Greetings,
This past Tuesday (Feb. 20), I participated in Higher Education Day in Olympia and had an opportunity to speak to the press about higher education in the state of Washington, particularly as it relates to the current legislative budget negotiations. This particular "press availability" involved the presidents of all six baccalaureate institutions and was for explaining the Council of Presidents' common agenda.
You've probably already read about some of what I said, but I thought you might be interested in the "rest of the story." Here, for your reading enjoyment, are my prepared remarks.
Central Washington University supports the governor's higher education budget proposal. Based on the research and the thoughtful analysis that led to the Washington Learns initiative, the governor has provided excellent leadership with a policy framework and a realistic budget that does not separate general fund and tuition support, provides the state support required to expand enrollment at state universities and supports the higher costs for the programs that are most in demand by students and employers.
The governor's budget recognizes that a baccalaureate degree has become a prerequisite for entry into careers that will provide financial and professional security over a lifetime. Even now, fewer and fewer well-paying jobs can be held by individuals who lack a college education. That will be even more true in the future. Anyone who uses an iPod, a cell phone, a Blackberry or a computer knows how integral technology, communication and the ability to process information have become to every aspect of our lives. Being skilled in these areas is also a prerequisite to jobs and lives in the 21st century. Most policymakers agree in principle, but Gov. Gregoire has put a strong budget behind her understanding of these trends.
University education prepares people to function effectively, to reason and to communicate - and that's why the demand for higher education is increasing. Employers will hire people with university degrees. Whether or not they hire Washington residents is our choice. Gov. Gregoire has made that choice and her budget stands squarely behind expanding education opportunity for the people of Washington. She knows that if we don't make more room in our universities, we are, in effect, outsourcing opportunity to residents of other states, because that is where Washington employers will get their graduates.
The governor's budget recognizes that to educate more people, universities need more money. Gov. Gregoire's budget recognizes the need to fund the full cost of instruction for students who are currently enrolled as well as those currently in the pipeline. It also recommends state support per student at a level that allows us to compete with our peer institutions, including those in the global challenge states. This is important because statewide enrollment is up nearly 15 percent from fall 2000 to fall 2006, an increased headcount of 13,239.
We can only enroll more students if we have funding that matches anticipated enrollment increases and if we have a reasonable amount of time to find and hire staff to accommodate them.
The governor's budget also recognizes that some university degrees are in greater demand by students and employers than others. Often these are the most costly programs to provide, because they rely on sophisticated technology and faculty who are in high demand by other universities as well as the private sector.
Much has been heard about the demand within the fields of health care and biotechnology. But the needs of students and employers vary from region to region of our diverse state. What is needed in Seattle isn't necessarily Spokane's highest priority. Fields like construction management, flight technology, special education and others play a key role in our state and regional economies and they, too, need well-educated graduates. The higher education institutions we represent can meet employers' and students' demand for these programs, but not without adequate start-up time to hire staff and recruit students. The governor's plan to distribute money for high-demand enrollment directly to colleges and universities will help make this possible, by providing more adequate time for start-up.
Gov. Gregoire has made it clear: Washington state is well positioned to meet our diverse education and economic needs but only if the Legislature chooses to make higher education a budget priority. The state can be proud of its world-class public research universities, regional comprehensive universities and liberal arts college. They provide unique, high-quality programs to students throughout the state. In addition, our branch campuses and university centers are expanding higher education opportunity in high-density population centers and in rural communities.
However, regardless of the way in which we provide baccalaureate education, we cannot serve more students unless we hire more people to teach them, guide their intellectual development and work with them on research projects; to provide admissions and counseling services; and to ensure students' health and safety.
The governor's funding proposal recognizes that we cannot and must not compromise in any of these areas.
As you know, we will continue to work with legislators throughout the session, explaining our budget priorities - both capital and operating - and encouraging them to establish a budget for higher education that addresses state need and makes it possible for individual citizens to achieve their dreams.
Sincerely,
Jerilyn McIntyre
President
CWU's military science department has been named the top program in the Northwest in ranking released by the U.S. Army Cadet Command and the MacArthur Foundation, involving schools within Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam that have that have Army ROTC programs. CWU was also ranked in the top 14 brigades out of 273 at colleges and universities nationwide.
The annual rankings are based on the performance of senior cadets who participate in the summer Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC), which is held at Fort Lewis, along with their academic achievement and participation in university and community activities.
