December 20, 2022
Dear campus community,
As we depart for a well-deserved winter break, I wish you a peaceful holiday season and a happy new year. I hope you'll join me and take a moment to celebrate highlights from the past year.
Fall break provides an opportunity to catch up on work, take a break, or enjoy friends and family — or all three! I am looking forward to quiet time with my family, to cooking and taking long walks and to a nap or two. I wish you all the wonderful fall break you deserve!
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
November 17, 2022
Dear campus community,
Last week I attended events hosted by the San Francisco Giants, the Bay Area Council and the SF Chamber of Commerce, and this week, I participated in the CSU Board of Trustees meeting. The events were all very different in nature and in audience, but there was a common thread — the critical role SF State and its alumni play in the economy and life of the city, region and state.
I met alumni working in tech and industry, including Google and LinkedIn. I spoke with alumni who own small businesses like Red Bay Coffee, a Black-owned coffee roaster. I learned about the work of alumni holding leadership positions in local and state government, including the Port of Oakland and the State Board of Equalization. And I spent time with alumnus and new CSU Trustee, Jose Antonio Vargas. A Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and activist, Jose shared his story with the Board. An undocumented Californian, he expressed appreciation for the “passport” that mentorship and education at Mountain View High School and SF State had given him to a future. He talked about participating in the ongoing “experiment” we are all engaged in to use education as an avenue to an inclusive and better world. Jose’s words poignantly described the value of what we do for individual students and for society as a whole. I encourage you to listen to his remarks (Plenary Session, Day 2).
Jose and many of the others I met shared stories of the transformative impact of SF State. And our alumni, in turn, are transforming our region and communities and fueling our economy. Their stories were a powerful reminder of the value of our mission to create a stronger California by transforming the lives of students, many from ethnic and racial groups formerly excluded from higher education. It was no surprise to also learn last week that we have received yet another accolade for the social mobility of our graduates and are now ranked #16 according to CollegeNet’s 2022 Social Mobility rankings.
As we approach next week’s fall break, I want to take a moment to practice gratefulness and express my gratitude to you all. I am grateful to work with such a remarkable group of colleagues here and across the CSU. I am grateful to serve our remarkable students from whom I am constantly learning. I am grateful to live in a beautiful city and state. And I am really grateful we have finally gotten some rain and our hills are green again.
Fall break provides an opportunity to catch up on work, take a break, or enjoy friends and family — or all three! I am looking forward to quiet time with my family, to cooking and taking long walks and to a nap or two. I wish you all the wonderful fall break you deserve!
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
November 2, 2022
Dear student,
Some of you may have heard that enrollments have declined across the U.S. in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including in the CSU and at SF State. We recently received news from the CSU Chancellor’s Office that may impact our budget. I write today to assure you that realigning our budget will not impact your academic success nor delay your graduation. You should not feel any significant changes as we adjust our operations to align our budget with enrollment and demand. In fact, by tightening our focus on the areas most critical for your success, including access to classes and consistent advising, we hope to improve your experience here.
We will continue our work to improve the student experience as we serve you on your path to graduation. You can assist us in these efforts by using advising, the degree planner and other resources to help us build a class schedule to meet your needs. The spring 2023 class schedule will be released on November 7 and priority registration begins on November 28. Register early to get the classes that you need.
I continue to work tirelessly on the external issues to advocate, in solidarity with faculty and staff colleagues and students, for greater funding for employee compensation, for increased funding for student success and state-support for housing projects. We were incredibly successful last year receiving over $116 million for a new student residence hall that will lower the cost of housing for all our students. With continued advocacy by all of us, we can look forward to another good budget year for the CSU.
Wishing you all the best in your studies this semester!
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
November 2, 2022
Dear colleagues,
We recently received news from the CSU Chancellor’s Office that may impact our budget this year and certainly will next year. A combination of declining population, dramatic reductions in community college attendance, and pandemic-driven decreases in enrollment and retention have resulted in a decline in enrollment at many CSU campuses. And, as was shared at a recent UBC meeting, SF State anticipates missing our funded enrollment target by 17% for many of the same reasons, leaving us with more than a $10 million University deficit as a result of the corresponding decline in revenue.
We will cover this deficit with reserves built for economic uncertainty. Vice presidential areas are also relying on carryforward funds, mostly generated by unfilled staff vacancies, to fill gaps in their own budget plans. But we must begin planning now to align our expenses with our revenues and to align our spending with the number of students we serve. University reserves and carryforwards should allow us, though, to build a 2-3 year glide path to do this strategically and without impacting our core mission to serve our students.
As we begin this work, I want to state clearly what our driving force will be: We will protect the schedule of classes and enrollment management work that will increase our retention rates and serve our students. If we do not protect our core, our challenges will only increase. If University leadership — as well as faculty, staff, and administrators – do this well, students should not feel any significant changes as we align our instructional budget with student enrollment and enrollment demand. And we must also consider additional revenue opportunities that do not increase our costs.
We can do this without resorting to the layoffs that we were forced to use in 2020 when we had no glide path. And I think we can do this and continue to support our faculty’s research and creative activities with a 3:3 teaching load. But only if we think and behave differently. No more silos, no more protecting turf or projects. We must all lean into making the changes that will make us an even stronger university. We must put our students and the fiscal health of the institution first.
We must transparently, collaboratively, and altruistically work together to make hard decisions, to prioritize — saying no or perhaps later to things that may be good but not mission critical, and to make changes in curriculum and class size while still meeting student learning objectives. We must embrace a collective vision of our mission, as outlined in the strategic plan, to first and foremost serve our students.
I will work tirelessly on external issues and advocate, in solidarity with faculty and staff colleagues and students, for greater funding for employee compensation, for increased funding for student success and for state-support for housing projects. We were incredibly successful last year receiving over $116 million for a new student residence hall. This year, we turn to advocacy for state-supported housing for our employees with a proposal for an Educators’ Village designed to provide more affordable housing for employees of SF State, SFUSD, and City College.
