President Joseph F. Sheley conducted his third annual address at Snider Recital Hall last Wednesday. His speech focused on two main topics: a new university logo and the importance of campus safety.
The speech began on a light-hearted note when President Sheley called for the creation of a new university logo to stimulate a stronger identity for California State University, Stanislaus.
“Our stylized, popular Warrior head and ‘S’ mark work well for Athletics and school spirit,” Sheley said. “But beyond those, we need a true university logo, one that represents the broader campus community, communicates our values and catches the eye from afar.”
He proposed that this new logo coincide with a standard name from the list that the campus community currently uses.
“This year, let’s develop a logo that works, one or two consistent names and perhaps a clear, concise tagline that captures the essence of CSU Stanislaus,” Sheley said. “Or Cal State Stanislaus or CSUS or Stan State.”
From that point, President Sheley took a breath before shifting into the serious topic of Title IX. Sheley informed those present about the national, legal and political movement aimed to eliminate sexual assaults on college campuses in regards to Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act.
“The problem cannot continue, and the law now will not let it,” Sheley said. “The mandate and consequences are clear. Our very reputation as well as the safety of our community is at stake.”
The proposed solution to increase safety on campus is to have faculty, staff and students engage in workshops that will focus on Title IX regulations and how to keep the campus community safe.
“Let us cut to the heart of the matter: No one, female or male, of any sexual orientation, student, member of the staff or faculty, visitor to our campus, should be sexually victimized,” Sheley said. “Not debatable. It counters the very core of what we are about.”.
President Sheley also focused on updating faculty, staff and students on the financial standing of CSU Stanislaus. The University is still resting upon Proposition 30 funding, which is starting it’s third year within the four year plan.
“As members of the University Budget Advisory Committee learned this past year,” President Sheley said. “There is not nearly enough funding available to permit us to address many of our challenges, let alone pursue our aspirations.”
Although the university is still waiting on funding, Sheley proposed that everyone should remain focused on being updated by communicating with each other on the progression of the university.
“It is important to try our best to address the concerns on the table,” Sheley said.
