Greetings,
Each January for the past several years, I've used this column to update you on our state budget requests for the upcoming session. This is the supplemental budget year in the two-year budget cycle in Olympia. Governor Gregoire, legislative committee staff, and staff members from the Office of Financial Management direct institutions to limit requests for operating and capital funding in the second year of the biennium to those needs that constitute emergencies not anticipated at the time the biennial request was submitted. In that spirit, the university's supplemental request identified two operating budget and two capital budget items that represent unanticipated emergencies specific to Central Washington University. We also lent our support to a combined Council of President's request to address three additional emergencies.
CWU's highest priority for the supplemental operating budget is to correct an error that excluded about 300 employees from the 2007-09 budget. The state budget inadvertently omitted non-represented classified staff from salary calculations and appropriations in the budget. Legislative staff have recognized their error, and we feel confident that this correction will be forthcoming.
Another important operating request will cover an unanticipated increase in the cost of fire protection services for CWU in Ellensburg. When the city fire department merged with Kittitas County Fire District 2 on January 1, 2007, well after CWU submitted a budget request for 2007-09, CWU lost the benefit of reciprocal resource use and the cost for fire protection increased. We are requesting that our biennial appropriation be adjusted upward to cover the unanticipated increase in the cost of fire protection services.
CWU seeks funding in the supplemental capital budget to address inflation in the cost of materials, labor, and other factors associated with the remodeling of Dean Hall. Even after drastic value engineering and cost-cutting exercises throughout the design and construction document phases, CWU was forced to drive nearly all of the funds earmarked for the project toward the actual renovation of the building, leaving the university with a third of what is needed for the furnishings, fixtures, and equipment needed to use the building. In addition, we are requesting funds to support the cost of the deconstruction of Courson and Muzzall halls, which will have been vacant for two years.
CWU also supports three supplemental operating budget requests shared by the Council of Presidents. First and most important, CWU seeks funds for a recruitment and retention pool that will allow the university to match competitive offers for top-notch faculty who are being aggressively recruited by other universities or colleges. Second, a state budgeting protocol that affected all state schools was the inclusion in the 2007-09 budget of funds to support special salary increases for some state bargaining units and civil service employees. The increases addressed disparities in compensation between the public and private sectors but left salary compression, inequities, and disparities for exempt and professional employees who did not receive these special increases. CWU seeks funding to correct this imbalance. Last, responding to the governor's request that all state schools evaluate and upgrade their emergency response capabilities, CWU is requesting money to enhance the capacity of the university to respond rapidly and effectively to a broad range of emergency situations.
In addition to these requests, Ann Anderson will also be working with other schools' government relations officers to unravel the implications of Initiative 960, which requires state agencies to submit all increases in fees for legislative approval. The assistant attorney general assigned to CWU, Kim Loranz, is already involved in these discussions.
Supplemental budget sessions are typically shorter than the biennial budget sessions, so we hope to have a pretty good idea of the outcome before spring quarter begins. Now, however, all of you are focused on winter quarter. I wish you a productive quarter and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Jerilyn S. McIntyre
President
CWU TOP STORIES
IT'S STILL THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY STRESS
As the holiday season winds down, some members of the university community may now be experiencing feelings of anxiety or sadness. According to the National Mental Health Association, ". . . people experience post-holiday let down after January 1. This can result from disappointments during the preceding months compounded by the excess fatigue and stress."
A report released in November by the American College Health Association reported that the number of students who reported "having ever been diagnosed with depression" has increased by 4.6 percent during the last four years. Many of our students are at a stage in their lives where things are changing. Holidays aren't the same as they were. Living away from home has created a sense, for some, of separation and isolation. As winter quarter begins, the staff at Student Health, Counseling and Wellness Services encourages faculty and staff to take some time to talk with students, acknowledging the changes they are experiencing, and making it clear that they are not alone.
If you or another member of the campus community, especially a student, can't seem to shake the holiday blues, help is available for students through the Student Counseling Center at ext. 1391, for state employees through the Employee Assistance Program at 1-877-313-4455, and for anyone through Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health at 925-9861.
HOLIDAY GIFT PROJECT AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS
A total of 288 children celebrated the holidays with a little extra cheer, thanks to the CWU holiday gift project. This year, approximately 175 members of the campus community participated in the eleventh annual giving program.
