Next week is spring break at California State University, Northridge. While I recognize not everyone will have the opportunity to take advantage of the week-long break in the class schedule that students enjoy, it nevertheless is a part of the normal rhythm of the academic year that deserves note.
Springtime around the world is traditionally observed as a time of renewal, and regardless of how you spend the break—even if it is in the office—I hope you have an opportunity to engage in some needed “spring cleaning” as the University prepares for the home stretch of the school year. Each of us likely define spring cleaning in a variety of different and personally meaningful ways, such as catching up on some long-delayed project or chore at work or at home, or simply taking a few moments to take stock of your goals.
For me, personally, I am continually reinvigorated by the privilege of working with a group of people as dedicated and talented as the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make up the Cal State Northridge community. Despite serious challenges this year, many of them rooted in the global and local economy, Cal State Northridge’s rise as a first-rate higher education institution continues unabated.
We remain a first-choice destination for students, as underscored by the continued expansion of our physical plant in projects like the Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge and the anticipated opening of Chapparal Hall this fall. This past year, our 50th anniversary celebration has particularly brought attention to Cal State Northridge’s importance to the San Fernando Valley and beyond as a regionally focused, nationally recognized university. This celebration began with the Founders’ Day festivities in the fall and will culminate with the Grand Reunion later this month and, of course, commencement at the end of May.
So however you plan to spend spring break, I hope the time is productive and enjoyable, and an opportunity to focus on yourself, family and friends. And for those of you planning to travel, my best wishes for a safe and fun-filled trip.
An update to the FAQs on the 2008-09 Budget Situation has been posted.
As I’m sure you now know, on Friday, February 20, the Governor approved a state budget for California that covers the remainder of the 2008-09 fiscal year and 2009-10. The FAQ update addresses questions that members of the campus community may have about what the approved budget means for Cal State Northridge, including the resumption of our suspended construction projects. The FAQ also complements the campuswide message that went out Friday from Vice President for Administration and Finance Tom McCarron.
Since we are still learning more about the budget and there are some assumptions in the package that may keep the situation fluid, as I’ve said during my recent spring visits with the colleges and departments, I ask everyone to exercise continued patience and forbearance, and to embrace with as much humor as possible “the ambiguity” that is an inherent part of this process. I remain grateful for everyone’s commitment to our main goal of providing the best quality education, programs and services for our students and community.
Vice President McCarron and I will continue to keep everyone up to date as we move forward in the implementation of the new budget, and encourage you to visit the FAQs for the most current information regarding the budget situation.
As we usher in a new year and prepare to begin a new semester, this is a good opportunity to provide an update about recent actions that have been taken in response to the current economic crisis, and to again provide reassurance that the University will continue to respond and manage these issues responsibly and meaningfully. Our goal always is to protect the University’s academic mission, and its ability to provide programs and services in support of students and the University’s long-term goals.
As many of you know, even the holiday break did not provide a respite from the economic realities currently battering the state and, by extension, the California State University system and Cal State Northridge. During the holiday, the State’s severe cash flow crisis resulted in the Department of Finance ordering a halt in payment for construction costs causing all state agencies including the CSU, to suspend work on most state-bond funded construction projects. Because of this action, as stated in my January 2 announcement, work has been temporarily stopped on the Valley Performing Arts Center. (We hope to continue at least some work on Chapparal Hall since it is so close to completion. The G3 parking structure and student housing projects under construction are not funded by state capital outlay bonds and will continue construction.)
Similarly, back in November, in follow up to the CSU Board of Trustees’ decision to declare systemwide impaction due to the state’s deepening financial crisis, Cal State Northridge declared freshman impaction. This action will allow us to manage our enrollment within current budget constraints while preserving academic quality and services for students. To fulfill this goal, Cal State Northridge will provide priority freshman admission to students we have classified as “Tier 1” who graduate from our defined primary local service area and meet CSU admission requirements. “Tier 2” freshman applicants, defined as those from outside the local area, will be rank-ordered and admitted after Tier 1 students according to merit eligibility. (More information about the impaction and its effect on admission can be found here.)
All this underscores what we already know: that the state’s current budget situation is very dire, resulting in serious cash flow problems. I have been very grateful for everyone’s commitment and hard work during these uncertain times. While the news continues to be sobering, I know that all of you continue to do outstanding work on behalf of the University and remain confident of Cal State Northridge’s ability to weather these rough waters. My promise to you as President is to meet your dedication and trust with my best efforts, and to keep you apprised of the situation as it evolves. It is a great credit to all of you and our campus that, even in these difficult times, the University continues to excel, thrive and flourish.
A belated happy new year to all of you. Let us continue to move forward into 2009 with optimism and the knowledge that the difficulties that lie ahead are as much opportunities as they are challenges.
