CSU students are encouraged to participate in the nationwide search by nominating candidates on the website or by email. Photo by CSUDH.
By Brenda Sanchez Barrera, Editor-In-Chief
Last month, California State University officially began its search for a new chancellor. This past week, the Implementation Committee for the Selection of the Chancellor held three open forums to talk about the nationwide search. The forums all took place virtually and in person in multiple locations including Long Beach, Bakersfield, and San Francisco.
Mike Uhlenkamp, the CSU senior director of strategic communications and public affairs, said in a phone call that they “wanted to hold something on a system-wide level, so that [students] can go in-person.”
Last February, Joseph Castro stepped down from the position of chancellor amidst allegations of mishandling sexual harassment complaints against a university official during his time working at California State University, Fresno. The forums provided a space for students to voice their opinions on the ideal qualities of the next CSU chancellor. Based on the feedback provided by students at the forums, there are two committees that then work together to create a profile of the ideal candidate.
The Assessment Committee is tasked with processing information and turning that information into a leadership profile so that expectations are clear while the Implementation Committee works to narrow the pool of potential candidates.
According to Uhlenkamp, the chancellor acts as the chief executive to who all CSU campus presidents report to. Any laws regarding the universities are made by working hand-in-hand with the chancellor. The role also includes advocating for things like additional funding for a university.
Students that couldn’t attend the forums can still give feedback through email, and nominate candidates through their website. Uhlenkamp emphasizes the importance of getting involved with the search process. “This is an opportunity for you [and] your colleagues… to weigh in on what’s important. Not only a specific program but also to support your campus and 460,000 students,” he said.
In July, finalists will be presented to the Board of Trustees, which makes the final decision on who the next chancellor will be.