Through it, local agencies provided Central with a list of children in need and items those children would like to receive. CWU administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community members then purchased the appropriate gifts.
"All the children on the lists were sponsored," says Kristy Magdlin, project coordinator. "I had one group sponsor twenty-two children this year, which was fabulous. I could go on-and-on about some of our sponsors, especially those who sponsored children with extensive clothing needs."
This year's gifts were delivered to area youngsters through Head Start/ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program), the state Department of Social and Health Services' Division of Children and Family Services, and CWU's Early Childhood Learning Center, in Brooklane Village, and Rainbow Center, in Michaelson Hall.
Alumni from Central are involved in every aspect of Washington's acclaimed wine industry. The new Wines of Central program is an opportunity to enjoy wines, often at special prices, that have a connection to CWU. Two or three times each year, the Office of Alumni Relations will showcase a different winery where Central graduates play a major role.
The superb wines of Gamache Vintners will launch Wines of Central. Before founding their own estate winery, Bob and Roger Gamache established a reputation as the growers of some of Washington's most desirable wine grapes. Their own vintages are now earning praise from wine lovers and the wine press.
Handcrafted in small lots, Gamache wines capture the essence of their remarkable vineyard near Richland. Both Roger and his wife Paula are 1979 CWU graduates.
Based on the recommendation of Amy Mumma, director of CWU's World Wine Program, the initial offering is a bottle each of Gamache's 2006 Viognier and 2004 Estate Syrah for $39, which is $7 off the regular price, plus shipping and handling.
Visit www.cwu.edu/alumni to order, or call ext. 2752 for more information.
In January, the 2007-08 Performing Arts and Presidential Speaker Series will feature a discussion focusing on the rise of modern day China and an a concert featuring a duo recognized as Scotland's premier musical ambassadors. Both presentations will be held in the Music Building Concert Hall.
On Thursday, January 10, Dr. Joseph Esherick will discuss China: Sick Man of Asia to Emerging Economic Giant, during a free, public presentation slated for 7:30 p.m. Esherick is the University of California, San Diego Hwei-chih and Julia Hsiu Endowed Chair in Chinese Studies. He also is a member of the editorial boards of the China Quarterly, Modern China, Asia Major, and China Review International.
Specializing in modern Chinese history, Esherick has written numerous books on social and political upheaval in twentieth century China. His first book, The Origins of the Boxer Uprising, won the prestigious John K. Fairbank Prize from the American Historical Association.
On Thursday, January 31, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas will perform in concert. Fraser, a master fiddler, will collaborate with cellist Haas in a presentation of the driving, dancing rhythms of Scottish fiddle music. The duo has previously played to great acclaim in numerous concert venues around the world.
Reserved seats for the performance are $30, while general admission is $20, and students will be admitted for $10. Tickets are available at the Student Union and Recreation Center box office.
For more information about the 2007-08 Performing Arts and Presidential Speaker Series, visit www.cwu.edu/president/series/.
STUDENT EMPOWERMENT CENTER TO CELEBRATE "MANUARY"
The Center for Student Empowerment has declared January to be MANuary on the Ellensburg campus. During the month, the center will sponsor a series of programs that will explore manhood, masculinity, character development, and men's issues in detail, with an emphasis on examining what it means to "be a man" and how to be "the whole man."
On Thursday, January 17, filmmaker Byron Hurt will participate in a question-and-answer session pertaining to his film Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, a documentary that examines gender roles in hop-hop and rap music. A preview will be held at noon in the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) Pit, with the full presentation slated for 6:30 p.m. in the SURC Theatre.
On Tuesday, January 22, the band Listener Project will perform a show involving music, talk music, indie, and poetry. The band, from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, is comprised of the husband-and-wife team of Dan Smith, vocals and production, and Kristen Smith, bass and vocals; with Christin Nelson, drums, keyboards, and guitars. A noon preview is slated for the SURC Pit, with the concert scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the SURC Theatre.
Then, on Thursday, January 24, author Wayne Levine will discuss his book, Hold on to Your N.U.T.s (non-negotiable, unalterable terms), and discuss the role of men in their relationships, along with their responsibilities, and the power they have to be better men for themselves, their families, and their communities. Levine will preview his talk at noon in the SURC Pit, with the SURC Theatre to be the venue for his 6 p.m. discussion.
