California University of Pennsylvania is a diverse, caring and scholarly learning community dedicated to excellence in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional studies. For more than 150 years Cal U has been known for its educational excellence and for its commitment to the core values of Integrity, Civility and Responsibility. The University is located on 294 acres in the borough of California, Pa., just 35 miles south of Pittsburgh on the banks of the Monongahela River. Here, highly trained faculty members, caring staff and state-of-the-art facilities combine to help every student develop a degree of character while preparing for a meaningful career. A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Cal U serves more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Since 2004, The Princeton Review has ranked Cal U as one of the best regional universities in the Northeast.
VOLUME 13, NUMBER 32 DEC. 5, 2011 California University READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal PR Prof Works With Weather Service Grant Writer Hits $1 Million Mark Open House Message: You Can Afford Grad School A t a ceremony honoring all of Cal U’s grant writers, Dr. Katherine Mitchem was recognized as the University’s latest “Million Dollar Achiever.” A professor in the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education, Mitchem’s current research focuses on the use of electronic performance sup- port tools to support students with learn- ing disabilities, behavioral disorders and autism in inclusive settings. The U.S. Department of Education awarded her four grants this academic year, for a total of nearly $250,000. Those awards pushed Mitchem’s career awards total over the $1 million mark, making her the 12th Cal U faculty member to reach that milestone. “This is an amazing achievement,” said Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Dr. Mitchem and all of our grant writers have made us all very proud by undertaking research and pro- viding meaningful results.” The Nov. 16 ceremony honored every faculty or staff member who pre- pared and submitted at least one grant proposal, administered at least one inter- nally funded project, or completed the requirements for the Grant Writers Fellowship. Grant writer fellows participate in a comprehensive, hands-on enrichment program that covers topics ranging from strategically selecting potential funding sources to writing the critical sections of a competitive grant application. Cheryl Vogrig, director of the Office of Grants and Contracts, praised Cal U’s grant writers. “This celebration is to recognize you and commend you for your efforts,” she said. “Throughout the process, win or lose, we work as a team to seek external grant funding to help Cal U fulfill its mission.” Assisting Vogrig in the Office of Grants and Contracts are post-award administrator Lewis Honaker and secre- tary Kim Rabbitt. Provost Geraldine Jones reported that during the 2010-2011 academic year, the office administered 125 grants and contracts totaling $4.4 million. Of those, 87 new awards were received, totaling $1.8 million. “Your work with grants is so impor- tant to this University, and it really sets you apart from the rest,” Jones said. “The grant work you do not only brings recognition to yourselves but to the University as a whole, especially in these difficult economic times. “I can’t thank you enough for that.” The 2010-2011 yearbook of grants activi- ty, “Laude 2011,” is available online at www.calu.edu/faculty-staff/laude. A graduate degree may be the ticket to a better job, a bigger paycheck or a leadership position in your chosen field — and earning a degree can be affordable in terms of both time and money. That’s the message Cal U is delivering when the School of Graduate Studies and Research holds an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Cal U Southpointe Center in Canonsburg. The program will highlight both Cal U’s traditional master’s degree programs and the array of degree and certificate programs offered through the Internet- based Global Online, which gives busy students the flexibility to complete their studies anytime, from anywhere in the world. Keynote speaker Dr. Charles P. Nemeth, chair of the Professional Studies Department, will present “You Can Afford Graduate School.” His talk will explain how graduate assistantships, scholarships and financial aid can reduce the cost of earning an advanced degree. Program directors will be on hand to discuss individual programs with prospective students. Cal U offers more than 30 master’s degree programs in fields that include business administration, education, nursing, counseling, athletic training, sport management, legal studies, exercise science, psychology, social work, applied criminology, and STEM education. Certificate programs provide specialized