I know this comes when we are still emerging from a global pandemic, and this presents another challenge for us. I urge you to walk around campus. Last week I attended events with multiple groups of students, with staff from the Black Faculty and Staff Association, with recently hired faculty, and celebrated our recently tenured and promoted faculty. I get my energy from all of you. What remarkable people I am blessed to work with and serve. Our budget challenges won’t change this. We will still be great. I think even better if we do this well and collaboratively.
I know we can do this. I have seen it done. During the Great Recession, the CSU saw its largest budget cuts in history and yet managed to substantially increase retention and graduation rates. It won’t be easy. It will require some sacrifice and some new ways of doing things, but, if we do this well, we will have served our students, staff, and faculty well and strengthened our university.
As always, with gratitude to you all and a promise to share information as it becomes available.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
October 10, 2022
Dear campus community,
At Convocation in August, we launched our new Strategic Plan which confirms our mission, vision and values and identifies six strategic priority areas around which we will prioritize our focus and budgeting. Strategic planning is most valuable when it includes many voices and provides a framework for continuous institutional improvement. Our large and representative Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) worked hard to include hundreds of voices in the plan thanks to months of discussions, surveys, focus groups and workshops. Details about the process may be found on the Strategic Planning website. Now we turn our attention to the “real” work—implementing an ongoing process to meet our goals and ensure continuous institutional improvement.
This fall, we launch six coordinating committees, each focused on one of our strategic priority areas:
Strategic Priority #1: Educational Equity and Student Success
Strategic Priority #2: Working with Purpose and Passion: An Improved Employee Experience
Strategic Priority #3: SF State: Your University, Our University, One University
Strategic Priority #4: The Academic Edge: Relevant Education and Pathways to Success
Strategic Priority #5: Fiscal Sustainability: Transparency, Literacy and Shared Objectives
Strategic Priority #6: An Engaged Community Partner: A Force for Good in the Bay Area
Each coordinating committee includes representation from existing structures/committees, key functional/administrative areas, and faculty, staff, and students. In some instances, we will rely on an existing committee to serve as a coordinating committee, such as the Student Success and Graduation Initiative (SSGI) Committee. For others, we’ve assembled a new group based on the feedback and insight of the Cabinet, the Senate Executive Committee and the SPC. Each Coordinating Committee will develop metrics to measure outcomes and work with offices and established committees to review and prioritize initiatives that ensure that efforts are being made that directly impact university-wide priorities attached to the strategic area and to ensure ongoing progress.
Details about the Coordinating Committees, including leadership and composition can be found on the Strategic Planning website. Coordinating Committees will meet throughout the fall semester to develop outcomes and metrics and then in spring begin the process of coordinating and prioritizing initiatives, ultimately sharing their work with the Strategic Planning Committee and the University toward the end of the spring semester. This structure will ensure continuous, cross-divisional focus on university strategic priorities. If you have any questions about the process or committees, please contact Dr. Teddy Albiniak, special assistant to the president and provost.
Strategic Planning at its best is an ongoing, inclusive process that fosters institutional engagement and improvement. All that we do should be consistent with the university’s strategic priorities.
Strategic Planning involves all of us. Everything each of us does every day contributes to the success of San Francisco State. Please continue to share your thoughts and suggestions with us and look for opportunities to participate. As, always, I thank you for all you do to support our students and one another.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
October 20, 2022
Dear campus community,
As I have said before, I am mindful that diversity is a gift and with it comes the responsibility to ensure that all feel welcome, find space for their own development and succeed here. As a recent update from the Division of Equity and Community Inclusion noted, we are engaged in a lot of work across many areas to achieve this.
Because of our commitment to change, SF State will soon administer the National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climates (NACCC), a survey about the racial climate on our campus. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete.
This round of the survey will focus on undergraduate and graduate students. I urge all students to complete it. I encourage anyone working closely with students to encourage them to complete the survey.
Students who complete the NACCC survey will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to receive gift cards of varying dollar amounts at the campus bookstore.
I understand that responding to statements on race and the racial climate on campus may cause any number of feelings. Detailed information about this survey can be found at National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climates website. For additional information or to access campus resources, please visit SF State’s Division of Equity & Community Inclusion, or Counseling & Psychological Services. Employees have access to resources through the Employee Assistance Program.
Students, please look for an email about the NACCC survey from helpdesk@nacccsurvey.org within the next couple days and click the link inside to participate. Completed surveys will be sent directly to the NACCC survey team, not to anyone here at San Francisco State University. Your responses will be confidential.
Future campus climate surveys by NACCC will focus on staff and faculty at SF State.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and making SF State even better.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
September 29, 2022
Dear campus community,
I continue to relish the opportunities that having so many people back on campus affords. While I resisted the temptation to join students on the inflatable obstacle course that took over the Quad last week, I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with many of the hundreds who gathered to enjoy food, fun and learn more student leadership and the resources offered by our hosts, Associated Students. It was an incredible crowd. I was struck again by the diversity of our students and was reminded why San Francisco State is regularly heralded for its diversity.
I remain mindful that diversity is a gift and with it comes the responsibility to ensure that all feel welcome, find space for their own development, and succeed here. As a recent update from the Division of Equity and Community Inclusion noted, we are engaged in a lot of work across many areas to achieve this. Today I write to share information about one of these initiatives, our work with Excelencia in Education to become a model institution for Latinx student success.
The Latinx student population at SF State has grown dramatically in the last decade. In 2010, 18% of our students identified as Latinx, today almost 37% do—more than double. It is wonderful to see the number of Latinx students attending SF State begin to near their representation in the general population (40.2% of Californians identified as Latinx in 2021). And it creates urgency around opportunities to bring greater intentionality to our work to better support Latinx students with the support of national partners. Great work in support of those students is already being done across campus, often by our Latinx staff and faculty – including the recent opening of our Latinx Student Center.
