Messages from the President | Cal State LA-足彩外围网站

2023-2024 Academic Year

Reconvening Provost Search

August 27, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle community,

To begin, I want to thank and honor Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Amy Bippus. She has provided outstanding leadership for Cal State LA and will continue to do so throughout the search for a permanent replacement in that role.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is a critical leader for the university, and, as such, our goal is focused on making a decision that is best for the long-term success of Cal State LA and the students we serve. We are committed to a robust and exhaustive process to reach that goal and are confident that we will get there.

We are reconvening the Provost search this Fall. The Committee for this ongoing search effort will continue with the same elected membership as the last academic year. Additionally, Cal State LA has engaged SP&A Executive Search firm to assist in identifying prospective candidates.

Listening sessions with students, faculty, staff, and community partners will occur in August and September to identify key attributes we are seeking in this role. A dedicated webpage and updated position profile is in progress and will be available in mid-September.

Your engagement with this process is greatly appreciated. We all have the opportunity to help shape the future of academics for Cal State LA and the many communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.
President

Welcome Back Golden Eagles

August 20, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Welcome to fall 2024! For those who have been with us all summer, I appreciate everything you’ve done to ready us for the year ahead. For those returning, I hope you had an amazing summer and am glad to see you back.

We’ve been busy this summer.

Budget Website

As promised, Cal State LA has launched a webpage to serve as our one-stop space for budget information. It is important that we are all informed when it comes to our resources. This is particularly true as we have conversations around solving a $32.4 million deficit while continuing to provide excellent education and services for students. This won’t be easy, but we are up to the task.

yqczg.net/financial-transparency

The page has a form for questions, and I hope you will join the conversation.

Leadership Transitions

While we’re on the topic of budget, I want to welcome a new member of the team. Claudio Lindow — a seasoned executive with over 25 years in higher education leadership — joined us as interim vice president of administration and finance and chief financial officer. I look forward to working with Claudio to address the opportunities we have in budget, business processes, facilities, operations support, and revenue generation.

We are also launching a national Provost search and will connect with Academic Senate, Associated Students, Inc., and our staff representatives on that recruitment and selection process. I continue to be grateful for the leadership of Interim Provost Amy Bippus, and she has committed to stay on with Cal State LA through the hiring process.

Building Updates

Good news on King Hall! After a summer of intensive work, independent testing shows air quality throughout King Hall meeting or exceeding the standards for occupancy set by the Environmental Protection Agency. There is still work being done to fully restore the building to its deserved place of pride, yet we can celebrate that immediate efforts for health and safety have been a success.

Thank you to everyone for your flexibility on Simpson Tower. Upgrade of the heating, air, and ventilation system continues. These are large complex systems, and unfortunately we got caught in delays. We hope to be back in the building mid-semester.

Similarly, the roofing and elevator modernization projects in Biological Sciences are still underway. Classes scheduled in Biological Sciences will be remote for the first week of instruction. We are working with the elevator company to get repairs completed this week.

Upcoming Events

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday’s Convocation. It was wonderful to open the new academic year with the introduction of new faculty, and the announcement of the Outstanding Professor Awards, the Outstanding Lecturer Award, and the President’s Distinguished Professor Award. I was also glad to honor staff and students for their accomplishments. We have so much to celebrate.

Please save the date of October 2, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the Billie Jean King statue dedication. We are looking to celebrate a Cal State LA student-athlete alumna, advocate of gender equality, and a champion of social justice. She is truly one of the greatest, from her time on the tennis court through to her continuing work with national and global causes today.

Lastly, I commit to a new level of support for campus programs and events dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We need opportunities to create spaces that acknowledge our diverse experiences while increasing discourse. Look for more of these activities throughout the year.

I am truly looking forward to the heights to which we will soar in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.

President

King Hall Update: Air Quality Result, All Passes

August 16, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle community,

Let me begin by thanking you all for your patience. I acknowledge voiced concerns that the damage to the Student Services Building took away from King Hall restoration. I can assure you we never let up on the King Hall efforts. On July 19, I sent an email with an update on progress related to King Hall. That email included the status of project completion and move-in dates.

Today, I am glad to confirm that independent testing by Terra Environmental, under the direction of a Cal/OSHA-Certified Asbestos Consultant, has confirmed that King Hall passed Asbestos Ambient Air Sampling tests conducted in hallways and rooms throughout the building. This means, King Hall meets or exceeds the standards for occupancy set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

That testing report is attached for the purpose of full disclosure. Over the coming days an accessible version of the results will be posted on the King Hall website. The previous testing results are also available on the website. Please note that the area of concern in that earlier report was the roof, which is why we prioritized its replacement. This recent testing confirms the success of that work over the summer.

During roof work, the material was wetted down to prevent dust from becoming airborne for the safety of all on campus. All air vents and duct work were covered to prevent any spread of materials from the roof. Additionally, due to plaster ceilings being removed in the “C Wing” section of the building, a specialized contractor completed a deep clean of all spaces in that wing.

While we prioritized many immediate needs for health and safety, work on King Hall will continue for general and deferred maintenance. I communicated some of those steps in my July 19 message, and we will update through the semester.

I appreciate all who leaned in on this and our other major projects throughout the summer. King Hall is a building with a proud history (your history) and years left to expand on that legacy.

I will remain in contact with Interim VP Lindow and his team on bringing the King Hall restoration to a successful conclusion.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.

President

Leadership Transition in Administration and Finance

August 2, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle community,

Interim Vice President Queen King reached out this week to notify me that she will be leaving Cal State LA. I honor and thank her for her service in the interim role, particularly the leadership she showed in the King Hall and Student Services Building restorations. I wish her the very best in her career.