In addition, other programs are planned to raise awareness for testicular cancer. A Balls of Fury ping-pong tournament will be held on Wednesday, January 9, from 4 to 8 p.m., in the SURC Ballroom, with prizes to be awarded to the participants and winners.
In addition, The Great Central 'Stache Off, designed to encourage men to grow their best mustaches, will be held from Monday, January 14, through Friday, February 29, and will culminate in a showcase of mustaches, with prizes for the Junior High, Best in Show, and Most Creative/Innovative categories.
For more information about MANuary, call the Student Empowerment Center at ext. 2127.
KITTITAS COUNTY PUBLIC AGENCY TECHNOLOGY FORUM HOSTED BY CWU
On December 18, Central's Information Technology Services (ITS) hosted the first Kittitas County Public Agency Technology Forum. The goal was to provide opportunities for public agencies within the county to share information, network with peers, and identify common areas that could allow for reduced technology costs and improved technology services to their customers.
Representatives from a variety of agencies attended, including the cities of Ellensburg and Kittitas; Kittitas County; Kittitas Valley Community Hospital; Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue; and the Cle Elum-Roslyn, Ellensburg, and Thorp school districts. Representatives from other county agencies are expected to attend future meetings.
During its initial two-hour discussion, group members identified several areas and opportunities where "partnering" can help achieve common goals. The group will now work to develop a collaborative Web site to allow all members to share information, post questions, and gain access to resources. The next quarterly forum will take place in March.
ADDRESS CHANGES NEEDED BY JANUARY 15
CWU employees are encouraged to verify that addresses printed on their paychecks and pay advices are accurate, as these will be the addresses where their W2 forms will be mailed. If the address is incorrect, changes can be made at https://www.cwu.edu/~payroll/change_forms.html. The updated information must be into Payroll by January 15 to make sure it is updated on the W2 forms, which will be mailed by January 31.
MAKING IT A SECURE NEW YEAR
Members of the campus community undoubtedly received new iPods, laptops, cell phones, and other expensive gifts during the holiday season. As winter quarter begins, the Department of Public Safety and Police Services wants to remind campus that the best way to protect such items is to hold onto them in all public places and to keep them in a secure place in your residence. It's further recommended that residence doors are always locked, even if the resident plans to be gone for "just for a minute."
In December, several vehicle prowls were reported on campus and several valuable items were taken. For that reason, CWU police encourage all members of the campus community to always lock their car's doors, remove all valuables from inside the vehicle, and turn on the alarm, if the car is equipped with one.
HR COOKBOOKS STILL AVAILABLE
There are a number of excellent cooks at CWU. Some of them have agreed to have their best recipes published in a fund-raising cookbook, produced by the Human Resources Department. They cost $10 and proceeds will benefit the Northwest Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America through the Combined Fund Drive.
The cookbooks contain more than 120 recipes, in eleven different categories, including HR Assistant Vice President Sherer Holter's Porcupine Meatballs, employee relations representative Eric Galbraith's Hot Crab and Cheese Dip, benefits representative Becky Baker's East 62nd Street Lemon Cake, HR secretary Colleen Rose's Potatoes Roman, HR help desk representative Judy Drexler's Doggie Cookies, and former HR director Ona Youman's brownies.
Cookbooks are available in the Human Resources office. For more information, call ext. 1202.
MOAWAD JAZZ FESTIVAL COMING UP
The Moawad Invitational Jazz Festival will take place on campus January 24-25. CWU faculty John Harbaugh, trumpet, and Lenny Price, saxophone, will be guest artists. Harbaugh has played around the world with numerous bands, including the Buddy Rich Band. Price is currently touring with jazz guitarist Earl Klugh. The Moawad invitational Jazz is open to all high school jazz bands, combos and choirs; college jazz bands, combos and choirs; and middle school/junior high jazz bands and combos. About 40 groups will participate in this year's festival, which will include a twenty-five-minute performance, twenty-five-minute clinic, and numerous performances by other schools. Each day will conclude with a performance by the award-winning CWU Vocal Jazz I, directed by Vijay Singh, and the top-rated CWU Jazz Band I, directed by Chris Bruya.
