Provost's Message - February 2024

February 2024

Elevating Black Joy

Hello friends, I hope you are having a great start to the new year and the spring semester. Each day, I am excited to show up in support of our students and it is a joy to see our campus buzzing and full of life once again.

Now is the perfect time to reflect on fresh starts and set our sights on all we aim to achieve. Let us pour into others, share our wisdom, and inspire new hope across campus. If we do this, I know we will finish the academic year strong.

As One Beach, this month also marks the beginning of Black History Month. Let’s engage throughout the campus, connect with our peers, and attend special events to honor the traditions, contributions, and experiences of our Black community. Let's gather The Beach to elevate Black joy, celebrate, and affirm our identities, and showcase the many achievements of our diverse communities.

In Academic Affairs we are making significant strides to improve experiences and outcomes for our Black students. We are currently working to share a campus-wide Black Student Success inventory and action plan that addresses the needs of CSULB. In the words of a Beach faculty member, “There is something about this moment.” I am incredibly inspired to see our campus deeply commit to support ALL students, and specifically organize to find better outcomes for Black Beach students. We look forward to sharing developments later in the spring. 

As provost, it is of paramount importance that we remove barriers to education, see the potential and value of every student, and offer them the support to succeed. If we do that, then I know we will move the needle forward…so let’s keep pushing! I hope you have a successful semester and a beautiful Black History Month.

GO BEACH!

In community,
Karyn Scissum Gunn

Beach Faculty's Hands-On Experiences Skyrocket Student Success - The Division of Academic Affairs provides a student-ready curriculum, coupled with faculty expertise and guidance. Read about the goals and initiatives behind the compelling hands-on experiences provided for CSULB students. 

Week of Research, Scholarly, and Creative ActivityThe Week of Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity's 4th annual event will take place from April 15 - 19. Come by and witness the incredible research conducted across campus.

Other Important Dates:

This month, CSULB has many exciting Points of Pride to report and share with our community. Learn more about our #BeachPride 

  • CSULB Ranks No. 2 Nationally for Clinical, Counseling, and Applied Psychology - CSULB has been recognized as No. 2 in the nation for best master’s degree in clinical, counseling, and applied psychology programs.

  • CNSM Merits Institutional PhysTEC 5+ Accolade - Thanks to the efforts of CNSM’s science education and physics department, Cal State Long Beach is now an official PhysTEC 5+ Club awardee.

  • CLA Team Featured in Pertinent Cal Matters Piece - CLA's Cindi AlvitreCraig Stone, and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act chair, Luis Robles, were featured in a Cal Matters piece about the repatriation of artifacts.

View the latest accolades and see how our Academic Affairs faculty members are contributing as experts in the news.

Stay up to date on your colleagues that have acquired the latest CSULB grants and gifts on our website.

Call for Submissions - 2024 PCSW Awards - The President's Commission on the Status of Women seeks individuals to honor for their work on behalf of women in different categories. Nominate someone by April 8. | Details

Annual Women's Research Colloquium Coming SoonPCSW is hosting the annual Women's Research Colloquium on March 15 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Come out and support our students' research endeavors. | Details

Data Fellows for Student Success Symposium 2024 - Our Data Fellows teams invite ALL to their annual poster session on April 26, from 9 - 11 a.m. on the second floor of the University Library. RSVP by April 15. | Registration

New Faculty Programs - Affordable Learning SolutionsAcademic Technology Services now offers new programs to support the integration of low-cost learning materials into courses as part of a new, exciting partnership. | Programs

Midterm Progress Reports - Instructors are encouraged to post mid-term progress reports for students via MyCSULB Faculty Center until mid-March. For support and instructions, please check your email.

Now Online! FERPA Training for Student Assistants - Hiring student assistants? Make sure they complete their FERPA Compliance Training today.

Save the Date! Grad Fair at The BeachBeach Shops is hosting their annual Grad Fair at The Beach from March 11 - 14. Please encourage your students to stop by and gather their commencement necessities. | Details

National Conference of Undergraduate Research - The National Conference on Undergraduate Research will take place from April 8 - 10. Encourage your students to join, forge connections, and expand their professional portfolios.

Day at The Beach Coming SoonDay at The Beach will take place on April 13. Join us for an exciting, single day of immersive experiences exclusively for newly admitted students and their families. | Details

Submit items for upcoming messages to aa-communication@csulb.edu with a hyperlink.