CSU-Pueblo TODAY magazine - Spring Issue 2011 by Zak Bratton

Letter from the Editor

ear readers, Welcome back. I hope Santa was good to you and your family despite these hard economic times, that you had a memorable Christmas and that 2011 promises to be a productive and prosperous new year. The new year brings many changes to CSU-Pueblo. As you already know, Julio Leon is settling into his job as interim president of the university while the search for a new president continues. Leon, who served as president of Missouri Southern State University for 25 years, assumed interim duties last November after Joe Garcia stepped down to assume his new role as lieutenant governor of Colorado. In this issue, Leon talks about how he came to serve as interim president of CSU-Pueblo, the similarities between this institution and MSSU, and why funding is a university’s biggest challenge. Also, Leon touches on his own educational background and the future of Southern Colorado’s fastest growing institution of higher learning. Presently, CSU-Pueblo is experiencing changes in its administration. Joanne Ballard, who served as vice president of finance and administration for the past seven years, will retire at the close of the academic year. TODAY news editor, Chelsea Reese, talked to Ballard and her replacement, Mike Farley, to learn more. Also, CSU-Pueblo TODAY looks at plagiarism which is stealing and passing off the creative works of another person as one’s own work. Plagiarism is the most common form of academic dishonesty and can cost students more than their academic career. Former CSU-Pueblo provost Russ Meyer offers tips to help curb the desire to plagiarize.

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

However, plagiarism isn’t the only thing being abused at CSUPueblo. People frequently violate CSU-Pueblo’s Internet use policy by viewing inappropriate material or locking computers for extended periods of time. Features editor DaMarkus James asked Rhonda Gonzales, the dean of library services at CSU-Pueblo, to shed some light on this controversial subject. The shooting rampage in Tucson, Ariz., last month no doubt has shaken the community. This and similar incidents inspires us to appreciate our families and embrace life which can be taken from us in an instant. It is especially heart-breaking when children, such as Christina Taylor Green, 9, become victims of violence. Reporters Nikki Martinez and AJ Dome offer their comments about this tragedy. The staff of CSU-Pueblo TODAY offers its condolences to the families of those who died and were wounded in the shooting. Because reporters are contributing no less than two stories and photos each week, CSU-Pueblo TODAY is able to post fresh material online daily. Each of these reporters is committed to providing campus news in an accurate and timely manner, and I am confident the community will benefit from their professionalism. However, professionalism means little if our publication isn’t being read. A recent survey showed many students are unaware CSUPueblo has its own print and online publications. As a result, copies of the magazine are left in newsstands, and the online product receives little attention. The TODAY staff wants to change that, and you can help enhance readership by spreading the word to family and friends. Let us know how we can make this great product a “must read” product. Our magazine is published twice in the spring and twice in the fall, and can be found inside the front entrances of all buildings on campus.

William J. Dagendesh Editor in Chief CSU-Pueblo TODAY Spring 2011

csupueblotoday.com

News Team William J. Dagendesh Editor in Chief Zak Bratton Managing Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Magazine Nikki Martinez Managing Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Online Chelsea Reese News Editor DaMarkus James Feature Editor Joe Foley Sports Editor Ye Ming Photo Editor Patrick Carey, Roger Rael, Kelli Kavinsky, Staff John Pantoya, Jeff Lown, Candice Geier, Nick Townsend, Chris Kielman, Spencer Allenback Leticia Steffen Newsroom Adviser Audio/Video Team Audio/Video Editor Audio/Video Staff Audio/Video Adviser

AJ Dome Alex Lannon, Sam Acar Justin Bregar

Advertising Team Advertising Manager Advertising Staff Advertising Adviser

Brittney Whatley Josiah Rodriguez, Melissa Zubal Lauren Brengarth

tips@csupueblotoday.com editor@csupueblotoday.com video@csupueblotoday.com advertising@csupueblotoday.com ..........................

CSU-Pueblo TODAY magazine is published four times a year and is available throughout the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus, as well as at several local businesses in Pueblo. Thank you for your continued support.

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

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YOU’RE ALWAYS READY TO SERVE – CUSTOMERS AND THE COMMUNITY.

WE CAN RELATE. You’re all about doing a good job. But you are also passionate about doing good works for others. You’ve got enough talent and energy to make a difference at work, and in your neighborhood. We do too. Convergys is a world leader in relationship management. But we’re also leaders at the local level. We’re proud to support the communities where we work and live, and to give our employees the opportunity to get involved too. Just look at our commitment to: • CSU’s Annual Spank Blasing Run & Walk, • CSU-Pueblo Athletics • Junior Achievement and United Way • Pueblo Human Relations Commission – Bessemer Clean Up • NeighborWorks of Pueblo – Operation Paintbrush Like the idea of working with a company that can change more than just your employment status? We can relate. Check out our current jobs or apply online at: www.convergys.com/careers.

EOE

Table of Contents What’s Inside

PLAGIARISM: Long-term risk to academic career outweighs short-term benefit

Pell grant does not need to be repaid, provost says

Reporters’ views on the January 8, Tucson shooting

ASG president becomes target of campus scrutiny

Cover One-on-one with Dr. Julio Leon, the interim president of CSU-Pueblo Photography by Ye Ming

Send us an editorial and let us know what’s on your mind! today@colostate-pueblo.edu

Navy videos fail to maintain professional conduct standards

Check us out on-line!

Campus Internet policy abuse can have harsh consequences

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

Finance and administration VP prepares for life’s new chapter By Chelsea Reese

Joanne Ballard

will soon be writing the next chapter of her life which will include new plots, characters and a re-structured conclusion.

