California University
VOLUME 13, NUMBER 32 DEC. 5, 2011 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
PR Prof Works With Weather Service
Dr. John Cencich honors Dr. Katherine Mitchem at the Grant Writers Recognition Ceremony for becoming the University’s latest ‘Million Dollar Achiever.’
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Grant Writer Hits $1 Million Mark t a ceremony honoring all of Cal U’s grant writers, Dr. Katherine Mitchem was recognized as the University’s latest “Million Dollar Achiever.” A professor in the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education, Mitchem’s current research focuses on the use of electronic performance support tools to support students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and autism in inclusive settings. The U.S. Department of Education awarded her four grants this academic year, for a total of nearly $250,000. Those awards pushed Mitchem’s career awards total over the $1 million mark, making her the 12th Cal U faculty member to reach that milestone. “This is an amazing achievement,” said Dr. John Cencich, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Dr. Mitchem and all of our
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r. Susan Jasko has found a way to blend communications and meteorology. A professor of Communication Studies at Cal U, Jasko is a selfdescribed “secret science geek at heart.” Earlier this fall she served on a service assessment team for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. Assessment teams are composed of experts who evaluate activities before, during and after weather events to determine the usefulness of NWS products and services. With the goal of continuous improvement, the team generates a report that serves as an evaluative tool to address service deficiencies and share best practices in operations and procedures. Jasko was one of 17 individuals who evaluated the NWS shortly after Hurricane Irene caused extensive flooding and wind damage this summer as the storm traveled through the Caribbean and along the East Coast. “This was one of the best things — Continued on page 2
grant writers have made us all very proud by undertaking research and providing meaningful results.” The Nov. 16 ceremony honored every faculty or staff member who prepared and submitted at least one grant proposal, administered at least one internally funded project, or completed the requirements for the Grant Writers Fellowship. Grant writer fellows participate in a comprehensive, hands-on enrichment program that covers topics ranging from strategically selecting potential funding sources to writing the critical sections of a competitive grant application. Cheryl Vogrig, director of the Office of Grants and Contracts, praised Cal U’s grant writers. “This celebration is to recognize you and commend you for your efforts,” she said. “Throughout the process, win or lose, we work as a team to seek external
grant funding to help Cal U fulfill its mission.” Assisting Vogrig in the Office of Grants and Contracts are post-award administrator Lewis Honaker and secretary Kim Rabbitt. Provost Geraldine Jones reported that during the 2010-2011 academic year, the office administered 125 grants and contracts totaling $4.4 million. Of those, 87 new awards were received, totaling $1.8 million. “Your work with grants is so important to this University, and it really sets you apart from the rest,” Jones said. “The grant work you do not only brings recognition to yourselves but to the University as a whole, especially in these difficult economic times. “I can’t thank you enough for that.” The 2010-2011 yearbook of grants activity, “Laude 2011,” is available online at www.calu.edu/faculty-staff/laude.
Open House Message: You Can Afford Grad School graduate degree may be the ticket to a better job, a bigger paycheck or a leadership position in your chosen field — and earning a degree can be affordable in terms of both time and money. That’s the message Cal U is delivering when the School of Graduate Studies and Research holds an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Cal U Southpointe Center in Canonsburg. The program will highlight both Cal U’s traditional master’s degree programs and the array of degree and certificate programs offered through the Internetbased Global Online, which gives busy students the flexibility to complete their studies anytime, from anywhere in the world. Keynote speaker Dr. Charles P. Nemeth, chair of the Professional Studies Department, will present “You Can Afford Graduate School.” His talk will explain how graduate
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Students will receive valuable information on the advantages, program options and cost effectiveness of earning a master’s degree when the School of Graduate Studies and Research holds an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Cal U Southpointe Center.
assistantships, scholarships and financial aid can reduce the cost of earning an advanced degree.
Program directors will be on hand to discuss individual programs with prospective students.
Cal U offers more than 30 master’s degree programs in fields that include business administration, education, nursing, counseling, athletic training, sport management, legal studies, exercise science, psychology, social work, applied criminology, and STEM education. Certificate programs provide specialized training in areas such as sports counseling, autism spectrum disorders, Arabic language and culture, and Spanish for law enforcement and business. The Graduate School also offers teacher certification in a variety of disciplines, as well as principal’s certification or a superintendent letter of eligibility. Visit www.calu.edu to find links to online registration, directions and a complete list of academic programs and accreditations; or register for the School of Graduate Studies and Research open house by calling Devon Markish at 724-938-4912.
