Convocation sets goals for campus

Saying that he is "not afraid to make decisions or to take a stand on the issues," Cal State Long Beach President Robert Maxson addressed faculty, administrators, staff members and students who gathered for Convocation 1994 in the University Student Union Friday morning.

Maxson said that there are two special days in the university's school year: graduation and convocation.

Graduation ceremonies are used to display the university's product to the community and convocation is held to acknowledge excellence in academics and service within the university, Maxson said.

Maxson told the crowd about his perceptions on his new position with CSULB, which he officially assumed on June 1. "I am an active president. I'm on campus a lot and you'll see me," he said.

He added that he is not sitting at that lonely position at the top. "When people talk to me about pressure, it always frightens me. I think they know something that I don't know."

A strong liberal arts curriculum, participation in activities outside the classroom and the development of a strong, terminal master degree programs are vital to CSULB as it matures, Maxson said.

The most somber note of the day came from the CSULB California Faculty Association president.

"On a serious note, there is something wicked this way coming," said CFA President Mike Hassul. "On Nov. 8 we go to the polls for an election. Probably more than ever before the results of this election will determine the fate of this university for a long time."

Students could easily be the key to the election, he said.