Cleveland State Mandates Applied Learning for Undergraduates by 2030

In a transformative announcement during her State of the University address, Laura Bloomberg, President of Cleveland State University (CSU), revealed plans to mandate applied learning experiences for nearly all undergraduate degree programs by 2030. This initiative aims to leverage the university’s strategic downtown location, providing students with enhanced internship opportunities and real-world learning environments.

Bloomberg emphasized the university’s unique position within the downtown area, stating, “We are in a downtown environment,” as she highlighted the proximity of major companies like Sherwin Williams. This accessibility is expected to enrich students’ educational experiences, allowing them to engage in practical learning that complements their academic studies.

In addition to the applied learning initiative, Bloomberg expressed enthusiasm for the establishment of a new student art gallery located in Playhouse Square. This gallery will serve as a dedicated space for art students and local artists to showcase their work. “We want it to be the Galleries of East 13th Street, so make it a place, based identity powered by us, but it’s for the community,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of community involvement in the initiative.

Following the address, some students expressed their dissatisfaction with recent university decisions. Freshman Christopher Buford participated in a demonstration organized by the CSU chapter of the Ohio Student Association. The protest was aimed at the elimination of the U-Pass program, which previously provided significant savings on public transportation for students. Participants voiced concerns that the program’s discontinuation disproportionately affected those most in need.

Bloomberg addressed the concerns raised by students after her speech, acknowledging their respectful approach during the protest. She defended the university’s decision regarding the operation of WCSB, the campus radio station, which has recently come under scrutiny following a partnership with Ideastream. While she affirmed her belief in the appropriateness of this decision, she acknowledged the need to look forward. “Much of my speech today was focused on preparing students for a future that we don’t even know exists,” she stated.

The partnership with Ideastream has raised questions regarding the financial implications for CSU. Bloomberg clarified that the arrangement is not cost-prohibitive for the university, nor was it a decision made solely for cost-saving purposes. “I am more focused on what are the benefits of entering into a strategic partnership,” she explained. Under the terms of this partnership, Ideastream will handle maintenance and capital expenses for WCSB, allowing CSU to redirect its resources toward enhancing student learning experiences.

As CSU moves forward with its ambitious plans for applied learning and community engagement, the university aims to not only adapt to the evolving educational landscape but also to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future. This commitment underscores CSU’s dedication to integrating practical experience into its curriculum, fostering an environment that emphasizes both academic and professional development.