Provost Message - January 25, 2017

I hope your spring semester is off to a good start. We begin the semester with a bit of good news. You may have seen or heard about a story that appeared in the New York Times last week in which our campus was featured as one of the top 10 universities in the nation for moving Americans into the middle class. This affirms what we already knew and underscores the important role our university plays in enhancing the economy and the quality of life for Californians.

On another note, I was interviewed on a Charter cable show recently about the strong local support we have for all of our students and I think this was demonstrated very clearly in the recent marches across the country.

Below are some additional items I think you might want to know about.

Ethnic Studies Survey: Final Week to Provide Input

Please provide your feedback on the "Advancement of Ethnic Studies in the CSU" report as well as its most critical directive: “How are we doing at the Beach in promoting students’ success in excelling in our global and multicultural world?”

Providing your input before the survey closes on Tuesday, January 31 is vital as we strive toward Inclusive Excellence at Cal State Long Beach. Thank you in advance for your engagement with our efforts to be a campus that supports student, faculty, and staff success.

CSU Travel Restrictions Effective January 1

On January 1 Assembly Bill 1887 went into effect, restricting state agencies from requiring employees to travel to any state that has enacted a law that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Please review the campus travel policy and procedures, which have been modified to ensure compliance with this law.

Nominate Faculty and Students for an Academic Affairs Award

Nominations are being accepted for the folowing awards honoring faculty and students for their research, scholarly and creative activity.

  • Academic Affairs Award for Impact Accomplishment of the Year in Research, Scholarly & Creative Activity
  • Academic Affairs Award for Outstanding Faculty Mentor for Student Engagement in Research, Scholarly & Creative Activity
  • Outstanding Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Student - Undergraduate Division
  • Outstanding Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Student - Graduate Division

Teach-ins Focus on Reclaiming Democracy

The College of Liberal Arts is hosting a series of teach-ins focused on topics related to “Reclaiming Democracy.”

The first teach-in, “Overcoming Exclusion, Discrimination & Oppression,” will be on Tuesday, January 31 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Speakers Platform in front of the Bookstore.  

Each teach-in will feature two to three speakers (about 10 minutes each) followed by 30-minute discussions on the grass on related sub-topics led by faculty members. Representatives from student and community activist groups will be at tables providing information about their work.

Additional teach-in dates and times are below. Information is also available online.

  • Wednesday, February 22: “Fascism: Past and Present”

  • Tuesday, March 21: “Mass Media and Democracy”

  • Wednesday, April 19: "Collective Action 101"