Friday

April 17, 1998

Microsoft, Hughes out of tech partnership

Two of four high-tech giants are no longer partners in the unprecedented, $365 million deal to upgrade the California State University system's technological infrastructure.

Microsoft and Hughes will not be partners in the California Education Technology Initiative because financial arrangements could not be worked out, CSU Chancellor Charles Reed said Thursday.

Reed confirmed what many student and faculty groups had been predicting for months: that Microsoft Corp., under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for alleged antitrust violations, would either pull -- or be kicked -- out.

However, CSU spokesman Ken Swisher denied Microsoft's current image problem as a reason for Microsoft's removal.

"There were different factors," Swisher said.

Swisher asserted CSU is still working with Microsoft on an "appropriate" relationship, one "that we can agree on and that works for both parties."

"We will continue to work together on other projects, and remain committed to providing the best technology and thinking," said Microsoft spokeswoman Joelle McGinnis.

Officials from Hughes could not be reached for comment.

Reed said, "If necessary, we may seek new partners (that) are interested in joining this effort..."

This is the fourth delay for CETI since December. It may not be finished until "well into the next academic year," according to Reed.

He said from now on CETI must be carefully negotiated in the best academic and financial interests of the university system and its faculty, staff and students.

With the much-investigated Microsoft and the lower-profile Hughes out, only Fujitsu and the project's major backer, GTE, remain.

CETI was critisized by faculty who feared corporate control in the classroom, though CSU officials denied this.

Several student groups drafted resolutions against CETI. Six CSU academic senates did the same.

But CSU officials see CETI as the only way the university can move its technology into the 21st century.

"The state is unable to provide the $300 million needed to build this infrastructure. (CETI) may well serve as a public-private model for universities around the country," Reed said.

Automobile burglaries up this year

Auto burglary is one of the most often-committed crimes at CSUS -- second only to other property crimes on campus, according to University Police Det. John Hamrick.

From Jan. 1 to Feb. 20 alone, 38 auto burglaries occured in the parking lots at CSUS, resulting in over $20,000 in losses.

Last year 110 incidents of auto burglary were reported, resulting in a total loss of $44,581, Hamrick said.

In 1997, the most frequently hit lots included No. 8 and No. 4, as well as the residence hall lots.

Cynthia Cockrill, director of Housing and Residential Life, said she has noticed an increase this year in auto burglaries in the dorm lots.

"It seems to be picking up," she said.

To reduce auto burglaries, University Police have increased patrols, surveillance and sting operations, Hamrick said.

"My theory is most (auto burglaries) are occurring during daylight hours," Hamrick said.

Because there are fewer cars on campus between noon and 8 p.m., there are fewer burglaries.

Hamrick said students can protect their cars by not leaving any expensive items in their cars and locking items in the trunk or out of sight.

Cockrill recommends students invest in alarm systems and not keep valuables locked in their cars.

Arrive on campus early enough to park smart," said Hamrick.

Hamrick said this means parking where there is heavy foot traffic, and the area is especially well-lit if parking at night.

Cockrill said she is concerned the tree canopies obstruct the lighting during the summer months around the dorm parking lots.

Hamrick said University Police rely on students to report any suspicious activities they see in the parking lots.

Someone can have the hood of a car up and appear to be working on his or her car when in reality the may be in the process of burglarizing that car.

Hamrick recommends students report any unusual activity in the parking areas and let University Police determine if it's anything suspicious.

The most popular vehicles to be hit are Hondas and Toyotas, Hamrick said. Few burglaries are due to cars being left unsecured. Most auto burglaries are forced entries, by either having the door smashed or lock punched.

Parking permits are also frequently targeted by burglars. Hamrick believes permits are so tantalizing, they are behind the increase in the number of auto burglaries this semester.

University Police work with University Transportation and Parking Services when a permit theft occurs.

According to Hamrick, past years have yielded individual suspects as well as those working in groups.

"Arrests happen all the time," he said.

Faculty Senate puts strike on hold

CSUS' Faculty Senate postponed discussion on a senate strike after President Donald Gerth responded to allegations of changing university policy without proper consultation.