training in areas such as sports counseling, autism spectrum disorders, Arabic language and culture, and Spanish for law enforcement and business. The Graduate School also offers teacher certification in a variety of disciplines, as well as principal’s certification or a superintendent letter of eligibility. Visit www.calu.edu to find links to online registration, directions and a complete list of academic programs and accreditations; or register for the School of Graduate Studies and Research open house by calling Devon Markish at 724-938-4912. Students will receive valuable information on the advantages, program options and cost effectiveness of earning a master’s degree when the School of Graduate Studies and Research holds an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Cal U Southpointe Center. D r. Susan Jasko has found a way to blend communications and meteorology. A professor of Communication Studies at Cal U, Jasko is a self- described “secret science geek at heart.” Earlier this fall she served on a service assessment team for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. Assessment teams are composed of experts who evaluate activities before, during and after weather events to determine the usefulness of NWS products and services. With the goal of continuous improvement, the team generates a report that serves as an evaluative tool to address service deficiencies and share best practices in operations and procedures. Jasko was one of 17 individuals who evaluated the NWS shortly after Hurricane Irene caused extensive flooding and wind damage this summer as the storm traveled through the Caribbean and along the East Coast. “This was one of the best things — Continued on page 2 Dr. John Cencich honors Dr. Katherine Mitchem at the Grant Writers Recognition Ceremony for becoming the University’s latest ‘Million Dollar Achiever.’
Transcript
VOLUME 13, NUMBER 32 DEC. 5 , 2011
California University
READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
PR ProfWorksWith
WeatherService
Grant Writer Hits $1 Million Mark
Open House Message: You Can Afford Grad School
At a ceremony honoring all of CalU’s grant writers, Dr. KatherineMitchem was recognized as the
University’s latest “Million DollarAchiever.”
A professor in the Department ofEarly, Middle and Special Education,Mitchem’s current research focuses onthe use of electronic performance sup-port tools to support students with learn-ing disabilities, behavioral disorders andautism in inclusive settings.
The U.S. Department of Educationawarded her four grants this academicyear, for a total of nearly $250,000.
Those awards pushed Mitchem’scareer awards total over the $1 millionmark, making her the 12th Cal U facultymember to reach that milestone.
“This is an amazing achievement,”said Dr. John Cencich, dean of theSchool of Graduate Studies andResearch. “Dr. Mitchem and all of our
grant writers have made us all veryproud by undertaking research and pro-viding meaningful results.”
The Nov. 16 ceremony honoredevery faculty or staff member who pre-pared and submitted at least one grantproposal, administered at least one inter-nally funded project, or completed therequirements for the Grant WritersFellowship.
Grant writer fellows participate in acomprehensive, hands-on enrichmentprogram that covers topics ranging fromstrategically selecting potential fundingsources to writing the critical sections ofa competitive grant application.
Cheryl Vogrig, director of the Officeof Grants and Contracts, praised Cal U’sgrant writers.
“This celebration is to recognize youand commend you for your efforts,” shesaid. “Throughout the process, win orlose, we work as a team to seek external
grant funding to help Cal U fulfill itsmission.”
Assisting Vogrig in the Office ofGrants and Contracts are post-awardadministrator Lewis Honaker and secre-tary Kim Rabbitt.
Provost Geraldine Jones reportedthat during the 2010-2011 academic year,the office administered 125 grants andcontracts totaling $4.4 million.
Of those, 87 new awards werereceived, totaling $1.8 million.
“Your work with grants is so impor-tant to this University, and it really setsyou apart from the rest,” Jones said.“The grant work you do not only bringsrecognition to yourselves but to theUniversity as a whole, especially in thesedifficult economic times.
“I can’t thank you enough for that.”The 2010-2011 yearbook of grants activi-
ty, “Laude 2011,” is available online atwww.calu.edu/faculty-staff/laude.
Agraduate degree may be theticket to a better job, a biggerpaycheck or a leadership
position in your chosen field — andearning a degree can be affordable interms of both time and money.
That’s the message Cal U isdelivering when the School of GraduateStudies and Research holds an openhouse from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday atthe Cal U Southpointe Center inCanonsburg.
