Greetings,

My husband David and I just returned from a whirlwind trip to South Korea where we visited two universities that are among our important international education partners. Accompanying us on this trip were Provost David Soltz and Professors Michael Launius and Bang Soon Yoon. State Senator Paull Shin joined us for a portion of the trip. Throughout our journey, Bang Soon's skills as a translator and cultural advisor were particularly helpful.

We were very warmly received by university officials at Ewha Woman's [sic] University in Seoul and at Kyungdong University in Sokcho, a town that is a three-hour drive from Seoul and about thirty-miles south of the demilitarized zone on the east coast of South Korea at the foot of the spectacular Mt. Sorak.

The visit to Kyungdong, a high tech institution founded ten years ago that now enrolls about 4,500 students each year, reciprocated a visit to CWU by their senior leadership earlier this year. In contrast, this was the first meeting of senior leadership from Ewha and Central. Ewha enrolls about 23,000 students each year--all women.

This is my fourth trip to Asia--two to China, one to Japan, and one to Korea--during my presidency. Some of you may be wondering why I have made this strategic investment of the university's resources and my time. I am convinced that providing an international experience for our students and encouraging student study abroad opportunities and faculty exchanges to and from international partner universities is essential to the education of students in the world of the twenty-first century century. That same conviction has been echoed in the governor's Washington Learns initiative and in other state and national planning efforts.

It was also reinforced by seeing the interest and emphasis on global initiatives and international education at the South Korean universities we visited. Kyungdong University is dedicated to student, faculty, and programmatic exchanges as a way of building an educated workforce for Korea. And President Bae Yong Lee of Ewha University speaks with passion about her institution's global initiative. She says, "Ewha is working hard to realize Initiative Ewha, our new vision to play a leading role in the creation of a new civilization that pursues coexistence and the common prosperity of all humankind...[The university] will train women leaders as truly upstanding citizens of the world with multicultural sensitivity and global competence with humane character." Much of their work is realized through their International Education Institute and their Graduate School of International Studies. The latter was established in 1997 to "spearhead the effort to produce the finest global leaders for the twenty-first century ."

One of CWU's strategic subgoals--integrate international experiences and global education in curricular and co-curricular initiatives--points us in this same direction, and we've already taken important steps toward achieving it. We've made great strides in recent years in internationalizing the curriculum, most especially in the development of the international studies minor and the conversations that are already taking place about quickly developing an international studies major. Many faculty members already build international perspectives into the curricula of their courses and programs, and I encourage others to do so as we continue to develop an important educational niche in international studies.

We already have one of the strongest student study abroad programs in the region thanks to the fine work of the Office of International Studies and Programs. I hope we can continue to build this program by developing and advertising courses of study for students in all academic areas that strongly encourage an international experience for a quarter or a year or even for a short course. I'm especially pleased to see that, with OISP's support, a number of faculty members organize faculty-led short courses abroad during quarter breaks and over the summer.

Our programs of faculty exchange are also important to this effort. I especially appreciate our own faculty who go abroad and then bring the benefits of their new perspectives back to influence our curriculum and to encourage others to sign up for similar adventures. We also benefit enormously from faculty who come from other countries to teach here at Central. I know many of us provide a welcoming environment for these international scholars.

Our partnership with Asia University also enriches campus life by bringing a large cohort of Japanese students to campus twice yearly. And thanks in great part to the University English as a Second Language Program, an important and growing number of international students are completing degrees at CWU. These international students enrich our classrooms and campus community. And I am especially grateful to our local students who form lasting friendships with our many foreign visitors.

All of this work is vitally important to positioning our university as a leader in international education and preparing our students for the world of the future, and I want to thank all of you who support these curricular and programmatic efforts. Still we can do more, and I challenge each of us to take full advantage of the opportunities the university provides to incorporate international perspectives into our lives and work. I believe you will find, as David and I do, that the effort pays off many times over.

Sincerely,

Jerilyn S. McIntyre
President

CWU TOP STORIES

OISP TO OFFER SPRING BREAK TRIP TO GREECE IN 2008

For the second consecutive year, the Office of International Studies and Programs will offer a spring break study abroad trip to Greece. This year's excursion will feature site visits to major historical places and events of the ancient Greek Civilization, along with three Humanities 398 credits for participants. The trip will take place from March 14 to 24 and will again be led by Dr. Jim Pappas, CWU education professor.

