A Message from the Director

In recent years, the Institute for Social Research (ISR) has experienced substantial change. Some of this change was due to the retirement of the ISR’s first Director, Carole Barnes, in August 2004, and my appointment as the ISR’s new Director. Additional change, however, has come about due to the ISR’s rapid growth in a number of dimensions. Projects and the resultant grant and project revenue have increased five to six fold, but operational costs have increased in concert. The number of permanent staff has quadrupled, and six Graduate Research Assistant positions have been established. A new ISR Faculty Fellows program, sponsored by the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, was created in the 2006-2007 academic year. A large number of students are employed part-time by the ISR to assist in its many survey projects, and eight to ten faculty members are now actively involved in various ISR research projects. The ISR has become one of the largest social science research institutes in the California State University system. We have a solid foundation including a robust portfolio of applied social research projects.

 

However, the ISR is far more than just the work we do or the number of projects we complete; rather, it is a mosaic of those who work for the ISR in various capacities, illuminated against the academic values provided by the College, the Campus and the California State University system. Our future then must encompass more than just additional projects and growth. Our plan for that future must include a vision and mission compatible with a university research center, and our purpose and goals must embrace core values that reflect solid academic principles and ideals.

 

To this end, we have worked to complete this strategic plan to provide a roadmap for the future. Phase I of this strategic plan provides an overview of the ISR and broad brush strokes for the vision, mission, core values, and goals. Additionally, we have included our analysis of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that will affect our future progress. In Phase II of the planning effort, we will refine these into more detailed objectives and action plans.

 

Thank you for allowing us to share our vision for the future of the ISR with you. We welcome your comments and thoughts.

Sincerely,

Ernest L. Cowles, Ph.D.
ISR Director and Professor of Sociology