University News

Students mingle in the beautiful sunshine of the Chico State campus on the first day of classes in fall 2018.

CSU, Chico Named One of Nation’s Best for Upward Mobility Following Graduation

Colleges and universities have the obligation to help prepare students for life after graduation, so they can thrive in their chosen field to yield tremendous upward mobility. California State University, Chico was recently recognized as being one of the country’s top institutions for doing just that.

Molly Jaggard discusses her presentation of "Rape Prevention Education" to Calvin Geraci and Malik Duffy during the Chico Great Debate in April 2017.

CSU, Chico and Butte College Students “Engaging in Our Democracy” During Chico Great Debate on Friday

Thousands of University students will participate in civic engagement, civil conversation, and friendly and spirited debate as part of the Chico Great Debate on Friday, October 26.

Chico State students from a Conservation and Restoration class learn about fire management at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.

Federal, State Agencies to Participate in Prescribed Fire Training on University’s Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

As one of the most devastating fire seasons in state history continues, California State University, Chico’s ecological reserves are partnering with Terra Fuego to host a Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX) event to support future wildfire fighting efforts.

The new physical science building will be a state-of-the-art $101 million facility to help advance CSU, Chico’s role as a leader within the North State and across the 23-campus CSU system. Slated to open in fall 2020, the 110,200-square-foot building will include space for chemistry, physics, geological science, and science education labs, as well as active-learning classrooms, synergy between interior learning spaces and outdoor classrooms, graduate research studios, a dean’s suite, dozens of faculty offices, and administrative and support areas.

Groundbreaking for CSU, Chico’s New Physical Sciences Building Set for Wednesday Morning

The need for a new physical sciences building on the California State University, Chico campus was determined. Plans and blueprints were rendered. And the space has been cleared. Now, it’s time to start raising the University’s newest building.

The deconstruction process continues as Siskiyou Hall is torn down to make way for a new physical science building. Chico State will be hosting a series of open house input sessions over the next few weeks. These open house discussions will be an opportunity for the campus and Chico communities to talk about the University's Strategic and Master Plans currently in the works.

CSU, Chico Partners with Community to Plan the University’s Future at Upcoming Strategic, Master Plan Discussions

As California State University, Chico discusses major institutional and infrastructure planning to help carry it through the next 10 years and beyond, the campus community and University neighbors are invited to join the conversation.

Close up of an exhibit with a magnifying glass

Nanotechnology Will Be Under the Microscope at Gateway Science Museum’s New Exhibit: ‘Zoom Into Nano’

The Gateway Science Museum will focus on the microscopic world in its fascinating new exhibit, “Zoom into Nano,” a large-scale, immersive exploration of materials at the atomic scale.

Solar panels are arrayed atop of Yolo Hall (in front) and Acker Gym (center) with Whitney Hall in the background on the Chico State campus. Chico State was recently recognized for an overall commitment to sustainable practices in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's its 2018 Sustainability Campus Index. Additionally, Sierra Club placed CSU, Chico at No. 9 in its “Cool Schools 2018” list, the highest ranking of any CSU institution, and the first top-10 overall sustainability ranking nationwide for the University.

CSU, Chico Receives Pair of Prestigious Sustainability Honors from AASHE, Sierra Club

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recognized California State University, Chico for an overall commitment to sustainable practices in its 2018 Sustainability Campus Index (SCI).

Chico State appears on multiple lists in U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Best Colleges Rankings. Among them, Chico State was ranked No. 9 in the Top Public Schools in the West, the 20th consecutive year the University has appeared on that list.

Top 10 Again: U.S. News & World Report Ranks CSU, Chico as a Top-10 Ranked Public School in the West

Even after 20 years, being recognized as a top public higher education institution is still rewarding and gratifying.

Sony Thao, a junior in Chico State's Concrete Industry Management Program, has been honored with the CSU Trustee's Award for Outstanding Achievement, a system-wide recognition award given annually to students who demonstrate superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.

