Recent Town Hall
Dear Campus Community, Despite the rain and wind, Tuesday’s Faculty and Staff Town Hall brought over 75 attendees to Lundring for the in-person gathering. Another 200 joined us virtually, weathering the technology bumps that impacted the first few minutes. For anyone who wants to see or hear the information, the recording and slides are online, and a recap of the event is outlined next. ITS Chief Information Officer Zareh Marselian walked us through updates in ITS and cybersecurity. He began by informing us that the Learning Management System (LMS) team will complete the migration from Blackboard to Canvas this summer. Training for the new LMS has already begun, and he encouraged staff and faculty to complete the training sessions. Second, he brought to our attention a new feature in MyCLU: Action Items. This prompts us to specific tasks each one of us must complete. One assignment now linked in that section is a Cybersecurity Awareness training that all faculty and staff are required to complete. After Zareh posted examples of the phishing emails and texts that ITS sent to employees over the last month — and the number of employees who submitted their username and passwords — it is clear that many of us will benefit from this particular program. Our insurance provider requires employees complete this training. Please do so on or before April 3. Lastly, higher ed institutions such as Cal Lutheran that offer federal student aid are now considered financial institutions and must comply with the Safeguards Rule. To conduct business with and via institutions in this category (such as banks, TIAA-CREF, etc.), end-users are required to use a two-factor authentication system. This two-factor authentication will be instituted at Cal Lutheran following May Commencement. If you’re wary of an email or text message that has popped up on one of your devices, or if you have questions about the new policies, please reach out to the Cal Lutheran Help Desk. Campus Plan I was pleased to announce that the Board of Regents approved six capital projects. All of them will commence in the coming months:
General Updates The LA Rams have exercised their optional one-year extension which means they will remain on our campus for at least another year until August 30, 2024. The Angel City Football Club’s contract has them here at least through December 31, 2023. Members of the Campus Climate Survey task force have unanimously recommended a vendor to help us generate and analyze baseline campus climate data. The assessment by Rankin Climate — likely to include a survey and focus groups — will be scheduled for this fall. Starting Fall 2023, incoming students will take courses that are part of a new General Education curriculum. After more than a decade, the new curriculum has been approved. It has been named “IDEAS” (INQUIRE, DEVELOP, EXPERIENCE, ADAPT, SERVE). Extensive work has gone into the design and approval of IDEAS, and I thank all of the faculty who have played a role in getting the program to the finish line. Our students will be nourished, for years to come, by the fruits of your labor. The informational portion of the Town Hall ended with a WASC announcement. We expect to receive a letter from the WASC Commission by next Monday. Accordingly, Provost Neilson and I will hold a President and Provost Forum on Tuesday, March 21, from 2:15 - 3:00 pm in Lundring, to share an update. Student Showcases The Town Hall ended with two student spotlights: the SCIAC Champion Kingsmen Basketball team and the Mariachi Ensemble. Coach Russel White introduced 13 players, reminding us of their incredible dedication to Cal Lutheran, both on and off the court. We concluded with the student Mariachi Ensemble who performed two energizing songs that had all of us clapping, smiling, and feeling the warmth of community. They lit up the room and brightened our day. No rain could dampen our spirits while they were performing. I look forward to seeing you at the President and Provost Forum on Tuesday. |
![]() |
Lori E. Varlotta, Ph.D. |
More
- Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month, 2023
Thu September 14, 2023Tomorrow marks the beginning of Latinx Heritage Month. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, California Lutheran University will honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of the Latinx community in the United States. We begin our celebration on Sept. 15 by recognizing the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The anniversaries of the independence of Mexico and Chile follow on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
- Welcome Back
Thu August 31, 2023Whether you are a new student or coming back for your final year, let me begin with a warm welcome to California Lutheran University. The 2023-24 academic year is off to a great start. As part of this first bimonthly note, I would like to reflect on some of the festivities that kicked it off and remind you of some events that are scheduled for the coming days.
