Academic Affairs in the Media

We are collecting various external media about the Division here. This will be reset every academic year (July to June). For 2023-24, we will be beginning in November as we are just starting this process.

Fresh Haven changing the laundry game one sheet at a time - Action News Now

Many people use detergents without knowing exactly what chemicals are in them. But now a local student-run company is changing the world of laundry by offering a healthier alternative. Fresh Haven is a brand of detergent unlike any other. This detergent is a sheet with only five ingredients, mostly coconut. The startup is run by six students from Chico State. These students are from a Chico State class named Practicum of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. (BUS)

Additional Coverage:

Action News Now: https://www.actionnewsnow.com/video/chico-state-startup-success/video_e554f766-6abe-59b8-b131-f7812eb0a42f.html

Cars, guitars and drones on Mars at Chico State engineering expo- Chico Enterprise-Record

Dozens of Chico State seniors filled Colusa Hall with their demos, experiments and concepts for the future of engineering and technology on Friday as part of the school’s annual expo. (ECC)

Additional Coverage:

KRCR - https://krcrtv.com/news/local/chico-states-senior-capstone-expo-showcases-innovative-student-inventions
Action News Now - https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/chico-state-students-show-off-their-projects-at-the-senior-capstone-design-expo/article_e3c40206-0f22-11ef-b972-9b5a80992092.html

2024 Hall of Honor Inductees - Chico Enterprise-Record

Discover the amazing accomplishments of this year's inductees:

Faculty:
Joseph Crotts
Teresa Davis
James Postma
Graham Thurgood

Staff:
Dave Ferguson
Dennis Frazier
Luisa Garza
Gary McMahon

Public administration student takes on local-level politics - The Orion

Of Chico State’s 15,000 enrolled students, the principles of “Today Decides Tomorrow” are maximally personified by public administration senior Cruz Mora’s commitment to representing his community’s residents in local politics. 

This November, Mora will be on the ballot for Live Oak City Council, a city in Sutter County California. This will be his fourth election for city council since 2020. (BSS)

From Study Abroad to Peace Corps Volunteer - Peace Corps

For Arina Xiong, a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Armenia, it was her alma mater, California State University, Chico, that taught her the importance of community service and sustainability through its study abroad opportunities. (IEGE)

Food additive ban bringing changes in California - Action News Now

California’s first-of-its-kind Food Safety Act bans four chemicals found in candy, cereals, salad dressings and other processed foods. Starting in 2027, propylparaben, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and red dye Number 3 cannot be used in food products sold throughout California. “(Red dye number 3) has been linked not only to cancer but also to behavioral issues," said Dr. Maria Giovanni with the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Chico State. “Some of the concerns, for all of them, really, were around cancer or hormonal disruption." (NSC/AGR)

Chico State holds annual Time Capsule Ceremony for graduating seniors - The Orion

Chico State held its annual Time Capsule Ceremony in front of Kendall Hall on Tuesday. Seniors and faculty gathered to hear words from Associated Students President Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins, College of Business Senator Madison Kelley, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Leslie Cornick. In her speech, Cornick said the time capsule is “a testament to passion, heart, resilience and commitment to our own futures and families.” (AA)

Excitement is growing Chico State's spring musical -Action News Now

Excitement is growing for Chico State’s spring musical, The Prom, which kicks off four days of performances next week. Olivia Moffat and Arianna Nelson joined Action News Now to share the details. (HFA)

Chico State Wind Ensemble gives cinematic performance - The Orion

Sounds of violins, oboes, clarinets, flutes, trumpets, tubas and other Chico State Wind Ensemble instruments reverberated throughout the Harlen Adams Theatre as they paid homage to the contemporary classical composer John Williams and other media-based composers. (HFA)

Lab class: Students learn to process meat - FarmProgress

The Meats Laboratory at California State University, Chico is a federally-inspected processing facility, serving multiple purposes within the College of Agriculture and University Farm. Students learn all facets of the meat industry through hands-on experience while producing a safe, high-quality product. (AGR)

