While the CSU system has made progress in improving graduation rates, persistent equity gaps continue to affect Latinx, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian students. As we acknowledge CSU’s identity as a system of Hispanic-Serving and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, we must also recognize and act on the need to support students with disabilities and neurodivergent experiences. As momentum grows to recognize Black-Serving Institutions across the CSU system, it is imperative to ask: Where is the designation that uplifts campuses with strategic, intentional plans for students with disabilities?

Too often, students with disabilities are an afterthought—excluded from the early stages of academic, student services, and campus accessibility planning. Despite this, these students meet and exceed the same academic standards as their peers in their attendance to college in the CSU systems. They persist. They excel. And yet, the CSU system continues to overlook them in its strategic priorities. This student group makes up a reported approximately 12% of the campus population but that is only those who share this protected disability status, it does not include those who do not register or report or choose to share this individual private protected information.

It is time for change.

Disability is a shared human experience—it knows no boundaries of age, race, nationality, religion, or socioeconomic background. It is the only identity group any person can join at any time. That universality demands a stronger, more visible commitment from our institutions.

CSU leadership has the opportunity to:

Create a formal designation for Disability-Inclusive Institutions within the CSU system, spotlighting campuses that demonstrate intentionality, access, and inclusive excellence.Require strategic plans that center disabled and neurodivergent students from day one—not as accommodations, but as essential contributors to campus life.Invest in intersectional accessibility across teaching practices, campus environments, student services, and technology.Honor and uplift the achievements of students with disabilities as a core component of CSU’s equity mission.

Inclusion is not optional. Representation is not symbolic. It's time for the CSU to lead with integrity and make disability equity a cornerstone of its identity.

Equity must include every student. Let’s build a CSU where no one is left behind.

The CSU system has a powerful opportunity to define itself as the nation’s most effective engine of economic mobility and educational equity. By prioritizing investment in its identity and reputation, the CSU can strengthen public confidence, attract a diverse student body, and secure greater state and philanthropic funding.

However, identity and reputation must be backed by tangible outcomes. While CSU has made strides in increasing overall graduation rates, equity gaps for Latinx, Black, and American Indian/Alaska Native students remain stubbornly high. As a system where most campuses are designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), CSU must center these designations in its identity as a commitment to -ensuring better outcomes for students from minoritized backgrounds. These designations call on the CSU to intentionally serve the student populations named in these designations to the benefit of all CSU students. The newly established statewide Black Serving Institutions Designation also presents an opportunity for the CSU to center servingness for Black students across its campuses. A true commitment to its reputation as an institution of opportunity requires CSU leadership to take intentional and decisive action to close equity gaps for its minoritized student populations. This includes setting ambitious yet achievable campus-specific goals, implementing evidence-based student success strategies, and ensuring equity-driven accountability at all levels of the system. A well-articulated CSU identity, one centered on affordability, quality education, and equity, would also enhance employer partnerships and strengthen alumni engagement, reinforcing the system’s role as a cornerstone of California’s workforce development.

-The Campaign for College Opportunity

Increased recognition as a leader in equitable student success and social mobility by developing race-conscious strategies and metrics to close racial and income-based graduation gaps with urgency, improving four- and six-year graduation rates of Black and Latinx students, and increasing career placement rates. Stronger reputation as an inclusive and student-centered system that supports diverse learners, including first-generation students, student parents, adult learners, multilingual learners, students of color experiencing poverty, and students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Higher employer engagement and workforce partnerships that enhance the value of a CSU degree, ensuring graduates are seen as highly qualified for high-wage, high-demand careers. Enhanced cross-segmental collaboration with CCCs and UCs to strengthen transfer pathways and support seamless student transitions between institutions. Improved public perception of CSU as an affordable, high-quality option for students seeking both academic excellence and workforce readiness.

-The California Higher Education Equity Coalition

Campaign for College Opportunity, EdTrust-West, California Competes, The Institute for College Access and Success, Public Advocates

If the CSU system prioritizes and invests in its identity and reputation, several positive outcomes can be expected. Here are some potential outcomes:

1. Increased Enrollment
• Attraction of Prospective Students: A strong and positive reputation can attract more prospective students, both domestically and internationally. Students are more likely to apply to and enroll in institutions that are well-regarded and have a strong brand identity.
• Diverse Student Body: Enhanced reputation can attract a more diverse student body, including high-achieving students, international students, and students from various backgrounds.

2. Enhanced Alumni Engagement
• Alumni Pride and Loyalty: A strong identity and reputation can foster a sense of pride and loyalty among alumni, leading to increased engagement and support.
• Increased Donations and Fundraising: Engaged alumni are more likely to contribute financially to the institution, supporting scholarships, programs, and infrastructure projects.

3. Improved Faculty and Staff Recruitment
• Attracting Top Talent: A well-regarded institution can attract high-quality faculty and staff who are drawn to the institution's reputation for excellence.
• Retention of Current Employees: Faculty and staff are more likely to stay at an institution with a strong reputation, leading to lower turnover rates and a more stable workforce.

4. Stronger Partnerships and Collaborations
• Industry Partnerships: A strong reputation can attract partnerships with leading companies and organizations, providing students with internship and job opportunities, and faculty with research collaborations.
• Academic Collaborations: Other academic institutions may be more inclined to collaborate on research projects, exchange programs, and joint initiatives.

5. Increased Funding and Grants
• Government and Private Grants: Institutions with strong reputations are often more successful in securing government and private grants for research, infrastructure, and academic programs.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Companies may be more willing to sponsor programs, events, and initiatives at a well-regarded institution.

6. Enhanced Student Experience
• Quality Programs and Services: Increased funding and resources can be invested in improving academic programs, student services, and campus facilities, leading to a better overall student experience.
• Career Opportunities: A strong reputation can enhance students' job prospects, as employers often prefer graduates from well-regarded institutions.

7. Community and Public Perception
• Positive Public Image: A strong identity and reputation can enhance the institution's public image, leading to greater community support and involvement.
• Influence and Advocacy: The institution may have greater influence in policy discussions and advocacy efforts, benefiting the broader educational landscape.

8. Academic Excellence and Innovation
• Research and Innovation: A strong reputation can attract top researchers and innovators, leading to groundbreaking research and advancements in various fields.
• Academic Rigor: The institution can maintain high academic standards and rigor, further enhancing its reputation for excellence.

9. Resilience and Stability
• Crisis Management: A strong reputation can provide a buffer during times of crisis, as stakeholders are more likely to support and trust the institution.
• Long-Term Viability: A well-regarded institution is more likely to remain viable and resilient in the face of challenges, ensuring long-term stability and growth.

Summary:
Investing in the CSU system's identity and reputation can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes, including increased enrollment, enhanced alumni engagement, improved faculty and staff recruitment, stronger partnerships, increased funding, and an overall enhanced student experience. These outcomes contribute to the institution's long-term stability, viability, resilience, and growth.

An approach to branding and marketing at each university that highlights the unique aspects of the CSU experience, especially closer relationships with teachers and a school climate centered around teaching. Every school and the divisions therein should be supported in this process and each should develop a complementary focus that then generates deep brand awareness in its local market.