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Adopt a resolution supporting a plan to integrate California State University Maritime Academy and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Brown requests the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution supporting the plan to integrate California State University Maritime Academy and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
SUMMARY / DISCUSSION:
Earlier this year, California State University (CSU) officials concluded that Cal Maritime will not be financially viable as an independent institution moving forward. CSU announced a recommendation to integrate California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), to preserve Cal Maritime, which has suffered from declining enrollment for several years.
The recommendation includes the integration of Cal Maritime’s resources, operations, and governance under the leadership of Cal Poly, while Cal Maritime continues to offer its specialized degree programs, including programs that lead to a Merchant Marine license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Under the proposal, Cal Maritime would be led by a superintendent who is part of the Cal Poly leadership team. Cal Maritime would remain in Vallejo, while sharing Cal Poly’s facilities, infrastructure, and services. Plans also include adding additional majors at Cal Maritime which relate to the maritime industry.
The closing of CSU Maritime Academy would have a devastating impact on Solano County as Cal Maritime continues to invest in the region. Most recently, for example, Cal Maritime partnered with the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) to offer a Career Expedition Summer Camp for 24 seventh-grade students to learn about maritime careers and college life at Cal Maritime.
The CSU Board of Trustees is expected to decide on the integration plan in November 2024.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and included in the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Solano County Board of Supervisors could decline to support this resolution, but this is not recommended because the loss of Cal Maritime would have a significant impact on the city of Vallejo and surrounding Solano County.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION