2022 Messages

Kathleen Wong(Lau), Ph.D. Named University Diversity Officer

December 16, 2022

I am pleased to announce that Kathleen Wong(Lau) has accepted the position as AVÀÇ’s incoming University Diversity Officer. She will join us January 17, 2023.


Reimagining the Concord Campus Update

December 15, 2022

I appreciate the comments and feedback I have received from so many of you in response to our Reimagining the Concord Campus Task Force Report. Though our work in Contra Costa County and the Concord campus will evolve over the next six months, I'm happy to share my preliminary thinking and decisions.


Staff Wellness, Enrichment and Engagement Team (SWEET)

November 8, 2022

I am most pleased to announce the formation of our new Staff Wellness, Enrichment and Engagement Team (SWEET).


Sharing the Reimagining the Concord Campus Task Force Report

October 31, 2022

I am writing today to share with you the report from the Reimagining the Concord Campus Task Force. The charge to the Task Force was to develop recommendations beyond expanding degree programs, to improve utilization of the Concord campus and service to the Contra Costa County Community.


Upcoming Title IX Organizational Assessment

October 11, 2022

I am writing today with a reminder about the Title IX organizational policy and practice assessment visit that will occur later this month.


Recent DACA Decision and Our Response

October 6, 2022

Yesterday, undocumented students received another round of unsettling news as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decided to uphold the State of Texas, et al., v. United States (2021) ruling against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. This action creates uncertainty and unnecessary stress for future Dreamers. I denounce this decision and remind our undocumented students and employees that there are many who stand with you.


AVÀÇ Accreditation Reaffirmation Visit Spring 2025

September 26, 2022

I hope this first month of the academic year has been off to a great start. This is indeed an exciting time at AVÀÇ with more in-person activity and as we affirm and begin to implement high-level priorities for the university’s future.


Important Message Regarding Title IX to the CSU Community from Interim Chancellor Koester

June 23, 2022

I am sharing with you a message to our CSU community from Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester.


With Renewed Commitment to Serve Our Black Community

June 20, 2022

Last week the CSU concluded its inaugural , jointly hosted by CSU Dominguez Hills. Our campus had amazing representation at this hybrid event, with two dozen AVÀÇ students, faculty and staff attending in person and many more online. 


A Message from Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester

May 27, 2022

I am sharing with you a message to our CSU community from Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester.


Staff Salary Equity Study

May 20, 2022

As you may recall, the 2021-22 California budget included special one-time funding for the CSU System, directing them to conduct a staff salary equity study. 


Diversity Office Update

May 10, 2022

I am writing today to provide the most current update on plans for the AVÀÇ Office of Diversity.


Near-Final Future Directions Draft for Feedback

April 13, 2022

I am very pleased to share with you the latest and near final draft of priorities/desired outcomes/examples of actions developed through our year-long Future Directions Process.


Evelyn Buchanan Appointed Vice President for University Advancement

March 23, 2022

I am pleased to announce that Evelyn Buchanan has accepted the role of Vice President for University Advancement. She will join us May 2.


 Applied Sciences Center Receives Full Donor Funding 

March 15, 2022

I am extremely pleased to share with you that the university has successfully raised the private funds for the new Applied Sciences Center. This 21,000 square foot building will be situated adjacent to North Science, with plans to open in Spring 2024. 


Grand Opening of Student Success Centers on Thursday, March 17 

March 14, 2022

Shortly after arriving at AVÀÇ, I announced that our university community would establish dedicated space for affinity-based student success centers. Through the recommendations of a task force comprised of students, faculty and staff, we identified immediate needs for success centers for students who identify as Black, Latinx, undocumented and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI).


Myeshia Armstrong Appointed Vice President for Administration & Finance

March 7, 2022

I am pleased to announce that Myeshia Armstrong has accepted the position as AVÀÇ’s new Vice President for Administration & Finance. She will join us June 1.


 A message from President Sandeen regarding CSU Trustees' acceptance of Chancellor Castro's resignation

February 18, 2022

I am extremely grateful that the CSU Board of Trustees has taken a strong and decisive stand against gender-based harassment, misconduct and retaliation through their action yesterday.


Walt Jacobs, Ph.D., named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

February 17, 2022

I am pleased to announce that Walt Jacobs, Ph.D., has accepted the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at AVÀÇ. He will begin his new post July 1, 2022.


Professor Enrique Salmón appointed as AVÀÇ Inaugural Tribal Liaison

February 15, 2022

I am writing today to inform you of the appointment of Professor Enrique Salmón as AVÀÇ’s Tribal Liaison. This is a new part-time role, reporting to the president, in addition to his primary role as Professor of Ethnic Studies.


AVÀÇ Title IX Responsibilities to Our Community

February 7, 2022

I am writing to affirm AVÀÇ’s commitment to maintaining a learning, living, and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct.


AVÀÇ to Return to Scheduled Course Delivery Monday, Jan. 31

January 26, 2022

After careful consideration, I have decided that the university will conclude its temporary remote course delivery this Friday as planned. On Monday, Jan. 31, we will return to the instructional modality as listed in the Spring 2022 schedule.


AVÀÇ Named to #CaliforniansForAll College Corps

January 18, 2022

On this first day of the Spring semester, I have terrific news to share with you. AVÀÇ was named one of 45 campuses statewide for the inaugural 


Welcome to Spring Semester! A Message from President Sandeen

January 18, 2022

I wanted to share a greeting and a brief update in this video on what to expect as classes begin this week. Thank you all for your flexibility as we balance the health and safety of our university community during the Omicron surge with our intention to resume vital in-person classes and activities once the surge begins to plateau.


Update on the Beginning of Spring 2022 Semester

January 6, 2022

In an effort to greatly reduce population density on our campuses, AVÀÇ will temporarily begin the first two weeks of Spring 2022 semester with fully remote instruction.