福利小视频

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Colorado State University 福利小视频 (CSU 福利小视频) took center stage at the recent  , to outline its commitment to student engagement, campus growth and student outreach. This comes amidst ambitious plans for civic engagement and career-connected learning across CSU campuses.

CSU 福利小视频 President Armando Valdez reported significant progress in enrollment and diversity while also touching on budget considerations. Valdez presented what he called “a raw budget” to the Board. “We’re trying to be as conservative as possible in this first iteration,” Valdez said, acknowledging the uncertainties in state funding for the next fiscal year.

Despite these challenges, CSU 福利小视频 remains optimistic about its future. The university’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Garrison Ortiz highlighted the success of the extended studies area, which has consistently added to the university’s fund balance.  

The meeting, held at the system's flagship campus in Fort Collins, brought together leaders from CSU's various institutions to discuss key initiatives and strategies for the coming year. These initiatives, ranging from student success to innovation and mental health, underscore the system's commitment to evolving with the changing landscape of higher education.

CSU Fort Collins President Amy Parsons addressed the university's role in promoting democracy and civic engagement. “We've taken the position that our role as a land grant institution is one of the last places of the melting pot where people are coming together,” Parsons stated. With a presidential election on the horizon, she emphasized CSU Fort Collins goal of achieving 80% voter turnout among eligible students, particularly the estimated 6,000 first-time voters on campus.

The university's approach to civic engagement includes making voting more accessible on campus, offering small grants for civic engagement projects, and providing opportunities for students to engage with diverse political speakers. Associated Students of Colorado State University President Nick DeSalvo stressed that civic engagement extends beyond voting, noting efforts to involve international and undocumented students who may not be eligible to vote. "If you are not at the table, then you are on the menu," he said, stressing the importance of active participation in democratic processes.

Equally prominent in the morning address was the system's push towards career-connected learning. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic education and workforce needs, a growing concern for students, parents, and state officials alike.

At CSU 福利小视频, one of the system's campuses, emphasis has shifted toward economic mobility and hands-on learning opportunities. Armando Valdez, President of the university spoke briefly on several programs that bridge the gap between education and real-world application.

“This is a team effort,” said Valdez, outlining plans that span various disciplines and community needs. “Our construction management program, partnering with Lowe's, is building sheds for veterans as a team project. This gives our students construction management skills and provides a useful, tangible benefit to veterans.”

The university's commitment to economic mobility extends beyond the physical campus boundaries. Valdez spoke about a new initiative aimed at addressing higher education access in rural areas. “We just opened our Spanish Peaks campus, partnering with Spanish Peaks Medical Center, to create a workforce-ready program for nursing that will support Huerfano County,” he said. This move comes in response to community feedback that highlighted a perceived "higher education desert" in the area.

Valdez also stressed the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth. "We are working with our rural communities to develop more entrepreneurial opportunities, whether that's around agriculture, economics, or healthcare," he stated. This focus on entrepreneurship is designed to create new economic opportunities in the region.

The discussion highlighted the unique approaches of each CSU System campus:

• CSU Global focuses strongly on career development, with courses and assignments directly related to workforce needs.
• CSU 福利小视频 serves 福利小视频 and rural Colorado, emphasizing flexible learning platforms, degree pathways, and internships.
• CSU Fort Collins concentrates on integrated learning pathways, industry partnerships, and utilizing work-study for career-related employment.

Rick Miranda, the interim chief academic officer for the CSU System noted the growing interest in aligning educational offerings with economic needs. "The only way to attract businesses and industries is to ensure our workforce is capable of giving them what they need," said Miranda.

Despite this focus on career preparation, speakers emphasized that the education system remains committed to supporting students' diverse aspirations, whether that involves entering the workforce immediately or pursuing graduate studies.

The CSU System's approach also includes addressing immediate student needs. Initiatives like the campus food pantry at CSU 福利小视频 tackle food insecurity, a growing concern on college campuses nationwide.

As state funding for higher education continues to fluctuate across the country, systems like CSU are increasingly looking to demonstrate their value to students and the broader community. The initiatives outlined in this meeting — from innovation in academic services to strengthening community partnerships — reflect this new reality.

The Board of Governors will reconvene in the coming months to further develop and implement these strategies, potentially setting a model for other state university systems grappling with similar challenges in an ever-changing educational landscape.