Office of the President
Feedback Concerns and Responses
Latest Responses
Feedback received June 2024 - August 2024
Posted on: 9/30/24
CONCERN: The split between foundation and state staff members is a highly contested topic in offices across campus. How will you be supporting your foundation staff members who aren't getting the same benefits as the state counterparts?
RESPONSE: We understand that the distinction between Foundation and State staff members can create challenges and concerns, particularly regarding benefits. We are committed to ensuring that all staff members feel valued and supported. While there are differences in the benefits provided to Auxiliary employees as compared to university (state) employees, we are pleased to offer a competitive benefits package and we continue to foster a cohesive and inclusive work environment by maintaining open lines of communication to ensure that all staff members are informed about these differences during the recruitment and onboarding process. Every CSU has auxiliary organizations and have similar fiscal challenges with being able to incur higher benefit costs. Auxiliary organizations by statute (Education Code) are required to be self-support and are a private employer (not state). This structure is required due to the varied fund sources that support many of these auxiliary positions.
CONCERN: Given that other systems such as UC, CC, K-12, and companies in the valley offer greater flexibility with more hybrid workdays, why can't CSU implement a similar standard across all departments?
RESPONSE: We understand that work flexibility is a significant topic, At Fresno State, we are committed to balancing the need for flexibility with the operational needs of our campus environment and our students’ needing to access various in-person support services. Currently, our campus policy allows for one day of remote work if operationally feasible. However, we have many staff positions that require on-campus presence and are not afforded the opportunity to take advantage of the one day of remote work. We recognize that our work environments can vary significantly across our campus departments, and that some positions necessitate being on campus more regularly due to the requirements of their position duties and responsibilities.
CONCERN: Is there a way that we can have some sort of centeralized training for staff new hires? Being on the newer side when I came on board there was not a defined training program established. In talking with other new hires, I am hearing that they are having the same experience of feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed when starting on campus.
RESPONSE: The Human Resources Organizational Development team is creating new content for all employees, including staff and managers. Watch for upcoming workshops in the weekly issues of Campus News and bi-weekly emails from Eloisa Valdivia. For more information, please contact Georgianna Negron-Long (gnegronlong@mail.fresnostate.edu) for further information.
CONCERN: I noticed that the Bold Ideas Challenge & CAIFE in 2021. Are there plans to bring these back?
RESPONSE: As part of the current Strategic Plan, we are evaluating the feasibility of bringing back this program and other process improvement projects.
CONCERN: Issues with the Central Chiller have caused offices campus-wide to have temperature issues. Is there a standard in place that if temperatures are too warm, staff can pivot to telework?
RESPONSE: We encourage students and employees to report any indoor building discomfort to our facilities management team so we can respond and promptly address any issues. When outdoor temperatures reach levels over 100 degrees for multiple days, it will impact the overall cooling capacity of our campus. If room temperatures are too hot or too cold, department administrative assistants or faculty may call Facilities Management at 559.278.2373 to report an issue. The facilities management team works closely with Academic Scheduling to find alternative rooms if there are any repairs or issues that may take more time to address. Faculty members have the discretion to adjust their class modality when necessary to ensure a comfortable and productive learning environment.
Per CSU energy policy guidelines, we must aspire to 78-degree indoor temperatures for optimal energy efficiency. Together with the CUPR contractor, we continue to adjust our building controls/air handlers to provide cooler air temperatures, especially on days when the outside air temperature is consistently over 100 degrees. We also have the challenge of aged HVAC infrastructure within many of our academic buildings, which was not included in the scope of our CUPR project.
CONCERN: I would like to know whether there are going to be more opportunities for faculty to get our kids admitted at the Fresno State day care.
RESPONSE: Programs for Children's (PFC) mission is to provide child care to students who are pursuing their degree. However, PFC has also consistently provided enrollment opportunities to faculty and staff as capacity is available (students are the first priority). There is an extensive waitlist depending upon the specfic days and duration of your child care needs. Please contact Brittney Randolph, Director of PFC at brandolph@mail.fresnostate.edu or 278-0225 for additional information and more information about the status of the waitlist.
CONCERN: How are we assuring safety for our student activists who seek to create a more just and equitable campus when further restrictions were placed on student demonstrations that impose on their 1st amendment rights?
RESPONSE: The California State University (CSU) is committed to free expression as an essential component of its educational mission. To provide consistency and clarity, the CSU has created systemwide standards to determine the “time, place, and manner” in which activities may be conducted on university property. The systemwide policy also recognizes a new requirement from the California State Legislature.
At Fresno State, we are committed to fostering open dialogue and ensuring our leadership remains accessible and responsive to the needs and concerns of our students. We prioritize creating an environment where all students feel safe and welcome, especially those engaged in activism to create a more just and equitable campus community.
CONCERN: The university has decided to not academically disqualify students who have GPAs below a 2.0, and has not put in place any limitations to the number of units they can take—despite demonstrated difficulty in being academically successful with a full course load. Can the University present any research or data that shows this approach results in positive outcomes for students?
RESPONSE: Thank you for your question and for voicing a concern that reflects the complexity
of supporting our students' academic success. We recognize the challenges involved
in keeping students engaged and enrolled, particularly when they may be struggling
academically. Our current approach is part of a broader effort to provide support
and encourage persistence. However, we understand your concerns and recognize that
balancing support with academic standards is crucial. This is an ongoing conversation,
and I would like to direct your question to our Provost, Dr. Fu, who can provide further
insight into our strategies.
CONCERN: Now that the fencing has come down on the south side of the Music Building, why does Keats Ave. on campus remain closed between lab school and Maple Ave.? Barton Ave. is the only point of exit for various buildings including the RSU, the Library, the university center, the health center and more.
RESPONSE: We are planning for Keats Avenue to reopen in the spring of 2025. This timeline is contingent upon completion of the road repairs and resurfacing.