Middle Leadership Academy Impacts: Cal State Fullerton

A new Impact Brief by Thad Nodine, Ph.D., explores how Cal State Fullerton has leveraged participation in Network’s Middle Leadership Academy (Academy) to advance equity-focused initiatives. Over seven years, Fullerton’s Academy teams have contributed to strategic campus changes, including faculty development, student support programs, and advising improvements.

Beyond Graduation Initiative 2025: The CSU Commits to Accountability and Clarity through the Year of Engagement

In this Voices blog, Dr. Shonda Goward shares an interview with Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Dilcie Perez. The interview highlights The California State University's Year of Engagement, a systemwide effort to shape the next phase of student success strategies. This involves gathering extensive data, fostering collaboration across campuses, and ensuring accountability in advancing equity and retention efforts. In the interview, Dr. Perez discusses the importance of a shared commitment to student success and the role of transparency in guiding the CSU’s future.

Networking Opportunity

Join us virtually on Friday, April 11, 9AM-10AM PST as we come together with colleagues across The California State University system to learn about the current status of anti-DEIA efforts and discuss strategies for continuing your equity-centered work.

Starting this month, we will provide quarterly reading recommendations that call attention to the student populations, institutional structures, and policy issues that are relevant to the realm of West Coast higher education. This month’s articles focus on two different dimensions of research done in relation to the University of California (UC) Basic Needs Initiative.

Goh, V., & Wong, K. (2025). Pivoting During COVID-19: Campus Pantries’ Innovations and Community Partnerships. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/19496591.2024.2438200

• Researchers interviewed food pantry administrators from various UC campuses to learn how practices and processes adopted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way the food pantries operate. This research is helpful for learning about using sensemaking strategies to continue to serve students in a crisis situation.   

Singh, S., Esaryk, E. E., Meza, E., Britton, T., & Martinez, S. M. (2024). Disparities in Food Insecurity and Academic Achievement Among California Public University Students: An Intersectional Approach. Nutrients, 16(21), 3728. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213728

• This research pairs survey data with institutional research data to examine basic needs resource utilization. Findings are useful for thinking about and planning for the needs of “contemporary” college students.

Dr. Shonda Goward's Farewell