Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: News

Media Credit: State Hornet Staff Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez discussed several major facility improvements, including the recently erected electronic sign visible from Highway 50. [Click to enlarge]

During his annual fall address today, President Alexander Gonzalez discussed new campus development, the budget and progress of Destination 2010. Mayor Heather Fargo spoke on the new collaboration between the city and the university.

Gonzalez wished to allay fears about the budget and said he will be implementing the University Budget Advisory Committee's recommendations for this year.

"They went through and reviewed all the budgets expenditures, how the budget process works, they made recommendations," Gonzalez said. "At this point everyone has a horse in the race. It's not people behind close doors saying 'academic affairs gets this much, student affairs that.'"

Bruce Bikle, Faculty Senate Chair said he thinks there is more cooperation between the faculty senate and administration than in the past. Both sides are communicating and understanding each other a lot better.

Bikle stated that budget transparency is key for a successful university. Gonzalez said that has been a main concern for him, keeping everything open.

"You may not always agree but you know what's going on. There is not a lot that a university should have hidden," Bikle said.

Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo spoke on the new partnership designed to strengthen the relationship and increase collaboration between the city and university.

The partnership should provide internships, research opportunities and discuss opportunities for seamless planning and smart growth.

"I'm sure we'll have people from our city staff working with the university," Fargo said. "We have real live examples of every thing you are studying (at Sac State), what you are learning, and how are you going to apply that when you get out."

Faculty members were encouraged by the progress shown so far with Destination 2010 despite being worried about class sizes and work loads.

"It seems a lot of the time we are hearing the same things, I thought it was exciting to actually see the change," said biology professor Chris Sullivan.

With the opening of the Eli and Edythe Broad Field House and the Recreation and Wellness Center completion in 2010, Gonzalez is pleased they are making Sac State a modern destination for students.

Look for more details on the address in the print edition on September 3.

Chloe Daley can be reached at cdaley@statehornet.com

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