This fall, the massive 23-campus CAL State University system is getting a new leader. The change comes at a time of crisis as CSU faces declining enrollment, big money problems, and a series of sexual misconduct scandals.
Mildred García, the incoming 11th CSU Chancellor and its first-ever Latina leader, told KNX New's Charles Feldman, she is ready to face the challenges head-on.
Declining enrollment
Enrollment is down 26,000 over a few years, but García doesn't necessarily see this as a bad thing, saying, "It's an opportunity for the CAL State system to start looking at the different neighborhoods ... and make sure that we are speaking to our communities."
Using alumni and the "wonderful people" within the system, García plans to show perspective students that a path to success can start at CSU.
Money problems
Decreased enrollment, naturally means less money coming in, and as a result, the CSU system has been considering a 6% increase in tuition.
While García did not deny the money issues or the possibility of a tuition hike, she did say, "I'm gonna vow to keep CSU affordable for all students that walk on our campuses."
Sexual misconduct
As for the sexual misconduct issues, García said CSU has been working on addressing it through an exhaustive report provided by an independent consultant review.
She said the report "tells us very clearly what we've done right, and what we've done wrong, and clear steps on what to do." García said, "My job will be to make sure that we are implementing that report."
Garcia loves the Cal State system and says it has been and will continue to be the standard for successfully educating a large, diverse student body.
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