President's Agenda

President Tomás D. Morales regularly engages with the local community, university partners, legislative representatives and educational leaders worldwide to champion CSUSB and its mission.

While the format may be different for some, I assure you that this CSUSB magazine still delivers the information, imagery and entertainment you are accustomed to enjoying. The decision to evolve to a digital-only version is one that takes into account the need for sustainability in a world compelled to conserve existing natural resources. At the same time, it greatly improves access to the articles, photos and details contained within. I encourage you to share the link with relatives, colleagues, acquaintances and – most especially – prospective students so they can see how, at CSUSB,

We Define The Future

. As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves in a much different place than a year ago. Our daily lives have changed, altering how we approach even the most common tasks. The ability to gather with family and friends is a decision requiring deep consideration during the current global pandemic.

Tomás D. Morales President

Yet I firmly believe that who we are, what we believe in and those things most important to us remain the same. We are a nation that genuinely cares. When people are in trouble, we find a way to help. The cover story in this edition speaks to that quality. The challenges of COVID-19 created new issues for some of our students while compounding the difficulties faced by others. Thanks to the resources already in place through the CSU and our own basic need programs – CAPS, the CARES team, the Obershaw and Palm Desert Campus DEN food pantries, students at both our campuses have received assistance in finding places to live, food to eat and the guidance and support necessary to continue their academic progress. By allowing them to focus on coursework and their personal goals, we provide the learning environment embodied within the CSUSB educational mission. None of this happens by chance. It requires the dedication of caring, qualified individuals to link those in need with available resources. It calls for programs ready to help without red tape, bias or reproach. And it depends on the generosity of those willing to contribute money, time and energy to help others. This is the true spirit of the season. We gladly share it with you, and hope it provides you and yours with personal satisfaction and enduring Coyote pride. I wish you peace, joy and good health, now and in the year ahead.

CSUSB president participates in panel to discuss the COVID-19 response and future of higher education

President Morales participated in a virtual President’s Panel to discuss “Institutional Experiences and Protocols During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Future of Higher Education” on June 26. The event featured a panel of presidents from different member institutions in Puerto Rico, the United States, and Latin America who shared their expertise and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they see the future of higher education. The panel explored various topics, including the resources and support that each institution has provided as it switched to a virtual format, the ways each institution is engaging its students in a virtual learning environment, how they are supporting disproportionately low-income students, and what the future of each institution looks like post COVID-19. As for the future, Morales said, “the new paradigm will essentially be a hybrid – embracing the expansion of technology while also confirming the value of the college experience in the lives of our students.” Morales was joined on the panel by David Gómez, president of Hostos Community College, City University of New York; Carlos Vargas, president of Southeast Missouri State University; Manuel J. Fernós, president of Inter American University of Puerto Rico; and Maritza Rondón, chancellor of Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia.

CSUSB president part of roundtable on educating during a pandemic

President Morales was one of five education leaders who, as part of an education roundtable, talked about how they and their institutions have had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects. Morales participated in the Greater Ontario Business Council Pancakes & Politics Education Roundtable virtual webinar held on Sept. 16. The webinar’s topic was Education in the Midst of a Pandemic. More than 60 people attended. Along with Morales, who is in his ninth year in leading CSUSB, the other education leaders were: Henry Shannon, president of Chaffey College; James Hammond, superintendent of the Ontario-Montclair Unified School District; and Matthew Holton, superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District. Peggi Hazlett, chief executive officer of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, served as the moderator. Morales talked about how CSUSB has operated and dealt with and continues to deal with various issues such as virtual instruction; how it is working to ensure the safety of students and employees; funding in the wake of budget cuts; helping students with an affordable textbook program; working with school districts, community and business leaders to help prepare students for college and life after high school; and the digital divide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.