THE NEWSPAPER OF SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1913 VOLUME 98, ISSUE 120
MONDAY JUNE 25, 2012
Chancellor announces retirement Elisse Miller
opinion
Staff Writer
Chancellor of the California State University system, Charles B. Reed, announced his retirement on Thursday, May 24. In an email, Reed said he is “now looking forward to retirement as a chance to spend more time with my wife, children, and five grandsons; and to pursue more of the higher education related projects that are my passion.” He will continue his role as chancellor until a replacement is selected. Reed began his CSU chancellorship in 1998 after leaving his previous position as chancellor of the Florida State University system. He reflected on his CSU legacy by stating, “Out of all of the many experiences I have had, what I have enjoyed the most about my time in California is working with so many bright and talented individuals.” His job, however, was not always easy. “Chancellor Reed has presided over an era of unprecedented turmoil in the California State University system. The CSU has seen devastating budget cuts, and students have borne much of the burden — student fees have more than quadrupled since 2002,” the California Faculty Association said in a public statement.
Cuts in budget take their toll Leonardo Castaneda Opinion Editor
Stop and open your wallet right now. How much do you have, five bucks and a Taco Bell coupon? Congratulations, you’re now approximately $15.7 billion wealthier than the California state government. To help breach this massive gap between what the state has and what it owes Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a tax initiative that would increase the state sales and income tax for upper-income earners. If voters approve the initiative this November, the state will receive an estimated $8.5 billion in additional revenue if it fails we face a slew of trigger
Reed was criticized for several issues including executive pay raises and tuition increases. In May, a CBS LA investigation was alarmed to discover luxurious spending on
news
CFA asks for role in hiring process
catered meals, bottles of wine and transportation services charged to the CSU credit card, which is funded by taxpayers. Complaints led to a protest outside Reed’s home
while he hosted a party with several other CSU officials. Despite criticisms, Reed’s legacy
Staff Writer
On June 6, president of the California Faculty Association Lillian Taiz wrote a letter to the California State University Board of Trustees asking it to provide a more diverse hiring committee and a “collaborative working relationship among the entire university community.” Taiz also supported an editorial in The Sacramento Bee that suggested the board publicly announce the finalists and allow them to schedule an interactive meeting with the public. Before the board’s secrecy in its 1997 decision to search for a new chancellor, was exposed to the public eye. The CFA and The Bee propose more transparency. CFA Vice President Kim Geron said many people expressed concern about the hiring process for the new chancellor and the importance of maintaining this transparency. “So far, the CSU Trustees are conducting a semi-closed process,” Geron said. “We believe this terribly important position in a public university should be done with transparency and clear accountability.” San Diego State Vice President of External Affairs Tom Rivera said he thinks there is confidentiality in the hiring process for a reason. “Confidentiality is there to protect the applicants who are seeking the
job,” Rivera said. “Like university presidents, these applicants usually come from administrations of other universities, so it can cause a lot of problems if the information is out to the public. As far as if transparency is necessary, I think it is confidential for a reason.” On June 12, CSU Board Chair Bob Linscheid appointed seven trustees for the selection process of the new
We believe this terribly important position in a public university should be done with transparency and a clear accountability.
entertainment
Aztec Gaming lists E3 top 3 See PHOTO page 10
sports
Whitney Ashley wins NCAA title Ryan Schuler Sports Editor
Aztec Gaming Staff Bloggers
With fall semester looming in the distance, it’s nice to just sit back, relax and play video games. Like every year, there has been a slew of information and the debut of many new, highly anticipated games with the advent and departure of
Cour tesy of Microsoft
the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Granted, some people are more excited about certain titles than others and Aztec Gaming is no exception. From assassins to zombies, this year’s E3 made the wait for sometimes far away release dates much more difficult. Check out Aztec Gaming’s member’s top three games of E3 2012. See ENTERTAINMENT page 9
no negatives: page 10
Kim Geron CFA Vice President chancellor. Trustee Bill Hauck will chair the Special Committee. The first meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on June 28 at the Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach, allowing the public and stakeholders an opportunity to provide their input and opinion. If interested in providing the Special Committee for the selection of the chancellor with feedback or questions, email chancellorsearch@ calstate.edu.
sports
See NEWS page 3
C al ifor nia Facult y A s s ociation member s ur ge to be inv olved in the s elec tion of the ne w C S U chancellor. Alejandra Paz
See OPINION page 6
California State Univeristy Chancellor Charles Reed announces retirement after 14 years. Courtesy of the House Committee on Education
Paige Nelson, Photo Editor
It’s been 27 years since a San Diego State track member has won a National Collegiate Athletic Association championship. SDSU senior Whitney Ashley, who competed in the women’s discus competition on June 6 at the NCAA Track and Field Championships, became the first SDSU student to win an NCAA title, team or individual, since 1985. Ashley is the fourth national champion from SDSU. She defeated 23 other entrants with a throw of 196 feet, 10 inches. The mark, a Mountain West record, was enough to earn Ashley a trip to the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. this past week. “It was unbelievable,” Ashley said. “Once I made the finals (after three throws), I just went for it. I was nervous, but I calmed myself down and just let it go. When the throw finally registered (on the scoreboard), I was ecstatic. I know it’s a cliché, but I’ve never really believed that dreams come true until today.” “We are extremely proud of Whitney,” SDSU head coach See SPORTS page 13