Friday

May 1, 1998

Dominick Porras/State Hornet Reed speaks to student leaders By JEFF HARRELSON HORNET NEWS EDITOR Student leaders spent nearly an hour Wednesday hurling questions at the new boss of the California State University, Chancellor Charles Reed. Reed declared the state university system must increase access for more students -- despite several CSU campuses reporting more than 80 percent of their incoming students require remedial education in English and/or math. "We can't just close the spigot off," Reed said. Instead he will focus on future teachers currently training in the CSU system, Reed said. "We are going to produce more teachers and try to establish a new and larger partnership with the public schools," said Reed, who is the former chancellor of the Florida State University system. Responding to questions about faculty diversity, Reed blamed CSU's retirement program for the fact the system's faculty does not mirror the ethnic makeup of its student body. "There are too few minority faculty members and too many institutions," the new chancellor said, asserting that teaching candidates around the nation shy away from CSU schools for fiscal reasons. Despite the CSU's high demand for minority teachers out-of-state faculty are hesitant to apply because transferring to a CSU campus would not allow them to collect previously accrued retirement benefits, Reed said. Reed said he would like to see the retirement system changed, but would not attempt to tackle the issue this year. The growing percentage of part-time faculty in the CSU system -- a cause of complaint for many students -- will most likely remain level, Reed predicted. The chancellor also said it is important not to discount the knowledge brought to campuses by part-time faculty. He called CSUS' capital location an advantage in attracting part-time instructors with real-world expertise -- comparing Sacramento to Washington, D.C., where he enjoyed positive experiences with part-timers during his college years at George Washington University. However, Ayme Reed, vice president of the Panhellenic Council, said Reed's comparison was not well-researched. "He thinks that because we are in the state capital, we have all these teachers who want to work at CSUS," she said. "I don't think that he realizes we have an accredited UC system here." She cited UC Davis and UC Berkeley as more powerful magnets for professionals looking to share their knowledge with students. The chancellor outlined his top four priorities, which included: Increasing student access to the CSU system. Improving compensation for faculty and staff. Acquiring additional funds for the CSU system through such means as the proposed $9.2 billion statewide bond. Improving California's public schools. Gary Davis, the Associated Students Inc. president-elect, said he was generally pleased with Reed's statements. "For the most part, I agreed with what he said," Davis said. "I can't wait to actually see him do what he is talking about."

Chancellor calls tech deal assumption a 'mistake'

In a Wednesday morning meeting with student leaders, CSU Chancellor Charles Reed addressed the widely debated California Education Technology Initiative, stating his original assumption that the deal had been signed was "the biggest mistake I ever made as chancellor."

Reed said, "I first heard about CETI in November when somebody told me it was done. All of that work had not been done."

Reed did his best to explain the long-stalled, $365 million tech deal that would upgrade the CSU system's technological infrastructure through a partnership with several major software and communcations companies.

Reed admitted the details were complicated, but was clear on one point.

"In this world you never get anything for free," Reed said.

Since it was first made public, CETI has been widely criticized by faculty and students fearing corporate control of the classroom. Several student governments and academic senates in the CSU system have since drawn resolutions condemning the partnership.

Reed agreed with CSU officials who contend these fears are unfounded.

"Business could care less about our business," Reed said. "They need to get a return on their capital."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Al Checchi tackled the CETI issue in a telephone conference with student journalists yesterday, stating his approval of the concept but disapproval of the deal's progress.

"This is a typical situation where somebody has the right idea and no idea how to implement it," Checchi said.

The former CEO of Northwest Airlines described CETI's current progress as being handled "ass-backwards."

Checchi said the deal should have been made with more student and faculty input.

Reed placed the blame of the deal's latest holdup on two of the original partners: Microsoft and Hughes.

"Microsoft and Hughes could not figure out what a partnership was," Reed said. "If you are not going to back the debt and you're not going to put in the capital, that's not a partnership."

Reed said Microsoft and Hughes' departure -- leaving only GTE the project's major backer, and Fujitsu -- has left the proposed partnership strapped for cash.

CSU officials see CETI as the only way the university system can move its technological infrastructure into the 21st century.

Reed said he intends to continue to try to holding the existing partnership together and may offer other corporations the opportunity to join. He stressed the point that no deal like this had ever been made before.

Gary Davis, the Associated Students Inc. president-elect, sympathized with Reed's situation. "I would hate to be in his shoes," Davis said.

Reed said if the deal ultimately failed he would be forced to look to other sources for cash. "I could go the California state Legislature and ask for $300 million," he said. He said he would also consider asking students to chip in.

New ASI president looking for leaders

Student leaders are trying something new in an effort to hit the ground running next semester. Rather than wait until September to advertise and fill empty board positions, Associated Students Inc. is doing it right now.

"There is a learning curve that comes with every board of directors," said ASI President-elect Gary Davis. "If we can spend the summer building cohesiveness, building an action plan for next year, coming up with ideas, learning the history of ASI -- if we can get started in June rather than September, we can be more effective as a board."

In last week's elections, five directorships were without candidates. Additionally, two more positions opened up Monday after the election complaint committee upheld two candidates' disqualifications for election code violations.