I have asked Claudio Lindow to step into the role of interim vice president of administration and finance and chief financial officer beginning Monday, August 5. Claudio is a seasoned executive with over 25 years in higher education administration, adept in financial management, information technology strategy, and operations. For much of the last year, he served as interim vice president of administration and finance for York College in the City University of New York system. He also continued in his role as the college’s assistant vice president and chief information officer.

I look forward to working with Claudio to address the challenges and opportunities we have in budget, business processes, facilities, operations support, and revenue generation. He has a proven record of success in these areas and will be a strong leader in this shared work.

Please join me in celebrating VP King and welcoming VP Lindow.

With gratitude,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.

President

Return to the Student Services Building to Begin Next Week

July 24, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle community,

To begin, let’s give a shout out to all the staff involved in the King Hall and Student Services Building (SSB) projects: custodians, grounds, facilities, and other operations support, administrative and clerical support, and technical support. This has been an all-hands-on-deck summer. I appreciate all of you!

Since the damage to SSB spaces on June 12, the lower lobby through fourth floor have been unoccupied except for those involved in cleanup and repair. Student-facing services were relocated to other spaces on campus, and I am grateful to the academic professionals who made that possible with assistance from staff in operations, administrative, and technical support. Relocated services have been a critical bridge for our continuing and incoming students throughout the summer.

After extensive work (including graffiti removal and repainting, glass replacement, carpet replacement, furniture replacement, and technology replacement), we are ready to begin a phased return to the SSB. Services located on the third and fourth floor will begin to reoccupy the building next week, starting Wednesday, July 31. Services located on the first and second floor will begin to reoccupy the building two weeks later, starting Wednesday, August 14.

Due to the extent of the restoration needed, some work will continue into September and October. Specifically, cushions for seating in student gathering areas are being reupholstered and will be reinstalled in September. Repair and replacement of more permanent finishes in wood, stone, and metal will continue through October, with temporary coverings in place for now.

It is difficult to overstate the damage that was done to the spaces that house services such as accessible technology, basic needs, new student and family engagement, Dreamer resources, and educational opportunity programs. Yet, following that experience, the Cal State LA community rose to the challenge of preparing the SSB to serve its student-centered mission again this fall.

I look forward to students returning in August to spaces that have been restored and prepared by Cal State LA staff.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.

President

King Hall Renovations Update

July 19, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle community,

Yesterday, I wrote to you in advance of budget conversations expected next semester. Today, I am glad to share an update on renovations for King Hall.

As context, in April 2024, the King Hall Action Team conducted a walk-through of the entire building – offices, classrooms, hallways, and restrooms – to address campus community concerns. The resulting action plan for Summer 2024 is available here.

I appreciate the Action Team’s recognition that the work and learning environment is a key factor in success and wellness for students, faculty, and staff in King Hall. There was much identified in that report that was not satisfactory and not right. This is an accumulation of years of deferred maintenance, yet we could not ask that those affected to wait years for improvements.

For King Hall Wings B and D, priority improvements included ceiling tile replacement/securing, installation of chair rails, floor tile patch, electrical and lighting upgrades, paint and patch of walls, windowsills, and ceilings, and stripping and waxing of floors and deep cleaning of carpets. In Wing D, projects have been completed or will be completed by the end of July. In Wing B, projects on the second, third, and fourth floor will be completed by August 11. Work will continue, as possible based on building occupancy, on the first floor and basement of King Hall Wing B.

For King Hall Wings A and C, priority improvements included flooring installation, ceiling tile replacement, painting, and new light fixtures. These improvements are on schedule for the new academic year, except lighting. Due to a weather-related delivery delay, light fixtures are scheduled to arrive in late August.

I am also glad to share that roof work is on schedule to be completed by the end of July.

A big thank you is due to those in the Facilities team, other units across the university, and outside partners who leaned in to get as much done as possible over the summer. The schedule was ambitious, and there were some unexpected hurdles. Despite this, significant progress was made to bring as much of King Hall as possible back to its rightful place of pride in the community.

The work continues!

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.
President

Setting the Table for 2024-25 Budget Conversations

July 18, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle community,

In my message of June 27, 2024, I stated that financial transparency and budget literacy are Cal State LA first principles. I believe we should be forthright and honest about our financial and budget information. This detailed memo is intended to prepare for our conversations in the fall with open and direct communication now.

What we rely on, primarily, to run all our classes, student support, and operations – with salaries and benefits making up 73 percent of overall costs – are two sources of revenue: tuition and allocation from the state budget. Cal State LA does not set either of these levels. The CSU Board of Trustees sets tuition, and we are given an enrollment target by the system. State allocations are negotiated between the California legislature and governor. This allocation is then given to the system, which assigns a portion to Cal State LA based on that earlier enrollment target.

Cal State LA has in recent years, enrolled students beyond the enrollment target number given to the university by the CSU Office of the Chancellor. The university does not receive budget from the state/system for enrollment over the target. The only revenue received is tuition from each “overenrolled” student. As a result, Cal State LA has historically absorbed these enrollment-related expenses (additional class sections, greater need for support, and related administrative processes) which has had an adverse impact on the experience we can provide students.

Post-pandemic, Cal State LA has been much closer to our enrollment target. This feels like a budget reduction, because of the lost tuition, even though our funding per student is up. The greater risk lies in falling below enrollment targets, losing both tuition and state/system support. This is why we need to focus on reversing enrollment declines and push to meet our enrollment target every year.