- Remembering Eloise Cohen
Thu August 10, 2023It is with a heavy heart that I share news of the passing of Eloise Cohen. Eloise embodied the best of the California Lutheran University community: she was curious, compassionate, graceful, and committed. To say she will be sorely missed is an understatement.
- Exploring Exciting Initiatives for CLU
Thu August 3, 2023With summer coming to a close, students will be back on campus in a few short weeks. As we prepare to welcome them back for a great academic year, I would like to update you on some of the key projects my team and I have worked on this summer.
- Personnel Updates
Fri June 9, 2023For most of us, summer is simultaneously slightly slower-paced and highly productive. As part of our productivity, I am pleased to announce that we have made significant progress in filling three important leadership roles.
- Experiential Learning in Festival of Scholars
Thu April 27, 2023This week marks our 17th annual Festival of Scholars. This tradition celebrates many of the high-impact programs such as student research, service-learning, internships, and capstone projects that make Cal Lutheran a special place to teach and learn.
- AAPI Month Celebrations
Thu March 30, 2023As we approach Spring Break and Easter, I would like to draw your attention to an upcoming celebration: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Although nationally recognized in May, Cal Lutheran celebrates AAPI Month in April so that we can offer educational and enriching opportunities to students, faculty, and staff before some of us depart campus in May.
- Recent Town Hall
Thu March 16, 2023Despite the rain and wind, Tuesday’s Faculty and Staff Town Hall brought over 75 attendees to Lundring for the in-person gathering. For anyone who wants to see or hear the information, a recap of the event is outlined next.
- Celebrating the State of the University
Thu March 2, 2023With the start of Women’s History Month yesterday, Employee Appreciation Day tomorrow, and our Kingsmen Basketball team playing in the March Madness tournament tomorrow afternoon, there is much to celebrate at California Lutheran University.
- The New Normal and its New Policies and Services
Thu February 16, 2023Though the pandemic is not completely over, many facets of our day-to-day life have returned to some semblance of normalcy… or perhaps more accurately, the “new normal.” Cal Lutheran administrators like me want to do everything we can to ensure the “new normal” has some relevant and interesting opportunities that make your collegiate experience as satisfying and fulfilling as possible.
- Getting into the Groove
Thu January 26, 2023Spring 2023 is fully upon us, and many are already into the rhythm and groove of the term. Like the opening of most semesters and terms, we are kicking this one off at high speed with a host of programs and services designed to welcome us all back to our California Lutheran University community.
- Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Fri January 13, 2023Next week, we commemorate and honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who served as a beacon of hope to African Americans, the nation's working class, and the oppressed around the world.
- New DEIJ Initiatives
Wed January 11, 2023Now that staff have been back to campus for over a week, I wanted to send out the first 2023 communique that announces the formation of a new Council and the forthcoming implementation of a new campus-wide plan.
- Happy Holidays!
Thu December 15, 2022The semester’s final Town Hall last week brought ~200 faculty and staff to the table. For those who couldn’t be there in person or catch it online, below is a recap of what we shared.
- Gratitude in the Messy Middle
Tue November 22, 2022The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us. This means that many of us will be traveling to visit with family and friends; preparing a meal that brings and keeps loved ones to the table; rooting for our favorite teams; and reflecting on the people, places, and things for which we are grateful.
- Indigenous Peoples' Heritage Month
Wed November 9, 2022Please join us in activities organized throughout November as we recognize and honor Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month. These programs have been scheduled to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Indigenous and Native-identifying colleagues and neighbors and to affirm Cal Lutheran’s commitment to meaningful, inclusive engagement.
- Recognizing Culture, Community, and Identity
Thu October 13, 2022In addition to calling us to join in the upcoming celebrations, this note gives deserved recognition to a number of recently awarded grants whose programs align directly with Cal Lutheran’s commitment to foster inclusion and emphasize vocation.
- A Call to Community
Thu September 29, 2022In the final days of September, we are at the focal point of the academic year: students are in the midst of completing homework assignments and taking tests (but not quite midterms), and events are ramping up engagement with community celebrations. I too have been doing homework and had the privilege of participating in community-building activities recently at a theological conference in Utah.