"We look for scholars, athletes and leaders and we're very proud that those are the kinds of students we're attracting to Central," says Lt. Col. Gregory P. Solem, military science professor.
The four-week LDAC determines the officer potential of each ROTC participant through a variety of physical and mental assessments. CWU sent 17 senior cadets to the competition, 16 of them will be commissioned as second lieutenants later this year.
The CWU military science department goal is to commission 14 cadets each year, Solem points out, adding he expects to exceed that number by four next year. Currently, there are 85 students enrolled in military science at CWU.
In 2003, Central's military science department was also ranked No. 16 in the country.
CWU CROSS COUNTRY LISTED AMONG DIVISION II ALL-ACADEMIC SQUADS
Both the CWU men's and women's cross country teams have been listed among the NCAA Division II All-Academic Teams, as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The women's team posted a 3.58 combined grade point average (GPA) and was one of 92 Division II institutions to be on the women's all-academic team list. The men's squad, meanwhile, owns a combined 3.13 GPA and was one of just 57 schools to be selected. In order for teams to be eligible for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team, an institution's team GPA must be above 3.0.
Individually, two Central student-athletes received Division II Cross Country All-Academic Women's Individual Awards from the USTFCCCA. Junior Katie Hummel, from Yakima, and senior Rachel Bailey, from Woodinville, both of whom earned all-region accolades for their efforts on the cross country course in the fall, were also recognized for their achievements in the classroom.
Hummel, who became Central's first-ever Division II cross country All-American with a 12th place finish at the national championships, has a 3.89 cumulative GPA. Bailey carries a 3.5 GPA in political science and history and just missed a national championships appearance.
To help address long-term landscaping issues at Central, the university's Facilities Management Department (FMD) has developed a new "Campus Tree Plan." It is a shift toward a pro-active operational tree management plan, according to Greg Poe, FMD manager.
"All that means is we want to make sure we are planting the right trees in the right places in the right ways," Poe says.
The plan, which has been approved by the CWU President's Cabinet and the university's site and development committee, involves planting improvements and clarifies the process for the installation and replacement of trees on the Ellensburg campus.
"The first project within the plan involves parallel replacement for the large shade trees that exist along University Way and D Street," Poe adds. "The elms along those two streets are old and will eventually need to be removed, as they reach the end of their lifespan."
Seven existing trees have been removed to make room for replacement planting, which will include about 40 red oaks, maples, birch and pagoda trees also known as scholar trees.
The new trees, which will be planted beginning in late March, will form "a new, long-lived arching canopy," according to Poe.
The second phase, will involve the removal and replacement of sycamore trees on the west side of Bouillon Hall. The third project will include the planting of 200 Ponderosa pines along the west side of the service drive at Student Village. Both of those projects will also get underway in March.
CENTRAL TRANSIT ADDS TWO MORE STOPS
Central Transit has announced the addition of two new stops, which will bring to 16 the number pick-up and drop-off points for the CWU system, created to provide transportation for students to business and other areas within the Ellensburg community. The new stops are at the Ellensburg Inn on Canyon Road and at Kittitas Valley Community Hospital.
Central Transit had more than 24,000 riders last year, averaging more than 100 riders per day, and the numbers continuing to increase. This year, more than 12,000 riders took the bus during fall quarter alone, with 36,000 riders expected during the academic year.
Central Transit was created through student input and in partnership with the university's student government, HopeSource and the CWU department of public safety and police services. Central students pay $3 quarterly fees to support the program. Last October, Central Transit expanded the partnership to also include Central Washington Disability Resources and Elmview.
Central Transit operates Sundays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. to midnight and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
In addition, during it's regular February meeting, the university's board of trustees approved supplemental funds from Student and Activity fees for Central Transit.
"This additional money will close the gaps in service we currently have in the system," says Kevin Higgins, CWU police captain. "We will now be able to cover driver's lunch breaks and provide service during holiday weekends and during spring break."
CWU DECEMBER 2006 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH HONORED
Marie McGowan, human resources information systems administrator, was honored as the university's December civil service "Employee of the Month." During a surprise ceremony, she received a certificate and $125 from the president's discretionary fund, through the CWU civil service employee recognition program.
Those nominating McGowan said:
- Marie blends the skills of working in a highly technical field with an exceptional ability to translate complicated material into an understandable format. She sets high standards for herself when it comes to customer service. She ensures that users receive helpful instructions, proper technical assistance and polite, friendly service. Marie's calm and efficient manner gains the confidence of her customers.
