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Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
400 W. First St.
Chico, CA 95929–0110

For information about your academic career visit the Office of Academic Personnel

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Announcements and News

Go Virtual, TLP Summer Workshops and Important Zoom Updates
May 26, 2020
Kathy Fernandes, Academic Technology Officer
Here are some quick updates for the summer and a longer update about the upcoming Zoom changes as they continue to improve security.
Read more about Go Virtual, TLP Summer Workshops and Important Zoom Updates...
Notice of Intent – Dean of Graduate Studies
May 14, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Notice of Intent to Hire, Reorganize, Promote or Reassign
Division of Academic Affairs
Posting: NOI_20200514
Closes: May 21, 2020
Note: Open for Comment only
In consultation with the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate, this Notice of Intent (NOI) follows a recently established process for the consideration of appointing interim Admin IIIs to regular appointments, which included a stakeholder survey, a subsequent EMEDC (Executive Management Evaluation and Development Committee) report, and discussion with the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate.
The Division of Academic Affairs is recommending the appointment of Sharon Barrios as the Dean of Graduate Studies at Chico State. Dr. Barrios has been working on our campus since 1999 in a variety of roles, including: professor in the Department of Political Science (1999-present), Vice Chair of the Department of Political Science (2010-2012), Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (2012-2015), and Interim Dean of Graduate Studies (2015-present).
Read more about Notice of Intent – Dean of Graduate Studies...
Grace and Consideration for All
May 7, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear colleagues,
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for your efforts to complete the spring 2020 semester during this unique and stressful pandemic.
We are hearing that students are experiencing an even greater level of anxiety and pressure as they near finals. Many have simply walked away from their courses. Others seem to be barely hanging in there. I offer a friendly reminder to continue to give grace and consideration to all students as they work to meet deadlines and complete this difficult semester.
Please remember to allow yourself grace and consideration as well.
Spring 2020 is a semester none of us will soon forget.
Seeking Student Researchers and Faculty Mentors
May 6, 2020
Kate McCarthy, Dean of Undergraduate Education
Colleagues,
The Adelante Post-baccalaureate Pipeline Program is seeking students and faculty for its summer 2020 Student Research Program. Teams of one faculty member and up to three students may apply for funding to support original research in any discipline.
Read more about Seeking Student Researchers and Faculty Mentors...
2020-2021 Sabbatical and DIP Deferral & Amendment Process
May 5, 2020
Evanne O'Donnell, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Personnel
Dear faculty,
In response to faculty concerns that COVID-19 restrictions may interfere with their sabbatical/DIP research or project goals in fall 2020 or spring 2021, CFA and OAPL have agreed to a process to assist faculty with their deferral or amendment requests. All awarded 20/21 sabbatical and DIP leaves are valid and will be honored. This deferral and amendment process is for those faculty who may need to seek a change in their plans due to COVID-19. A copy of the full process is accessible through this pdf link (PDF).
In addition to CFA, this sabbatical/DIP deferral and amendment process was developed in consultation with the Provost, Provost’s Advisory Council, Chairs, and Executive Committee of the Academic Senate.
Please contact OAPL at academicpersonnel@csuchico.edu if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Course Materials and HEOA Compliancy
April 30, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
I know this semester has been challenging in ways none of us anticipated, and please know how much I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for our students. I am writing now with one more request that can benefit our students.
I hope you will agree that student success is our most important priority. As I am sure you know, our students struggle with many ongoing issues, not the least of which is financial insecurity, which may be exacerbated by COVID-19. One way we can help our students is by providing them with advance notice of their required course materials as well as the specific costs before they register for courses. In fact, this is actually a campus requirement, per the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). If you are interested, you can read more fully about HEOA at http://www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html(opens in new window).
Read more about Course Materials and HEOA Compliancy...
Additional Grade Change Info for WUs
April 28, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel Grassian, Vice Provost for Academic Programs
Chiara Ferrari, Chair, Academic Senate
Michael Allen, University Registrar
Dear faculty colleagues,
In consultation with the Senate Chair, the Provost Academic Council, and Department Chairs, Academic and Student Affairs have made an additional grading decision for spring 2020, pertaining to WU grades.
WU grades are issued to students when they do not complete course requirements but also do not withdraw from the class. In these unprecedented times, we believe students may be issued WU grades for no fault of their own (due to challenging COVID-19 related situations), and these grades (WUs) can harm students as they are calculated into GPAs as an F. We believe that automatically converting all WU grades to W grades, which are not factored into students’ GPAs, is the most ethical and compassionate decision.
As faculty, you do not need to do anything or complete any paperwork for this change to occur. Please enter all grades normally, including WUs. The Registrar’s Office will automatically make the change.