- September Updates and Highlights
Thu September 15, 2022Like I wrote in my first note to campus two years ago, I will use notes like this one to provide updates on events and activities, highlight important information, and/or share insights on issues of relevance to those of us in higher education. Today’s note focuses on the first two.
- Celebrating HSI Week and Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Mon September 12, 2022As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are recognizing HSI Week today through Friday along with other HSI designated colleges and universities across the nation.
- Happy New Year
Thu September 1, 2022Welcome to Fall 2022! Nothing makes our campuses more vibrant than welcoming new and returning students and employees to our shared spaces and places. This is my favorite part of the year — a new beginning to chart our course for a bright future.
- Renewed Funding for Campus Grant Programs!
Thu August 18, 2022Over the last few months, many staff and faculty at Cal Lutheran have worked diligently to submit renewal applications to the Department of Education to support critical grants. In total, Cal Lutheran will receive $6.7M in renewal funds to support the Upward Bound and McNair Scholars programs.
- Compensation Update
Tue August 16, 2022I am very pleased to announce that the Board of Regents approved a salary increase, which will go into effect this Monday, August 22.
- Rev. Dr. Howard Wennes
Wed July 13, 2022It is with a heavy heart that I share this news. The Rev. Dr. Howard Wennes, a treasured member of the Cal Lutheran community, died yesterday following a recent hospitalization.
- April is AAPI Month at Cal Lu
Wed March 30, 2022Like other college campuses whose Spring terms end in early or mid-May, Cal Lutheran will celebrate AAPI Heritage month in April to ensure that our students can participate in AAPI Month activities before they buckle down in preparation for final exams and projects.
- Initiatives that Spring Us Forward
Thu March 24, 2022In the spirit of the new Spring season, many exciting and essential projects have begun sprouting around campus. In case you missed last week's Town Hall, this note will highlight several of them.
- Home to our Second Professional Athletic Team
Tue March 8, 2022I am thrilled to announce that Cal Lutheran is now home to a second professional athletic team. We just finalized an agreement with the Angel City Football Club (ACFC)—the 11th member of the National Women's Soccer League.
- Building Momentum in the Early Weeks of 2022
Fri February 18, 2022As we move into the second half of the Spring Semester, please know that the following updates and issues are the critical ones at this moment.
- Join us as we acknowledge the land and the people
Tue January 25, 2022As we begin the second half of the academic year and the first part of 2022, I am pleased by the number and types of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs we are offering and the commitments we are actualizing.
- Winter and Spring 2022 Operations – Virtual Classes Week of January 17
Wed January 12, 2022Classes across all academic programs at the University will meet virtually from January 17-23.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of Service
Mon January 10, 2022Today, Dr. King’s legacy calls each of us to dedicate our time, resources, and unique gifts to breaking the chains of racism and poverty in service to our own communities.
- Together We Plan: Campus Community Day Follow-Up Items
Wed November 24, 2021Last Thursday’s strategic planning workshop, led by our Consultants from Credo, was a huge success. Over two hundred of us attended the afternoon-long program where we generated a substantial number of ideas.
- The Gift of Time: Extended Holiday Break
Mon November 8, 2021I write this note to expand on the theme of recognition and gratitude that the Cabinet and I touched upon at last week’s Fall 2021 Town Hall.
- Borderline....We remember together
Fri November 5, 2021We remember the tragic shooting on November 7, 2018, at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks with heavy hearts.
- The Spirit of the Fall Semester
Thu October 21, 2021October is to the collegiate year as December is to the holiday season. The crisp air wakes us up as we walk across campus or wait for the BART to bring us to our seminary classes.
- Being a part of the change that is here and that which is coming
Thu September 23, 2021With seven days left in the month of September, we are several weeks into the Fall semester.
- Hopeful Change in the Newest of New Years
Thu September 9, 2021For the first time in my 36 years in academia, more than half of our students are new to the university at this very moment.
