Provost's Message September 2025
CSULB Announces 32 New Faculty for the 2025-26 Academic Year
Academic Affairs is excited to welcome 32 new faculty for the 2025-26 academic year. We look forward to supporting our new faculty as they excel in teaching, scholarship, and service. Together, they will enrich their respective departments, colleges, and CSULB's monumental initiatives.
Cultural Welcomes at The Beach
September 10 - 18
September 12
September 13
September 15 - October 15
Children's Collection - Family Friendly Study Area Open House
September 17
Kleefeld Contemporary Fall Exhibitions Opening Celebration
September 18
ATS Faculty Workshop: The Potential of Extended Reality in Education
September 23
Pregnant & Parenting Student Summit
September 26
Long Short Story Award Contest
September 29 - November 2
October 5 - 11
CSULB Ranks in Top 10 in National, Best-Value College Rating
Cal State Long Beach has ranked in the top 10 in a best-value rating among colleges and universities across the nation, according to Washington Monthly. The ranking underscores CSULB’s stature as a top educational institution that promotes social mobility and achievement.
Mathematics Professor Wins MAA SoCal Section 2025 Teaching Award
Mathematics professor Brian Katz recently won the Mathematical Association of America Southern California Section’s 2025 Teaching Award. The Section Awards for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics honor college or university teachers who have been widely recognized as extraordinarily successful and whose teaching effectiveness has been shown to have had influence beyond their own institutions.
Beach XP Shows Strong Results in New Persistence Snapshot
Since its launch in fall 2023, Beach XP has strengthened student retention and success – and the results keep building. Participation has grown each year, along with measurable gains in persistence. Explore the latest Persistence Snapshot for highlights and a look at what’s ahead in year three and beyond.
College of Engineering Programs Receive Reaccreditation
The College of Engineering received the final statements from ABET for both the Computing Accreditation Commission and the Engineering Accreditation Commission resulting from the accreditation review of our programs in the 2024-25 academic year. Six of the programs (BS in aerospace-, chemical-, civil-, computer-, electrical-, and mechanical engineering) received the maximum reaccreditation period (until 2031) with no shortcomings. The BS in biomedical engineering received its initial accreditation for the maximum period (until 2031) with no shortcomings, retroactive to Fall 2022. The BS in computer science received reaccreditation to Spring 2027 to resolve the standing weakness in enrollment management.
Faculty Member Wins Grant to Develop Chatbot for New Teachers
When student teachers at CSULB need emergency help — classroom tech fails, a lesson plan flops, or a question feels uncomfortable to ask — they may soon have a powerful new ally: a friendly chatbot named Remi.
Associate Professor Heather Macías is developing a so-called Beach Teach chatbot to support new teachers when they can’t or don’t want to reach out to a mentor. Her proposal to build it out was one of 63 recently funded across the California State University system through the inaugural CSU Artificial Intelligence Educational Innovations Challenge.
View the latest accolades and see how our Academic Affairs faculty members are contributing as experts in the news.
View the latest grants and gifts recipients of our Beach community.
Future Ready: CSULB's Foresight Fundamentals Series
Open to faculty, staff, and students
Tuesdays: October 7, October 21, and November 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Developed in partnership with the Institute for the Future, this exciting new program introduces a powerful three-part toolkit—Foresight Fundamentals, Insight Fundamentals, and Action Fundamentals—designed to help campus leaders and teams anticipate change, uncover strategic opportunities, and take bold steps toward a future-ready university. As part of this inaugural pilot, participants will gain hands-on experience with futures-thinking tools and join a growing network of CSULB “futurists” who are energizing strategic planning across colleges and divisions.
Facilitator: Robyn Ames-Woodyard, Asst. Vice President for Future Planning
Location: In-person, Beach Staff Development Center, Library 301. Seats are limited.
When you register, you will automatically be registered for all three sessions.
Reminder: Bienvenida this Saturday
Sept. 13, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Bienvenida is right around the corner! It’s a day of Latinx culture and celebration for CSULB students and their families. Students are encouraged to invite their family to campus for live performances, free food, meet and greet with faculty and staff, campus resource presentations, giveaways, and more!