Go Virtual Summer Institute
April 24, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel Grassian, Vice Provost for Academic Programs
Dear colleagues,
An announcement about the Go Virtual Summer Institute(June 22 to July 9, 2020) went out this morning from Academic Technology Officer, Kathy Fernandes. We hope you will consider applying for this important Institute as a faculty participant or as a faculty mentor.
Read more about Go Virtual Summer Institute...
Changes to Spring 2020 Grading Policies
April 16, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Hi all,
President Hutchinson recently issued an update on grading policies for Spring 2020, which I wish to share with you.
Read more about Changes to Spring 2020 Grading Policies...
Update on Annual Assessment Reports
April 15, 2020
Daniel S. Grassian, Vice Provost of Academic Programs
Hi all,
I hope this message finds you and your family doing well. Recently, I have received questions about our annual assessment reports, namely whether or not programs should continue their work on these reports (normally due at the end of September each year) or pause or suspend them.
Read more about Update on Annual Assessment Reports...
Call for Nominations: 2020 CSU Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award Program
April 13, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
Please see the linked memorandum (PDF) from Loren J. Blanchard, executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. Note that the deadline is May 1. Faculty nominations should be submitted as directed in the memorandum.
Supporting Student Engagement and Retention
April 6, 2020
Kate McCarthy, Dean of Undergraduate Education
Kaitlyn Baumgartner Lee, Interim Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management Services
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
We are more than a week into our new life as a virtual university. We’ve observed remarkable resilience, patience, and creativity in our students and colleagues, and we’ve seen more of each other’s homes, pets, and loungewear than we ever expected. We’re getting through.
The most common theme in faculty reports on the first week was, predictably, care and concern for students. You are hearing about students’ connectivity challenges, new financial pressures, confusion about academic expectations, and of course pervasive anxiety about what comes next. The purpose of this message is to provide support for you as you respond to these student concerns.
Read more about Supporting Student Engagement and Retention...
RTP Update: 2019-20 Calendar Evaluation Revisions
April 2, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Colleagues,
Through the efforts of many – Evanne O’Donnell and the Office of Academic Personnel (OAPL), local and regional CFA representatives, the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate, deans and department chairs – I am pleased to announce that revisions to this year’s RTP calendar have been finalized. The updated RTP calendar for 2019-20 (PDF) and the Revisions Memo (PDF) are located on the OAPL website under the Essential Dates and Information section. If you have questions, please consult with your dean, Evanne, or the CFA.
This task to adjust the calendar was no simple effort. As you will see, there were many important details that needed to be worked through. I wish to thank Evanne and the OAPL team, Tim Sistrunk and CFA representatives, and Chiara Ferrari of the Academic Senate for their efforts to get these revisions in place. Great work team!
Read more about RTP Update: 2019-20 Calendar Evaluation Revisions...
Keep Teaching/Learning Updates
March 27, 2020
Kathy Fernandez, Academic Technology Officer
Dear Colleagues,
The world has changed and keeps changing. Read on to see some manageable changes that we hope will help you.
Read more about Keep Teaching/Learning Updates...
Accessing Your Office
March 20, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Colleagues,
As you probably know, Governor Newsom issued a stay at home directive for the entire state of California, effective today, March 20, with no specific end date.
Read more about Accessing Your Office...
RTP Updates
March 20, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Faculty,
I know these are very anxious times, and that you have many questions that emerge and change with each day of this evolving pandemic. My colleagues and I are trying to balance the temptation to answer every individual question immediately through email. However, there are so many questions coming up about RTP, it seemed sensible to provide an update.
Read more about RTP Updates...
Precautionary Measures - Human Subjects and Animal Subjects Research Activities due to COVID-19
March 20, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Campus Community,
The following guidance is intended for faculty, staff, and students conducting human subjects and animal subjects research at Chico State. At this time, both the Human Subjects in Research Committee (HSRC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) plan to continue normal operations remotely. We will continue to monitor announcements from federal agencies and provide updated guidance as the public health threat of COVID-19 evolves.
Read more about Precautionary Measures - Human Subjects and Animal Subjects Research Activities due to COVID-19...
USET Update
March 20, 2020
Evanne O'Donnell, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Personnel
Dear Faculty,
Under normal conditions, Institutional Research administers both paper and online SETs. The original schedule for spring 2020 paper SET distribution required SET packets to be delivered to faculty March 30 through April 3. SET administration for both paper and online SETs occurs April 6 through April 24. Due to the fact that faculty will be providing instruction using virtual and digital modalities through the end of the semester in lieu of face to face instruction and, given the exigent circumstances created by COVID 19, USET was asked for an emergency exception to our normal procedures.
Read more about USET Update...
