CSU Initiative Seeks to Increase Transfer and Graduation Rates

When Micah Moore started college, he didn’t see himself as a leader, but that changed when he joined the Titan community.

As a first-year CSUF student, Moore moved into the Ujima Community in Housing and Residential Engagement and built long-lasting friendships through Male Success Initiative-Fullerton.

“When I was introduced as the newest MSI scholar, everyone’s heads turned, but instead of feeling nervousness, I felt warmth. Everyone smiled and greeted me with the biggest welcome, and that moment meant more to me than anything. It wasn’t just a greeting. It was an invitation to belong,” said Moore, a second-year business administration student who shared his story at the sixth annual Young Males of Color Consortium Conference.

Hosted at Cal State Fullerton, the conference invited students, higher education leaders and staff members from across the state to share research and strategies that promote student success, belonging and academic achievement.

Moore spoke to the transformative power of the CSUF community and the impact that it has had on his academic and personal journey. He spoke of his first MSI retreat, where many students shared personal experiences from growing up and transitioning into higher education. Inspired by their courage and honesty, Moore opened up about losing his mom at a young age, and he said the support he found in that moment helped him move forward and shaped his leadership philosophy for the future.

“Sometimes we don’t go looking for community, but community finds us when we need it most,” said Moore. “I learned that it’s important to hold on to everything you’ve gone through — the pain, heartbreak, loss and embarrassment — because it all shapes us. Who you are right now is exactly what the world needs.”

Established by the California State University system, the Young Males of Color Consortium explores the challenges that young men of color face in higher education while also seeking to address those obstacles through systemic changes that will increase transfer and graduation rates.

“This conference is an opportunity for people doing the work to come together to share strategies on how to close equity gaps at our respective institutions,” said Felipe Martinez, director of the Center for Scholars and Male Success Initiative. “The support for YMOC has been substantial at all levels of the university. From students all the way to senior leadership, everyone rolled up their sleeves to help us. This support is a testament to how much CSUF believes in this work.”

During the two-day conference, attendees had opportunities to network and collaborate with more than 400 leaders from across the CSU system and California community colleges. The event sessions explored such topics as research mentorship, leadership, the transfer student experience, college enrollment shifts and conflict resolution.

Recognizing the conference’s theme, “Thriving in the Face of Uncertainty,” CSUF President Ronald Rochon praised students for their resilience, leadership and the work they are doing to shape a better world for future generations.

“To see you all in this audience — your brilliance, your magnificence, your intellect, your possibility and your vision — I know that we are in good hands,” said Rochon. “I am asking you to pour into yourselves with an understanding that history has brought us to this point because we need you.”