The proposed strike was spurred by an administrative decision to exclude faculty from the Lottery funds proposal process without first consulting the Faculty Senate.

"You have my commitment that when there are proposed departures from established university changes (involving the Senate), before those changes are made, I will consult to the extent possible and feasible," he said at the senate's meeting yesterday.

Gerth noted a "high watermark" of discontent with current consultation procedure before proposing a fall colloquium on university governance in which national experts, CSU trustees, students and faculty would participate. He contended he takes the senate's advice "very seriously."

"I believe that the record speaks for itself," Gerth said.

Several senators voiced their disappointment in Gerth's response to their concerns regarding the senate's role in university governance.

"I don't want to get into an argument with the president over his record. That's not the issue," said senator Juanita Barrena.

"This is not a power play; this is what I believe is the best way to make the best-informed decisions about these matters," said the biological sciences professor in an earlier interview with the State Hornet.

Barrena challenged the senate to join Gerth in reviewing university policy, including four policies Gerth that cited as causing problems: student grade appeals, sexual harassment policy, advising policy and the Lottery Funds Allocation policy.

"My concern, and I think everyone's concern, is that the issues be dealt with," she said.

Faculty Senate strike would have little effect on campus

If CSUS' Faculty Senate voted to recess for an indefinite duration, the university would not be dramatically affected for all "practical purposes," said Faculty Senate chair Thomas Krabacher.

"Bear in mind that we are so close to the end of the academic year, this would have a minimum effect," he said. "The odds are the effects would be more symbolic in most cases."

According to Krabacher, the senate's responsibility is to formulate -- not enact -- policy. The body includes four faculty committees responsible for curriculum policy, general education and graduation requirements, academic policy, and faculty policy.

"The senate only suggests; it doesn't make policy. It could only create a political hassle for itself," said Krabacher.

If put to vote, faculty would have 10 instructional days to turn in their votes on the resolution.

Four disqualified from campus elections

Four students, including two candidates for the office of president, were disqualified from next week's Associated Students Inc. elections because they did not file interim campaign spending reports as required by the ASI election code.

Presidential candidates Victor Som and Sean South, as well as two candidates for director for the school of business, Enrique Acosta and Todd Stellmacher, all failed to meet the April 10 deadline.

The election code requires that all candidates file an interim spending report 10 days before the first day of voting.

"We have students who don't think it's important to follow the rules. That's what it boils down to," said executive director for ASI, Carol Ackerson.

Before candidates are declared eligible, they must sign and return to the Student Affairs office a receipt acknowledging that they have received, read and understood the bylaws and elections code.

South, who learned of his disqualification minutes before the presidential debates in the River Front Market Thursday, expressed his dissatisfaction.

"I feel ASI is bullshit and it is only designed to keep students from having a real voice on campus," he said.

South said that no matter what, he hopes students will still mark his name when they go to the polls. South also said he intends to file an appeal with the election complaint committee. He did not feel the violation warranted the action.

"This is not grounds for disqualification on any other place of the Earth," South said.

Som, also notified just before the debate, did not share South's disappointment.

"It is actually one less thing I have to worry about," Som said. "I just take everything in stride."

During the debates, an audience member questioned the two remaining candidates, Gary Davis and Dan Freschi, on their reaction to their colleagues' disqualification and whether they supported the election process.

Both candidates expressed their disappointment in Som and South's disqualifications but said they support the campaign process.

Two other candidates also failed to file their interim spending reports, but Ackerson she said would refer their cases to the election complaint committee for review because both candidates are running unopposed.

Stephanie King, director for Arts and Letters candidate, and Adele Gray, director for Undeclared, did not make the April 10 deadline.

President hopefuls battle with words

The two remaining presidential candidates, Gary Davis and Dan Freschi, engaged in verbal battle over parking and student employment in the River Front Market Quad yesterday.

Davis, who won last year's presidential election but was later disqualified for election code violations, opened the debate by outlining his top issues -- parking and ASI's need for proactivity.

"I think what we need to do is focus on what we can accomplish this year," said Davis, who supports creating a shuttle program to ferry students from parking lots located far from campus.