KID CAT ZONE TO BE FEATURED AT WILDCAT BASKETBALL GAMES
The Don and Verna Duncan Civic Engagement Center, Center for Student Empowerment, and departments of Athletics and University Recreation will sponsor a children's activity zone during four Wildcat basketball games in January. Activities, supervised by qualified student volunteers, are designed to keep kids entertained while their parents or guardians enjoy the game(s). However, because of limited space, those wanting their kids to experience the Kid Cat Zone are encouraged to arrive early.
The Kid Cat Zone will be open during the January 10 men's game against Western Oregon and the January 17 women's game with Northwest Nazarene, which both tip off at 7 p.m.; and the January 31 doubleheader when the Wildcat women take on Alaska at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's game against Seattle at 7:30 p.m.
CWU FACULTY/STAFF ELIGIBLE FOR "PROOF OF CONCEPT" GRANTS
Each year, the Northwest Academic Computing Consortium (NWACC), which is comprised of thirty-three Pacific Northwest colleges and universities including CWU, awards "Proof of Concept" grants. They're designed to encourage new uses of leading-edge information technologies, such as hand-held devices, learning-management systems, podcasting, and Web 2.0 applications. Funds may be used to buy hardware or software, provide access to networked resources, develop new or modify existing software, and for faculty stipends.
Traditionally, NWACC has awards up to fifteen grants annually of $10,000 each to eligible faculty, librarians, and full-time professional staff members. In previous years, Central has received several of these grants. The deadline for this year's submissions is February 22, 2008.
For application information and guidelines for submitting a proposal visit www.nwacc.org/programs/grants/guidelines08.html. You may also contact Carmen Rahm, assistant vice president for information technology, at ext. 2333 for more information.
ADOBE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNTS
Information Technology Services has secured a license agreement that covers a wide range of Adobe products for campus use, including Acrobat Professional, InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator, which are now available at considerable discounts. To find out about the available programs, or to place an order, contact Jeff Gladen in Computer Support Services via e-mail at gladenj@cwu.edu.
DISCOUNT SKI TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH OPR
For those planning to do some skiing, Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals (OPR) is offering discount lift tickets to three popular, local ski destinations. Through OPR, skiing at Stevens Pass costs just $44, as compared to the regular price of $49.77; a day pass to Mission Ridge is $40, an eight-dollar discount; a day pass to the Summit at Snoqualmie, regularly $55.34, is just $46; and a night pass to Snoqualmie, which is regularly $34.72, is only $30.
In addition, a "First Turns Package" at Snoqualmie summit, including a beginner's lift ticket, rental package, and a two-hour beginning group lesson, is available for $60, $13.78 off the everyday price.
OPR is located at the southeast corner of the recreation center. Call ext. 3537 or visit www.cwu.edu/~rec/opr for more information.
KID'S ROCK! AND WALL CRAWLERS PROGRAMS TO RESUME
The Kid's Rock! and Wall Crawlers programs at the recreation center climbing wall will again be held during winter quarter. Kid's Rock! is an introductory rock climbing instructional program, designed for kids, ages 6 to 14. It will be held Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. from January 6 through March 2.
The weekly cost is $8 for children of recreation center members and $12 for those of non-members. Participants must also be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or appointed adult.
Meanwhile, Wall Crawlers will be held Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. from January 18 through March 7. The structured eight-week program involves more advanced climbing wall instruction for boys and girls, ages 9 to 15. The cost is $75 for all eight lessons for children of recreation center members and $95 for those of non-members.
Since space is limited, pre-registration is required for both programs. In addition, a climbing wall permission waiver must be signed by a parent, legal guardian, or appointed adult for each participant. Registration and waiver forms are available at the recreation center's front counter. For more information, call ext. 3512.
SHARED LEAVE DONATIONS ARE NEEDED
The following individuals are in need of shared leave: Lynda di Caro, University Housing and New Student Programs; and Nancy Jo Tutino, accounting.
CWU employees may donate leave to a fellow employee: 1) who is suffering from or has a relative or household member who is suffering from an extraordinary or severe illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition; or, 2) who has been called to service in the uniformed services; and, where the fact of either 1) or 2) has caused or is likely to cause the employee to take leave without pay or terminate his or her employment.
You may donate annual (vacation) and sick leave in eight-hour increments. A minimum balance of eighty hours of annual leave must be maintained. Excess annual leave (more than 240 hours) that will otherwise be lost may not be donated. A minimum balance of 176 hours of sick leave must be maintained. All or a portion of your personal holiday may also be donated.