Launched in 2004, Excelencia in Education works with institutions to accelerate their Latinx student success work. They established the Seal of Excelencia, a certification process to help universities develop a comprehensive institutional strategy for serving Latinx students. This fall we launch that process. We have formed a university-wide workgroup with membership from across all divisions and with the full support of University leadership, to facilitate the work of aligning data and practice. Be on the lookout for opportunities to participate in this important work. As with all our work to support particular groups of students, this initiative will strengthen our ability to serve all students and support faculty and staff in their work to that end.
I share this with you as we celebrate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month. I encourage you to keep an eye out for events hosted by our new Latinx Student Center and for opportunities to participate in and contribute to our work to develop an intentional framework for supporting Latinx student success and celebrating our campus Latinx community!
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Tuesday, August 29, 2022
Dear campus community,
As always, the summer went by quickly, and I hope that all found time to do whatever you had hoped whether that be travel and time with friends, research and writing, or simply doing nothing. It has been a joy the last couple of weeks to watch the campus come back to life. Yes, we continue to navigate the pandemic, but as I survey the horizon, I see so much to be excited about.
As I mentioned in my Convocation address, we welcome over 24,000 students this fall, most of whom will be engaged in on-campus classes and activities. Among these are 6,000 new students taking first steps toward their degree objectives and more than 6,000 starting their last year as SF State students looking ahead to careers and graduate school. I am keenly aware of both the daunting responsibility to serve these students and the incredible joy of our mission.
Our mission to provide access to world-class degrees to all – particularly those historically underserved by higher education – and to facilitate the successful completion of their educational goals and degrees, makes us a truly special university. For too long, though, universities have been measured by other metrics that largely reflect the wealth of their students. (I encourage those interested in the history of college rankings to listen to Malcom Gladwell’s podcast on the subject.) Earlier in August, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona penned an op ed outlining a ”A New Vision for College Excellence.” Noting the impact that a college education can have on students like himself who are the first in their families to attend college, he applauded universities like ours and our sister institutions in the California State University system. These universities, he noted, “get little glory” but are driving “some of the most important innovations in higher education today” and “are narrowing gaps in access to college opportunity and accelerating their graduates’ economic mobility.” What a welcome and long overdue recognition of our work!
Third Way, a national think tank, has taken this idea further and advocates for rankings that reward universities for providing access, degree attainment and demonstrated paths to upward economic mobility. Affirming the value of higher education as a public good that promises economic mobility, Third Way proposes using an Economic Mobility Index (EMI) to rank universities. Using this measure, the universities in the CSU shine. SF State ranks in the top 50 institutions in the U.S. for economic mobility while traditionally highly ranked institutions like Harvard and Stanford find themselves far lower (ranked 847 and 841 respectively). SF State enjoys this recognition while also being home to programs nationally ranked for their academic excellence. We demonstrate that academic excellence and educational equity can be and must be achieved simultaneously.
In this spirit, I challenge us all to do even better. As I said in my Convocation address and elsewhere, it is unacceptable that this University with its historic role and relentless commitment to social justice graduates less than half of our Black and Latinx freshmen. Changing this will require bold new steps like one-stop advising, a demonstrated commitment to using inclusive pedagogies, and building a rich campus experience for students. As always, I look forward to continuing this work with the entire community.
I urge all to spend time on the mall, as I have these last two weeks, meeting and speaking with students. Their passion for SF State is palpable. Their desire to succeed here and leave SF State stronger than they found it is inspirational. It is going to be a good year!
Wishing all a great semester!
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Dear colleagues,
I hope you will join us for the Fall 2022 Staff Celebration, presented by my Cabinet on August 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the West Campus Green. The event will feature food trucks, BBQ, games, music and an opportunity to show off your creativity and welcome incoming students by participating in a mobile mural project with artist Jordan Herren, an SF State alum. Please see the attached flyer or visit this link to RSVP.
I also want to encourage you to join AVP Ingrid Williams and me for the first campuswide Staff Forum of the Fall ’22 semester on Wednesday, August 10th from 10:0-0 AM – 11:00AM. This forum will share an update on the upcoming Strategic Plan and important information you need to know to kick off the 2022-23 academic year. Represented and non-represented staff (who are not MPP/faculty) may attend. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
Best,
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Dear campus community,
For the umpteenth time, I write you during a surge in COVID-19 infections. I remain grateful to live and work in a community that is vaccinated and boosted and has embraced public health mandates such as indoor masking. But it has not been easy. I know that many of us find ourselves yet again struggling with the consequences of the disease, including my own family. My husband and daughter, while thankfully recovering, had a few rough days. And, like many of you, I found myself once again working remotely while also serving as caregiver, grocery shopper and cheerleader. It feels like we have all had to do this far too often. At SF State, we continue the cautious practices that have allowed us to safely return to campus, including mandatory indoor masking. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another.
Fortunately, I tested negative repeatedly and was able to attend the last day of the California State University Board of Trustees meeting and meet our newest student trustee, Diana Aguilar-Cruz. Trustee Aguilar-Cruz is a fourth-year biology student at Cal Poly Pomona preparing for a career in public health and medicine. I confess, I arrived tired and a bit down — worried about my daughter who was recovering slowly and selfishly disappointed that the pandemic had forced me for the third time to cancel plans to attend a reunion with college friends. I left the Board meeting a few hours later, inspired and rejuvenated—inspired by our students, their determination, and our work to open worlds of opportunity for them.
In her introduction to the Board, Trustee Aguilar-Cruz shared her story—a story that echoes that of many of our students. An immigrant from Mexico, she came to the U.S as a teenager searching for opportunity. Trustee Aguilar-Cruz thanked many for their support but highlighted her grandmother who “opened the doors of her home and gave (Trustee Aguilar-Cruz) strength” and a teacher who “opened the doors of her classroom and taught (Trustee Aguilar-Cruz) how to use this strength.” She acknowledged the sacrifices she and her family have made along way, including a powerful thank you to her mother who she was unable to see for three years.