Based on estimated revenue alongside estimated salary, benefit, and mandatory costs, Cal State LA faces a 2024-25 deficit of more than $32.4 million. Making up this shortfall will be painful and will certainly have a negative impact in the short-term. A framework for balancing the budget is under consideration. I also remain committed to providing a website of detailed financial and budget information by the beginning of the 2024-25 Academic Year.

I do hope that next year will have better news for the future, particularly in the state budget picture. That said, we cannot bank on hope or deny the trends that are affecting higher education – which includes inflating prices and declining college-age populations. I also hear those who are concerned about ever-increasing workload, and I hear that those who work the hardest are being rewarded with more work. We need to consider the right scope of work for every person (within the hours and schedules provided under our contracts). That will include priority setting, and perhaps letting some things move to the back burner.

This is a tough conversation, and we are just at the beginning. At the same time, we’ll have to make some moves quickly to prevent even deeper cuts down the road. Still, I remain committed to the practice of shared governance and inclusivity. This is not something that any one unit, one department, or one division can navigate alone. We are in this together and must find our solutions together.

Click this link to read this memo with additional budget details.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.

President

Message from the President regarding Cal State LA's First Principles

June 27, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle Community,

For more than five weeks, the protest encampment was permitted at Cal State LA. In that time, I made clear that I support peaceful activism and was willing to talk with any group of our community in a respectful manner. During that time, the University had also engaged in several formal and informal discussions with Encampment leaders and proposed several initiatives to address concerns raised by the group. This was before the unprovoked violence and destruction we saw when the Student Services Building (SSB) was taken over by protestors.

Now, members of the Encampment are writing to me about keeping their “wins” from negotiation. To be clear, there are no “wins” for those who assaulted members of our community and vandalized and destroyed university property, as we saw protesters do on June 12.

What the University will remain committed to are items that are in the best interest of the entire University and align with Cal State LA’s First Principles.

Financial transparency is a First Principle. I believe we should be forthright and honest about our financial information. That includes the investment, stock, bond, mutual fund, and property holdings of the Cal State LA Foundation and Cal State LA Auxiliary Services. Similarly, budget literacy is a First Principle. The University will launch a website for easy access to Cal State LA's financial information by the beginning of fall 2024.
Mental health support is a First Principle. I have charged Vice President Patrick Day to develop a plan to strengthen our support in this area, built on best practices and campus input. In the immediate term, we will look to bring on a university psychiatrist and include a tenure-track faculty position for a CAPS counselor.
Shared governance is a First Principle. Members of the Encampment will not receive any special treatment when it comes to policymaking, but I do welcome all students, faculty, and staff to work through the Associated Students, Inc., Academic Senate, and the Staff Working Group to address any policy changes they wish.

This University has strong and robust channels for shared governance and policy change. We embrace free speech where the public may peacefully protest and make their opinions heard. The First Principles of shared governance and peaceful protest coexist at Cal State LA. This is how we make change together.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.

President

Update on Virtual Campus, Return to In-Person Classes and Operations

June 18, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle Community,

Thank you so much for your words of support and healing. Particularly, I appreciate everyone who acknowledged the hard work of the Facilities and Public Safety teams.

Facilities and Public Safety, you have been great! Not only did you help get everyone out of the Student Services Building (SSB) on June 12, but you have also been working overtime to get the campus cleaned up after the encampment was removed yesterday, June 17. Your efforts are seen by your university community, and they are appreciated.

With resources stretched as we clean up and restore services previously located on the lower levels of SSB, I am asking everyone to continue remote classes and operations for this week (June 20 through June 23). Reminder that tomorrow, June 19, is the Juneteenth holiday. Please take that day for pause and reflection. If faculty and staff need limited access to the campus on Thursday and Friday to retrieve items, please work through your dean or supervisor.

The following week (June 24 through June 30), the plan is to have everyone return to campus who can. Those offices that are clear to return to SSB will be asked to do so. We will have several services that will need to be temporarily relocated. That will be communicated separately.

In-person student and employee counseling will be provided next week. I also understand some faculty and staff may not be ready to return – for wellness, caregiving, or other needs. In that case, please work through Human Resources by submitting a request to [email protected]. Please copy your dean or supervisor. Students, please work with your faculty if you need to be excused from class.

By July 1, we should be back to full in-person classes and operations. That is also a short week, including the July 4 holiday. We will work with Facilities, affected Student Services departments, and outside teams to have the SSB fully restored by the end of July.

If you are impacted by current events and need support, we offer resources to students, including Counseling and Psychological Services at 323-343-3300 and support from the Office of the Dean of Students at (323) 343-3103. Employee resources include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-367-7474.

Please allow yourself time and grace to heal. I look forward to rebuilding community with all of you.

With profound gratitude,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.
President

Message from the President

June 17, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle Community,

Today, June 17, at 1:20 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) led the response to clear the encampment, which has been in place for more than 40 days—during which the University had ongoing conversations and made clear commitments—and whose members then chose to participate in the Student Services Building (SSB) takeover of June 12. At this time, law enforcement reports zero were arrested. No one was injured.

To be clear, once those associated with the encampment engaged in unlawful acts that put staff and students in the SSB at risk (including assault, vandalism, destruction of property, and looting), the only acceptable option for the safety of the entire campus community was for the encampment to disband and disperse. We will not negotiate with those who would use destruction and intimidation to meet their goals.

It does not escape me that public employees serving a public mission at a public university in one of the region’s most under-resourced communities have been victimized by those claiming to protest injustice. By choosing to go into an occupied building and barricade exits, those in the encampment and SSB takeover created panic. We will need to confront the aftermath of sheltering inside SSB, the anger at the destruction of student spaces they worked so hard to create, and the grief of feeling less safe on a campus we all cherish.

