Campus Announcements

Webcast offers advanced training in research methods, data analysis
The Office of Research Administration and the Office of Graduate Studies, in conjunction with The Center for the Advancement of Research Methods and Analysis (CARMA), is presenting a webcast titled “Item Response Theory” from 8:45 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Friday, March 23 in Library 11. Professor Neal Schmitt from Michigan State University will present at the session. The series is free and open to all faculty, staff and students. RSVP to Sonia Lovine by phone at 278-3668 or e-mail lovinesd@csus.edu. For more information, visit www.csus.edu/research/workshops/webcast.htm.
Submitted by Research Administration and Graduate Studies

CMS campus forums
The CMS project office will be hosting campus forums on the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 20, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., University Union Summit Room

• Wednesday, March 21, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., University Union Forest Suite

Employees can attend either forum to obtain the latest information about the student administration implementation. For more information, call 278-3701.
Submitted by the CMS Project Office

Wanted: Standout students
The Public Affairs Office is in search of students to profile for the Destination 2010 page of the University’s website. These students will also be featured in various publications including Sac State Magazine, the Sacramento State Bulletin and campus recruitment and donor recognition materials.

We are especially interested in students with an interesting story about where they came from, what they want to do with their education, a transforming experience they have had while at Sac State, etc. We also want to reflect the campus’ diversity in gender, ethnicity and life experience.

If you have a student or students to recommend, please send their names and contact information to Laurie Hall at laurie.hall@csus.edu. For more information, call 278-4282.
Submitted by Public Affairs

Deadlines

Call for Outstanding Scholarly Achievement Award nominations
The Research and Creative Activity Subcommittee is inviting nominations for the 2006-07 Outstanding Scholarly Achievement Award. The Outstanding Scholarly Achievement Award (OSA) is given each year to a faculty member who has, over many years, made significant contributions to a discipline through scholarly activity, creative/artistic endeavors, research and publication. Through the OSA award, the university bestows honor and recognition upon individuals for their work accomplished at Sacramento State. Faculty members who have been at Sacramento State for at least ten academic years in a tenured or tenure track position are eligible for the award. The award will include a monetary grant for professional development.

Nominations can be made by any faculty member for a colleague or for her/himself. The required nomination materials are available at www.csus.edu/research/funding/osaa/index.htm.

The deadline for receipt of all nomination materials for the 2006-07 award is 5 p.m., March 26. Nomination materials should be submitted to the Office of Research Administration, campus zip 6111, or by e-mail in a single Acrobat PDF file to jtmanns@csus.edu. For more information, contact Joseph Richards at 278-6739.
Submitted by Research Administration

Events

13th annual “College: Making It Happen” event
Sacramento State is teaming up with other local colleges and universities to host a half-day program on preparing for college. The 13th annual “College: Making it Happen” event will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 7 in the University Union Ballroom. The program will include practical workshops on preparing academically and financially for college, and on exploring career options.

The event is free and open to the public. The program is intended primarily for 6th - 9th grade students and their families, though all students are welcome. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please call (916) 278-6183 to reserve your spot or register on-line at www.csus.edu/eop/cmih. For more information contact David Ortega at (916) 278-6183.
Submitted by the Academic Achievement Center/EOP

Photography exhibit on display in Union
An exhibit featuring a variety of photographs taken by Jana Shober, Biological Sciences, during her recent trip to India are available for viewing March 18 through Sept. 1 at the Java City Coffee House, University Union. The exhibit, titled “Namaste India!” illustrates India’s temples, grand forts, deserts and festivals.
Submitted by Biological Sciences

Art Department hosts Sculpture Invitational
The Art Department is hosting an exhibition of sculpture by faculty and students from several regional community colleges and high schools from noon-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, March 19-23 in the Else and Witt Galleries, Kadema Hall. The exhibit will have 27 works from participants from American River College, Sacramento City College, Sierra College, Folsom High and Mira Loma High. A barbecue reception will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, March 19 in the Art Sculpture Lab.

For more information, contact the Art Department at 278-6166 or visit www.asn.csus.edu/art/.
Submitted by the Art Department

Merchandise/Food

Thesis/project binding available
Due to many requests for a convenient way to purchase hard bound extra copies of theses, the Copy Graphics Center is now offering hardback binding services. The service, which does not replace original thesis materials submitted through the Office of Graduate Studies, offers students a way to get extra copies of their thesis for their personal use. The Copy Graphics Center is located near the Patio Café between the Bookstore and River Front Center. Hours are 7:45 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays. For more information call 278-6960.
Submitted by University Enterprises, Inc.

Fine dining just a short walk away
The University Center Restaurant is offering a wide array of lunch choices, including char-broiled New York steak, grilled breast of chicken, ahi tuna teriyaki, pasta portobello and grilled vegetarian Panini, as well as traditional favorites such as fish and chips and lasagna. A private dining room is available for luncheon meetings or parties. Reservations are recommended: call 278-6100. The Restaurant is located at the east entrance of the University Union. All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are welcome. Hours for breakfast are 7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information visit www.dining.csus.edu/area/ucr.html.

Human Resources

Investment Faire offers financial planning information
The Benefits Office is sponsoring the 2007 Investment Faire on from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 in the University Union Redwood Room. The event will feature representatives from various companies on the CSU Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) 403(b) company approved list, representatives from the Department of Administration Savings Plus Program (457/401 (k)) and other programs that offer investment/financial planning options. Attendance is on a drop-in basis.

Throughout the day there will also be special educational presentations designed to further assist employees in financial planning. Presentations include:

• Financial Finesse: Unbiased information on Taxation/Tax Basics (i.e, new rates, additional deductions, exemptions, credits payment options, filing status, etc.) from 9:30 a.m. – noon in the Orchard Suite. This workshop can assist employees in becoming more aware of simple tax filing strategies.
• CalPERS Member Home Loan Program from 12:30 – 2 p.m. in the Orchard Suite. This program offers low to no down payment options, interest only loans, down payment assistance, 100% financing, discount closing cost, discounted mortgage insurance rates and many more features.
• Essentials of Estate Planning from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Redwood Room. This workshop will provide an informative discussion on estate planning basics, including retirement benefit plans, wills and trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives and more.

CalPERS retains CitiMortgage, Inc. as the program manager for the CalPERS Member Home Loan Program. However, CitiMortgage does not originate CalPERS Mortgage Loans. Their primary goal is to educate employees about the Home Loan Program. Handouts regarding CalPERS Home Loan vendors are available at the presentation.

Spouses/domestic partners are welcomed to attend the Faire and presentations. Employees may schedule their attendance for the special presentations only by calling the Benefits Office at 278-6213 or register at www.csus.edu/fas/traindev/train.htm.
Submitted by Human Resources

Catastrophic Leave Donation Program
Sacramento State employees may voluntarily donate to other employees up to a maximum of 16 hours of sick or vacation leave credits each fiscal year in one-hour increments. CSUEU, MPP, Unit 4, Unit 6 and Confidential employees may donate up to a maximum of 40 hours per fiscal year.

If employees are interested in donating time, a donation form can be obtained by going to www.csus.edu/hr/forms.stm#Disability, or by visiting the Human Resources, Disability Leaves Office in Sacramento Hall 162, or by calling extension 278-3522.

The following employees have been approved for the Catastrophic Leave Donation Program:

Kristen Abundis, College of Education
Gary Davis, Facilities Services
Kaylene Ekeh, Criminal Justice
Rose Marie Fisher, Graduate Studies
Jenny Yang, Financial Aid
*Mical Shilts, Family & Consumer Sciences

*only vacation credits may be donated to this employee
Submitted by Human Resources