The trip will include stops in Athens and the Peloponnese, and will feature visits to the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus; Olympia (home of the early Olympic Games and statue of Hermes), and the famous sacred sanctuary of Apollo's oracle to view the statue of the Bronze Charioteer, among others. Participants will also visit the Greek islands of Poros, Hydra, and Aegina.

An information session about the trip will be held on Thursday, November 1, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Office of International Studies and Programs. Applications are due by December 1. For additional information, call ext. 3075.

CWU ALUMNA, PASCO INSTRUCTOR NAMED STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Laura Jones, a marketing educator and instructional coach at Pasco High School, has been named the 2008 Washington Teacher of the Year. Jones graduated from CWU in 1991 with a degree in public relations, and a minor in Japanese. Through credits earned at Central, Jones received her Career and Technical Education Certificate in 1999 and her Career and Technical Education Directors Certification in 2006. She has spent her entire eleven-year teaching career at Pasco High School.

As a mentor to new teachers, Jones provides guidance and support, while, as an instructional coach, she suggests practical solutions to teachers' 'problems; and, as a career and technical education teacher, she helps students connect to the world through business and marketing programs.

Jones is also involved in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), an association of marketing students that uses classroom and outside experiences to learn about marketing and business, as well as leadership and communication. Under her leadership, the DECA chapter in Pasco has consistently been one of the largest in the state.

School employees, parents, and students are eligible to participate in the state Teacher of the Year program by nomination made at local school district. Through the educational service districts (ESDs) selection process, nine regional finalists were selected for the 2008 award, including three other CWU alumni. They were: Warden High School teacher Ruth Lucero, a 1993 foreign languages graduate; Toppenish Middle School teacher, Brenda Marler, a 1999 elementary education graduate; and Stevens Elementary School (Aberdeen) teacher Dana Persson-Zora, who received her Master of Education in 1984.

Jones is now in the running to become national Teacher of the Year, which is awarded by the Council of Chief State School Officers. President George W. Bush will announce that winner during a special ceremony at the White House next spring.

In addition, as the Washington Teacher of the Year, Jones will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession while continuing her teaching responsibilities.

VIETNAM 101: THE WAR ON CAMPUS

To being its 2007-08 season, the Central Theatre Ensemble will presents the theatrical documentary about one college community's journey during the Vietnam War years, titled "Vietnam 101: The War on Campus." It's based on letters and recollections of more one hundred students at Oberlin (Ohio) College. The play spans an era from early anti-war demonstrations in 1964 to the campus shutdown at Kent (Ohio) State University after four students were killed and nine others wounded during a 1970 protest.

During the November 1 performance, theatre-goers will have an opportunity to meet the production's award-winning playwright Rich Orloff and listen to a panel discussion immediately following the performance.

The play will be presented November 1-3, and 8-10, at 7 p.m.; and November 11, at 2 p.m., in the Milo Smith Tower Theatre. General admission is $12; students tickets are $7.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS BREAKFAST SERIES RESUMES

Karen Glover will discuss "Global Law in a Flat World" at the College of Business Business-to-Business (B2B) Breakfast series presentation on November 15 at 7:30 a.m. at the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle.

Glover is the Global Integration Partner for Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP, a position she has held since the merger of Kirkpatrick and Lockhart and Preston Gates & Ellis last January. For two years prior to the merger, she was the managing partner of Preston Gates & Ellis. Glover has practiced corporate law for more than 30 years, which has included a focus on healthcare corporate affiliations and transactions, executive compensation, health technology and healthcare regulatory compliance.

The B2B series was created to raise the visibility and to strengthen the connection between the CWU College of Business and the Puget Sound business community.

For more information about Glover's presentation, call ext. 3057 or visit www.cwu.edu/~cob/special_events/b2b/2007-08/glover.html.

"EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH" FOR SEPTEMBER RECOGNIZED

Richard Villacres, photographer, University Relations/Public Relations and Marketing, has been named the university's civil service "Employee of the Month" for September. During a recent surprise ceremony, he received a certificate and $125 from the president's discretionary fund, through the CWU civil service employee recognition program.