- Marie continuously seeks ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the human resource management system. She does this so routinely that the solutions she provides sometime go unnoticed.
- Marie takes the lead to tackle the most difficult of problems. She is timely, dependable and accurate. We can all count on Marie when there is a task or a problem to be solved.
Initiated by the CWU civil service employee council, recognition goes to employees who foster a personalized environment that supports members of the university community as well as the mission of Central.
University students, faculty and staff, along with Ellensburg community members, are encouraged to make signed or anonymous nominations for employees of the month. Nomination forms are available from the CWU human resources office, employee council representatives and on-line at: www.cwu.edu/~hr/ec/.
CWU TO HEAR ABOUT "WANKSTAS, WIGGERS, AND WANNABES" In conjunction with CWU's observance of Black History Month, Bikari Kitwana, who wrote "The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African American Culture," will deliver a lecture on hip-hop's transition from a cultural movement to political power, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., in the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) Theatre.
The presentation will be based on his most recent work about race and hip-hop culture, "Why White Kids Love Hip-Hop: Wankstas, Wiggers, Wannabes and the New Reality of Race in America." Kitwana's free, public presentation is also part of Central's "The Year of Hip Hop" series, which focuses on the artistic and cultural contributions of hip hop.
Prior to Kitwana's lecture, the annual, awareness-raising "March for Equity and Diversity" will be held. The student-lead march from campus to downtown Ellensburg will leave at noon from the Student Union and Recreation Center Theatre.
CWU PRESENTATION TO FOCUS ON "THE JUGGLING ACT" The trials and successes of students who struggle with balancing home life, finances, school work and other daily obligations will be discussed on Thursday, March 1, during a presentation titled "The Juggling Act: Time Management for the Non-traditional Student."
Sponsored by the CWU Center for Student Empowerment, it's slated for noon in the SURC Pit. The presentation is part of the Brown Bag Lecture Series, which involves a series of speakers and presentation designed to help non-traditional students take full advantage of their university experience. For more information, call ext. 2127.
CWU TO AGAIN CELEBRATE WOMEN'S ACHIEVEMENT To celebrate and publicly acknowledge individuals who have helped women with their life journey, CWU's Center for Student Empowerment will host its ninth annual Women's Achievement Celebration on Wednesday, March 7. The semi-formal event is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the SURC Ballroom.
The individuals to be honored this year are Dr. Cynthia Coe, CWU philosophy professor; Nancy Howard, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity; Kristin Karns, health care specialist/advanced registered nurse practitioner, Health and Counseling Center; and Teresa Sloan, aviation professor.
In addition, the "Keys to Success" award will be presented to Dr. William Bender, chair of the industrial and engineering technology department and construction management professor, while the "Presidential Recognition" award will be made to Washington state Court of Appeals Judge Teresa Kulik and the "Student Empowerment" award will go to psychology graduate student Veronica Toner. Gloria Wilson, the Wildcat Shop's cashier supervisor, will also receive special recognition for her years of commitment and service to Central.
Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for CWU staff, faculty and students with I.D. They are available through the SURC Ticketmaster outlet and at the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce. The price includes a catered dinner, with a vegetarian option. For more information, call ext. 2127.
CWU CAREER SERVICES TO HOST THREE-DAY CERTIFICATION COURSE Job search and career development coaches assist clients in making successful short-term job transitions and long-term career transitions. Richard L. Knowdell, the executive director of the Career Planning & Adult Development Network, will offer a three-day "Job and Career Transition Coach" certification at CWU. Sponsored by Career Services, the workshops will be held March 7-9, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the SURC.
The topics to be covered will include:
- Changes in The World of Work, The Composition and Configuration of Jobs and Careers Paths in the 21st century;
- How to Focus on an Immediate Job Objective or a Long-Term Career Goal; and
- Building and Managing a Career Strategy Plan.
The cost is $500 per participant for which they will earn 21 National Certified Career Counselor (NCCC) or Institute of Career Certification International (ICCI) continuing education hours. For more information or to registration for the training, call ext. 2446. Space is limited.
CENTRAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEEKS EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS The CWU Alumni Association is now accepting nominations of outstanding upperclassmen for departmental scholarship awards. A committee comprised of Alumni Association board members will meet to select the recipients based on their academics, departmental contributions, motivation, organizational and leadership activities, recommendations by department and faculty members and demonstrated financial need
To be eligible for an award, nominees must:
- be a junior or senior by October 2007;
- have declared a major within the nominating department;
- have demonstrable academic and leadership abilities;
- have completed three consecutive quarters at Central; and
- be a full time student at the time of nomination and when the award is presented next October.
