Another Year of Triumph and Challenge
As we approach the end of another academic year, I've been reflecting on some of our triumphs and challenges. Thoughts I'd like to share with you.
On the triumph side we often mention our important national recognitions. But let's start by noting the many personal and unsung achievements of students, faculty, and staff. An "A" grade, a publication, or a promotion are important achievements that often go uncelebrated. Based on conversations throughout our community, I know The Beach is filled with caring people who are doers, achievers, and innovators.
We do, of course, continue to garner recognition from national outlets about our diversity, affordability, and contribution to social mobility. Various academic departments have been named to top 20 lists for their excellence. Our students continue to amaze us with their national recognitions in the arts, academics, and athletics (congratulations to our NCAA National Champion Men's Volleyball team!). We had record numbers of 102,000 applicants for 2018 and 10,000 graduates in 2017. Our four-year graduation rate rose a dramatic nine percent since 2014—meaning one in four students is graduating in four years. External grant money and expenditures are at an all-time high, and faculty continue to garner important honors in the arts, sciences, education, engineering, business, health services, and humanities. International efforts have resulted in a significant number of Beach students studying abroad and many international students joining us here on campus. Fortunately, we have a commitment from the CSU Trustees to not raise tuition as we work together to advocate for full funding from the state.
Challenges include uncertainty about state support, lack of Congressional progress on a compassionate immigration framework, aging infrastructure, and some important projects that have resulted in non-stop construction on campus. The construction has been unpleasant but the results—new and renovated buildings, pipes, and parking—will be great.
Like many campuses across the country, we continue to deal with the unauthorized posting of flyers attacking valued community groups. These attacks are not only hateful but are filled with disinformation. If you want an accurate picture of diversity in service of excellence, take a look at our Cultural Graduation Celebrations. These joyful events applaud student achievements and honor the importance of culture.
In the wake of recent postings that questioned the university's dedication to eradicating sexual assault, I want to assure you that we take every sexual assault complaint seriously and have sanctioned both individuals and groups. Our University Police Department and Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development stand ready to assist. Success in keeping everyone safe on campus depends on all of us. You can do your part by intervening, reporting, and following through on complaints. Visit our Title IXand Not Alone at The Beach websites for more information.
From my perspective, the acts of kindness, consideration, and inclusion I see every day on campus far outweigh the unfortunate actions of a few. And the outstanding work you are doing across disciplines, departments, and auxiliaries means we're positioned for even greater accomplishments next year as we pursue more affordable housing options for staff and students, launch our Beach 2030 initiative, and continue to mitigate the effects of climate change while simultaneously becoming more resilient to drought, energy fluctuations, and extreme weather events.
In a few days we will celebrate commencement. Congratulations to the Class of 2018! I wish you all the best in your next adventure and look forward to greeting you as cherished alumni the next time we meet.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends—together, we can accomplish anything. We are ONE Beach.
