Cal U Journal - March 14, 2011

California University

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 8 MARCH 14, 2011

Olympic Medalist Headlines Women’s Conference

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softball player with two Olympic medals will deliver the keynote address at Thursday’s sixth annual Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference.

As a member of the U.S. women’s softball team, Jessica Mendoza won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and added a silver medal at the 2008 Games in Beijing.

Mendoza’s talk, at 7 p.m. in the Natali Student Center, caps off a daylong series of presentations related to social justice issues in athletics.

The conference, Leveling the Playing Field: Examining Gender, Social Justice and Sports, will address topics such Softball standout as gender equity in Jessica Mendoza intercollegiate athletics, racism in sports and socially responsible images of female college athletes.

Today, Mendoza is a left fielder for the league champion USSSA Florida Pride, a member of the National Pro Fastpitch league. A color analyst for ESPN during college football season and the Women’s College World Series, she is past president of the Women’s Sports Foundation, which named her its Sportswoman of the Year in 2008. The mission of the foundation, established by tennis great Billie Jean King, is “to advance the lives of girls and women through sport and physical activity.”

— Continued on page 4

Drs. Christine Patti (left) and Joseph Zisk look over conference information with Provost Geraldine Jones at Abilene Christian University.

‘Fact-Finders’ Attend Mobile Technology Summit

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al U faculty and staff explored mobile technology as a tool for teaching and learning at the 2011 Abilene Christian University Connected Summit, Feb. 27March 2 in Abilene, Texas.

The summit, “Turning the Page: The Next Chapter for Education,” brought together leading experts and practitioners in K-20 mobile learning and emerging pedagogies.

Conference tracks focused on media and mobility, teaching and learning, the future of books, K-12 education, infrastructure and logistics, research, and campus spotlights.

Cal U has looked to Abilene Christian’s “ACU Connected” program as a model for Cal U Fusion, a campuswide mobile technology initiative that has begun to explore innovative ways to use handheld devices in education.

“We participated in the conference for a variety of reasons, but the focus was faculty involvement,” said Charles Mance, Cal U’s vice president for University Technology Services.

“We wanted our faculty to experience what Abilene

Christian is doing in the mobile education space and the challenges they face. It also gave them an excellent opportunity to collaborate and network with other universities.”

Cal U’s attendance at the Connected Summit was a joint venture between UTech Services and Academic Affairs.

“Provost Jones was instrumental in selecting the faculty that administration felt would best benefit from the experience,” Mance said. “Someone from Cal U probably was at every session.

“The conference was a successful fact-finding mission that gave us a good look of what’s out there. We won’t mimic what Abilene is doing, but it’s a good sounding board as we start looking at mobile technology from our own perspective.”

One of the keynote speakers was Steve Wozniak, cofounder of Apple Inc. and chief scientist at Fusion IO. One of two grand prizes awarded at the conference was an Apple iPad autographed by “Woz.“ — Continued on page 3

Rutledge Scholars: Strong, Determined and Grateful

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At a recent luncheon, students thanked Tom ’77 and Karen Rutledge for their generosity.

Seated (left to right): Edward Shuty, Jr.; Jessica Casini; Jennifer Krivijanski; Robyn McIlwain; and Kimberly Altman. Standing (left to right): Robert Grimm, Carrie Koposko, President Angelo Armenti, Jr.; First Lady Barbara Armenti; Karen Rutledge; Tom Rutledge; Alisha (Rutledge) Alonso, and Tom Rutledge, Jr.

t a luncheon Feb. 22 in the Kara Alumni House, seven students thanked alumni benefactors Tom ’77 and Karen Rutledge for making a difference in their lives.

“You helped my family astronomically,” said one of the seven Rutledge Scholars in attendance. “Thank you for allowing me to give my son and myself a better life.”

Each of the Rutledge Family Scholarship recipients is married and/or has children. All are attending Cal U full time.

Their circumstances are reminiscent of the alumni couple’s college days, when Tom Rutledge was a nontraditional student and his wife was waiting tables and raising their daughter, who learned to walk on the Quad, the couple said.

Tom Rutledge went on to build a successful career in the cable/media industry. He now is chief operating officer of Cablevision, which serves 5.3 million customers in the New York metropolitan area.

The couple’s philanthropy provides assistance to 20 Rutledge Scholars each year.

