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California University
VOLUME 14, NUMBER 24 OCT. 1, 2012 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
‘Debate Watch’ Encourages Discussion alifornia University is keeping an eye on the presidential debates. For the third time in its history, Cal U will participate in Debate Watch, a nationwide program held under the auspices of the Commission on Presidential Debates. Students, faculty, staff and members of the public will gather to view the televised debates between the major-party candidates for president and vice president of the United States. When each debate ends, faculty and student facilitators at the Debate Watch site will lead an open discussion of the candidates, their performance and the issues they raised. Cal U broke ground in 2004 by becoming the first university or community group to hold “watch parties” for all four debates. This year the University once again will hold Debate Watch events for all three presidential debates and the vice-presidential face-off. The campus community is invited to attend these Debate Watch events, which are sponsored by the American Democracy Project at Cal U: First Presidential Debate: 9 p.m. Oct. 3, with facilitators Dr. Patricia Milford, Kembia Munsanje and Cameron Cochran. Vice-Presidential Debate: 9 p.m. Oct. 11, with facilitators Dr. Kelton Edmonds and Mario Coppola. Second Presidential Debate: 9 p.m. Oct. 16, with facilitators Dr. Melanie Blumberg, LaMont Coleman, Joy Helsel and Camilla Cionni. Third Presidential Debate: 9 p.m. Oct. 22, with facilitators Dr. Gwendolyn PerryBurney and Charles Gilliam-Brownlee. All Debate Watch events will be held in Room 110, Eberly Hall. Admission is free, and the public may attend. Discussions are held in the spirit of Cal U’s core values: integrity, civility and responsibility. For more information, contact Dr. Melanie Blumberg at blumberg@calu.edu .
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Chris Johnston, executive director of Parking and Transportation, exits the Campus Loop shuttle. The Pennsylvania Parking Association has honored Cal U with its Excellence in Parking Operations and Management Award.
Parking System Wins Honor he Pennsylvania Parking Association recently honored Cal U’s Department of Parking and Transportation for its implementation of a managed parking system on campus. The Excellence in Parking Operations and Management Award was presented Sept. 20 at the PPA’s annual autumn conference, held at the Circuit Center in Pittsburgh. The award recognizes the department’s efforts to organize and execute an entirely new managed parking and transportation system at Cal U. The campus-wide managed parking system began in fall 2010. The PPA consists of 150 Pennsylvania parking industry professionals. Representing the fields of architecture, engineering, operations, management and construction, the PPA is considered one of the strongest
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professional parking organizations in the nation. “It is wonderful to see our commitment and vision being honored by this organization. President Jones and I are very proud of the entire team who played a part,” said Robert Thorn, vice president of Administration and Finance at Cal U. “Over the past two years, a dedicated team of individuals in the offices of Administration and Finance, Accounting, Bursar, Parking and Transportation, and Payroll have committed countless hours to launching a customer-friendly and technologically advanced parking and permit system. “Throughout this project, we have been committed to continuous improvement of the system and processes. This award acknowledges that commitment.”
Cal U’s Parking and Transportation department was selected from among nearly 20 candidates for the award. Judges sought to identify projects that exemplify the industry’s best efforts and showcase best practices and policies. “This award truly represents the best of the best for successful implementation by a university, accomplished with persistence and fortitude,” said Jamie Sweigart, PPA president. He also praised Chris Johnston, Cal U’s executive director of Parking and Transportation. “In our own careers, many of us may never face the challenges presented to Cal U,” Sweigart said. “This award (acknowledges) what is possible using innovative systems and quality leadership, as demonstrated by Mr. Johnston and his staff.” — Continued on page 2
Students to Star in Free ‘Street Magic’ Show orget the cheesy boxes, scarves and top hats. This is jaw-dropping, close-up magic — and it’s about to appear on the Cal U campus. Nate Staniforth will bring his award-winning “street magic” and multimedia stage show to Cal U as part of Homecoming festivities next week. The performance at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Convocation Center is free to students, alumni, Cal U employees and local residents. Staniforth is known across the country for staging “campus invasions” at colleges and
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universities. He arrives early with a video camera and spends the day filming as he performs close-up magic for small groups of students. Video highlights — and the students’ reactions — become part of the evening’s stage show, which combines stunning illusions, original music, audience participation and video to create a oneof-a-kind multimedia presentation. “I’m here to show the audience something they won’t ever forget,” Staniforth has said. The family-friendly show is presented by — Continued on page 3
Nate Staniforth will bring his awardwinning ‘street magic’ and multimedia show to Cal U’s Convocation Center at 7 p.m. Oct. 9.
