February 19, 2002
To the Campus Community:
The spring semester is well underway, and the relaxation of
the holiday break is behind us. This new semester and year promise
to be exciting times for the growth and well-being of the University.
We will have challenges, but I am optimistic and confident that
this great University will prosper in fulfilling its educational
mission.
In the coming months, a considerable part of our focus will
be on the budget. Although we must remain cautious throughout
this period of budget negotiations, I believe that, for now,
the outlook for Northridge can be viewed optimistically. The
Governor's proposed budget provides for full funding for enrollment
growth, which amounts to a 4.5 percent budget increase for the
California State University. Funding requests for specific programs
and employee compensation were not met as anticipated. Although
some funding requests were not met, we should be encouraged by
the sustained commitment to higher education, especially considering
the expected decline in state revenues. We are monitoring the
state budget situation to determine how our campus will be affected.
At a time when budget information changes daily, we are looking
forward to the announcement of the May revision of the Governor's
budget. This May revision will be based on state revenue forecasts,
which will be released in April. The final budget will be submitted
to the Governor for his signature, which by law must be approved
by July 1.
We will continue to see extensive media coverage on the state
budget and economy, and I will apprise the University of developments
and how they may affect our work here at Northridge. I am confident
that advance planning, commitment to our educational mission,
and the creativity of the Northridge community will enable us
to handle these challenges successfully.
As a regular spectator of Northridge sports, I am proud, as you
surely are, that our student athletes and coaching staff have
excelled and brought national recognition to the University.
These hardworking individuals deserve our support. As part of
my ongoing commitment to fostering a strong and competitive athletics
program, I have asked our Athletics Director, Richard Dull, to
submit to me in April a vision statement and five-year plan for
Athletics. This request is part of our continued plan to strengthen
the athletics program, which is in a better position to achieve
further success now that we have made the difficult decision
to discontinue football. I have also asked Mr. Dull to present
a priority list for the development and upgrade of athletics
facilities. The success of the work we are doing in Athletics
will require a clear vision and a sound strategic plan. Further,
I have asked University Advancement, under the leadership of
Vice President Judy Knudson, to work closely with Athletics in
developing and achieving the department's long-term goals, including
fund-raising efforts, exploring potential new and innovative
partnerships, modernizing and upgrading sports facilities, and
broadening support on campus and in the community.
I would like to express my gratitude to Associated Students for
their ongoing work with Athletics on issues related to student
participation, consultation, and support. It is clear to me that
the concerted efforts from across campus will ensure the successful
future of our intercollegiate athletics program.
One of my major priorities for the University is to make the
campus more user-friendly. We continue to make progressive steps
in this campus-wide effort. You will notice new signage on campus,
which will help us find our way. I hope you will take a campus
walk, as I do almost daily, to notice the new sign identification
that has been or will be installed for each of the colleges.
New, colorful paint and bold lettering make it easy to find the
college offices, and this is critical for our faculty, staff,
students, and visitors. I certainly like this new look and hope
you will as well.
I wish to thank all of you for your continued dedication.
This is an especially exciting time to be at Cal State Northridge.
We play an important role in the lives of our students and in
the quality of life in the region. I am proud to be working with
all of you at this great institution. Let's have another outstanding
and productive semester!
Jolene Koester
President
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