— Continued on page 3

Finances Discussed at Student Convocation

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al U must continue to rely on entrepreneurial ideas and philanthropic initiatives as it deals with an ongoing funding crisis that is affecting all public universities in the state, President Angelo Armenti, Jr. told the audience at the spring Student Convocation.

The President presented information from “The Future of Public Higher Education,” a presentation he developed last fall for a meeting of the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees last fall at Kutztown University.

At the March 1 Convocation, President Armenti explained how tuition changes would benefit students who struggle to afford a college education and also assist the 14 stateowned universities.

“The amount of family resources that is required to send a student to college is greater (than in the past),” he said. “It is not your imagination. We are receiving less state funding and being forced to become ‘private’ because the changing demographics are changing the way public higher education is funded.”

President Armenti urged students to recognize those who have helped to pay for their education — taxpayers, family, friends and private scholarship donors.

“Somebody helped you,” he said.

“That’s what the Cal U for Life initiative is all about. Be grateful for the help you received from others and when you can, you need to pay that forward.”

Until changes can be made to the way schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education are funded, the University will continue to cultivate new sources of revenue. As one example, President Armenti cited the executive conferencing services in the new Convocation Center, which will be available to outside groups.

“We are going to continue to live by our wits,” he said.

The President also provided several other updates related to Cal U Fusion, defined as the fusing of technology with

President Angelo Armenti, Jr. presented information at Student Convocation that shows a decrease in state funding is forcing Cal U and other public universities to function more like private institutions.

Mia Lunardi (second from left) listens to President Armenti’s address during the Student Convocation inside the Performance Center on March 1.

learning and life: Seventy-four rooms on campus will be upgraded and equipped as “smart”

classrooms.

An upgrade to the wireless technology on campus will allow for

“ubiquity” — when all students use handheld devices such as tablet computers and smart phones.

A Teaching and Learning Center will be developed with help from the Faculty Professional Development Center. Students will be able to visit the TLC to learn more about emerging technologies — and to teach others about them, as well.

President Armenti discussed the status of various construction projects on campus, including the students’ vote to approve renovations to the Natali Student Center.

He announced that Cal U continues to make progress toward gender equity on the faculty and with its athletic teams, and he noted that enrollment again has increased. Spring enrollment for undergraduates is up 1.1 percent over last year’s figures, and graduate enrollment is up 10.1 percent compared to last year.

Students Experience Driving Dangers

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ow dangerous is drinking or texting while driving?

Cal U students saw for themselves — without adverse consequences — when they visited a drunken driving simulator in the Performance Center on Feb. 21.

The simulator re-creates what happens when someone drives after drinking alcohol or sends text messages while at the wheel.

One student who experienced the simulator for her first time was Julie Mackenzie, a graduate assistant for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program (OPTIONS) at Cal U. She chose the option of drinking and driving, then stepped up to the simulator.

“It was a unique experience, an eyeopener,” she said. “I found it quite difficult to pay attention to the speed I was going, the traffic lights, and the lines on the road.

Her simulated ride ended when she crashed into a house and received a fictitious traffic citation for driving under the influence, speeding, swerving, and vehicular manslaughter.

“It was overwhelming. There was a noticeable difference in my reaction time,” Mackenzie said. “I would notice

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Hollywood Ruch, the national spokesperson for MADD, shared his inspiring story as part of Cal U’s Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign Day.

that I was swaying from side to side, but my reactions weren’t quick enough to be able to fix it. I have never driven under

the influence, and I realized this is something I never want to experience again.”

The simulators were just one component of Cal U’s Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign Day. Students also heard from Hollywood Ruch, the national spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD).

Ruch, 14, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., survived an alcohol-related crash involving his biological father. The teen has taken his message to both Capitol Hill and the White House, and he recently was honored by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program as one of the two top youth volunteers from Pennsylvania.

“I survived that crash, and I personally feel like I have a moral obligation to be a voice for those who haven’t survived (alcohol-related crashes), so no other kid has to go through what I have,” Ruch said.

Many people have told Ruch they made different choices in their lives because of his message, he said. “If I can help one person, I definitely made a difference.”

Students who signed “Casey’s

Pledge,” promising not to drink and drive, received a bracelet on Campaign Day. The pledge is named for 20-year-old Casey Goodwin, who died in 2003 after a head-on crash involving an 18-year-old who had been drinking.