The program will highlight both CalU’s traditional master’s degree programsand the array of degree and certificateprograms offered through the Internet-based Global Online, which gives busystudents the flexibility to complete theirstudies anytime, from anywhere in theworld.
Keynote speaker Dr. Charles P.Nemeth, chair of the ProfessionalStudies Department, will present “YouCan Afford Graduate School.”
His talk will explain how graduate
assistantships, scholarships and financialaid can reduce the cost of earning anadvanced degree.
Program directors will be on hand todiscuss individual programs withprospective students.
Cal U offers more than 30 master’sdegree programs in fields that includebusiness administration, education,nursing, counseling, athletic training,sport management, legal studies,exercise science, psychology, socialwork, applied criminology, and STEMeducation.
Certificate programs providespecialized training in areas such assports counseling, autism spectrumdisorders, Arabic language and culture,and Spanish for law enforcement andbusiness.
The Graduate School also offersteacher certification in a variety ofdisciplines, as well as principal’scertification or a superintendent letter ofeligibility.
Visit www.calu.edu to find links to onlineregistration, directions and a complete list ofacademic programs and accreditations; orregister for the School of Graduate Studiesand Research open house by calling DevonMarkish at 724-938-4912.
Students will receive valuable information on the advantages, program options and costeffectiveness of earning a master’s degree when the School of Graduate Studies andResearch holds an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Cal U Southpointe Center.
Dr. Susan Jasko has found away to blendcommunications and
meteorology.A professor of Communication
Studies at Cal U, Jasko is a self-described “secret science geek atheart.” Earlier this fall she served on aservice assessment team for theNational Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration’s National WeatherService.
Assessment teams are composedof experts who evaluate activitiesbefore, during and after weatherevents to determine the usefulness ofNWS products and services.
With the goal of continuousimprovement, the team generates areport that serves as an evaluative toolto address service deficiencies andshare best practices in operations andprocedures.
Jasko was one of 17 individualswho evaluated the NWS shortly afterHurricane Irene caused extensiveflooding and wind damage thissummer as the storm traveled throughthe Caribbean and along the EastCoast.
“This was one of the best things — Continued on page 2
Dr. John Cencichhonors Dr.
Katherine Mitchemat the Grant Writers
RecognitionCeremony forbecoming the
University’s latest‘Million Dollar
Achiever.’
2
‘Christmas Carol’ Opens Thursday
PR Professor Works With Weather Service
StudentsLearnLaw at
Mock Trial
— Continued from page 1
I’ve done in years,” said Jasko. “I wasvery impressed with the quality ofpeople who work for the weather service,the work they do and their dedication. Ifelt welcome and well regarded. Theywant and seek other points of view,which is rare in the world today.”
Jasko’s journey began when shehelped communication studies studentsget involved with the highly successfulStormFest event at the Carnegie ScienceCenter.
A year-and-a-half ago, Jaskoresponded to a request for participationfrom the American MeteorologicalSociety (AMS) and the NationalCommunication Association to submitthree abstracts dealing withcommunication issues and the weatherservice.
She collaborated on the project withcolleagues Dr. Chad Kauffman, in theDepartment of Earth Sciences, and Dr.
Paul Hettler, in the Businessand Economics Department.
The trio presented theabstracts at the AMS NationalConference in Seattle, Wash.There Jasko met Dr. VankitaBrown, a social scientist withthe NWS’s Performance andAwareness Division. The twokept in touch, and Brownrequested Jasko’s help in earlySeptember.
“She’s phenomenal,” Brown said.“Susan’s a high thinker who has a greatfeel for her discipline but also bringstogether so many important workingparts. I think the world of her.”
Jasko praised the NWS for quicklyspreading the word about potentiallydangerous weather events, but she notedthat people don’t always respond asexpected. Jasko believes communicationspecialists can help.
Not everyone responds to a severeweather warning by leaving the area, for
example.“The NWS is worried
about … why people wouldnot leave when they’ve beentold they will be washed out tosea,” she said.
