2014feb17journaldraft1_Journal 2/12/14 1:08 PM Page 1
California University
VOLUME 16, NUMBER 3 FEB. 17, 2014 READ THE JOURNAL ONLINE: www.calu.edu/news/the-journal
President Projects YearEnd Surplus More work to be done, faculty, staff told at convocation fter a remarkable financial turnaround during the 20122013 fiscal year, Cal U is again on track to end the year in the black. At the Spring 2014 Faculty-Staff Convocation, interim University President Geraldine M. Jones reported that the University expects to end the current fiscal year with a surplus of more than $866,000. Restoring financial stability was one of three goals the President emphasized during her State of the University address on Jan. 30 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Despite a spring enrollment drop of 5.5 percent and the accompanying dip in tuition revenue, University officials anticipate setting aside $1 million toward eventual construction of a new science building and $900,000 for deferred maintenance and building repairs, in addition to the projected surplus.
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Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones delivers good news Jan. 30 at the FacultyStaff Convocation in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.
But complacency is not an option, the President told the audience of administrators, faculty members and staff.
“Even with this projection of a small surplus, we still face financial pressures created by a combination of flat or
Counselor Education Programs Re-accredited
Day of Service Mariah Robertson (left) and Christina Causer create red-heart window decorations for senior citizens during Cal U’s 11th annual Day of Service. Please see story on page 2.
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he Board of Directors of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has approved re-accreditation for two Cal U counselor education programs. Both the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Master of Education in School Counseling have been re-accredited through March 31, 2022. The department chair is Dr. Elizabeth Gruber. Associate professor Dr. Jeff Samide, the University’s liaison with the council, called CACREP “one of the premier accreditation agencies in the country” and noted that Cal U’s programs meet the highest standards for counselor preparation. “Our faculty is completely dedicated to providing our students with the finest possible education, and the region with highly competent, ethical and effective counselors,” Samide said. “We always knew we provided top-flight counselor training, and we are delighted that our hard work has once again been recognized.” CACREP accreditation is more of a process than an event, he added, because the Counselor Education Department continuously evaluates its programs. “With the CACREP ‘seal of approval,’ current and future students can be assured of what past students have known all along,” he said. “That is, students don’t have to move away from southwestern Pennsylvania to obtain a quality education. “It is all waiting here for them at Cal U.”
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Ex-Labor Official Discusses Inequality Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy ormer U.S. Secretary of Labor at the University of California at Robert Reich will discuss Berkeley and a Senior Fellow at the economic inequality in the Blum Center for Developing United States during a live, Economies. nationwide webcast Reich has written 13 conversation starting at 6:30 books, including the best p.m. Thursday. The webcast sellers “Aftershock,” “The will be aired in Eberly Hall, Work of Nations” and Room 110. “Beyond Outrage.” The webcast will follow a Through a singular 5 p.m. screening of Reich’s perspective, “Inequality for documentary “Inequality for All” paints a portrait of Reich All,” which examines the Robert Reich as he explains how the argument that the widening extreme wealth of a few threatens the income gap has had a devastating middle-class worker and the entire impact of the American economy. American economy. More than 150 college campuses “Robert Reich is a longtime across the country will be participating advocate for social justice,” said Dr. in this event simultaneously to help Melanie Blumberg, director for the raise awareness about economic American Democracy Project at Cal U. inequalities in the United States. Reich was the former U.S. Secretary “Make no mistake: His message takes direct aim at America’s love affair with of Labor during the Clinton individualism and capitalism. administration. He is currently a
declining state appropriations, increased personnel costs and continuing enrollment challenges. “Cabinet members and I have spent many, many many, many hours examining our budget, always keeping in mind our core mission of providing a quality education for our students. Our work is not done, and it continues daily.” One aspect of that work has been a continuing review of the University’s workforce, with an eye toward deploying personnel as effectively as possible. That has meant transfers for some employees, and vacancies in some areas after workers retire or resign. “I want you to know that every possible effort is being made to cut costs, to transfer employees as needed, and to take steps that will enable us not to furlough our staff, at least for now,” the President said. — Continued on page 3
“However, he does not speak of leveling the playing field; rather, he speaks of society’s obligation to its citizens. Critics say his message primarily resonates with the choir, and it is a pipedream to think policy makers will listen.” Cal U professors will expand on topics discussed in the presentation through a multifaceted panel discussion on economic issues later this semester, Blumberg said. The Black History Month event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. This American Democracy project event is co-sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, Department of History and Political Science, Frederick Douglass Institute, Women’s Studies program and the LaDonna Harris Indigenous Peoples Institute. See page 2 for more Black History Month events.