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California University
VOLUME 16, NUMBER 12 SEPT. 22, 2014 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
Enrollment Dips Slightly, President Tells Trustees n remarks delivered two weeks before the official census date, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones projected a slight decline in Cal U’s student population for the 2014-2015 academic year. “I am encouraged to see that the enrollment dip is not as severe as it has been in recent years,” President Jones told the Council of Trustees at its quarterly meeting on Sept. 3. “We continue our efforts to increase enrollment and encourage our students to remain enrolled until they earn a degree. Administrators, faculty members, staff members — all of us are working diligently to give our students the best experience possible.” At the time of her report, the headcount for graduate students showed an increase, compared to the 2013 census date. The undergraduate headcount, however, declined compared to last year’s official total. One factor in the overall enrollment picture is the high number of students who graduated from Cal U in December 2013 and May 2014, acting provost Dr. Bruce Barnhart told the Trustees. The University conferred more degrees than all but two of the 14 State System universities, and it led the State System in the number of master’s degrees awarded during the 2013-2014 academic year. Despite the anticipated decline in enrollment, President Jones and University administrators presented a balanced budget for the second year in a row. The Trustees approved the $115 million spending plan, which now moves to the State System’s Board of Governors. President Jones reminded the Trustees that 75 percent the budget is devoted to personnel costs, which increased by nearly $4 million compared to last year. Increases negotiated through collective bargaining, as well as salary increases for — Continued on page 3
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Cal U’s Dr. Grafton Eliason will be recognized Wednesday when the Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross holds its 2014 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast at CONSOL Energy Center.
Professor is Red Cross Hero r. Grafton Eliason’s actions truly speak louder than words. His good works will be recognized Wednesday when the Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross holds its 2014 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh. A professor in the Department of Counselor of Education, Eliason has been selected as a “hero” in the educators category. “He does several different things within our organization,” said Mark Holzer, disaster program manager for the Red Cross. “It’s tremendous how he dedicates his time to all of these different activities, in addition to his professional life.” The Red Cross chapter, part of the 25-county Western Pennsylvania Region, serves 1.6 million people in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties.
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Each year it recognizes unsung community members who have performed specific heroic acts or have committed their lives to going above and beyond as educators, professional responders, military members, Good Samaritans or youth workers. An award also recognizes lifetime commitment to the Red Cross. “Education is wonderful, and I definitely think that anybody with a degree in school counseling or clinical mental health counseling should use that knowledge to benefit other people and their communities,” Eliason said. “But when I see the incredible things others being honored at the breakfast have done, this is really a humbling experience.” Eliason connected with the Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter when he began teaching at Cal U 10 years ago. He learned CPR and basic crisis response — Continued on page 4
GACO Passes $3 Billion Mark he Government Agency Coordination Office at Cal U reports that it has reached a new milestone: Since it was founded in 1985, GACO has helped area businesses obtain more than $3 billion in government contracts. As a Procurement Technical Assistance Center, GACO helps local businesses pursue government contracts and subcontracts, as well as export opportunities. Deborah S. Wojcik, GACO’s director, says clients have reported receiving 49,472 contracts and subcontracts totaling more than $3.1 billion. GACO is now assisting 1,628 regional businesses. “Since initiating our contracting assistance program, we have helped many regional businesses understand the procurement process and become
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suppliers of goods and services to government agencies,” Wojcik says. “Our program basically gives businesses a chance to compete for an opportunity to sell to the government on the federal, state and local level and to prime contractors.” The program began at California University but expanded its operation to include satellite offices in Pittsburgh and at Slippery Rock University. Procurement professionals at each office provide the guidance businesses require to enter into government contracting. GACO also provides training in government contracting procedures through seminars, webinars and an annual procurement fair. GACO operations are supported by grants from the Sarah Scaife Foundation and the Defense Logistics Agency.
Deborah S. Wojcik (left), GACO’s director, and Tracy Julian, contracting coordinator, review a document. Since 1985, GACO has helped area businesses obtain more than $3.1 billion in government contracts.