Apply to join the Faculty Formative Feedback Project
Applications due September 19, 2025 | Apply Now | First 30 applicants receive priority
Join a distinct group of more than 200 faculty and work with a collaborative partner from outside of your discipline to increase student engagement. The Faculty Formative Feedback Program (FFFP) seeks committed instructional faculty (lecturers and tenure-track faculty) who want to gain formative feedback on their teaching from a triad of data sources: student perceptions, instructor self-reflections, and teaching visits by a trained observer.
You will be rewarded with a letter of participation and a Level 1 or Level 2 digital badge after successfully completing the project. Check out the program flyer for what activities are included in each level. Past participants have used the letter to demonstrate their effort to reflect formatively in improving pedagogy in formal evaluations.
MyBMAC Database Updates
Please note that there have been some procedural updates for BMAC faculty exam administration within the new Version 5 of MyBMAC. Please review the updated MyBMAC Faculty Alternative Testing Guide tutorial video and contact BMAC Support Services with any questions.
Grant Puma Webinar Series
Interested in finding relevant grants using AI? CSULB will be hosting Crist Khachikian, Professor of Civil Engineering at CSUN and founder of Grant Puma, for online webinars on Friday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., October 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., October 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a hybrid session on November 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This webinar series will provide an overview of the Grant Puma database, which uses publication records and artificial intelligence to match faculty with potential federal and foundation grant opportunities. Attendees will also be provided an opportunity to engage with Dr. Khachikian on the best ways to use the database.
Celebrate Banned Books Week with the University Library
The annual Banned Books Week will take place from October 5 – 11. The University Library is celebrating our freedom to read with a series of events, like the Banned Books Read In, Understanding and Fighting for your Right to Read Workshop, Celebrate Our Freedom to Read Panel, and a marathon of movies made from banned and challenged books.
CSU Trustees' Award Recipient Shows Strength, Determination in the Face of Adversity
Karma Sarni’s perseverance, determination and hard work over the years is getting due recognition. Sarni is the CSULB recipient of the 2025-26 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. The annual award is CSU’s highest recognition of student achievement, and Sarni is one of 23 students across the system who has demonstrated excellent academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.
Week of Welcome Opens Doors for Students at The Beach
More than 100 CSULB organizations showed up for this fall's Week of Welcome. Associated Students, Inc. organizes the event, which took place over Sept. 3 and 4 along the sidewalks traversing the grassy areas of Central Quad.
Applications for our Sought-After Graduate Programs at The Beach Continue to Make Waves
CSULB graduate programs received 10,047 applications (international: 1,786) for Fall 2025. Our master’s programs are in-high demand and very competitive! Of the 7,968 master’s applications, only 3,487 were admitted. In all, we welcomed 2,604 new graduate students to The Beach this August!
Support Students by Becoming a Career Advocate
The Career Development Center (CDC) will offer an empowering four-part series beginning in November 2025 to help staff and faculty become Career Advocates. A Career Advocate supports students in achieving their career goals by providing them with career resources, tools, and guidance to make informed decisions in their career journey. To learn more about the program and requirements, visit the Career Advocate Program website.
New Residency Eases Financial Burden for Future Long Beach Teachers
The new Long Beach Teacher Residency, a state-funded partnership between the CSULB College of Education and Long Beach Unified School District, offers teacher candidates a $34,200 stipend, personalized small-group attention, and other non-financial support.
They receive priority interviews with Long Beach Unified and agree to teach there for at least four years. If the district can't place them, the credential programs support with their job search.
Kleefeld Contemporary Fall Exhibitions Opening Celebration
Sept. 18, 2025 | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join Kleefeld Contemporary in celebration of the museum’s fall exhibitions: Solastalgia, Christine Nguyen: Emergence of the Kelp Deer, Jennifer Celio: Species in Danger, and more.
Be among the first to see the new exhibitions, meet artists, and enjoy music by DJ Rex. Refreshments and drinks provided. This event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP is highly suggested.