Ballard, who has served as vice president of finance and administration at CSU-Pueblo for the past seven years, will retire this June. Ballard announced her retirement last November following the departure of former CSU-Pueblo president Joe Garcia. There are speculations as to why Ballard decided to retire so early in her career. However, Ballard wants to explore other personal and professional possibilities, she said, and the departure of Garcia seemed like the perfect time to do that. “I want to have enough time during retirement to go enjoy a whole lot of other things, and a presidential change seemed like a good time to make that change,” Ballard said. “I’ve worked under two presidents, two really great presidents, and getting a new president is a lot of work. It takes a lot.” Ballard said she believes there should be a limited number of presidential changes people should have to endure during their career. “They are very stressful and I’ve done two of each,” Ballard said. Ballard plans to take the first few months off, relax and get re-acquainted with her family following her retirement, she said. Ballard also said she wants to participate in volunteer work before getting involved with other projects, she said. “This job requires an awful lot of time and so it’s dominated my life the seven years I’ve been here,” Ballard said. “If I get the bug, I can always go do project work for somebody but first I just want some down time. That’s my first goal.” Ballard, who started her career at CSU-Pueblo in August 2003, has been responsible for many aspects of the school, she said. This includes budgets, human resources, purchasing, facilities and campus safety. Ballard enjoys managing the school’s resources, she said. Everything can be considered a resource, from money to the

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

A photo of Joanne Ballard before she announced her retirement. Photo courtesy of the CSU-Pueblo website

people on campus. Not having enough resources is the hardest part of Ballard’s job, she said. “The funding is always a problem,” Ballard said. “We don’t have enough support from the state and that just ripples through everything.” Last month, Mike Farley, former director of budgets, took over as interim VPFA, and will continue to serve in this role until the new president hires someone else for the job, he said. “It was a new day for the university as well as for me,” Farley said. “I don’t see myself as an interim. I see myself as a mission in motion.” Tony Frank, who is president of CSU-Fort Collins, asked Farley to take over as interim VPFA. At the time, Frank was acting president for CSU-Pueblo while former president, Joe Garcia, campaigned for lieutenant governor of Colorado. “It’s a great university in a town my family and I have loved for four generations,” Farley said. “I will be here for as long as it takes.”

However, that decision is up to the president because he or she will be able to pick their team. Currently, Julio Leon is CSUPueblo’s interim president, but the search is on for a new president to take over in a permanent capacity. CSU-Pueblo should be getting a new president by this summer, Leon said. Farley, who received his undergraduate degree from Regis University and his master’s degree from CSU-Fort Collins, has inherited Ballard’s duties and responsibilities. However, he will have to think twice about every decision he makes as interim because the consequences of those decisions could last longer than his tenure, he said. Farley has taken over the position six months prior to Ballard’s retirement. However, Ballard for now will be around to assist the university with statewide business plans. “She is my special assistant,” Farley said of Ballard. “On the days when she needs to be here, she is.” Ballard believes having a sense of humor, strength and stamina, and not worrying about things that can’t be controlled are necessary for anyone serving as VPFA, she said. “We can’t do anything about the funding,” Ballard said. “We just need to find a way to take care of the university and not get hung up on the things we can’t do anything about.” Ballard holds bachelor’s degrees in fine arts, English literature and accounting. She said she should have continued on to get her master’s degree in accounting. “Here’s a lesson for students. I didn’t bother to get advised and so I didn’t make the best decision,” Ballard said. “It hasn’t been a huge negative, but no one needs three bachelor’s degrees.”

Mike Farley Bio Box

Hometown: Pueblo, Colo. Married to: Stella Farley Undergraduate Degree in: Economics Master’s of Science Degree in: Business Administration Favorite Quote: “When in hell, keep moving,” by Winston Churchill Favorite Movie: Disney’s “Giants” Favorite Song of the Moment: “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole Best Vacation Spot: Washington D.C. Desired Superpower: Save souls Favorite Sports Team: Minnesota Vikings (NFL)

Khadija Adam and Muna Zeynu (not pictured), sophomores majoring in biology at CSU-Pueblo, research material on campus library computers. TODAY photo by Ye Ming

Campus Internet policy abuse can have harsh consequences By DaMarkus James | Photos by Ye Ming

iewing and downloading illegal and inappropriate content on library computers can result in Internet policy violations, said Rhonda Gonzales, dean of library services at CSU-Pueblo. The university has computer use and Internet policies that give students the freedom to access the Internet and other services, Gonzales said. Library and information technology services grants students the rights to research for their academic work, studies and general needs. This includes using social networking websites and playing computer games, according to the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s computer use and Internet policies. However, there are limitations to these policies, Gonzales said. Students or community members who view offensive Internet content that makes them feel uncomfortable can lead to further actions and possible consequences, she said. The library regulates Internet use policies so students and community users feel comfortable, Gonzales said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do try to preserve a respectful environment in the library,â&#x20AC;?

