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Chico State has been ranked in the top 100 by Payscale as one of the best returns on the investment of higher education.

Payscale ranks CSU, Chico in Nation’s Top 100 Schools For Return on Investment

Investing in a college education can be one of the most significant decisions one can make. And when it comes to the return on that investment, California State University, Chico is ranked among the best.

The sun filters through the trees over Kendall Hall.

President Hutchinson’s End-of-Semester Message

As the semester draws to a close, President Gayle Hutchinson reflects on highlights and achievements since January.

Chico State will host its 128th Commencement Ceremonies this week. Graduate ceremonies will take place Thursday, while undergraduate ceremonies take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with special ceremonies happening Tuesday through Sunday.

More than 4,000 Students to Participate in 128th Commencement Ceremonies at CSU, Chico

Approximately 3,800 undergraduate and 300 graduate students will participate in California State University, Chico’s 128th Commencement this week, starting Tuesday, May 15, and continuing through Sunday, May 20.

The sun sets behind the University sign on the Kendall Hall lawn on an early mid-spring evening.

From the President: Decision on Proposed Campus Fee Adjustments

Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson announces her decision on the three proposes student fee increases.

California State University, Chico selected its annual Lantis Research Chairs recipients last week from of a pool of 28 outstanding faculty applications.

Lantis Research Chairs Awarded to Two CSU, Chico Professors

One will examine juvenile salmon predation. The other will study the formation of tsunamis. Both are aimed at advancing their fields.

Student walks across campus

From the President: Outcome of Student Fee Increase Advisory Vote

President Gayle Hutchinson shares the outcome of student fee advisory vote and timeline for decision.

The sky is pink as the sun sets around Kendall Hall.

Retirees Named for Hall of Honor

Eight employees representing the "best of the best" of University retirees will be inducted into the Emeritus Retired Faculty and Staff Association Hall of Honor in May.

Students show off metal and paper straw alternatives

Get Ready: Chico State is Going Strawless

Chico State goes through 130,000 plastic straws every year. Starting April 23, these single-use items will be no longer be sold on campus.

The Wildcat Statue is perched in front of an audience of hundreds of Chico State students, staff and faculty.

New Wildcat Statue Welcomed as Source of Pride and School Spirit

Perched powerfully in Wildcat Plaza, it surveys the neighborhood south of the Chico State campus, its tail caught in a cautious swish and its eyes locked in, staring down the length of Chestnut Street. Indeed, something wild is finally here.

Dennis Murphy stands in the Concrete Lab, which his donations helped renovate.

Dennis Murphy to Receive Honorary Degree

In light of the lives he helps change every day—here and across the Pacific Northwest—businessman, philanthropist, and '94 alumnus Dennis Murphy returns to campus to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Chico State has been named to Forbes magazine's "Best Value Colleges" list for 2018. The publication used criteria such as alumni earnings after graduation, net price of tuition, student debt post-graduation, and timely graduation.

CSU, Chico Named to Forbes Magazine’s ‘Best Value Colleges’ List for 2018

In these days of rising costs, tight budgets and careful spending, many look for the best value when seeking higher education options. Once again, California State University, Chico has been named an outstanding option.

The University's new Wildcat Statue is ready to be revealed to the students, faculty and staff.

CSU, Chico to Unveil New Wildcat Statue in Ceremony on April 19

Something wild is happening at Chico State. Mystery and intrigue have captivated campus for weeks, with construction underway at the corner of Second and Chestnut streets, hiding a new campus addition and tradition.

Chico State physics student William Mixter works on a Magneto-Optical Trap (MOT), which was donated by 1997 Noble Laureate William Phillips to the Physics Department in order to develop methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light, in the ultra-cold atomic lab setup. Phillips will be a guest of the Chico State physics department April 8-10.

CSU, Chico Welcomes Nobel Laureate in Physics for Three-Day Visit and Public Presentation

As part of the 2017-18 Distinguished Lecture Series, California State University, Chico’s College of Natural Sciences will host Nobel Laureate Dr. William D. Phillips from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Chico State is preparing to welcome thousands of potential students and their families to the annual Choose Chico! on Saturday, April 7, 2017. The event is an open house that offers admitted students and their guests an opportunity to experience what Chico State has to offer.

Thousands to Flock to CSU, Chico for Choose Chico! on Saturday

More than 3,000 prospective students and their family members are expected to visit California State University, Chico during Choose Chico! on Saturday, April 7.

Chico State was awarded a $155,000 grant by the California State University system to help provide financial support for the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry and the Center for Healthy Communities.

