President urges Town Hall attendance
- October 6, 2006
I was elated to have the opportunity to address such a large cross-section of the university community at last month's faculty and staff convocation. The response I received, in terms of the questions and comments that followed my address during the open-microphone session, as well as subsequent feedback, was gratifying and reassuring. Gratifying, because the sense of opportunity and urgency that I hoped to convey was understood and clearly resonated with the audience. And reassuring, because of the willingness I heard expressed to accept shared responsibility for the future of Cal State East Bay.
As I expressed in my convocation speech, while we may feel uncertain about the future, the most reliable way to predict it is to create it. By accepting joint responsibility, we have, in fact, committed ourselves to action - and we must now follow through with plans. The first step in this process involves creating a framework for envisioning the future of our institution. It also requires engaging all of our constituents in an inclusive and open dialog. This begins immediately, with a series of University Town Hall Meetings.
I ask and I urge you to attend one of the upcoming meetings. You'll not only have the opportunity to share your views about core CSUEB values and strengths, but also to help identify priorities and shape a new vision for the future of our institution.
Town Hall questions. Each one-hour meeting will focus on a discussion of four key questions. A moderator will introduce each of the questions and moderate the discussion. I will be present at each meeting to listen to your views. In addition, a recorder will be present to take notes and create a written summary of key themes that emerge. Please be prepared to share your insights and answers to these key questions:
What are the core values of CSUEB?
What makes CSUEB distinctive, and what are our points of pride, key strengths, and most important assets?
How would you envision or describe Cal State East Bay five years from now and 10 years from now?
What should be CSUEB's most important short-term (5-year) and long-term (10-year) priorities? What needs should be addressed, and which assets and strengths should we cultivate, expand, and build upon?
Town Hall themes. The themes that emerge from our meetings will guide the development of a formalized long-range strategic plan for the university. This plan will determine the direction for CSUEB for the next five to 10 years and beyond.
Among the themes I hope to hear discussed are the following:
Increased access, coupled with a commitment to student success
Pursuit of excellence grounded in evidence and accountability
Regional stewardship with a strong engagement in East Bay public issues
Beyond these, I look forward to the many other ideas, visions, and themes for the future of our institution that I'm sure will emerge.
Future is ours to shape. The emergence of an earnestly shared vision and a pathway to the future for CSUEB depends upon your commitment and participation. So, please plan to attend, and be prepared to share your ideas and insights. Ensuring Cal State East Bay's ability to assume its rightful position among the great universities of tomorrow is a responsibility we share.
