Updates on events, resources, & achievements.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Take the Annual Employee Commute Survey
It’s time for our Annual Employee Commute Survey! Each year, we ask all employees to share how they traveled to campus during the previous week. This is not a parking survey but rather a requirement from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) for CSULB as an employer of over 250 employees.
Your responses help CSULB stay in compliance with local and state law and help direct our efforts for future sustainability programs and planning.
Please take just 3 minutes to complete the survey for how you commuted to campus from October 20–24, 2025.
Take the Commute Survey Now!
If you’d like to learn more, check out our AQMD FAQ website or watch this short video that explains why your participation matters.
Thank you for helping CSULB stay sustainable and compliant. We truly appreciate your time and input!
Join the Academic Affairs Inclusive Excellence Collective
The Academic Affairs Inclusive Excellence Collective just wrapped up a successful inaugural semester of meetings that brought together colleagues from across the division to share how they integrate inclusive excellence into their work. Our final session featured insights from the College of Business, Graduate Studies, the College of Continuing and Professional Education, and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics – highlighting the many ways our community advances belonging and success at The Beach.
Since launching, more than 60 colleagues – representing 90% of Academic Affairs colleges and units – have joined the Collective.
Our Mission:
The Academic Affairs Collective is dedicated to ensuring ALL students, staff, and faculty thrive at CSULB through intentional connection, support, and care.
Our purpose is to intentionally bring Academic Affairs staff and faculty together to:
- Build community.
- Share ideas, updates, and effective practices.
- Explore collaborative opportunities.
- Offer professional development around integrating inclusive excellence in all we do.
A spring meeting schedule will be shared in January, and we invite all Academic Affairs faculty and staff to join us in continuing this meaningful work.
EVENTS
Throughout Nov. – Native American Heritage Month Events
Nov. 13 – Lost and Found Flash Sale
Nov. 13 – Faculty Workshop - Lights, Camera, Learn: Social Media Video Editing for Faculty
Nov. 14 – University Bookstore Open House
Nov. 14 – Lecturer Lifeline presents: Empower Your Teaching: Campus Resources for Course Design
Nov. 18 – WaveMaker 3D Doodle Pen Making
POINTS OF PRIDE
CSULB University Honors Program & LB BLAST Receive $15K to Support Local Youth College Readiness
The CSULB University Honors Program, in collaboration with Long Beach BLAST, was selected for a second year in a row to receive generous philanthropic funding that supports CSULB student mentors to go into Long Beach K-12 schools to help bolster the college pipeline for local students. The $15,000 grant is being used to support ongoing efforts to empower young leaders and expand opportunities for community impact.
Dr. Sandra Peréz, University Honors Program Director, shares, “We are honored to receive this grant for the second time. Through our ongoing partnership with Long Beach BLAST, this initiative not only creates a meaningful impact in the Long Beach community but also provides our students with opportunities to live out one of our key pillars—civic engagement. Together, we are empowering students to grow as leaders while strengthening the community we serve.”
Ranked No. 3 in Aerospace & Fueled by New Grant, COE Equips Engineers for Space Race
The College of Engineering and the LB Mayor's Office jointly announced the $2.27M grant from the US DOC Economic Development Administration on 10/20 in the VEC courtyard, where President Jones also gave remarks. The event was attended by regional partners and the COE and included a panel discussion and lab tour.
Chem-E Car Team Places Second in AIChE’s Annual Competition
The CSULB Chem-E Car team placed 2nd at the 2025 National AICHE Competition with their prototype named Sharkus Electrus. The team placed 1st in the regional competition last spring and was one of four teams representing the Western region in Boston, MA.
Accolades
View the latest accolades and see how faculty members are contributing as experts in the news.
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IN THE NEWS
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Grants & Gifts
Stay up to date on your colleagues that have acquired the latest CSULB grants and gifts on our website.
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GRANTS & GIFTS
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NEWS & UPDATES
Digital Accessibility Digest
Hear from campus leaders about the impact of upcoming Title II accessibility regulations on our campus in this video series produced by Academic Technology Services:
Title II & Our Campus - Understanding the Impact [2:52 mins.]
