CSU Advocacy Training Conference-Los Angeles

An absolutely outstanding program was provided by our Advocacy and Institutional Relations staff headed by Karen Zamarippa. The program began with a presentation by Dr. Peter Navarro from UC Irvine. Mr. Navarro provided an Economic Outlook and a vision for California's Recovery.

A very lively discussion was next when political consultants Dan Schnur(R) and Steve Maviglio (D) talked about California Election process and Political Reform. The back and forth format was quite entertaining.

Our lunch speaker was Chancellor Charlie Reed who provided a quick update on the current budget situation. His no nonsense approach was enjoyed by those in attendance.

In the afternoon, Ryan McPherson for the University of Buffalo Government Relations staff provided a session on what successful advocacy models in other states.

Former Senator Jim Brulte presented a very frank and entertaining program on effective Sacramento advocacy.

The day concluded with Karen Zamarippa and Robert Turnage discussing key legislative and budget issues for the year ahead.

Campus Visit- CSU Monterey Bay

My visit to the campus started with a tour of the Seafloor Mapping Lab on campus. Dr. Rikk Kvitek, Director presented a very interesting tour showing their earth systems technology program. I was first introduced to Dr. Kvitek when presented his program at the Board of Trustees meeting in January. I continue to be amazed at the applied technology being on campuses involving undergraduate students. CSUMB's program maps the floor of the ocean and shows the movement of the land under the ocean. This program profile is available at http://www.seafloor.csumb.edu.

In addition, Pilar Gose provided a complete day and a half of visits including the Advancement team, Alumni Board members, and Student Leaders including Zoe Carter, ASI President and Chair of the CSSA Board.

Campus Visit- San Francisco State University

An amazing today was planned for the campus at SFSU. The morning began with the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate. Senate Chair Shawn Whalen introduced me to the leadership of the Faculty organization on campus. A discussion on Facilitating Graduation as well as student financial aid were the main topics along with the need for advocacy in the system as well as legislative accountability.

In addition, I met with the President's Cabinet, University Advancement team as well as the student leaders. The day was capped off with a foot tour of the campus.

I was very interested in the work being done on Intellectual Property policy developed by the campus and the possibility of using this as a template for other campuses.