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SECA/ United Way Campaign Under Way
Women’s Voices Heard at Annual Conference ne student called it “the spark that ignites change.” With about 160 women and men in attendance, the PASSHE Women’s Consortium and AudreyBeth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference fueled wide-ranging discussions ranging from politics and education to mentoring and workplace equity. Those attending the conference, held Sept. 14-15 in the Convocation Center, consisted primarily of faculty, staff and students at universities across Pennsylvania. “I appreciated the session on the importance of women assisting women,” said Crystal Batista, a senior at Mansfield University. “As a nontraditional student, that’s something I’d like to see more of on my campus.” Rebecca Geiger, a senior at Cal U, called the discussions “the dialogue we need to start a real conversation about women’s rights — and people’s rights.” Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux, director of the women’s studies
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ow through Nov. 2, members of the campus community can show they care by participating in the annual SECA/United Way campaign. SECA, the State Employees Combined Appeal, supports a number of local, regional, national and international charities. Contributions help families and individuals in need of shelter, medical care, food, job training and other services. This year’s goal for Cal U’s campaign is $42,000, an increase of $1,000 over last year’s total. In 2011, Cal U raised more money than any other PASSHE university. Overall, the SECA appeal raised more than $2.9 million last year. “In this time of need, those of us who are employed need to look at those less fortunate and what we can agree to do through the SECA campaign,” said Norm Hasbrouck, who joins Dana Turcic as co-chair of the campaign. “A small gift of $1 a week will go a long way to help those in need.” SECA serves as an umbrella for eight major organizations: United Way of Pennsylvania, Global Impact, United Negro College Fund, Independent Charities of America, Wildlands Conservancy, Community Health Charities of Pennsylvania, America’s Charities and Christian Service Charities. Those organizations support more than 1,400 individual charities. Contributors may direct their donations to specific local, regional or international charities. Donations can be made directly or through a payroll deduction that goes into effect in January 2013. The United Way of Mon Valley is a parent organization of the SECA/Cal U drive. For more information about SECA, call Norm Hasbrouck at Ext. 1561 or e-mail hasbrouck@calu.edu ; or phone Dana Turcic at Ext. 1633 or e-mail turcic@calu.edu .
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Drs. Kim Woznack (left) and Marta McClintock Comeaux, organizers of the AudreyBeth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference, enjoy a moment during one of the breakout sessions.
program at Cal U, organized the conference with Dr. Kim Woznack, chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department. The annual PASSHE Women’s Consortium conference, held at a different State System university each year, was blended this year with Cal U’s annual Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference. The combined event featured three keynote talks and 17 breakout sessions based on the theme “Women: Finding a Voice and Leading for Change.” “This conference is a place for women and men across the state to connect,” McClintock-Comeaux said. “We hope that people will pick up some new ideas and gain some practical insights.” Amber Preston, a graduate assistant who helped to plan the conference, said she was “pleased to see people talking about issues that are often ignored.” Women’s health, fair treatment in the workplace and gender stereotypes all have wide-ranging effects, she explained. “These aren’t just women’s
issues, they’re family issues — human issues.” Theresa Bloskey, a member of the consortium’s executive board, traveled from Bloomsburg University with eight students from the WISE student women’s group. “I think the keynote presenters did a fantastic job,” she said. In addition to Annie Holmes, of Penn State University, and Ayana Ledford, of Carnegie Mellon’s PROGRESS Center, attendees heard from Ellen Bravo, a longtime advocate for women in the workplace and the author of Taking on the Big Boys: Or Why Feminism Is Good for Families, Business and the Nation. “As women, we must change the way power works,” she told the group, “so that when we rise up, we take everybody with us.” “We had many attendees from all across the state,” said McClintockComeaux. “We don’t all think alike, but it’s good to hear from people who look at the world in different ways. A diversity of ideas adds to the richness of education.”
