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Dear CSUN Community,
As the Global Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Equity Innovation Hub begins to roll out, I would like to update you on its developments. Since last August, we’ve made significant progress, both with the building design and with launching elements of programming supported by Apple.
Infrastructure Update
I am excited to report that the CSU Board of Trustees recently approved the schematic design for the building. The physical manifestation of the Equity Innovation Hub (EIH) is intended to activate the brilliance of our students by creating student success spaces throughout the building. In addition to labs, a makerspace, and flexible spaces for interdisciplinary research teams, it will include spaces for whole family outreach and STEM discovery, virtual and in-person collaboration with the community, educational and industry partners, and so much more. I would like to extend a special thank you to all those who contributed to the design process, particularly our student leaders whose creativity, leadership, and dedication truly centered our work on designing an inclusive space. Groundbreaking is slated for spring 2023.
Programming Update
As the EIH programming launches first within the CSU system, CSUN has the opportunity to lead beyond our physical boundaries, to become a model for authentically serving our highly diverse student population. With this, the EIH will amplify programming and support for HSIs across the nation. As this work clearly aligns with our broader vision for advancing inclusive excellence, I have asked Dr. Amanda Quintero to lead programming efforts with Apple and other core partners as the Senior Advisor to the President for Inclusive Excellence and Equity Innovation Officer of the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub. I am also pleased to share that Veronica Montoya has joined CSUN as Senior Director of HSI National Initiatives and will oversee the EIH’s programming in service to its national vision.
Release of CSU HSI Community Grants
With this momentum, I would like to announce the inaugural release of the CSU HSI Community Grants. These grants will provide $1.8 million to CSU HSIs and will cultivate promising practices to activate talent and build a more inclusive and diverse workforce. We are excited to work with CSU HSI campuses to develop innovative proposals that initiate, enhance or scale programming and I would like to extend a special invitation to our CSUN community to consider applying for these funds. The deadline to apply is September 26, 2022. Please click on this link for the RFP to attain more detail.
Our vision is bold. We have the opportunity to reframe the notion of authentically serving at HSIs through an equity and racial justice lens, and to scale this work nationally. And by doing so, we will empower students from Latinx, Black, APIDA, and Indigenous communities who have been historically underrepresented or excluded from participating in higher education, to unlock their potential for the future of STEM and the creative and tech industries.
Rooted in equity and authentic service, the work embodied in the EIH meaningfully contributes to CSUN’s efforts on inclusive excellence and the vision outlined in our campus Road Map. I deeply appreciate serving alongside all of you as we collectively work to create a brighter and more equitable future.
Sincerely,
ERIKA D. BECK, PH.D.
President
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8230
(818) 677-2121
president.beck@csun.edu
Pronouns: she, her, hers
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