Tuesday

February 17, 1998

Bookstore is invitation for backpack thieves

Most every student who has made a trip to the Hornet Bookstore has narrowly averted tripping over a bag or backpack piled on the floor.

While this is a small hazard, it's a big invitation for theft.

Since spring semester began, over nine incidents of petty theft have occurred in the Bookstore and far more probably go unreported, according to campus police investigator John Hamrick.

And the problem is not getting better.

"This has been a worse semester than others," said Bookstore manager Julia Milardovich.

Since the Bookstore has a posted policy of no backpacks in the store, students must leave their bags at the entrance in unlocked cubicles, locked cubicles or on the floor.

The floor seems to be the popular and convenient choice. But not so, if you're a victim of the backpack bandit.

According to Hamrick, the thief is likely the same in each incident, because the timing is the same -- late morning or early afternoon.

If the backpacks contain new textbooks, the thief most likely returns them for the money, Hamrick said.

According to Milardovich, the Bookstore does match identification with receipts when books are returned. If a purchase is made with cash, however, there is no way to prevent a thief from returning someone else's textbooks -- which could mean a loss of $300 to $400 for some unfortunate victim.

"That's a lot of money for a student," Hamrick said.

Not only do backpacks contain textbooks, most contain a range of valuable belongings -- Walkmans, parking permits, cellular phones, student IDs and driver's licenses.

A financial loss may be inconvenient, but canceling credit cards and replacing IDs also take time out of one's day.

One woman's backpack -- containing her wallet, credit cards and Social Security number -- was found in the Arden Fair Mall by mall security.

The thief called her bank, used her Social Security number to find out how much money remained on her accounts and maxed out her credit cards.

According to Hamrick, students can safeguard themselves against being a victim of the backpack bandit.

"This is one of the most preventable crimes that occurs on campus," Hamrick said. "Never place a backpack on the floor or unsecured cubicle. Always use a locked cubicle."

Some Bookstore customers complain there are not enough secured cubicles, but the cubicles turnover every five to 10 minutes, according to Milardovich. And students get their quarters back when they return the keys.

The Bookstore offers this advice on a sign at the entrance: "For your own protection we recommend that you use the coin-return lockers."

Dorm meal vouchers:
Not students' best value

Dorm residents lose up to $1.10 when using meal credits purchased through Housing and Residential Life at on-campus eateries other than the Dining Commons.

Meal credits, which originally cost $1.45, may be used at the Dining Commons or exchanged for vouchers -- worth as little as 35 cents a credit -- for use at other campus eateries, including the Dining Commons store.

Students can use the vouchers at their convenience, said Mark Lewandowski, assistant director of the Dining Commons. He cautioned, however, that this is not the voucher's best value.

But 25 percent of all Dining Commons store sales are from vouchers. Dorm residents use their meal credits or cash to buy food from the store.

One dorm resident said the Dining Commons has its good and bad points.

"I think the DC Store is cool. It is very convenient. The prices aren't that great though," said David Connor, a dorm resident who works in the Dining Commons.

In the Dining Commons Store, one meal credit can buy a student a candy bar. For five credits, students can purchase a six-pack of soda. Haagen-Dazs ice cream is worth six.

During the1997-98 school year, the Dining Commons posted a profit of 3 percent, but the CSUS Foundation has raised meal plan prices by almost 5 percent since last year.

According to Cynthia Cockrill, director for Residential Life, the cost of food, labor, planning for new projects and improved customer service are the main reasons for the increase in meal credit prices.

"When it (the price) goes up, I like to see that there's a reason," said Cockrill.

Lewandowski said money spent on meal plans goes toward fixed costs, including rent or mortgage for the building, salaries for six full-time staff and 50 part-time staff, food and the basic utility costs such as electricity.

The Dining Commons, which serves an average of 900 meals per day to the 783 students living in the residence halls, is in the process of improving service to the students, Lewandowski said.

Lewandowski pointed to the Dining Commons' extension of its weekday hours to include a late lunch. As of now, the commons' weekend hours will stay the same due to the lack of students who use its services over the weekend.