CSU, Chico Student Sony Thao Recognized With CSU Trustees’ Award

There are many sides to Sony Thao. The concrete industry management major was honored with a 2018 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement.

CSU, Chico Launches 2018 Chico Cares Campaign in Support of Campus Basic Needs Project

Continuing its efforts to support student food and housing security programs, California State University, Chico will launch its 2018 Chico Cares campaign today at the Wildcats Can donation drive reception inside the Bell Memorial Union at noon.

The sun filters through the trees over Kendall Hall.

University Foundation Board Aids Campus with Special Endowment Awards

More than $115,000 has been awarded to 12 programs and projects to enhance research and mentorship, increase hands-on learning opportunities, and support student success.

Graduates in cap and gown sit in anticipation of Commencement as the sun sets behind the stage

CSU, Chico Recognized by Forbes as One of ‘America’s Top Colleges’

California State University, Chico’s run as a nationally ranked higher education institution continues just as fall classes are set to resume.

Back of a student whose t-shirt shows a map of California with a paw print on Chico and reads "You Are Here"

Money Magazine Ranks CSU, Chico as One of the Nation’s 50 Best Public Colleges

As students begin their fall 2018 classes at California State University, Chico later this month, they’ll be furthering their education at a campus recently recognized as one of the country’s best.

EDXCHICO Lectures Will Ignite Curiosity on First Day at CSU, Chico

On a day when jitters, anticipation, and excitement fill the air, California State University, Chico is offering an open-air teach-in for all.

Students learning about fire management in a Conservation and Restoration class at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve in December, 2017. The BCCER has been awarded a pair of grants for fire mitigation and education.

University’s Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve Receives Two Cal Fire Grants for Fire Mitigation, Education

As a hub for innovative land management practices, California State University, Chico’s Ecological Reserves are committed to leading the way in fire mitigation and education.

Chico State's College of Agriculture is hosting its annual U-Pick Peaches Event THIS WEEK. Visitors are encouraged to pick their own peaches for purchase at the University Farm.

University Farm to Open ‘U-Pick Peaches’ to the Public on Aug. 9

Community members hungry to capitalize on an annual summer tradition need wait no longer: California State University, Chico will open University Farm this week for “U-Pick Peaches,” an opportunity for the public to stock up on multiple varieties of delicious, fresh peaches. This year’s opening day is Thursday, Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. to noon, […]

Chico State will host the fourth annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit on Friday, July 27. More than 30 campuses from around the state will host its own local summit, which is free and open to all California preK-12 teachers, teacher candidates, school administrators, and other educators.

Fourth Annual Teachers Summit to Take Place at California Campuses, Including CSU, Chico

Hundreds of teachers and educators from the North State will attend a one-day conference at California State University, Chico next week.

New General Manager Comes to North State Public Radio

Phil Wilke has been appointed the new general manager of North State Public Radio, KCHO–Chico and KFPR–Redding, joining the station at an exciting time as it begins its 50th year of broadcast service.

CSU, Chico Graduate Student Awarded With Prestigious Boren Fellowship

California State University, Chico graduate student Ashira Solomon will expand on her formal education as she spends a year studying Hebrew in Israel and serving as a research intern with the Institute for National Security Services, working on research projects focused on United States-Israel relations as a recipient of the David L. Boren Fellowship.

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.

CSU, Chico Earns Highest Sustainability Score Among Any CSU by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

California State University, Chico and its sustainable practices continue to set the pace for the rest of the CSU system.

One of the Gateway Science Museum's new exhibits, "Beauty and The Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change," will be on display in the Newberry Gallery through summer 2019.

Gateway Science Museum’s New Exhibit to Focus on Climate Change, Ecological Balance

Climate change, the power of photography and the intricate balance of ocean life take center stage in the newest exhibits at the Gateway Science Museum starting Saturday, May 26.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 […]

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.