An unknown number of class seats became available this week to accommodate graduating seniors, said Vice Provost Cynthia Rawitch. “We thought we were able to serve the demand for those most in dire need, graduating seniors, and that clearly was not done, so we decided we at least have to open enough seats for those students,” Rawitch said. “Students spoke, they told us, they wrote to us, parents wrote to us, parents called us and so we’re trying to do… Read more

Deans and associate deans met with Vice Provost Cynthia Rawitch Monday to discuss the possibility of increasing the number of full-time equivalent students (FTES) to accommodate graduating seniors. The Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communications will begin to open seats today, said Robert Bucker, dean of the college. Emails circulating Monday requested deans and associate deans calculate the number of FTES needed to accommodate graduating seniors. The spring semester began with a 15-unit cap, and less class seats… Read more

CSUN’s new Student Recreation Center is expected to welcome thousands of students who are anticipating its opening today, according to officials. With  a goal of 10,000 registered students before it opens, the center has already seen 4,500 students signed up for its services. Recreation Director Aida Johnson said they have set a goal to try and have 10,000 students registered prior to the grand opening, though there is no specific consequence if the goal is not met. Many students have… Read more

>>>Correction: Coyle-Thompson earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree at CSUN and PhD at UCLA. CSUN biology professor Cathy Coyle-Thompson died Tuesday morning after an emergency surgery Monday night to fix a tear in her stomach, according to her sister in an e-mail sent to the biology department. She was 52. Randy Cohen, CSUN biology professor, emailed faculty Tuesday expressing the department’s sympathy and appreciation for her work. “Cathy was a true CSUN Matador in every sense, having earned both her… Read more

Before taking her official leave, CSUN President Jolene Koester implemented a 10-year plan proposed by the University Planning and Budget Group to help save the university from its fiscal challenges. The CSU system has been hit with numerous state budget cuts during the past several years. In 2011, CSU lost $650 million in state aid and the system is bracing for a potential $100 million reduction in January if projected state revenues fall short. The 10-year plan addresses the concerns… Read more

Students from Professor Gigi Hessamian’s Communications 323 class are hosting a music and Occupy awareness event this Saturday in the Plaza Del Sol, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The set includes CSUN student bands, “10,00 steps” and “Rebel Vibe,” as well as local band “The Ifficials,” and possibly members of Occupy. According to junior and communications major, Eric Lee, the event was originally intended as a concert, but decided a more humanitarian aspect was needed after meeting occupiers on… Read more