Faculty COVID-19 FAQs
March 19, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
I want to thank you for all you are doing to support our students during this unprecedented and difficult time. As you have seen, we are moving to a fully virtual instructional environment through the end of the semester. I recognize that this transition will be complex and challenging for both you and your students, but I have faith that, with your expertise, creativity, and flexibility, you will create positive learning experiences and contribute to our students’ ability to make progress.
To support you in this process and to respond to the many questions that are arising, we have posted a set of Faculty FAQs on the University’s COVID-19 website. This will be an iterative process; we are working as quickly as possible to provide guidance that will be stable as the situation unfolds. Please check this site frequently.
I recognize that this is a heavy lift for all of us. Your health and safety, and that of our students, are our top priorities. Care for yourself, your loved ones, and your students. Keep in mind that our students’ lives, like our own, are complicated and we may not be aware of challenges they are facing. Please give your students and yourself space, grace, and compassion during this time.
Instructional Faculty Telecommuting Expectations
March 18, 2020
Evanne O’Donnell, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Personnel
PDF version of this announcement (PDF).
As part of our efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our faculty, staff and students, the President recently announced the suspension of in-person instruction. The goal of this approach is to reduce the number and density of students and visitors on campus, reduce person-to-person contact, and reduce the chance of person-to-person transmission of a communicable disease. With the understanding that Chico State will sustain its educational mission by providing instruction through alternate teaching modalities, Academic Affairs has adopted “Instructional Faculty Telecommuting Expectations” valid until further notice.
As we are all aware, the COVID 19 emergency has caused many changes and disruptions to our daily lives and has been hard, not only for faculty and staff, but for our students as well. First and foremost, our concern is to the health and safety of everyone at the University and attending to the continuing education of our students. It is in this spirit, the following expectations have been developed - to assist faculty with teaching and working remotely during the suspension of in-person instruction.
Read more about Instructional Faculty Telecommuting Expectations...
Academic Scheduling and Butte Hall Renovation Update
March 12, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ann Sherman, Vice President for Business and Finance
Since our last communication on August 28, 2019, there has been exciting progress regarding the preparations for academic scheduling necessitated by upcoming building renovations, particularly Butte Hall.
Read more about Academic Scheduling and Butte Hall Renovation Update...
Webcams available at Meriam Library
March 12, 2020
Chiara Ferrari, Chair, Academic Senate
Meriam Library has over 100 hi-def web cameras with built in microphones ready for checkout at the library circulation desk (thanks to Mike Magrey who had 40 on hand); more are arriving next week. These work with Mac, Windows, and other operating systems, so they should be usable by anyone with a computer with a USB port. TLP has been notified of this and will advise any faculty member that needs a web camera of these resources.
Read more about Webcams available at Meriam Library...
In-Person Classes Cancelled for 3 Days
March 11, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel Grassian, Vice Provost for Academic Programs
Chiara Ferrari, Chair, Academic Senate
Tim Sistrunk, President of the Chico State chapter of the California Faculty Association
Note: Since this announcement, President Hutchinson has released a statement that Chico State will shift all instruction will take place online or in alternative formats until the end of the semester. No in-person classes, labs, or studio or field-based instruction will take place—this includes all final exams. We are asking students not to return to campus. More information can be found here(opens in new window).
Original message:
Dear Colleagues,
As we continue to monitor the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the health and safety of our students and the continuation of their education comes first. On Friday, March 6^th, we sent a message (PDF) to faculty about maintaining educational continuity in the context of COVID-19. Yesterday, March 10^th, Interim Director of Academic Technology, Kathy Fernandes, sent a message (PDF) detailing instructional continuity resources provided by the Teaching and Learning Program (TLP). We urge you to read those messages, if you haven’t already done so.
Read more about In-Person Classes Cancelled for 3 Days...
Preparing for Instructional Continuity
March 10, 2020
Kathy Fernandez, Academic Technology Officer
Dear Colleagues,
As a campus, we have been taking a number of actions related to the growing spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States. For most up-to-date information, of course, please continue to go to the Chico State COVID-19 update and advisory page https://www.csuchico.edu/coronavirus and https://www.csuchico.edu/coronavirus/faq.shtml.
I am following up on the message sent from Provost Larson, Academic Senate Chair Ferrari, and Vice Provost Grassian, sent last Friday. As mentioned in that message, we are a small working group (Academic Senate Chair, Chiara Ferrari, Interim Academic Technology Officer, Kathy Fernandes, and Vice Provost for Academic Programs, Daniel Grassian) who is developing instructional contingency plans for various impact scenarios related to the growing spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Read more about Preparing for Instructional Continuity...