Last year, ASI tried to get a jump ahead by advertising open board positions through student mailings over the summer. This caused some controversy because, according to its operating rules, ASI was supposed to advertise vacancies in the student newspaper. A concern was that some students were not present over the summer to apply for the openings.

By advertising for applications now, ASI hopes to attract many students while they're still on campus.

"We're trying not to alienate anybody. If we wait (until summer), we'd be alienating some students," Davis said. "But brand new students wouldn't be eligible anyway. The bylaws say you have to have been a student here the year before."

According to Davis, the idea to take applications now for next year's board came from ASI's executive director, Carol Ackerson.

"We keep looking for ways to get more people involved," Ackerson said. "Since we just had elections, it's on everybody's mind. People have been coming in and asking for applications."

Although ASI recently adopted a revision to the operating rules, giving the president the option to advertise through mailings, Davis said such means are expensive and often go unread.

"The bottom line is we're going to get three to four more months of work out of these people and it's going to help ASI to be more effective," he said.

Davis and Ackerson have not yet set a deadline for applications, but said interviews will be held before the last day of school in case interested students leave for summer break. Ackerson said if the new board does not fill some of the empty positions when they assume office on or around June 1, ASI will wait until September to advertise again for the positions.

"The summer is so key for ASI. If we wait until next semester, it will take forever to get things going. This is in the best interest of the students," Davis said.

For applications, go to the ASI office on the third floor of the University Union. The seven empty directorships are for the following schools: Arts and Letters, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Health and Human Services, Post Baccalaureate students, and Undeclared students.

ASI votes to pay committee chairs, workteams

The Associated Students Inc. board of directors approved a proposal Wednesday to pay students who chair committees and workteams.

The legislation passed with a 6-3 vote despite heavy objection by Kim Shaw, director of Mathematics and Sciences.

"When I read this, I see students coming to ASI, saying that they want to head a workteam because they see they're going to get paid," Shaw said. "Who will decide the quality of work? Who will decide the amount of pay for the student?"

President Sandra Schlemmer initially questioned the proposal because she felt it would take away from the volunteer aspect of ASI. However, she later changed her position, stating ASI currently pays its committee student relations chair.

"This is something we already do. This will just bring it to the board for approval," Schlemmer said.

Carmen Gonzalez, the current chair of student relations, said she supports the legislation, but made it clear workteams and committees are two totally different entities.

"I think that the legislation should cover committees only. Anyone can come into ASI and form a workteam on anything. Committees are more formal."

The new legislation may give students who chair one internal committee or workteam monetary compensation for their duties upon recommendation of the executive director and executive vice president.

The salary will then be negotiated and recommended to the board for approval.

Gonzalez says she is currently paid $6.00 per hour.

Carol Ackerson, executive director of ASI, confirms Gonzalez's salary, but says pay will be determined on a number of issues.

"From what I heard at the meeting, pay is not automatic. It will depend on how the organization feels about the amount of responsibility, independence and oversight the position needs."

"Committee chairs like Carmen are under daily evaluation," Schlemmer added. "I would have no problem in firing her if she wasn't doing her job."

Checchi stresses his priority on education

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Al Checchi doesn't think his vast fortune gives him an unfair advantage over his opponents.

In fact, he sees himself at a disadvantage.

"It is very, very expensive and very, very difficult to challenge the status quo," Checchi said in a phone interview with student journalists yesterday. "All I am doing is giving my fellow citizens another choice."

Checchi said career politicians such as his major opponents -- Jane Harman, Gray Davis and Dan Lungren -- are at the advantage because of the name recognition they have built up in their years of public service.

But his opponent's years also work to their disadvantage, the former CEO of Northwest Airlines said.

"I must say I look at all the other people running and I must say they haven't changed anything," Checchi said. "If you like the last 25 years and you like the way the government is now, please don't support me because I am going to change it."

In his quest for the governorship Checchi has spent the last two years researching and touring the state looking for areas for improvement.

"It is amazing the things you can do when you're not out raising money," he said. The results of the research has placed education at the top of his list.

"If education is your priority, you have to manage to achieve your objectives," he said. "That is what I do professionally."

Checchi's top educational objective is the grades K-12.

"I come from a world where you get what you pay for," Checchi said.

Aside from increased funding for schools, Checchi said he supports unlimited charter schools, more power in the hands of local school, mandatory teacher testing and the end of all forms of social promotion.

At the same time he stressed the importance of a well-funded CAL Grant program for potential California college students.

No student who is qualified to attend one of California's universities or colleges should be denied because of financial reasons, Checchi said.

Checchi also stressed the need for diversity in the higher education systems, while reaffirming his opposition to Proposition 209, the initiative that ended Affirmative Action in California.

Checchi said if elected governor he would like to increase the diversity of the state government.

"I intend to make 2,400 appointments that look like us," he said.

Checchi said he would like to eventually ask for the repeal of Proposition 209.

1998/99 ASI budget proposal presented to board of directors

After months of work, the Associated Students Inc. Finance and Budget Committee presented its proposed $4 million 1998/99 budget to the board of directors Wednesday.

