• be healthy and endurance-trained men and women ages 18-50 years old
• consistently run every week (25-30 miles per week)
• have a body-mass index less than or equal to 30 kg/m
• not take medications that may affect substrate metabolism

You will complete three days of exercise protocols: VO2 max, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIlT). Substrate metabolism, fitness levels and perceptual responses will be measured in the study, which will take place in Academic Hall. You will receive $25 in compensation per completed session, and up to $75 for all three.

For more details, email Ryan Pinter (pinte001@csusm.edu), Madison Hall (hall286@csusm.edu) or Todd Astorino (astorino@csusm.edu).

Upon completion of the study, you will be paid $250. Please email Dr. Todd A. Astorino in the department of kinesiology at astorino@csusm.edu for more information about the study.

What This Means for You

• Faster response times – cases will move more quickly through the process.
   
• Consistency across CSU – you’ll receive the same high-quality support no matter your campus. 
   
• Confidentiality and trust – reports are handled securely and with care. 
   
• Clearer communication – our office can keep you better informed about resources and next steps. 
   

Your voice matters, and we want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the process. To learn more about reporting and resources, visit https://www.csusm.edu/title9/.

The session is Thursday, Dec. 12 at noon via Zoom (link to be provided upon registration).

Learn about the resources and support available to undocumented, TPS and immigrant members of the CSUSM community. This session will provide information on campus and community resources, highlight available services, and discuss ways to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

The event is open to students, staff and faculty interested in learning more about these important resources and how to support members of our campus immigrant community.

Click here to register.

For questions or accommodations, please contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Learning & Tutoring Services for Fall 2024

The learning centers are at the heart of the direct academic support that the Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUGS) provides CSUSM students. Virtual and in-person academic support is available. For a list of specific courses supported, visit our website. We look forward to working with you to ensure that students have access to available academic resources.   

• STEM Success Center supports courses in these disciplines: Biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics
• Writing Center: Supports writing in all courses
• Supplemental Instruction supports courses in these disciplines: Biology, chemistry, economics, physics, psychology and speech-language pathology
• NetTutor supports courses in these disciplines: Business, economics, finance, history, psychology, political science, philosophy, Spanish, statistics for human development, and statistics for psychology

Language for Your Syllabi/Cougar Courses Container

Faculty are our most powerful partners in engaging students with academic support resources on our campus. To assist you in directing students to campus academic support resources, we have drafted language to include on your syllabi/Cougar Courses containers. You also may want to provide this link to your students.

When do we open to students?

• Students are welcome to visit Learning & Tutoring Services to see the space or study beginning Aug. 26.
• Tutoring begins Sept. 3 and is open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where? The second floor of the Extended Learning Building. The STEM Success Center is in ELB 250. The Writing Center is in ELB 201 for in-person tutoring (see our website for virtual support options). 

Do students visit the academic learning centers? Yes. Supported by roughly 120 trained peer educators, the STEM Success Center, Writing Center, Supplemental Instruction (SI) program, and NetTutor supported more than 19,000 student visits during the 2023-24 academic year. This includes an 8.8% increase in unique visits from the 2022-23 academic year.  Thank you, faculty and staff, for directing students to these learning centers and for your key role in recommending students to serve as peer educators in Learning & Tutoring Services. We can support many more students, so please continue to direct them to us.

To what effect? Data suggest that students who make at least five visits to a single learning center per semester in support of a specific course tend to earn higher grades. Visiting the learning centers early and often is sage advice. In the words of one of our peer educators, “The more you go, the more you know.”

 Friendly Suggestions

1. Add the language to your syllabi and Canvas course containers.
2. Encourage students to stop by LTS during the first week of the semester to get acquainted. They can simply come by to look around.
3. Encourage students to make use of the free tutoring at least once during weeks 1-3.
4. Remind your students that LTS is a safe space to learn. Encourage them to bring a friend with them when they visit LTS.
5. Remind your students that with regular visits to LTS early and often throughout the semester, their learning will be deeper and their GPA likely will be higher.

 Feel free to reach out to us with your questions and suggestions.

• In his role as assistant dean, Adam Petersen supervises Learning & Tutoring Services. You can reach him at apetersen@csusm.edu
• For Learning & Tutoring Services questions, contact Evan Smith (esmith@csusm.edu), Learning & Tutoring Services director.
• For Writing Center questions, contact Allison Reyes (ajreyes@csusm.edu), associate director of LTS for writing support.
• For STEM Success Center questions, contact Paulina Coronado (pcoronado@csusm.edu), associate director of LTS for STEM support.
• For Supplemental Instruction (SI) questions, contact Alex Picasso (apicasso@csusm.edu), SI coordinator. 

 We know that the more students believe they belong, the better they do academically. Thank you for all you do to enrich this vibrant learning community.

Best wishes for a wonderful fall semester.