For tomorrow, June 18, all classes and operations on main campus will remain virtual. If you are impacted by current events and need support, we offer resources to students, including Counseling and Psychological Services at 323-343-3300, Cross Cultural Centers at 323-343-5001, and Student Affairs support at 323-343-3100. Employee resources include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-367-7474. Please watch for an email regarding additional in-person counseling and supportive services for all those who are in need. Please allow yourself time and grace.

I grieve with you, and I remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure this will never be allowed to be repeated.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Student Services Building Incident, Encampment

June 13, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle Community,

As you likely know, last night unlawful protesters occupied the first four floors of the Student Services Building (SSB), destroying offices, stealing property, and leaving significant damage.

For forty days, there has been an Encampment on our campus. We have been in ongoing formal and informal communication with the Encampment and its advisors. I went into the Encampment twice. I made significant commitments on transparency, respectful conversations, and mental health support. These are all within my authority and aligned with our first principles as a university. So long as the Encampment remained non-violent, I was committed that the university would continue to talk.

Last night, those involved with the Encampment chose violence and destruction. Our chief concern at Cal State LA has always been the safety and security of all involved: our students, faculty, staff, public, and protesters. Yet, the significant damage to SSB will affect student-facing services: including admissions, records, accessible technology, basic needs, new student and family engagement, Dreamer resources, and educational opportunity programs. It will take time to restore all those spaces and divert significant resources that would otherwise go to academics, student services, or operations.

I am saddened, and I am angry. For all those who sheltered in the Student Services Building, who had to leave in that chaos, thank you for being brave and resilient. Thank you for showing your professionalism and care – both for each other and for our students. I appreciate your care shown even to those who pursued intimidation and destruction. To the three employees and one student whose assaults were reported (one as protesters gained entry to SSB, another as they were leaving, another who was surveying damage, and one accosted on a walkway) I am so sorry. Know that this will not stand.

Campus community: Know that we will recover from this, but also know that I am committed to doing everything we can to ensure this will never be allowed to repeat. I cannot and would not protect anyone who is directly identified as having participated in last night’s illegal activities from being held accountable.

The Encampment has crossed a line. Those in the Encampment must leave.

A trust we had in the Encampment to practice non-violence has been violated. Trust is a hard thing to restore, but we will do the work together.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.

President

Strategic Communications leadership announcement

May 10, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

In February, we welcomed two new members of the President’s Office with the aim of building a dynamic and responsive team with the capability to support your success. Next week, we welcome someone who will help tell your stories and share your successes – both here within the campus community and in our expanded region.

Erik Frost Hollins (preferred pronouns they/them) will start on Monday, May 13, as Interim Executive Director of Strategic Communications. Erik most recently comes to us from the Coast Community College District, where they led public affairs and marketing in addition to serving as Executive Director of the District Foundation. Their passion for empowering the voices of marginalized and minoritized students, faculty, and staff has been shown in two terms as an elected officer of the statewide California Community Colleges LGBTQ+ Caucus, founding of the Coast District LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, and organization of the intersectional Coast District Equity Symposium.

Prior to joining the Coast Community College District, Erik provided more than 15 years of leadership in constituent affairs, public affairs, media relations, executive communications, advocacy, and advancement for the California Governor’s Office, California State University, University of California, and various other public or non-profit educational institutions. Their experience is both from working “in house” and with prominent public affairs agencies.

I look forward to the stories we will tell together. With Erik’s assistance, I know we will properly honor and celebrate your many accomplishments.

With gratitude,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.

President

Message regarding campus safety and resources

May 5, 2024

Dear Campus Community:

We want to reach out to you during this critical time on our campus and throughout campuses across the country. Over the weekend, several buildings and state property were defaced with graffiti, including some graffiti carrying messages of hate and bigotry, including anti-Semitic rhetoric. We want to acknowledge how deeply upsetting these messages are to targeted groups and emphasize that they do not reflect the values of Cal State LA.

Our university sits in the heart of Los Angeles, where diverse cultures, perspectives, socioeconomic backgrounds, and beliefs intersect. This is one of the greatest benefits of attending our university—that we can learn from and celebrate our differences. This is who we are as a campus community and what our values are rooted in. The increase in vandalism and the messages they carry are in direct opposite of these values, and for the safety and well-being of everyone on campus, we want to send a clear message: Unlawful activities will not be tolerated. We are increasing security and investigating the individual or individuals responsible for the graffiti. And in the interest of public safety, we are increasing security measures to act swiftly and decisively if further unlawful activity occurs.

Cal State LA unequivocally supports free speech. These activities are not that. Moving and destruction of property, graffiti, erection of structures, blocking of walkways, and fireworks are unlawful acts. Allowing these activities puts students, faculty, staff, and all visitors on campus at risk, particularly those with physical disabilities who need access to cleared entrances and exits. The safety and well-being of everyone on campus is a priority we will not compromise.

Targeting specific groups through intimidation and/or physical violence also will not be tolerated.

We support peaceful protests and demonstrations. We believe in the power of using our voices, individually and collectively, to affect positive change. We are dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good. But we cannot condone unlawful activities that put people’s safety and well-being at risk.

It is crucial that we come together as a university to support one another during these challenging times. We must continue to create spaces where our diverse perspectives and lived experiences are honored and valued and where we can come together to affirm and relate to one another.