Chico State hosted its Future Teacher Expo on Tuesday - Action News Now

Aspiring educators went to Chico State on Tuesday to check out the Future Teacher Expo. The event gave people the opportunity to connect with professionals in the industries stationed at information tables. (CME)

Additional Coverage:
Chico Enterprise-Record: https://www.chicoer.com/2024/04/17/students-community-members-attend-teacher-expo-at-chico-state/

Tasha Alexander: inspiring educator, alumna - The Orion

Even though her official title is “Student Support Services Professional,” Tasha Alexander embodies the essence of an educator. She provides support and helps students navigate the complexities of higher education by giving them the tools they need to be successful. (IEGE)

Robot fights: Robotronica kicks off at Chico State - Chico Enterprise-Record

Robots fought using fire, flight and sharp metal at the Robotronica event at Chico State on Saturday. American Institute of Mechatronic Engineers, or AIME, is a university club run by students that, among other technical projects, features combat robotics. The Robotronica event showcased student-built robots in a bracket of fights. “I would say it’s a lot like boxing, but like with robots that have weapons on them,” said Tyler Gomez, AIME fundraising and events coordinator. (ECC)

Additional Coverage:
The Orion: https://theorion.com/99748/sports/flamethrowers-allowed-at-chico-states-first-robotronica/

Students prospect concrete option at Chico State - Chico Enterprise-Record

About 100 prospective students from the north valley attended Concrete Day hosted Friday by the Chico State Concrete Industry Management Program. The program currently touts 100% job placement for its graduating students, and training doesn’t stop at manual labor — mixing and pouring concrete — according to program director Nick Steinberg. “This is our opportunity to demonstrate what we do in this program, teach the students about the industry and let them get a little hands on experience,” Steinberg said. (ECC)

Additional Coverage:
Action News Now: https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/chico-state-hosts-its-annual-concrete-day/article_91b016ca-f916-11ee-a07a-f7371414e6a0.html

What to expect in Northern California for Monday's eclipse - Action News Now

A Solar Eclipse occurs when the moon passes between us and the sun. An eclipse happens somewhere on the planet quit frequently. The main caveat is if you are beneath the shadow.

Dr. Nicholas Nelson, an Associate Professor of Physics at Chico State says “It’s an exciting time right, it’s fascinating the sun and the moon are always doing this sort of dance that they do right, always going around and every now and then they just happen to line up in a way that makes us all stop and realize that something exciting is happening all the time.” (NSC)

Chico State starts unique METX school merging media, entertainment, tech and more - KRCR

Chico State’s College of Communication and Education is gearing up for an entirely new school known as METX.

“We have created a new school and it's called the School of Media, Entertainment, Technology, and Immersive Experience (METX). It brings together three formerly separate departments and programs into a new school,” said College of Communication and Education Dean Angela Trethewey. “We are going to be the only California state school that has a program like this.” (CME)

Chico State, artificial intelligence and you - The Orion

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence has greatly impacted the world of higher education. Students now have powerful tools like ChatGPT available to instantly generate text to assist with assignments.

However, with the increased use of AI come concerns regarding academic integrity and the learning process. The debate around AI continues among those in the field of education. Faculty Development director Zach Justus offers some insights. (FDEV/FAAF)

Chico State to combine journalism, MADT, CAGD programs under one school - The Orion

Chico State President Steve Perez on Friday, March 8, signed Executive Memorandum 24-013 which renamed the School of Communication to the School of Media, Entertainment, Technology and Immersive Experiences.

The departments from within the current school of communication to be included within the METX will include journalism and public relations, media arts, design, and technology. The computer animation and game development program from the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management will also become part of the school. (CME)

Bounce back or bounce forward?: This Way to Resilience springs out of Chico State sustainability conference - Chico Enterprise-Record

For more than two decades, Mark Stemen has been a town crier of climate change. A Chico State professor who’s served on various versions of city sustainability boards, he’s long sounded the alarm about impacts forecast by scientists that have become new norms.

