By Aimee Villalpando |Staff Writer|
The new CSU Chancellor, Timothy P. White, visited CSUSB on May 7 and May 8 and spoke on the current state and future of the CSU system.
White met with individual groups and hosted an open forum for students, faculty and staff.
White gave a 20-minute speech describing his general focus as new chancellor, which was emphasized in his responses to the Q&A segment that followed.
The most popular topic of discussion was the possible transition of CSUSB’s quarter system into a semester system.
White claimed that although he previously had advocated for the adoption of semester systems over quarter systems, he had not pushed this change.
White went on to describe the transition as being a process that typically takes a few years, with a year dedicated to adjusting the curriculum, a year for figuring out finances and a year for implementation.
The first wave of schools making the transition would be CSULA, followed by CSUSB and CSU East Bay, and lastly Pomona and San Luis Obispo.
White thanked students, faculty and staff for offering him a warm welcome and providing a tour of the campus that was both enjoyable and informative.
White commented on CSUSB’s Veteran’s Success Center and noted that it was one of the best resource centers for veterans in the CSU system.
Recognizing what a daunting job awaits him, White reassured students he plans to focus on many positive aspects of the system and acknowledge accomplishments, as opposed to concentrating on shortcomings and issues.
When student Jeanette Montoya inquired on expanding a non-smoking policy to all schools in the CSU system, White was considerate of the issue and explained how it was important to see the difference between individual rights and public health concerns.
White also was prompted to speak on his plans to embrace new technologies in an effort to improve education.
The new chancellor addressed content and accessibility as the most important factors, noting that some students need technology to assist in receiving education that is otherwise impossible to obtain, such as single parents.
White equally emphasized that certain students learn differently and need the assistance of a person, not a computer, and thus technology needs to help improve learning in education and allow more possibilities, rather than take away from traditional teaching approaches.
White addressed the new budget, he noted the budget has decreased by 30 percent in the last decade, from $3 billion to $2 billion, and he applauded those who helped pass Proposition 30.
“I am humbled to have been chosen to lead the CSU system at such a transformative time,” said White according to csu.edu.
“As chancellor, I look forward to engaging with faculty, students, staff, campus presidents and CSU trustees, along with the communities we serve, as we advance this vital system of higher education for California’s future.”
CSU Board Chair Bob Linscheid validated White’s qualifications, “Tim White’s background and experience reflect the institutional values and mission of the CSU.”
“His demonstrated leadership and commitment to student success are the right combination for the university’s future,” said Linscheid.
CSU trustee Bill Hauck led the search committee and added, “As a long serving member of the board, we are grateful to appoint a chancellor with Tim White’s commitment to reaching out to underserved students…”
“Tim has experienced firsthand the powerful impact of higher education, and has the leadership qualities to guide the system through these fiscally challenging times,” concluded Hauck.
Prior to his election as CSU Chancellor, White was the Chancellor of UC Riverside starting in 2008.
Upon his arrival at UCR, White “formed a committee of faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders to develop a 10-year strategic plan for the university’s next stage of development,” according to csu.edu.
White’s leadership at Riverise resulted in a record number of students, 21,000, since the campus opened in 1954.
White previously acted as president of the University of Idaho from 2004 to 2008, and during that time he created and implemented a strategic plan to advance the university’s role as the state’s land-grant and flagship research university.
White, 63, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and immigrated to Northern California where he became a first-generation college student.
White has personally experienced each level of California’s higher education system.
White began his college career in Diablo Valley Community College, earned a bachelor’s degree from CSU Fresno State, a master’s degree from Cal State Hayward, and finally received a Ph.D from UC Berkeley.
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