Emily Berquist, Faculty Center Director, outlines key requirements for making websites, digital materials, and courses accessible to all users.
Navigating Title II - Exceptions, Risks, and Support [2:48 mins]
Min Yao, Vice President & CIO and Beth Lesen, Vice President of Student Affairs, explain key exceptions to Title II ADA requirements, outline the risks of noncompliance, and share the university’s proactive support efforts.
CSULB Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
CSULB is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month from November 1 to November 30. Throughout the month, CSULB will share resources and host engaging events to bring our community together as we appreciate the contributions and significance of Native American communities.
CSULB METRIC Program Brings STEM Careers to Girl Scouts of Long Beach
The excitement was electric at the Girl Scouts of Long Beach headquarters, where hundreds of Girl Scouts — from Daisies to Cadettes — earned their STEM Career Explorer Badges through hands-on learning at the STEM-Tacular Badge Bash. The event, hosted in partnership with Long Beach Service Unit 512, was led by Professor Neal Terrell (METRIC Mentor), Julie Truong (METRIC Scholar in Computer Science and Computer Engineering), and Kim Lee (A student of Computer Science and Computer Engineering), with the support of the Mentored Excellence Toward Research and Industry Careers (METRIC) program at CSULB.
The Badge Bash introduced young girls to exciting possibilities in STEM fields — from computer science and creative technology to geology, chemistry, and engineering — through interactive, age-appropriate workshops. Scouts coded secret messages in ASCII, designed their own video games, built LED circuits, constructed marshmallow towers, and even made butter while learning the chemistry behind it.
Professor Robert Schug on Music, Mayhem, & the Myths of True Crime
At first glance, CSULB Professor Robert Schug looks more like a musician than a scientist — long hair, black T-shirt, a steampunk skull on a shelf in his office. But behind the heavy-metal vibe is one of California’s leading forensic psychologists, a man who merges brain science, jailhouse evaluations, and academic research to make sense of extreme violence.
We sat down to talk with Schug about the impact of true-crime culture on his coursework, his favorite class trips, and how he teaches students to see humans where others see monsters.
Lights, Camera, Learn: Social Media Video Editing for Faculty
11/13 | 2 - 4p.m. | AS-125
YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are now key platforms for sharing knowledge and research — especially with younger audiences. In this hands-on workshop, faculty will learn how to create engaging short-form videos, generate content ideas, and use beginner-friendly editing tools like iMovie.
Facilitated by Jessica Liu (Health Science) and Nkechi Okpara (Family and Consumer Sciences).
Save on Carpenter Center Tickets for Black Friday – Cyber Monday
Save 50% off select Carpenter Center shows with code BLACKFRIDAY from 11/28 - 12/1.
Includes: A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, The Peking Acrobats, Miles Electric Band, Cirque Kalabanté, and Lucía.
Also, CSULB faculty/staff save $10 on all season shows with code CSULBFACSTAFF and an @csulb.edu email address at checkout.
beachnet+ Wi-Fi to be Retired 1/1/26 – Connect to eduroam
The beachnet+ Wi-Fi network will be retired on January 1, 2026, and eduroam will become the primary secure Wi-Fi network on campus for students and employees. If all your devices are not already automatically connecting to eduroam Wi-Fi, make the switch now by visiting the CSULB Wi-Fi Information page on your devices.
Once connected to eduroam, you’ll automatically connect to eduroam Wi-Fi at any other participating colleges and universities globally, including other CSU campuses. Eduroam is available at over 38,000 locations and over 100 countries.
CSULB Prepares Counseling Psychology Grads to Meet the Mental Health Shortage
Since the COVID pandemic, CSULB’s Counseling Psychology program went from 300 applicants per year to over 1,000 applicants. The program has doubled its cohort size, increasing from 25 students to 50 students to meet the demand.
When CSULB students complete the two-year Counseling Psychology program and graduate with their Master of Science degrees, they are sought after by various community agencies, therapy companies, hospitals, and schools.
CSULB’s Counseling Psychology program – housed in the College of Education – is expanding on the faculty side too. They’re in the process of hiring two full-time lecturers and a new tenure-track faculty member.