Maintaining Educational Continuity in the Context of COVID-19
March 6, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel Grassian, Vice Provost for Academic Programs
Chiara Ferrari, Chair, Academic Senate
As you probably know, we have been receiving rapidly changing, continuing, and concerning reports of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), especially in Northern California. While this is a fluid situation that can change day to day, even hour to hour, and the last thing we want to do is add unnecessary fear, there are specific steps we can plan for now in order to ensure instructional continuity, no matter how many or how few students and faculty may be affected. Doing so will help us ensure that our students will be able to succeed and will be minimally impacted, even in the more extreme scenario of an extended partial or complete campus closure.
Read more about Maintaining Educational Continuity in the Context of COVID-19...
EOC and Communications Related to Coronavirus
March 3, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Good afternoon,
As PAC discussed at our meeting this morning, Chico State, along with other CSUs, has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on a limited basis to start proactively coordinating planning around the coronavirus. Our goal is to ensure Chico State remains active in trying to help our campus community be safe, healthy, and to ensure the continuity of operations.
Read more about EOC and Communications Related to Coronavirus...
Josie Otwell Student Assistant Award Nominations for 2020
February 4, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
We are pleased to send out a call for the Josie Otwell Student Assistant Award for the 2020-2021 academic year. One award for approximately $6,000 will be provided.
The criteria are:
- Students must be California residents
- Students must be enrolled full-time at Chico State as either undergraduate or graduate
- The funding may only be used to “pay for student assistants who perform jobs for professors when other funds are not available from another source”
- Each college dean may submit one application describing the greatest need in the college for funding for a professor to pay for student assistance
Applications should be e-mailed toacademicaffairs@csuchico.eduby May 31, 2020. The deadline has been extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chico State Online MBA Program
February 3, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Terence Lau, Dean, College of Business
Clare Van Ness, Interim Dean, Regional & Continuing Education
April 29, 2020 Update
The College of Business and Regional & Continuing Education have launched the Online MBA website. Applications for Fall 2020 are now accessible for interested applicants!
Original Post
We are pleased to announce that the College of Business (COB), in partnership with Regional & Continuing Education, is launching a fully online version of the Chico State MBA. The first students are expected to start classes in fall 2020. The Online MBA expands access to Chico’s AACSB-accredited MBA program with the flexibility adult learners need to pursue their education while balancing career and family obligations. The College is committed to the ongoing success of the campus-based MBA program, which will continue to serve students who prefer to have a face-to-face learning experience.
Read more about Chico State Online MBA Program...
Academic Affairs Strategic Plan Taskforce Membership Call
January 28, 2020
Daniel S. Grassian, Vice Provost for Academic Programs
Chiara Ferrari, Chair, Academic Senate
Dear Colleagues,
As you may have seen through a recent e-mail from Provost Larson, building on our recently established university-wide strategic plan, the Division of Academic Affairs will be developing an Academic Affairs strategic plan, covering 2020 to 2024. Through Provost Larson’s charge, these efforts will be co-led by Academic Senate Chair Chiara Ferrari and Vice Provost for Academic Programs Daniel Grassian. However, we view this as a collective Academic Affairs effort.
Read more about Academic Affairs Strategic Plan Taskforce Membership Call...
Academic Affairs Strategic Plan Efforts
January 23, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dear faculty colleagues,
I am pleased to let you know that Academic Senate Chair Chiara Ferrari will join Vice Provost for Academic Programs Daniel Grassian as co-leaders of our Academic Affairs Strategic Plan efforts. These efforts will begin early this spring semester, and there will be multiple opportunities for you to become involved in the process and to provide your thoughts and perspectives. Chiara and Daniel will be in touch with you this semester with additional details.
I encourage your participation in this important task and look forward to our creation of a progressive and inclusive Academic Affairs strategic plan.
Glenn Kendall Public Service Award Nominations for 2020
January 22, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2020
Faculty, chairs, directors, and deans are invited to nominate candidates for the 2019-2020 Glenn Kendall Public Service Award. This prestigious award recognizes an outstanding graduating senior with exemplary scholarship and public service. This award is available to candidates from all fields of study who graduated fall 2019 or will graduate spring 2020.
Read more about Glenn Kendall Public Service Award Nominations for 2020...
Hall of Honor 2020 Nominations
January 16, 2020
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
James Richmond, President, Chico State Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association
SAVE THE DATE – 2020 Hall of Honor
The Chico State Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association (ERFSA) and the Office of the Provost are excited to announce the date for the 2020 Hall of Honor. We hope you can join us on Friday, May 22, 2020 for this special event. Details will be posted on the ERFSA website when the event is finalized and inductees are announced.
