Provost's Welcome

  

Dear Colleagues,

As I step into my fourth year at CSUN, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here. When I first arrived, I didn’t know a single person—not one. What I did bring was a deep curiosity and a genuine desire to learn about the CSUN community: its people, its values, and its spirit. Very quickly, I discovered what many of you already know well—CSUN is an extraordinary place. Every day, meaningful work happens here because of you.

Enrollment

For 2025–2026, our current annualized resident enrollment projection is 30,820 Full Time Equivalent Students/FTES (2.4% above the target given by the Chancellor’s Office), and this Spring 2026 headcount is 0.8% above Spring 2025. Notably, new transfer enrollment has risen by 12.2%, even as international numbers have dipped. All this is possible because of your contributions, both inside and outside the classroom. The extended application deadline for Spring 2026 clearly made a difference. Recruitment, retention, and student success remain at the heart of what we do. 

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, we welcomed admitted students for “Admitted Matadors Day.” I’m deeply grateful to the faculty, staff, and students who helped prospective Matadors imagine themselves here. Thank you for the care, energy, and encouragement you offer them. After students arrive on our campus, we continue to focus on their success, and after two years of flat/declining rates, we’re encouraged to see retention rates trending upward from 73.8% to 75.1%. This progress is no small achievement; it reflects your commitment to our students’ well-being and success.

Budget

At the recent University Planning and Budget Group (UPBG) meetings, we have shared that the proposed state budget looks more positive than last year, as there are no planned cuts. As summer approaches, we’ll gain clarity—especially once Fall enrollment is solidified, as this informs us about half of our budget. UPBG members will also continue providing valuable consultation and input on how we advance university priorities using the philanthropic funding CSUN has been fortunate to receive. Thank you for attending the UPBG meetings in such strong numbers, for asking thoughtful questions, and for sharing your insights. Your engagement strengthens our collective decision-making.

Faculty Hires

We are actively moving forward with the hiring of 28 new faculty for Fall 2026, and several offers have already gone out. I am grateful to every faculty member serving on search committees and for the thoughtful equity lens guiding the review and selection process. We are also continuing to strengthen our instructional infrastructure and recently welcomed our new Spring lecturers with a dedicated orientation day, led by the FacDev team.

Faculty Retreat

On Friday, February 13, I had the privilege of attending the annual faculty retreat hosted by the Faculty Senate. This year’s theme—Belonging and Balance—could not have been more well-timed. Kudos to the planning team for creating a warm, welcoming space with engaging breakout sessions, delicious food, and time to connect as a community. I left feeling inspired and grateful.

In closing, I want to share something that feels deeply true for me: I love the work we do at CSUN because it matters. CSUN stands as a powerful example of what accessible, equitable, excellent higher education can—and should—be. 

What you do every day matters. Your work has purpose. It has impact. Some of that impact is visible. Some of it unfolds quietly in the background. All of it is meaningful. Together, we are building something remarkable. I am profoundly grateful—and honored—to do this work alongside you as your Provost.

—

As we look back on our recent commencement ceremonies, we take pride in the accomplishments of our graduates as they begin the next chapter of their journeys. We offer our sincere congratulations and warmest wishes to our graduating students and their families.

As the semester comes to a close, I hope everyone had a strong finish to final exams, grading, and grade submissions. May you enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing, and enjoyable summer break.

With gratitude,
Meera Komarraju