Lastly, we want to assure you that resources are in place to support you. If you have any security concerns, please contact our Public Safety Office at 323-343-3700. For those who may be impacted by current events or need support, we offer resources to students, including Counseling and Psychological Services at 323-343-3300, Cross Cultural Centers at 323-343-5001, and Student Affairs support at 323-343-3100. Employee resources include the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-367-7474. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources as needed.

We are confident we can navigate these challenges with empathy, intellect, and care—together.

Berenecea J. Eanes

President

Robert Avalos

Vice President for University Advancement

Amy Bippus

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Patrick Day

Interim Vice President for Student Life

Anh Huynh-Nelson

Deputy Chief of Staff

Queen King

Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance

Victor Rojas

Chief of Staff

Kristina Strottman

University Counsel

Provost Search Update

April 29, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

After careful consideration and consultation with the Search Committee, I have decided not to move forward with selecting a final candidate for the role of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. This is a critical role for the university, and, as such, our goal is focused on making a decision that is best for the long-term success of Cal State LA and the students we serve. We are committed to a robust and exhaustive process to reach that goal and are confident that we will get there.

To ensure an inclusive search process, the Search Committee will continue its charge with the addition of staff and student representation so that all voices on campus are included in this conversation. An update on next steps will be sent once we have more information.

Your engagement with the candidates during the campus forums and on-site visits is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes
President

A message regarding your safety and well-being

April 29, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle Family,

As you are no doubt aware, we are seeing a series of protests at colleges and universities across the country in response to the war in Gaza. Protests are nothing new among campuses and, in fact, are an encouraging sign that our students are engaged citizens who understand the power of activism and civic engagement to affect change. Free speech is the cornerstone of our democracy and a core tenet that all universities and colleges must uphold, as we do here at Cal State LA. We do this by supporting the rights of students and others to assemble peacefully, protest, and have their voices heard.

But we must also recognize the difference between free speech and unlawful activities that put others and protesters themselves at risk—activities such as vandalism, theft, destruction of state property, and intimidation of targeted groups, including other students and university faculty and staff. This is something we cannot tolerate for the safety of everyone on our campus.

Like you, I want to assure you that I see these activities across our nation’s campuses and at our Cal Poly Humboldt campus. I am reaching out in the interest of care. Care for your well-being as we navigate these challenging times and care for any concerns you may have about your own safety here on our campus.

Cal State LA has an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) comprising representatives from various campus departments. Our goal is to have proper protocols and a firm understanding among key individuals and departments to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and a peaceful resolution to any incident or potential incident.

As your president, I want to reiterate that I value and encourage everyone’s right to be heard. These protests are challenging us, individually and collectively, to deal with extremely difficult issues and emotions in a way that allows, not restricts, free speech while also creating space for safety and a sense of belonging for all. We remain rooted in our mission: to cultivate and amplify our students' unique talents, diverse life experiences, and intellect through engaged teaching, learning, scholarship, research, and public service that support their overall success, well-being, and the greater good.

I encourage you all to care for yourselves and others during this time—and to engage in meaningful dialogue with respect and empathy—even and especially when those dialogues involve opposing views.

For questions about resources or to report any safety concerns, please contact 323-343-3700.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes
President

Feedback Form

March 12, 2024

Dear Cal State LA Community:

As part of my presidential transition to Cal State LA, we are engaging the university community to learn about what stakeholders are most proud of and value, opportunities the university might pursue, suggestions on where focus should be placed in the coming months and years, and challenges facing the institution.

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is facilitating part of this process by administering the online tool. Themes and a summary of responses will be shared with me. I will benefit greatly from your insights and perspectives. None of the respondents will be identified by name, and responses will be treated in confidence.

Thanks in advance for your willingness to participate. If you are interested in providing feedback, please do so by March 22, 2024.

If you have any trouble accessing the feedback form or any questions, you can contact AASCU at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Latest update on King Hall

February 26, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

We continue to take actions to address King Hall and to share our findings with the University community. We want you to know that your concerns are being heard and measures taken.

The email you received on February 19 regarding King Hall was shared with that aim in mind—to keep you informed. King Hall is an older building with many needs. You should know, however, that we have not seen any findings or reports that suggest King Hall poses a health hazard. Recent results from tests we ordered underscore this point.

Last week, we brought in experts with Terra Environmental Services to sample and test the ambient air in King Hall. This is a comparative test of the air in King Hall and the air outdoors. Today we learned the results. The test found that there is not a concentration of asbestos fibers—or any fibers—in the air of the building. The level of any type of fibers present falls below the EPA’s and OSHA’s limits.

As we continue to work on King Hall, we are relying on outside experts and scientific data. Last week, SERVPRO West Coast DRT conducted a complete assessment of King Hall. If you work in King Hall, you may have seen professionals surveying the building with cameras. The survey will provide the facts we need to make informed decisions.

In the February 19 email, we shared that one office in the A Wing of King Hall would be abated, along with two nearby offices. Although asbestos was found in three loosened floor tiles and glue in one office, the tiles were wholly intact and the asbestos remained encapsulated. Because of this, there was no actual exposure in the office. Cal OSHA will be notified of the abatement work, in compliance with state law.

Last week we also ordered a test to determine if mold is present in the air of King Hall. Several samples were taken. The test found a common mold present in one air sample taken from a hallway on the third floor of King Hall in Wing C. Our facilities team is investigating and will determine the cause of the mold and carry out the repairs needed. We will also conduct additional tests.

Since last week, we heard from some in our community. Our colleagues in Facilities and those in Risk Management and Environmental Health and Safety are working to respond to calls and emails, and to fulfill work orders we have received. Our Risk Management and Environmental Health and Safety Office can be reached via email or by phone at 323-343-3531. An online form may be used to report a safety concern.

