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California University
Volume 15, Number 19 SePT. 9, 2013 Read the JouRnal online: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
University Deficit Erased F
or the first time in five years, Cal U has closed its books with a surplus rather than a financial deficit. A spontaneous round of applause broke out as interim University President Geraldine M. Jones delivered the good news Aug. 29 at the Faculty-Staff Convocation in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. President Jones inherited a projected budget deficit of nearly $12 million when she took the University’s reins in May 2012. Over the next 15 months, she and her leadership team eliminated costly, non-academic programs, such as the Smithsonian Institution exhibitions; scaled back nonessential services; furloughed managers last spring and left some other positions unfilled; and trimmed discretionary spending in every department. The result: A surplus that will be placed in the University’s fund balance, an account similar to a family’s “emergency fund.” The surplus total will be announced once auditors complete their final report for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. “The members of Cabinet and I have spent many, many hours examining our budget, keeping in mind our core mission of providing a quality education for our students,” President Jones said. “I’m excited to share this good news about last year’s budget, but we are still facing financial challenges for the 2013-2014 budget year.” Financial pressures created by a combination of flat or declining state appropriations, increased personnel costs and continuing enrollment challenges still bedevil the University. After a 9 percent drop in enrollment last year — the first decrease in more than a decade — Cal U’s overall headcount continues to slide. The student population on the third day of classes stood at 8,276, a decrease of less than 4 percent compared to fall 2012. But the main campus residence halls are at 99.3
Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones delivers good news Aug. 29 at the Faculty-Staff Convocation in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre about a budget suplus.
percent of capacity, and freshman enrollment leaped by a “remarkable” 26 percent, compared to last year. “That’s an astonishing turnaround — and it tells us that we’re now moving in the right direction,” the President said. To secure the gains made this year, President Jones said she intends to finalize a workforce development plan by the end of the semester. Like the deficit-cutting effort, the comprehensive plan will encompass every
aspect of the University. “As part of that plan, I will rescind the retrenchment letter that was delivered to our faculty union earlier this year,” she told the crowd, prompting a second round of applause. “Instead, the University will undertake a comprehensive review of all our academic programs, to ensure that we are directing our resources to the — Continued on page 3
Cal U Welcomes First-Year Students
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irst-year students from 42 states and nine different countries got their first taste of campus life at the fifth annual Cal U for Life New Student Orientation. Starting with Move-In Day on Aug. 23 and ending with a candlelight ceremony and fireworks on Aug. 25, the program helped freshman and transfer students meet their classmates and discover the programs and services offered at Cal U. A steady rain fell as new students and their families arrived for Move-In Day. Nearly 200 volunteers, mostly Cal U students, held umbrellas and carried boxes into the residence halls. By lunchtime the sun was shining, and interim University President Geraldine M. Jones was chatting with families as they enjoyed a picnic-style lunch in the Convocation Center. Junior Samantha Murin and her Delta Zeta sisters carried boxes into Residence Hall E, then shifted to Johnson Hall. “We’re here to get the freshmen moved in wherever they might be,” she said. “We want to help anyone who wants help.” “This is tremendous,” said Arnie Cisneros, of Rochester, Pa. His grandson, Anthony Coleman, is a freshman biology
Color Guard to Escort Powell
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Early-morning rains provided a wet welcome as students and families moved into the residence halls on the Cal U campus.