Students Learn Law at Mock Trial ames Record wanted to create an engaging learning environment for his students in the Department of Justice, Law and Society — so he decided to put them “on trial.” Their final exam was a mock trial which took place Nov. 29 in the Carter Hall Multipurpose Room. “I loved my time as a trial attorney, and I also love to teach,” Record said. “Not only did I want to combine two things that I love to do, but I thought the mock trail would help students better comprehend difficult subject matter.” Students in Record’s Law and Evidence class spent the first half of the semester learning in a more traditional style, with lectures, readings and some videos, followed by a mid-term exam. Since then, Record has turned to a “minimally invasive” teaching style. “After the students unanimously voted to hold a mock trial, I informed them that part of their grade would be determined by how they prepare for trial,” Record said. “I am here to guide them and help when needed, but I see my role being a coach more than a teacher at this point.” Students divided themselves into prosecution and defense teams, witnesses, police officers, and forensic experts. They used class time to conduct research, prepare for the trial and practice opening and closing arguments. Volunteers played the roles of jurors, and Record sat on the judge’s bench to determine the outcome of a “sexual assault case.” Record said he purposely chose the topic to raise awareness about a national problem on college campuses, and his students have responded well. “I think the trial has been an overwhelming success already, based upon the feedback I’ve been receiving,” he said. “The students have surprised me with their enthusiasm.” For more information about the mock trial contact, James Record at 724-938-4294 or record@calu.edu.
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Different Drummers Students Valerie Herrero (left) and Eric McRae feel the beat as they join an interactive drum circle Nov. 15 in Manderino Library. Interactive drumming is a form of alternative healing that can relieve stress and ease anxiety. The instruments were provided by the Mesa Creative Arts Center, whose co-founders, Kate and Brad Silberberg, also spoke about alternative healing with Dr. Cassandra Kuba’s medical anthropology class. Sponsored by the Anthropology Club, the activity was coordinated by Kuba and Dr. John Nass.
‘Christmas Carol’ Opens Thursday he Department of Theatre and Dance welcomes the holiday season with its production of “A Christmas Carol,” a heartwarming, toetapping musical extravaganza. Performances of the classic tale by Charles Dickens are set for 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. All performances are open to the public. With music by Alan Mencken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, the musical tells the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who changes his ways after visits by the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future. Michael Slavin directs the show, with musical direction by Ted Kovall and choreography by Diane Eperthener. Cost is $12 for adults, seniors and children. Cal U students with valid CalCards are admitted free. For ticket information, or to order tickets by phone, call the Steele Box Office at 724-938-5943.
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Performances of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ a classic tale by Charles Dickens, begin this Thursday night in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.
PR Professor Works With Weather Service — Continued from page 1 I’ve done in years,” said Jasko. “I was very impressed with the quality of people who work for the weather service, the work they do and their dedication. I felt welcome and well regarded. They want and seek other points of view, which is rare in the world today.” Jasko’s journey began when she helped communication studies students get involved with the highly successful StormFest event at the Carnegie Science Center. A year-and-a-half ago, Jasko responded to a request for participation from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Communication Association to submit three abstracts dealing with communication issues and the weather service. She collaborated on the project with colleagues Dr. Chad Kauffman, in the Department of Earth Sciences, and Dr.
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example. Paul Hettler, in the Business “The NWS is worried and Economics Department. about … why people would The trio presented the not leave when they’ve been abstracts at the AMS National told they will be washed out to Conference in Seattle, Wash. sea,” she said. There Jasko met Dr. Vankita “The way people process Brown, a social scientist with information is all contextual, the NWS’s Performance and and you have to understand Awareness Division. The two that your messages are not the kept in touch, and Brown Dr. Susan Jasko only thing competing for their requested Jasko’s help in early attention. We interpret September. information based on what’s happening “She’s phenomenal,” Brown said. in the moment, what’s important to us “Susan’s a high thinker who has a great and what others say.” feel for her discipline but also brings Jasko’s NWS assessment team began together so many important working its work in the mid-Atlantic, headed parts. I think the world of her.” south and ended up in Washington, D.C. Jasko praised the NWS for quickly They met with workers from the Federal spreading the word about potentially Emergency Management Agency and a dangerous weather events, but she noted number of weather forecasting that people don’t always respond as organizations. expected. Jasko believes communication Jasko said she especially enjoyed specialists can help. visiting the Office of Emergency Not everyone responds to a severe Management in Brooklyn, N.Y. weather warning by leaving the area, for
“That facility is like walking into a spaceship. The technology and setup in there was incredible.” After sharing information online and through conference calls, Jasko’s team is expected to file an extensive report with former astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction. Jasko also participated in an NWS webinar, where she gave a presentation about communication issues to 80 weather experts known as warning coordination meteorologists. Upon returning to campus she shared her experiences with communication theory students. “Many of them were quite interested, because it’s an applied form of communication and critique,” Jasko said. “There’s also an important role for PR specialists, because the NWS needs representatives and community affairs people.”