Former classmates and member of the California Youth Council initiated the pledge, which encourages youths to live a healthy lifestyle. In Casey’s memory they promise to remain alcoholfree, or promise never to drive drunk or to get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.

“The students really enjoyed using simulators,” said Donna George, Cal U’s alcohol and other drug prevention specialist. “This gave them an excellent and safe chance to find out just how difficult operating an automobile can be under the influence of alcohol or texting.”

“The speaker was highly inspirational,” George added. “He has a very important story to tell.”

The Office of Student Affairs and HEART, a student group focused on Wellness Education, funded the event.

Options @ Cal U, a peer education program, helped with planning, advertising and staffing.

Cal U’s Council of Trustees has given its unanimous consent for the Natali Student Center project, which will expand the facility by 45 percent.

Board of Trustees OKs Natali Project, Renews President’s Contract

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enovation and expansion of the Natali Student Center is one step closer to reality now that the Cal U Council of Trustees has given its unanimous consent for the project.

The Trustees also renewed the contract of President Angelo Armenti, Jr. when they held their quarterly meeting March 2 in Old Main.

In green-lighting the plans for Natali, the panel echoed the wishes of students, who approved the project in a referendum Feb. 14-15. More than 72 percent of students who voted favored the renovation, which will expand the facility by 45 percent and provide a state-ofthe-art gathering place for resident students and commuters.

“This is a very necessary expansion, an aggressive step but one we must take,” said Trustee Jerry Spangler ’74. “More space is definitely needed.”

Student Trustee Jackie Davis noted that even upperclassmen support the $30 million project, although it won’t be completed until after they graduate.

“Even though we won’t be here, we’re excited to come back and see what’s going to happen,” she said.

Under PASSHE regulations, students will pay for the renovations through an increase in the student center fee.

The project will be presented for approval by the PASSHE Board of Governors next month. If approved, plans call for construction to begin in March 2012, with a completion date of January 2014.

Two new bachelor’s degree programs — in

‘This is a very necessary expansion, an aggressive step but one we must take.

More space is definitely needed.’

— Trustee Jerry Spangler ’74

Jurisprudence and Arabic — also will be presented for the Board of Governors’ approval. Both received unanimous “yes” votes from the Trustees.

In other business: ■ The Trustees agreed to confer an honorary degree upon alumnus Charles S. Pryor ’73. He will be honored during May 7 Commencement ceremonies.

■ Provost Geraldine Jones reported that enrollment for the spring semester has increased by nearly 2.5 percent compared to last spring. Her report also introduced two new faculty members: Spencer Norma, of the Department of Art and Design; and Charlotte Orient, of the Elementary, Middle and Special Education Department.

■ Lenora Angelone, Vice President for Student Affairs, reported on student activities that highlight civic engagement. Among them was a successful Black History Month celebration that featured 23 different events.

■ Craig Butzine, interim Vice President for Marketing and University Relations, reviewed efforts to measure success in marketing and public relations. He discussed

Fact-finders Attend Mobile Technology Summit

a project, completed in conjunction with University Technology Services, to develop a more efficient Emergency Alert Panel for timely communications, and he noted that use of the events calendar on the Cal U website has increased 183 percent over the last quarter.

■ Butzine also described placing Cal U’s message before millions of viewers by purchasing discounted air time and showing the University’s new TV commercial during the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl, at a cost of just 5 cents or 6 cents per viewer.

■ Ron Huiatt, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, reported that the inaugural Senior Gift Drive, which raised $8,000, set the bar high for donors: The 14.5 percent participation by the Class of 2010 exceeds the giving rate of all other graduating classes. Huiatt also reported that the Campaign to Build Character and Careers has brought in nearly $24.17 million, on its way to a goal of $35 million.

■ Dr. Charles Mance, Vice President for University Technology Services, reported that the campus Wi-Fi project, the “smart” classroom initiative and work on the Phillipsburg Data Center are all on track. Changing from the old “cup.edu” domain name to the current “calu.edu” name has virtually eliminated junk e-mail and “spam,” but Mance cautioned these will work its way back into the online environment.

Mance also reported that the registration component of the Banner administrative system is set to “go live” next month.

The next Trustees meeting is June 1.

Rutledge Scholars: Strong, Determined and Grateful

— Continued from page 1 — Continued from page 1 The lucky winner was Cal U’s own Dr. Christina Patti, of the Department of Educational Administration and Leadership. She is donating the prize to the silent auction at this June’s President’s Gala fundraiser, where she will receive the President’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.