“The way people processinformation is all contextual,and you have to understandthat your messages are not theonly thing competing for theirattention. We interpret
information based on what’s happeningin the moment, what’s important to usand what others say.”
Jasko’s NWS assessment team beganits work in the mid-Atlantic, headedsouth and ended up in Washington, D.C.They met with workers from the FederalEmergency Management Agency and anumber of weather forecastingorganizations.
Jasko said she especially enjoyedvisiting the Office of EmergencyManagement in Brooklyn, N.Y.
“That facility is like walking into aspaceship. The technology and setup inthere was incredible.”
After sharing information online andthrough conference calls, Jasko’s team isexpected to file an extensive report withformer astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan,assistant secretary of commerce forenvironmental observation andprediction.
Jasko also participated in an NWSwebinar, where she gave a presentationabout communication issues to 80weather experts known as warningcoordination meteorologists.
Upon returning to campus she sharedher experiences with communicationtheory students.
“Many of them were quite interested,because it’s an applied form ofcommunication and critique,” Jasko said.“There’s also an important role for PRspecialists, because the NWS needsrepresentatives and community affairspeople.”
Dr. Susan Jasko
The Department of Theatre andDance welcomes the holidayseason with its production of “A
Christmas Carol,” a heartwarming, toe-tapping musical extravaganza.
Performances of the classic tale byCharles Dickens are set for 8 p.m.Thursday through Saturday in SteeleHall Mainstage Theatre, with matineesat 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
All performances are open to thepublic.
With music by Alan Mencken andlyrics by Lynn Ahrens, the musical tellsthe story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge,who changes his ways after visits by theghosts of Christmases past, present andfuture.
Michael Slavin directs the show,with musical direction by Ted Kovalland choreography by Diane Eperthener.
Cost is $12 for adults, seniors andchildren. Cal U students with validCalCards are admitted free.
For ticket information, or to ordertickets by phone, call the Steele BoxOffice at 724-938-5943.
Performances of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ a classic tale by Charles Dickens, begin thisThursday night in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.
Different DrummersStudents Valerie Herrero (left) and Eric McRae feel the beat as they join an interactive drum circle Nov. 15 in Manderino Library. Interactivedrumming is a form of alternative healing that can relieve stress and ease anxiety. The instruments were provided by the Mesa Creative ArtsCenter, whose co-founders, Kate and Brad Silberberg, also spoke about alternative healing with Dr. Cassandra Kuba’s medical anthropologyclass. Sponsored by the Anthropology Club, the activity was coordinated by Kuba and Dr. John Nass.
James Record wanted to create anengaging learning environment forhis students in the Department of
Justice, Law and Society — so he decidedto put them “on trial.”
Their final exam was a mock trialwhich took place Nov. 29 in the CarterHall Multipurpose Room.
“I loved my time as a trial attorney,and I also love to teach,” Record said.
“Not only did I want to combine twothings that I love to do, but I thought themock trail would help students bettercomprehend difficult subject matter.”
Students in Record’s Law andEvidence class spent the first half of thesemester learning in a more traditionalstyle, with lectures, readings and somevideos, followed by a mid-term exam.
Since then, Record has turned to a“minimally invasive” teaching style.
“After the students unanimously votedto hold a mock trial, I informed themthat part of their grade would be deter-mined by how they prepare for trial,”Record said.
“I am here to guide them and helpwhen needed, but I see my role being acoach more than a teacher at this point.”
Students divided themselves into pros-ecution and defense teams, witnesses,police officers, and forensic experts. Theyused class time to conduct research, pre-pare for the trial and practice openingand closing arguments.
Volunteers played the roles of jurors,and Record sat on the judge’s bench todetermine the outcome of a “sexualassault case.”
Record said he purposely chose thetopic to raise awareness about a nationalproblem on college campuses, and hisstudents have responded well.
“I think the trial has been anoverwhelming success already, basedupon the feedback I’ve been receiving,”he said.
