FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Fresno State’s President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, sent a statement responding to a petition calling for his resignation on Friday.
Jiménez-Sandoval says he was notified of the petition late Thursday afternoon. The petition, calling for his resignation, included the California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) and California Faculty Association (CFA) logos. He says he has “always welcomed feedback from all members of our Fresno State community, and will continue to do so.”
The petition, according to CSUEU President Catherine Hutchinson, asks Jiménez-Sandoval to step down after he had “demonstrated poor management and stewardship of Fresno State” and “continued the trend of poor financial prioritization.”
However, Jiménez-Sandival says he was surprised by the petition. He says he met with many union members and the ASI leadership, who told him they were “unaware” and “were not consulted” for it.
I have been in touch with many union members who did not receive this message and were unaware that it was coming. ASI leadership has confirmed that they were not consulted, were unaware of the petition, and do not endorse it. Needless to say, I am surprised at this message, especially when Fresno State has a balanced budget and all funding is explained to the Academic Senate, Staff Assembly, and ASI on an annual basis. I am actively working to schedule a meeting with union leadership to better understand this situation.
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
In a statement, Hutchinson also says the university needs “a leader who will listen to students, faculty and staff and then act on those concerns by executing a culture change.”
Jiménez-Sandoval says he is open to dialogue, and that he looks forward to hearing from the community during the campus’ open forum.
I am genuine in my love and dedication to Fresno State – it is my life mission to promote the strengths of our community. I am accessible and fully open to dialogue – the more we engage in constructive conversation, the better we will be able to carry on our noble mission of educating our talented students and empowering our Valley communities.
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
The next Fresno State open forum is scheduled for Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. in the library.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
