October has been recognized in the United States since 1994 as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) History Month, and includes National Coming Out Day on October 11 as a major focus of the month’s activities.
Many Americans celebrate this month as a public statement that we, as a nation, have made significant progress in securing civil rights for all citizens. And yet, as we draw to the end of this month, the nation has been shaken by recent reports of at least five suicides by teens taunted and bullied because of their perceived sexual orientation.
Earlier this month I met with LGBT students to hear their concerns in light of these recent tragedies. As I told these students, “Sometimes I’d like to wrap the University in a blanket and keep us away from the world.” But Cal State Northridge is a microcosm of the world in which we live so, rather than protecting the campus from the world, it is our mission to educate our students and prepare them to go out into the world, to fight against injustice where they find it, to support positive change where they can, and to make the world a better place for everyone.
This campus is not perfect, as I heard from these students with whom I met. But I am proud of the resources we do have in place at Cal State Northridge and urge the campus community to familiarize themselves with the many opportunities available. We will continue to work to make changes where we can so that all current and future students will find this a welcoming and supportive educational environment.
Since 2002, Cal State Northridge has participated in the Positive Space Program and Ally Project, a volunteer committee of faculty, staff and students whose purpose is to provide support for the LGBTIQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bixsexual, Transgendered, Intersexed, Queer and Questioning) campus community. In 2008, our Queer Studies program began offering courses for a Queer Studies minor, providing opportunity for all interested students to expand their understanding of the LGBTIQQ community. University Counseling Services offers support and resources for students, including an LGBT support group that meets on a weekly basis. Associated Students sponsors the LGBT Alliance (LGBTA) which sponsors a variety of activities and opportunities. Just last week LGBTA co-sponsored the Keeping Hope Alive: LGBTIQQ Forum and Vigil as a campus-wide response to the recent suicides mentioned above.
As we end the month, I want to thank all those whose efforts and concerns have advanced these activities, and to challenge us as a campus community to continually be mindful of each individual’s role in ensuring Cal State Northridge is a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
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October has been recognized in the United States since 1994 as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) History Month, and includes National Coming Out Day on October 11 as a major focus of the month’s activities.
Many Americans celebrate this month as a public statement that we, as a nation, have made significant progress in securing civil rights for all citizens. And yet, as we draw to the end of this month, the nation has been shaken by recent reports of at least five suicides by teens taunted and bullied because of their perceived sexual orientation.
Earlier this month I met with LGBT students to hear their concerns in light of these recent tragedies. As I told these students, “Sometimes I’d like to wrap the University in a blanket and keep us away from the world.” But Cal State Northridge is a microcosm of the world in which we live so, rather than protecting the campus from the world, it is our mission to educate our students and prepare them to go out into the world, to fight against injustice where they find it, to support positive change where they can, and to make the world a better place for everyone.
This campus is not perfect, as I heard from these students with whom I met. But I am proud of the resources we do have in place at Cal State Northridge and urge the campus community to familiarize themselves with the many opportunities available. We will continue to work to make changes where we can so that all current and future students will find this a welcoming and supportive educational environment.
Since 2002, Cal State Northridge has participated in the Positive Space Program and Ally Project, a volunteer committee of faculty, staff and students whose purpose is to provide support for the LGBTIQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bixsexual, Transgendered, Intersexed, Queer and Questioning) campus community. In 2008, our Queer Studies program began offering courses for a Queer Studies minor, providing opportunity for all interested students to expand their understanding of the LGBTIQQ community. University Counseling Services offers support and resources for students, including an LGBT support group that meets on a weekly basis. Associated Students sponsors the LGBT Alliance (LGBTA) which sponsors a variety of activities and opportunities. Just last week LGBTA co-sponsored the Keeping Hope Alive: LGBTIQQ Forum and Vigil as a campus-wide response to the recent suicides mentioned above.
As we end the month, I want to thank all those whose efforts and concerns have advanced these activities, and to challenge us as a campus community to continually be mindful of each individual’s role in ensuring Cal State Northridge is a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
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Though they were held earlier this semester, I’d like to highlight two exciting campus events—the Big Show on October 2, and Matador Nights on September 10—and their greater meaning for Cal State Northridge.
Both events achieved new levels of success this year. The Big Show, sponsored by Associated Students (A.S.), celebrated its 10th anniversary and experienced record attendance. Matador Nights, sponsored by the University Student Union (USU), similarly has become a popular annual tradition and achieved record growth. Such activities play an important role in broadening the college experience, bringing our diverse students together outside the classroom, and creating experiences and memories about one’s college years that will last a lifetime.
The growth and success of these events also suggest a new level of student spirit and Matador pride at the University. It is an energy I have seen in a variety of ways, including increased participation in the Freshman Convocation, more students wearing Cal State Northridge t-shirts and sweatshirts, and seeing Northridge bumper stickers on an increasing number of cars as I drive in L.A.
Many people say that Cal State Northridge is one of the best kept secrets of L.A.—that we do our job well but with little fanfare. I’m delighted that students are now becoming more vocal and visible in expressing their pride in studying at Cal State Northridge, and that the University is able to find ways to reinforce and enhance this school spirit through fun and memorable events like the Big Show and Matador Nights. Indeed, campus spirit has always been integral to the character and culture of the University.
My thanks to A.S. and the USU for their efforts to strengthen our students’ connection to Cal State Northridge, and for everyone who contributes to the excellence and tradition that are the foundation of the University’s success.
Note: The photo accompanying this post is from the USU Event Photos website.
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The Campus Budget FAQs have been updated to reflect the announcement by the California State University that, due to the restored funding for enrollment growth included in the recently approved 2010-11 California state budget, enrollment targets for the CSU and Cal State Northridge have been increased.
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The Campus Budget FAQs have been updated in response to the California state budget that was approved on Friday, October 8.
In addition, the following message from President Jolene Koester was distributed today to Cal State Northridge faculty and staff:
*****
Dear Faculty and Staff members,
On October 8 state lawmakers approved a 2010-11 state budget which provides for some restoration of funding to the CSU and funding for enrollment growth. Though we do not yet have complete information, particularly about the share of budget restoration that will be allocated to Cal State Northridge, initial information from the CSU Chancellor’s Office is available at here.
As more specific information becomes available, it will be shared through communications from Vice President for Administration and Finance Tom McCarron, and on the FAQs posted on the Campus Budget News web page.
Jolene Koester
President
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