Looking forward, we will continue to discuss and share information regarding King Hall and its future. We invite faculty, staff, and students to attend a University townhall on March 7. This is an opportunity for us to come together and for me to hear about issues important to you. The townhall is part of my 100 Days of Listening tour.

I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to find solutions. Our community is a caring community, and we will continue to take care of each other.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

King Hall Update

February 19, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

During my brief time here, I’ve heard a lot from you about King Hall—our largest and most heavily used building on campus. I want to share with you the first steps my administration is taking as part of an effort to address longstanding and immediate needs on campus—beginning with King Hall.

In response to concerns about King Hall, I requested testing of an office in the building for mold, lead, and asbestos. There were no adverse findings for mold or lead. However, the test found the potential for asbestos exposure in one office in the A Wing of King Hall. The recent rains caused a leak in the office, which resulted in water pooling and loosening floor tiles that had been affixed with glue that contains asbestos.

We are taking immediate action in response to this finding: The impacted office has been closed; the faculty members in the office have been moved out; and a contractor will be selected to begin the work of abating the office. Out of an abundance of caution, two offices next to the impacted office will also be abated. The faculty have been moved.

As you may know, asbestos was used in many household and building products in the past. Their use was banned in 1977. Asbestos fibers pose no threat as long as the fibers are undisturbed and do not become airborne. To learn more about asbestos, read FAQs About Asbestos, which is published by the California Department of Public Health.

Our Risk Management and Environmental Health and Safety Office can be reached via email or by phone at 323-343-3531. An online form may be used to report a safety concern.

Your health, safety, and overall well-being are paramount to me. I want you to know that my administration will take whatever measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. Outside scientific experts will help us determine any further steps that may be needed. Long term, we will continue the conversation about the future of King Hall.

As information becomes available, I will update you. We will continue to listen to you, collaborate with you, and work with you to strengthen our community.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

PBI leadership announcement

February 16, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve appointed Sascha Brown Rice as interim executive director for the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State LA, effective February 15. Sascha is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and marketing executive with a commitment to civic engagement. She is a current PBI board member.

Her more than 25 years in the film industry include a role as global marketing director for the motion picture division at Eastman Kodak. Her Emmy-nominated documentary California State of Mind garnered a Grand Jury Prize for Cinematic Vision. Always a champion for underrepresented voices, she has also produced multiple indie projects, including the short film Basurero by Filipino American writer/director Eileen Cabiling, the feature film Solace directed by groundbreaking filmmaker Tchaiko Omawale, and the web series Black Kung Fu Chick directed by Rae Shaw. Rice created a lasting impact by rebuilding the Kodak Scholarship for college students.

The Pat Brown Institute is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining the vision and legacy of former California Governor Pat Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi-sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community-driven initiatives.

Sascha will serve in an interim capacity until the permanent executive director is hired later this year. I am pleased that Sascha has agreed to extend her long-time commitment to PBI and its core mission by taking the helm during this transition.

Please join me in welcoming Sascha in her new role with the Golden Eagle Family.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Celebrate our national champion volleyball team today

February 8, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle Family:

Please join us as we celebrate the Cal State LA volleyball team and our historic national championship!

We’ll congratulate and welcome the team today, Feb. 8, at noon near the steps of the University Bookstore and the Golden Eagle Statue.

The Golden Eagles scored the program’s first ever NCAA Division II National Championship with a four-set win over defending national champion West Texas A&M.

With their hard work, grit, and determination, our team showed the nation what it means to be a Cal State LA Golden Eagle.

We are proud of our players, Coach Juan Figueroa and his coaching staff, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Daryl Gross, the staff of our Department of Athletics, and everyone who helped make this victory possible. Our national championship is the ninth for any sport in Cal State LA’s history.

We look forward to seeing our champions and celebrating their historic achievement at today’s event. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

In-person classes and on-campus work resume tomorrow

February 5, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle Family:

I hope you and your loved ones are well and safe.

The powerful storm that brought heavy rains, flooding, and mudslides to Southern California is expected to weaken tomorrow and begin leaving our area. This is good news for Southern California and our campus.

Given the forecast and improving conditions, Cal State LA will return to its regular schedule. On Tuesday, February 6, classes will be held in person as scheduled. Students should plan to attend in-person classes on campus. Staff and faculty should return to campus for in-person work.

I’m grateful to our faculty, staff, and students for your flexibility and for pulling together. Thank you to our Facilities teams who are addressing storm-related needs on our campus. Based on an assessment of conditions, my cabinet and I have determined that we can safely resume in-person classes and work.

As you prepare to return to campus, please allow yourself additional time for your commute. Hazardous road conditions may still exist. The storm has also impacted elevators at the Cal State LA Transit Center. The elevators are non-operational at this time. Our team is in touch with Metro to get their elevators up and running. You can find information and alternative routes on the Metro website.

Please continue to stay safe in the aftermath of the storm. I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Be well,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Changes to University operations Monday due to storm

February 4, 2024

Your safety is our priority. Out of an abundance of caution, Cal State LA is making important scheduling changes for Monday. We are taking the following actions for the health and safety of our community during a severe storm that will impact our area.

Classes will be held remotely on Monday, Feb. 5. This includes classes on our downtown Los Angeles campus. Students, please check your class Canvas or reach out to your instructor for more information.

Faculty and staff should plan to work from home on Monday. Check in with your immediate supervisor for further instructions.

