Dear Colleagues,

Like many of you, I have watched in horror as the Russian government launched an unprovoked military invasion into Ukraine, in direct violation of international law. The images and stories over the last week have been heart-wrenching. We have seen the Ukrainian people defend their homeland with courage and determination. I know that Fresno State alumni, faculty, staff, and students have strong ties to Ukraine: a week your Fresno State community stands with you.

As an institution of higher education, we are uniquely cognizant of our personal responsibility as global citizens. What impacts one of us, impacts us all. During this immensely challenging time, I want to emphasize our solidarity with and commitment to the people of Ukraine. Their bravery, resilience and resolve in the face of unimaginable circumstances are inspiring.

For those employees needing additional support: I encourage you to contact our Employee Assistance Program.

As a demonstration of our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the Shehadey Tower at the Save Mart Center will bear the colors of the Ukrainian flag — blue and yellow — through the end of this week.

We hope for peace in Ukraine and throughout the world.

Sincerely,

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President

Division updates for March

Academic Affairs
At Fresno State we are committed to provide and advocate for a more inclusive environment and experience for our students, faculty and staff.

The California State University’s Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) addresses general accessibility on the web, in instructional materials and in the procurement process. (Additional information about ATI may be found on the campus accessibility website.)

A major goal this semester is to improve the accessibility of our digital documents that can be obtained through a website or that are used in our courses. To support this effort, two unique training opportunities are being offered by the Chancellor’s Office and are available to all faculty and staff.

The Chancellor’s Office has contracted with WebAIM to offer a free online, self-paced accessible document training course. All members of our campus community are encouraged to consider this opportunity, but particularly those that produce, maintain or edit web content or instructional materials. For additional information and to register, please visit the website. The course extends for approximately four weeks and requires two to four hours a week to complete.

Quarterly virtual trainings are also available for Web Accessibility for Content Editors.

This 2-hour training is a high-level introduction to accessibility guidelines and principles. Processes used to create content with a built-in editor will be demonstrated in Drupal. Faculty and staff interested in this opportunity can register here.

Faculty and staff that complete the training will be recognized with a certificate and acknowledged on the Fresno State ATI website.

University Advancement
University Advancement has been working with the Office of the President to coordinate President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval’s industry-specific Listening Tours, which are already underway. Sessions include community partners from across the Central Valley in the fields of healthcare, engineering, education and arts, criminology, business and agriculture. Industry perspectives and feedback will inform the University’s five-year strategic plan and the President’s Investiture message.