September 29, 2005

The emphasis on recruitment and retention highlighted by President Gordon in his convocation address reflects the universitywide attention being given to these important issues. Last spring more than 160 faculty and staff members gathered together to discuss ways to “invest in our future” through an intensified focus on recruitment and retention. Sessions at this campus forum focused on the quality of the workplace, employee satisfaction and morale, and planning for the future workforce.

The impact technology is having in reshaping the nature of work was threaded throughout the various discussion groups. Technology is changing the way faculty members teach, and has resulted in new program offerings in several disciplines. It also is altering the day-to-day work of staff across campus, often impacting position descriptions and the recruitment of new people to campus.

Communicating the benefits of university employment was identified as a recruitment and retention need. Several Employee Training and Development sessions have been provided throughout the summer and early fall, including sessions on the staff/employee fee waiver program. A session titled “101 Ways to Reward Staff” by Kandy Mink, dean of students, noted the importance non-monetary recognition plays in the workplace. More programs are being developed through Human Resources to provide additional career development and advancement opportunities for staff at the university.

Housing remains a challenge in recruiting and retaining faculty and staff at Cal State Fullerton. In July 2005 the CSU Board of Trustees gave its approval for a planned development of 42 houses by Cal State Fullerton’s Housing Authority . This development will augment the 86 housing units completed in 2002 in the city of Buena Park. Other projects to address the need for attainably priced faculty and staff housing are actively being pursued.

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