major who moved into Smith Hall. “I can’t thank the students who helped us enough,” Cisneros said. “They were so courteous and respectful, always calling me ‘sir’ and eager to help us. I love this campus.” Later that evening, students gathered in the Convocation Center to hear some practical advice about how to stay safe
while having fun at Cal U. Peer educators Stephanie Southerland, Holly Pefferman and Amber Preston, from the Options@ Cal U prevention program, led an interactive session that encouraged students to make smart choices. Students also heard from Cal U Police — Continued on page 2
hen former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell visits campus on Sept. 19, he will receive a Joint Service Color Guard ceremonial escort composed mainly of Cal U students. Robert Prah, director of Veterans Affairs, said Cal U students from the National Guard or Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force reserves will participate in the detail. The U.S. and state flags, along with all military branch flags, will be lined up behind Powell Sept. 19 during the 2013 Pittsburgh Diversity and Leadership Conference in the Cal U Convocation Center. “Logistically, we may not be able to find a Cal U student for every military branch, but that’s our goal,” said Prah. “A color guard detail that provides the official colors before an — Continued on page 2
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Camp Teaches Social, Leadership Skills
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al U faculty and graduate students joined forces with area parents last month to create a collaborative learning experience for children, including those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Leadership Camp’s primary mission was to build social skills for students of all abilities. “Social and leadership skills are so important for children of all ages to learn, especially those with autism spectrum disorders,” said camp organizer Mary Ann Rocco, an instructor in the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education. “We want to give each child the ability to be his or her best, and we do that by giving them social goals and having them become aware of their actions.” About 15 students from local school districts, including Brownsville Area, Bethlehem Center and California Area, took part in the weeklong camp. Each morning the campers met with Cal U graduate students enrolled in the autism spectrum certificate program. Together, they set social goals specifically tailored to each camper. Classes in physical fitness, music, collaborative team building, robotics,
Kaylee Huber (left) of Coal Center, Pa., designs a digital comic book on an iPad with graduate student and Leadership Camp counselor Stephanie Slavick ’12.
animation and other topics followed the goal-setting sessions. Throughout the day, campers used small “flip cameras” to record one other’s actions in class. Later, the videos became tools for teaching appropriate behavior in social situations. “The children really benefit from
learning social skills,” said Bethany Moslen ’13, a recent graduate who returned to campus as a Leadership Camp counselor. “Some of the children have a difficult time interacting with others, but all they want to do is talk with new people once they leave camp. The children make friendships
here that hopefully will last for life.” Now in its third year at Cal U, the Leadership Camp benefits all those involved. While campers with autism practice their social skills, other children gain a better understanding of people with ASD. Parents are encouraged not only to spend time with their children, but also to learn new techniques they can put into practice at home. Camp counselors gain experience leading classroom activities and working one-on-one with children, including those on the autism spectrum. These Cal U graduate students — who are studying to become special education teachers, counselors and social workers — also meet with parents. “We really listen to the parents to find out what skills school districts are overlooking and what parents expect from teachers,” said graduate student Megan DeVries. “It is wonderful to hear what parents are willing to try to help their child, and we all benefit from a camp like this. “Every child and parent may be different, but we all share something in common here. It is just a great place for us all to learn something new.”
Statesman is Focus of Constitution Day
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Cal U President Geraldine M. Jones and her husband, Jeff Jones, share a laugh with students and families during the Move-In Day lunch in the Convocation Center.
First-Year Students Arrive — Continued from page 1 Chief Ed McSheffery and California Borough Chief Rick Encapera. “For the next four years, dedicate yourself to getting good grades, staying safe and looking out for each other,” McSheffery advised. President Jones returned to welcome students to Saturday’s orientation program. Topics included academic success, the D2L online learning system, time management, health and wellness, civic engagement, career services, internships, and mentoring. “This is an exciting time for you, but I realize that it can be an anxious one, as well,” the President said. “As you make the transition to your new surroundings, please remember that many people are standing by, ready to help you get to know the campus and begin to feel at home. “Even more important, we will be here throughout your college years to assist you in achieving your personal and academic goals.” Before the closing candlelight ceremony, the newcomers gathered for their first convocation as Cal U students.
“Whatever the reason is that you chose Cal U, you made the right choice,” guest speaker Laura Montecalvo ’10, ’12 told them. “Get involved and join a club. The next four years will be what you make of it.” Just before dark, the students proceeded to the Vulcan statue on the Quad, where Student Government president Chelsea Getsy led the “Cal who? Cal U!” chant. Each first-year student then lit a candle, symbolically forging a lifelong relationship with the University. “It is really important that we do all of this for the students,” said junior Catalina Cencich, an orientation leader. “We want to show them that the University has so much to offer, and that we are here to support them and make them feel at home.” The weekend closed with a fireworks show that was visible across campus. “I think it’s great that the University provides these classes and activities during orientation,” said freshman Victoria Smith. “I’ve made many friends already through all of the icebreakers and group activities. I learned a lot from this weekend.”
tudents, employees and the general public may whet their appetite for Gen. Colin Powell’s appearance at a free Constitution Day presentation, “Colin Powell: An International Statesman,” at 11 a.m. Sept. 17 in Eberly Hall, Room 110. Dr. Michael Hummel, professor of leadership and security studies at Cal U, will deliver the keynote address. His talk, “Colin Powell: Trademark Leadership,” will review Powell’s military and political careers, his philosophy of leadership, and his role as founder of America’s Promise Alliance, a nationwide partnership focusing on the well-being of young people in the United States. Every so often, Hummel says, a special leader emerges on the American scene with the right formula for influence and success.
