CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham and others laid out their thoughts on the state of CSUDH and their goals and hopes for the future of the university, as they welcomed the Toro community to a new academic year at the 2022 Fall Convocation on Sept. 22. Provost Michael Spagna began the event with a short address, touching on the ways in which the past three years have transformed the university—despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the work that had been completed recently, from new campus construction to the university’s new strategic plan. “We have reconfigured and revitalized our advising and student support models, using an integrated model to ensure that we ... Read More
Students
Returning Toros Get Fresh Start on Graduation
Stephanie Esquivel enrolled at CSUDH in 2007 straight out of high school. She remembers the excitement she felt as a first-generation college student, eager to graduate and make a positive impact on the lives of others. However, her optimism soon gave way to an overwhelming sense of displacement. “I remember feeling lonely, undeserving, and even guilty for abandoning my family to focus on my own goals,” she said. “I stopped attending classes and quickly found myself in a downward spiral.” Esquivel never completely lost the ambition that initially inspired her. Through fifteen years of personal and economic challenges, she took classes when she could at several community colleges, ... Read More
New MSA Director Hakeem Croom Aims to Inspire
“I think my life's purpose is to inspire and influence people to be their best selves—lifting as I climb, and leaving a positive impact in people's lives,” says Hakeem Croom. As the new director of CSUDH’s Male Success Alliance (MSA), he’s in a position to do just that. Initially formed on the CSUDH campus in 2009, MSA is a support program and campus resource designed to improve access, retention, and graduation rates for undergraduate men of color. MSA aims to support the college and career success of its members by providing academic support, professional development, and mentoring. Croom says that his primary goal in his new position is to “help others recognize what they have ... Read More
CSUDH Continues to Climb in National Rankings
The newest university ranking lists from U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly reflect CSUDH’s strong commitment to equity and access, and its success in helping students secure a better future. CSUDH jumped up the ranks in several categories for 2022-23, scoring especially well for the excellent economic and social value the university provides. U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report’s rankings this year assessed 1,500 institutions on measures such as admissions selectivity, social mobility, academic reputation, and graduation and retention rates. Institution types are grouped into national universities, liberal arts colleges, regional colleges, or ... Read More
Toros Discuss Student Debt Relief with Congressional Representatives
A student loan debt cancellation plan officially announced by President Biden last month will bring much-needed financial relief to CSUDH students, a handful of whom addressed the program’s impact during a roundtable discussion on Friday, Sept. 9. Nanette Barragán from California’s 44th district, and Assistant Speaker of the House Katherine Clark of Massachusetts’ 5th district, met with President Thomas A. Parham and seven current and former CSUDH students to hear their concerns and answer questions about the program. Skyrocketing tuition rates and the failure of Pell Grants to keep pace often mean that students from low- and middle-income families have few options beyond borrowing ... Read More