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

Gonzales said. “We (library staff) ask people to be respectful, and when they’re not, then again it’s shades of gray. We have to rely on somebody to report the behavior to us.” Surprisingly, the majority of violators have been community members, Gonzales said. The reason they violate policies remains unclear, she said, although computer use at public libraries might be a contributor. “I suspect (this is) because the public library has more restrictions as far as what you can view on a time limit,” Gonzales said. “I think with your public library card you are limited to a certain number of minutes per day that you can be on the public computer.” Students do not have a time limit when using the library’s computers, Gonzales said. About six years ago, a community member viewed pornography on a computer and the campus security department escorted the user out the library, she said. While it is legal to view pornogra-

The Policy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Students should use one computer per person at all times. Students can use the Internet for personal and research purposes. Students can contact the reference librarian if other students are viewing inappropriate content. Students can talk to the reference librarian about possible sexual harassment. Students can complain to the reference librarian if they feel a user is creating a hostile environment. Students should be considerate of others and talk quietly. Students should avoid being disruptive to others. Students should not consume alcohol to create or start a hostile environment. Students or users can complain if they are uncomfortable about a community member viewing explicit pictures. Students who violate the policy will undergo the Student Conduct Code. Campus security sheriffs will escort out students or community members who do not comply with policy. Viewing pornography is legal, but it is unacceptable to view on campus computers. Contact the reference librarian if this issue arises. Reference librarian may ask students to use on computer if computer are at full capacity and other students need to use computer for research. Source: Gonzales, and the CSU-Pueblo Computer Use and Internet Policy

phy in public, it was a difficult situation, Gonzales said. “It’s not illegal to view pornography in a public place,” Gonzales said. “I wish it were because we can make it to be completely prohibited. But as a university administrator it’s also my responsibility to follow up on any sexual harassment complaints.” If Gonzales had not filed a complaint, she might’ve been responsible for creating an uncomfortable environment, she said. There have been a few instances when students have violated the policies, she said. “So we have had very little problems with students,” she said. However, students who violated the policies would deal with the consequences of the Student Conduct Code, Gonzales said. There were also instances where students complained about noisiness among students, Gonzales said. “And that’s especially because we’re in this small space,” Gonzales said of the temporary set up in the Occhiato University Center. A reference librarian would ask students to speak quietly if the noise became too disruptive, Gonzales said. There is a regulation for disorderly conduct for students who are loud and disruptive, and for being drunk, she said. The reference librarian would call the campus sheriff’s department when students behave in this manner. Viewing social networks or playing computer games does not violate computer use policies, Gonzales said. However, there is an exception, she said. “If it were to happen that every computer was full, then we have a provision in our Internet and computer use policy where we can ask people to vacate a computer so that someone else can use it to study,” Gonzales said. The campus security sheriff’s office can request community members who violate the policies to leave the library, she said. CSU-Pueblo has to investigate situations in which students feel uncomfortable or sexually harassed because of inappropriate Internet content that might lead to a hostile environment, she said. LaNeeca Williams, director of affirmative action for the multicultural center and the library staff work together to handle these situations. Additionally, the library can call the sheriff’s department to deal with students or community members who view illegal content and explicit images, Gonzales said. Students who get distracted by obscene content can tell the librarians how they feel, she said. “Students have the right to let us know that they’re uncomfortable,” Gonzales said. Gina Futch, a sophomore majoring in social work, uses campus computers when her laptop does not work and she needs access to the Internet, she said. Although she views social network websites on campus computers, she mostly uses the computers for researching and studying, Futch said. “I use Blackboard and PAWS and that sort of stuff,” she said. Futch uses computers provided in the Belmont Resident Hall lab, the lab in the lobby of the Occhiato University Center and in the library, she said. Futch has seen and heard of the computer use and Internet policies, she said, and thought these policies were published in the CSU-Pueblo student handbook. Gonzales wrote the computer use and Internet policy in part of the American Library Association and other guidelines, she said.

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

Long-term risk to academic career outweighs short-term benefit

wo female students who do not know each other or attend classes together answer a request to meet with the English department’s director of lower division studies. The women have no idea as to why they have been instructed to meet with the director. Upon their arrival at his office, the director hands one of the women a typewritten paper and instructs her to read the paper aloud. A few minutes later the director instructs the woman to stop reading, and asks the other woman to continue reading where the first woman left off. After a few moments the woman stops reading, swallows hard and hangs her head in embarrassment. She and the other woman submitted the same assignment, verbatim, to their professor and are being charged with plagiarism. However, the story doesn’t end here. The women said their fiancé wrote the paper for them but that they didn’t know he provided the same work to another woman.

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

8 By William J. Dagendesh Photos by Ye Ming 7

Both students received a zero while their two-timing fiancé scored a double zero for raising cheating to a new level. The incident occurred at the University of Missouri-Columbia nearly 30 years ago, and Russ Meyer, former provost of CSUPueblo, was director at the time. The incident was an unpleasant experience, Meyer said, because it probably destroyed the women’s relationship with who they believed was their one and only fiancé. “It’s sad it happened the way it did,” Meyer said as he shook his head. “However, plagiarism is plagiarism, and plagiarism is unacceptable at any institution of higher learning.” Indeed, plagiarism is unacceptable because it involves stealing the created works of another person and submitting it as your own work, Meyer said. Like stealing, plagiarizing is viewed as a crime which can follow the student for life and hamper their chances for employment, he said. Often, students think of plagiarism as copying someone else’s work or borrowing their original ideas, Meyer said. However, “copying” and “borrowing” can disguise the seriousness of the of-