College of Education Adds Scandinavia Study Abroad
The College of Education is broadening its study abroad programs to include Scandinavia, immersing students in the region’s rich history and culture — and Finland’s world-renowned education reforms.
The college is recruiting students for a 17-day trip to Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark next summer that is tailored to future educators in the Liberal Studies program but open to all students and even some staff, faculty, and alumni.
National Student Parent Awareness Month
September is National Student Parent Awareness Month. CSULB is hosting events throughout the month to support students with dependents. Additional resources for pregnant and parenting students are also available.
Latine Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)
CSULB will celebrate Latine Heritage Month with a variety of events from September 15 through October 15.
Cultural Welcomes (September 10–18)
CSULB Cultural Welcomes are held from September 10 – 18, providing students with opportunities to connect and build community. Faculty and staff are invited to join in welcoming students.
Graduate Studies Welcomes the New Graduate Studies Faculty Director for the 25-26 Academic Year: Dr. Sara Nourazari
Dr. Nourazari is an Associate Professor in Health Care Management, the Program Director and Graduate Advisor for the M.S. in Health Care Administration, a well-published scholar, and a recipient of multiple grants. We are excited to have Dr. Nourazari join the Graduate Studies team.
We also thank Dr. Bhandari for her hard work and dedication, and congratulate her on her Interim Associate Dean for CNSM appointment.
Kassidy Harrington Supports Students While Studying Sports at The Beach
For Kassidy Harrington, earning her master’s degree in Sport Management at CSULB was more than an academic milestone. Read about the unique path of a staff member at The Beach who specializes in supporting students and became a student herself—following her passion for athletics while working full-time, winning a leadership award, and making her family proud.
ATS Faculty Workshop: The Potential of Extended Reality in Education
September 23 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
During this in-person session inside the ISPACE XR Lab, inspiring examples of how Extended Reality (virtual + augmented + mixed reality = XR) is currently being used in education will be shared (and experienced). See what the XR Lab offers and get a hands-on look at the equipment available for reservation as we share potential ideas for using these technologies in your courses. Register to attend.
Pregnant & Parenting Student Summit
September 26 | Check in 9:30 a.m. | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Pregnant and Parenting Student Summit is designed to uplift, inform, and empower you through interactive workshops that address the realities of balancing academics, parenting, and personal growth. There will be resource sharing from campus departments and community partners who are here to support your success. There will also be community building opportunities, where you can connect with other student parents who understand your experience. This summit is more than an event—it’s a celebration of resilience, dedication, and the power of student parents. RSVP to attend.
Announcing CSULB New Faculty Academy 2025-2026
Are you new CSULB faculty (Assistant Professor or a Lecturer in their first 5 years on campus)? Would you like to join a supportive community to meet colleagues and learn about areas essential to your success, like how to engage students in the classroom and how to manage work-life balance? We invite you to join New Faculty Academy – a six-part, one hour zoom series facilitated by Emily Berquist, Interim Director of the Faculty Center. We will share suggested readings, have question & answer time, and learn from our guest speakers. Register to attend. Email Emily Berquist if you have questions.
Dr. Dina Perrone Welcomes & Empowers New & Current Graduate Advisors at the Graduate Advisors Orientation
The annual Graduate Advisor Orientation for new and seasoned Graduate Advisors was held on Friday, September 5. About 50 Grad Advisors learned the essential tools and updates in supporting incoming and current graduate students at The Beach! Graduate Advisors across all colleges heard from Dr. Dina Perrone, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies, and campus partners from Admissions, Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, the Center for International Education, the Thesis & Dissertation Office, the Graduate Center, and the Office of Equity and Compliance.
World Mental Health Day (October 10)
To honor World Mental Health Day, faculty and staff can earn a certificate and badge by playing the Mental Health Support Simulations, an interactive training to strengthen our ability to support students and the campus community.
Oliver Wang Talks about Hip-Hop and Immersing CSULB Students in Sociological Research
CSULB sociology professor Oliver Wang has been a go-to authority on pop culture, hip-hop, and Asian American culture and societal issues for the past 19 years. Now, he shares his thoughts about his research and teaching at The Beach.
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