Trustee Aguilar-Cruz reminded me, just as I begin my fourth year as president of San Francisco State, how lucky I am to be here and to get to do the work I do. What better job could there be than to facilitate the success of the incredible students and employees of San Francisco State? While challenges and obstacles abound, I was reminded that so do opportunities. With the support of families, communities and all of us, our students achieve great things. I could not be prouder of the work we do as a community.
I urge you to listen to Trustee Aguilar-Cruz yourself (and defy you not to get teary eyed—I do every time I listen). You can find recordings of each Board session on the CSU website. Scroll to the bottom for the last video, Plenary Session Day 2, to meet our newest student trustee for yourself.
I conclude here with Trustee Aguilar-Cruz’s remarks on her goals as a future physician and as a student trustee. Trustee Aguilar-Cruz stated that her future goal is to “save minds and heart, one patient at a time,” and her goal as a trustee to save “one student at a time.” Her goal is ours—seeing all our students achieve their dreams. Trustee Aguilar-Cruz emphatically concluded: “Si se puede. You can do it.”
Yes, we can do it.
I send wishes for good health and a good summer.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Dear campus community,
The Supreme Court decision to overturn a long protected right for women has left many in our community in great pain. As I have said before about freedom of expression, the protection of individual rights is the foundation of a democratic society. The rolling back of those rights is cause for outrage, concern and anxiety.
I share with you Governor Gavin Newsom’s assurances that California “must do everything it can to protect the fundamental rights of all women – in California and beyond.”
California State University Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester also added “Freedom – at its foundation – is about the removal of barriers. The CSU exists to remove barriers to knowledge, understanding, prosperity and the fulfillment of one's potential. Today's decision is indeed antithetical to the CSU's ideals.”
This may add to the stress that many of us have experienced for a variety of reasons these past few months. We have resources to help. SF State students can access mental and other health services available on campus and online. Employees in need of support may utilize the Employee Assistance Program.
Best,
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Dear campus community,
Please see this important important message to the entire California State University community from Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Dear campus community,
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 – the date on which the promise of the Emancipation Proclamation was fulfilled as enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned the Civil War and slavery had ended.
Unfortunately, reminders are frequent that while slavery ended long ago racial justice remains painfully elusive. Juneteenth offers an opportunity to recognize an important, if unfulfilled, moment in U.S. history and to reflect, learn and grow.
In observance of Juneteenth, the California State University is hosting its inaugural Juneteenth Symposium on June 15 and 16 in Los Angeles. The symposium is designed as a celebration of African American history and an opportunity to promote and proliferate anti-racism activities across all CSU campuses. Author and Princeton University Professor Emeritus Dr. Cornel West is among the many distinguished speakers and guests.
All are welcome to register for the live stream of this important celebration. The University will host a watch party on Wednesday, June 15, 8:30 a.m. – noon, in the Cesar Chavez Student Center Food Court. There will be multiple monitors in the area for viewing and light refreshments while supplies last. RSVP if you plan to attend the watch party. Supervisors are encouraged to allow staff time to attend or stream some of the sessions, as unit operations permit.
SF State is also home to a “pocket” Emancipation Proclamation dating from the period—a small format that allowed word of the act and the goal of abolition to be shared with enslaved peoples. Sutro Library, located on the 5th and 6th floor of the J. Paul Leonard Library, will also host an event on Wednesday, June 15, 1 – 4 pm, for the University Community to view the copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and other documents related to the time period.
For two days, the CSU will come together to learn and strengthen our anti-racism work. Please join as you are able.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Wednesday, June 01, 2022
Dear campus community,
Last week was a week of great sorrow and great joy. On Tuesday, May 27, we received news of yet another shocking tragedy, this one at a Texas elementary school, just days after deadly shootings in Dallas and Buffalo. Our hearts broke and we raged at the inability of the U.S. to address gun violence. But, here in San Francisco, the week ended joyfully as we celebrated Commencements for the Classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 at Oracle Park. For the first time in three years, we gathered in person to honor our graduating students. As I said in my Commencement address, “While there is much to be sad about…looking at our graduates reminds me that there is also great hope.”
I customarily end the semester with a message to our community celebrating what we have accomplished. This year I will cede this space to the words of the students and graduates who spoke at the ceremonies. Student speakers offered land acknowledgements that recognized that we learn and work on unceded land. They paid homage to their families and ancestors whose sacrifices and support enabled their success. They spoke of their experiences with racism and other forms of hate. They rejected those who told them that they could not do something because of their gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity or religion. They noted that these graduating classes were “built differently” having graduated during a raging pandemic and deeply troubling times, and they celebrated their tenacity, their grit, their resilience.
I share with you but a small sample of their words:
“I learned how oppressed people organize and rise up against injustice – both in the past, present, and for our future…Today is a day of celebration for all graduates and families, and we continue on that walk towards justice, equity, and liberation. There is much to do still…We are still here. Resilient as ever. And long after graduation, so many of us will remain committed to…different ways to give back to our people, to use the gifts we have learned along this walk to change the world.”
Eliana Roberta Hernandez, College of Ethnic Studies
“The film industry has not been written for women of color. Yet here I was, a first-generation Chinese American woman pursuing directing and documentaries, breaking the glass ceiling…my family of immigrant and refugee backgrounds, especially the women, the matriarchs, who taught me to keep your eyes on the prize and to never let go of your dreams. To the classes of 2020 and 2021, as we step into our future, remember to celebrate our ancestors’ sacrifices to get us to where we are today. Remember their stories and continue to amplify their voices.”
Ying Wencie Hoang, College of Liberal & Creative Arts
“Many of you know what it’s like to live through difficult times, to complete your degree even when the world around us was falling apart. The struggles and challenges you faced throughout your academic journey are not disadvantages; in fact they speak to your strength, perseverance and grit.”
Aditi Grossman, Lam Family College of Business.
