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Office of The Provost Division of Academic Affairs

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Provost's Communications Spring 2025

Provost Update

April 17, 2025

To All Faculty, Deans and Chairs,

As you know from President Wood's communications, the current State and University budget deficits have left Academic Affairs with a substantial budget shortfall. This is exacerbated by the loss of the university's years of "one-time funding" used to support additional course offerings. As a result, all colleges must reduce current course sections to meet the reality of a reduction in one funding source (State allocation) and the loss of another (one-time funding).

We understand this news is difficult. The Academic Affairs budget teams in collaboration with the College Deans have been working diligently on financial projections. Just last week we were able confirm the extent of the budget shortfall. We wanted to share this information with you as soon as we had a clear picture of the situation.

The upcoming course schedule will reflect necessary adjustments to align with the current budget resources. This will impact available courses and sections. We recognize this creates significant challenges for both faculty and students.

While we must face these financial realities together, we remain committed to maintaining academic excellence and supporting our core educational mission. Department chairs will be working closely with faculty to implement these schedule changes in ways that minimize disruption to students' progress toward their degrees.

We are actively exploring additional funding sources and enrollment strategies to restore growth in order to fulfill our mission to serve students.

The revised course schedule will be published by Monday. We welcome your questions as we navigate these challenging circumstances together.

With appreciation for your continued dedication to our students and university,

Erika Cameron, PhD
Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Temporary Supervision of the Office of Undergraduate Studies

April 11, 2025

Colleagues,

I am writing to inform you that, effective immediately through June 30, 2025, Dean Chevelle Newsome will be temporarily overseeing the management of the Office of Undergraduate Studies. This temporary supervisory role is in addition to her continuing responsibilities as Dean of Graduate Studies.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dean Newsome for agreeing to take on these additional responsibilities. Her leadership experience and institutional knowledge will be invaluable in maintaining our high standards of service to our undergraduate community.

In light of the MPP reductions across campus, I will be working directly with Dean Newsome as she collaborates with the Undergraduate Studies staff to develop an effective operational model. This collaborative approach will help us optimize our operational efficiency while adapting to our current resource constraints.

Please join me in supporting Dean Newsome as she takes on this expanded operational supervision role. Her management expertise will help ensure the Office of Undergraduate Studies continues to effectively serve our students and faculty.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our institution and our students.

Regards,

Erika Cameron
Provost & Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs

CSU Federal Updates Webpage

April 4, 2025

During a time marked by significant changes to existing federal policies, the California State University is working diligently to assess the impacts to the institution and its students, employees and programs.

Although the federal policy landscape continues to evolve, the CSU remains committed to fulfilling its core mission: bringing the life-changing benefits of a Cal State degree to students from all backgrounds and walks of life and ensuring the safety and well-being of all of its students and employees.

The latest resources and updates on a variety of federal issues that impact the CSU can be found on the CSU Federal Updates Webpage.

Sincerely,

Erika Cameron, PhD
Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Funding Opportunity: CSU AI Educational Innovations Challenge

April 3, 2025

The California State University (CSU) system has announced its Artificial Intelligence Educational Innovations Challenge (AIEIC), inviting CSU faculty to develop innovative instructional strategies that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This initiative aims to enhance critical thinking skills, promote ethical AI use and integrate AI literacy into curricula. Faculty are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that will launch in summer 2025 and conclude by spring 2026. I encourage you to apply. The key details and a link to the full announcement are included below.

CSU AI Educational Innovations Challenge (AIEIC) key details:

Purpose: To support faculty in defining AI literacies, ensuring deep learning with AI and redesigning curricula to prepare students for AI-driven workplaces.

• Funding: Tier 1 (up to $30,000) for individual courses; Tier 2 (up to $60,000) for multi-course or interdisciplinary projects

• Eligibility: Tenured, tenure-track and lecturer faculty. Faculty development directors may also apply.

• Selection Criteria: Innovation in AI-integrated teaching, curricular impact, ethical considerations and project viability

• Allowable Expenses: Faculty buyouts; AI tool implementation and training; and curriculum development. Hardware, travel and indirect costs are ineligible.

• Timeline:

o April 1, 2025 – CFP Release

o April 14, 2025 – Faculty interested in submitting a proposal should contact Lisa Hammersley, Interim AVP of ORIED

o April 23, 2025 – Full proposal packet, including letters of support must be provided to ORIED for Provost review and endorsement by 5pm.

o April 30, 2025 – Proposal Submission Deadline

o May 2025 – Award Announcements

o June 2025 – Project Start

o January 2026 – Midterm Report Due

o June 2026 – Project End and Final Report Due

Submission Guidelines: Proposals with Provost endorsement must be submitted online via the AIEIC Call for Proposals Submission Form by April 30, 2025. Proposals must include a program narrative, an evaluation plan, a budget and letters of support. Endorsement from the university provost is also required. For more details, please refer to the online CSU AIEIC CFP Guide.

Questions regarding proposal submissions may be directed to Leslie Kennedy, assistant vice chancellor, Academic Technology Services, at [email protected], or to Emily Magruder, director, Innovative Teacher and Future Faculty Programs, at [email protected]. Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to advance AI-empowered teaching and learning across the CSU system.

In support of innovation,

Erika Cameron, PhD
Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

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