Shared leave donation forms can be downloaded from the forms section of the Human Resources home page at www.cwu.edu/~hr/forms/shared_leave_donation_form.doc. Forms may also be requested from the HR office at ext. 1202. Requests to donate leave must be approved by your supervisor before forwarding to HR and are subject to approval by your department head and Human Resources.
Anne DENMAN, anthropology professor emerita, has been appointed interim provost/senior vice president of academic affairs. She will assume the post on January 7 and serve through the end of the month, when the search for a permanent office holder is expected to be completed. Denman joined the Central faculty in 1967, becoming part of the the newly created Department of Anthropology in 1969. That same year, she was named co-director of the Small Towns Institute, a position she held through 1982. Denman has also served as anthropology department chair, special assistant to the dean of graduate studies and research, associate dean and dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, and dean of the College of the Sciences. Denman retired from the university in 2003.
Michael JACKSON, physics department chair, was selected for a three-year term as president elect, president, and past president of the Washington section of the American Association of Physics Teachers during its meeting at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory at Hanford in October. Jackson and physics professors Michael BRAUNSTEIN and Sharon ROSELL attended the meeting along with CWU physics students Jeff LEISETH, Evan MASTERS, Chris PARKER, and Travis WILLIAMS. At the meeting, Braunstein made the presentation Assessing Undergraduate Research. JACKSON also served as a reviewer for a research proposal from the Qatar National Research Fund and for the textbook Classical Mechanics with MATLAB Applications.
The CWU student chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) was selected as an Outstanding SPS Chapter for the 2006-07 academic year by the National Society of Physics Students, an affiliate of the American Institute of Physics. This is the eleventh time in the past fourteen years that the CWU chapter has been so honored. Physics graduate student Taylor KENDALL was chapter president last year. ROSELL serves as the chapter's advisor.
Martha KURTZ, chemistry and science education, has been appointed interim dean of the College of the Sciences. Kurtz joined the CWU faculty in 1995 and has served as chemistry department chair, science education program director, and program director for CWU's elementary education major and science education at Green River Community College. Kurtz earned her PhD in curriculum and instruction: chemical education from Arizona State University, her master's degree in physical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her bachelor's degree in chemistry from Northern Arizona University. Her appointment will continue until a new dean is selected through a national search process.
Doug LONOWSKI and Geoff FOY, continuing education, accepted the Gary Award for best overall summer session marketing campaign among members of the Western Association of Summer Session Administrators (WASSA). Catch the Wave: Summer Session 2007 was an eight-month, comprehensive campaign designed to increase enrollment in CWU's summer session. The awards committee noted the campaign's creativity, comprehensiveness, successful execution, and positive results. Along with the use of traditional printed materials and radio advertising, the campaign hosted informational campus events, including movies and a "Beach Party" complete with palm trees, an outdoor barbecue, and mechanical surfboard for students to try. CWU entry was selected from those submitted by universities in six other western states. The award was presented at the 61st annual WASSA conference in November in Kaanapali, Hawaii.
Wildcat seniors Johnny LOPEZ and Bret STRAY will both play in one more college football game this year. Lopez, a running back from Federal Way, and Stray, a linebacker from Sammamish, have been selected to participate in the 2008 Cactus Bowl, to be played January 11, 2008, in Kingsville, Texas. The game features the best NCAA Division II seniors. This past season, Lopez became just the tenth player in school history to rush for 1,000 or more yards in a single season. He finished the year with 1,230 yards and thirteen touchdowns. Stray, a three-year letterman, finished second on the team in tackles for losses with ten and-one-half. He also led CWU with five and-one-half quarterback sacks and three fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for his only collegiate touchdown.
CWU EMPLOYEES
Civil Service new hires: Joanna Hunt, General Bookstore Supervisor, Wildcat Shop; Arezu Maluafiti-Mahjoubi, Office Assistant 3, Academic Achievement Programs.
Civil Service job changes: Kelly Steffens, Fiscal Technician 3, Campus Life; Rebecca Severin, Administrative Assistant 3, Provost.
Exempt new hires: Janine Graves, Academic Advisor, Academic Achievement Program.
To view current job openings at CWU, go to www.cwu.edu/~hr/jobs/index.html.