Dear CSUMB Community:

With the issuance of Executive Order 926 (January, 2005), the California State University set forth an initiative to align CSU programs and services with Federal and State law requiring access to electronic and information technology for persons with disabilities.

Recent follow-up memorandums have set the roadmap and identified 3 priorities for a system-wide Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI):

  • Website Accessibility (Administrative)
  • Instructional Materials Accessibility
  • Accessible Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT) Procurement

The CSU Accessibility Technology Initiative provides us with a framework to improve access to content and services using technology to our students, employees, and community. The CSU's systemwide plan to meet our legal requirements for accessibility will be completed over the next five (5) years. We have started the dialogue and planning to align CSUMB's ATI requirements. Our first major milestones will be completed by Summer 2007. Further, we plan to actively participate in the planning and improvements of accessibility resources with other CSUs to meet our Fall 2012 milestones.

I have included a few quotes from our campus community to share the importance of this project.

"As a student assistant for the Student Disability Resources office, every day I see the importance of accessibility on campus. From the students to the administration, accessibility is the reason so many are able to succeed at CSU Monterey Bay. The programs and services we provide I think are often overlooked and so many people could use the assistance. Between note taking and converting textbooks to MP3s, the work we do revolves around the students and I take pride in being a part of the help offered on campus. "

Jennifer Aronson, Student
California State University, Monterey Bay

"Incorporating various ways to teach content into our andragogy is not only essential in today's changing and diverse society but vital to students at CSUMB. As we continue to reach out to the traditionally underserved in our region and beyond, the need for increasing our use of multifaceted instructional technologies not only improves our effectiveness but also allows students to access information in ways that align with their individual learning needs. CSUMB already has a student-centered focus. All we need to do is continue to develop our ability to reach each student. With adequate support and ample opportunities for faculty to continue their professional journeys, the sky is the limit for this University."

Carl L. Ferguson Jr., Ph.D., Faculty
Teacher Education
California State University, Monterey Bay

We welcome the opportunity to improve access to our services and curriculum to all CSUMB students. The spirit and directive of the initiative clearly aligns with our Vision and Mission. This initiative helps us focus our efforts to improve the delivery of all University programs and services.

CSUMB will comply with the Chancellor's Office Executive Order 926 to minimize the legal risk associated with non-compliance.

Over the next several years, we will continue to solicit your assistance and provide venues for discussion and dialogue on the needs of students and employees who benefit from greater accessibility of content.

I have assigned Gil Gonzales to serve as the Executive Sponsor for this initiative. We have developed a plan to guide CSUMB's ATI project. Please continue to collaborate with the Office of the Provost and Information Technologies to help us improve access and fulfill our Vision.

For more information about CSUMB's ATI project, timelines, committees, and reports, see the following URL: http://csumb.edu/accessibility
Sincerely,

Dianne Harrison, Ph.D
President
California State University, Monterey Bay

Posted on Oct 01, 2010 -