“The conference was very inspiring,” Patti said. “Promoting the use of mobile technology to meet the educational needs of students of today and tomorrow is showing our commitment to being current, innovative and proactive at Cal U.” Reflecting Patti’s thoughts was Dr. Tom Wickham, chair of the Department of Earth Sciences.

“My participation at the Connected conference broadened my insight as to how technology can be used to enhance both faculty and student educational

experiences,” he said.

Pam Delverne, director of new media services for the Student Association Inc., appreciated the chance to meet Cal U professors, as well as professionals from other schools.

“I seldom get an opportunity to interact with faculty,” she said. “I am grateful that a Student Affairs staff member was included. The conference really did give me a lot of ideas for increasing student engagement that I will try to implement in my programs.”

Summit participants from Cal U were Craig Butzine, John Cencich, C.J. DeJuliis, Pam Delverne, Liz Gillette, Chad Hanna, Doug Hoover, Laura Hummell, Geraldine Jones, Kurt Kearcher, Stan Komacek, Charles Mance, Barry McGlumphy, Kate Mitchem, Christina Patti, Harrison Pinckney, Matt Price, Joe Schickel, Ali Sezar, Ryan Sittler, Tom Wickham and Joe Zisk.

A separate scholarship assists students who accept internships outside the region.

At the luncheon, the students spoke from the heart, explaining the difference that scholarship aid has made in the lives of their families.

“Since I got this scholarship, my daughter’s grades have gone up,” one dad said, because he and his child have “homework time” together.

A single mother described a “life of struggles” eased by the couple’s generosity. The mother of three explained her dream of becoming a teacher.

A stay-at-home mom who returned to school after 20 years called the scholarship “affirming.”

A young widow just weeks away from graduation talked about seeking a fresh start. “What you did was enable me to go to school and still be at home with my children. Nothing was taken away from them,” she said.

“It is a pleasure to hear from you,” Karen Rutledge told the students.

“Even more satisfying is the strength that you project. That affirmation is what we wanted to create with these scholarships.”

“You have the determination to succeed,” her husband added. “You can see your life being better.”

University President Angelo Armenti, Jr. described private scholarships as the University’s greatest need, and he hailed the couple as role models for Cal U alumni and friends.

“By their actions, they live the philosophy of ‘paying it forward,’” he said.

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THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM

THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM

FEBRUARY 15, 2011 / 4:00 p.m., LRC Auditorium THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM February 15, 2011 / 4:00 p.m., LRC Auditorium

March 15, 2011 4:00 p.m, LRC Auditorium TENTATIVE AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Alexander Brooks Mr. Craig Butzine Ms. Betsy Clark Dr. Leonard Colelli Ms. Sharon Elkettani Ms. Fran Fayish Dr. Kevin Koury Dr. Tom Mueller Ms. Rebecca Nichols Dr. Nancy Pinardi Mr. Gary Seelye Dr. Tom Wickham Dr. Brian Wood Dr. Kimberly Woznack

MINUTES

II. ROLL CALL

The California University Forum met in regular session Tuesday, February 15, 2011, in the LRC Auditorium. Presiding Officer Hoover called the meeting order at 4:10 p.m.

III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA IV. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 15, 2011 (Approved by e-mail ballot – refer to Forum website or Public Folders in Outlook)

The following were also in attendance: Mr. Douglas Hoover, Presiding Officer

The following senators were in attendance: Dr. Lenora Angelone

V. MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Informational Only – Minutes March 1, 2011)

Mr. Loring Prest, Parliamentarian Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording Secretary The following senators were absent: Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. Ms. Brittany Balaz Mr. Rick Bertagnolli Ms. Jessica Bettilyon Dr. Bill Biddington Dr. Jane Bonari Ms. Roberta Busha Ms. Jacqueline Davis Mr. Shane Fox Prof. Barbara Hess Ms. Geraldine Jones Mr. Keith Kappel

Ms. Candice Kmetz Ms. Darla Kurnal Dr. Sean Madden Dr. Charles Mance Mr. Josh Mrosko Dr. Susan Ryan Ms. Sarah Scholar Dr. Michael Slaven Ms. Marguerite Smith Mr. Cory Stoner Dr. Emily Sweitzer Mr. Robert Thorn Mr. Mike Wagner Ms. Taylor Williams Due to the lack of a quorum of Forum senators, Presiding Officer Hoover adjourned the meeting at 4:12 p.m.

