College of Arts and Letters

Welcome

Welcome to the College of Arts and Letters at California State University, San Bernardino!

We are a dynamic and caring community of students, faculty, and staff members united by a passion for the arts and humanities. Our College inspires students and prepares them for the rapidly changing cultural and employment environment of the 21st century. Our classes are taught by faculty who are experts in their fields, providing students with tools for success in a world that values written and oral communication skills, analysis, critical thinking, and creativity.

Photo of Dr. Mariam Betlemidze, Communication Studies

CAL Professor Receives Mentor Award

Dr. Mariam Betlemidze, Communication Studies, is helping students define their future with her exemplary mentorship.

She's one of four CSUSB professors to be recognized for their outstanding mentorship to students in research and creative activities.

Communication Studies

Photo of Dr. Matt Davidson, Chair of Philosophy

Philosophy Welcomes New Chair

Meet the new Chair of Philosophy -- Dr. Matt Davidson!

Despite being the new Chair, Dr. Davidson is not new to the department, nor to this position. He previously served as Chair from 2013-2016. So maybe instead we should say, "Welcome back, Dr. Davidson!"

Learn More

Department of Philosophy

Photo of Dr. Leighton, new interim chair of music

Music Welcomes New Chair

Dr. Lesley Leighton is a noted conductor, singer and music educator. At CSUSB, she has taught classes as an assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. Earlier this year, she was named principal guest conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra.

Fun fact: Her voice can be heard on more than 100 film soundtracks, including most recently, "Captain Marvel," the live action film "Mulan," "Frozen II," and the latest version of "The Lion King."

Music Department

Photos of four professors who won mini-grants

CAL Professors Win Mini-Grants

Congratulations to four of our professors who won grants for their research from the Office of Academic Research!

Kaitlyn Creasy, Philosophy, will use her grant to write about Friedrich Nietzsche's account of the social shaping of emotional experience.

Shafiq Rahman, Communication Studies, will use his grant to explore desi-American identity in the popular Netflix show, "Never Have I Ever."

Rob Ray, Art & Design, will use his grant to prepare for his upcoming exhibition at RAFFMA, "The Long Trip."

Taylor Moon, Art & Design, will use her grant to prepare for her upcoming exhibition at RAFFMA, "Drive-Thru Nation."

Photos of four of our student commencement speakers for Spring 2022

Spring 2022 Student Commencement Speakers

Our Student Commencement Speaker Video is a College of Arts & Letters tradition. It showcases students from each of our departments and allows them to share their inspiring stories and messages during our commencement ceremony.

Watch on YouTube

This video features: Jaque Holland-Jefferson, Art & Design; Stephanie Alfonso, Communication Studies; Veronica Morales, English; Kaymon Hunter, Liberal Studies; Susan Felix, Music; Jennifer Cisneros, Philosophy; Cassidy Jessup, Theatre Arts; and Kiara Oregon, World Languages & Literatures.

CAL Outstanding Students 2021-22

Congratulations to our Outstanding Students for the 2021-22 academic year!

Naim Aburaddi, M.A. Communication Studies, is our Outstanding Graduate Student

Ferris Strachan, B.A. Liberal Studies, is our Outstanding Undergraduate Student

You can learn more about them and read their inspiring stories on Inside CSUSB.

Inside CSUSB

Photo of Jessica Luck, English professor

CAL Outstanding Faculty 2021-22

Congratulations to our Outstanding Faculty for the 2021-22 academic year!

Dr. Jessica Luck, English, is our Outstanding Professor in Teaching and Instructional Related Activities

Learn more about Dr. Luck and the classes she teaches

Department of English

M.A. English & Writing Studies

Photo of Liliana Conlisk-Gallegos, comm studies professor

CAL Outstanding Faculty 2021-22

Congratulations to our Outstanding Faculty for the 2021-22 academic year!

Dr. Liliana Conlisk-Gallegos, Communication Studies, is our Outstanding Professor in Scholarly, Research, and Creative Activities.

Learn more about Dr. Conlisk-Gallegos and the classes she teaches

Department of Communication Studies

M.A. Communication Studies

Photo of Mihaela Popescu, Comm Studies professor

CAL Outstanding Faculty 2021-22

Congratulations to our Outstanding Faculty for the 2021-22 academic year!

Dr. Mihaela Popescu, Communication Studies, is our Outstanding Professor in Service

Learn more about Dr. Popescu and her role as Faculty Director of the xREAL Lab on campus

xREAL Lab

Photo of Jess Nerren, Comm Studies professor

CAL Outstanding Faculty 2021-22

Congratulations to our Outstanding Faculty for the 2021-22 academic year!

Dr. Jess Nerren, Communication Studies, is our Outstanding Lecturer

Learn more about Dr. Nerren and the classes she teaches

Department of Communication Studies

M.A. Communication Studies

CAL STAR Award Staff Recognition

Andrew Thompson, Art & Design, is our 2021-22 CAL STAR!

“Andrew is indeed a model citizen, creating a safe space in the photography lab, studio, and classroom where all points of view, identities and styles are respected. Many students gravitate towards photography to create images of their constructed identities, and Andrew has helped foster an environment of inclusivity where everyone is welcomed and creatively encouraged.”

– Tom McGovern, Professor Emeritus, Art & Design

Department of Art & Design

Spring 2022 Newsletter

Our Spring 2022 Newsletter is now available to read!

Catch up on all our exciting news and events from the Spring '22 semester by scanning the QR code.

CAL Newsletters

The College of Arts and Letters helps students find their voice

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sthmIEvmAws?rel=0&showinfo=0">Watch CSUSB College of Arts and Letters helps students refine their voice YouTube Video</a>

The College of Arts and Letters has received accreditation from the following organizations:

National Association of Schools of art and Design

National Association of Schools of Music

National Association of Schools of Theatre

American Alliance of Museums Accredited Museum