CSU, Chico Basic Needs Project and Center for Healthy Communities Awarded $155,000 to Fight Student Hunger

Augmenting its already determined commitment to battling student food insecurity, California State University, Chico has been awarded a $155,000 grant from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, a portion of $2.5 million granted directly to the 23 CSU campuses by the California legislature earlier this month and the largest grant awarded systemwide. Senate Bill 85 – signed […]

Students that volunteered their time to honor the legacy of César Chávez during the 'Cats in the Community landscape outside Hooker Oak Elementary School in 2015 for a day of community service. This year's 'Cats in the Community takes place on Friday, March 30, 2018.

Acts of Service, Education Fair Highlight Events to Honor César Chávez at CSU, Chico Next Week

California State University, Chico will honor the work and legacy of Cesar Chavez next week with six days of events, learning opportunities and acts of service, starting with an on-campus workshop on Monday and culminating with a community march on Saturday.

California State University, Chico President Gayle Hutchinson and Butte College President Samia Yaqub have jointly announced the two institutions’ upcoming Book in Common will be “All They Will Call You” by Tim Z. Hernandez

CSU, Chico and Butte College Announce Book in Common for 2018-19 Academic Year

A deadly plane crash, a social injustice and the backlash that followed are all part of the Book in Common selected for academic year 2018-19.

This Way to Sustainability Conference XIII takes place Thursday, March 15 and Friday, March 16 around the California State University, Chico campus. Approximately 130 sustainability professionals will speak during this year's student-run event, which is one of the largest conferences of its kind in the nation, and attendance is expected to reach 1,400 participants.

13th Annual This Way to Sustainability Conference Focuses on Resilient Cities, Climate Neutrality

A wide slate of environmentally focused and eco-minded discussions and presentations is planned for this week’s 13th annual This Way to Sustainability Conference at California State University, Chico. The broad and relevant topic of sustainability will be discussed at multiple locations on the University campus on Thursday, March 15, and Friday, March 16. “This two-day […]

A member of the University Police Department makes marks on a list during a safety walk in 2015. A spring safety walk will take place around the University neighborhoods on Tuesday, March 13.

Community Safety Walk to Look for Hazards Around CSU, Chico Neighborhoods

The well-traveled areas surrounding the California State University, Chico campus hold hazards both obvious and invisible to pedestrians and cyclists. A community safety walk next week will look at every street around these areas to document these safety concerns in hopes of getting them addressed.

Dr. Valene L. Smith speaks to the campus community that came out to celebrate the expansion of the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology in February 2017. Smith was recently awarded the 14th United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Ulysses Prize Laureate for Excellence in the Creation and Dissemination of Knowledge in Tourism at the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid.

CSU, Chico Professor Emerita Awarded Prestigious United Nations Lifetime Honor

A pioneer in the field of tourism and a scholar in the discipline of anthropology, California State University, Chico Professor Emerita Valene L. Smith was recently recognized by a world tourism authority.

Diana Dwyer, from the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, has been recognized by CSU, Chico as one of its recipients for the annual Professional Achievement Honors.

CSU, Chico Recognizes Teacher-Scholar Excellence With Professional Achievement Honors

In recognition of their outstanding efforts exemplifying the teacher-scholar model over the last three years, four California State University, Chico faculty members will receive the University’s Professional Achievement Honors.

Samia Yaqub smiles in her office at Buttee College.

Distinguished Alumni Share Words of Wisdom

2018 Distinguished Alumni share their advice for graduating seniors and young alums.

Chico State student Eduardo Puentes tends to the crops at the Organic Vegetable Project space at the University Farm. Chico State is a leader in the field of regenerative agriculture and is hosting a regional conference this weekend at the University Farm.

Regenerative Agriculture Showcased at CSU, Chico University Farm on Saturday During Regional Conference

As the field of regenerative agriculture continues to take root, California State University, Chico is taking the lead, partnering with researchers, agriculturists and organizations across the region.

The First Generation Faculty and Staff Association is holding the second annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium this week at multiple locations across the Chico State campus.

CSU, Chico Hosts Second Annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium Today and Friday

Navigating the college experience can be daunting for new students. For first-generation students—who will be the first in their family to complete a four-year degree—it is often confusing and overwhelming. California State University, Chico will look to help its first-generation students during its second annual First-Gen Trailblazer Symposium. This two-day conference takes place today, February […]

Six members of the California State University, Chico faculty were recently honored with the 2017–18 Outstanding Faculty Awards, chosen by the University’s Faculty Recognition and Support Committee. Joe Bond, from the Department of Construction Management, was named Outstanding Lecturer.

