Tuesday

February 3,1998

CSUS, UCD offer teachers new option

By SYLVIA RODRIGUEZ
HORNET STAFF WRITER

CSUS and UC Davis are implementing a joint credentialing program this summer that will allow teachers to obtain credentials over just two summers, combatting California's shortage of elementary-school teachers.

The program is available for two preliminary credentials: Bilingual Crosscultural Language and Academic Development or Crosscultural Language and Academic Development.

"It will be an earn-while-you-learn program," said Rene Merino, chair of the department of bilingual/multicultural education at CSUS.

The program is geared toward teachers working with emergency-hire permits, for educators who hold bachelor's degrees but lack all of the required course work to be fully credentialed.

The $7,000 program will include five weeks of seven required courses starting in June 1998, and three weeks of five required courses in summer 1999. The classes will be held Monday through Friday at Davis and will include Saturday morning classes and online discussions.

All of the courses will emphasize an understanding of the different cultures and languages that are found in California schools.

In addition, teachers will choose between student-teaching internships or CSUS-supervised field experiences, during the fall or spring semester of the 1998/99 school year.

The courses will be taught by credentialed elementary teachers and teacher education faculty members from Davis and CSUS.

"The teachers will have to be really dedicated to give everything up during those five weeks of classes," said Kimberly Shaffer, a teacher with the teacher-intern program through CSUS and the Sacramento City Unified School District. "But, I think it's good they're offering the program because we do need credentialed teachers and we need them fast."

The teacher-intern program lasts for two years and consists of night classes twice a week. Shaffer works full-time through the duration of the program and receives the same pay and benefits as a full-time, first-year teacher.

According to Diane Cordero de Noriega, dean of the School of Education, applicants for the joint-credentialing program will be screened by a committee consisting of faculty from both universities.

There are five criteria the committee will be using:

• A grade point average of at least 3.0.
• Completion of the Elementary Subject Matter Program or a passing score on the Multiple Subjects Assessment for Teachers exam (both of which demonstrate knowledge of elementary school classrooms).
• Verification of the taking or passing of the California Basic Education Skills Test.
• Relevant -- and recent -- teaching experience.
• Results of a personal interview with the committee.

Crime hits campus over break

By JENNIFER BALDWIN
HORNET NEWS EDITOR

During winter break, on separate occasions, CSUS saw a beating that left one man in critical condition, and a shooting that left another man dead.

On Jan. 12, at about 10:15 p.m., campus police were notified of a fight in the north gym. Officers found Pape Kama, 23, a former CSUS student, critically injured. Three suspects were taken into custody.

"The altercation occured during what appeared to be a pick-up basketball game," said Ann Reed of the university's public affairs office. "They somehow entered the gym after it was locked."

The argument was reportedly over who would play on the court. Two of the basketball players used wooden chair legs to beat Kama.

According to John Hamrick, campus police investigator, exactly how the suspects entered the gym is under investigation. Kama is still in critical but stable condition and is on life support, he said.

Sheldon Williams, Shawn Edwards and Michael Williams, all 26 and none affiliated with the universtiy, have been booked on charges of attempted murder.

Days after the beating, on Jan. 21, campus police were notified of a man waving what appeared to be a handgun in the Goethe Arboretum at the J Street entrance of campus at about 8:30 a.m. The man was in the creek bed on the J Street side of the arboretum's chain-link fence, reportedly waving the gun around and talking to himself.

According to Reed, the man, later identified as Tommy Carl Valdez, 29, did not comply with campus plice when asked to drop the weapon. Campus police then called the Sacramento Police Department for assistance.

"The suspect began walking toward Sacramento police officers and pointed the gun at an officer," Reed said.

Sacramento police then fired multiple shots at Valdez, killing him instantly. Valdez's gun turned out to be fake. Valdez, who had a warrant for a probation violation at the time of the shooting, had never been a student at CSUS.

Ishmael Ojedo, a CSUS junior, was walking near the arboretum when he heard the officers shooting. He said he immediately ducked and retreated.

"I have never been that close to gunshots," he said.

Ojedo and several others had been let off the bus on J Street because of the traffic caused by the stand-off. He said police officers warned them of the dangerous situation, but he continued heading to campus. Despite the officers' warnings, Ojedo said, the gunshots caught him completely off-guard.

While the campus was relatively empty that day, the incident was reminiscent of a stand-off that occured last spring between Sacramento S.W.A.T. team and a man who allegedly had a gun inside Lassen Hall and was threatening to go on a shooting rampage. The suspect was taken into custody, but no weapon was found.

"It's very rare for someone on this campus to allegedly have or have a gun," Reed said.

"My understanding is that maybe one or two times has someone been known to have one."

State Hornet stung by computer theft

By JENNIFER BALDWIN
HORNET NEWS EDITOR

Days before Christmas, someone stole the State Hornet's most expensive computer and a boom box.