take the

plagiarism fense which only compounds the problem, he said. However, the real problem, Meyer said, is that many students don’t understand the definition of plagiarism, which can ultimately open the door to academic dishonesty. The American Heritage Dictionary defines plagiarism as “To use and pass off as one’s own (the ideas or writings of another.)” Plagiarism is the most common form of academic dishonesty, Meyer said, and students who plagiarize risk failing an assignment or being kicked out of school. Holding students accountable for plagiarism is unpleasant for professors because they want students to succeed academically, Meyer said. “As a professor I have told students ‘If you’re having trouble finishing a project, talk to me and we will figure out a way to make it possible for you. However, if you plagiarize, I will flunk you in a heartbeat,’” Meyer said. Not surprising, the pressure of studying for midterms and final exams accounts for most plagiarism incidents at CSU-Pueblo, Meyer said. Students who wait until the last minute to complete an assignment are most likely to plagiarize than students who craft their work, he said. This is when students turn to the Internet, cut material out of a document and paste it into their own work, Meyer said. Downloading sentences and paragraphs, copying material without crediting the source and improperly documenting quotes are considered plagiarism, Meyer said. “It’s easy to use the Internet when plagiarizing someone’s work,” Meyer said, “but it’s easier to catch, too. Getting caught plagiarizing is an unpleasant experience.” In fact, getting caught is what scared Sapphire* into not plagiarizing to pass a take-home exam. An undeclared major at CSU-Pueblo, Sapphire planned to extract and re-write sentences from a published work and paste them into her exam. The plan seemed foolproof, Sapphire said.

quiz

Plagiarism occurs – not only as a result of conscious cheating – but often because of misunderstandings about what really constitutes plagiarism. Take this quiz to learn more about plagiarism and how to avoid it. 1. “Handing in significant parts or the whole of a paper or article from an author other than myself, granted that I acknowledge that this is from an author other than myself, is not plagiarism.” True or False 2. “Common knowledge (composed of facts that can be found in a variety sources and which many people know) does not need to be cited.” True or False 3. “If I change a few words within a section of source text and then use that in my paper, then I am paraphrasing and not plagiarizing.” True or False 4. “I didn’t plagiarize; my paper has quotes all throughout the paper, almost sentence for sentence!” True or False 5. “Plagiarism is punishable by failing the assignment.” True or False 6. “If I use, verbatim, a sentence from a source, then I need only to cite it in order to avoid the charge of plagiarism.” True or False 7. “It is OK to simply copy and paste sections from Internet sources into my paper.” True or False Answers on page 22 Source: Wayne State University School of Library and Information Science

Coincidentally, Sapphire’s professor lectured about the consequences of plagiarizing prior to the exam, she said, and that the lecture scared her into not going through with her plan. “I know plagiarism is wrong and I’m glad I didn’t go through with it,” Sapphire said as she turned to see if anyone was listening to the conversation. “My professor seemed to be talking directly to me and it was as if he could read my mind.” Granted, professors aren’t mind readers, Meyer said, although they usually are familiar with a students’ skill level and know if they plagiarized someone else’s work. Suspecting a student of plagiarism has lead Meyer to match assignments to published works he found on the Internet. “A written work that appears to be created by someone other than the student raises a red flag,” Meyer said. “When this happened, I surfed the Internet and discovered the work had been plagiarized.” When professors catch a student plagiarizing, the professor usually counsels the student and decides on a penalty. However, not all students admit their academic dishonesty and this only compounds the problem, said Sam Ebersole, a professor with the Mass Communications and Center for New Media department. “If a student denies plagiarizing the work or refuses to take responsibility for their behavior, I give them a zero and report the incident to the dean of students,” Ebersole said. In addition to receiving a zero, the student usually is referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs for further review and disciplinary action, said Zav Dadabhoy, the dean of student affairs at CSU-Pueblo. Also, repeat offenders may be suspended or dismissed from CSU-Pueblo, Dadabhoy said. “My advice to students who are considering plagiarizing is not to do it,” Dadabhoy said. “If you need more time to complete an assignment, talk with your instructor about an extension. If you don’t understand an assignment, visit your instructor during his or her office hours.

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

“

Plagiarizing can result in receiving a zero on your test or assignment. TODAY photo by Ye Ming

Finally, when in doubt, cite your sources. The long-term risk to your academic career far outweighs any short-term benefit.” Also, penalties for plagiarism vary, Meyer said. For example, if a student unintentionally and incorrectly cites sources, the professor might let the student correct their work or give them a lower grade for their mistake, he said. Students who don’t understand the severity of plagiarism usually are willing to correct the mistake

The long-term risk to your academic career far outweighs any short-term benefit.” Zav Dadabhoy, dean of Student Affairs, on plagiarism.

once they learn the possible consequences of their actions, Meyer said. “After I explained the situation to them, students submitted their work properly identified,” Meyer said. “I don’t mind helping a student who makes honest mistakes because you can teach them to do it right.” Unfortunately, not all students want to do it right, Meyer said. For this reason, professors at CSU-Pueblo try to discourage plagiarism by having students submit drafts of their work. This gives professors more control of what goes on outside the classroom and what students are capable of producing. However, talking to the professor is the best alternative to plagiarism even if the professor requires additional requirements, Meyer said. “Your professor might give you a lower grade or even disapprove your request for an extension,” Meyer said. “I know this sounds harsh, but it is better than getting kicked out of school for plagiarism. You can’t erase your mistake once you get caught plagiarizing, and your life might never be the same again.” * Not her real name, but used to protect her identity.

Types of

academic dishonesty . . . . . . . . .

Academic dishonesty or academic misconduct is any type of cheating that occurs in relation to a formal academic exercise and includes: 8 Bribery: Giving test answers for money. 8 Cheating: Any attempt to give or obtain assistance in a formal academic exercise (like an examination) without due acknowledgment. 8 Deception: Providing false information to an instructor concerning a formal academic exercise—e.g., giving a false excuse for missing a deadline or falsely claiming to have submitted work. 8 Fabrication: The falsification of data, information, or citations in any formal academic exercise. 8 Plagiarism: The adoption or reproduction of original creations of another author without due acknowledgment.

