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Emergencies, alarms may leave disabled helpless
Wheelchair users at mercy of others to help them evacuate
By KROM SHARRIEF
HORNET STAFF WRITER
CSUS offers limited options for disabled students during emergency fire alarms.
People who use wheelchairs and other mechanical aids literally become stuck in buildings on the second floor or higher during emergencies -- when elevator doors automatically lock. Many have found themselves at the mercy of staff and other students to help them evacuate.
Doug Dellanger, a student who uses a wheelchair, recalls a 1996 alarm incident on the Library's third floor: As people passed Dellanger on their way out of the building, a man in a maintenance uniform told him he would stay with him until authorities cleared the building for re-entry.
But what if the maintenance worker had not noticed Dellanger?
Often it is the student's fellow classmates who become involved and are greatly depended upon for assistance.
"It pays to have a good rapport with fellow classmates. They are the ones who will really do something for me when I need it," said Dellanger said.
"No one has informed me of any formal emergency procedures; however, neither have I asked," he added.
Patricia Sonntag, director of Services to Students with Disabilities at CSUS, said, "Unfortunately, our disabled students are handled just like the disabled passengers who travel on major airlines -- they are the first ones in and the last ones out."
Most buildings meeting the required safety codes have automatic access doors that secure the elevators and prevent anyone from entering -- preventing potential entrapment in the elevators.
Sonntag, who has struggled long for many of the projects allowing disabled students to freely access various buildings on campus, said there is not much the administration can do.
"The local fire departments are the ones we look to for having sole responsibility in extracting disabled students who are unable to leave a building through the stairwells," said Sonntag.
Lassen Hall, one of CSUS' main administration buildings, meets basic safety requirements for equipment, but recently was found to have desks blocking the only emergency communication unit for trapped people on its second floor.
People in wheelchairs would not be able to quickly access the wall-mounted speaker unit to alert authorities of their being trapped and needing help during an emergency.
CSUS administrators are seeking to revamp emergency procedures through a multi-departmental program, including Services to Students with Disabilities.
Isabel Hernandez-Serna is the assistant vice president for academic affairs and heads the Educational Equity and Student Retention department, which oversees the Services to Students with Disabilities office.
"We realize our limitations. We are looking into how to make things better," said Hernandez-Serna. "A new package has been recently submitted for approval to the CSUS Board of Directors involving emergency and evacuation procedures."
Hernandez-Serna estimated the approval and implementation of any new measures by the board would not take effect until 1999.
Sonntag said there isn't a formal plan for faculty response to disabled students during emergencies.
Campus elections run today, tomorrow
By HORNET NEWS STAFF
It's that time of year again: Students must choose who will lead them through the next school year.
The 1998 Associated Students Inc. elections are under way with polls open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow.
"It's the chance to vote for the students that will represent student issues and student values," said ASI Executive Vice President Shannon Hughes.
Also on the ballot is a referendum to increase student fees by $8 with two-thirds going to the University Union and one-third for financial aid.
"If students don't vote, it's their own fault that they didn't get involved," Hughes said.
Students can vote at one of five polling booths, located at the Library ramp near the Outpost, the Dining Commons exit, the Taco Bell entrance, the Lassen Hall entrance, and the walkway between the Union and the Library quad.
ASI members are hoping for an increased voter turn-out from last year, when only 10.3 percent of the student population voted.
"Last year, it increased from the year before. We're hoping to exceed that this year," Hughes said.
As an incentive for students to vote, ASI will raffle off prizes to those who drop their ballot stubs in the boxes at the polling tables. Prizes include two sets of concert tickets for Third Eye Blind, a mountain bike, a jet ski class at the Aquatic Center, and movie passes.
Four ASI board positions are being contested in the elections, with two presidential candidates, two candidates for vice president for finance, two candidates for director of Business, and three candidates for director of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Also on the ballot will be two referendums to clarify the ASI bylaws, specifying residency and grade requirements for the board of directors.