“Thank you for opening possibilities that I didn’t know existed, for showing me the world of academic and clinical research, for pushing me to use an active mind and stay deeply curious and encouraging me to follow my passions for social justice and advocacy…San Francisco State showed me the beauty of diversity and inclusion through its commitment to fostering an environment that amplifies the voices of students who have been historically silenced and marginalized. I felt abounding acceptance, love, and comradery…We are graduating at a time where we must continue to fight for the rights of a woman's bodily autonomy, the LGBTQIA+ community's right to exist, and remind the country daily that Black and Asian lives do in fact matter. As sea levels continue to rise and we struggle to protect the human rights and natural resources owed to our indigenous peoples, I challenge us to take the knowledge we’ve learned in the last 4+ years and use it to make social justice a right and not a hashtag. May we not be complacent but instead join the fight in equity. We are powerful enough to make a difference…Realize your power. Own your power and by doing that you can create change!”
Kenly Doyle, the Graduate College of Education
I am deeply proud to serve these students, and I thank all of my colleagues—faculty, staff and administrators—whose work enabled their success and so clearly enriched their lives. We all have much of which to be proud, and as these students thank their families, I thank you.
Wishing all a good summer!
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Dear campus community,
Please see this California State University community message from Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester.
Best,
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Dear campus community,
I write, as promised, with an update on campus plans for spring. Thank you for all you have done to get the semester underway successfully. As public health experts predicted, the positive test rate peaked late last month and is now steadily decreasing. Experts agree that while we are likely to see “peaks and valleys for months,” the worst of this surge is behind us, and we are starting to see institutions reopen. Cal State East Bay and UC Berkeley resumed in-person instruction on January 31, and many CSUs plan to resume next week.
With health mandates in place and the positive case rate declining, it is time for us to return to campus. Faculty and students engaged in courses scheduled to be in-person should plan for all in-person instruction to resume on Monday, February 14. Administrators and staff should plan to return on February 7 to open offices for in-person services and prepare for the resumption of in-person classes the following week. Staff and administrators should resume the schedules that they had planned for the spring. It is critical that our offices be open and welcoming to serve the nearly 17,000 students who will be taking classes on campus, as well as those who will be using our library and other campus facilities.
SF State planned cautiously for this semester with a robust online schedule and fewer students on campus. We have required that all SF State students, even those studying remotely, get vaccinated, and later this month we will begin implementing the CSU policy requiring those eligible to receive booster shots. Students and employees may begin voluntarily reloading an updated vaccination record reflecting their booster via the MyHealth portal. We continue to require masks indoors on campus and offer free COVID testing for students and employees, and we have offered booster clinics on campus in partnership with Walgreens. To date, almost 11,000 people have received their initial vaccines and booster shots on campus.
While the decision to move to remote modalities and the decision to resume in-person services and instruction have been and will continue to be driven by science and public health, I have heard from many, many students these past few weeks—some advocating for the return of in-person instruction, some for a virtual semester. Our mission requires that we return to in-person instruction, as most universities have or will shortly. I appreciate the concern for students most vulnerable to COVID-19. Unlike many other universities, we are offering a robust online schedule of classes. Given the extensiveness of our remote-modality offerings, students who choose not to return to in-person instruction have options available to them. Last week, Provost Summit and Vice President Moore emailed students encouraging those who needed to study remotely to work with academic departments, advising centers and the Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) to adjust their schedules.
You may have questions about the return of in-person services and instruction. Employees should contact their supervisors or Human Resources with specific questions. I encourage students to join me, AS President Joshua Ochoa and other colleagues for a virtual forum on February 11 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Evidence abounds that the pandemic is having a negative impact on higher education. Enrollments are down across the country, as are applications for financial aid. Much of this lost enrollment is disproportionately impacting those who could most benefit from a college degree and whom we serve with great pride—first generation students from BIPOC communities.
It is imperative that we return to campus. But we will do so safely, with vaccines and boosters, with mandatory face coverings and with robust testing protocols. And we will closely watch the numbers and adjust as necessary to continue to do what we have done well for two years—keep one another safe.
As always, with gratitude and wishes for good health.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Dear campus community,
For many, if not all of us, 2022 has had a bumpy start. The unprecedented COVID surge due to Omicron has left many of us disheartened, exhausted and even angry. We are just a few weeks shy of having spent two years “flattening a curve” for a virus we now know is likely to be with us forever. The good news, of course, is that vaccinations and new treatments increasingly provide us tools to manage this. But with children under five and others still vulnerable, anxieties abound. A colleague of mine recently put into words the vague malaise I have been feeling, noting that the pandemic and other challenges have “tested her ability to remain encouraged.” It is hard to remain encouraged after so many months of trauma and anxiety. But as they have for the last 23 months, our SF State colleagues buoyed my spirits and kindled my encouragement when we gathered last week to reaffirm our commitment to our students and our mission.
At SF State’s first annual All-University Retreat, centered on Resounding Resilience: Faculty and Staff Support Student Success, faculty, staff, administrators and students gathered together to share and candidly discuss inequities in our graduation rates. It was a powerful day, opening with faculty sharing their own experiences as first-generation students from BIPOC communities. For those who missed it, the retreat will be available soon on the Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning's (CEETL) YouTube channel. We learned that despite recent efforts, equity gaps persist between racial and ethnic groups – a gap of nearly 10% at SF State. Recent data shows that too many of our Black and Latinx students continue to walk away without a degree. Only 67% of Black and Latinx first-year students who started in Fall 2019 remained enrolled by Fall 2021—574 students are no longer here making progress toward their degrees. And research repeatedly shows that few of those who walk away go on to earn degrees from any institution. This is not who we are or want to be.
Chancellor Castro has set an ambitious goal of eliminating equity gaps across the CSU. As I remarked at the retreat, at SF State, we do not need to be prodded to do this. Our historic commitment to social justice and educational equity requires us to work tirelessly to eliminate inequities. Closing our equity gaps is the right thing to do for our students, their families, our region, and the state. It is also in the best interest of the health of our institution. Improving the student experience will enable us to retain more students and will attract more students to study at SF State, helping us increase our enrollment numbers. Strengthening our enrollment numbers will provide us with a more solid financial foundation upon which to hire staff and faculty to support our students and one another. Close to half of our students identify as Black, Latinx, Pacific Islander or Native American. Helping them attain their degree goals in far greater numbers helps us all.