“The students have surprised me withtheir enthusiasm.”
For more information about the mocktrial contact, James Record at 724-938-4294 [email protected].
3
Tuesday is Hockey NightCal U, the official education
partner of the PittsburghPenguins, will celebrate its
second Hockey Night on Tuesday atthe CONSOL Energy Center inPittsburgh.
The men’s and women’s hockeyteams will face off against collegiaterivals on the Penguins’ home ice, withgames scheduled for 2:30, 5 and 8 p.m.
In addition, the first 250 studentsand alumni to line up and sign awaiver will get a chance to skate on theCONSOL Energy Center ice. Theactivity is BYOS — Bring Your OwnSkates.
During the Hockey Nightfestivities, the Penguins mascot andplayers will be on hand to signautographs and pose for snapshots. Analumni reception, on-ice entertainmentwith the Penguins’ Ice Crew, a Toys forTots collection, entertainment andgiveaways are planned.
Tickets are available at theinformation desk in the Natali StudentCenter, through Ticketmaster, and atthe Trib Total Media Box Office atCONSOL Energy Center on the day ofthe event.
Cost is $8 for fans of all ages.Students are admitted free with a validCalCard. Proceeds benefit thePenguins Scholarship Fund.
Students, faculty, staff and alumni
may ride a fan bus from the NataliStudent Center parking lot toCONSOL Energy Center. Check theCal U website, www.calu.edu, fordetails about departure times andregistering to ride.
In Pittsburgh, parking is availablein the CONSOL Parking Garage; fee is$7.
All participants in Cal U Hockey Night
activities must enter through the Trib TotalMedia entrance at CONSOL EnergyCenter.
Those who wish to participate in the“free skate” at 7 p.m. must bring their ownskates and sign a liability waiver.Participation is limited to the first 250skaters.
For a complete schedule and up-to-the-minute information, visit www.calu.edu.
SECAOrganizers
SayThanks
“On behalf of the StateEmployee Combined Appeal(SECA) Campaign for theUnited Way and the UnitedWay of Mon Valley, a greatbig ‘thank you’ to the staff atAVI for their support andgenerosity, and to the variousCal U staff members and stu-dents who assisted with theHalloween Day spaghettiluncheon.
“A special thanks to stu-dents from the Center forCivic Engagement, the rugbyteam, Alpha Lambda Deltaand AmeriCorps, who pack-aged and delivered lunches oncampus and in the communi-ty.
“The luncheon raisedmore than $1,400 for thecampaign, and we appreciatethe participation of all whowere involved. This is thefifth year for this event, andwe hope to increase participa-tion in the years to come.
“As of Nov. 4, the SECACampaign at Cal U has raised$24,000 toward its $40,000goal. Thank you!”
Dana Turcic andNorman Hasbrouck
Co-chairs for theSECA Campaign
Barbara M. ArmentiPresident of the
Board of Directors, United Way of Mon Valley
Cal U’s spirited hockey fans are expected to make a strong showing at CONSOL Energycenter in Pittsburgh Tuesday. Last year about 2,500 Vulcan fans rocked the state-of-the-art facility.
Avolleyball player has become thethird Vulcan student-athlete toreceive a Pennsylvania State
Athletic Conference (PSAC) ChampionScholar Award.
Sophomore Abbey Freund, a setterfor the team, accepted the award Nov.11 during the PSAC Final FourChampionship Tournament at LockHaven University.
Freund shared the award withClarion sophomore Hannah Heeter.
The Champion Scholar Award, newthis year, is presented at each of thePSAC’s 23 team championship finals. Ithonors the student at each contest withthe highest cumulative grade-point aver-age.
The selection criteria for the awardsis identical to that of the NCAA Elite88 awards, which honor the student-ath-lete with the top GPA at each of thechampionship finals sites of the 88NCAA championships across divisionsI, II and III.
