Greetings,
In the tenth installment of our "Here's Where We Stand" theme, I want to update you on the university's preparation for a full-scale visit by a team of evaluators representing the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) in October 2009. For nearly a year now, Dr. Phil Backlund, his executive committee, and twelve standards chairs or co-chairs representing the nine standards have been developing and refining a draft of our self-study. It was this draft and nearly 400 exhibits that were available to Drs. Max Checketts and Don Habbe, consultants with vast experience as NWCCU evaluators, when they visited campus earlier this month. They commended the team for the quality of the draft, saying it would earn an "A." However, they quickly noted that there is still much work to do, both to bring the draft to a manageable size (from more than 400 pages to about 250 pages) and to address challenges that were revealed in the self-study and in their conversations with campus constituents.
Because the self-study must report three years worth of data and activities, the last of which will be the 2008-09 fiscal year, standards chairs will also be updating some sections and exhibits. They will be coming back to several of you for additional information throughout the year and hope that you can take the time necessary from your already busy schedules to accommodate their needs.
Another way in which many of you will be asked to help is by reading "assigned" standards. Dr. Backlund will be asking counsels and committees to read and comment on various sections. This step is important in our effort to ensure that we've told our story accurately. Of course, all of you are welcome to read the entire document-either the current version that is online at www.cwu.edu/~nwccu/ or a more streamlined version that will be available after the first of the year.
Regional accrediting bodies put a great deal of stock in the institution's ability to analyze itself and to state clearly its strengths and challenges. Our team has found much about Central of which we can be justifiably proud, and they've found a limited number of challenges. Challenges can fall into three categories:
- Those where we may be out of compliance with the commission's standards;
- Those where we are substantially, but not fully, in compliance; and
- Those where we are in compliance but have room for improvement.
Our self-study points out challenges in each of these categories. (You can be assured that we're already addressing all of them.) Thus, another important task for the team is to inform campus administrators of areas where challenges have been identified. It will then be up to the administration to make improvements and report back to the team so that the standards chair can update the final draft.
So the very good news is that we're more than halfway there; but as Dr. Habbe was quick to point out, we can't "rest on our oars." I want to thank all of you who have supported this effort this past year, and I especially want to thank Dr. Backlund; members of the executive committee-Mark Lundgren, Tracy Terrell, Tom Peischl, Tom Henderson, and Kevin Kimball; the standards chairs-Libby Street, Warren Street, Leslie Webb, Patsy Callaghan, Daniel CannCasciato, Jane Chinn, Rob Brammer, Bruce Palmquist, Kevin Conwell, Mickey Parker, Bob Tosch, and Judy Miller; and the countless others who have served on standards committees. This is important work, and I want you to know that the members of the board of trustees and I appreciate your efforts.
Sincerely,
Jerilyn S. McIntyre
President
CWU TOP STORIES
Beginning Tuesday, November 25, CWU employees who have their paychecks deposited directly to their bank accounts will be able to view their pay information online, rather than receiving a printed pay advice through campus mail.
This change will save funds on paper, ink, and envelopes, and also will allow employees to view previous paychecks and additional benefits information at their convenience.
"Although you'll be able to view current pay information several days ahead of payday, funds will not be deposited into your bank accounts until the scheduled payday," said Wendy Rittereiser, the university's director of benefits and human resources system.
In order to access pay information: From the CWU home page, click Wildcat Connection and log on with the appropriate CWU username and password, then click on "Employee Link" in the left hand menu bar, followed by "Self Service." Employees who have trouble logging on should call ext. 2001 for assistance.
For those wanting to continue to receive a printed pay advice delivered through campus mail, submit a "Printed Pay Advice Request Form" to the payroll office. That form is available at the payroll office or online at www.cwu.edu/~payroll/Forms/PrintAdvice.pdf.
There will be no change in the way employees who do not have direct deposit receive their checks, Rittereiser added.
"SAVE THE DATE" EVENTS COMING UP
The CWU board of trustees and CWU Foundation board of directors invite all members of the campus community to join them at two upcoming events to honor President Jerilyn S. McIntyre for her eight years of outstanding leadership at CWU.
A free, public Ellensburg Reception, with light refreshments, will be held November 6, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., in the Sue Lombard Dining Room.
On November 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Student Union and Recreation Center Ballroom, an Ellensburg Banquet and Gala will be held, at which the university's 2008 distinguished philanthropists will also be announced. Tickets for the banquet and gala are $50 per person. The meal, to be prepared by CWU Catering Services, will include a choice of charcoal grilled apple stuffed pork tenderloin with an apple relish or pumpkin baked ziti with a caramelized onion and sage crumb topping.
