The CSU Student Success Network, housed at Education Insights Research Center at Sacramento State, is pleased to announce two exciting opportunities for middle leaders at Fresno State and across the CSU to share their student success work, engage with colleagues across the system, and develop as equity-minded leaders.

Faculty, staff, administrators and students, are invited to submit a panel or demonstration proposal for the second annual CSU Student Success Network Conference, October 13 to 14, 2021, directed by Dr. Larissa Mercado-Lopez, associate professor, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department. The theme is “The Time is Now: New Visions for Equity in the CSU.” The two-day virtual conference will bring together colleagues from across the CSU and the Chancellor’s Office to reflect on what we learned during the pandemic and the most recent calls for racial justice to envision and share evidence-based practices, policies, and curricula for an equitable and socially just future in the CSU.

The deadline has been extended to June 4. See the Call for Proposals here. Registration opens late July and will be free.

This conference follows our inaugural conference that was held over two days during fall 2020 that brought together faculty, student affairs professionals, students, and colleagues from the Chancellor’s Office who shared exciting, impactful work happening across the system. Last year’s presentation materials can be found here.

The second opportunity is the 2021-22 Middle Leadership Academy, which is grounded in a problem-based learning model that motivates participants to “lead from the middle” as they explore and apply strategies that focus on closing opportunity and outcomes gaps. Cross-role teams will attend three virtual one-day sessions in the fall and spring in-person sessions that are currently being developed. During the dynamic, year-long program, teams work on an equity-focused project, engage in cross-campus consultation, and are provided support in the form of a team facilitator. Participants will have ample opportunities to connect with colleagues across the CSU who are in like roles and engaged in similar work. Academy directors will start reviewing applications May 12 and continue until 12 teams have been created. Only one team per campus will be accepted. All interested in applying should contact Dr. Mercado-Lopez at lmercadolopez@csufresno.edu