The Pizzeria, which offers pizza, calzones, ice cream and freshly baked cookies, is regularly open after the Dining Commons closes for the night.

Dining Commons improvements arose from a survey conducted last semester by Marriott Food Services, which polled students about what they would like to see the Dining Commons add or change on the menu.

"The students have a big say in it," said Lewandowski. "In order for people to come, they have to enjoy dorm life and the food."

Lewandowski said the addition of a carving station at dinner, freshly grilled sandwiches at lunch, a waffle bar and more vegetarian selections has improved the Dining Commons.

According to the CSU Residence Hall Board, the 10-meal plan at CSUS' Dining Commons is moderately priced at $1,852, when compared to similar dining commons at seven other CSU campuses. Only two universities are less expensive: Cal State Northridge and San Diego State.

Search for top administrator continues

The search for someone to fill the vice president for administration position has not yielded a candidate, nor a primary nominee.

Also remaining vacant is the position of associate vice president for finance. Furthermore, the committee responsible for finding a possible candidate for the university's chief financial officer has remained unsuccessful for over five months.

Ed Del Biaggio, former executive officer of the CSUS Foundation, has been temporarily assuming the duties of vice president for administration. Meanwhile, the responsibilities for the associate vice president for finance has been filled by Jon Self on an interim basis. Self is also the director of management services.

According to university spokeswoman Ann Reed, the nationwide search for a vice president for administration was completed, but the results were not fruitful.

"The position was not offered because there was no clear candidate. A committee, lead by Jennifer Ware, will meet later this semester to continue the search," Reed said. Ware is the university's acquisitions librarian.

President Donald Gerth has requested Del Biaggio continue in the job of vice president for administration until a suitable candidate can replace him.

Self said the university plans to hire a permanent vice president for administration before searching for the finance associate.

"The plan of attack is to recruit first the vice president for administration and let them decide on the details of the search for the associate. After all, the new vice president may want to reorganize," said Self.

The vice president for administration is responsible for directing the university's business affairs, which consist of financial services, procurement, budget and payroll services.

The university's qualifications for vice president for administration is a masters degree, substantial experience in fiscal management, a commitment to diversity and demonstrated communication skills.

Student activities office helps new campus clubs

With 242 clubs on campus, finding a new niche can be difficult.

But with assistance from the student activities office, students who want to create a new club can get the help they require.

Clubs need recognition by the student activities office, located in the University Union, to hold on-campus fundraisers, post flyers, hold meetings in university facilities and apply for ASI Dollars for Organizations and Clubs.

One such organization is Samahang Pilipino, a group recently revitalized after a few years of dormancy and declining membership.

According to Richard Florente, the club's public relations officer, being able to hold meetings on campus was a big benefit to the club.

"In the fall of 1996, some people got together (to reform the club). We're slowly coming up," said Florente.

The club now has over 15 dedicated members, he said. Florente said that in the 1980s, with membership nearing 300 members, the club was the largest representing a minority group.

To be recognized, an organization must have at least eight members that carry a load of at least 6.5 units, and a full-time faculty member or professional staff member as an adviser.

Two officers are also required. Each club must turn in a campus organization officer registration form to student activities office at least once a year and within two weeks of elections.

Florente said his club was reestablished with 10 members and two faculty advisers. Lou Camera, the university's acting assistant vice president for student affairs, said about six to 12 new organizations are organized every semester while an equal number disband. He said there have been no major clubs to do so recently.

Some of Samahang Pilipino's major obstacles were the number of members and money to operate, or the lack of it, Florente said.

"It was pretty hectic," he said. "What hurt the most was conflict within the club."

The student activities office organizes workshops, including the ongoing "Leadership 101" series. The series includes programs to orient new club officers to the rules and regulations they will be dealing with, event planning, and balancing school work with organizational commitments.

"We've got a couple members that go to all of them," Florente said. "We're more informed as a club."

Keeping a club running and increasing membership takes focus, Florente said. Members also must be dedicated to accomplishing the club's goals, even when the going gets rough.

"You have to stick together. Just stay united," he said.

