Enhancing the Student Experiences in the California State University System

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 4:00PM–4:45PM CT | Meeting Room 102, Level 1
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Industry Insights
The complexity of recruiting, retaining, and ensuring that students graduate is forcing institutions to reassess all the administrative and academic matters that touch students, from how the curriculum is delivered to the ease by which a student secures housing, meal plans, and support services. Several key technological practices and services can help institutions proactively respond to challenges while aiding student success and ensuring that there are appropriate strategies in place to augment student experiences. The California State University (CSU) System, in collaboration with Unisys, is taking a multifaceted approach to the student experience, transitioning from isolated point solutions to a broad range of services that foster affinity and improve student success. For this panel, Unisys higher education strategist Chris Wessels will moderate a distinguished roster from the California State University system to discuss multifaceted and contemporaneous pathways they are taking to enhance student experiences and achieve successful outcomes. We will cover three innovative topics that have a direct, positive impact on student experiences: automation to guide students to an optimal course/degree planning journey; integration and frictionless processes for Professional and Continuing Education students; and melding academic experiences with Security Operations Center student internships.

Presenters

  • Josh Callahan

    Chief Information Security Officer, California State University, Office of the Chancellor

  • Ed Clark

    Chief Information Officer, California State University, Office of the Chancellor

  • Liz Reed

    Assistant Director, Enrollment Management Technology, California State University, Office of the Chancellor

  • Jaime Russell

    Senior Director of ERP & Business Intelligence, Sonoma State University

  • Monique Sendze

    VP and CIO, California State University, Chico

  • Chris Wessells

    Interim Vice President of Information Technology & CIO, San Jose State University