The California State University (CSU) is currently searching for a new chancellor and will host open forums across Southern, Central and Northern California.

The forums will be hybrid and live-streamed with virtual public comments available for all members of the CSU community to speak. All community members are welcome to attend any of the open forums.

Members are able to take a survey to provide their input in deciding the next chancellor and nominating a candidate as well.

A campus-wide email was sent out this month, urging students, faculty and staff to participate by providing their thoughts on what qualities the next chancellor should have.

Two committees have been created. One is the Implementation Committee, which is composed of eight members appointed by the chair of the board. The other is the Assessment Committee, composed of 12 different representatives of stakeholders. 

 “The chancellor oversees the CSU’s 23 campuses, 477,000 students and 56,000 faculty and staff,” according to the CSU Chancellor website.

According to CSU Senior Director of Public Affairs, Mike  Uhlenkamp, the chancellor plays a part in deciding campus funding and academic programs and requirements.

“Everyone should have a voice in the decision related to this very important position within the university system,” Uhlehankamp said. “We welcome all of the input in terms of identifying the knowledge, skills, abilities, that they feel should go into the next chancellor. There are decisions made at the systemwide level that impact the 460,000 students.”

Joelene Koestar, the current interim chancellor, came into position on May 26, 2022. In a letter to the CSU community, Koestar stated she would serve for up to 12 to 15 months.

She came into the position after former Chancellor Joseph I. Castro resigned from the position after an alleged mishandling of a Title IX case during his time as president of Fresno State University, according to the CSU website. 

“We must do better. I assure you that CSU leadership will work diligently to restore trust across our universities and among the communities we serve,” Koestar wrote in a letter to the CSU community. “We will take a hard and clear-eyed look at our processes, policies and organizational structures to build a culture of inclusiveness, open communication and service.”

The open forum in Southern California will be held at the CSU Chancellor’s Office in Dumke Auditorium on Feb. 7 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Community members can register here.

The open forum in Central California will be held at California State University, Bakersfield in Doré Theatre on Feb. 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Community members can register here.

The open forum in Northern California will be held at San Francisco State University in McKenna Theatre on Feb. 9 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Community members can register here.

More information about the open forums and registering to comment can be found on the Chancellor Search website.