Advancing LGBTQIA2S+ Equity in the CSU: Overcoming Climate, Data Use, and Funding Challenges 

This blog, written by research assistant and Sacramento State psychology graduate student, Macie Walker, reflects upon how political and social climate, access to appropriate data, and financial resources impact how support for LGBTQIA2S+ communities is carried out across the CSU. Inspiration for the blog derives from focus group data from the co-leaders of the three 2024-25 LGBTQIA2S+ communities of practice that emerged from interest and momentum generated at the Network’s spring 2024 LGBTQIA2S+ Symposium. 

Juneteenth - Freedom and The Pursuit of Equity

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we honor a day that represents both freedom and the continued pursuit of equity. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been emancipated more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. For generations, Black communities have celebrated Juneteenth as a testament to resilience, collective strength, and the enduring pursuit of justice. 

Juneteenth also invites us to reflect on the work that remains. In the CSU, advancing Black student success continues to be a critical priority. The report "Advancing Black Student Success and Elevating Black Excellence in the CSU: A Call to Action" notes that only 48% of Black students who entered the CSU in Fall 2016 earned a degree within six years. The report calls on campus leaders, faculty, and staff to take intentional action to address barriers and create conditions where Black students are supported, experience belonging, and have equitable opportunities to thrive. 

To learn more about the CSU's efforts to elevate Black excellence and advance Black student success, we invite you to read "Advancing Black Student Success and Elevating Black Excellence in the CSU: A Call to Action," a report developed by the Chancellor's Strategic Workgroup on Black Student Success. 

ICYMI - Watch the April Convening, "Supporting Students Together: Strengthening Student Advising in the CSU"

This virtual convening explored how CSU campuses are advancing holistic, student-centered advising to support equitable student success. Hear from campus leaders who shared evidence-based practices, strategies for implementing change, and approaches to strengthening collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators.

Watch Part 1 of the recording to learn how campuses are re-envisioning advising to better meet students' diverse needs and improve retention and degree completion. A link to Part 2 can be found in the video description on Youtube.

A Sincere Thank You and Farewell To Thad Nodine

Over the last decade, Thad Nodine has played numerous roles for the CSU Student Success Network (Network). Thad has been a strategic thought partner, mentor, communications expert, storyteller, and evaluation partner. He recently let us know that he will be concluding his work with us to focus on his own writing and other projects. 

Most notably, Thad has authored all of the Network's annual reports and conducted countless interviews that resulted in publications that have reached the entire network, most recently, the blog series on AI. He is truly the face of Network storytelling, and his transition will be felt deeply across the entirety of the Network.   

The Network is so grateful to Thad for sharing his knowledge and expertise, and for his incredible collaboration. Without hesitation the Network has gained so much from the opportunity to work with him over these many years.

Best of luck, Thad, in all that’s to come!