Student services will not be offered in person on Monday. Students, please do not come to campus for matters such as financial aid or other services. Plan to handle these matters later in the week.

University events and gatherings scheduled for Monday are canceled.

The storm will bring intense rain, strong winds, the possibility of flash flooding, and other hazardous conditions. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and city officials have asked residents to remain off the roads during the storm. My cabinet and I, along with other emergency response personnel, have decided to err on the side of caution. The steps we are taking represent the safest course of action.

I encourage everyone to stay informed and be aware of the safety advice provided regarding the storm. For the latest information about severe and inclement weather advisories, warnings, and updates, you can refer to the National Weather Service.

You can also sign up to receive local alerts about emergencies. For the city of Los Angeles, sign up at Notify L.A. For other parts of L.A. County, you can find your city’s alert system sign-up at the Ready LA County website. 

Please take precautions and stay safe. Cal State LA is a strong community, and we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Leadership Announcement

February 2, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

As I approach a month as president of Cal State LA, it has been amazing getting to know all of you and learn of your accomplishments. It is my intention to build a President’s Office team that is dynamic, responsive, and capable of supporting your continued success.

With that intention, I am thrilled to introduce Victor Rojas as my new chief of staff. As the chief of staff, Victor will serve as the senior advisor and a member of the President’s Cabinet. He will lead and champion key initiatives, collaborate with vice presidents and other leadership, and engage on a local, state, and national level with our government constituents, along with community partners. Victor has two decades of experience in higher education, primarily in the California State University system. He has a student-centered approach with a deep reserve of care and compassion. He mentored many at several CSU institutions and at Mt. San Antonio College, where he was most recently guiding students from vulnerable and underserved communities as director of TRIO Programs and Rising Scholars. With his staff experience, student services leadership, and long history working as a partner to faculty, I know Victor will bring an ethic of caring service to our shared work.

To support my work alongside you and our neighboring community, Anh Huynh-Nelson will serve as director of strategic presidential engagement and deputy chief of staff. The largest challenge for any new leader is balancing varied demands on time and attention. There are never enough hours. Based on her 29 years of CSU and higher education experience in varying administrator roles, I know Anh to be calm and steady in the most demanding of circumstances. She will bring that strength, knowledge, and focus to our team. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Anh will oversee sensitive executive and administrator duties. She will strategically manage presidential engagements within our campus community by facilitating the efficient utilization of the president’s time. She works closely with the president and cabinet to keep them well-informed of upcoming commitments, engagements, and responsibilities. She will also act as a barometer, having a sense of the issues taking place in the environment and keeping the president informed.

Lastly, I am pleased to have Sally Freiling join as assistant to the president. Sally has CSU, private university, and community college experience. She most immediately joins us from the Coast Community College District where she worked as the executive assistant and office manager to the vice chancellor for human resources. I know her approach to be one of quiet support and guidance. She leans in to do what needs to be done to ensure the team’s success.

The Cal State LA family has welcomed me with open arms, and it is my hope you will do so with Victor, Anh, and Sally.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Commencement 2024

January 30, 2024

Dear Cal State LA Community:

There’s exciting news to share about Commencement 2024.

This year, our ceremonies will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 20-21.

Click the image below to watch President Berenecea Johnson Eanes share the news.

During the ceremonies, graduates will cross the stage as their names are called. Those receiving master’s and doctoral degrees will be hooded.

Each graduate who registers for Commencement can reserve up to seven tickets.

The detailed schedule is now posted on the Commencement website.

Commencement at Cal State LA is always a joyous occasion for our graduates, their families and friends, and our University community.

Graduates will receive email notifications throughout the spring regarding Commencement-related activities and deadlines. Mark your calendar and start planning now!

Announcement: Provost & Vice President Academic Affairs National Search

January 29, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that, in collaboration with the Academic Senate, we have established a search committee to lead our national search with the firm Academic Search for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. You may view the job posting on the Academic Search website.

The search committee is comprised of the following members:

Dr. Karin Elliott-Brown, interim vice provost, AVP and dean of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Kirsten Fisher, Biological Sciences

Dr. Ericka Verba, Latin American Studies

Dr. Jessica Dennis, Child and Family Studies

Dr. Gustavo Menezes, Civil Engineering

Dr. Lena Chao, interim dean of Ethnic Studies

Dr. James Ford, Music

Dr. Andre Ellis, AVP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Please join me in thanking Dr. Karin Elliott-Brown who will be chairing the search, and the committee members for agreeing to serve in this capacity.

Thanks,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Message from the President

January 17, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve appointed Patrick K. Day to serve as interim vice president for the Division of Student Life, effective January 22.

Patrick is an accomplished and dedicated student affairs leader, who brings with him a wealth of experience in the field. Currently, Patrick serves as vice president for student affairs at San José State University, where he’s worked since 2018. In this role, Patrick provided leadership for the student affairs and enrollment management functions of the university, including oversight of 30 administrative units, a staff of more than 400, and an array of student services.

In his more than three decades in higher education, Patrick has served diverse student populations across the country. He was vice chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and vice president for Student Life at the University of the Pacific. He has also worked in administration at Texas Tech University, Johnson C. Smith University, and Temple University.

Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University.

As the start of the spring semester approaches, I’m excited about the ways we are preparing for the continued success of our students. Patrick will serve in an interim capacity while the University conducts a nationwide search for the next vice president of the division. The executive search firm Spelman Johnson is leading the search.

