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Chico State

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

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.
Jason Halley / University Photographer

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.

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.

CSU, Chico will host multiple open houses and engagement sessions for the public to attend so University leaders can hear about, listen to, and provide feedback for updates to the Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan, which are being worked on concurrently.

The University’s original Strategic Plan was created in 1995 and has seen only modest revision since. President Gayle Hutchinson said this year will be pivotal in CSU, Chico’s history as it looks toward the future and envisions its greatest ambitions.

“The planning we complete this year will help us unlock our potential and elevate our institution’s already-noteworthy reputation,” she said.

Similarly, CSU, Chico’s Campus Master Plan, last updated 2005, is also currently being refreshed. Director of Facilities Management and Services Mike Guzzi said this is a remarkable opportunity for the University to set itself on a course that places the physical campus as one of the top schools in the nation and a destination for students around the world.

“Chico State aims to be the hub of innovation in the North State and beyond,” he said. “We intend to be bold in our strategies to sustainably grow while maintaining our culture and ethos—the Strategic Plan will guide us and the Master Plan will be the physical response to these objectives.”

Because the University truly views itself as a part and partner of the Chico community and greater North State region, the public is invited to attend open houses and engagement sessions over the next two weeks to voice their ideas and visions. Each week, the sessions have a distinct purpose:

  • Master planning will give shape and form to the physical campus and its buildings as the University grows and change over time. Participants will evaluate the condition of facilities, open spaces, and infrastructure to identify goals and recommendations to enhance the overall campus environment in the future.
    • Campus and Community Open House: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2:30-4 p.m., Colusa Hall
    • Campus and Community Open House: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 5:30-7 p.m., Colusa Hall
  • Strategic planning focuses on Chico State’s identity, values, goals, and priorities. It will help set the direction and character of the University for years to come. Sessions will focus on both broad vision and identity, as well as priorities and themes.

“I ask the campus and community members to be bold in their exploration of the possibilities and the priorities and themes that will help us accomplish our goals,” Hutchinson said. “It is important to have broad participation as we establish these new guiding documents that will shape our University and our future over the next 10 years.”

Participants are invited to attend as many sessions as they would like. Everyone is also invited to use the Community Mapping tool and voice thoughts on the Idea Wall of the Master Planning website, and to speak to their vision on the Strategic Plan using an online feedback tool.

Those who require an accommodation in order to attend the input sessions or who have questions about accessibility may contact the Accessibility Resource Center at 530-898-5959.