Tuesday is Hockey Night al U, the official education partner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, will celebrate its second Hockey Night on Tuesday at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh. The men’s and women’s hockey teams will face off against collegiate rivals on the Penguins’ home ice, with games scheduled for 2:30, 5 and 8 p.m. In addition, the first 250 students and alumni to line up and sign a waiver will get a chance to skate on the CONSOL Energy Center ice. The activity is BYOS — Bring Your Own Skates. During the Hockey Night festivities, the Penguins mascot and players will be on hand to sign autographs and pose for snapshots. An alumni reception, on-ice entertainment with the Penguins’ Ice Crew, a Toys for Tots collection, entertainment and giveaways are planned. Tickets are available at the information desk in the Natali Student Center, through Ticketmaster, and at the Trib Total Media Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center on the day of the event. Cost is $8 for fans of all ages. Students are admitted free with a valid CalCard. Proceeds benefit the Penguins Scholarship Fund. Students, faculty, staff and alumni
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Sophomore setter Abbey Freund is the third Vulcan student-athlete to receive a PSAC Champion Scholar Award.
Volleyball Player Nets Scholar Award volleyball player has become the third Vulcan student-athlete to receive a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Champion Scholar Award. Sophomore Abbey Freund, a setter for the team, accepted the award Nov. 11 during the PSAC Final Four Championship Tournament at Lock Haven University. Freund shared the award with Clarion sophomore Hannah Heeter. The Champion Scholar Award, new this year, is presented at each of the PSAC’s 23 team championship finals. It honors the student at each contest with the highest cumulative grade-point average. The selection criteria for the awards is identical to that of the NCAA Elite 88 awards, which honor the student-athlete with the top GPA at each of the championship finals sites of the 88 NCAA championships across divisions I, II and III. A native of Cottage Grove, Wis., Freund is a communication disorders major who boasts a cumulative GPA of 3.969. She recently was named to the Capital One Academic All-District First Team. On the volleyball court, Freund has recorded a career-high 621 assists this season and helped the Vulcans win their fifth PSAC title in seven years and advance to the NCAA Atlantic Regional championship match for a sixth straight year. The team finished the 2011 season with a 33-5 overall record. Earlier this fall, Cal U senior cross country runner Tim Lahmers and women’s soccer senior defender Kristen Orrett earned the Champion Scholar Awards in their respective sports.
Cal U’s spirited hockey fans are expected to make a strong showing at CONSOL Energy center in Pittsburgh Tuesday. Last year about 2,500 Vulcan fans rocked the state-of-theart facility.
may ride a fan bus from the Natali Student Center parking lot to CONSOL Energy Center. Check the Cal U website, www.calu.edu, for details about departure times and registering to ride. In Pittsburgh, parking is available in the CONSOL Parking Garage; fee is $7. All participants in Cal U Hockey Night
activities must enter through the Trib Total Media entrance at CONSOL Energy Center. Those who wish to participate in the “free skate” at 7 p.m. must bring their own skates and sign a liability waiver. Participation is limited to the first 250 skaters. For a complete schedule and up-to-theminute information, visit www.calu.edu.
SECA Organizers Say Thanks
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Participating in the 24th annual Procurement Opportunities Fair were (from left) John Greene, vice president of the Joseph B. Fay Co.; Deborah Wojcik, GACO director; and Katie Spear, marketing director at Joseph B. Fay.
GACO Fair Draws 350 al U’s Government Agency Coordination Office (GACO), Slippery Rock University and the U.S. Navy recently hosted the 24th annual Procurement Opportunities Fair at the Four Points Sheraton North in Mars, Pa. Focused on providing western Pennsylvania businesses with contracting and subcontracting opportunities, the fair featured 108 booths occupied by government agencies, corporations, regional service organizations and area businesses. More than 350 participants attended the fair;
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most were sales representatives or owners of regional businesses. According to GACO director Deborah Wojcik, local businesses assisted by Cal U’s GACO program have reported receiving nearly 34,000 contracts and subcontracts totaling nearly $2.58 billion. Cal U’s GACO program is supported by grants from the Sarah Scaife Foundation and the Defense Logistics Agency. GACO’s 2012 Procurement Fair will be held on Oct. 24 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Washington, Pa.