Dawn M. Formo
Dean, Undergraduate Studies

Adam Petersen
Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Studies

COVID-19 Campus Protocols

Isolation guidance for those testing positive:

• Stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication AND other COVID-19 symptoms​ are mild and improving.​
  • ​​​​​​​​​If you do not have symptoms, you should follow the recommendations below to reduce exposure to others.
• Mask when you are around other people indoors for the 10 days after you become sick or test positive (if no symptoms). You may remove your mask sooner than 10 days if you have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart. Day 0 is symptom onset date or positive test date.
• Avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days.

Close contacts (exposed individuals) should follow the suggested protocols.

The university provides notifications of close contacts and possible exposures to keep our campus community informed and to comply with applicable state regulations. Keep up to date with our CSUSM on-campus worksite exposure dashboard.

General Health and Safety Reminders

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are not required. However, the campus strongly recommends following the recommendations adopted by the CDC and the California Department of Public Health. COVID-19 vaccinations

Masking is not required on campus, except as required by the isolation and return protocol.

Rapid antigen (at-home) tests are free and available to U.S. households from COVID.gov.  CSUSM has new wellness vending machines with tests available for purchase.

Additional COVID-19 information is available at the COVID-19 resources and guidelines website.

For students:

•  Cougar Care Network
• The Office of Inclusive Excellence
• Student Health & Counseling Services
• Student Leadership and Involvement Center
• Student Life Centers for Identity, Inclusion and Empowerment

 For faculty and staff:

• The Office of Inclusive Excellence
• Faculty Care Facilitator
• Staff Center
• Employee Assistance Program

COVID-19 Campus Protocols

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its COVID-19 isolation guidance. New guidance for those testing positive:

• Stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms, until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication AND other COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving.​
  • ​​​​​​​​​If you do not have symptoms, you should follow the recommendations below to reduce exposure to others.
• Mask when you are around other people indoors for the 10 days after you become sick or test positive (if no symptoms). You may remove your mask sooner than 10 days if you have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart. Day 0 is the symptom onset date or positive test date.
• Avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days.

These CDPH changes impact Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Standards.

CSUSM strongly encourages those who test positive for COVID-19 to submit a COVID-19 self-reporting form.  Close contacts (exposed individuals) should follow the suggested protocols.

The university provides notifications of close contacts and possible exposures to keep our campus community informed and to comply with applicable state regulations. Learn how CSUSM is keeping our campus community safe. Keep up to date with our CSUSM on-campus worksite exposure dashboard.

General Health and Safety Reminders

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are not required. However, the campus strongly advises following the recommendations adopted by the CDPH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Masking is not required on campus, except as required by the isolation and return protocol.

Rapid antigen (at-home) tests are free and available to U.S households from COVID.gov. CSUSM has new wellness vending machines with tests available for purchase.

Additional COVID-19 information is available at the CSUSM COVID-19 Resources & Guidelines website.

Please continue to reduce your risk of illness and review general safety protocols to help you and others stay safe and healthy.

Have a successful and safe semester, Cougars! 

I am pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Jesus Flores to the role of associate vice president of campus safety and chief of police. Flores has been serving in an interim capacity since Aug. 1, 2022, and has showcased exceptional leadership and dedication during this period. 

Flores joined our campus community as a police officer in 2001 and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our university. During his tenure as interim chief of police, he undertook several significant initiatives that have enhanced our campus safety and emergency response capabilities.

Flores serves as chair of the Campus Police and Safety Advisory Committee, co-chair of the Campus Assessment, Response and Education (CARE) Team, and is an active member of the Timely Incident Response Task Force. He has demonstrated effective leadership by overseeing and actively participating in these crucial committees, ensuring that our strategies align with the evolving needs of our university. 

Flores played a pivotal role in establishing and operationalizing the crisis response team, collaborating with Student Health & Counseling Services to recruit a director and effectively manage crisis situations on campus. He made strategic personnel appointments, including the appointment of a new lieutenant, and initiated an officer wellness program, prioritizing the well-being and resilience of our law enforcement team. 

Flores facilitated multiple successful tabletop exercises, promoting cross-collaboration with our local partners and internal teams, and enhancing our university's readiness to respond to emergencies effectively. He has facilitated multiple safety forums to engage with the campus community, share information and receive feedback, and has served as a liaison to the Office of Inclusive Excellence for several years. 

Flores's dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to campus safety are exemplary. His vision for a safer campus environment and his proactive initiatives have set the foundation for a secure and supportive educational community. 

Please join me in congratulating Jesus Flores on his permanent appointment. We are confident that, under his continued leadership, the sub-division will thrive and ensure the safety and well-being of our entire university community.  

Sincerely,  
Leon Wyden Jr.  
Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Chief Financial Officer  

 CSUSM Campus Heroes Celebration
2-3:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30
USU Ballroom
Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

Would you like to nominate a CSUSM campus hero? Do you have a story or photo to share about a CSUSM campus hero? Email heroes@csusm.edu by Friday, Oct. 6 with your nominations for individuals, initiatives or departments that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support student success. These submissions may be included in the CSUSM Campus Heroes Celebration.