Candidate Positions:
ASI President
Eliminate the parking problem, create a short-term student loan and innovate our computer labs.
-- Gary Davis
On-campus employment, 24-hour study halls and computer labs, and addressing issues involved with parking.
-- Dan Freschi
Vice President of Finance
More DOC/SEL funding, maintaining ASPECT program, wise spending, fight for a parking solution.
-- Devin Cook
Scholarships, a short-term loan program, development and funding for athletics and recreational facilities.
-- Geoffrey Sakala
School of Business
"I have owned a business and have been the past president of another. I know how to negotiate with an administration."
--Al Gambetti
Establish a mentoring program, evaluate and establish a program to help students choose their concentrations.
-- Stephanie Parrish
Bringing unity to the School of Business and promoting more student involvement within clubs and organizations.
-- Gary Waller
CSU to toughen up math, English requirements
By SYLVIA RODRIGUEZ
HORNET STAFF WRITER
The California State University system is toughening up its math and English requirements for entering students.
"In the past people were slipping through the cracks without being tested," said Ken Swisher, media relations officer at the CSU chancellor's office. "The students who typically try to avoid the tests are the ones who typically don't do well in classes."
Entry-level placement tests are required for students who do not have adequate high school preparation.
Test results from last year revealed 54 percent of the students tested in math and 47 percent tested in English did not meet acceptable standards for high school graduates, according to an annual report presented in March to the CSU Board of Trustees.
And more students had to take the tests, as well. Ninety percent of last year's entering students for fall took the math test, for a 12 percent jump, while 89 percent took the English exam -- a 13 percent increase.
CSUS figures were slightly better than the overall CSU average. Of the students tested, 55 percent needed remedial work in math and 42 percent needed remedial work in English.
The problem is not expected to improve until this fall, when a January 1996 policy aimed at drastically reducing the need for remedial education takes effect.
CSU's goal is to cut remediation in math and English by 10 percent by 2001, and to slash it to 10 percent or less by 2007.
The policy calls for seven strategies that are currently being implemented at all campuses:
- Strengthening teacher preparation.
- Setting clear standards to ensure students meet high school graduation and college admission requirements.
- Communicating university competence standards to students, parents and schools.
- Relating student performance to high schools and community colleges after students' first year at a CSU.
- Developing early intervention programs to assist high school students showing a need for remedial education.
- Using CSU students to tutor and mentor K-12 students.
- Ensuring students in need of remedial education receive aid during their first year at a CSU.
CSU schools have been focusing strongly on ensuring high school students receive proper instruction in math and English, according to Swisher.
CSUS' plan includes three steps: ensuring students take the exam before enrolling, making sure students start remedial classes their first semester, and ensuring students complete all the classes their first year, said Isabel Hernandez-Serna, assistant vice president of academic affairs.
"We have to work cooperatively and we can't point fingers at anyone," said Hernandez-Serna. "We all have to work to make sure students are successful."
Change in writing requirements considered by Faculty Senate
By SYLVIA RODRIGUEZ
HORNET STAFF WRITER
CSUS' Faculty Senate debated a proposal Thursday that would create required reading and writing classes within each major.
A majority of faculty at the meeting felt the proposal -- which would require each department to establish and enforce writing and reading skills for their majors -- would be too expensive, time consuming and repetitive of their current writing requirements.
However, a few English professors argued the changes are needed.
"Your students are in my classes and they are illiterate," said Linda Palmer, professor of English.
Most of the faculty agreed students' writing skills need major improvements. But, they did not like the proposal's suggestion all majors follow a similar guideline that would be enforced by a writing subcommittee of the Faculty Senate General Education Policies/Graduation Requirements Committee.
"Each discipline cannot do things the same way," said Juanita Barrena, professor of biological sciences.
The Senate was unable to decide on an action and postponed further discussion of the proposal until next week's meeting.