GRANTS AWARDED The Office of Grants and Contracts reports these grant awards: • Nancy Skobel, director of the End Violence Center, has been awarded $55,291 in continuation funding for the Hand-in-Hand program. The grant from the U.S. Department of Education provides child care at The Village for qualifying Cal U students with young children. The Village is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) child Nancy Skobel care facility located about 1.5 miles from campus at the Center in the Woods, California, Pa. • Donna George, of the Office of Student Affairs, has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs through the Washington County Drug and Alcohol Commission Inc. It will to fill an identified gap in the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention program by focusing on marijuana education. The Office of Grants and Contracts serves faculty and staff by providing comprehensive resources related to external funding for sponsored projects. The OGC provides support in developing proposals for funding from federal, state and local grants, contracts, foundations and related associations. For more information, call 724-938-1662 or e-mail vogrig@calu.edu .
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Pretty as a Picture Justin Lee takes advantage of a nice autumn day on the Quad to begin a painting for Todd Pinkham’s Painting Studio course.
Managed Parking System Honored — Continued from page 1 Many University departments play a role in implementing a successful comprehensive transportation system, Johnston said. He praised his staff for remaining dedicated to customer service while doing one of the toughest day-to-day jobs on campus. “Being recognized by so many industry professionals
is a significant and humbling honor, and it truly validates what we have been working hard to accomplish at Cal U,” Johnston said. “Our goal is to provide a managed parking environment coupled with reliable shuttle services, and to ensure that students, staff, faculty and campus visitors have an excellent experience while they are at Cal U. “After all, every event starts with parking!”
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Bill Flanagan Speaks at BotsIQ Kickoff anufacturing professionals are gearing up to help students build robots and field teams for the 2013 Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ competition. More than 100 educators and industry representatives are expected to attend the BotsIQ Kickoff at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Convocation Center. Bill Flanagan, host of Our Region’s Business on WPXI-TV, will map out “Career Opportunities in Southwestern Pennsylvania” before teachers, team advisers and industry partners get into the nuts-and-bolts of the annual robotics competition. Veteran marketer Gretchen Stokes, of SMC Business Councils, will share results of BotsIQ surveys supported in part by a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. She also will outline resources, scholarships
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Students Star in Magic Show — Continued from page 1 Cal U and VenuWorks, which manages the Convocation Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. for general admission seating. “Cal U appreciates its relationship with our neighbors in the borough, so we’re sending a special invitation to everyone in the community,” said Craig Butzine, the University’s vice president for Marketing and University Relations. “We’re hoping that students will meet Nate Staniforth during the day, enjoy his illusions, and then turn out to see themselves and their friends on the big screen as part of the show. “And we’d love to have local residents and our Cal U alumni bring their families and friends to the Convocation Center for this free performance. It’s going to be an amazing night of magic.” The Nate Staniforth show is free and open to the public. For questions or information about handicap accessibility, call the Convocation Center Box Office at 724938-4600. To see a video clip of Nate Staniforth’s street magic, visit www.calu.edu .
and other opportunities associated with the BotsIQ program. Known as the “smart sport,” BotsIQ asks students across the nation to use science, technology, engineering and math to build robots that compete in gladiatorstyle tournaments. The program introduces teens to high-tech careers and gives them hands-on experience with skills used in manufacturing and other industries. Teams from 50 southwestern Pennsylvania high schools and career and technology centers will use the kickoff event at Cal U to learn organizing tactics, safety measures and best practices for building competitive ’bots for battle. More than 60 teams and their robots are slated to return to the Convocation Center April 19-20 for the final rounds of the Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ Tournament.
Teams from 50 high schools and career and technology centers will use Thursday’s kickoff event at Cal U to learn best practices for building competitive robots.
