In his year-end video message, President Ortiz shares news about commencement and the Graduation Initiative. Last month, faculty and staff got an up-close look at what several faculty members have done to help students in key, foundational courses.

"By enriching the curriculum and providing new resources, these faculty
are helping to ensure that students remain on a path to success," Ortiz says.

More information about the Graduation Initiative, including advising, student engagement and data analysis, will be coming in the upcoming academic year.

Last month, the Chancellor's Office hosted a special webcast of the System Budget Advisory Committee, which discussed some draconian options to handle the loss of state support. If Governor Brown's tax initiative fails in November, the CSU would receive a $250 million dollar trigger cut or about $11.75 million for Cal Poly Pomona. Ortiz identifies a couple of things people can do. The first is to communicate with elected officials. Another option is to vote in November.

The video message also includes some good news. The city of Pomona will completely rehabilitate South Campus Drive this summer, with construction beginning in mid-June and finishing in October. In addition, the city will resurface Temple Avenue and Valley Boulevard.

Ortiz also recognizes six outstanding student-athletes who have earned Academic All-America honors for having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Also, five students were named to their respective national All-America teams.

The president's video concludes with a slideshow of the 2011 Commencement ceremonies by university photographer Tom Zasadzinski.

To read the entire video message, download a PDF of the transcript.