A native of Cottage Grove, Wis.,Freund is a communication disordersmajor who boasts a cumulative GPA of3.969. She recently was named to theCapital One Academic All-District FirstTeam.
On the volleyball court, Freund hasrecorded a career-high 621 assists thisseason and helped the Vulcans win theirfifth PSAC title in seven years andadvance to the NCAA AtlanticRegional championship match for asixth straight year. The team finishedthe 2011 season with a 33-5 overallrecord.
Earlier this fall, Cal U senior crosscountry runner Tim Lahmers andwomen’s soccer senior defender KristenOrrett earned the Champion ScholarAwards in their respective sports.
VolleyballPlayer Nets
ScholarAward
Sophomore setter Abbey Freund is thethird Vulcan student-athlete to receive aPSAC Champion Scholar Award.
Cal U’s Government AgencyCoordination Office (GACO),Slippery Rock University and
the U.S. Navy recently hosted the 24thannual Procurement Opportunities Fairat the Four Points Sheraton North inMars, Pa.
Focused on providing westernPennsylvania businesses withcontracting and subcontractingopportunities, the fair featured 108booths occupied by governmentagencies, corporations, regional serviceorganizations and area businesses. Morethan 350 participants attended the fair;
most were sales representatives orowners of regional businesses.
According to GACO directorDeborah Wojcik, local businessesassisted by Cal U’s GACO programhave reported receiving nearly 34,000contracts and subcontracts totalingnearly $2.58 billion.
Cal U’s GACO program issupported by grants from the SarahScaife Foundation and the DefenseLogistics Agency.
GACO’s 2012 Procurement Fair willbe held on Oct. 24 at the DoubleTreeHotel in Washington, Pa.
Members of the campus community who would like to observe sunspots orlearn the basics of using a telescope may join the Society of PhysicsStudents at 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the courtyard outside the
New Science building. Solar observation depends on weather conditions. In the event of inclement
weather, the activity will be postponed to the next meeting time. For more information, e-mail Steve Allinger at [email protected] or Dr. Kausar
Participating in the 24th annual Procurement Opportunities Fair were (from left) JohnGreene, vice president of the Joseph B. Fay Co.; Deborah Wojcik, GACO director; and KatieSpear, marketing director at Joseph B. Fay.
Here Comes the Sun
4
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.University President
Geraldine M. Jones Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Lenora Angelone Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services
Ron HuiattVice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Robert Thorn Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance
Craig ButzineVice President for Marketing and University Relations
Christine KindlEditor
Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff BenderWriters
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Office of Communications and Public Relations 250 University Avenue California, PA 15419 724-938-4195 [email protected]
THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUMNOVEMBER 11, 2011 / 4:00 p.m., Dixon Room 327
APPROVED MINUTES
The California University Forum met
in regular session Tuesday,
November 1, 2010, in Dixon, Room
327. Presiding Officer Hoover called
the meeting order at 4:00 p.m.
The following senators were in
attendance:
Ms. Cary Banner
Dr. Jane Bonari
Ms. Alexandra Brooks
Ms. Roberta Busha
Mr. Craig Butzine
Dr. John Confer (tardy)
Ms. Lena Danka
Mr. Todd Edwards
Ms. Fran Fayish
Ms. Jill Fernandes
Ms. Rhonda Gifford
Mr. Yancey Goshorn
Ms. Autumn Harris
Ms. Geraldine Jones
Dr. Kevin Koury
Dr. Sean Madden
Dr. Charles Mance
Ms. Morgan O’Rourke
Dr. Nancy Pinardi
Dr. Carrie Rosengart
Mr. Gary Seelye
Dr. Craig Smith
Mr. Jacob Smith
Dr. Emily Sweitzer
Dr. Tom Wickham
Dr. Brian Wood
Dr. Kimberly Woznack
Ms. Donna Wright
Dr. Mohamed Yamba
The following were also in
attendance:
Mr. Douglas Hoover, Presiding Officer
Mr. Loring Prest, Parliamentarian
Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording
Secretary
The following senators were absent:
Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr.