I urge you all to read the remarks that Provost Summit shared at the retreat. She drew on bell hooks, Vaclav Havel and Lani Guinier to remind us that we have the power to change the University and “to imagine how things might be.” And we will do more than we imagine, we will improve outcomes for all our students. Building on the work already underway across the University’s colleges, divisions and offices and the work of groups like the Student Success and Graduation Initiative Committee, we have created an action plan to meet the objectives outlined by Chancellor Castro. Over the coming weeks, you will hear more about the plan and the work required to meet the goal of eliminating our equity gaps. There is no university better poised to do this than SF State. Working with unrelenting focus and together, across traditional divides, we can do this.
As we plan for a resumption of in-person services and instruction, I am aware of concerns about those who remain most vulnerable to COVID. I encourage students who are concerned about returning this semester to work with their advisors and departments to create online schedules for spring as we have robust online offerings. I will reach out next week to confirm our plans for spring.
Wishing you a good week, whether working or studying in person or virtually.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Dear campus community,
I write again at a difficult moment. We continue to wrestle with multiple pandemics, including an Omicron-driven surge in COVID-19 and another incident of violence this time directed at a Jewish community engaged in prayer at a temple in in Texas. Our thoughts are with Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and Congregation Beth Israel and also with our Jewish students, colleagues and local community. Antisemitic rhetoric and acts have increased dramatically and the incident in Texas affirms the very real fears of Jewish communities in the U.S. It should not be “an act of courage” to engage in prayer. San Francisco State stands in solidarity with our Jewish communities to denounce violence and antisemitism.
The Division of Equity & Community Inclusion is available to offer support, identify resources and sponsor educational programming for students and faculty. SF Hillel, an organization focused on enriching Jewish life on campus and which has been our local partner in combatting antisemitism, is also available to offer support. Students and employees are encouraged to report incidents of antisemitism to the Bias Incident Education Team or, for complaints that may violate Title IX or Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation policies, to Equity Programs and Compliance.
Sadly, as we have all witnessed and as Rabbi Cytron-Walker said in his remarks, acts of violence have occurred not only in synagogues and mosques but also in schools and public areas. He credited the active-shooter trainings he received with minimizing the loss of life. I urge all to review the California State University’s online active shooter training. As we return to in-person instruction and teaching, our Division of Campus Safety is available to offer campus-specific trainings. It pains me deeply to write this but the normalization of hatred and violence in the U.S. leaves us all vulnerable.
Today we stand in solidarity with our Jewish students and colleagues to denounce hatred and violence targeting Jewish communities. I am proud of the work that SF State has been doing to combat antisemitism on campus, and we will continue working to ensure that Jewish students and colleagues feel welcome on campus.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Friday, January 21, 2022
Greetings and Happy New Year everyone!
I’m sharing an update and invitation on behalf of the University’s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), to which I serve as chair, in relation to our strategic planning efforts over the weeks and months ahead.
In the Fall, we embarked on a strategic planning process that will carry through early summer 2022. A key priority for this effort is that every voice from across our campus community is invited to shape our vision and priorities for the future. It will take all of us to make this a reality. To this end, we will soon launch a series of virtual input sessions for all members of our campus – our students, staff, faculty, and alumni – that will inform the strategic plan and the University’s priorities for the coming 5 – 10 years.
You are invited and encouraged to participate and share your voice through one or more of the following sessions, which will run from February 2 – March 3, 2022 and are open to all campus members. These sessions include:
• In-depth and interactive 3-hour workshop (multiple dates and times available)
• 90-minute focus groups (multiple dates and times available)
Sign up for a session today via our Strategic Planning website.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this important work to shape our collective future of the University together.
If you have any questions about the strategic planning effort, please feel free to reach out to a member of the SPC or to use the open online comment tool any time.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Friday, April 01, 2022
Dear campus community,
As the pool of finalists demonstrated, we attracted excellent candidates to serve as our next provost and vice president for academic affairs. I am grateful to the search committee and the students, faculty, staff and administrators who participated in the search and shared their thoughts about the candidates. It is with great pleasure that I announce that Amy Sueyoshi has been selected to serve as provost, effective July 1, 2022.
Dr. Sueyoshi has been the first in many roles in her time at SF State: first hire in queer studies in the College of Ethnic Studies, first female dean of the College of Ethnic Studies and now the first person of color to serve as provost at San Francisco State University. A faculty member at SF State since 2002, Dr. Sueyoshi previously served as director of Race and Resistance Studies (2006-2012) and associate dean of the College of Ethnic Studies (2012-2017).
Dr. Sueyoshi has also distinguished herself by being the first Japanese American to be Community Grand Marshal at San Francisco Pride, founding the APIQWTC scholarship, founding curator of the first queer history museum in the U.S. and initiating the online undergraduate certificate in Ethnic Studies for incarcerated youth.
A noted scholar, Dr. Sueyoshi is the author of Discriminating Sex: White Leisure and the Making of the American “Oriental” and Queer Compulsions: Race, Nation, and Sexuality in the Affairs of Yone Noguchi, as well as numerous scholarly articles and essays. She earned a B.A. in history from Barnard College at Columbia University, a PhD. in History from the University of California at Los Angeles and is currently completing an MBA at San Francisco State.
At SF State, Dr. Sueyoshi has a successful record of increasing student enrollment, enhancing student success, supporting shared governance, promoting equity and implementing new programs. We are fortunate to have someone with her depth of experience who also knows our campus so well at this important time in our history.
I want to thank Jennifer Summit for all that she has done in the service of our students and our mission. And I also want to thank all the members of the search committee who devoted their time and expertise to this important process.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sueyoshi.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Friday, May 13, 2022
Dear campus community,
Governor Gavin Newsom released his revised 2022-23 budget earlier today. The January budget included $211 million in new recurring funds for the CSU. Recently, we received indications that the legislature supported a budget that included an additional $400 million in recurring funds for the CSU. While grateful for the governor’s support, we are disappointed that today’s budget did not include the additional funding and our increase in recurring funding remains at $211 million.