The Alumni Association also awards the Olive Irelan Endowed Scholarship and three Men and Women of the Fifties Scholarships. The recipients of these scholarships are selected from nominees for the departmental scholarship.
The nomination deadline is Monday, March 5. Nomination forms are available in the office of Alumni Relations, Barge 214, or you may call ext. 2752 or e-mail: alumni@cwu.edu and request a nomination form. Nomination forms are also available online at www.cwu.edu/~cwualum/awardsAndScholarships/dept_scholarship 07-08.doc
STATE OF DIVERSITY TO BE ADDRESSED AT CWU The university's first "State of Diversity" forum has been scheduled for May 14, from 1-3 p.m., in the SURC Ballroom. CWU President McIntyre will open the discussion, which will cover diversity-related accomplishments during the past five years and look toward potential future initiatives. For more information, contact Leslie Webb, CWU diversity council chair, at ext. 1685.
CWU has received a prestigious $1,850 grant for undergraduate research from the national Society of Physics Students (SPS), an organization of the American Institute of Physics. The Central project, titled "Electronic Realization of Chaotic Systems," was selected for one of just five 2006-2007 Sigma Pi Sigma Undergraduate Research Awards based on its research potential and its potential to enhance SPS on Central's campus. Sigma Pi Sigma is the physics honor society that provided funding for the project. It was submitted by senior physics major David CROSS, Central's SPS chapter president, and Michael BRAUNSTEIN, physics. Sharon ROSELL, physics, serves as CWU's SPS chapter advisor.
Steve JEFFERIES, physical education, was an invited presenter at the annual "West's Best PE Workshop." Billed as the West Coast's largest one-day physical education workshop, it was held Feb. 3 in Seattle. Jefferies was assisted by undergraduate physical education majors Siri GESE and Rochelle MILLS in leading participants through the session "A Better Way to Teach Games."
Ferman KONUKMAN, health, human performance and nutrition, attended the 2007 American Alliance For Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance Northwest - Southwest Combined District Convention, Jan. 23-25, in Reno, Nev. During the convention, he made a paper presentation on "Teaching Aquatic Skills to Children with Autism" and a poster presentation about "Comparison of Physical Fitness Levels of Children with Mental Retardation in an Inclusion Program in Turkey."
Interviews with Morris UEBELACKER and Robert KUHLKEN, geography and land studies, are featured prominently in a new documentary titled "Arid Lands." It's about the land and people of the Columbia Basin, focusing on how people changed the landscape over time and how the landscape has affected their lives. Directed by Minnesota filmmakers Grant Aaker and Josh Wallaert, it premiered on Jan. 13 at the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival in Nevada City, Calif. The festival, the largest of its kinds in the nation, uses films to inspire environmental activism and to encourage stewardship of the planet. "Arid Lands" earned the "People's Choice" award at the festival. More information about the film is available online at www.sidelongfilms.com/aridlands/film.html.
CWU EMPLOYEES
Civil Service new hires: Patrick Garmong, Sous Chef, CWU Catering; Julie Tapley, Office Assistant 2, Department of Music; Robbi Tormey, Office Assistant 2, Student Union Operations; Leigh Ann Yocom, Program Assistant, Facilities Management; Anthony Giglio, On-line Order Assistant, Wildcat Shop; Dennis Beckett, Electrician - High Voltage, Facilities Management; Tycy Hughes, Custodian 1, Facilities Management; Michael Morefield Jr., Custodian 1, Facilities Management; Michael Morefield Sr., Maintenance Custodian II, Facilities Management; Christina Denison, Secretary Senior, Douglas Honors College; Shirley Sadler, Fiscal Technician III, Budget Planning & Institutional Research.
Civil Service job changes: Kirsten Hernandez, Program Support Supervisor I, Copy Cat Shop; Lindsay Groce, Secretary Senior, Department of Foreign Languages; Mark Winterer, Plumber/Pipefitter/Steamfitter Lead, Facilities Management.
Exempt new hires: Robert Harden, Director, DSS & ADA Compliance Officer, Disability Support Services; Gina Benesh, Development Officer, University Relations.
Exempt job changes: Kevin Camarillo, Executive Chef, Dining Services.
To view current job openings at CWU, go to http://www.cwu.edu/~hr/jobs/index.html.