban campuses, but is unusual for this campus.
Back to the topic of campus growth, a question was asked whether we could solicit donors for buildings. The President said yes, we can take advantage of privately funded opportunities. Most buildings are funded by general obligation bonds or student fees.