Space is limited. Call ext. 2762 for tickets or additional information. Walk up tickets for the banquet and gala will not be available.
The CWU Foundation, Anna and Joseph Carrico Endowment, and Ronald and Pauline Sargent Endowment are sponsoring both events.
CWU ALUMNA NAMED WASHINGTON STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
CWU alumna and Cle Elum-Roslyn High School language arts teacher Susan Johnson has been named 2009 Washington state Teacher of the Year and is now in the running for National Teacher of the Year honors.
Johnson, who graduated from Central in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in English, serves as co-director of the Central Washington Writing Project. The project, hosted by CWU, is part of the National Writing Project, which helps educators develop leadership skills, classroom assessment strategies, and other essential teaching tools.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction chose Johnson from a pool of nine finalists from across the state. Her ability to engage her students, and help them connect writing and literature to the world they experience daily, made her stand out.
The winner of last year's Teacher of the Year award, Laura Jones, also graduated from Central, as did the 2008 Washington State High School Principal of the Year, Stacey Locke.
NOVEMBER PAPSS FEATURES MIME BILL BOWERS
On Saturday, November 1, actor, mime, and educator Bill Bowers will share hilarious, heartbreaking, and unbelievable true stories during a Performing Arts and Presidential Speaker Series (PAPSS) presentation, titled It Goes Without Saying. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in McConnell Auditorium, the free, public event will focus on Bowers' career and his lifelong exploration of the role silence plays in all our lives.
A student of the world-renowned mime Marcel Marceau, Bowers now performs master classes and conducts workshops about the art of miming in many countries and universities. He has also appeared on Broadway and was the drama coach for the Israeli Olympic Ice Dancing team. Presently, he teaches at New York University's Steinhardt School of Education, the Paper Mill Playhouse, and Very Special Arts, a program that provides arts for the disabled.
For additional information about PAPSS information, call ext. 1301 or visit www.cwu.edu/president/series/index.html.
BUSCH, AUTRY NAMED EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
The university's civil service employee council has named Linda Busch, former administrative assistant to the dean of Library Services, and Chris Autry, the Ferrell Hall custodian, as the Civil Service Employee of the Month, respectively, for August and September.
Linda Busch
Those nominating Busch said:
- "She is our payroll person, budget person, and supreme dessert maker. She schedules, organizes, reorders and records-whatever is needed. She can be found helping students with employment applications or working with a staff committee to plan a staff event."
- "During recent personnel changes, Linda was the glue that held the library family together. She is our liaison with other departments on campus, the Friends of the Library and the local community."
- "Linda is a bit of a perfectionist, and it shows in the quality of work she produces: always excellent. If Linda is on a project she will be sure it is done completely, accurately, and in a timely manner. She is dependable, friendly, productive, and punctual. In short, Linda is an outstanding employee-liked and appreciated by the people she works with."
Busch recently announced her retirement, which became effective on October 1, 2008.
Chris Autry
CWU's Civil Service Employee Council has named Chris Autry the Civil Service Employee of the month for September. Autry is the custodian for Farrell Hall, and is responsible for maintaining general cleanliness in classrooms, restrooms, secretarial offices, lounges, and common areas. Additionally, Autry cleans Farrell's private offices on a weekly basis.
Those nominating Autry said:
- "She takes on even the most unpleasant of duties with a sense of pride."
- Chris routinely "provides "necessary help with a willing, cheerful attitude, while receiving no other recognition beyond my thanks. Quite often I leave Farrell Hall at or after 5 p.m. and notice that students have trashed the classrooms/floors. By the time I arrive the following morning, Chris has returned impeccable order to our workspace."
- "Chris is dependable and consistent in her duties and she is always ready and willing to help out in other areas whenever called upon. Chris is a good team player and is always upbeat, which helps inspire others to be more positive. She has excellent work ethics and is always more than willing to go the extra distance to do a great job."
In recognition of their contributions to the university, each was presented with a certificate and $125 from the president's discretionary fund, through the CWU civil service employee recognition program.
University students, faculty, and staff, as well as Ellensburg community members, are encouraged to nominate civil service employees who are doing exceptional work for Employee of the Month recognition. A new, streamlined nomination form is now online at www.cwu.edu/~hr/forms/eotmnominate.html
MILO SMITH TOWER THEATRE GETS FACELIFT
The Milo Smith Tower Theatre recently received a $250,000 facelift that included new chairs, flooring, and paint. The renovation was funded through a capital budget request in the current biennium.