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

8 Professorial misconduct: Professorial acts that are academically fraudulent equate to academic fraud. 8 Sabotage: Acting to prevent others from completing their work. This includes cutting pages out of library books or willfully disrupting the experiments of others. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_dishonesty

Pell grant does not need to be repaid, provost says By William J. Dagendesh Students at CSU-Pueblo are not required to pay back Pell grant money despite rumors to the contrary, said former provost Russ Meyer. The Pell grant is a federal grant the government provides to students from low-income families to pay for books, tuition and other expenses, Meyer said. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid, he said. However, students for some reason believe they are required to repay some of the money starting this fall. Meyer said he doesn’t know how this rumor got started, but that students have nothing to worry about. “Students do not have to pay back the Pell grant because it is a grant, not a loan,” Meyer said. The Pell grant is awarded to students based on financial need information provided on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, Meyer said. To be eligible for a Pell grant, students must have earned a high school diploma or general education development, or have been home-schooled, Meyer said. Students must already be enrolled in a school in order to earn a college degree and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, he said. Students are not required to hold a minimum grade point average to qualify for a Pell grant, Meyer said. However, students can lose their grant if they do not maintain a satisfactory academic record, he said. To remain eligible, students must have earned a GPA of no less than a “C” or an academic standing consistent with the school’s graduation requirements after two years of enrollment. About two-thirds of full-time college students receive financial aid, Meyer said, and eligible students each year are awarded money through this program. Many factors figure into Pell grant amounts, he said. These include attendance cost, student’s enrollment status, expected family contribution and whether the student attends classes for a full academic year or less. Occasionally, the Pell grant is awarded to students whose family income exceeds $60,000 a year, Meyer said. Because of this, it makes no sense why students believe they must pay back some of the money, he said. “I think students are confusing the Pell grant with a possible tuition hike,” Meyer said. “If tuition goes up, the Pell grant won’t cover as much, which is true. If the cost of attendance goes up and if the Pell grant doesn’t go up at the same time, students would have to pay more.”

aWhat is the Federal Pell Grant? A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded usually only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant.) Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.

aHow much can I get? The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2010-11 award year (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011) and the 201112 award year (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012) is $5,550. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. Find more information at http://studentaid.ed.gov

Coincidentally, changes in tuition might go into effect later this year, Meyer said. State public schools have submitted proposals recommending what should be done if state funding is reduced significantly to the Colorado Commission of Higher Education, he said. “Given the magnitude of reduction the state is looking at, we would probably have to raise tuition by nine percent or more,” Meyer said. “None of that is solid yet because nobody knows what the state is going to get for higher education.” CSU-Pueblo won’t get solid figures until after the Join Budget Committee meets to discuss and determine the appropriation for higher education, Meyer said. “It will be late spring at the earliest before we know anything,” Meyer said.

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

January 8

19 shot. Six killed. One responsible.

Death of child further pains an already bruised nation By William J. Dagendesh Editor’s note: The following commentaries are the personal opinions of Dagendesh, Dome and Martinez, and do not necessarily reflect the views of CSU-Pueblo or of this publication.

hristina Taylor Green was an A student, dancer, gymnast and swimmer who dreamed of becoming the first woman to play major league baseball. Unfortunately, the exuberant third-grader will never get to pursue her dream. Taylor Green was shot dead by Jared Loughner, 22, who on Saturday, Jan. 8, showed up at a supermarket in Tucson, Ariz. to shoot Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The congress woman and 12 people survived the rampage. Taylor Green and five other people did not. Taylor Green was 9 years-old. When I learned of the shootings and of this child’s death, I was saddened that another young life had been snuffed out by another act of violence. Thanks to Loughner, Taylor Green will never experience her first crush, attend her senior prom, graduate high school, attend college, pursue a career, fall in love, get married and raise children. She could have been a doctor who finds a cure for cancer, or the first astronaut to walk on the planet Mars. She was interested in politics and might have grown to become the nation’s first woman president. Alas, society will never know. This seemingly adorable child reminds me of my own daughter, Rosemary, 19. Like Taylor Green, Rosemary is an A student, has dark hair, an infectious smile and an insatiable love for life. She cooks, raises gerbils, is computer savvy and, unlike her dad, can operate a cell phone with lightning fast precision. Like most teenagers, she loves music and sends my monthly grocery bill into orbit. I can’t begin to imagine my life without my daughter, and can only imagine the pain her family and friends must endure. In the un-written rules of life, children are not supposed to die before their parents, and this and similar incidents prove that death, no matter how untimely, is life’s only certainty. Following the incident, President Barack Obama recognized

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

Taylor Green during a memorial service honoring the shooting victims at the University of Arizona. Each of the shootings is no less tragic than that of Taylor Green. These people were husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and sisters and brothers. Some of them ran a business, and were active in their communities and church. However, it is especially heart breaking when a child becomes a victim of violence and is robbed of their chance to experience life. Taylor Green loved life and all it had to offer her, and she gave those feelings back by participating in a charity that helped children who are less fortunate, Obama said. “She showed an appreciation for life, uncommon for a girl her age,” Obama said. “She would remind her mother ‘We are so blessed, we have the best life.’” Taylor Green appeared to have a smile that could melt the coldest heart, and people who didn’t know this youngster seemed to fall in love with her. What is ironic is that Taylor Green was born on Sept. 11, 2001, a day in which thousands of people died as the result of a senseless act of bloodshed. Nine years later, Taylor Green herself died as the result of yet another senseless act of bloodshed. Life is short and there is no guarantee our children will live another day, live to be an old age or even outlive their parents. Like Taylor Green, children can be taken from us in the blink of an eye, changing forever the lives of those who knew and loved them.