Campus BRIEFS Cal U Serves ‘A Shot of Reality’ An alcohol awareness message goes down easily when it’s served with “A Shot of Reality,” a performance that combines improvisational comedy, education and audience participation. Sponsored by SABUG, which combines resources of the Student Activities Board and The Underground, this interactive event will take place from 7-9 p.m. tomorrow in the Performance Center. “A Shot of Reality” educates students about encountering alcohol in a college environment. Two performers present the show in the form of a birthday party, and the audience plays a part. All performers have extensive training in alcohol awareness education, improvisational comedy and interactive theater. Their sketches emphasize facts and statistics as the show makes audiences laugh, think and consider their behavior. This free event is open to all members of the Cal U community, as well as the general public. For more information e-mail Melissa Dunn at dunn@calu.edu .
Discovery Days Begin Oct. 8 Cal U has scheduled fall Discovery Days to introduce prospective students to the University. Discovery Days are scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8; Saturday,
Oct. 20; and Saturday, Nov. 3. Check-in for each Discovery Days session begins at 8 a.m. in Steele Hall, followed by an overview of the daily schedule at 9 a.m. On Discovery Days, high school students who are beginning their college search are invited to visit the campus and learn about Cal U’s academic offerings, housing, student activities, athletic programs and more. Students may sit in on a class and take a guided tour of the campus. For more information or to register online, visit www.calu.edu , keyword “Discovery Days.” Faculty or staff members who are interested in leading tours should contact the Welcome Center at Ext. 1626 or e-mail Carrie Pavtis at pavtis@calu.edu .
Film Looks at Illegal Immigration Filmmaker Jesus Nebot will be on campus this week to screen his celebrated film No Turning Back and discuss illegal immigration. This free event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Duda Hall, Room 103. No Turning Back is a thought-provoking immigration story inspired by actual events. It reflects upon the need to transcend judgments of other cultures and points of view in order to live peacefully in a diverse society. Nebot wrote, directed, produced and stars in this critically acclaimed film that has been viewed by millions of people in 78 countries. The 150-minute presentation includes an introduction to the film, the screening, a short lecture and a question-andanswer session with the audience. The screening is open to the University community and the general public. For more information e-mail coleman_lm@calu.edu .
Auditions Set for ‘Christmas Carol’ he Department of Theatre and Dance, along with the Mon Valley Dance Council, will audition singers and dancers for roles in A Christmas Carol, The Musical, on Saturday in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Performers may audition for singing and/or dancing roles in the musical version of the holiday classic. Participants should dress appropriately and arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled audition times. Male and female performers of all ages and ability levels are needed. Auditions are scheduled by age: • Ages 6-8: dance, 11 a.m.; singing, 11:55 p.m. • Ages 9-12: singing, 11 a.m.; dance, 11:55 p.m. • Ages 13-18: dance, 12:50 p.m.; singing, 1:35 p.m. • Adults: singing, 12:50 p.m.; dancing, 1:35 p.m. Performance dates will be Dec. 6-9. For more information, call Cal U’s Department of Theatre and Dance at 724-938-4220.
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‘A Christmas Carol, The Musical’ has become a holiday tradition at Cal U.
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THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM October 2, 2012 / 4:00 p.m., Carter Hall, Multipurpose Room #G06 TENTATIVE AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA IV. MINUTES OF September 4, 2012 (Approved by e-mail ballot – refer to Forum website or Public Folders in Outlook) V. MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Informational Only – Minutes of September 18, 2012 VI. PRESIDING OFFICER’S REPORT A. Miscellaneous Information B. Notice of Executive Committee Meeting: October 23, 2012 – University Community Welcome VII. Committee Reports/Updates A. Ad-hoc Review Committee B. Budget Committee VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS IX. INTERPELLATION X. NEW BUSINESS XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next FORUM Meeting November 6, 2012 XII. ADJOURNMENT
Student Convocation Tomorrow al U Acting President Geraldine M. Jones will host the 2012 Fall Student Convocation at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Performance Center, inside the Natali Student Center. Students are encouraged to attend the gathering, held during the University’s Common Hour.
