From the President's Desk

Reorganization of EOP

In a previous issue I reported to you on the appointment and composition of the Educational Equity task Force, which as been asked to advise me on how we can improve the retention and graduation rates of educationally and economically disadvantaged students. The co-chairs of the Task Force have reported that the group has met to define its task and to determine how to seek broad consultation within the university community. I am pleased that members of the Task Force, which includes two student representatives as well as faculty and staff who have keen interest and expertise in this area, are approaching this assignment conscientiously and enthusiastically.

In response to the request from students for the appointment of an EOP Director, I asked Jose Luis Vargas to serve as Interim Director of EOP and appointed Jorge Garcia and William Watkins as co-chairs of a committee to search for a permanent EOP Director. With the concurrence of these university officers, the Task Force has requested that the search for a permanent director be delayed until decisions about the structure of the program have been made. I have concurred with that recommendation.

Similarly, I have concurred with the Task Force's recommendation that their report be received on March 1, as originally proposed, rather than by the end of the term so that they would have the opportunity to consult appropriately with all members of the community.

I again encouraged anyone who has information or opinions to share with the committee to contact Provost Kennedy or Faculty President Owens. And I thank the committee for the care and thoughtfulness they have expressed in these initial recommendations.

"Partnering for Result"

This slogan, adopted by the Division of Administrative Services to convey the spirit of their Redesign process, is also the title of a new publication recently initiated by the Interim Vice President of Administrative Services. It will keep us informed about the goals and spirit of the redesign effort and encourage our support and assistance in the task they have taken on. They, too appear to be off to a very good start.

Offensive Flyers

We recently experienced another example of bigotry and intolerance when hateful, anti-Semitic statements were appended to the announcement of three workshops sponsored by the Jewish Studies Program.

The workshops were representative of the finest traditions of a university and were attended by individuals who understand that ignorance breeds intolerance. I'd like to thank and commend Jody Myers and her colleagues for providing that opportunity for learning and personal development.

We don't know who appended the offensive statements to the flyer, but we do know that he or she is a coward whose views are contemptuous of the values of this community. This incident is another reminder that we must always speak out against this kind of behavior so that there can be no mistake that hatred and bigotry will not be suffered in silence at this university.

Budget Workshop

More than fifty university faculty, staff and students participated in a one- and one-half day budget workshop last month to refine the budget process and timetable for the upcoming year and to identify significant budgetary and strategic issues for the campus. The meeting was very successful in reaching concurrence in three areas; one, the budget process should require consultation and participation at all levels of the university; three, the principles that have guided UBAB for the past two years, including the formulation of university-wide priorities and budget reallocations, will be continued in the preparation of the 1995-96 budget.

The workshop was facilitated by MIG consultants who will also be working with us on our Strategic Plan. Summaries of the discussions and recommendations from the workshop will be distributed throughout the campus shortly.

Intercollegiate Athletics

As you know, the referendum proposing student fee increases to support intercollegiate athletics was defeated. The referendum would have provided sufficient funds for the intercollegiate athletics program to become more competitive in Division I sports and to achieve equity in intercollegiate competition for women athletes.

Dr. Ronald Kopita is leading the effort to confer with the Associated Students, the athletic department, student athletes and the executive officers to outline alternative policy options for our programs. Recommendations, intended for broad campus discussion, should be developed shortly so that decisions can be reached by the end of the calendar year.

It is clear that the proposal for a $49 per semester increase in student fees was unable to gain the support of the majority of students who voted. It will be important in the weeks ahead for us to hear from members of the community about their views on this issue. We will be seeking advice from the Faculty Senate and other appropriate committees regarding the following question: Under what conditions should Cal State Northridge continue/discontinue its intercollegiate athletic program? You may write to me or Ron Kopita directly or by using the following e-mail address:
athl-comments@csun.edu

I hope to hear from students, faculty and staff on this important and difficult decision.

Vote November 8

Throughout the world, individuals risk their lives for the right to vote and the right to determine the principles under which they will be governed. The heated political contests in California and the various ballot propositions represent clear and sharp choices about the kind of society we want to live in. It is our responsibility and our privilege to participate in making these important decisions.

Please vote on November 8th.
Blenda J. Wilson
November 7, 1994


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