Reporter vs. the ignorant news media By AJ Dome

Coverage of Tucson shootings exposes illegitimacy of modern journalism By Nikki Martinez The shootings of Ariz. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and at least 17 others in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday Jan. 8, spurred an immediate whirlwind of commentary and criticism from the 24-hour news cycle which failed to address any real issues or propose any real solutions. The pre-meditated shooting of Giffords and her constituents were orchestrated by Jared Lee Loughner, 22. The college dropout had reportedly been obsessed with Giffords, one of few Democratic representatives in Arizona who opposed immigration Read more at reform in the state and csupueblotoday.com voted for the health care bill. Although Loughner shot a representative of the U.S. government, most news organizations were slow to address the political nature of the shootings. The most predictable response was the excessive coverage of the death of Christina Taylor Green, 9, whose age and politically-tied birth on Sept. 11, 2001, and death made her one the most newsworthy victims of Loughner. Taylor Green’s media coverage gave a glimpse into the emotionally exploitative nature of a 24-hour news cycle.

am a traitor. I should be burned at the stake. At least, that’s what the little red diablo on my shoulder was telling me. He’s quite the charmer; he made a few appearances recently, resulting in a mental battle over what I thought was a simple case of idiocy. It turned out to be a violent immune system reaction. The violence in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday, Jan. 8, made me sick. No amount of Pepto-Bismol could help me feel better. I saw criticism. I saw the blame game take full effect. Which is usually the case in instances where a tragedy occurs, and it’s no help that our current media solution is to poke and prod every silly little detail for no reason (and no, I don’t think higher ratings are a good enough reason). Hours before writing this article, I sat and discussed my displeasure of the situation with one of my good friends, freshman sociology and criminology major, Jared Machini. He mentioned a Diane Sawyer interview with the doctor treating Senator Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head and came close to death that day. In the interview, Sawyer apparently tried to flex her intellectual muscles but collapsed in a heap of stupidity in the attempt. It was stated “while the doctors were working hard to keep Giffords alive, she held up the peace sign.” The doctor replied calmly, stating “she was asked if she could hold up two fingers to test her cognitive skills.” I’m glad that doctor had a stronger laugh control than me. I would have laughed in Sawyer’s face. I laughed when I heard that story. I couldn’t help it. I continued to laugh at my favorite source of unending silliness as the memorial service was held for those killed in Tucson. Fox News (surprise, surprise) actually had the nerve to criticize the service for various things including the traditional Native American blessing at the beginning, calling it “weird”, “odd”, and “unbefitting.” If the wordmunchers at Fox would open their closed mind, they would find the Native blessing was very fitting for the service, Gabrielle Giffords prior to the shooting. and quite neat. Photo courtesy of The Daily Beast It bothers me that a horrible event caused such a hateful and ignorant reaction. National tragedies should not be vehicles for political agendas. Why can’t some factions of journalists get that through their thick skulls? My cohort Machini summed it up eloquently. “In its pathetically desperate attempts to achieve greater numbers, the mainstream media continues to show its stupidity by turning simple, clear-cut concepts into brilliant intellectual feats of genius,” Machini said. “Thus, it makes things more complicated than they should be.” If this article makes me a traitor, then so be it. At least I won’t feel ill anymore.

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

the new

BIG MAN on campus CSU-Pueblo boasts reputation for education excellence, interim president says — By William J. Dagendesh —

The sounds of laughter and singer Bing Crosby’s season classic “White Christmas” pouring from a radio speaker greeted the visitor as he entered the office of the president of CSU-Pueblo. Here, Trisha Macias, administrative assistant to the president, chatted with Russ Meyer, former provost for CSU-Pueblo, while Shirley Duran, an assistant with the institutional research analysis program, shared a joke with an office worker. The scent of Christmas cookies and pine needles lingered in the air, and an assortment of decorations hanging on the door added to the festive atmosphere. Suddenly, a voice called out to the visitor. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you,” said Julio Leon, the university’s interim president as he welcomed the visitor to his place of business. Wearing a dark gray suit over a pastel blue shirt, and pink polka dot and blue tie, Leon looks every bit the university president. He boasts a full head of coal black hair and, at 72, looks younger and more in shape than men half his age. He walks with a confidence he no doubt acquired as a young track star, and his firm handshake leaves subtle confidence that he is in charge of Pueblo’s four-year institution of higher learning. However, it isn’t Leon’s appearance or handshake, but his outgoing personality that attracts people. An avid listener, Leon absorbs every word when people talk about issues concerning CSU-Pueblo. It is this quality, some people believe, that makes

Leon the best person to lead Southern Colorado’s fastest-growing university, if only for a brief period. Lowering his tall, lanky frame into a chair, Leon explained how he came to serve in his current role. Leon is a member of the Registry for College and University Presidents, an organization that provides leadership when an institution of higher learning needs someone to fill an interim role. There is a tremendous demand for interim presidents because presidents resign, retire or accept jobs at other universities, Leon said. Leon served as president of Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo., for a quarter of a century before retiring in 2007, he says. Former CSU-Pueblo President Joe Garcia resigned last November after being elected to serve as lieutenant governor of Colorado. Leon was asked to serve as interim president because CSU-Pueblo needed a leader with academic experience, he said. “The registry makes available people who can step in and serve an institution needing an interim president,” Leon said as he leaned back in his chair. “As members of the organization, we’re willing to undertake these interim positions, and use our experience to assist colleges and universities. Former CSU-

