Founder's Letter
The CSU Academic Resources Conference (ARC) was created in 2002 in Sacramento, with 20 budget and personnel analysts representing 13 campuses for a one-day meeting. Now our goal is to have at least one person attend from each campus, and it usually happens. What began as 20 people, has now grown to over 400 attendees, representing all 23 campuses plus the Chancellor’s Office.
The first meeting held on the Delta King was formed from what once was a two-hour meeting for Budget Analysts who went to the Social Science Statewide Deans’ Conference. We quickly realized that two hours was not long enough and that we had our own issues to discuss, separate from the Deans. It was at this point that I approached my Dean with our dilemma. As I remember it he said, “Well you’re a meeting planner. Why don’t you go out and build your own darned conference?” The result is what ARC is today: a multi-day conference with campus personnel, as well as professional speakers, discussing best practices and providing many networking opportunities with peers from all over the State. The Agenda is set by the attendees. Via our surveys, they let us know what they feel are the most important issues. The Board builds on those ideas, finding speakers throughout the CSU to address the topics. ARC is built on not what the Board thinks is important, but what YOU feel is important. Hence our countless surveys which determine the most pressing issues in the CSU.
In closing, I want to recognize everyone who has supported ARC over the years. Whether you were an attendee filling out our countless surveys, (which helped us to develop strong agendas) or a Dean, Provost or Vice President who gave us much needed financial support. ARC would not have succeeded without their help.
I also would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to the CSUS, SSIS Dean’s Office staff, who gave so much of their time and energy to making ARC what it is today. They say, “it takes a village”, which is true; but, I also believe in all of you who said, “If you build a bridge, they will come.” Today, that bridge stretches from Humboldt to San Diego.
I look forward to every year where we make new goals and continue to make ARC the best conference in the CSU. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you.
Robin Pollock, CMP
ARC Founder
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