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THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM
SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 / 4:00 p.m., Carter Hall, Multipurpose Room #G06 APPROVED MINUTES
questions. Sincerely, Angelo Armenti, Jr. President
The California University Forum met in regular session Tuesday, September 4, 2012, in Carter Hall, Multipurpose Room #G06. Presiding Officer Hoover called the meeting order at 4:05 p.m. The following senators were in attendance: Dr. Bruce Barnhart Ms. Alexandra Brooks Ms. Roberta Busha Mr. Craig Butzine Ms. Betsy Clark Dr. John Confer Mr. Brendan Demmy Ms. Amy Dunn Mr. Todd Edwards Ms. Fran Fayish Ms. Rachel Free Mrs. Rhonda Gifford Ms. Geraldine Jones Dr. Stanley Komacek Dr. Kevin Koury Mr. Chase Loper Ms. Sharon Navoney Mr. William O’Donnell Mrs. Rosanne Pandrok Dr. Nancy Pinardi Mr. Gary Seelye Dr. Craig Smith Ms. Brittaney Stephanik Mr. Robert Thorn Dr. Pamela Twiss Dr. Tom Wickham Dr. Kimberly Woznack 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. Ralph Belsterling Mr. Rick Bertagnolli Dr. Bill Biddington Dr. Chad Kauffman Ms. Kelly Lloyd Dr. Sean Madden Mr. Donny Marszalek Ms. Georgia Minor Mr. Thomas Moore Mr. Josh Mrosko Dr. Carrie Rosengart Mr. Stephen Zemba The following agenda item was presented for a vote: Article VI, Section 1 of the Constitution of the California University Forum: The Presiding Officer of the California University Forum shall be appointed annually, following nomination by the University President and confirmation, by majority vote of those present and voting, of the California University Forum. Acting President Jones nominated Mr. Douglas Hoover as Presiding Officer of the Forum. VOTE: Nomination carries unanimously. The agenda was presented, approved and the meeting proceeded Presiding Officer Hoover stated that the approved Forum minutes of April 17, 2012 are available on the Forum website (http://www.calu.edu/facultystaff/administration/forum/index.htm) or Public Folders in the Microsoft Outlook. A hard copy of the executive committee minutes of August 28, 2012 is included in the senators’ packets for informational purposes.
April 8, 2012 Mr. Douglas Hoover, Presiding Officer California University Forum Dear Mr. Hoover: This is in response to the motions passed at both the November 1, 2011 and February 21, 2012 meetings of the California University Forum. (#2011-90) Motion accepted: The Forum recommends that Multiculturalism remain on the General Education menu. Article II (Scope of Authority), Section 2 of the Constitution of the California University Forum includes these words: “The California University of Pennsylvania Forum shall have the power to recommend University policy in University-wide matters on any subject and academic issues that involve more than one college, provided that these matters and issues are not already covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement to which the University is bound” (Emphasis added). The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between APSCUF and PASSHE contains the following provision in Article 31 E (Curriculum Committee): “There shall be a curriculum committee at each University, which shall be selected by the FACULTY, but which may include at least one (1) administrator if designated by the President.” The role of this CBA-mandated University Curriculum Committee—as it applies to the California University Forum—is described in the Forum Constitution, Article IV, Section 4 as follows: “The University Curriculum Committee may express opinion on any matter of concern, and may convey its views directly to the Executive Committee of the University Forum through the Chairperson of the University Curriculum Committee. The Chairperson of the University Curriculum Committee is, ex officio, a member of the California University Forum, as noted in Article V, Section 2.” The rationale for Motion #2011-90 states that the impetus for it stems from a “discussion” during a General Education Committee meeting regarding removing Multiculturalism as a category in the General Education menu. This would seem to be a fairly thin basis for a Forum motion in view of the countless discussions that occur on campus every day. More to the point, however, were I to approve the motion, I would be intruding on the prerogatives of the University Curriculum Committee and arguably, violating provisions not only of the CBA, but also of the Forum Constitution itself, which clearly states the proper path for the opinions of the UCC to be brought to the attention of the Forum. For these reasons, I must reject Motion #2011-90. (#2012-92) Motion accepted: Amendment to the Forum By-Laws: Motion: Resolved, That the California University Forum Bylaws be amended by deleting from Article I, Section 1, par. 2, the words “in LRC Auditorium” and inserting in their place the words “on campus.” This paragraph would then