Those nominating Villacres noted:
"He has made the transition from film to digital smooth and uncompromising. His attention to photographic detail, style and content has, on occasion, had him literally hanging out of a helicopter to get the best aerial view of campus. His most recent view was so stunning that President McIntyre has given it as a gift to the governor of the State of Washington."

In addition, a CWU alum wrote:
"I want to congratulate whoever was responsible for the cover of the latest issue of Central Connections." The cover captured the wonderful outdoor opportunities available to students attending CWU." It was a cover photo that Villacres shot.

University students, faculty and staff, and members of the Ellensburg community, are encouraged to make nominations for the Employee of the Month award. Nomination forms are available at the CWU human resources office, employee council representatives, and online at: www.cwu.edu/~hr/ec/.

NOTICE CORNER

SHARED LEAVE DONATIONS ARE NEEDED
The following individuals are in need of shared leave: Linda Fine, Facilities Management; and Kimberly Graham-Roseburg, GEAR-UP.

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 blocks. A minimum balance of 80 hours of annual leave must be maintained. Excess annual leave (that over 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.

DON'T LOSE VACATION LEAVE!
Classified and exempt employees who accrue annual leave (vacation) will lose hours in excess of 240 hours on the first day of the employee's leave anniversary month (see below). For example: if your leave anniversary month is June, your annual leave balance as of June 1 must be at or below 240 hours. If your annual leave balance exceeds 240 hours after your accrued time for May is added in, any hours above 240 will be erased from your record.

Leave balances and your leave anniversary month are printed on your pay stub/advice. The leave balance that appears on the paycheck of the 25th day of the month is your leave balance as of the 16th of the month. It includes your accrual for the previous month and any leave taken between the 1st and the 15th of the month. It does not include the current month's accrual, nor does it include any leave taken after the 15th of the month.

Please resolve any questions regarding possible loss of vacation before reaching the 240-hour maximum. It is your responsibility to monitor your leave balances and know your leave anniversary month.

LEAVE ANNIVERSARY MONTHS:
Classified staff--The first day of the month of the employee's most recent date of hire into state service.

Exempt Employees--The first day of the month in which the employee began his/her latest period of continuous employment in a vacation leave eligible position at CWU.

Questions concerning leave balances and anniversary dates should be directed to the timekeeper in your department. Policy or procedural questions may be directed to Human Resources at ext. 1202.

OPEN ENROLLMENT IN NOVEMBER: TIME TO REVIEW YOUR BENEFITS
The university's open enrollment period will run through November 30. This is the only time during the year when Central employees can make changes to their medical and/or dental plans or add an eligible family member to their coverage. The enrollment changes will become effective January 1, 2008. To offer employees information about available medical and dental benefits, an Employee Benefits and Wellness Fair will be held in the Student Union and Recreation Center Ballroom on November 15.

Among the changes this year are a new self-insured medical plan, Aetna Public Employees Plan; and new dental plan, Willamette Dental of Washington. In addition, employees enrolled in Community Health Plan Classic, Regence Classic, and Regence Dental Plan will need to choose a new plan as these plans will no longer be available in 2008. And monthly premiums will change next year.

Additional information on CWU employee benefits is available online at www.cwu.edu/~hr/benefits/openenrollweb.pdf, and at www.pebb.hca.wa.gov, through the PEBB (Public Employees Benefits Board) Perspective newsletter, and via campus e-mail and Intranet announcements.

CHANGES MADE IN CALCULATING OVERTIME RATE FOR CLASSIFIED STAFF
A change in the way overtime pay is calculated will go into affect for CWU employees beginning with checks issued for the November 10 pay period. Overtime has been calculated at the rate of one-and-a-half times an employee's regular rate of pay, which includes allowable premium pay.

Under the new procedure, employee pay rate of pay will be calculated using an annualized regular rate of pay, plus any applicable premium pay, based on a full-time work year of 2,080 hours. The new procedure will create a consistent method of calculating the overtime rate from one pay period to the next. If you have any questions about the change, contact your Human Resources representative at ext. 1202.

CENTRALIGHTS

Amy HOOVER has been appointed as the new chair of the Department of Aviation. Hoover has been involved in higher education for ten years, five of those at CWU. She has also served as Director of the Aviation program at Mount Hood Community College, and was responsible for the initiation of a satellite program at Central Oregon Community College. At CWU she has also managed the women's ACES Academy; an industry-funded summer camp to introduce girls to careers in aviation, construction, engineering, and safety. Hoover is also a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and an internationally recognized expert in mountain flying.

