Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen highlighted the need for improved graduation rates in his first Spring Address.

He informed the crowd in the University Union Ballroom of several statistics regarding transfers and first-time freshmen. He also mentioned that Sac State was ranked 20th out of 23 campuses in the California State University system for four-year graduation rates despite 33 different initiatives to ensure that degrees are earned on time.

“I have no doubt that all 33 initiatives are there to help students, and they are,” Nelsen said. “But are they helping the maximum number of students?”

There are 6,600 students affected by nine impacted programs, Nelsen said. @sacstate #SpringAddress

— The State Hornet (@TheStateHornet) January 21, 2016

He also announced that a diversity office will be created on campus. The details of what it will do are pending on what the task force comes up with.

Nelsen repeatedly mentioned how student-centered he wants to be, which led him to have Associated Students, Inc. President Melissa Bardo speak at the address. This is the first time in Sac State history that a student government leader has spoken at a presidential address.

Among Bardo’s list of achievements for the multi-million dollar corporation that is ASI is the Food Pantry, which has served over 600 students since its creation in the fall semester.

“Our students are not only here for an education, but are also here to observe and give back to the community,” Bardo said.