Freschi, the ASI director for undeclared students, returned fire in his opening statement, also stressing the need for parking, yet dicrediting Davis' solution.

"A Disneyland-style tram will not work on this campus," Freschi said. "Students do not want to wait."

Freschi instead suggested expanding bus routes and the Hornet Shuttle, and increasing the number of bike lockers on campus.

Davis agreed with Freschi that expanding the Hornet Shuttle was necessary, but ideas such as expanding the bike lockers would be irrelevent because many students live too far from campus to bicycle to school.

Responding to questions from the debate moderator, ASI President Sandra Schlemmer, Freschi stressed the need for more student jobs on campus.

Freschi said one primary source of jobs could come from creating and staffing a 24-hour study hall. Freschi was not specific, but said he would look at other ASI programs to create student jobs.

Davis agreed that student jobs were an importent issue, but that internships also needed to be addressed.

"I think what we need to do is get students ready for the real world," Davis said.

Minimal student turnout for campus candidate debate

In a grand display of the low level of interest possessed by CSUS students in campus elections, several ASI candidates took the microphone Tuesday to debate before a miniature audience consisting mostly of themselves.

A few curious students stopped by to catch some of the comments made by the candidates in the River Front Market Quad, but their attention was not held for long. Many candidates even failed to show up to meet their constituents. Only two of the five candidates for the position of director for the school of business -- Al Gambetti and Stephanie Parrish -- were present.

Both candidates for the position Vice President for Finance gave opening statements and answered questions from Sandra Schlemmer, current ASI president, on how they would help fund the growing number of clubs and organizations on the campus.

Geoff Sakala said that as vice president for finance he would increase funding for clubs and organizations by aiding by helping them to learn to raise money on their own.

"Instead of increasing funds to students maybe we can help in fundraising efforts," Sakala said.

Devin Cook, the current director for postbaccalaureate, said he believes it is important for the director for finance to keep an open line of communication with students.

"One of the top priorities of the office is to stay in touch with the students," Cook said.

The candidates for director for the School of Natural Science and Mathematics, the campus's only other contested race, were not present.

Schlemmer said several factors could have accounted for the low level of student interest in the debates.

"Everyone is just returning from spring break," she said.

She also noted the lack of campaigning by this year's candidates.

"I really haven't seen that many posters before the break."

This year's candidates' reluctance to macro-campaign may be the result of last year's campaign "overkill," Schlemmer said.

Gubernatorial candidates hesitant to commit to local debate

The hall has been rented. The 160 guests have sent in their RSVP. The caterers, the decorating and cleanup crews are ready to go.

But organizers of the California Higher Education Student Summit are still waiting to hear whether they will be stood up by the three main gubernatorial candidates.

Just over a week remains before the CHESS conference, the annual higher education forum put on by the California State Students Association. This year's event will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center on April 25 and 26.

"At first, everyone confirmed," said Susan Cusack, legislative advocate for CSSA.

Now, nothing is certain, she said.

Democratic candidates Jane Harman, Al Checchi and Gray Davis have all expressed a willingness to debate, but now each is adopting a "wait-and-see" attitude. They are scheduled to debate on Sunday afternoon, pending their confirmations.

"Checchi said he will agree if it is conducted along third-party guidelines and if there is statewide media coverage," Cusack said. "We can give him both of those conditions."

Cusack has lined up television, radio and press coverage of the event, which would be the first debate of the Democratic contenders.

Davis has since said he is only going to debate if Harman and Checchi, both financing their campaigns out of their personal fortunes, would limit their campaign spending.

Kam Kuwata, Harman's campaign manager, said Harman is planning on attending the event.

"We're hoping that everyone shows up, so there will be a debate," he said.

Cusack said a third party was needed to broker the agreement between the three candidates.

Meanwhile, the plans for the CHESS conference are going fine, Cusack said.

Other events set for the weekend event include various panel workshops on student issues, such as financial aid and student rights.

Cusack said the 160 confirmed guests are mainly student leaders from around the state who attend the annual conference to discuss higher education issues. This year's event also features a presentation on the controversial California Education Technology Initiative.

Tickets are $100 for the two-day event.

Correction