“At the core of this formula are humility, selfless service and a genuine caring for people,” Hummel said. “This is the leadership of Gen. Colin Powell. This is the leadership we want our students — our future leaders — to emulate and apply.” Constitution Day, which commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, is an annual event mandated at all schools that receive federal funds. The campus chapter of the American Democracy Project and the Linda and Harry Serene Leadership Institute presents this year’s Constitution Day program at Cal U. Co-sponsors are the University’s Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs, the College of Liberal Arts, the Department of History and Political Science, and the Department of Justice, Law and Society.
Color Guard to Escort Powell — Continued from page 1 event shows respect and courtesy for any retired military officer.” Military members are expected to be in the audience, too. Prah anticipates Gen. Colin Powell welcoming cadets from the University of Pittsburgh’s ROTC program, along with cadets and military veterans from Cal U. A distinguished political and military leader, Powell was the first African-American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as Secretary of State. “This is a great opportunity to hear a tremendous leader speaking right here,” said Prah.
Free Registration The National Diversity Council has made available free tickets for Cal U students, alumni and members of the community to hear the keynote address by Powell at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Cal U Convocation Center. Seating is limited and advance registration is requested. Cal U students and community members can register online at www.calu.edu and print a complimentary admission pass, or visit the Cal U Convocation Center Box Office from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Cal U website also offers links to the conference registration site, along with a list of speakers, the complete conference schedule and other details.
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Campus BRIEFS President Jones Addresses Chamber of Commerce Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones will be the guest speaker at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce’s “Breakfast Briefing” at 7:45 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Southpointe Golf Club. Deadline to register for the event is Sept. 16; visit the events calendar at www.washcochamber.com. President Jones will discuss the University’s current direction and future plans.
Burnett to Lead Social Equity Office
Cal U students (from left) Brittany Mackey, Emily Crolick and Jessica Mackey build a bluebird box at last year’s Wildlife Day.
Family Day Planned Sept. 14
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n one of the highlights of the fall semester, Cal U students will welcome their families to campus with a series of special events during the 35th annual Family Day. Formerly known as Parents Day, Family Day brings parents, family members and friends together with their Cal U student for a full day of fun, including athletic events and a variety of other activities. Last year, more than 800 students and family members participated. Family Day registration begins 8 a.m. Saturday at the information desk in the lobby of the Natali Student Center. The University Choir will give a free concert at 11 a.m. at the Emeriti Faculty Fountain, on Third Street. Activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. include the popular Kid Zone, sponsored by the Black Student Union, inside the Natali Commuter Center; and Greek Games and a remote broadcast by Radio Disney, on Third Street outside the student center.
Free movies will be shown in Vulcan Theatre at noon and at 4, 8 and 11 p.m. The student chapter of The Wildlife Society will present its eighth annual Family Field Day from 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Frich Biology Building. The event includes an archery demonstration, a fly-tying demonstration and casting contest, a conservation class with live animals, a display of animal tracks, and information about bluebird box construction. The public may attend this free event, which is conducted in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Family Day activities conclude with the Vulcans’ home football game against Kutztown University beginning at 3:30 p.m. Cal U students with valid CalCards and children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free, and a special Kids Zone with games, face painting and inflatables will be set up near Adamson stadium. For more information or to register, visit the Family Day website at www.calu.edu/events/familyday/.
Dr. John Burnett was recently named the new Special Assistant to the President for EEEO/Social Equity. The Office of Social Equity is located in South Hall, Room 112. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and evenings and weekends by appointment. For services or information, visit the office or call 724-938-4014.
