Resolution in Support of Black Student Success

Authors (2017-2018):      Justin Blakely (ASI President), Thomas Lobao (Representative for College of Arts and Humanities), Daylin Joseph (Elections Commissioner), Judith Steven (Representative for College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences), Carina Aguilar (Public Affairs Commissioner)

WHEREAS,    The Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI) is the official student voice for more than 15,000 students at California State University, Dominguez Hills; and

WHEREAS,    It is the mission of the ASI “to advocate for the students rights, render an official voice through which students’ opinions may be expressed and provide educational, social and cultural activities which enhance student life at California State University, Dominguez Hills”; and

WHEREAS,    There is an estimate of 20,000 Black students enrolled in the CSU system; and

WHEREAS,    As of 2015, only 8,300 Black students are eligible for the CSU system out of the 27,700 who graduated from a California public school; and

WHEREAS,    Within the CSU system, the enrollment of Black undergraduate students across the 23 campuses has declined from 6.1% of the total student population in Fall 2008 to 4.2% of the total student population in Fall 2016; and

WHEREAS,    At California State University, Dominguez Hills, the enrollment of Black undergraduate students has declined from 32.4% in Fall 2008 to 14.1% in 2016; and

WHEREAS,    At California State University, Dominguez Hills, following the Watts Rebellion, Governor Pat Brown visited the area and determined that the Dominguez Hills site would provide the diverse, mostly minority population in nearby urban neighborhoods with the best accessibility to a college education; and

WHEREAS,    California State University, Dominguez Hills’ mission is to provide education, scholarship and service that are accessible and transformative; and

WHEREAS,    In 2016, Black faculty, (including those who are full and part time status), at CSUDH, only make up 10.5% of the total faculty within the university; and

WHEREAS,    California State University, Dominguez Hills outreach and school relations      service area is the greater Los Angeles area, including Inglewood, Hawthorne,  Wilmington, Harbor City, Gardena, Torrance, Carson, Long Beach, Lomita, San Pedro, Rancho Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Lynwood, South Gate, Compton; and

WHEREAS,    The CSU African American Initiative puts on Super Sunday where the Chancellor, Trustees, and University Presidents visit more than 100 churches across the state to encourage youth to pursue a higher education; and

WHEREAS,    California State University, Dominguez Hills hosts Super Saturday for the purpose of increasing college preparation, enrollment, and graduation rates for Black students; and

WHEREAS,    The space at the Rose Black Resource Center at CSUDH is not reflective of the Black student population that utilize the space, with the center structured to serve only 35 students; and

WHEREAS,    There are few Black organizations and clubs at CSUDH catered to the wellness and success of Black students; and

WHEREAS,    Only 7 Black organizations are recognized at CSUDH due to the institutional   barricade they face; and

RESOLVED,   That CSU outreach, admission, and retention policies shall continue to provide encouragement, support, academic services, counseling services, and access to students who are traditionally underrepresented in California higher education toward the goal of enrolling a student population reflective of the campus’ local regions and California’s growing diversity; be it further

RESOLVED,   That the California State University, Dominguez Hills’ administration recognizes that after the Watts Rebellion, CSUDH was designated to be the higher education institution that would focus on serving our underrepresented communities in the surrounding cities; be it further

RESOLVED,   That the California State University, Dominguez Hills’ administration clearly addresses the reasoning behind the lower acceptance, enrollment, and retention rates for our Black students and that they propose a solution to increasing these low rates that are not reflective of our surrounding communities; be it further

RESOLVED,   That California State University, Dominguez Hills creates a University Committee that addresses the acceptance, enrollment and retention rates for Black students at CSUDH on a regular basis; be it further

RESOLVED,   That CSUDH provides public updates detailing the progress that the campus is making on the recommendations for the Rose Black Resource Center and support resources and services for our Black student population; be it further

RESOLVED,   That the University President and the University Cabinet are encouraged to include the Rose Black Resource Center and dedicated support resources in the campus strategic and facilities master plan; be it further

RESOLVED,   That the California State University, Dominguez Hills’ administration allocates the necessary funds to expand the Rose Black Resource Center to adequately serve the Black student population; be it further

RESOLVED,   That California State University, Dominguez Hills addresses the lack of Black  organizations on campus; be it further

RESOLVED,   That copies of this resolution be distributed widely, and specifically to: The students of CSUDH; University President. Willie J. Hagan; Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael E. Spagna; Interim Vice President of Administration and Finance, Ms. Naomi Goodwin; Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. William Franklin; Vice President of University Advancement, Ms.   Carrie Stewart; Associate Vice President of Student Success, Dr. Paz Oliverez; Associate Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, Dr. Marcelo F. Vazquez; Vice President of Information Technology, Mr. Chris Manriquez; Special Assistant for Strategic Academic Initiatives, Dr. Keith Boyum;  the California State Student Association (CSSA); the CSSA Social Justice and Equity Council; the Academic Senate; Academic Affairs; and Student Affairs. ​