If you have an emeritus or retired colleague you wish to nominate for induction into the Hall of Honor, please complete the nomination form found at https://www.csuchico.edu/erfsa/_assets/documents/2020-hoh-nomination-form.pdf (PDF). Suggestions are also welcome – please email them to erfsa@csuchico.edu.
The nomination deadline is February 28^th, 2020.
We hope you can join us for this wonderful event that recognizes the “best of the best” of our Chico State faculty and staff.
EMEDC Reviews of College Deans Update
December 17, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Colleagues,
As a follow up to the November announcement of the EMEDC Reviews in Academic Affairs, I want to provide the campus with an update on the progress we have made initiating the professional development reviews for three of our College deans.
Read more about EMEDC Reviews of College Deans Update...
Assigned Time for Exceptional Levels of Service to Students
December 13, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
For information on Assigned Time for Exceptional Levels of Service to Students (ESAT) funding opportunities for 2020-21, please see the following:
Assigned Time for Exceptional Levels of Service to Students funding opportunity for 2020-21 (PDF)
Note that the deadline for proposals has been extended to December 31.
Excuse Notes Policy
December 13, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Please review the Excuse Notes Policy (PDF) that is going into effect on January 1st, 2020.
Chico State Enterprises Update
December 13, 2019
Mary Sidney, CEO of Chico State Enterprises
For those of you whom I have not yet had the opportunity to meet, I am the new CEO of Chico State Enterprises (CSE) as of October 1, 2019. I have learned much about the organization, its programs, and the campus community. I am, however, mindful of significant and recent organizational and personnel changes that have occurred within CSE administrative operations, including the merger of the former Research and Sponsored Programs (RESP) and the Research Foundation (RF).
Read more about Chico State Enterprises Update...
Learn about next steps in the Strategic Planning process
December 4, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
I invite you all to join the Strategic Planning Core Team at information sessions taking place Dec. 9-10 to continue the momentum and learn more about next steps. At these sessions, we will discuss how to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-bound) and gather your ideas for advancing the university-wide goals.
Sessions are scheduled for:
- Monday, December 9, 11:30 am-12:30 pm in Colusa 100A
- Tuesday, December 10, 3:00-4:00 pm in Colusa 100A
I encourage all of you to be involved as we proceed along our path to preeminence.
Academic Affairs Strategic Framework Task Force Charge
December 4, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 13^TH—APPLY NOW!
Colleagues,
Following up on recently established university-wide 2019-2024 strategic Framework; I am establishing an Academic Affairs Strategic Framework (AASF) Task Force to develop a parallel and allied strategic Framework for Academic Affairs for a similar time period (2020-2024).
More specifically, using the university-wide mission, vision, strategic priorities, and enduring commitments as a guiding framework and as guiding principles, this task force will set general and specific Academic Affairs time-specific goals and benchmarks. To accomplish this, the task force should hold a series of discipline or thematic-specific meetings (e.g., faculty diversity, enrollment and recruitment, academic programs, etc.) beginning in January 2020 and culminating in May 2020 with a draft of the strategic framework completed by the end of June 2020.
Read more about Academic Affairs Strategic Framework Task Force Charge...
Study and Finals Weeks for Fall 2019
November 7, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Please review this memo from Provost Larson on adhering to the Final Exams schedule. (PDF)
Chico State’s CSU-Elsevier Forum II Invitation
November 7, 2019
Patrick Newell, Dean of Meriam Library
On February 28, 2019, the University of California (UC) ended negotiations with Elsevier major journal publisher and provider of the ScienceDirect platform, after an inability to secure open access publishing for UC research. The CSU is concluding its third year of a three-year contract with Elsevier for ScienceDirect content and has begun negotiations for a new agreement.
Read more about Chico State’s CSU-Elsevier Forum II Invitation...
EMEDC Reviews in Academic Affairs
November 5, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Colleagues,
In compliance with Executive Memorandum #18-021(opens in new window), we are initiating professional development reviews for the following leaders in Academic Affairs intended to provide constructive feedback that will benefit the reviewee, the unit that person serves, and the campus community:
· David Hassenzahl, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences
· Michael Schilling, CIO and Vice Provost for Information Resources
·Angela Trethewey, Dean of the College of Communication and Education
·Eddie Vela, Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Read more about EMEDC Reviews in Academic Affairs...
Camp Fire Anniversary and Resilience
November 4, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Colleagues,
Last year, professors in the Psychology Department shared a helpful guide (PDF) for navigating the tumultuous emotional territory created by the Camp Fire. Now, a year later, Drs. Horst, DeMartini, and other Psychology faculty have provided additional information in an effort to help our campus through what is likely to be an emotionally challenging anniversary for many of us.
It is heartwarming to hear about the ongoing campus responses to the needs of the community. Together we continue to demonstrate the caring and compassion that is needed to help our community heal and rebuild. Thank you all.