CSU tech deal delay pleases campus faculty
By SEKHAR PADMANABHAN
HEAD COPY EDITOR
CSUS' Faculty Senate breathed a big sigh of relief over the delay of California State University's $365 million technology plan, after Microsoft and Hughes' departure last week.
"The delay at this point is all to the good," said chair Thomas Krabacher. "We're very pleased to see that. Signing the agreement in May ... would have provided insufficient time for consultation with the campuses."
The Faculty Senate wants to ensure that CSU has adequate say among the wealthy partners, that the deal will not harm academic freedom, and that it will not create a monopoly in which students and faculty have few, if any, choices for hardware, software and services, Krabacher said.
The feeling among faculty is once the partners and the CSU got down to negotiating the details, and looked at the returns, the plan proved more complicated than first thought, Krabacher said.
"I think that Hughes and Microsoft ... in retrospect ... were not as committed as GTE to be willing to invest. They were more concerned about getting their foot in the door," he argued.
Since an agreement will not be reached until this fall, Krabacher said the 30-day review period -- starting when an agreement is reached -- will allow everyone more time to scrutinize the largely-secretive deal.
After the 30 days, campuses will have two weeks to comment on the deal as it stands. Finally, it will be presented to the CSU Board of Trustees for approval.
CSU officials said last week it was the bottom line -- and not Microsoft's image problems -- driving them away from Microsoft and Hughes, leaving only Fujitsu and GTE as partners in CETI.
Krabacher agreed, saying, "The issue has never been Microsoft here; I know (Microsoft) has been pictured as a monster or a demon ... but the real concern is the public-private partnership on this scale. It's not the partners."
Publications board selects State Hornet's 1998-99 editor in chief
By MELISSA JONES
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Name: John Montgomery
Year: Junior
Major: Journalism
Minor: History
Work experience: two years as editor of Valley Tribune; six months as reporter for Dixon Tribune; two years as media office student assistant for DMV; 13 years in Air Force
Education: Air Force training, three years at CSUS
As next year's editor in chief, John Montgomery is inheriting a year full of transitions. A few weeks into the fall 1998 semester, the State Hornet will face new monetary and technical obstacles when it moves from its current offices in Temporary Building GG and into its new offices in the University Union.
For the first time in its existence, in fact, the State Hornet will be forced to pay rent, totaling approximatly $30,000 -- a number that will increase in future years.
And what are Montgomery's goals for next year?
"To get us established in the Union, in our new facility, and continue the process of putting us on a firm business footing," he said.
Montgomery plans to follow the newspaper's current strategy of increasing its advertising base by proving the campus community to be a valuable market.
He also plans to make some revisions to the State Hornet's format, as well as to continue the expansion of the publication's online presence.
As for the Hornet's involvement in the campus community, Montgomery hopes to "make people more aware of us."
Police Log
Friday, April 3
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: A homeless man at the main bus stop was going through the garbage cans and talking to himself. He was advised and left campus on the bus.
WELFARE CHECK: Parents were concerned about their daughter, who is a dorm resident and failed to call home. They were advised their daughter was OK and seen in Jenkins Hall.
FOUND PROPERTY: A Huffy 18-speed bike was found on the bike trail south of the Guy West Bridge. It appeared to have been dumped and there was nobody in sight.
WELFARE CHECK: A woman was standing in the rain near a dumpster on campus. She checked OK -- she was waiting for a friend.
HAZARD TO LIFE/PROPERTY: A red Ford truck was blocking the roadway near the Student Health Center.
STOLEN VEHICLE: A 1988 Honda was reported stolen in the parking structure; the owner was not able to locate her car.
REPORT LOST/STOLEN PROPERTY: A woman's driver's license, Social Security card and miscellaneous items were either lost or stolen from the leather pouch of her purse at the Student Health Center.
PETTY THEFT: A pair of handle bars and other miscellaneous bike parts were stolen from Bike Compound 1. Items were valued at $300.