The budget process will now move into its final stages. Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester announced today that the CSU plans to “intensify…efforts to work alongside our partners to ensure that our elected leaders are apprised of the university’s critical needs to ensure student achievement.” We will continue to advocate for a budget that includes the resources the CSU needs to ensure student success and fair compensation for our dedicated employees, as well as deferred maintenance and infrastructure needs which impact the quality of life for all who study and work on our campuses
I am hopeful and cautiously optimistic that the legislature will recognize and acknowledge the value of the CSU, our students and employees and present a budget proposal that includes additional funding for the CSU. I encourage all members of the SF State and CSU families to add their voices to the movement to advocate for the CSU.
As always, I am deeply grateful to our University community and will keep you apprised of new developments as they occur.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Thursday, January 06, 2022
Dear campus community,
First, I want to wish you all a healthy and happy New Year. Unfortunately, 2022 continues to find us responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and actively monitoring the current Omicron surge. I have been in frequent communication with the CSU Chancellor’s Office and CSU colleagues. The escalation in positivity rates and increased hospitalizations across the state have all concerned. This week, as we resumed testing on campus, we saw a similarly dramatic increase in positivity rates. In this context, the University has decided to delay the start of in-person instruction until February 14 and most campus services will be provided remotely until February 7. The J. Paul Leonard Library, the Mashouf Wellness Center, Cesar Chavez Student Center and most administrative buildings remain open.
The semester itself will start as planned on January 24. Courses scheduled to be online will not experience any changes or disruptions. Courses scheduled to be in-person will switch to remote modalities for the first three weeks of the semester. We will grant some exceptions for courses that must meet in person to address students’ immediate learning needs (these may include hands-on courses in health, science or the arts). Department chairs will work with their deans and the provost’s office to determine what courses must be taught in person and students will be notified by January 14 if their course will be held in person. We do not anticipate many exceptions. Courses granted in-person exceptions will begin January 24.
Most campus services, including all student services, will move to remote modalities. All campus offices will physically reopen on February 7 and will offer a combination of in-person and remote services in anticipation of the return of in-person classes on February 14. Students and employees are encouraged to check a department's website to determine the best way to be in touch with any given office.
Residential students will be hearing directly from University Housing regarding return to campus and move-in dates. Students who are currently living in residence halls during the winter break will not be asked to vacate.
Staff and administrators with existing telecommuting agreements may continue to work remotely as approved by their supervisor and in alignment with the needs of their offices and units. As the University remains open, some faculty, staff and administrators will continue to work on campus as determined by their supervisors and institutional need. Staff and faculty who prefer to return to campus to work between now and February 6 may and should contact their supervisor to make arrangements to return to the office.
I want to express my gratitude and that of the entire University to those employees who continue to work in person in service of our students and our campus community. And I thank you all for your patience and work as we continue to strive to meet our mission and navigate the challenges of the pandemic.
While this is a moment to exercise caution, I remind all that this is not a return to March 2020 when we moved all classes and services to remote modalities. The campus remains open. Our student-athletes remain in competition. Campus facilities such as the J. Paul Leonard Library, the Mashouf Wellness Center, Cesar Chavez Student Center and most administrative buildings remain open. And we will continue to offer COVID testing and booster clinics on campus.
We are a highly vaccinated and increasingly boosted campus. COVID-19 is not the same illness it was two years ago, and we are now working to manage an endemic disease. My family is personally experiencing the benefits of those vaccines and booster shots. Earlier this week, my son and I tested positive for COVID-19 but are to-date asymptomatic and other family members remain negative. Like many, this is not how I envisioned starting 2022 but, thanks to our multiple vaccine doses, we are doing well.
Local health experts believe that the current surge will peak towards the end of January. Delaying in-person instruction and in-person services allows time for all of us to get our booster shots and for the post-holiday surge to abate somewhat. For some of us, this temporary delay comes as a relief; for others, a sad step backwards. We have every expectation that in-person services will resume on February 7 and in-person classes will resume on February 14, and we will provide a campus update on February 1 confirming plans for their resumption. We will continue to heed the advice of public health and medical professionals and communicate our responses quickly.
As always, wishing you good health.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Friday, February 18, 2022
Dear campus community,
Yesterday, the California State University announced that Chancellor Joseph Castro has resigned, effective immediately. Chief Financial Officer Steve Relyea is serving as acting chancellor until the Board of Trustees finalize a succession plan and name an interim chancellor.
The Board of Trustees and former Chancellor Castro acted in the best interest of the CSU, and I have every confidence that the CSU will take action to assess and strengthen Title IX policies and processes for our students and employees.
All students and employees have the right to learn and work in an environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation. I want to call your attention to resources that are available to you as a member of the SF State community. The Equity Programs and Compliance office is our resource for reporting an incident as well as educating yourself about Title IX resources. SF State also offers SAFE Placeresources for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and sexual harassment. Other areas of support available on campus include Counseling and Psychological Services for students and the Employee Assistance Program.
I look forward to working with the next chancellor and the SF State community to ensure we are leaders in maintaining an inclusive, safe and equitable community.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Dear campus community,
Today, the California State University Board of Trustees appointed Jolene Koester, Ph.D. to serve as interim chancellor. Chancellor Koester has had a long and distinguished career in the CSU. She served as president of Cal State Northridge from 2000-2011 and as a faculty member and administrator for almost two decades at Sacramento State. Chancellor Koester’s commitment to the students and employees of the CSU is well documented and will serve us well as we navigate this transitionary period and work to make our campuses safer places for all.
Chancellor Koester is also well aware of the unique role that we play in the CSU, as she assisted in drafting of the Academic Master Plan in 2018-2019. Her facilitation of the process demonstrated her deep commitment to shared governance and to ensuring that all voices get listened to—qualities that will serve the CSU well now.