Hotter days? More flooding and less snowpack? Species decline and migration? Stemen amplified these and more, notably through 17 years of the university’s This Way to Sustainability conference — relaunching this week in a new format as This Way to Resilience. (BSS)

Additional Coverage:
Action News Now: https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/dozens-of-people-gather-for-climate-change-and-resilience-symposium-at-chico-state/article_6ec44d60-ee22-11ee-b454-7b549070ef9c.html
Chico Enterprise-Record: https://www.chicoer.com/2024/03/30/this-way-to-resilience-expo-sees-future-of-disasters/
KRCR: https://krcrtv.com/news/local/chico-state-and-butte-resilience-collaborative-hosts-environmental-symposium-for-education

Forest therapy walk brings nature to the soul - Chico Enterprise-Record

Forest therapy walks are guided out door experiences that aim to promote wellness. The walks are put on regularly by the Chico State Ecotherapy Program. Proponents of the practice say it provides multiple benefits including boosting the immune system, fostering creativity and reducing stress. (CSE)

Chico State undergrads launch Fresh Haven: An eco-friendly laundry sheet business - KRCR TV

Six Chico State undergraduate students worked together to create a unique environmentally-friendly business they say has changed each other and their lives forever.

Fresh Haven, an eco-friendly laundry detergent sheet business, began in part of Chico State's Entrepreneurship Program, which supports students in creating, selling and marketing their own businesses regardless of their major field of study. (BUS)

Free recital to take place at Chico State - Chico Enterprise-Record

The Sundays at 2 next free recital is this Sunday, March 10 at Chico State. The concerts are free of charge and are played by faculty members. This upcoming one will take place in the Arts Recital Hall in the Arts Building at Chico State. David Dvorin, who teaches composition at Chico State, is the composer of the music in the concert. (HFA)

Forest therapy walk brings nature to the soul - Chico Enterprise-Record

Forest therapy walks are guided out door experiences that aim to promote wellness. The walks are put on regularly by the Chico State Ecotherapy Program. Proponents of the practice say it provides multiple benefits including boosting the immune system, fostering creativity and reducing stress. (CSE)

Chico State undergrads launch Fresh Haven: An eco-friendly laundry sheet business - KRCR TV

Six Chico State undergraduate students worked together to create a unique environmentally-friendly business they say has changed each other and their lives forever.

Fresh Haven, an eco-friendly laundry detergent sheet business, began in part of Chico State's Entrepreneurship Program, which supports students in creating, selling and marketing their own businesses regardless of their major field of study. (BUS)

Free recital to take place at Chico State - Chico Enterprise-Record

The Sundays at 2 next free recital is this Sunday, March 10 at Chico State. The concerts are free of charge and are played by faculty members. This upcoming one will take place in the Arts Recital Hall in the Arts Building at Chico State. David Dvorin, who teaches composition at Chico State, is the composer of the music in the concert. (HFA)

‘Stop Kiss’ play opens at Chico State - Chico Enterprise-Record

“Stop Kiss,” a play that opened at Chico State on Wednesday, explores how a simple kiss can change everything. (HFA)

Chico celebrates MLK with Victory in Unity -  Chico Enterprise-Record

Chico State hosted a variety of performances and speakers at the annual Victory in Unity Celebration on Sunday.

MLK Unity Group and the Black Student Union put on the free event in the Bell Memorial Union and outside at the Trinity Commons. The event celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and marked the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. (BSS/CME)

Meriam Library third floor is back in business - The Orion

The third floor of Meriam Library is open after eight months of renovations, and students can now access its resources and books. (MLIB)

Today Chico State celebrated the life of longtime Professor Dr. Valene Smith - Action News Now

A touching memorial was given to Dr. Smith at the museum named after her. Dr. Smith recently passed away at the age of 97. (BSS)

Additional Coverage:
Chico Enterprise-Record: https://www.chicoer.com/2024/02/02/one-of-the-great-people-of-chico-valene-smith-dies-at-97/

Success Program Launch: Rural Ambassadors Shine a Light on Their Communities - Inside Higher Ed

A new student-led program at California State University, Chico, highlights rural voices, creating community for an underrepresented group in higher education.

