Summary of CSU Systemwide Federal Priority Projects for
FY 2009

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The CSU is a leader in high-quality, accessible, student-focused higher education. With 23 campuses, 450,000 students, and 46,000 faculty and staff, we are the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country. We offer unlimited opportunities to help students achieve their goals. We prepare graduates who go on to make a difference in the workforce. We engage in research and creative activities leading to scientific, technical, artistic and social advances. And we play a vital role in the growth and development of California's communities and economy.

CSU’s Board of Trustees has identified six broad, multi-campus initiatives that tap into the system’s applied research and workforce training strengths as federal appropriations priorities for 2008 (FY 09). Federal support for these programs will enable the CSU to enhance and extend important work being done in each of these areas.

Agricultural Research Initiative (ARI)
this initiative leverages state, federal and industry resources to support high impact applied agricultural and related environmental research, development, and technology transfer, as well as public and industry education and outreach.

Regional Biotechnology Workforce Training Project
led by the California State University Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB), funding would accelerate development of three biotechnology workforce training centers in the San Diego, Los Angeles/Pasadena and Bay areas to address this vital industry's need for innovative, applied training of its specialized workforce.

Marine Equipment and Infrastructure Renewal
funds requested would upgrade marine research equipment and infrastructure throughout the state to enhance collection and dissemination of critical data, promote solutions to pressing economic, environmental and technological challenges, and train California's workforce in the most current technologies and systems.

Strategic Language Initiative
a multi-campus collaborative that provides a new model for intensive critical language instruction, training students in Chinese, Farsi, Arabic, Korean and Russian and readying them for defense, intelligence, diplomatic and business employment.

Next Generation Media Project
an innovative workforce and product development program in new digital media technologies and applications linking CSU campuses with established strengths in these areas to industry, providing a test bed for new technologies and an incubator for creative ideas.

Veterans Community Engagement Initiative
this multi-campus effort would strengthen educational outreach to veterans, active duty service members, and their families to assist them with completing a college degree; this project would also develop a wide array of community-based activities to help address veterans’ health needs.