As Stanislaus State prepares for what is possibly its “most unusual and challenging semester” in its 60-year history, President Ellen Junn assured students, faculty and staff members of the University’s commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience while utilizing innovative ways to stay connected while learning and working remotely.
Those were two of the key themes Junn shared during her Fall Welcome Address, held virtually on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
“As we embark on this unanticipated, upended world, our focus is on you — our faculty, staff and students,” Junn said. “We remain committed to our core mission of being a student-ready University, regardless of how we deliver that education during this time of physical distance.”
Unique Opportunity
The 60-minute welcome was broadcast via Zoom and YouTube live stream, with Junn, members of her cabinet and other campus leaders in attendance as panelists for the annual welcome and academic year kickoff.
Despite uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial and political upheaval across the nation, Junn expressed optimism for the coming year, highlighted new resources and programs, and expressed the University’s continued efforts to help make Stan State a safe and welcoming environment across the campus community.
“We have a unique opportunity in this moment to create change on our campus and within our respective communities,” Junn said.
Diversity, Inclusivity Plans Highlighted
Among the initiatives scheduled to launch this fall: a campus climate study, plans to improve processes for reporting discriminatory, threatening and/or concerning behavior, and in October, a forum hosted by Faculty Affairs geared toward recruiting, retaining and supporting faculty of color.
Junn also shared Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to approve AB 1460, which requires California State University undergraduates to take a course in ethnic studies. The campus also hired a new coordinator for its Male Success Initiative program, whose goal is to increase graduation rates and success of male students of color.
“Taken together, these new trainings and initiatives represent steps on our journey toward creating a more diverse and inclusive campus and educational experience for all our students,” Junn said. “We are on the path, and we will continue to move forward every day, knowing that the path isn’t always easy, but will result in growth as individuals and as a community.”
Junn also announced the first cohort of Presidential First-Generation Central Valley Scholars. Six incoming students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education received a full scholarship that will help defray tuition, fees and other educational costs. Recipients will also receive a laptop, internship opportunities and will work with faculty and career mentors throughout their college career at Stan State. The initiative reflects the value Stan State places in serving first-generation college students, who make up 73 percent of the student body.
Staying Connected
While health and safety concerns will keep campus community members physically distant from each other, campus leadership is collaborating with departments and committees from across campus to promote engagement, keep people connected and continue to provide support services.
A Fall 2020 resource website serves as a one-stop-shop with tools and information to help students, faculty and staff members successfully navigate the semester.
“By working together, we will help drive the change that the world is seeking,” Junn said. “We will Stan Up and stand together to get through this challenging time and emerge even stronger.”