Mr. Nicholas Battista
Mr. Rick Bertagnolli
Dr. Bill Biddington
Ms. Janelle Brewer
Ms. Betsy Clark
Mr. Shane Fox
Ms. Darla Kurnal
Mr. Donny Marszalek
Mr. Josh Mrosko
Mr. William O’Donnell
Mr. Robert Thorn
Mr. Michael Wagner
The agenda was presented, approved
and the meeting proceeded
Presiding Officer Hoover stated that
the approved Forum minutes of
October 4, 2011 are available on the
Forum website
(http://www.calu.edu/faculty-
staff/administration/forum/index.htm)
or Public Folders in the Microsoft
Outlook. A hard copy of the executive
committee minutes of October 18,
2011 is included in the senators’
packets for informational purposes.
Presiding Officer’s Report
Presiding Officer Hoover noted the
next executive committee meeting will
be held on Tuesday, November 22,
2011 in Room 408 of the Manderino
Library and the University Community
is welcome to attend.
Public Comments
There were no public comments
offered at this time.
Interpellation
Senator Madden inquired as to how
to properly address a constituency
concern. Presiding Officer Hoover
noted either under new business or
the next executive committee
meeting.
Motion:
Establish a committee to review
the constitution and recommend
changes for the Forum’s
consideration; the committee to be
made up of the following: Loring
Prest, Parliamentarian; Sean
Madden, Faculty Senator; Walter
Harris, Student Senator (Student
Government President); and two
additional senators.
Senator C. Smith presented the
motion on behalf of the Faculty
Senate. The rational for this motion is
so that a review of the university
forum can be conducted according to
the Constitution of the California
University Forum (Article VIII, Section
1, page 11): “The Executive
Committee shall have the authority
and the responsibility to assure the
proper functions and periodic
(biennial) review of the California
University Forum, according to its
approved Constitution and Bylaws.”
There being no further discussion or
questions, a vote was taken.
VOTE: Motion carries unanimously.
It was recommended that Presiding
Officer Hoover select the two
additional senators; there were no
objections.
Motion:
Be it resolved, that the Budget
Committee shall review the
University budget and report to the
Executive Committee in a timely
manner so that the Forum may
review and comment upon the
budget.
Senator C. Smith noted that the
Forum and Executive Committee
minutes for the last two academic
years included no reports from the
Budget Committee. Senator C. Smith
noted that it is thought that the Forum
is an inert, non-functioning body.
Senator C. Smith cited the section
concerning the Budget Committee in
the Constitution of the California
University Forum (Article VIII, Section
4, page 14):
THE BUDGET COMMITTEE – The
Budget Committee shall monitor the
development of the University Budget,
not on an audit-type or line-by-line
review of all expenditures, but rather
to make certain that major allocations
of funds among the colleges, schools,
activities and interests of the
University are in accord with the
Annual Statement of University
Policies, Priorities, and Resources.
This document will be developed by
the University administration, with
input from the Planning and Priorities
Committee, and will be finalized after
review and comment by the
University Forum.
The Budget Committee shall maintain
liaison with the administrative group
designated by the University
President to formulate the annual
University Budget. The Budget
Committee shall report its activities to
the Executive Committee for inclusion
on the agenda of each regular
meeting of the Forum until such time
as the budget has been formally
presented for review and comment by
the Forum. The Budget Committee
shall immediately notify the Executive
Committee of any proposed
allocations that are not in accord with
the Annual Statement of University
Policies, Priorities, and Resources.
A discussion was held regarding ALL
of the standing committees; it was
noted that the intent of the motion is
for the committee to fulfil its specific
charge based on the language of the
constitution.
There being no further discussion, a
vote was taken. VOTE: Motion carries
unanimously.