"All of the old stadium seats were replaced," said Scott Robinson, Theatre Arts Department chair. "We received 344 new chairs that are slightly larger than the former chairs and far more comfortable. The new seats retain the flexibility of the former system, but are less noisy than the old ones, which have been in place since the theatre was opened in the 1980s."
The new seats will premiere with the Central Theatre Ensemble production of Two Gentlemen of Verona, which will be performed November 13-15 and 20-22. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cwu.edu/~theatre/tix, or at the Tower Theatre box office, which is open weekdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.
NOVEMBER IS OPEN ENROLLMENT MONTH
CWU's open enrollment period is now underway and will continue through November 30, with enrollment changes effective next January 1. This is the one time each year when employees can change their medical and/or dental plan, reinstate coverage without proof of loss, add an eligible family member to their coverage, and enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP).
There will be an Employee Benefits and Wellness Fair in the Lombard Room on November 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a retirees' session will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the fireplace room.
Employees not wanting to make any changes in medical or dental coverage don't need to take action. Their 2008 enrollment choices will continue for 2009.
However, those wanting to continue as a subscriber to the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) must re-enroll for 2009. The enrollment form is available online at http://pebb.asiflex.com/forms/forms.htm, which should then be submitted to Human Resources at mail stop 7425.
Employees can also make changes online through e-coverage at www.pebb.hca.wa.gov or by completing the 2009 Employee Enrollment/Change form and submitting it to the Benefits Office in Bouillon Hall 140 (mail stop 7425).
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING OFFERED NOVEMBER 14
On Friday, November 14 at 10 a.m., there will be a two-hour workshop designed to provide all faculty and staff with more awareness of CWU's response capabilities and answer questions about what they should do in an emergency. The workshop, titled Emergency Preparedness Planning and Responding to a Hostile Intruder, incorporates CWU's Emergency Plan, with the police and community response to a hostile intruder.
To be presented by Steve Rittereiser, CWU assistant vice president for business auxiliaries and public safety, the workshop will also provide information about campus and personal safety, and other related instruction. It will be held in Student Union and Recreation Center 137A.
For more information about the workshop, call ext. 2196. To register, visit www.cwu.edu/~training/catalog/registration.html.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2009 POSTERS ON THE HILL EVENT
Next spring, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) will host its thirteenth annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill. CUR is calling for undergraduate students to submit an abstract of their research that represents any of the following areas: arts and humanities, biology, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics/computer science, physics/astronomy, psychology, and social sciences. The deadline for submission is November 14.
Prior to submitting an application form, students should gather contact information for all co-authors, advisors and sponsors (if applicable), prepare a short vitae/resume, and poster abstract. For more information contact Natalie Lupton at ext. 2064 or by e-mail at luptonn@cwu.edu.
SECOND ANNUAL CWU MEN'S BASKETBALL TIP-OFF DINNER SCHEDULED
The CWU men's basketball team will tip off the 2008-09 season on November 22. On Saturday, November 15, at 5 p.m., the Central Washington University Men's Basketball 2nd Annual Tip-Off Dinner will be held at Pounders, located above The Palace Café, in Ellensburg. The event offers CWU fans a chance to meet this year's team, while enjoying a meal with former players and CWU athletic staff members. The dinner choices include teriyaki chicken or spaghetti.
Tickets are $30 for singles and $50 for couples. In addition, a cash bar will be available and all proceeds from it, along with the portion of the cost of the meal, will go to support the CWU men's basketball program. Space is limited. The RSVP deadline is November 10. For tickets or more information, call ext. 1949.
LAW AND JUSTICE CLUB HOSTS FALL FOOD DRIVE
The CWU law and justice (LAJ) student club will be collecting canned food to be donated directly to local food banks. For every two cans donated, the donor will receive a free mystery raffle ticket-the prize won't be announced until the drawing. The winning ticket will be pulled at the end of the food drive. Donations can be made at the LAJ table located in the Student Union and Recreation Center. Club officials say they want to collect more than 300 cans of food.
The food drive will take place on three consecutive Wednesdays, November 5, 12, and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MAKING RESERVATIONS ON THE WEB
The Student Union Operations and Scheduling Center has implemented an additional way to schedule space. The scheduling system has a component called the "Web Viewer," which allows individuals to reserve space through the CWU homepage. After completing the process of requesting space, the program sends requests via scheduling e-mail, and the center confirms that the space is available, or, if not, suggest an applicable alternative space.