The CSU Board of Trustees also announced this week plans for an independent external investigation of Title IX violations at Fresno State, an independent assessment of Title IX practices at all CSUs and revised policies regarding executive compensation.
Despite the turmoil and pain of recent months and years, I am optimistic for the future. I look forward to working with Chancellor Koester to fulfill the promise of the CSU as an inclusive, safe and equitable institution providing access to transformative education.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Friday, April 29, 2022
Dear colleagues,
As you all know, we will be returning to in-person commencement ceremonies on May 26 and 27 at Oracle Park. In addition to this year’s graduates, we will be welcoming back hundreds of students whose ceremonies were held virtually over the last two years.
The presence of SF State faculty, staff and administrators is always important, but especially this year when we’ll be celebrating graduates who have endured and overcome so many challenges. If your job duties will permit it, please consider signing up to be an ambassadorfor one or both of these ceremonies. Assignments are 1:30-9:30 p.m. each day.
Ambassador volunteers are required to get supervisor approval and attend at least one informational Zoom training. Trainings are scheduled for May 18 from 2-3 p.m. and May 19 from 11 a.m.-noon.
Many assignments involve walking and standing. If you require accommodations, please note them on the sign-up form under "Questions or requests.” If you have other questions, please contact Dania Russell at drussell@sfsu.edu.
Our commencements are always special as we celebrate many who have had to work inordinately hard to make their academic dreams come true and many who are the first in their families to graduate from college. It is a joyous occasion and I look forward to seeing you there.
Whether or not you are able to volunteer, thank you for all you have done to support our students on their pathway to graduation.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Dear campus community,
As we return to in-person instruction this week, I want to thank you for everything you have done to bring us to this point and share with you the many things we have accomplished over the past year. I look forward to seeing you on campus!
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Wednesday, May 04, 2022
Dear SFSU Campus Community,
I’m sharing an update and invitation on behalf of the University’s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), on which I serve as chair. As you know, we’ve been engaged in strategic planning efforts over the past months and a key priority has been ensuring this process is inclusive of voices across our campus community. To this end, nearly 4000 university stakeholders have contributed to this work to date, through focus groups, workshops, surveys, and through feedback submitted on the strategic planning website. For those of you who have participated in sessions and provided input so far, I thank you for your time and commitment to this process.
We are again offering an opportunity for campus stakeholders to provide input through our campus survey, which invites every member of our campus to share feedback on drafted options for our San Francisco State University Mission, Vision, and Values. These options have been developed by the SPC based on campus inputs gathered through the planning process to date.
Please share your input on the draft Mission, Vision and Values by taking this brief survey by Wednesday, May 11th. Your input is important and will help guide our work over the next 5-10 years.
Please visit the strategic planning website to stay informed about additional opportunities to engage in the planning process or to offer additional input via the feedback form. Your input is incredibly important to shaping our shared future.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Dear colleagues,
As the academic year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for yet another year of extraordinary teaching. Our classes ranged from fully in-person to fully remote, and many landed somewhere in between. This flexibility has not been easy, but it was necessary, and I am grateful for all you have done. I also reach out to you at what feels like a particularly unsettling moment in higher education as attacks against the academy grow, particularly attacks that threaten the core of what we do—the ability to teach, conduct research and engage in scholarly and creative activities free from censorship. I write today to assure you that I and other CSU leaders remain firm in our commitment to protecting academic freedom.
Earlier this month, we witnessed a chilling example of political intrusion after Dr. Jennifer Mnookin, dean of UCLA’s School of Law, was named the next chancellor of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. A renowned legal scholar, Dr. Mnookin was the unanimous choice of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. Lawmakers, though, were quick to politicize her appointment criticizing Dr, Mnookin for her support for the teaching and research of critical race theory and for her advocacy for COVID vaccines for college students. While I am grateful to live in a state in which legislators proudly support ethnic studies courses and public health, the increasing attacks on academics leaves me, as it does us all, anxious.
SF State has not been immune from controversies surrounding academic freedom. In September 2020, Zoom “de-platformed” an open classroom event planned by Dr. Rabab Abdulhadi and Dr. Tomomi Kinukawa over a concern about an invited speaker. Until just hours before the scheduled class, the University and the CSU Office of General Counsel attempted to find a way to nevertheless offer the open classroom event. Ultimately, despite our efforts and my very vocal support for the rights of our faculty, Zoom and several other platforms refused to host the class because of concerns related to violating federal law. I strongly disagree with censorship in any form. National experts joined us in disagreeing with Zoom and supported the University’s stance. We continue to encourage faculty who do not want to use Zoom to work with Academic Technology to learn about the range of tools available to enhance online learning.
The “deplatforming” of this classroom event was exceptional in many ways and has resulted in two recent statutory grievances being filed by CFA. These will be adjudicated through the statutory grievance process, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. I have, though, reached out to the Academic Freedom Committee (AFC) to see how we can continue to safeguard academic freedom. Incoming Provost Sueyoshi and I will meet with the committee in the fall. We very much share their goal of protecting the rights of faculty to teach and conduct their scholarship free from censorship. The current political climate makes it imperative that universities and their leadership remain steadfast in support of academic freedom. I look forward to working with the Senate and AFC next year.
A third statutory grievance was filed by CFA focused on, among other things, additional faculty hiring to support the Arab and Muslim Ethnic Diaspora curriculum (AMED). As some may know, the University has also been involved in state and federal litigation about the same issue, legal cases that long predate my arrival. These cases were recently resolved in the university’s favor, but that conclusion does not mitigate our responsibility to increase support for AMED, particularly at a time of rising white supremacy and Islamophobia. To that end, the provost and I are approving a search for a tenure line faculty member to support AMED curriculum.
It’s been a long year. I thank you all again for your service to our students and the University. I look forward to seeing some of you at Commencement and wish you all a good summer.
Best,
Lynn Mahoney, Ph.D.
President