For the first time, Fresno State will host the CSU Symposium, a two-day event focused entirely on teaching and learning.

“For more than two decades, the symposium has convened faculty from across the CSU to engage with nationally recognized leaders in higher education and share research findings, pedagogical innovations and best practices for reaching and teaching the students we serve,” said Dr. Emily Magruder, director of the Institute for Teaching and Learning with the CSU Office of the Chancellor. She continued:

“This year’s symposium schedule includes over 60 concurrent sessions and a robust poster session featuring the collective work of nearly 200 faculty from across the California State University system, sometimes in collaboration with University of California and California Community College colleagues.”

Faculty-led sessions resonate with the goals of Graduation Initiative 2025, Magruder said. “They underscore the commitment of our faculty to continually reflect on their practice and adopt proven innovations to deepen learning for all students and eliminate opportunity gaps.”

Topics include:

  • “Building Access to Mathematics Through Enduring Understanding of Functions”
  • “Through First Generation Eyes: How Inclusive Is Your Syllabus?”
  • “Beyond Individual Factors: Exploring How University Services Can Better Support First-Generation Students of Color”
  • “Creating Opportunities for Equity and Inclusion with Immersive Technologies”

Events for “Educating our Golden State: Reaching the Next Generation of Californians” will take place this Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9.

The timing of the Symposium aligns with Open Education Week, an international event that focuses on no- or low-cost educational materials.

Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro will deliver the keynote address at the pre-symposium, which begins with a lunch Friday in the Henry Madden Library Ellipse Gallery. Pre-symposium workshops are free.

The cost to attend Saturday’s event is $40. Bryan Berrett, director of Fresno State’s Center for Faculty Excellence, said there is still some additional room for late signups.

“Hosting the CSU Symposium is a great honor for Fresno State,” said Dr. Rudy J. Sanchez, interim associate vice president for Academic and Institutional Effectiveness. “One of the great aspects of this symposium is that is driven by faculty development colleagues from across the system. This is a symposium in which faculty who share a common interest in student learning create community and learn from each other.”

Sanchez said the Symposium will include sessions on equity and inclusion in learning settings, and how to effectively use technology for learning. It will also provide an opportunity to showcase the Fresno State campus.

“Hosting this event will allow us to highlight some of the wonderful aspects of Fresno State. Colleagues from throughout the CSU will experience the Peace Garden and the Henry Madden Library.”

Additional information is available by contacting Berrett at bryanberrett@csufresno.edu.