This is the first edition of The Charlie Chronicles. It is intended to be an informative series that highlights the priorities and vision of CSU Chancellor Charlie Reed.

Faculty envision a vibrant university that is accessible, affordable, and provides a quality educational experience for all California students. The California State University is the vanguard for preparing students who are able to be actively engaged in their communities, and active citizens in the state and nation. Faculty seek to prepare intellectually curious students who are capable of thinking critically and solving problems creatively. An engaged and educated population ensures a bright future for our state. That is our vision for the CSU and for the state of California.

Student learning is our first and last concern. If a policy advances the interests of students we support it; if it does not we oppose it. As we say, “faculty teaching conditions are student learning conditions.” What benefits students benefits faculty; and what benefits faculty benefits students.

Most faculty do not believe that the Chancellor shares our vision.

In this edition the focus is refusal of the Chancellor to agree to compromise pay proposals because the CSU “cannot afford” to pay faculty. It seems that the CSU CAN afford to pay for things that the Chancellor wants to pay for. Faculty pay just simply does not make the list.