From the Dean's Desk

College of Business Dean Terence Lau

June 2, 2020

Dear friends and alumni,

I hope that this message finds you well. The global health pandemic, along with the economic pain caused by the stay-at-home orders, have made these past few months incredibly difficult. In spite of these challenges, our community at the College of Business is focused on continuing to deliver high-quality undergraduate and graduate business education to our students.

In mid-March, with very few days’ notice, our entire faculty pivoted to delivering courses online for the rest of the semester. This was difficult for faculty and students alike, but they accomplished the task admirably. Many of our faculty not only pivoted to online teaching, but they did so with technical proficiency and grace, always keeping student success at the center of what they do. I applaud their efforts, as well as those of professional staff, especially our academic advisers who pivoted to online advising. I’m also incredibly proud of the 816 undergraduate and 20 graduate students who received their degrees this spring. Although they are graduating into uncertain times, I know that their Wildcat spirit and education will continue to inform them as they navigate the turbulence ahead.

That spirit of caring and community is evident in the series of webinars hosted by our Alumni Association since the pandemic hit us. Topics have ranged from the Paycheck Protection Program to graduating with resilience and grit, and the future of sports. I hope you’ll join us later this month for a webinar focused on managing your money and protecting your financial future, featuring two of our most distinguished business alumni.

I’m also pleased that in spite of the pandemic, we were able to successfully launch our first-ever Online MBA program (opens in new window)this spring. This fully-online, fully-accredited program is designed to bring the Chico experience to new students throughout California and the nation. It is fast, affordable, and high-quality, with specializations in Enterprise Information Systems and Project Management available in addition to a general track. This program will run alongside our residential MBA program, for students who prefer a Chico-based program.

As you may have heard, the CSU is open this fall, largely in a virtual format. Some programs such as the sciences and performing arts will hold face-to-face classes, while the majority of courses will be delivered online. In the College of Business, we plan to run a digital business school, with the full panoply of events that we would normally have if we were on campus. Keep a lookout for future announcements as these plans solidify.

From our College of Business family to yours, we wish you an enjoyable and relaxing summer, and we thank you once again for your generous support for the important work of the College of Business. With record-setting state budget deficits and widespread economic damage, your generosity has even greater impact than it ever has before. If you’re interested in exploring how you can support your alma mater, or if you just want to find out more about what we’re doing, please feel free to reach me at tjlau@csuchico.edu. If you're not already following us on social media, I hope you will consider doing so using the links below.

Sincerely,
Terence Lau
Dean, College of Business