According to Melissa Jones, editor in chief, the theft was reported to campus police and is under investigation.

"We, like the university, are self-insured. But, If something is stolen or lost, we can't afford to replace it," Jones said.

According to Jones, the Hornet is bouncing back with help from the campus and the community. After hearing of the Hornet's plight in the news -- the theft was covered by the Sacramento Bee, the News and Review, KMAX-Channel 31, and KFBK-1530 AM -- a local laser-tag center stepped up to help.

Laser Force, at 6031 Fair Oaks Blvd., will donate $1 of each game during February to the Hornet. Players just need to say they're playing to "help the Hornet."

Election Codes Task Force offers findings to ASI board

By JEFF HARRELSON
HORNET NEWS EDITOR

The Associated Students Inc. Board of Directors returned from winter break to immediately confront what was perceived as a potentially controversial issue following last year's widely-debated presidential elections.

ASI's Election Code Task Force, which met several times over the break, presented their proposed changes of the ASI election process to the board as a discussion item.

David Shorey, a member of the appellate council responsible for issuing last year's final ruling which awarded incumbent Sandra Schlemmer the presidency, said he was hesitant when the task force was originally formed because it was open to all students for participation.

"I was concerned some of the candidates or supporters of the candidates from last years election would attend in attempt to turn it into something political," Shorey said.

However, Shorey said this situation did not materialize and the task force was able to deal with issues impartially.

"My overall impression is that (the task force) did a great job," he said.

Shorey presented several recommendations to the board which had been removed from the task force proposal, including the re-instatement of punishment option by means of reprimand to the election complaint committee.

Shorey said he believed the reprimand had been ineffective in last years election complaint process because it lacked a strict definition. He proposed several specific options of fining convicted candidates.

Members also debated the case of the ASI president popular vote winner's disqualification, which occurred in last years election. The question was whether the executive vice president-elect or the second place presidential candidate should assume the office.

Kim Shaw, director of social science and interdisciplinary studies, argued that the vice president candidate should not be forced to assume the duties of president because he or she did not choose to run for that office.

Current Executive Vice President Shannon Hughes responded saying succession of the president was the duty of the vice president. Although she had chosen to run for vice president, it was understood that she would assume the duties of the president if necessary.

While the board and members of the audience openly debated several recommendations to the elections code, the overall response to the task force's work was relief.

Jennifer Helms, task force chair, said she was extremely happy with the response she received from both the board and audience members.

"I am glad that everyone is working together on this," she said. "It was a group effort."

Helms later said she, along with the help of ASI Administrative Assistant Rita Tyk, would put together a list of several options for the directors to consider to be included in the Feb. 11 agenda which will be posted on Feb. 4. The proposal is scheduled to be voted on during the Feb. 11 meeting.

Both Helms and Tyk said they will still accept any input or suggestion from interested students, provided that all ideas are submitted in writing.

Tyk also noted that there are two open forum sections during ASI meetings where students can address the board.

The Feb. 11 meeting will be held at noon in the Board Chambers.

CSUS warms up to new One Card

By ERIC MARKS
HORNET STAFF WRITER

Here's your chance to retake that old ID photo over again -- and this time it'll come with much more.

CSUS is currently issuing new ID cards, known as the One Card, in the South Reading Room of the Library from Jan. 28 to Feb. 12.

Ronald Grant, university support services director, says the process of re-carding the entire CSUS student population is moving rather quickly.

"The wait in line at the longest has not exceeded 35 minutes. The average wait is 15 to 20 minutes," said Grant. "That's from the time they get in line until the time they get their card."

Mindy Macias, one of students who was first to brave the lines, agreed with Grant.

"I think the line to get your One Card went a lot smoother than the line to get my previous ID. The schedule according to last names was a big plus so the line wasn't really that long."

Macias also expressed pleasure in the cards design.

"I also like that my social security number is not on the front of my card anymore, it's a nice security safeguard," she said.

Grant also attributes the shorter lines to the students' attitudes. "They're really supportive and that's helped us," Grant said.

Grant said the optional feature available on the Once Card, the AT&T calling card, has been received well by the student population. "Right now, we have about 75 percent of the people accepting the telephone card. The good thing about it is if you take it and don't use it, you never get billed for it. You have to make a telephone call in order to get billed."

In addition to the calling card feature, students can use the card as a debit card for copy machines on campus and with the calling card option students will be enrolled in the Student Advantage savings program.

Student Advantage offers One Card holders discounts at local Sacramento merchants. It's good for a $3 discount on CD's at Tower records and 15 percent off food at Mountain Mike's Pizza and Leatherby's Ice Creamery.

The One Card is being issued by last name in the south reading room of the library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise stated..

"If you can't come in on that day, it isn't a problem; we are real flexible. Come when it is convenient for you," said Assistant Director of University Support Services Gary McFarland.