Voter Registration Drive Scheduled Sept. 24 Cal U will mark National Voter Registration Day with a voter registration drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 24 in the courtyard outside the Natali Student Center. An “open mic” will be set up, so students can express their views on the importance of voting and other topics. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the student center lobby. The program is sponsored by the American Democracy Project at Cal U. Co-sponsors are the Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs, the College of Liberal Arts, the Department of History and Political Science, the Women’s Studies program, the Frederick Douglass Institute, and APSCUF, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Professors.
Health Fair Promotes ‘Cal U Health for Life’
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al U students and other members of the campus community will find “Cal U Health for Life” at California University’s 26th annual health fair, set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Convocation Center’s south conference wing. The free event is open to the public, as well as to Cal U students, faculty and staff. More than 40 representatives of the health care industry will staff booths addressing health and wellness topics such as diabetes, smoking cessation,
orthopedics and more. Screenings for blood glucose, blood pressure, speech and hearing, pulse oximetry and balance will be conducted, and attendees can learn their body-mass index. For a $19 fee (cash or check only), visitors can receive a flu shot administered by staff from Centerville Clinics. Central Blood Bank will conduct a blood drive at the health fair, and a Be The Match donor registry drive will be conducted to identify potential marrow donors.
Visitors may drop in; the first 600 people to visit the health fair will receive drawstring bags. Bottled water and healthy snack packs will be distributed randomly throughout the day. A local disc jockey will provide music in the Convocation Center courtyard, and temporary tattoo artists and caricature artists will provide entertainment during the event. For more information, contact nurse practitioner Fran Fayish at 724-938-5922 or e-mail fayish@calu.edu.
University Deficit Erased — Continued from page 1 programs that our students want and need.” President Jones urged the University community to adopt a more practical mindset. “For too many years, wishful thinking has taken the place of sound fiscal management here at Cal U. Now it’s time to face facts: To secure our University’s future, we must align payroll, programs and services with the resources available.” Before President Jones’ update, Dr. Michael Slavin, president of APSCUF, discussed the court decision that restored free parking to members of the faculty
union — a “bittersweet victory” that cost the University some $250,000, he said. He urged his “union brothers and sisters” to stand together and challenged the campus community to make education its top political priority. “Let the world know that a civilized society needs an educated population,” he said. The President also closed her State of the University address with a challenge: “We all must be advocates for our students and champions for Cal U. “As I have said many times,” she added, “we are all Cal U. I have no doubt that if we continue to work together, and to support one another, we can accomplish great things.”
From left, Cal U administrators, Drs. Mohamed Yamba, John Kallis, Caryl Sheffield, Daniel Engstrom and Stephen Whitehead listen to President Jones’ presentation at the Faculty-Staff Convocation.
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Theatre Academy Nurtures Young Talent
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hirty aspiring entertainers — some from towns as close as Allenport and others from as far away as Boca Raton, Fla. — came to Cal U this summer to hone their skills as actors, singers and dancers. The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy wrapped up its 16th year by presenting a fully staged production of the children’s musical Dear Edwina. Performers ages 8-17 began classes at the academy on July 22 and had just two weeks of rehearsal before the curtain went up Aug. 3. Alivia Victoria, 10, of Boca Raton, Fla., spends time each summer with her grandmother in Monessen. This is her fourth year at the academy, where she says the singing and dancing lessons help to prepare her for holiday musicals at her school in Florida. “I love (the academy) because I get to meet so many new friends,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s been four years already.” Echo Shaffer, a sixth-grader at Connellsville Township Elementary School, attended the academy for the first time this summer. A two-year veteran of Cal U’s holiday production, A Christmas Carol, she played the role of friendly neighbor Molly in Dear Edwina. “I really liked all the singing, dancing and acting,” she said. “I liked everything about it. This is helping me so much.” In April the Mon Valley Performing
Maria Gismondi ’02 helps students from the Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy with choreography in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.