Read more about Camp Fire Anniversary and Resilience...
Academic Assessment & Program Review Taskforce
October 25, 2019
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
In partnership with the Provost and Vice Provost for Academic Programs, along with direction from President Hutchinson in response to the recent WASC recommendations, the Academic Senate Executive Committee is writing to you about an important opportunity. While the campus was successfully re-affirmed for eight additional years, the process still includes recommendations for growth, which are to be addressed in an interim report. WASC’s first recommendation was to make assessment and program review more meaningful and substantial, especially for faculty.
Read more about Academic Assessment & Program Review Taskforce...
Newly Tenured and Promoted Faculty for 2019
October 25, 2019
Debra Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Please see the attached memo for this year's newly tenured and promoted faculty (PDF).
Call for Self-Nominations to serve as a STEM-NET Faculty Fellow
October 14, 2019
Debra Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Full-time tenure or tenure-track faculty with a disciplinary association with science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) and who are active disciplinary and/or pedagogical scholars are invited to apply for the newly created STEM-NET faculty fellows program.
Read more about Call for Self-Nominations to serve as a STEM-NET Faculty Fellow...
New Chico State 360 Initiative
October 9, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to provide an update on an important initiative to enhance academic advising in the colleges.
We know from research at the national and CSU level, and from our own students, that accessible, high quality advising is a critical driver of student retention and success. When students have regular and supportive guidance about their degree requirements, options, and support services, their path to graduation is clear and navigable. Too often, they must find their way through multiple and sometimes confusing messages from various offices, and while some students have rich and frequent contact with advisors, others go through multiple semesters with no guidance. As first-generation students are now a majority on our campus, this is an urgent area of concern.
To improve our students’ advising experience, we are making major investments over the next two years. First, a university-wide engagement platform, Chico State 360, will enable professional advisors, faculty advisors, and support program staff to share advising notes, make referrals, and better align centralized advising with advising in the majors. Second, new professional college-based Advising and Retention Specialists to be hired this year will provide coordinated support across departments and promote shared best practices in advising and retention services. We anticipate further expanding professional of advising in the colleges in 2020-2021.
Read more about New Chico State 360 Initiative...
Religious Observances Accommodations
September 26, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Colleagues,
Occasionally, important religious holidays fall on days when students have classes. It would be helpful to our students if we could all be flexible concerning religious traditions. Please make accommodations for students’ religious observations when possible. Do not penalize students for missing classes, deadlines, or requiring additional time for exams and papers because of a conflict with religious holidays.
Read more about Religious Observances Accommodations...
Call for Proposals: 2nd Annual Tipping Point Student Success Summit
September 10, 2019
Kate McCarthy, Dean of Undergraduate Education
To: Faculty and Staff
From: Tipping Point Planning Team
Call for Proposals: 2nd Annual Tipping Point Student Success Summit
Equity, Engagement, Resilience
January 16, 2020
Proposal Deadline: October 21, 2019
The Graduation Initiative Advisory Team, with the support of the Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, is pleased to announce the second annual Tipping Point Student Success Summit: Equity, Engagement, Resilience. Scheduled for January 16, 2020, the Tipping Point Summit is a day-long professional development conference focused on critical make-or-break moments in students’ university experiences.
It provides a pause in our harried university lives, allowing for reflection, absorption of new data and new ideas, and sharing. In that spirit, we seek your proposals to help us better understand where we are as an institution of higher learning, and how your best practices may help us increase student success at Chico State.
Read more about Call for Proposals: 2nd Annual Tipping Point Student Success Summit...
RTP Observations
September 10, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Good afternoon,
I am sharing the attached memo regarding "RTP Observations from 2018-19 and Request for Consideration to FPPP". I look forward to further discussions around the various items listed and ideas for improving our campus RTP processes.
Observations from 2018-19 (PDF)
Thank you.
In-Class Time Requirements
September 10, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Daniel S. Grassian, Vice Provost of Academic Programs
To All Faculty:
Provost Larson and Vice Provost Grassian have released a memo regarding in-class time requirements (PDF).
Equity Progress Summary
September 9, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Sandy K. Parsons-Ellis, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students/ADA Coordinator
Dear Colleagues,
As we welcome a new cohort of students and begin to shape their experience on campus, we wish to call to your attention our shared commitment to improving that experience for our historically underserved students.
The attached “Equity Progress Summary” for our campus was recently released by the Chancellor’s Office, based on data that you can explore on the CSU Student Success Dashboards. The report notes, “At the same time that historically underserved populations have increased, Chico State’s 6-year graduation rates have reached all-time highs across all groups of students, indicating that the university’s efforts to increase completion rates are improving opportunities for all.” We are proud of this good progress.