read as follows: Meetings of the California University Forum will be held on campus on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 4:00 P.M., so as to maximize the opportunity for all senators and all members of the University community to attend. (#2012-93) Motion accepted: Amendment to Forum Constitution: Article IX, Section 4 A quorum shall consist of a majority (50% + 1) of the filled constituency seats, including the Presiding Officer. Be amended to read as follows A quorum shall consist of fifteen (15) voting members of the Forum. (#2012-94) Motion accepted: Amendment to the Forum Constitution: Article X, Section 1 The University President shall have 30 days in which to acknowledge, accept, accept in part, or reject in entirety the resolution in question, but with the provision that the Forum be provided reasons for the action taken. Be amended to read as follows: The University President shall have 30 days in which to acknowledge in writing his/her acceptance, acceptance in part, or rejection in entirety of the resolution in question, or to request additional time to study the resolution. This acknowledgement will be transmitted to the Forum secretary, who will make it available to all senators by the next
Presiding Officer’s Report Presiding Officer Hoover noted the next executive committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 in Room 408 of the Manderino Library and the University Community is welcome to attend. Presiding Officer Hoover noted that the President’s response to motions passed was included as an attachment in the senators’ packets: April 24, 2012 Mr. Douglas Hoover, Presiding Officer California University Forum Dear Mr. Hoover: This is in response to the motion passed viaemail from the April 17, 2012, meeting agenda of the California University Forum. Motion 2012-96: Gratitude to Forum Students I approve this recommendation for the Forum to extend its gratitude to the students who served on the Forum for the 2011-2012 academic year: Cary Banner, Nicholas Battista, Janelle Brewer, Alexandra Brooks, Lena Danka, Yancey Goshorn, Autumn Harris, Darla Kurnal, Morgan O’Rourke, Jacob Smith, and Michael Wagner. They have served their student constituents well as Forum senators, and we offer to them our heartfelt gratitude. Please contact me if you have any
regular meeting. When requesting additional time for review, the president will indicate the rationale and the time necessary to complete the review. When accepting, accepting in part, or rejecting in its entirety a resolution, the president will provide reasons for the action taken. (#2012-95) Motion accepted: The Forum commends Dr. Charles Mance, Vice President for Information Technology, for implementing the capabilities for all faculty members on campus to receive an outside telephone access line on their desk. Article III, Section 10 of the Forum Constitution states that “The University Forum may also express general opinion on any matter of concern to the University community.” Motions such as #2012-95 do not require approval by the president. Please contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Angelo Armenti, Jr. Senator Smith raised a point of order referring to Article XI, Amendments to the Constitution of the California University Forum, page 19, whereby it states: Section 1: Amendments to the Constitution of the Forum shall require a two-thirds vote of those present and voting. Proposed amendments must be presented in writing to the Forum for information at least one meeting prior to that at which the voting is to take place. Section 2: Amendments to this Constitution are subject to approval by the California University Council of Trustees. Senator Smith requested that the President’s response to motions 2012-92, 93 and 94 be struck from the minutes. Senator Smith further requested that motions 2012-93 and 94 be forwarded with the Forum rationale but without the president’s reply to the Council of Trustees for approval. Public Comments There were no public comments offered at this time. Interpellation Senator Smith stated his objections to the presented response regarding motion 201290 and 93; and that motion 2012- 95 does not require approval. Further discussion held regarding the resubmission of motions; Senator Koury raised a point of order stating that the re-submission of a motion is duplication. Academic Policy Committee’s Response to the NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement) Report Review Presiding Officer Hoover noted the Academic Policy Committee’s Response was presented for review: MEMORANDUM To: University Forum From: John R. Cencich, J.S.D. Professor and Dean Chair, Academic Policy Committee Re: NSSE Motion Date: April 17, 2012 The Academic Policy Committee met to consider the motion passed by the Executive Committee of the Forum on March 6, 2012. This motion directed the Academic Policy Committee to review the most