California State University, San Bernardino is one of nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine in its Summer 2016 Models of Excellence recognition program. Sponsored by CASHNet, the Models of Excellence program recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success on campus.
“The Vital and Expanded Technologies Initiative at Cal State San Bernardino encourages strategic growth of student success technologies, as it is tasking its colleges and departments (staffers who know the students best) to identify and implement new tech initiatives,” says University Business senior editor Tim Goral.
When the California State University system allowed its schools to levy additional fees to fund student success initiatives, Cal State San Bernardino leaders went in a novel direction: They set up a venture capital program.
The Vital and Expanded Technologies Initiative (VETI) is one of four programs CSUSB implemented with the additional revenue. Through VETI, colleges and departments at the university compete for grants to fund technology projects that directly enhance student learning and success, says Samuel Sudhakar, vice president for information technology services and chief information officer.
“Technology is a part of everything the students do at the university,” says Sudhakar. “It’s an integral part of their success.”
VETI mostly funds one-time projects. In 2015-16 alone, these projects included an upgrade to the Multimedia Language Center Computer Lab, the development of advanced handheld GPS technology for the department of geography, the use of a Raspberry Pi by the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, and more than a dozen others. The two initiatives funded year after year are a library laptop lending program and a program to develop mobile applications, says Sudhakar.
The university requires VETI grant recipients to submit a pair of reports listing and describing the activities undertaken thanks to the funding and any challenges encountered during the development and implementation of their programs. The first is due eight months after the funding is allocated, with a final report following two years after the allocation. This data collection integrates assessment and outcomes into VETI, helping to ensure that future grants are well spent, says Sudhakar.
“Every penny that is spent to these initiatives has to have a direct impact on student success, and we have to report it year after year,” Sudhakar says.
In addition to Cal State San Bernardino, Summer 2016 Models of Excellence honorees include: Indiana University Southeast (New Albany, Ind.); University of Wisconsin-Parkside (Kenosha, Wisc.); LDS Business College (Salt Lake City, Utah); Christopher Newport University (Newport News, Va.); Franklin University (Columbus, Ohio); Cleveland State University (Cleveland, Ohio); University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, Neb.); and Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, Tenn.).
“The Summer 2016 Models of Excellence honorees demonstrate how inclusivity and personalized attention for all students benefits higher education holistically,” says Edward Worrilow, head of marketing and communications at CASHNet. “We are pleased to recognize their efforts alongside University Business.””
Launched in 2015, Models of Excellence is a national recognition program honoring colleges and universities that have implemented innovative, effective and inter-departmental initiatives that are bolstering student success. The program is sponsored by CASHNet, a leading payment technology provider in higher education that allows institutions to simplify electronic billing, accept payments all over campus, offer flexible payments plans, create online storefronts, and more, all on one secure platform.
About University Business
University Business is the leading publication for senior managers at colleges and universities throughout the United States, reaching 75,000 leaders who manage enrollment, technology, business, finance, facilities and academic affairs. More information is available on the University Business website.
About CASHNet
CASHNet is a leading payment technology provider of secure transaction services to over 700 campuses in higher education, reaching millions of students nationwide. Whether it’s to simplify electronic billing, accept payments all over campus, offer flexible tuition payment plans, or create online storefronts, CASHNet fits everyday campus needs. As a leader in the industry for over 25 years, CASHNet has constantly evolved to create the secure and simplified experience students, payers, and administrators require. More information can be found on the CASHNet website.
About California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually.
CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire, and it has the second highest African American and Hispanic enrollments of all public universities in California. Seventy percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.
For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu