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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland State University plans to maximize its downtown location by requiring nearly all undergraduate degree programs to include applied learning experiences by 2030, CSU President Laura Bloomberg. “We are in a downtown environment,” Bloomberg said Tuesday, during her State of the University address, adding that students can walk to Sherwin Williams or other companies for internships and other learning opportunities. Bloomberg also said she was excited about a student art gallery for the public to view their work at Playhouse Square. There hasn’t been a dedicated, permanent space for art students and local artists in several years, she said. “We want it to be the Galleries of East 13th Street, so make it a place, based (on an) identity powered by us, but it’s for the community,” she said. As Bloomberg spoke in the Student Center Ballroom, a handful of students demonstrated. Freshman Christopher Buford wore tape over his mouth, in a demonstration with the CSU chapter of the Ohio Student Association. He was unhappy with how the university eliminated the U-Pass program, which saved students money in Rapid and bus fare, then brought it back but reduced the number of eligible students. The Ohio Student Association members also said they felt Bloomberg and the CSU Board of Trustees weren’t communicative enough with students. As faculty, staff, students and alumni left the ballroom at the end of her speech, other protesters demonstrated against the decision to transfer day-to-day operations of WCSB 89.3 to Ideastream. After the State of the University address, Bloomberg spoke with reporters for about 10 minutes. She noted the protesting students were respectful. She said she continues to believe the decision about WCSB was correct. Cleveland City Council on Monday night passed a resolution in support of the students and community members working to regain access to the station. Bloomberg said she was aware of it but was ready to move forward. “Much of my speech today was focused on preparing students for a future that we don’t even know exists,” she said. “While I believe we need to honor the legacy of this radio station, I firmly believe we also need to pivot to the future and look at the technologies that students can access today that allow more college-age students to access the media.” Ideastream isn’t paying Cleveland State to operate the station, although Bloomberg gets a seat on Ideastream’s board. When asked why CSU didn’t charge a monthly or any kind of fee to Ideastream, Bloomberg responded the deal was a “programming partnership.” When asked what CSU gets out of the deal and whether running the station was cost-prohibitive to CSU, she denied money was an issue. Under the agreements with CSU, Ideastream now assumes maintenance and capital expenses. “I am more focused on what are the benefits of entering into a strategic partnership,” she said. “So, I have been asked, was this part of our cost savings? Was this part of accommodating the needs and requirements of Senate Bill 1? The answer is no.”