CHHS 'Pathways Learning Institute' Embarks on Local Outreach to Promote College Degree Programs
School of Nursing Professor Dr. Melissa Dyo has secured Beach 2030 funding to support important efforts towards increasing knowledge of College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) degree programs among middle and high school students in the Long Beach Unified School District.
Dr. Dyo and her team, comprising CHHS faculty Drs. Kellie Walters, Nancy Dayne, Amber Johnson, and Jason Plummer have been on a quest to dispatch campus and college resources into LBUSD schools, in order to promote the varied degree pathways offered in CHHS.
Inclusive Sports Day a Big Success
The Adapted Physical Education (APE) program collaborated with Long Beach State Athletics on Tuesday, November 4th to host CSULB’s first annual Inclusive Sports Day. Working in-tandem with the Inclusive Sports Foundation and Long Beach Unified School District, more than 100 young adults with disabilities were brought on campus to engage in different outdoor sport activities on the baseball practice field.
The Lost & Found Flash Sale is Coming on 11/13
This year’s Lost & Found Flash Sale will be held on Thursday, 11/13/2025, 10a.m. - 3p.m., in front of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Items for sale this year will include:
- Bikes, e-scooters, skateboards
- Jewelry, rings, necklaces, watches
- Electronics, headphones, AirPods, flash drives
- Sweatshirts, new shoes in the box, jerseys, hats, sunglasses
- Backpacks, Hydro Flasks and more!
Higher value items can be found on Public Surplus for auction during the week of the Flash Sale. Items are sold "as is." Cash is preferred, however credit cards are also accepted with a 3% fee.
For questions, please contact the Lost and Found Office at (562) 985-1579 or email Lost and Found.
Celebrating Students & Faculty at the CDIP/Sally Casanova Reception/PREPP 2025
Graduate Studies was joined by President Jones to celebrate the PREPP and CDIP Fellows, Casanova Scholars, and their CSULB Faculty Mentors at the 4th annual reception on October 13. During the reception, President Jones, Drs. Joanna Barreras, Elyzza Aparicio, Araceli Esparza, and Arturo Zavala highlighted the importance of these programs in supporting mentorship, student research, and the pathway to the professoriate at CSULB.
Grad Students Share their Experiences on GC-Hosted Identity Panels
In celebration of Latine Heritage Month and OUTober, Graduate Studies hosted Graduate Student Identity Panels to understand how identities impact the path to and experience in graduate school at CSULB. Graduate Studies hosts these panels to showcase student voices, build community, inspire students to go to grad school, and provide resources. Upcoming panels including First Gen, AANHPI, and Black/African American. We thank the graduate students who gave us their time to be a part of the panels.
38th Annual Student Research Competition
The purpose of the Annual Student Research Competition is to showcase excellence in scholarly research, and highlight creative activity conducted by CSULB undergraduate and graduate students. This year's Student Research Competition will feature oral presentations to an audience of fellow students, university community members, and a jury of distinguished faculty. The 38th Annual Student Research Competition will take place Friday, February 27, 2026. Join us and cheer on our students as they share their inspiring research and creative ideas. View the competition webpage for more information.
Week of Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity
The Week of Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity (RSCA) 4th annual event will take place April 20-24, 2026. This event will focus on highlighting some of the amazing work currently being done across the CSULB campus by students, staff, and faculty. We hope to show the immense value and importance that the projects have not only on the campus but also within local communities. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet with presenters, have dialogues regarding various scientific and social topics, and network with members from various disciplines across CSULB.
This year’s event will take place at CSULB and the Week of RSCA encourages everyone to not only engage with the sessions that are related to their own disciplines but also attend and engage with those that are outside of their own disciplines. Check out the RSCA webpage for more information.
Student Summer Research Assistantship
This program is designed to encourage student participation in a broad range of scholarly and academic activities and is open to eligible undergraduates and graduates from all disciplines and academic areas of study. The assistantship provides financial support during the 2026 summer intersession months to undertake full-time research and scholarly activities in collaboration with a Faculty Research Mentor (Tenured/tenure track faculty, or Lecturer with a Tenured/tenure track faculty/Department Chair as Co-Mentor).