Please join me in welcoming Patrick to the Golden Eagle Family.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Greetings from President Berenecea Johnson Eanes

January 8, 2024

Dear Golden Eagle Family:

Happy New Year! I’m so thrilled to finally be here on campus as your president. Since September when the CSU Board of Trustees announced my appointment, you have been in my thoughts, plans, and heart. Today marks Day One of an exciting new chapter where we innovate and create new initiatives, all while respecting and building on the lessons and successes of the presidents who came before me and their tremendous contributions to the Cal State LA story. I’m especially grateful to Interim President Leroy M. Morishita for his leadership over the last six months. Thus, while a new chapter begins today, we are not starting with a blank page. We’ll build on a tradition of excellence and we will fortify, expand, and evolve together.

When I visited you twice before my official start day, I shared my passion for student-centered leadership. Students are at the core of what we do and why we do it. You will get to know me, as I am a very present and active leader. Whether it is stopping by a classroom to say hello, attending Academic Senate meetings, or cheering on the Golden Eagles at championship volleyball games, I will be your partner in success.

To be ranked number one in the nation for upward mobility is an outstanding recognition of what we accomplish every day at our University. This ranking is a reflection of your hard work and commitment over the years. It’s a reflection of a generational commitment to transforming the lives of our students. It is a reflection of our students’ talents and tenacity. And I see it as a predictor of our future. Cal State LA has already achieved this incredible distinction; what else can we achieve that will benefit our students as we plan, collaborate, commit, and work collectively? This is an exhilarating question.

Importantly, what we accomplish together has an impact beyond our campus. Cal State LA has a long history of being deeply involved with the community. This tradition of engagement is what earned our University distinction as an anchor institution recognized by the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities. Our presence has made a difference not only in the lives of our students, but in the life of the community. And as we think about how we serve our students better, we must consider how we serve their communities, the places they call home. How can we be good stewards of place, as the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) defines it? We can, as AASCU suggests, recommit to the principles and values that make for healthy, mutually beneficial relationships: connection to place, reciprocity, symbiotic and synergistic relationships, adaptability, diversity of approaches, civic engagement, upward mobility and opportunity, and institutional intentionality.

As we begin to examine where we are and map out a plan for our future, it’s important to look at where we’ve come from in order to consider where we’re headed. When I first met you all during a reception on the Luckman Street of the Arts, I talked about telling the story of our University.

This story cannot be told without your insights and ideas. I want to hear from all of you—students, faculty, and staff. That’s why I’m planning to launch 100 Days of Listening and inviting you to share your thoughts. There will be town halls open to everyone, as well as 20-minute one-on-one meetings with me. I’ll share more about this opportunity in the days ahead.

I see my 100 Days of Listening as a time for Golden Eagles to reflect on who we are as a community. What are you proud of? What makes us distinct? What do we do well? This is also a time to share your thoughts on who we hope to be. How can we do more? Meet more needs? Grow in new directions? Your thoughts on how we get there are important to me and to this process. What are the challenges to our progress? How do we overcome them? We will roll up our sleeves together to do the work necessary to continue to achieve and exceed greatness.

What you share during the 100 Days of Listening tour is inherently fundamental to how we collectively move forward. At the end of the listening tour, the community will be able to “hear” what I’ve heard. I’ll provide a synopsis or summation of the conversations. I anticipate, that through this process, our community will be poised to kick off our work to create a new University Strategic Plan. We’ll talk more about those plans later.

During my first 100 days I’ll also spend time introducing myself to the city. You’ll see me here on campus and at places in the community. Every place I go, I represent the University. Whether I’m meeting people at City Hall or at a local non-profit, I’ll share our story of the life-changing work that happens here on campus.

I’m grateful to all of you for your warm welcomes, for sharing your ideas, hopes, and concerns. I’m honored to begin this new year and this new chapter with you. We’ve got a lot to do; I’m energized, excited, and ready! I hope you are, too.

Sincerely,

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

Messages from the Interim President

Message from the President

January 12, 2024

Greetings Golden Eagle Family,

Happy New Year! I hope you had a joyous holiday season with family and friends.

During the holidays, I had the opportunity to reflect upon my time with all of you as the interim president. What a special place Cal State LA is! I only knew it from afar based upon one prior gathering on the campus and my interactions with two of your past presidents, a few vice presidents, and some faculty and staff. But, after engaging in conversation with many of you, seeing you around campus in meetings and gatherings, watching our Golden Eagles’ athletics team soar and seeing Sergio Mendes in the Luckman Theatre, I gained a much better understanding about why this is a great university.

You—the staff, faculty and administrators—have a dedication and commitment to the success of our students and this university that runs very, very deep. You truly impressed me with your desire to serve to the best of your abilities to create a great learning environment for the success of our deserving students. Our alumni, including a number of you working here, are very proud of the education they received here and have been giving back to our university in many ways. And the community supporters and donors have played an integral role in assisting us to attain some of our hopes and dreams.

With the assistance of rehired annuitant Nancy Wada-McKee and a number of others, including administrators, faculty and staff, I hope we have succeeded in stabilizing and fortifying the organizational foundation of the university as I promised when I arrived five and one-half months ago. We accomplished a fair amount towards this end, but know that there is more that we wish could have been accomplished. I know that President Berenecea Johnson Eanes is well-positioned and prepared to do all that she can to take Cal State LA to greater heights. President Eanes is going to be a great leader and president at Cal State LA, and I look forward to seeing how far and high the Golden Eagles will soar with her and you working together.

I have been deeply honored to serve as your interim president. Your genuine warmth and welcoming attitude towards me are special and I greatly appreciated it throughout my brief tenure. I thank each and every one of you for making my time here at Cal State LA one of the highlights of my life.

Sincerely,

Leroy M. Morishita