Based on the recommendations of the search committee, I am excited to share that our university will soon welcome two candidates for the position of director of ACE Scholars Services. On behalf of the search committee, I invite you to attend the open forum sessions. Your attendance, questions and input are valued. Attendees may attend in person or virtually.

Candidates will visit our campus on the following dates:

Candidate A: Sept. 25, 3-3:50 p.m. at The Hub (ADM 2302) and via Zoom
Candidate B: Sept. 26, 11-11:50 a.m. at The Hub (ADM 2302) and via Zoom

Please visit www.csusm.edu/sa/saforums/index.html for additional information regarding candidates.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Norma Larios
Assistant Vice President of Divisional Operations
Division of Student Affairs

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs invites you to join President Ellen J. Neufeldt for an informal meet-and-greet session on Thursday, Sept. 14. This time is designed to give students an opportunity to chat with the president in a more intimate setting on topics ranging from her own professional experiences to learning about students’ goals and aspirations. Lunch will be provided. Please register by Tuesday, Sept. 12. President Neufeldt looks forward to seeing you there! 

1. Facilities Development and Management tracks the working status of our elevators with an interactive map.
2. You can sign up for email notifications, which automatically alert you when our elevators are taken out of service or returned to service.
3. You can receive automatic notifications on your phone through the CSUSM app. To sign up, follow the following steps:

• From the app, go to “Maps”
• Click on “Elevator Status”
• Click on “Messages” in the upper-right corner
• Click on the “Opt In” button

• Is at least 18 years of age.
• Has a documented intellectual disability.
• Completed high school with a diploma or certificate by Aug. 1, 2023.
• Has a strong desire to gain employment after completion of the CSUSM Aspiring Scholars program and is striving toward independence.
• Is comfortable with a dynamic schedule and has intrinsic motivation to participate in all program components (academic instruction, vocational skills, independent living skills instruction, campus activities).
• Is able to complete daily needs, access their physical environment and safely function with minimal to no supervision. (Note: If a student has prearranged supports, indicate this on the application.)
• Is able to communicate needs effectively (inclusive of communication devices).
• Has the ability to get along with peers, follow rules and accept direction.
• Is able to effectively and appropriately participate in and benefit from the program. 

Student applications are due Friday, June 16.

For more information about the program and how to apply, please contact Dr. Rebecca Brooks at rbrooks@csusm.edu.

Each year since Dante’s 2018 accident, we have celebrated the days from April 7 to April 13 as Dante’s “rebirthday” week, marking the days he fought through a coma to come back to us. Since his passing, celebrating Dante’s rebirthday has become a whole lot more bittersweet, but we will forever be grateful for the gift we got of nearly four more years with him thanks to the blood he received from blood donors like you. With your help, the Longo Strong Foundation is committed to paying this gift forward through the launch of our annual Dante Longo Rebirthday Blood Drive from April 7-13. When you donate blood in Dante’s name, you’re not only honoring his journey, but you’re also helping to ensure that others can have the same chance at life that he did. 

We have expanded the options for donating so that it is even easier to fit “saving a life” into your busy schedule no matter where in the country you are. Our in-person drive will be held April 10 at Kellogg Plaza from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and our virtual drive will run from April 7-13 across the country.

Thank you for helping us save lives!

Starbucks, the USU Market and the campus bookstore are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

 The No. 3-seeded Cougars are headed to the West Region final to play top-seeded Cal State Dominguez Hills at Dominguez Hills tonight at 7.  

 Gear up in Cougar blue and show up in one of two ways:

 1. Free fan bus and free tickets for the first 50 students! Visit the webpage to reserve your place.  

The first 50 students who RSVP will get free admission to the game, free food and free CSUSM swag!   

• 3:30 p.m. – Report to Campus Way Circle / USU first floor to load bus and depart to Dominguez Hills.
• 7 p.m. – Cheer on the women’s basketball team  (free food at the game).
• 11 p.m. – Return to CSUSM.

2. Watch party at the USU, starting at 6:45 p.m. in USU Meeting Room 2310.

Enjoy the live action and free food while cheering on our women’s team to victory!

Dr. Nicholas Tiller will be presenting on “Science and Pseudoscience in Health and Wellness: Fake News, Fraud and Fitness Influencers.” Dr. Tiller is a senior researcher in the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Medicine (Lundquist Institute) at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Tiller has a broad research profile, contributing numerous peer-reviewed studies in cardiopulmonary function (specifically in chronic respiratory disease), respiratory mechanics and exercise limitation. Tiller is a leading authority in the physiology and pathophysiology of extreme exercise, a subject of personal interest in his capacity as an ultramarathon runner. He is an associate editor of the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. He is an advocate for skepticism and critical thinking in undergraduate and graduate STEM education.