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

“

Having to do more with less has been the challenge higher education has faced these past 20 years.” Julio Leon, interim president, CSU-Pueblo on funding

Pueblo president’s Ron Applbaum and Bob Shirley are members of this registry.” Following the registry’s phone call, Leon met with community and university officials to gain a better perspective of CSUPueblo’s academic climate, he said. Leon assumed the mantle of leadership in mid-November, and will continue to lead the university until a permanent president is hired. CSU-Pueblo hopes to have a new president by summer, Leon said. Leon hoped to be selected as interim president, he said, because CSU-Pueblo boasts an excellent administration and reputation for affordable education excellence. Also, CSU-Pueblo and MSSU are similar in that both institutions began as a community college in the 1930s and progressed to university status, Leon said. While president, Leon lead MSSU to university status, raised enrollment to 6,000 students and oversaw capital construction of more than $120 million. For its part, CSU-Pueblo evolved from a three-room junior college at the Pueblo County Courthouse, to a regional, comprehensive institution of higher learning offering 29 bachelor’s and six master’s degree programs. Additionally, CSU-Pueblo added new and renovated buildings on campus, and incorporated academic and sports programs. Enrollment increased, Leon said, and today CSUPueblo serves more than 5,000 students from all 50 states and 23 countries. CSU-Pueblo is expected to serve about 6,000 students by fall 2012, Leon said. However, despite its growth, CSU-Pueblo, like any university, has its share of challenges, Leon said. For example, funding is a university’s biggest challenge because money needed for program improvement often goes toward other projects, he said. Institutions of higher learning always seek to expand programs and improve quality for students, all of which rely on funding, Leon said. The past 15 to 25 years has seen available state funding go to higher priority projects, such as building correctional facilities, Leon said. When the prison population increases, more prisons are built to house inmates resulting in less money that could be used to improve educational programs, Leon said. Higher education always is the first to feel the impact of these cuts, Leon said. “Getting the most out of available resources is a challenge because things that can be done to enhance academic excellence are related to funding,” Leon said as he tapped the table with his fingers. “Higher education has had to do more with less these past 20 years. However, institutions of higher learning have learned to manage themselves during difficult times, and are

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

resilient because of community support.” Presently, the community is optimistic about CSU-Pueblo’s future, Leon said. CSU-Pueblo’s affordable, quality education has attracted students from out-of-state and overseas which, in turn, has lead to growth in enrollment, he said. Many people are turning to CSU-Pueblo for a quality college education, Leon said. In fact, Pueblo not only recognizes, but encourages people to earn a college education through CSU-Pueblo, Leon said. This support helps CSU-Pueblo to continue to provide students with the best education and quality of life possible. “It helps a university to know the community understands the value of a college education,” Leon said, smiling. Leon too, long learned the value of a college education. Born and raised in Chile, Leon saw education as a way to do something positive with his life. In 1964 Leon earned a Bachelor of Science in English from the University of Santiago, Chile, and participated as a member of the Chilean national track team. Leon landed a track scholarship to attend Odessa College in Texas in 1965 and continued his education at Oklahoma Baptist University.

FUNabout FACTS the interim president

v His wife Vivian was a music major from Nanjing, China. v He developed an online degree program that enrolled 2000 students from Missouri, the U.S. and abroad in bachelor degree programs in business administration, criminal justice and general studies. v He developed master’s degree programs in partnership with other state universities in criminal justice, teacher education, early childhood education, nursing, dental hygiene, history, business administration and instructional technology. v He and Vivian were voted 1993 Outstanding Citizens of the Year, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Joplin, Mo.

Julio Leon, interim president of CSU-Pueblo, discusses a project with Shirley Duran, assistant with the institutional research analysis program. Leon is a member of the registry of retired college and university presidents that provides leadership when an institution of higher learning needs someone to fill an interim role. TODAY photo by Ye Ming

Leon continued to run track until an injury ended his athletic career. He went on to earn a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas in 1968, and in 1969 served as an assistant professor of business and economics at MSSU. In 1973 Leon earned a Doctorate in Philosophy Business Administration and Economics from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. For a time, Leon considered returning to Chile and getting a teaching job there. However, in July, 1982, Leon was named interim president of MSSU, and in December he became the third president in the university’s history as a four-year institution of higher learning. Leon is amazed at his serving as the number one man of his alma mater for a generation since five years is the average tenure for a university president, he said. “Why did I last 25 years? I guess it’s because they never asked me to leave,” Leon said as he leaned forward in his chair and laughed. “Truth is, I worked with great people, had a tremendous faculty and great local support. This contributed to my

wanting to stay, set goals and get things done.” Right now CSU-Pueblo’s number one goal is finding a new president, Leon said. People are anxious as to who this person will be and how they will maintain the momentum the university enjoys, he said. Until that day arrives, Leon will continue to oversee the university’s day-to-day operations as if he were the permanent president, he said. Leon is confident CSU-Pueblo will support the new president as much as the university has supported him, he said. Leon also is confident CSU-Pueblo will continue to offer the best education anywhere, he said. CSU-Pueblo employs professors who want students to succeed and will do everything possible to help ensure that success, he said. Leon wants to help CSU-Pueblo move forward in its mission to provide students with an affordable, quality education, he said, and will do whatever he can to help make that happen. “The chancellor (Joe Blake) has requested I do everything I can to maintain momentum here at CSU-Pueblo,” Leon said as he stood up from his chair and smiled. “I will stay here for as long as I am needed.”

