TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1998

Maxson focuses on CSULB

By Suzanne Johnson

On-Line Forty-Niner

 

Cal State Long Beach President Robert Maxson said he considered the small turnout at Monday's open meeting a sign that the campus community is content.

"When things are going well, people don't come," Maxson said to the nine people in attendance at the North Campus Library.

If there is a burning issue and the faculty and staff are upset,

a large turnout is guaranteed, Maxson said.

In years past, the attendance rate prompted Maxson to hold separate meetings for faculty, staff and students.

In recent years, the smaller turnout has resulted in the combined forum.

One student asked Maxson whether or not it was feasible to supplement school funds with recycling profits.

"Outsiders are walking off with our profits," he said of those who routinely search campus trash cans for recyclable products.

"We have the mechanism in place with the Associated Students Inc. sponsored Recycling Center," Maxson said. "But unless it's convenient, people won't participate."

Maxson suggested placing separate bins next to each trash can in order to encourage students to recycle.

In addition to providing a place to voice concerns, the forum gives Maxson the opportunity to update the campus community on current programs and events.

In the fall of 1995, Maxson started his President Scholars program. Aggressive recruiting tactics were necessary in the beginning but now, students are contacting CSULB, Maxson said.

CSULB is a university in demand and is rapidly becoming a university of choice, Maxson said.

The low dropout rate of the scholars is the best testimony to education on this campus, he said.

Maxson said the university intends to endow the money raised for the President Scholars program. That way, future presidents will not have to raise money and the program will never disappear.

"That will be my legacy," Maxson said.

As a result of past open forums, improvements for disabled students have been made, as well as allowing custodians greater freedom in scheduling their hours.

Students can leave anonymous comments, complaints or suggestions in boxes located outside of the University Library and Brotman Hall.