Here Comes the Sun embers of the campus community who would like to observe sunspots or learn the basics of using a telescope may join the Society of Physics Students at 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the courtyard outside the New Science building. Solar observation depends on weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, the activity will be postponed to the next meeting time. For more information, e-mail Steve Allinger at all0395@calu.edu or Dr. Kausar Yasmin at yasmin@calu.edu.
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“On behalf of the State Employee Combined Appeal (SECA) Campaign for the United Way and the United Way of Mon Valley, a great big ‘thank you’ to the staff at AVI for their support and generosity, and to the various Cal U staff members and students who assisted with the Halloween Day spaghetti luncheon. “A special thanks to students from the Center for Civic Engagement, the rugby team, Alpha Lambda Delta and AmeriCorps, who packaged and delivered lunches on campus and in the community. “The luncheon raised more than $1,400 for the campaign, and we appreciate the participation of all who were involved. This is the fifth year for this event, and we hope to increase participation in the years to come. “As of Nov. 4, the SECA Campaign at Cal U has raised $24,000 toward its $40,000 goal. Thank you!” Dana Turcic and Norman Hasbrouck Co-chairs for the SECA Campaign Barbara M. Armenti President of the Board of Directors, United Way of Mon Valley
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THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM
THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FORUM NOVEMBER 11, 2011 / 4:00 p.m., Dixon Room 327 APPROVED MINUTES
December 6, 2011 4:00 p.m, Dixon Room 327 TENTATIVE AGENDA
2011 in Room 408 of the Manderino Library and the University Community is welcome to attend.
The California University Forum met in regular session Tuesday, November 1, 2010, in Dixon, Room 327. Presiding Officer Hoover called the meeting order at 4:00 p.m.
Public Comments There were no public comments offered at this time.
I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA IV. MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 1, 2011 (Approved by e-mail ballot – refer to Forum website or Public Folders in Outlook) V. MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Informational Only – Minutes November 22, 2011) VI. PRESIDING OFFICER’S REPORT A. Miscellaneous Information B. Notice of Executive Committee Meeting: January 24, 2012 – University Community Welcome VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS VIII. INTERPELLATION IX. MOTION The forum recommends only five categories be allowed to be included in the General Education menu. X. NEW BUSINESS XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next FORUM Meeting JANUARY 31, 2012 XII. ADJOURNMENT
Trustees Meet Dec. 7 The Cal U Council of Trustees will hold its final quarterly meeting of 2011 at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the President’s conference room, Room 110 of Old Main.
Interpellation Senator Madden inquired as to how to properly address a constituency concern. Presiding Officer Hoover noted either under new business or the next executive committee meeting.
The following senators were in attendance: Ms. Cary Banner Dr. Jane Bonari Ms. Alexandra Brooks Ms. Roberta Busha Mr. Craig Butzine Dr. John Confer (tardy) Ms. Lena Danka Mr. Todd Edwards Ms. Fran Fayish Ms. Jill Fernandes Ms. Rhonda Gifford Mr. Yancey Goshorn Ms. Autumn Harris Ms. Geraldine Jones Dr. Kevin Koury Dr. Sean Madden Dr. Charles Mance Ms. Morgan O’Rourke Dr. Nancy Pinardi Dr. Carrie Rosengart Mr. Gary Seelye Dr. Craig Smith Mr. Jacob Smith Dr. Emily Sweitzer Dr. Tom Wickham Dr. Brian Wood Dr. Kimberly Woznack Ms. Donna Wright Dr. Mohamed Yamba
Motion: Establish a committee to review the constitution and recommend changes for the Forum’s consideration; the committee to be made up of the following: Loring Prest, Parliamentarian; Sean Madden, Faculty Senator; Walter Harris, Student Senator (Student Government President); and two additional senators.
The following were also in attendance: Mr. Douglas Hoover, Presiding Officer Mr. Loring Prest, Parliamentarian Mrs. Dana Turcic, Recording Secretary
Senator C. Smith presented the motion on behalf of the Faculty Senate. The rational for this motion is so that a review of the university forum can be conducted according to the Constitution of the California University Forum (Article VIII, Section 1, page 11): “The Executive Committee shall have the authority and the responsibility to assure the proper functions and periodic (biennial) review of the California University Forum, according to its approved Constitution and Bylaws.” There being no further discussion or questions, a vote was taken. VOTE: Motion carries unanimously. It was recommended that Presiding Officer Hoover select the two additional senators; there were no objections.
The following senators were absent: Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. Mr. Nicholas Battista Mr. Rick Bertagnolli Dr. Bill Biddington Ms. Janelle Brewer Ms. Betsy Clark Mr. Shane Fox Ms. Darla Kurnal Mr. Donny Marszalek Mr. Josh Mrosko Mr. William O’Donnell Mr. Robert Thorn Mr. Michael Wagner
Motion: Be it resolved, that the Budget Committee shall review the University budget and report to the Executive Committee in a timely manner so that the Forum may review and comment upon the budget.