This process can be used for any space including the Student Union and academic space for events unrelated to academic courses. Scheduling coordinators Amy Alder and Margo Smith are available to come to show users how the system works. If you are interested in a training session or have questions, contact Amy Alder at aldera@cwu.edu.
Kyle BAUMGARTNER, a 2003 CWU graduate, was recently featured on KING 5 News in connection with a story about innovative medical devices. Baumgartner, who played shortstop for Central's baseball team, suffered a brain injury that severely impacted his mobility and changed his life; he lost the use of his right hand and could not walk normally. However, with the help of an electronic leg brace, Baumgartner has made great strides in his recovery. He also uses an electronic arm brace that stimulates the muscles responsible for motor skills. Baumgartner has been using the devices for a year and, with continued use, it's possible that he could progress to a point where they are no longer needed. The full story is online at www.king5.com/health/stories/NW_101308HEB_wireless_rehab_LJ.10ccb579e.html.
Lynne HARRISON, coordinator of the Campus-Community Coalition (CCC), presented a workshop, titled Collaborative Efforts Reduce Alcohol Service to Intoxicated Individuals and Minors, at the 2008 conference of the Northwest Association of Student Affairs Personnel in Sunriver, Oregon, on October 16. The presentation detailed how the CCC, through its Hospitality Resource Alliance, has partnered with the Washington State Liquor Control Board, local law enforcement, and downtown Ellensburg alcohol license holders to reduce alcohol service to minors and intoxicated individuals.
Amy MUMMA, director of the World Wine Program, was featured in the September 26 edition of agricultural publication Capital Press. The front-page story focused on the varied aspects of the wine program, including its hands-on opportunities like touring wine facilities and attending tastings, and discussed the science behind the study of wine. Central's new, first-of-its-kind Global Wine Studies program was also chronicled in the article.
Vince NETHERY, chair of the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Sciences, will compete in the Ironman 70.3 Series on November 8 in Clearwater, Florida. The competition involves a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and concludes with a 13.1-mile run. Qualifiers from each age group will advance to the 2008 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 event, at which a professional prize purse totaling $100,000 will be awarded to the winners.
Christian SCHNEIDER, professor emeritus of Foreign Languages, once again presented several organ recitals in Germany this summer, among others in the Frauenkirche Dresden, in Naumburg Cathedral, Apolda (Thuringia) and Lahr (Black Forest). Together with the concert singer from Freiburg, Monika Wiech, he also performed two of his Lieder, which are based on poems by Hermann Hesse.
CWU EMPLOYEES
Shared Leave Requests
The following individuals are in need of shared leave: Connie Bennett and Mark Walker, Facilities Management; and Gini Silva, University Housing and New Student Programs.
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.
Employees may donate annual (vacation) and sick leave in eight-hour blocks. A minimum balance of eighty hours of annual leave must be maintained. Excess annual leave (that 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 employees' personal holiday may also be donated.
The shared leave donation form can be downloaded from the HR forms section of the Human Resources home page www.cwu.edu/~hr/forms/shared_leave_donation_form.doc or requested from the HR office by calling extension 1202. Requests to donate leave must be approved by an employee's supervisor before forwarding to HR and are subject to approval by his or her department head, and Human Resources.
Civil Service New Hires
Sammyra Blazina, Program Coordinator, Student Transitions and Academic Resources; Shawn Graham, Custodian 1, Business Auxiliary Custodial Services; Robert Hansen, Maintenance Custodian, Facilities Management; Angela Moore, Secretary Senior, Center for Teaching and Learning; Joshua Ramsey, Fiscal Analyst 2, Accounting Office; Leah Shelton, Credentials Evaluator 2, Registrar Services.
Civil Service Job Changes
Karol Barker, Procurement and Supply Specialist 1, Business Services and Contracts; Brenda Bland, Credentials Evaluator 2, Registrar Services; Kelly Clerf, Administrative Assistant 3, Office of the Provost; Rebecca Severin, Administrative Assistant 4, Library.
Exempt New Hires
Brian Jacobson, Development Officer, College of the Sciences, University Relations; Juana Rios, Academic Advisor SSS/WaTEP, Academic Achievement Programs.
To view current job openings at CWU, go to http://www.cwu.edu/~hr/jobs/index.html.