At the same time, the data makes clear that we have additional work to do to close persistent gaps between these historically underserved student populations—Pell recipients, first-generation college students, and students of color—and their peers. These “equity gaps” will be a sustained priority for the joint Academic Affairs/Student Affairs Graduation Initiative Advisory Team this year, and we are strategically deploying GI 2025 resources to support that effort.
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Changes to General Education and Campus Forum to Explore Pathways Possibilities
September 5, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Daniel Grassian, Vice Provost for Academic Programs
On August 23, we shared the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) final commendations and recommendations. We are proud and pleased that WASC has commended Chico State’s "recent assessment of its program of General Education and the associated process for continuous improvement.” In 2018, we completed a five-year review (PDF) of General Education (GE), and determined that our GE Pathways Program is strong, distinctive, nationally recognized, and student-centered. As with all program reviews, the final report also indicated some areas for improvement, and the Academic Senate responded promptly by approving changes to GE (for Fall 2021).
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Butte Hall Renovation Update
August 28, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Ann Sherman, Vice President for Business & Finance
In anticipation of the Butte Hall renovation project scheduled to begin in 2021, much has been accomplished since our last communication. The table below shows the project’s status since our last communication on May 13, 2019 (see email after the jump).
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CSE Director of Business Services Announcement
August 20, 2019
David M. Hassenzahl, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chico State Enterprises
Dear Campus Community,
Jessica Bourne, Director of Business Services, will be leaving Chico State Enterprises to pursue other opportunities. I have had the fortune to work with Jessica for four years, and have always valued her knowledge, abilities, insights, commitment, and attitude. Her success in improving processes and clarifying our financial reporting will have a lasting impact on Chico State Enterprises’ ability to advance the University’s mission.
Jessica’s last day will be September 6, 2019. Please join me in wishing her much success in her future endeavors.
Status Update on the Chico State Enterprises
August 19, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
In the past few weeks, I have received a number of questions about Chico State Enterprises (CSE) and, in response, I have written this detailed explanation of where we were and what we are working towards. This level of detail may not be for everyone. If this is you, please simply read the first section titled “A Summary.” For others, I hope that the comprehensive narrative is useful.
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Division of Academic Affairs Update
July 16, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
I would like to provide an update on several key changes in units within Academic Affairs.
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Chico State Enterprises
July 10, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
As I shared with you earlier this year, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs merged into the CSU, Chico Research Foundation; the combined organization is now “Chico State Enterprises” (CSE). They are using the new name for all business. It will take some time to transition to the new name on forms, documents, signage, and so forth. I encourage you to be patient as they do so.
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Tipping Point Resources and Follow-up Events
April 11, 2019
Kate McCarthy, Interim Dean of Undergraduate Education
Chela Mendoza Patterson, Associate Vice President of Student Life
Presentations, videos, and additional resources from the Tipping Point Student Success Summit are now available on the Tipping Point website. Thanks to all the outstanding presenters for providing these materials. The two most prominent areas of interest coming out of the Summit were inclusive student engagement and becoming a healing-centered campus.
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Tipping Point Summit - Where do we go from here?
January 17, 2019
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
The following is a transcript of Provost Larson's speech at the closing plenary of the Tipping Point Student Success Summit.
Student success is where we go, in short term and in the long. During this closing session, we, VP Lang and I, are interested in interacting with you about our next steps – student success in the short term guided by our own insights and the GI 2025 metrics. Dr. Lang will facilitate a conversation about these next steps. First, however, I would like to challenge us to think about student success as the long-term strategy for the ongoing vitality of our campus and community; building a national reputation through the primacy of student success fostered by the excellence and focused commitment of our faculty and staff.
You might be wondering where I’m going with this.
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WASC Lines of Inquiry
December 19, 2018
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel Grassian, Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Accreditation Liaison Officer
Dear Colleagues,
As you may know, we are undergoing a reaccreditation review by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). As part of this process, we completed and submitted a self-study in September and recently underwent an off-site review in early December.
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Faculty FAQs following the Camp Fire
December 5, 2018
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions from faculty regarding the Camp Fire and its impact on Chico State.
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Semester End in Light of the Camp Fire
November 30, 2018
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Milton Lang, Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer
Colleagues,
We hope you and your families are well during this challenging time and that your return to classes has been as smooth of a transition as can be expected. We know campus and the greater community are still struggling with the Camp Fire, and know that will be true for the days, weeks, and even months to come. Thank you for all you are doing to support one another and our students in this difficult time. It is challenging to navigate a return to normalcy, when people react, process, and cope with tragedy in so many ways.