The agenda was presented, approved and the meeting proceeded Presiding Officer Hoover stated that the approved Forum minutes of October 4, 2011 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 October 18, 2011 is included in the senators’ packets for informational purposes. Presiding Officer’s Report Presiding Officer Hoover noted the next executive committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 22,
Senator C. Smith noted that the Forum and Executive Committee minutes for the last two academic years included no reports from the Budget Committee. Senator C. Smith noted that it is thought that the Forum is an inert, non-functioning body. Senator C. Smith cited the section concerning the Budget Committee in the Constitution of the California University Forum (Article VIII, Section 4, page 14): THE BUDGET COMMITTEE – The Budget Committee shall monitor the development of the University Budget, not on an audit-type or line-by-line review of all expenditures, but rather to make certain that major allocations of funds among the colleges, schools,
activities and interests of the University are in accord with the Annual Statement of University Policies, Priorities, and Resources. This document will be developed by the University administration, with input from the Planning and Priorities Committee, and will be finalized after review and comment by the University Forum. The Budget Committee shall maintain liaison with the administrative group designated by the University President to formulate the annual University Budget. The Budget Committee shall report its activities to the Executive Committee for inclusion on the agenda of each regular meeting of the Forum until such time as the budget has been formally presented for review and comment by the Forum. The Budget Committee shall immediately notify the Executive Committee of any proposed allocations that are not in accord with the Annual Statement of University Policies, Priorities, and Resources. A discussion was held regarding ALL of the standing committees; it was noted that the intent of the motion is for the committee to fulfil its specific charge based on the language of the constitution. There being no further discussion, a vote was taken. VOTE: Motion carries unanimously. Motion: Be it resolved, that that the Planning and Priorities Committee shall review the Annual Statement of University Policies, Priorities, and Resources and report to the Executive Committee in a timely manner so that the Forum may review and comment upon the Annual Statement of University Policies, Priorities, and Resources Senator C. Smith noted that the Forum and Executive Committee minutes for the last two academic years included no reports from the Planning and Priorities Committee. Senator C. Smith noted that it is thought that the Forum is an inert, non-functioning body. Senator C. Smith cited the section concerning the Planning and Priorities Committee in the Constitution of the California University Forum (Article VIII, Section 7, page 15): THE PLANNING AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE - The Planning and Priorities Committee shall have the authority to make recommendations to the Forum regarding long-range institutional goals, as well as annual goals for the University as a whole. The Committee shall also have authority to recommend priorities for fund raising, for the construction of new buildings, and for major additions and/or renovations to existing buildings, on a University-wide basis. A key responsibility of the Planning and Priorities Committee shall be to
review and offer comment on the Annual Statement of University Policies, Priorities, and Resources, as that document is being developed by the University administration, and prior to its being presented to the Forum for its review and comment. After a brief discussion, a voice vote was taken. VOTE: Motion carries unanimously Senator Koury moved for a roll call; Second by Senator Wickham. Motion for roll call passed. ROLL CALL VOTE: Yeas: 17. Nays: 11. Motion carries. New Business Senator Madden recommended that Multicultural Awareness not be REMOVED from General Education at the University. Senator Madden noted that if it were to be removed, California University of PA would be the only university without this academic component. Senator Madden moved to keep Multicultural Awareness in General Education at California University of PA. Second by Senator Brooks. A discussed ensued on the importance of keeping the Multicultural Awareness as a component. Senator C. Smith moved to amend the motion as follows: The forum recommends that Multiculturalism remain on the General Education menu. Second by Senator O’Rouke. Presiding Officer Hoover called for the question on accepting the amendment as a rewording of the motion: VOTE: Motion to amend carries unanimously. After further discussion, a vote was taken on the motion as amended. VOTE: Motion carries. Abstain: 1 (Jones) Senator Koury moved to recommend only five catagories be allowed to be included in the General Education menu. Second by Senator Yamba. After some discussion, Senator Edwards moved to postpone the motion until the January 2012 meeting of the Forum. Second by Senator Danka. Senator Brooks moved to amend the postponement to the December 6, 2012 meeting of the Forum. After discussion, a vote on the amendment was taken. VOTE: Motion to amend carries. After discussion, a vote was taken on the motion to postpone the main motion to the December 6 meeting of the Forum. VOTE: Motion to postpone carries. 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. Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. University President
Dr. Charles Mance Vice President for University Technology Services
Craig Butzine 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
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