ATTENTION UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY!!

VI. PRESIDING OFFICER’S REPORT A. Miscellaneous Information B. Notice of Executive Committee Meeting: April 5, 2011 – University Community Welcome

Call for Student Nominations to Standing Committees to the California University Forum The California University Forum has announced a call for the nomination of students for the University Forum standing committees. The Forum is the University’s shared governance system, which enhances the communication between and among all segments of the University. The University Forum consists of administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumni, all of who have a voice in the university’s future. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, or community members may nominate any student of California University to serve. Selfnominations are permitted. The numbers of student seats available on the committees are as follows:

VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS VIII. INTERPELLATION Academic Policy Committee’s Review/Recommendation regarding Decision Making Process for English Composition II Motion IX. NEW BUSINESS X. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next FORUM Meeting MARCH 15, 2011 XI. ADJOURNMENT

Athletic Advisory (3)

Budget (2) Communication (3) Core Values (3) Planning & Priorities (3) Safety and Social Equity (3) Student Life (7) Technology (3) The committees meet periodically to tackle certain issues and make recommendations to the full Forum.

For further information and details of the committees visit the Forum website at http://www.calu.edu/facultystaff/administration/forum/index.htm.

The Forum Executive Committee will make the final decision on appointees to the various standing committees. The nominees will be

Campus BRIEFS Summer College Registration Continues California University’s Summer College makes it easy for students to earn extra credits.

With classes offered online or in a variety of face-toface sessions from May to August, students can pick the courses that fit their summer schedule.

Registration is ongoing, and visiting students are always welcome at Cal U’s Summer College.

To apply online, current students should visit sisweb.calu.edu. For a list of classes, visit www.calu.edu or e-mail summer@calu.edu. For a printed copy of the schedule, call 724-938-5840 or (toll-free) 866-268-9154.

The first five-week session will run from June 6 through July 9. The second session will meet from July 11 through Aug. 13. The 10-week session runs June 6 through Aug. 13.

Read the Journal Online The online Journal has a new look! To read the

Journal online, click “News” at the top of the Cal U homepage, www.calu.edu. Then choose “Cal U Journal” to see the current edition in its new format or to review archived editions from 2011.

contacted to confirm acceptance of their appointment.

The nomination form is available via the Public Folders (Campus-Wide Resources/University Forum) on the university’s Microsoft Exchange Server.

(For detailed instructions, contact the Computing Systems Helpdesk at campus extension 5911.) All nominations must be submitted to the Forum Office by Friday, March 25, 2011. For more information contact Mrs. Dana Turcic, Forum Recording Secretary at 724-938-1633 or via email at CalForum@calu.edu or turcic@calu.edu. You may also write her at University Forum Office, Campus Box: 99, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419.

Olympic Medalist Among Speakers at Women’s Conference — Continued from page 1

Staff Convocation Set for March 21

The Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference is just one highlight of Women’s History Month, celebrated each March at Cal U. Also scheduled to speak are: Ariko Iso, an athletic trainer for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the only female athletic trainer in the National Football League, at 9 a.m.

March 23.

Jackson Katz, a nationally known antiviolence and women’s rights advocate, at 7 p.m.

March 29.

To see a complete schedule for the AudreyBeth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference and details about other Women’s History Month events, visit www.calu.edu.

All events are free and open to the public.

Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.

.The Spring 2011 Staff Convocation has been rescheduled for 2 p.m. March 21 in the Performance Center of the Natali Student Center. President Angelo Armenti, Jr. will give his “State of the University” address and answer questions from the staff.

Correction A photo caption on page 3 of the Feb. 28 Journal gave incorrect information. The photo actually showed Cal U student-athlete Jerica Sneddon working on properly passing the baton with LeBron Pierce at the LeMoyne Multicultural Center’s gymnasium in Washington, Pa. The Journal regrets the error.

The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. University President

Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services

Craig Butzine Interim Vice President for Marketing and University Relations

Geraldine M. Jones Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Ron Huiatt Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Christine Kindl Editor

Dr. Lenora Angelone Vice President for Student Affairs

Robert Thorn Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance

Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers

Office of Communication and Public Relations

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

724-938-4195

wald@calu.edu

The Journal is printed on paper made from trees harvested under the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.SFIprogram.org).

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