Degrees and Jobs, Please: CSU System Rethinks Student Success Amid College Value Skepticism
While there have been many changes from my time as a Cal State University student to a current adjunct professor over a decade-plus span, one concern seems ever present. It’s a question my students ask with frequency: "What am I going to do after I graduate?"
My colleague Teresa Watanabe reported that the Cal State University system, or CSU, has historically valued its graduation rate, rather than post-graduation employment rate, as the top marker for student success. That, however, may be changing as the 23-campus school system is shifting its goalpost. Yes, four-year degrees are still important but so are good jobs as more consumers, parents, families, and students question the value of a college education.
To that end, Watanbe reported that the Cal State system will boost efforts to link higher education with clear employment payoffs, more career paths, networking, and pathways to internships and jobs.
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Conclusion
The work to more intentionally link higher education and post-graduation jobs is just beginning, as the Cal State system recognizes the importance of providing clear employment payoffs, career paths, and pathways to internships and jobs for its students.
FAQs
Q: What is the Cal State University system?
A: The Cal State University system is a 23-campus public university system in California.
Q: What is the goal of the Cal State system’s new initiative?
A: The goal is to link higher education with clear employment payoffs, more career paths, networking, and pathways to internships and jobs.
Q: Who attends the Cal State system?
A: About 30% of CSU students are first-generation, and nearly 50% are Latino.
Q: Why is the Cal State system shifting its focus from graduation rates to post-graduation employment rates?
A: The system recognizes that many students, including first-generation college students, may not have social connections to build resumes, place in internships and fellowships, or other experiences that help launch careers.