Motion:
Be it resolved, that that the
Planning and Priorities Committee
shall review the Annual Statement
of University Policies, Priorities,
and Resources and report to the
Executive Committee in a timely
manner so that the Forum may
review and comment upon the
Annual Statement of University
Policies, Priorities, and Resources
Senator C. Smith noted that the
Forum and Executive Committee
minutes for the last two academic
years included no reports from the
Planning and Priorities Committee.
Senator C. Smith noted that it is
thought that the Forum is an inert,
non-functioning body. Senator C.
Smith cited the section concerning the
Planning and Priorities Committee in
the Constitution of the California
University Forum (Article VIII, Section
7, page 15):
THE PLANNING AND PRIO RITIES
COMMITTEE - The Planning and
Priorities Committee shall have the
authority to make recommendations
to the Forum regarding long-range
institutional goals, as well as annual
goals for the University as a whole.
The Committee shall also have
authority to recommend priorities for
fund raising, for the construction of
new buildings, and for major additions
and/or renovations to existing
buildings, on a University-wide basis.
A key responsibility of the Planning
and Priorities Committee shall be to
review and offer comment on the
Annual Statement of University
Policies, Priorities, and Resources, as
that document is being developed by
the University administration, and
prior to its being presented to the
Forum for its review and comment.
After a brief discussion, a voice vote
was taken. VOTE: Motion carries
unanimously
Senator Koury moved for a roll call;
Second by Senator Wickham. Motion
for roll call passed.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Yeas: 17. Nays:
11. Motion carries.
New Business
Senator Madden recommended that
Multicultural Awareness not be
REMOVED from General Education
at the University. Senator Madden
noted that if it were to be removed,
California University of PA would be
the only university without this
academic component.
Senator Madden moved to keep
Multicultural Awareness in General
Education at California University of
PA. Second by Senator Brooks.
A discussed ensued on the
importance of keeping the
Multicultural Awareness as a
component.
Senator C. Smith moved to amend
the motion as follows: The forum
recommends that Multiculturalism
remain on the General Education
menu. Second by Senator O’Rouke.
Presiding Officer Hoover called for the
question on accepting the
amendment as a rewording of the
motion: VOTE: Motion to amend
carries unanimously.
After further discussion, a vote was
taken on the motion as amended.
VOTE: Motion carries.
Abstain: 1 (Jones)
Senator Koury moved to recommend
only five catagories be allowed to be
included in the General Education
menu. Second by Senator Yamba.
After some discussion, Senator
Edwards moved to postpone the
motion until the January 2012
meeting of the Forum. Second by
Senator Danka.
Senator Brooks moved to amend the
postponement to the December 6,
2012 meeting of the Forum. After
discussion, a vote on the amendment
was taken.
VOTE: Motion to amend carries.
After discussion, a vote was taken on
the motion to postpone the main
motion to the December 6 meeting of
the Forum.
VOTE: Motion to postpone carries.
MINUTES APPROVED BY
MAJORITY VIA E-MAIL BALLOT.
December 6, 20114:00 p.m, Dixon
Room 327
TENTATIVE AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. ADOPTION OF
AGENDA
IV. MINUTES OF
NOVEMBER 1,
2011
(Approved by e-mail
ballot – refer to
Forum website or
Public Folders in
Outlook)
V. MINUTES OF
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
(Informational Only –
Minutes November
22, 2011)
VI. PRESIDING
OFFICER’S
REPORT
A. Miscellaneous
Information
B. Notice of
Executive Committee
Meeting: January 24,
2012 – University Community Welcome
VII. PUBLIC
COMMENTS
VIII. INTERPELLATION
IX. MOTION
The forum
recommends only
five categories be
allowed to be
included in the
General Education
menu.
X. NEW BUSINESS
XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next FORUM
Meeting JANUARY
31, 2012
XII. ADJOURNMENT
THE CALIFORNIAUNIVERSITY
FORUM
TrusteesMeet Dec. 7
The Cal U Councilof Trustees will hold itsfinal quarterly meetingof 2011 at 7 p.m.Wednesday in thePresident’s conferenceroom, Room 110 ofOld Main.