- Launching our General Education Task Force
Tue June 29, 2021Our core curriculum must evolve into one that is designed to help students find their vocation and their purpose, become agile thinkers and constructive doers, and live and work as engaged citizens who understand the intricacies and intersections ever-present in today’s global society.
- Meet in the Park
Thu May 27, 2021One of the bright spots that emerged at Cal Lutheran during the pandemic is that we have a viable option of taking some of our work “outside.”
- A pause for celebration
Thu May 13, 2021It is hard to believe that finals week for the 2020-21 academic year has come to a close, and we have already celebrated our 2021 Traditional Undergraduates at the in-person, drive-in ceremony at the Ventura County Fairgrounds last weekend.
- The semester's end is in sight
Thu April 22, 2021In less than one month, the academic semester will be over, and we will have all completed a challenging academic year.
- Generosity in Action - the Spirit and Action of Cares Day
Thu April 8, 2021Yesterday, a three-month planning process culminated in a stunningly successful fundraising campaign called Cal Lutheran Cares Day: Stronger Together!
- Values in Action: Expressions of Gratitude for Those Around Us
Thu March 25, 2021We are more than one full year into the pandemic. When we vacated our campuses and our classrooms last March who would have imagined that the world we knew then would be disrupted at this level for this length of time? Over the last twelve months, all of us have become innovators and change agents.
- Repopulating the campus and weighing into the TO General Plan
Thu March 11, 2021Next week marks the one-year anniversary of when Cal Lutheran students, faculty, and staff were sent home to study and work.
- New positions, a reflective goodbye, and summaries of important updates
Thu February 25, 2021I will use today’s biweekly message to summarize news mentioned in three communiques and to provide an exciting update on our DEI efforts.
- New spaces, more faces, and much to do
Thu February 11, 2021It’s nice to see the slow but sure increase in activity on our Thousand Oaks campus. Our residential students have settled in, athletic teams are starting to practice, and slightly more staff members are working on-site.
- Building the Structures Necessary for Mid-21st Century Success
Thu January 28, 2021Every now and then I want to provide updates geared primarily to employees. Since this is one of those times, today’s note is written primarily for faculty and staff.
- Paying Homage to King, Welcoming A New Year, and Doubling Down on our Purpose
Thu January 14, 2021I write this first note of the new year with a mind that is fully occupied and a heart that is heavy yet hopeful at the same time.
- Cal Lutheran’s Bright Spot in 2020–Student Success
Thu December 17, 2020As 2020 draws to a close and we head toward a much-needed holiday break, I want to thank all of you for everything you have done this year.
- Nearing the Final Stretch of Fall 2020
Thu November 19, 2020It’s hard to believe that for many of us Fall 2020 is in the final wind-down phase, and those of you taking and teaching undergraduate classes will soon be finished with that part of your work for the term.
- What kind of community are we?
Thu November 12, 2020I am in day 72 of my Cal Lutheran presidency, having arrived at a time when periods are measured in days and weeks rather than years.
- A gradual return to campus and some of the things we have missed
Thu October 29, 2020With November fast approaching, I want to update you on where the members of Cabinet and the Emergency Operations Committee are in terms of our phased-in repopulation plan.
- Looking ahead to the late fall and early spring
Thu October 15, 2020I thought it would be helpful to share the current COVID-19-related guidance that has emerged since the President's Update I delivered in early October.
- Shoring up finances, reconfiguring structures, prioritizing DI efforts
Thu October 1, 2020During my first Operational Update webinar last week, I shared the latest information related to Cal Lutheran’s revenue shortfall and the mitigation strategies the Cabinet aimed to put in place to close the gap.
- Continuing a faith journey that embodies Lutheran Values
Thu September 17, 2020Sometimes, or should I say “often,” my office staff knows best. Earlier this week, they suggested that I send these notes on the Thursday that falls in between the Connecting@CalLutheran gatherings rather than on the same week.
- President Varlotta’s Inaugural Note to Campus
Thu September 10, 2020I believe it is important for a president to communicate openly and routinely with the entire university. Therefore, I am going to continue a practice I started during my first presidency—sending personal notes to the campus community twice each month.