CSU, Chico Announces 2017–18 Outstanding Faculty Award Recipients

Six faculty members were recently honored with the 2017–18 Outstanding Faculty Awards, chosen by the University’s Faculty Recognition and Support Committee.

The front of Kendall Hall is seen during the fall 2017 semester.

Faculty and Staff Achievements

Welcome to Chico State Media Tips, a weekly collection of faculty and staff news, achievements and publications collected by Chico State University Communications.

Rachel McBride-Praetorius is CSU, Chico's first-ever Director of Tribal Relations.

CSU, Chico Welcomes First-Ever University Director of Tribal Relations

Rachel McBride-Praetorius has spent her adult life advocating for the education of Native Americans in the North State.

President Gayle E. Hutchinson delivers her State of the University speech to the campus community. (Jason Halley / University Photographer)

From the President: A Time for Renewal

President Hutchinson writes that she hopes the campus will ponder the potential of spring and watch for opportunities to be a part of strategic planning, WASC, and the process of renewal and growth.  

Physical Sciences building rendering

CSU, Chico to Break Ground on New Physical Science Building in Fall 2018

The first images of the physical sciences replacement building were revealed this week, with a formal ground breaking planned for fall 2018.

Adrienne McGraw in her office at the Gateway Science Museum

From National Parks to the North State: New Gateway Director Looks to Showcase Natural World Around Us

Growing up within the boundaries of several national parks, Adrienne McGraw was raised with a love and appreciation for the natural world. She's bringing that love of nature to her new job, as the executive director of Gateway Science Museum.

President Hutchinson looks at a book with a kindergarten student

Better Together: Butte County Educators Unite for Common Cause

The Butte County Promise ensures that all students meeting enrollment criteria for Butte College and Chico State will be provided the opportunity to earn certification or a degree. In addition to affording them an exceptional education, the hope is to better develop a well-educated workforce to sustain the economy of the county and the North State.

Just Unity Sistas pose for a group photo

CSU, Chico Celebrates Black History Month with Events Including Poetry Slam, Day of Service, Gospel Choir

CSU, Chico honors Black History Month with a variety of events to join in the national celebration of black culture and the achievements of black Americans.

A student assists two older adults with their taxes

CSU, Chico Students Offer Free Tax-Preparation Services on Campus and in the Community

With tax season underway, CSU, Chico will once again provide free tax-preparation services for those who qualify.

MBA graduate receives his master's hood from two faculty

CSU, Chico College of Business MBA Program Ranked Among the Highest

CSU, Chico is named "Best Bang for the Buck in the West" and a "Best National Master's Schools" among other honors.

Benjamin Panconi uses his laptop in Brittany Fortune's Special Topics-Competition class.

CSU, Chico’s College of Business Receives Esteemed Re-Accreditation

College of Business has received a prestigious, full five-year re-accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Museum goers walk in through the front entrance of the Gateway Science Museum.

The Brain and its Remarkable Role is Showcased at CSU, Chico’s Gateway Science Museum

New Gateway Science Museum exhibit explores the world inside your head.

A group of students walk around in the South Campus Neighborhood.

Painting a New Picture for South Campus

Representing so many threads within the tapestry of this community, Chico State strives to be an engaged and collaborative neighbor. A recent partnership with the city of Chico has taken our relationship to a new level.

Instagram photo of a cat in a cap and gown costume

Chico State’s Top Social Media Moments of 2017

Some of our favorite social media memories from the past year, ranging from recognition and news to stunning campus views.

Ambassador Shotaro Oshima, and Akio Ogasawara (left to right) walk through the Chico State campus prior to their presentation, Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan. A delegation from the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan provided a unique opportunity to meet Ambassador Oshima and his team of panelists in a stimulating dialogue on the relationship between the U.S and Japan on Friday, October 27, 2017.

Cultivating Cultural Connections: ‘Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan’

Chico State’s rich tradition of collaborating with international students continued last month with a visit by a delegation from the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

(Left to right) Brooke McCall, Kathleen Moroney, and Bev Langston pose with their awards.

Staff Awards Recognize Exemplary Employees

This year, three outstanding Chico State employees were honored for their impacting presence on campus—from Kathleen Moroney's establishment of the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry, to Brooke McCall's bursting positive energy at the WREC, to Bev Langston's remarkable and welcoming customer service.