It has been a privilege for me to come to campus and work alongside each of you in service to students and our community. As some of you know, I have made an effort to visit offices and departments around campus (both scheduled and impromptu while on regular campus walks) to gain a better understanding of people's experiences here and their thoughts about the university. These visits have given me a deep appreciation of the commitment and dedication of everyone at CSUN. They also remind me of the importance of ensuring that the university meets the needs of all who study and work here, and depend on the university's services and programs.

I also have sensed a growing pride in the accomplishments of the university by students, faculty, staff and alumni. Such pride in our collective work and achievements is essential if the university is to fulfill its goal of excellence.

I look forward to working with you next year, and in the years to follow, in building an even greater university. With this in mind, I also hope you will find time during this holiday break to replenish yourselves spiritually and intellectually, and to spend time with families, friends and loved ones. I am sure we can all agree that the break is well-deserved.

My best wishes to all of you for a joyous holiday season and new year.

Campus Accountability Report

Part of each CSU campus' responsibility in developing this annual report is to make the document publicly available on the World Wide Web. CSUN's current accountability report can be found at the following website in PDF format:

http://www.csun.edu/academic.affairs/accountability_report.htm

Many individuals participated in the production of the report, and I appreciate everyone's efforts and contributions. This is an extremely important process that will track the progress of the university in specific areas, including some that coincide with the four priorities I established for the campus earlier in the year, particularly the improvement of graduation rates. Please take a look at the report; there is much we can take pride in as an accounting of our participation in California higher education.

New Building Names

The building under construction for the College of Arts, Media, and Communication has been named "Manzanita Hall" (assigned initials "MZ"). The new Speech/Drama building will be named "Nordhoff Hall" ("NH").

My thanks to the naming committee for its continued work in developing these recommendations.

President's Office Staff

First, I would like to welcome Mr. Edward O'Brien, who has been appointed the new communications assistant on my staff. Many of you may know Mr. O'Brien from his work as the assistant to Associate Vice President Margaret Fieweger in Undergraduate Studies in the Division of Academic Affairs. Mr. O'Brien brings with him extensive knowledge of the university, and I know this experience will serve him well in his position.

Second, we have made two interim appointments in the office. Ms. Yvette Yoncee has been appointed interim president's secretary. As the office receptionist for the past three years, I am confident she has the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the position's responsibilities. I am grateful that Ms. Yoncee has accepted this interim appointment.

To fill the vacancy created by Ms. Yoncee's current reassignment, Ms. Barbara Crockette has agreed to serve as interim receptionist. Ms. Crockette is a long-time university staff member who was in the Theatre Department at the time of her retirement last year. Given her many friends here and her experience at the university, we are delighted Ms. Crockette has agreed to join our staff during this time of transition.

Please join me in welcoming and congratulating these new appointments in our office.

Jolene Koester
President