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

Navy videos fail to maintain professional conduct standards By William J. Dagendesh Editor’s note: The following commentary is the personal opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of CSU-Pueblo or this publication. The U.S. Navy has earned an F grade in professional conduct because of graphically explicit videos in which a ship’s commanding officer both starred and endorsed. On Monday, Jan. 3, the Pueblo Chieftain reported that top Navy brass was investigating Capt. Owen Honors, commanding officer of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65), for starring in and promoting videos that showed Honors and crew members participating in unflattering behavior. It was reported the videos were aired over the ship’s closed circuit TV system to boost morale for the crew. Honors has since been relieved of command and most likely will retire from the Navy. It is a sad end to what probably was a brilliant military career. As a former career sailor, I am shocked that a senior officer would participate in and endorse such behavior. Now I’m not saying the Navy doesn’t have its problems, and like any organization, the nation’s sea service employs its share of people who delight in crude bathroom humor. However, what disturbs me is that everyone who participated in and viewed the videos knew it was wrong but said nothing. This kind of behavior is not in keeping with the Navy’s standards of professional conduct. Anything else is just an excuse, and the participants and viewers know this. That said, what kind of message are we sending to our fighting forces when we allow this kind of behavior to happen? Are we saying it’s OK to talk about professional conduct but needn’t enforce it? Are we saying military leaders are above such behavior and accountability? During my Navy career I served with sailors who, because of their rank, believed they were above reproach. Not surprising, many of them were supervisors. People who serve in leadership positions in the military tend to forget they are held to the same standards of professional excellence as everyone in the chain of command. The enlisted community, in particular, holds officers and non-commissioned officers to a higher standard because of their leadership position. I realize sailors sometimes hesitate to report such incidents be-

Spring 2011 | CSU-Pueblo TODAY

cause the person(s) on whom they are reporting might be in their chain of command. Unfortunately, such incidents paint the Navy in an unfavorable light, and hurt recruiting as sailor wannabes wonder if they will be subjected to this behavior. Many men and women join the Navy to serve their country, learn a profession, travel the world and cut the domestic apron strings. The Navy needs high-caliber sailors, and it does whatever it can to enlist and retain these people. Where else on earth does an organization offer a person job security and a chance to advance in rank? Personally, I have no faith in a leader who endorses this sort of behavior. Now I expect some people will write and say I am un-American, that I am a prude and that this kind of behavior is expected from military men and women. Others might say I never should have served the in the Navy. However, each of them would be wrong. Every man and woman serving in the U.S. Navy has the right to be treated with respect, and without being subjected to ridicule or repercussion. For its part, the Navy must continue to educate and train its people to use sound judgment before engaging in such behavior, and to deal with this behavior as swiftly and as professionally as possible. Our nation has the right to expect nothing less from its armed forces.

ASG president becomes target of campus scrutiny By Candice Geier

Editor’s note: The following commentary is the personal opinion of Geier, and does not necessarily reflect the views of CSU-Pueblo or of this publication.

eyes.

The head of CSU-Pueblo’s student body is under watchful

Like most politicians, Steve Titus, president of the Associated Student’s Government at CSU-Pueblo, seems to have found himself under scrutiny from some individuals the community. If this is a hot spot Titus fears, he should not have chosen politics, and the word around campus is Titus is flighty. Several CSU-Pueblo TODAY sources claim Titus acts like he cares and then forgets to show up to student organization meetings. People from various student organizations have told reporters when he attends events he leaves after only a few minutes. “That’s not my role, there’s a whole perception that ASG is still in charge of student organizations,” Titus said. “That ended two years ago.” To check out the full article, as well as read what other events are happening around the CSU-Pueblo campus, visit csupueblotoday.com

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Titus refused to comment on blanket accusations and said he would like specifics in order to rectify any problems. “I think I am a well balanced person,” he said pertaining to his obligations and involvement with student life. Although Titus stays busy, he said, he does not want to come across as too busy, and likes to stay active in many facets of campus life. He still has to prioritize and try to attend the most important events, he said. Unlike most college students, he has a body of people relying on his actions. Titus told The Pueblo Chieftain students are worried about the quality of academia they are receiving, and they would like their faculty and staff to be held to higher standards. “We have to do whatever we can to advance our platform,” Titus said. Titus works hard to provide students with a better learning environment, he said, and is trying to move campus life forward. One of the things he has been fighting for is the right to vote alongside the CSU Board of Governors. Titus has been lobbying for legislation the past two years and his voice has been heard. However, House Bill 11-011 was shot down again on February 10. If it would have been accepted, the bill would’ve given one faculty member and one student on the ASG board the right to vote on important issues pertaining to the Colorado State University system during Board of Governors meetings.

CSU-Pueblo TODAY | Spring 2011

QUIZ ANSWERS

TRUE 8 You didn’t plagiarize; however the paper must be your own argument and you must, indeed, make an argument.

FALSE 8 It depends on the instructor, the department, and the institution in which the plagiarism occurs.

FALSE 8 Besides being cited, the sentence needs to have quotation marks around it if it is used verbatim.

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FALSE 8 Those sources need to be cited, and if verbatim, quoted and cited. Further, simply copying and pasting source materials rarely make for an argument, much less for a good argument.

............................

FALSE 8 Work turned in as your own must be original; that is, it must be composed by you and contain your understanding of your textual or empirical materials.

TRUE 8 What are examples of “common knowledge”? The earth is round, John F. Kennedy was a president of the United States, etc.

FALSE 8 You also need to cite the original that you are using. Further, even if you cite it, changing a few insignificant words or changing the word or sentence order can still be plagiarism.

...

Find more information about plagiarism and take the full quiz at http://students.slis.wayne.edu/policies/plagiarism-quiz.php

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