PETTY THEFT: A backpack containing textbooks and a stereo CD faceplate was taken from an unlocked office of the Education Building. Items were valued at $190.
Saturday, April 4
AUTO BURGLARY: A 1989 Honda's rear window was smashed in Lot 8. A stereo valued at $1,200. was taken.
Monday, April 6
PETTY THEFT: A 15-speed mountain bike was taken from the bike rack near the Bookstore. The bike was valued at $150.
VEHICLE RECOVERY: A car reported missing on April 3 turned out to be parked and secure in the basement of the parking structure. The owner was en route to pick up the vehicle.
PETTY THEFT: A Stonewall mountain bike was taken from the bike rack in front of the One Card office.
Tuesday, April 7
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: An accident occurred in Lot 1 involving a 1995 GMC 4x4 that hit a parked gold Honda Civic.
AUTO BURGLARY: Witnesses reported an auto burglary of a 1991 Honda Accord in Lot 8. Two suspects were seen in the area but were not located. A CD player, amplifier and CD case were taken. Items were valued at $1,200.
NOISE COMPLAINT: Three skateboarders near Engineering and Computer Science refused to leave the area, but were gone upon arrival of campus police.
AUTO BURGLARY: A 1967 Ford Mustang in Lot 8 had its rear window smashed. No property was missing; there was only damage to the vehicle.
PETTY THEFT: A mountain bike valued at $114 was taken in front of the Physical Education Building.
PETTY THEFT: A mountain bike valued at $150 was taken from the bike rack near Sinclair Road.
Wednesday, April 8
INCIDENT: A broken bike lock was found near the One Card office. The unlocked bike was taken to the office for safekeeping.
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: A red Camaro in Lot 1 had both rear tires flattened, possibly vandalized. A note was left on the car for the owners to contact public safety.
DISTURBING THE PEACE: A complaint was received regarding skateboarders and in-line roller skaters.
VANDALISM: Three boys were sanding a recently painted pole in Lot 1. They were advised to leave.
INDECENT EXPOSURE: A man in the Arboretum was witnessed undressed and fondling himself. He was gone upon officer arrival.
Thursday, April 9
BURGLARY: A CD player was taken at the University Union.
DISTURBING THE PEACE: Three in-line skaters were advised at the Library quad.
DISTURBING THE PEACE: Skateboarders were making noise and yelling at the Library.
DISTURBING THE PEACE: There was a report of several skateboarders seen near the tennis courts. Officers were unable to locate the skateboarders.
News Briefs
Career information available today
Students in need of a job might find answers at the annual Career Information Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in the Library quad.
There will be over 70 government, private-sector and non-profit employers present to discuss career opportunities.
In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Redwood Room in the Union. For more information call 278-6231 or visit the Career Center in Lassen Hall, room 2000.
CSUS president joins U.N. University
CSUS President Donald R. Gerth has been named one of 14 new members of the 24-member United Nations University, Council of the University.
Each member will serve six years on the board beginning May 1998.
Members of this council, which is the governing body of the United Nations University, are appointed jointly by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The university is headquartered in Tokyo and promotes international cooperation, multi-disciplinary research on global issues, and research and training in developing countries.
Seven outstanding teachers named
Seven faculty members have been added to CSUS' hall of fame as the Outstanding Teaching Awards recipients for 1997-98: Sally Perkins, communications studies; Gail Tom, management; Elva Durán, special education; Jean-Pierre Bayard, electrical engineering; Carolyn VanCouwenberghe, nursing; Michael Shea, physics and astronomy; and John Henry, economics.
Get ready for
River City Days
CSUS will showcase the campus as it celebrates the 22nd Annual River City Days on Friday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Library Quad will be packed with booths for food, drinks, fun and information. The Student Activities Office booth will serve as a general information site in the Library quad.
Scheduled events include a reception for high school juniors and their families, Playfair -- an innovative and fun ice breaker -- campus tours, games and attractions for children, and entertainment groups sponsored by UNIQUE Programs.
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