Cal U Journal - March 24, 2013

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California University

Volume 16, Number 5 mArCH 24, 2014 Read the JouRnal online: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal

Trustees Approve Price Break for Service Members

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t its first quarterly meeting of 2014, the University’s Council of Trustees welcomed a new member and officially approved a twoyear pilot program that will reduce tuition costs for active-duty military members and their families who enroll in Cal U Global Online. Roberta “Robin” Betza, a 35-year veteran of the insurance industry and a vice president for Navigators Management Co. Inc., joined her fellow Trustees in voting to implement the pilot program this summer. A graduate of Edinboro University, Betza replaces Michael Napolitano ’68, whose term as a Trustee expired. The tuition reduction for service members is one of six “flexible tuition” initiatives approved in January by the PASSHE Board of Governors. Under Cal U’s pilot program, the cost of undergraduate tuition for service members, as well as their spouses and eligible dependents, will match the Military Tuition Assistance reimbursement. Currently, the reimbursement rate is $250 per credit for undergraduate programs. Also under the plan, service members and their families who enroll in Global Online graduate programs will pay about 90 percent of the in-state tuition rate, or $399 per credit. Lawrence “Larry” Maggi, the

First Robots Play Ball ®

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Nick Drew, a member of the U.S. Navy, works on an online assignment. Drew is one of many who will benefit from a two-year pilot program that will reduce tuition costs for active-duty military members and their families who enroll in Cal U Global Online.

council’s chair and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said “the word is out” among veterans and service members, who recognize Cal U as a military-friendly institution. The University projects a 5 percent increase in Global Online military enrollment during each of the pilot’s two years, resulting in a 5 percent gain in revenue in the program’s second year. “This is one of many initiatives to

help us recruit students and retain students,” said interim University President Geraldine M. Jones. In other business: • President Jones reported on other recruitment initiatives, including Application Day events that feature onthe-spot admissions decisions for high school students and new efforts to enroll tuition-paying students from overseas. — Continued on page 3

magine six, 120-pound robots playing a game that looks like a cross between soccer and basketball. Organized into competing three-member “alliances,” the remote-controlled players move red and blue exercise balls around a 25’ x 54’ playing field. The robots roll the balls and toss them into goals. They rumble across the floor, trying to block their opponents’ shots. Sometimes they heave the ball over a truss suspended about 5 feet above the playing surface. That’s worth extra points – and the crowd goes wild. Now imagine what it takes to design and build these robotic “athletes” — science, technology, engineering and math. All that, plus creativity and teamwork, is what FIRST ® Robotics is all about. More than 1,100 students in grades 9-12 will put their custom-built robots to the test at the Greater Pittsburgh Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, a varsity Sport for the MindTM coming to Cal U March 27-29. In all, 48 teams will travel across Pennsylvania and from as far away as Florida and Ontario to compete in the Convocation Center arena. Winners in the regional event will travel to the national competition next month in St. Louis, Mo. — Continued on page 4

Scholars Honored at Convocation

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henda Hershfield ’09 will deliver the honors address when California University recognizes nearly 1,400 of its most accomplished scholars at an Honors Convocation 2 p.m. April 5 in the Convocation Center. The University recognizes academic excellence on the part of master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree-seeking students by honoring Presidential Scholars at this annual event. In addition to meeting other requirements, Presidential Scholars carry a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher. Both fulland part-time students are eligible for the award. The names of qualifying students will be announced, and each student will receive a personal greeting and a special Presidential Scholar pin. Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones will preside over the Convocation, and Acting Provost Bruce Barnhart will introduce the platform party. Dr. Gwendolyn Perry-Burney will serve as faculty mace-bearer. Dr. Gregg Gould will be herald. In keeping with tradition, a distinguished graduate will address the scholars. Hershfield is a digital product manager at Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network in New York City. In this role she engages with show producers, talent and the Web design team to create new and engaging websites. Using her knowledge of best practices and latest trends in digital media, she creates websites that provide viewers with interactive experiences. Previously, Hershfield was a Web show page producer for the channel’s No. 1-rated shows “Hannity,” “Fox Report,” “America Live” and many more. — Continued on page 3

Heather Arnet, the film director and chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh-based Women and Girls Foundation, participates in a question-and-answer session during the during the Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Conference inside the north wing of the Cal U convocation Center.

Conference Celebrates Women

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ou can get involved,” guest speaker Heather Arnet told the audience as the ninth annual Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference got under way March 6 in the Convocation Center. The theme of the daylong conference was “Employing a Critical Lens: Engaging with film to Explore Media, Politics and the Military.” She delivered the message of action after the premiere of Madame Presidenta: Why Not U.S.? — Vamos Meninas! (“Let’s Go Girls.”) Arnet, who is the chief executive officer of the Women and Girls Foundation, used her

extensive experience in theater and film to make the movie in partnership with ELAS Women’s Social Investment Fund in Rio de Jaeiro. Madame Presidenta explores the cultural and economic landscape in Brazil and how the country’s policies and values led to the election of that country’s first female president. The film also touched on issues such as reproductive rights, voter rights and women’s roles in crafting legislation. “Stop asking for permission to enter the political system,” Arnet told the audience. “Get — Continued on page 2


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