Arts Academy received initial accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the same organization that has accredited Cal U’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre program since 2005. Mon Valley Performing Arts is one of just six such academies to hold NAST accreditation. The academy focuses on educating young performers, but it also provides opportunities for Cal U students, who
serve as instructors or counselors. “This is an invaluable experience for them,” said Dr. Michele Pagen, the academy’s artistic director and a professor in Cal U’s Department of Theatre and Dance. “Some of our students have gotten jobs because they’ve worked at the academy. Our Cal U students must learn how to work with kids.” Bree Otto ’13, who is pursuing a master’s degree in secondary education,
took her place as an acting instructor last month after two years as a stage manager and another as a counselor at the academy. “I want to teach theatre; that’s my main goal,” she said. “This is very interesting because the kids see things a lot differently, especially some of the younger ones. “It’s neat to see them really grow up. At first some would mumble and have stage fright, but now there are some here who I truly believe could show up at a college audition and totally hold their own.” Cal U senior Jordan Brooks, a theatre and dance major, said he attended the academy before his final year at Waynesburg Central High School. As a college student, he moved into a counselor’s role. “It helped my love for the theatre actually grow,” he said. “It definitely prepared me to come to school and then work here, because I knew how everything worked. It was great doing this, and it’s great working at the academy, too.” Handling choreography for Dear Edwina was Maria Gismondi ’02, who grew up in nearby Elco, Pa. She runs a home-based theatre and dance company while earning a master’s degree in dance and movement therapy in New York City.
Martin’s Basketball Record Still on the Books Editor’s Note: Cal U will hold its 19th annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Oct. 11 at the Performance Center in the Natali Student Center. For reservations, contact Montean Dean at 724-938-4418.
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eth Martin ’02 is the first basketball player recruited under current Vulcans head coach Bill Brown to be inducted into Cal U’s Hall of Fame. He was a three-time first-team all-conference and two-time All-American forward for the men’s basketball team from 1998-2001. “It was such great news when Coach Brown contacted me,” Martin said. “I have had such a long relationship with Coach and his family over the years, which makes this just awesome.” Martin finished with 1,459 career points, a total that ranks 10th in school history. More than a decade later, his career 59.5 field goal percentage (592-995) still stands at No. 11 in the PSAC record books. Martin also produced a career total of 541 rebounds, 146 assists, 81 steals and 25 blocks. He transferred to Cal U from Ohio University after his freshman season. “Coach Brown made me love basketball again. He’s not the type of coach that’s going to get in your face and scream at you,” Martin said. “He’s definitely a player’s coach, the type of guy you want to play your best for and model yourself after. “He’s the coach that I am now, where he treats players like they are his sons. At the end of the day, his players know he cares about them.” Cal U won the PSAC championship during Martin’s
All-American forward Seth Martin is the first basketball player recruited under current Vulcans head coach Bill Brown to be inducted into Cal U’s Hall of Fame.
first season and went 24-6 overall. He helped the Vulcans win a third straight PSAC-West title and 23 games in 2000. Martin credits senior co-captains Eric Watson and
Stewart Davis for his initial success, and for the team’s unexpected championship season. “They not only accepted me but helped me excel,” he said. “They were great teammates who simply wanted to win.” When Brown came to Cal U, in 1997, his son, Aaron, stayed with Martin’s family in Ohio during his senior year in high school before coming east to join the Vulcans. “Seth Martin is part of my extended family, as well as an outstanding player for California University,” Brown said. “Seth was a very humble young man with great skill who always found a way to win. He took pride in wanting the ball with a game on the line. We are very proud to have him represent our program in the Hall of Fame.” Martin earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Cal U in 2002. He is grateful for the support he received from Dr. Roy Yarbrough, director of the sport management program. Yarbrough’s son, Luke, was a team manager when Martin played. “I changed my major because Dr. Yarbrough made me realize sport management was what I wanted to do,” Martin said. “He was a great mentor to me.” Since graduating, Martin has been a successful college and high school coach. This summer he was named the head boys’ basketball coach at Westland High School in Galloway, Ohio, where he also works as an intervention specialist. Martin and his wife, Katie, reside in Zanesville with their three children: Cale, 10, Mia, 7, and Keynen, 5.
The California Journal is published by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Geraldine M. Jones Interim University President
Robert Thorn Vice President for Administration and Finance
Dr. Nancy Pinardi Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Bruce Barnhart Acting Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs
Craig Butzine Vice President for Marketing and University Relations/ Interim Vice President of University Development and Cal U for Life
Christine Kindl Editor
Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services
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Bruce Wald, Wendy Mackall, Jeff Bender Writers 724-938-4195
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