The committee was forced to find ways to cover a projected $79,000 shortfall. The result was a mix of program cuts, financial consolidation of some programs and a proposal to impose a 6-percent surcharge to bring in additional revenue.

ASI Executive Director Carol Ackerson said the surcharge is the same as the charges levied against other university offices.

"The 6-percent administrative surcharge is something that all university offices do. It will bring in a projected $18,000," Ackerson said.

The committee recommended several programs receive less money than requested. Among these were the Festival of New American Music, the Office of Community Collaboration and miscellaneous internal ASI programs.

Richard Schiffers, associate director of programs for the University Union, said he was concerned about the committee's proposal because it included a cut to the UNIQUE Cultural Affairs Series' budget.

Schiffers said the cut in funds to the program -- along with the failed referendum asking students for an $8 increase -- would be a serious blow.

"If we only receive 50 percent of what we're requesting, combined with the failed vote to help the Union, it will really hurt our Cultural Affairs Series that has been such a success," Schiffers said.

He said he was very surprised by the committee's recommendation because the committee never asked the program to a hearing to discuss the grant application.

"From the time the application was submitted in February, the first communication we had from the committee was a letter on Monday telling us the committee's recommendation," said Schiffers.

Leonard Valdez, director of the Multi-Cultural Center, said he is fine with the funds allocated to his department, but is not satisfied with how they have to spend it.

"The budget says that we have to give half our money to student salaries and half to honorariums. This is basically saying that we are trading in computers and other equipment for more programs," Valdez said.

Ackerson said the committee has worked hard for many months on the budget.

"We should generate over $5 million for the next year, with $2.8 million going to contract funds and $200,000 going to grant programs," she said.

The members of the board asked several questions about the proposed surcharge and recommendations for funding to CAMP, Mall Hall and the State Hornet before moving on to the rest of the day's agenda. The Finance and Budget Committee will be meeting again next week to examine Valdez's request and items such as the surcharge. It will return to the board any recommended changes. The board will vote on the proposed budget at its next noon board meeting May 13.

Police Log

Tuesday, April 14
NON-INJURY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: A silver Toyota truck and a white Toyota Camry were involved in minor collision in Lot 7 when one of the vehicles made an unsafe turn.
FOUND PROPERTY: A bike was found at the electrical shop of the corporate yard and turned over to Public Safety for safekeeping.
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: A red Chrysler LeBaron occupied by three men was parked in the residential parking lot attracting attention. The vehicle was gone upon officer arrival.
WELFARE CHECK/INJURED PERSON: A woman was vomiting in the rest room on the second floor of Draper Hall. She was taken to Kaiser by a friend.
PETTY THEFT: A Trek 24-speed mountain bike valued at $620 was taken from the Education Building bike rack.

Wednesday, April 15
CITIZEN'S ASSIST: A car was disabled and blocking traffic in front of Sacramento Hall.
AUTO BURGLARY: A 1991 Honda Civic was broken into in Lot 8.
DISTURBING THE PEACE: Two men were fighting in Lot 2 over a minor traffic collision.

Thursday, April 16
CITIZENS ASSIST: A person was trapped in the elevator on the fourth floor of the Library.
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: A man was observed attempting to take a bike from the bike rack. The man left the area after he was observed by a witness.
PETTY THEFT: A specialized 21-speed mountain bike valued at $1,200 was taken from the North Gym.
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT: A 1989 Chevy S10 pick-up was stolen from Lot 1 and has not been recovered to date.
AUTO BURGLARY: A black 1991 Honda Civic had the door lock punched in Lot 8. A stereo and CD player were taken valued at $199.
NON-INJURY ACCIDENT: A Silver Mercury Tracer was involved in a single-car collision in the 15-minute loading zone near the Music Building.
PETTY THEFT: A set of fog lamps valued at $79 was stolen off a 1989 Nissan 240sx in Lot 8.
INDECENT EXPOSURE: An indecent exposure occurred in Lot 8 when a man 40 to 50 years old in a goldish Toyota Camry called a woman over for directions.
DISTURBING THE PEACE: Four men were involved in a verbal altercation outside of the Physical Education Building and were gone upon officer arrival.
DISTURBING THE PEACE: Two cars full of people were involved in an altercation on Moraga Way and were throwing shoes at each other. An officer checked and found the area to be OK.
HIT/RUN: A 1987 Mercedes was damaged on the driver's side in the parking lot of the Aquatic Center.

Friday, April 17
ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLE: A small red car was parked in the red zone in front of the Engineering and Computer Science Building.
HAZARD TO LIFE/PROPERTY: A gas leak was capped on the northeast side of the University Union.
PETTY THEFT: A black Jansport backpack was taken from the fourth floor of the Library. Contents included identification, credit cards, cash and textbooks.
OTHER INCIDENT: The lower side passenger window of a Ford Taurus parked on the fourth floor of the parking structure was broken by a baseball from the baseball game nearby.
PETTY THEFT: A green men's 21-speed Giant Iguana mountain bike valued at $300 was taken from in front of the Bookstore.
NOISE COMPLAINT: Approximately 20 people were making noise in the area of the H Street bridge and City Police were advised.