Cards are available:

Feb. 3: (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.) Last name begins with C, K, U or V.

Feb. 4, 5: Last name begins with S or T.

Feb. 6, 7: Last name begins with D, J, N, or P.

Feb. 9, 10: (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.) Last name begins with E, H, I, or R.

Feb. 11,12: Last name begins with F, G, L, or Q.

Anthropology Museum loses funds, shuts doors

By CHRISTINE KIZER
HORNET STAFF WRITER

After losing funds last May from the university's State Lottery Fund Committee, the CSUS Museum of Anthropology has been forced to close its doors.

According to George Rich, an anthropology professor who directed many of the museum's exhibits, the reason for the loss of funding is a mystery. "It could be that there were other programs the committee felt were more important," he said.

However, museum supporters are continuing to search for the help needed to reopen.

"Though extremely frustrated and demoralized by this situation, we are forging ahead with one final effort to obtain a reasonable level of institutional support," said George Rich, professor of anthropology. "After two years of funding, suddenly we were turned down."

According to Rich, the museum has always received strong moral support from President Donald Gerth and university administration. CSUS is attempting to find matching funds to take the place of the lottery grant, he said.

"By mid-February, we will have forwarded a comprehensive plan through our Dean to Provost (Jolene) Koester's office," said Rich. "That plan will spell out the museum's desire to establish a permanent exhibit on North-Central California Indians and request the money needed to revive the An-My Le exhibit for fall '98."

Museum officials envision the North-Central California Native American exhibit to fitting in with fourth-grade curriculum and creating an outreach program to schools in the Sacramento region.

The museum opened in 1995. After sharing in the university's state lottery funds, officials focused on the conception and design of community-centered exhibits. It attracted over 25,000 visitors from other communities as well as thousands of students.

"For years the museum and its exhibit program has functioned without regular staff -- largely on the backs of student interns and volunteers, and a couple of the anthropology faculty who have donated countless late nights and weekends of their time," said Rich. "We need a full-time curator and at least a part-time director. We cannot do it without staff positions," he added.

Staff of the museum laments its closure.

"I think it is really sad for the university and the community," said Carol Dunston, museum curator for the past two years. "I think there was a real need. The closing of the museum affected the students, school and Sacramento community. It was a way to get to know people in the community."

The museum is hoping to feature "Return to Vietnam: Reflections on a Lost Homeland" by An-My Le in Fall 1998. Le, a recipient of a Guggenheim Award for photography, has volunteered to continue with the project, despite the museum's situation.

News Briefs

CSU trustees OK Cornerstones

Trustees of the California State University endorsed Cornerstones as an official planning framework for the future of the university system. Since June 1996, CSU officials have been trying to define their goals, values, priorities and expectations. Cornerstones also suggests ways to implement adaptations to prepare for the challenges and changes that loom ahead in the 21st century, a press release states. The plan involved students, faculty, staff and administrators.

Specifically, Cornerstones focuses on four objectives: clearly defining and assessing what students learn; ensuring access to higher education; creating financial stability in the face of increasing enrollment and limited resources; and providing system-wide accountability through public goal-setting and annual reporting.

Fellowship applications due

Applications for California Legislative, Executive and Judicial Fellowship awards are due Feb. 18. The 11-month internship, which pays a monthly stipend of $1,707, plus health, dental and vision benefits is available to applicants of all majors who will have earned their undergraduate degree by June 1998.

The positions will allow fellows the opportunity to work in their selected division of California government and to participate in a weekly academic seminar with other professionals from that related field such as journalists, lobbyists and state government officials.

Fellows will also receive 12 units of graduate credit from CSUS. Government professor Ken Debow said the fellowship is an excellent opportunity for graduating students looking to get a solid foot in the door in state government.

"(The fellowship) is the best way of getting a job in the Legislature that I know of," he said.

Summer school Cal Grants

Lt. Gov. Gray Davis and Sen. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, are reminding students to take full advantage of the Cal Grant Flexibility Act. This new legislation allows Cal Grant recipients to apply their financial aid to summer sessions as well as the regular school year beginning in summer 1999.

Cal Grant applications are due March 2, 1998.

Research paper competition

The 12th annual California State University Research Competition will be held at Chico State on May 1-2. Up to 10 CSUS student papers may be submitted to this competition. Local CSUS competition will be held March 7. Interested students should call Terry Manns in the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects as 278-7381.

UTAPS office relocated

The University Transportation and Parking Services office has been moved to Foley Hall in the Residence Complex. Persons with questions regarding transportation or parking are encouraged to stop by or call 278-7275.

Library tours available

Tours of the Library are being offered for the next two weeks, concluding on Feb. 13. These hour-long tours will begin in the main lobby of the Library near the escalator. Tour schedules are as follows.

Monday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m.

Thursday: 10:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m.

The self-guided Checkpoint tour is also availible to individuals.