recent National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), and to make specific policy recommendations to the Forum. Accordingly, the Academic Policy Committee makes the following statements and recommendations: The Committee embraces fully many of the concerns over the results of the NSSE survey; The first step prior to making any substantive policy recommendations is to examine the validity and reliability of the survey; Based upon the results of the examination, one or more working groups of the Committee (consisting of a fair representation of faculty, staff, students, and administrators), will be established to review academic policies with the view to making recommendation for changes in the areas of: 1) intellectual climate; 2) academic standards; and 3) academic quality; and Due to the wide scope of the undertaking, the Committee expects to have completed its work and make final recommendations before the end of the spring 2013 semester. Senator Barnhart noted the committee will continue to review the survey and will report back to the forum. Budget Committee’s Response to the University Budget Review -
Presiding Officer Hoover noted the Budget Committee’s Response for review: MEMORANDUM TO: University Forum FROM:Betsy Clark, Chair Budget Committee DATE: April 17, 2012 The University Forum Budget Committee met to discuss the University Budget on April 09, 2012. The following were in attendance: Ron Paul, Bill Biddington, Keith Curran, Jamie Weary and Betsy Clark. Our task is to monitor the University Budget to make sure allocations are in accord with the Annual Statement of University Policies, Priorities and Resources. This document was not complete; however we reviewed it in its draft form. At this time, the Committee decided this was a preparatory meeting and we would need further discussions with additional information to be able to comment. We can have additional meetings after the Planning and Priorities Committee has reviewed the Annual Statement on April 17, 2012. We would like to request that VP Thorn or Rosanne Pandrok also be in attendance at future meetings to be able to answer specific questions about the University Budget. A discussion was held regarding if the Budget Committee was provided with the proper documentation for review. Planning and Priorities Committee’s Response to the Annual Statement of University Policies, Priorities, and Resources Review Presiding Officer Hoover noted the Planning and Priorities Committee’s Response for review: M E M O R A N DUM TO: University Forum FROM: Sean Madden, Chair Planning and Priorities Committee DATE: April 17, 2012 Present: Sean Madden, Marcia Hoover, Pam Higinbotham, Brittaney Stephanik, Lena Danka, Bob Thorn, Connie Monroe, Ed Whited The committee reviewed the document and Mr. Thorn offered an overview. The committee agreed that the Annual Statement of University Policies, Priorities and Resources be forwarded to the Forum. The committee agreed that the December 2011 Statement is a reporting document. The committee agreed that the next report should be generated in September 2012 so that the Planning And Priorities Committee and members of the University Forum may make recommendations and offer input as to university policies, priorities, resources. A discussion was held regarding if the Planning and Priorities Committee was provided with the proper documentation for review; it was concluded that the committee was not able to what was intended without the proper documentation. MOTION: Be is resolved, the Faculty Senate supports the process leading to greater transparency of financial records of the university and requests that those public documents related to the university’s budget be made available to Forum members. After a brief discussion was held on the motion, a vote was taken. VOTE: Motion carries unanimously. New Business Senator Smith moved that the Forum direct the Academic Policy Committee (referring to the Academic Policy Reponse) not examine the validity and reliability of the NSSE survey. Second by Senator Wickham. A discussion was held regarding the function of committee. Senator Koury moved for a roll call vote. Second by Senator Edwards. VOTE on Roll Call Vote (requires a majority vote.): Yeas: 10 Nays: 13 VOTE on Motion: Yeas: 9 Nays: 16 MOTION FAILS. Announcements/Adjournment Presiding Officer Hoover noted the next Forum meeting will be held on October 2, 2012. There being no further business, Presiding Officer Hoover adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m. Minutes submitted by Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording Secretary. MINUTES APPROVED BY MAJORITY VIA E-MAIL BALLOT.
The California Journal is published weekly by California University of Pennsylvania, a member of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Geraldine M. Jones Acting University President
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