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May 21, 2002
President's year-end message
 We
have had many accomplishments over the year.
Shortly after the fall term began the nation was struck with
the tragedy of Sept. 11th. That event affected us all. Our
memorial services were well attended and throughout the year
our faculty provided students and the community with a series
of forums on the issues surrounding that event and our country's
subsequent involvement in the struggle against terrorism.
I am proud of the way that this campus community came together
in these times. We have all become more aware of the historic
and contemporary challenges faced by groups and cultures involved
with us in this effort. We need to thank our students for
their efforts in helping us to understand each other, and
I want to specifically thank the faculty and staff for their
concern, time and special efforts devoted to these issues.
Throughout the year a good deal of effort has been spent planning
to accommodate our students. Enrollment growth will be with
us for some time as the children of the baby boomers, and
many of the boomers themselves, seek a university education.
This past fall we welcomed our largest freshman class, and
had about 27,000 students overall on campus. Over the summer,
year round operation will provide 5,000 students with classes
to help them complete their education in a timely manner.
We will continue to grow in the fall semester and in semesters
to come. Internet-based education, alternative scheduling,
and other innovations are allowing us to continue to serve
the needs of the Capital Region. We are preparing as best
we can to accommodate them, even as we face a state budget
deficit.
We remain dedicated to educating students who seek an education
from us. To that end, we are involved in 131 faculty searches
that are now concluding. That means that the face of the faculty
is beginning to change dramatically as many retire. However,
they will always be a part of our University family and their
contributions are very much appreciated. The new faculty will
bring a new mix of expertise and vitality to our campus and
curriculum, and we can all look forward to welcoming them.
To help accommodate the changing face of campus and our growth,
we continue to add new facilities. Both our much needed new
parking garage and the continuing education building should
be ready for fall. The south campus continues to grow with
the new facilities for Capital Public Radio and Modoc Hall
soon to begin construction. The campus continues to change.
I hear alums say they "hardly recognize the place."
To that end, for the first time in a decade, we are having
our spring commencement ceremonies back on the campus where
families can get a feel for the environment that shaped the
university years for their alum.
So, thank you all for a very good year, your hard work and
your thoughtful participation in the life of the University.
Have a wonderful summer.
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For further information, send an e-mail
to infodesk@csus.edu
or contact
public affairs at (916) 278-6156. For ticketed events, call
the CSUS Ticket Office at (916) 278-4323.
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