Steve JEFFERIES, chair, Health, Human Performance and Nutrition (HHPN), was voted in as president-elect of the Washington Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (WAHPERD) during the recent state convention in Pasco.

Steve JEFFERIES, Kirk MATHIAS, Heidi HENSCHEL-PELLET, and Leanne SEMPRIMOZNIK, HHPN, along with twenty undergraduate students attended the Washington Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (WAHPERD) conference. At the meeting, Henschel-Pellet along with Tracy PELLETT and physical education students, Katelyn McKEE and Emily URLACHER presented "Elementary Brain-Based Activities." Mathias also made a presentation titled "Physical Education Curriculum Restructuring."

Kirk MATHIAS, HHPN, had a grant proposal funded by Polar, Inc. for more than $13,500 to fund technology and software purchases.

Terry MARTIN, English, had some of her poems published in the most recent issues of "Flyway" and "Gertrude" and others accepted for publication in the forthcoming "The Northwinds Arts Center Anthology" (Minotauer Press). In July, she presented a public reading in Gig Harbor. In August, she was a featured reader in Hedgebrook's "Literary Landscapes" reading series on Whidbey Island. Upcoming public readings in 2007-08 include at A Room of One's Own Books in Madison, Wisc., Soulfood Books in Redmond, Northwinds Arts Center Reading Series in Port Townsend, and Central's Lions Rock Reading Series.

M. Meghan MILLER, dean, College of the Sciences, has agreed to become the president of UNAVCO, a non-profit, membership-governed consortium, which supports and promotes Earth science by advancing high-precision techniques for the measurement and understanding of deformation using GPS, such as the work done at the Pacific Northwest Geodetic Array (PANGA) Geodesy Lab at CWU. Central is a member of the consortium and UNAVCO. Miller's three-year term as president will begin in January 7, 2008. She has also served for five years on the UNAVCO steering committee and board of directors.

Cynthia MURRAY, Career Services, has been honored by MSN Lifestyle as a "Hometown Hero" for making her community a better place. She was one of just eight people nationwide selected for the award. Her profile is online at http://lifestyle.msn.com/specialguides/hometownheroes/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5592353.

Christine SUTPHIN, English, presented a paper entitled "Avenging Women: Frances Trollope's Anti-Slavery Fiction" at "Imagining Transatlantic Slavery: A Conference to Mark the Abolition of the Slave Trade in Britain and the United States" in Chawton, England, March 16-17. Her scholarly edition of Trollope's The Life and Adventures of Jonathan Jefferson Whitlaw, or Scenes on the Mississippi has been accepted for publication by Pickering and Chatto in London.

Jim TAYLOR, a local practicum supervisor for the CWU physical education program, has been recognized as the Washington State Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Washington Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance(WAHPERD). Additionally, WAHPERD recognized recent physical education master's program graduate Susan BRAUN as the Washington State Elementary Teacher of the Year.

CWU EMPLOYEES
Civil Service new hires: Chandra Hill, Forms and Records Analyst 2, Business Services and Contracts; Patricia Minshull, Program Assistant, Continuing Education; Melinda Ledgard , Early Childhood Program Specialist 3, Early Childhood Learning Center; Sheila Gallagher, Fiscal Analyst 3, Accounting Office; Judy Johnson, Fiscal Specialist 1, College of the Sciences; Moriah Kauer, Program Assistant, Registrar Services; Rose Turk, Office Assistant 3, Law and Justice; Carolyn Kenney, Office Assistant 3, CWU-Lynnwood; Lisa Conn, Human Resource Consultant 1, Human Resources.

Civil Service job changes: Karen Henderson, Procurement and Supply Specialist 1, Purchasing.

Exempt new hires: Edward Esparza, Academic Advisor, Academic Achievement; Jane Patrick, Academic Advisor, Academic Achievement; Bree Callahan, Coordinator DSS Westside Operations, Disability Support Services.

Exempt job changes: Andrea Easlick, Health Educator, Wildcat Wellness Center.

To view current job openings at CWU, go to www.cwu.edu/~hr/jobs/index.html.