North State Student Ambassadors launched in January 2023 and provides rural students with the opportunity to be advocates for their peers by sharing insights into their lives and offering guidance on how to transition into college at a large campus like Chico State. (UED)

Chico State works to help future teachers through state and federal programs - Action News Now

Chico State's credential program has about 300 students, many of which not only work as student teachers but even stay local after graduation. The university is expanding its resource pool to help as many students as possible pursue a teaching career. (CME)

Grandin wows hundreds at Chico State stockmanship lecture - AgDaily

Hundreds of people flocked to a lecture hall at California State University, Chico, on their free Friday afternoon to catch agricultural celebrity Dr. Temple Grandin speak on the importance of good stockmanship.

The event organizers were animal science lecturer, Kate Moore, 33, and external relations director, Mackenzie Bressler, 28, both with Chico State’s College of Agriculture. Their goal with this event was to expose their students to notable leaders and different career opportunities in modern-day agriculture. (AGR)

Neurodiversity and Disability symposium draws audience from far and wide - Chico Enterprise-Record

Chico State’s Bell Memorial Union auditorium was packed with students, faculty, staff, people with disabilities, social workers, special education teachers and more Friday during the Northern California Neurodiversity and Disability Symposium. The program also included speeches given by keynote speakers Abbey Romeo and her mother Christine Romeo and a speech by animal welfare and autism expert and author Temple Grandin. (CME/PCE)

Additional Coverage:
Action News Now: https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/chico-state-hosts-the-2024-northern-california-neurodiversity-and-disability-symposium/article_c2ed1070-c235-11ee-bcf7-eb05bf18b7e0.html
KRCR: https://krcrtv.com/news/local/chico-states-neurodiversity-and-disability-symposium-amplifies-neurodivergent-voices

Janet Turner Museum offers interactive new exhibit - Chico Enterprise-Record

The exhibit is the first one of the spring semester and is called “Hard Pressed: Etching Then & Now.” Etching is one of the oldest printmaking techniques in the West and has been recreated, revived and reimagined for over five centuries. The exhibition features historic and contemporary highlights from the Turner’s collection, tracing the artistic currents and controversies that have shaped the development of etching from early modern Europe to the present day, according to an informational postcard from the museum. (HFA)

The 2024 Economic Forecast Conference was at Chico State on Thursday - Action News Now

A video discussing this year's conference. (CSE)

Service learning program gives Chico State students new perspective on personalized care - The Orion

The BE:WEL Program is for individuals with disabilities and provides activities led by kinesiology faculty and students. BE:WEL stands for Beyond Exercise: Wellness Enhancement for Life...'The program provides hands-on experience', said Josephine Blagrave, associate professor for the department of kinesiology. 'It’s a huge need in the community', Blagrave said. (CME)

Mechoopda Tribe brings ‘cultural burn’ to Chico State - Chico Enterprise-Record

In a first-of-its-kind event amongst the CSU, Chico State hosted a cultural burn, which was organized by members of Indigenous communities. (CSE)

Additional Coverage:

NSPR - https://www.mynspr.org/2023-12-13/first-ever-cultural-burn-on-a-csu-campus-alights-at-chico-state

Chico State could be influential in research on quantum computing - Chico Enterprise-Record

Chico State and other state partners received a National Science Foundation grant to teach college students about quantum computing. (ECC)

Diving into action: Supporting new water restoration projects in California - Proctor & Gamble

Chico State Enterprises, in collaboration with the Sacramento River Forum, has undertaken a series of side channel habitat restoration projects in the upper Sacramento River Basin. (CSE)