CAHSS plans to expand offerings

By Roger Ruvolo

As the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences expands course and degree offerings, Dean James Hussar is solidifying the large college’s structure. 

“I prefer to operate according to approved policy,” Hussar said, “and where there is no policy, there is potential for chaos.” 

Hussar arrived at Cal State Monterey Bay as an associate dean in July 2023 after serving for 14 years at Cal State Fullerton in several capacities. He became interim dean in January 2024  and dean last January. 

During that time, Hussar and his team have worked on many things, including policies and structure. 

“All we’ve accomplished isl collaborative,” Hussar said. 

Hussar, who holds a doctorate in literature from Notre Dame, discussed the college and his objectives recently. 

Question: How have things changed under you? 

Answer: I would reframe that to “What has this team accomplished collaboratively in just over two years?” The team is faculty, staff and members of the Dean’s Advisory Council. 

The college has established its first strategic plan, with new vision and mission statements, its first college bylaws and new department bylaws. It’s also begun discussions on personnel standards for retention, tenure and promotion decisions. We got our budget in order, as well. 

A big lever in that initiative was how we build our class schedules. That’s made a significant difference and helps students pursue degree objectives. 

Regarding curriculum, we’ve restructured several programs to better serve student needs. We’ve added a new Sociology degree, are proposing new History and Communications bachelor’s degrees, and a new Performing Arts minor, and we have a B.A. in Political Science in development. 

We’ve formed community partnerships and co-hosted events, such as with Palenke Arts and New Canon Theatre Company. 

Also in seeking career development opportunities for students, we’ve worked to expand existing opportunities and promoted experiential learning through internships and commissioned artworks. 

Q: What are the college’s strengths? 

A: Faculty and staff. When a group of people who care about our students coalesces around common goals, great things are bound to happen. 

Q: What programs or courses does the college offer that are unique or hard to find? 

A: Experiential learning is a feature of our degrees. We’re deliberate about explaining to prospective students what makes our academic programs distinct. 

The Visual and Public Art program, as the name implies, focuses on public-facing art and community engagement. Cinematic Arts and Technology puts cameras in the hands of first-year students. Japanese and Spanish programs put students in authentic communicative settings. Our music students perform, record and mix music in our analog and digital studios. 

Humanities and Communications students apply their learning in such settings as City of Seaside offices, KAZU public radio and campus publications like the Lutrinae and In the Ords.

Q: In what areas do you see CSUMB contributing to research? 

A: We follow a faculty-scholar model. Our faculty are accomplished and productive researchers, visual artists, musicians and filmmakers. Many work collaboratively with their students, and as a result, students move from passive consumers to active producers of knowledge. 

Q: What are the areas of greatest focus for you now? 

A: In the broadest sense, our top priority is the student experience. I have to focus on all departmental matters all the time, the main ones being students, faculty, academic excellence and staying on top of the budget. 

Q: Three years from now, where do you expect to see the college?

A: I see steady progress toward strategic goals, healthy enrollment in our majors, a strong academic program, a feeling of community and belonging, and more opportunities that prepare students for academic and professional success.