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Faculty Message from Senate & Provost Academic Council
Emailed on November 16, 2018
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
First, we hope this e-mail finds you and your family safe and healthy.
As we move closer to classes resuming, we wanted to share some reflections on how to return to the classroom and complete the semester in the ongoing aftermath of the devastating Camp Fire. Already many of you have helped students in need and mitigated their concerns about the end of semester in creative and caring ways that demonstrate how a community pulls together. It probably goes without saying that this will be an unusual, challenging end of the semester, and we would also like to support you and our students as much as we can.
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Faculty Message from Vice Provost Grassian
Emailed on November 12, 2018
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
The following are additional questions and answers (beyond the ones sent to you on November 11) we hope will be helpful to you as we continue to work toward a successful end of the semester. These will be incorporated into the set of FAQs posted on the Wildcats Rise website.
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Student Message from Provost Larson
Emailed on November 12, 2018
Dear Students,
Since the beginning of the Camp Fire incident on Thursday morning, campus leadership has been working hard to make timely decisions with your health and safety at the top of our minds and respond in accordance to the rapidly changing conditions. If you have not already done so, I urge you to complete the Wildcats Rise Needs survey so we can better understand how the recent fire has impacted you and provide assistance and support.
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Faculty Message from Provost Larson
Emailed on November 11, 2018
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
Our thoughts go out to you and our campus community in this difficult time. We hope you and yours are safe and secure. As the days unfold we realize that we are experiencing a disaster of historic proportions.
In light of the University’s recent announcement that classes will be canceled until Monday, November 26, we know that you are thinking about how best to complete your courses in this shortened time frame. We have put together this list of questions and answers that we hope will be helpful as we work towards a successful end of the semester.
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WASC Institutional Report
September 13, 2018
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel Grassian, Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Accreditation Liaison Officer
Dear Members of the Chico State Community,
The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits Chico State, and our last reaffirmation of accreditation occurred in 2009. We have been preparing for the next review, which will occur this year. We are pleased to let you know that we have achieved a major milestone in these preparations. The WASC institutional report has been completed, and can be viewed online at the following site:
https://www.csuchico.edu/wasc/institutional-report/
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California Wildfires and Our Students
August 27, 2018
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Milton Lang, Vice President for Student Affairs, Chief Diversity Officer
Dear Faculty,
As we are all aware, wildfires in California have impacted us all. Not only is the air quality poor, but there are faculty, staff, and students with families who have been directly affected by personal loss. You may also be aware that we have students who are assisting on the fire lines and elsewhere and may be needed for several more weeks. The Office of Veterans Affairs has shared that some students may have been or will be called to serve in the National Guard to assist impacted communities. Therefore, there is not a one-size-fits-all way to provide support.
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Provost Larson’s message to Academic Affairs
August 16, 2018
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Colleagues of Academic Affairs,
It is with pleasure that I offer a big WELCOME to you as we enter the 2018-19 academic year. I am writing to provide you with an update on all that we accomplished as the 2017-18 year wound down and as we entered the hot and smoky days of summer. This letter is a follow-up to my May 2 budget letter to the Division. Before I talk budget, let me recognize and call your attention to some important accomplishments and transitions.
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International Friendship/Host Family Program
May 16, 2018
Frank Li, Interim Associate Vice President & SIO, Office of International Education
Help make Chico State a welcoming, cosmopolitan community by volunteering to connect with international students. The Office of International Education is matching faculty/staff volunteer hosts with international students to promote cross-cultural friendships and global understanding. (This is not a home-stay program.)
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Ally – A new student success tool is on its way!
May 14, 2018
Chico State has long had a commitment to the improvement of content used on our websites and classrooms. In fall 2018, we will be turning on Blackboard’s ALLY tool. All your course files will be automatically scanned for accessibility as well as help you easily improve file accessibility.
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Academic Affairs Budget Message
May 2, 2018
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Last week, President Hutchinson sent a message to the campus describing the University’s financial situation. I am following her message to provide you with specific details about our situation in the Division of Academic Affairs.
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Data Dashboard Unveiling and Interactive Workshop
April 17, 2018
4–6p.m.
Colusa Hall, Room 100A
The Provost, Vice Provost of Academic Programs, and Institutional Research are excited to announce the impending release of an initial series of new data reports and dashboards. At the unveiling, we will present an update on campus data reporting and ideas for our future direction. This is an interactive workshop where you will get to try the data dashboards out for yourself with IR staff present to help answer questions and provide guidance.
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Influenza Update
February 28, 2018
Debra S. Larson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
I have attached the previous influenza (flu) message sent in January and am requesting your continued understanding and flexibility regarding students reporting flu symptoms. In normal circumstances, I appreciate the strategy of asking students to produce a doctor’s note regarding missing class due to illness.
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