Creating the Next Decade
As we begin creating the next decade for CSU Channel Islands (CI), we reflect upon what this task might mean in a world changed radically since we first opened our doors in 2002. With the help and support of our community, we have created a 21st century university clearly focused on students and their success, and built upon interdisciplinary approaches to curriculum and management. But, that was then. Now, in a world filled with possibility, promise, and new technologies, we must create anew on that foundation.
Last month I joined administrators and students from the CSU, UC and community college systems to express our concerns before the State Assembly’s Committee on Higher Education. The committee, chaired by Assemblyman Das Williams of Santa Barbara, sought our perspectives and recommendations on California’s higher education affordability structure to guide future policy and what that might mean, in our case, to CI.
The message was resounding-—students have been bearing the burdens of the state’s economic woes. Educational access and quality are being compromised as a result. Current funding and enrollment levels portend that California will have a shortage of college-educated workers. The future of our state depends upon our legislators’ choices.
To re-create the Golden State, I urge you to support California’s future by letting our elected officials know how important higher education is to you and to our economic health. After all, higher education has been the basis for our quality of life. With this support, and your partnership with CI, we will continue to build a world-class institution for our region.
CI’s first decade has been a remarkable achievement, but we can’t stop now. Together, we, all of us, can make your University a special place for learning and community in the next decade. We invite you to join us in this essential contribution for our children, our grandchildren, for California!
On behalf of the entire CI community, I wish you a safe and delightful holiday season.