The student activities office assigns each recognized group a student activities adviser to "assist in planning programs and general organization operations," according to a flier explaining the office. It is a process that takes about a week, Camera said.

Camera also said the university tries to find out why a club is being formed, primarily to prevent one club from forming several different entities to gain a large amount of funding from ASI's Dollars for Organizations and Clubs.

Currently, campus clubs and organizations can apply for up to $1,500 in funds per academic year. Two organizations, when organizing a joint event, can apply for up to $3,000.

Samahang Pilipino used its grant for a talent showcase. Club members organized the event last spring. Florente said the club will re-apply for an ASI grant for a similar event.

POLICE LOG

SUNDAY, FEB. 1
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: A man was trying to get into the inside doors in the Speech/Drama Building.

MONDAY, FEB. 2
BURGLARY: The Coke and candy machines in Amador Hall were broken into.
AUTO THEFT: A midnight blue 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was taken from the Residence Hall parking lot between 2:30 a.m. Saturday and 6:30 a.m. Sunday. It was later recovered by the Highway Patrol.
INDECENT EXPOSURE: A man entered the study cubicle in the reserve book area of the Library and exposed himself to a female student. The man was arrested for indecent exposure.
WELFARE CHECK: A man fell in front of Sacramento Hall while running to catch the bus. He was taken to the Student Health Center.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: Car accident in front of the Children's Center on State University Drive. No injuries were reported.
PETTY THEFT: A wallet valued at $16 was taken from the University Union.
HAZARD TO LIFE/PROPERTY: A tire went flat after hitting a pothole on State University Drive in front of the Public Safety Building.
FALSE ALARM: A fire alarm was pulled on the second floor of Mendocino Hall. A bottle was used to break the glass and the amount of damage is unknown.

TUESDAY, FEB. 3
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: Three men were seen snooping around cars in Lot 4.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: A Facilities Management car was involved in an accident. One party complained of a headache.
INCIDENT: An elderly man slipped and fell on a wet floor in Mendocino Hall.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: A bicycle and a car were involved in an accident in front of the Bookstore. No injuries were reported.
HARASSMENT: A male student was spotted by his ex-girlfriend on campus and she began yelling and pushing him. She was advised not to disturb him.
AUTO THEFT: A white 1984 Toyota truck was stolen from the parking structure.
PETTY THEFT: A woman left a cellular phone in the women's restroom on the second floor of Mendocino Hall. When she went back to retrieve it, it was gone.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4
DISTURBING THE PEACE: There was an uncooperative student with parking officers in the parking structure.
AUTO BURGLARY: A car in Lot 4 was broken into. There was no sign of forced entry, and a parking decal, cellular phone and CDs were taken.
VEHICLE FIRE: A student's car was smoking in the parking structure. The fire department was on the scene and a tow truck was called.
PETTY THEFT: A shoulder bag containing textbooks, school supplies and keys was taken from a cubicle in the Bookstore.
HIT & RUN: A car was damaged in a 30-minute parking space in Lot A.
NOISE COMPLAINT: Drummers in the parking structure were disturbing a professor teaching a class. The drummers were asked to move to a higher level.
PETTY THEFT: A purse containing a wallet, driver's license and $6 was taken from River Front Market.

News Briefs

Black History Rally

For more information, contact the Cooper-Woodson office at 278-5363.

Conference in Diversity

The conference, which will feature several workshops on subjects from "Literacy Development in the Southeast Asian Community" to "Ebonics: A Sociolinguistic Perspective," will be held free of charge in the University Union.

For more information, contact the bilingual/multicultural education department at 278-5942.

SAD deadline extended

Costs for conference registrations, lodging, travel, materials and other individual situations can be covered with approval from the SAD committee.

For more information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 278-6331 or visit the Academic Affairs web site at www.csus.edu/acaf/stf.htm.

CSSA advocate quits

Brode was hired after a two month search to replace Stephen Henderson. Carlson said he believes the matter of finding another legislative advocate will be taken up at the next CSSA meeting, Feb. 21 at Humbolt State University.