As he makes his way across the state to all the CSUs, newly appointed Chancellor Timothy White visited CSU East Bay Wednesday to discuss his plans for moving forward from the budget crisis.

In a forum presentation held in the New Union Building on the CSUEB Hayward campus, the Pioneer alumnus of 1972, said his trip is designed to assess the differences on each campus and to evaluate implementation plans for each of the CSUs individually.

“It would be easier to say that one size fits all, but what matters for the success of East Bay is different from what matters for San Jose State, an older campus,” said White.

One audience member asked about the transition to more online classes; in response, White said he is interested in the use of technology.

“CSU faculty has been sort of a vanguard for this,” White said of online learning.  “So, I’m all for the use of technology, but I want to make sure it’s a fusion and integration that lines with the talent of the faculty.”

“Oftentimes you’re pressed for an either-or situation in the political arena, but it’s not for me,” said White. He added that it is educational quality that is important, both online and in the classroom.

The former UC Riverside chancellor said he does have concerns about online learning, especially for first-generation students and low-income families.

“I’m concerned about some of the literature that points to first-generation students, particularly in the first year, it more often being a disaster than help, because they don’t have human contact solely on an online course,” said White.

White acknowledged lower-income families are often not exposed to the experiences that higher education has to offer, especially in terms of online education. He cited studies that show “students of color don’t do as well,” because of the informal interactions between students and the teacher.

“So, I want this as a system, and as a campus, to be mindful that we have a heterogeneous student body,” said White.

In conjunction with the online system, the chancellor has also been discussing the possibility of doing a statewide conversion to the semester system, a change he favors, with the board of trustees.

“I’m a fan of the semester because it’s the better environment for the students. It’s about the learning environment,” said White.

Currently, there are six universities, including CSUEB, that are in the process of discussing a change to semester system.

White says if the CSU does not begin working on these major challenges now, then the system will not be adequately prepared for the changing economic times.

“I think we are in a better position in the next four of five years, to do something different,” said White.

The main concern for CSUEB is enrollment, said White, who pointed out that CSUEB’s goal is to increase enrollment by one percent by the upcoming school year. However, when asked about increasing faculty numbers, the chancellor said those plans are still in the discussion phase with CSUEB President Leroy Morishita. However, he noted that CSUEB is searching for 30 new tenure-track faculty members this year.

As faculty and staff from all departments listened to their new chancellor, many expressed optimism and overall enthusiasm for the coming changes.

“I was very impressed with the answer,” said Chris Hepp from CSUEB’s funding department. His question for White regarded Proposition 30’s impact on the CSU.

“I was also very relieved,” Hepp said, “because he’s basically predicting at least a four of five year window of continued support that may or may not translate into money. But at least it gives higher education some support to continue to do our mission.”