Research Mentors are expected to meet regularly with their assistant and provide a blend of supervision that provides directed guidance with scope for initiative and independent thought. Faculty mentors are highly encouraged to complete the Beach Mentor program.
Science Education Dept Attends CASE Conference & ASTE Meeting
CNSM's Science Education department made a splash in Palm Springs as faculty, students, and staff attended the California Association of Science Educators (CASE) Conference and the Far West Chapter of the Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE) annual meetings earlier this month.
University Bookstore Holiday Open House
Celebrate the season with us on Friday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the University Bookstore! Enjoy 25% off clothing, gifts, and office supplies, plus exclusive bargains, light refreshments, and a special book signing by Barbara Kingsley-Wilson.
Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or just soaking up the holiday cheer, this festive event is open to students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the community—everyone’s invited! Don’t forget - there’s free parking in lot E11 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
RSVP today and make the most of this joyful Beach tradition at your favorite place for all things Long Beach State.
49 Under 49 Program Call for Nominations Closes on Nov. 14
The 49 Under 49 program celebrates exceptional alumni under 49 who are making transformative contributions in their communities and beyond. We are thrilled to announce the second annual CSULB Alumni 49 Under 49 Awards for 2026. You can nominate a deserving alum or self-nominate before the November 14 deadline.
Estate Planning Webinar for Individuals and Couples
Planning for the future isn’t just for parents—it’s for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are honored and their legacy protected. Join estate planning attorney and alumna Laura Meier for an engaging, informative session designed especially for individuals and couples without children. You’ll learn how to avoid probate, establish a living trust, choose the right decision-makers, and understand key estate tax considerations. Whether you’re single or part of a couple, this webinar will help you create a plan that reflects your values, safeguards your assets, and brings you peace of mind. Please register to attend.
You're Invited to a Lecturer Lifeline Event Friday 11/14
The Lecturer Lifeline presents: Empower Your Teaching: Campus Resources for Course Design.
What You’ll Learn:
- Explore campus resources for instructional and course design
- Discover best practices for student engagement
- Learn strategies and tools for navigating AI in teaching
- Connect with peers through the Lecturer Lifeline Community
Why Attend:
Gain practical strategies, save prep time, and elevate your teaching with campus support and collaboration.
Friday, November 14, at 1 p.m. via Zoom.
RSVP for the Zoom link and email Lecturer Lifeline with any questions.
French and Francophone Studies – Albertine Cinémathèque Film Festival
The French and Francophone Studies Program at CSULB and the Albertine Foundation are proud to bring you The Albertine Film Festival. The festival theme is “resilience,” and all screenings are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Films will be screened in CINE 127 at 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays:
November 15: All We Imagine as Light
December 6: Classic film: L’Armée des Ombres (The Army of Shadows)
November is the Inaugural Global Engagement Month at The Beach
There's a full month of events planned to celebrate international education, cultural exchange, and a globally connected campus community.
From global dance floor playlists and international photo contests to immigration Q&As, study-abroad info sessions, and cultural fairs - there's something for everyone to explore, engage, and learn.
Learn more at the Global Engagement Month webpage.
Data Con LA 2025 Hosted at The Beach
Data Con LA 2025 was held on November 8, 2025, at CSULB. This full-day conference is Southern California's largest gathering of data builders, analysts, AI/ML practitioners, engineers, and industry leaders. This was the largest turnout for the event since the pandemic, with 45 speakers, 25 sessions/panels/tutorials, and networking events throughout.
CSULB faculty played key roles in the conference. Sara Nourazari, Associate Professor in Health Care Management, delivered a keynote. Shadnaz Asgari, Chair and Professor in Computer Engineering and Computer Science, and James Lott, Lecturer in Health Care Management, served as panelists.
Submissions Open for December INSIDE Academic Affairs Newsletter
Submit items for our December edition by December 1. Please email submissions to AA Communications. Submissions should be brief and include a related hyperlink.
Please note, we cannot guarantee that all submitted items will be published. However, submission items can be used to share in other channels (i.e. social media, news story, etc.).
