PPA Newsletter

Happy summer, everyone! And my summer got more pleasant after learning that Phil Jackson had signed on for another hitch with the Lakers, because now I’m assured of avoiding the conflict of rooting both for my beloved Kings and the most pretentious figure in sports were he to deign to come up here to coach.

COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING CERTIFICATE
I’m very pleased to report that at our late spring retreat Department faculty opted to go with a proposal for a graduate certificate in collaborative decision-making. You may recall that such a plan had been in the works earlier but was put on hold in large part because of budgetary concerns. In addition to the budgetary situation brightening somewhat, a major factor in our reconsideration was the student support expressed for the certificate during a discussion session this past spring. Many indicated they would like to obtain a certificate; the strength and clarity of these opinions impressed us. We are also grateful for our productive partnership with the Center for Collaborative Policy that has made this new option possible—a collaborative effort if there ever was one.

I should add, however, that adopting the certificate remains a bit of a gamble on our part. While we are assured of funding for a first year of operation (assuming we obtain the necessary University clearances, which seems probable), over the long run the viability of the program will depend on attracting a sufficient number of students. Accordingly, we will be looking toward students to answer surveys about their plans with respect to a certificate and being clear if their intention is to obtain one. We will also be grateful for your efforts to inform colleagues about the certificate option.

The specific requirement for the certificate will be completion of the two existing collaborate decision making courses (PPA 270 and 271) along with a new course in advanced practice (PPA 296L). It is likely that the new course will be offered for the first time in summer of 2006. Our intention is that the certificate will be available to both current PPA students and to PPA alumni who wish to return to Sacramento State to take whatever collaborative decision making courses they are missing.

I will keep you informed about the status of the certificate program as it moves through the campus governance process. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the proposal.

ALUMNI CHAPTER SPONSORED RIVER CATS GAME GET-TOGETHER
You’re invited to attend a Sacramento River Cats game with other PPA folks on Saturday, July 23; the event is sponsored by our alumni association chapter. The game is against the Tucson Sidewinders and will begin at 7:05 p.m., with fireworks to follow (a major attraction, since the fireworks show is a lot of fun). We’re arranging to hold a block of seats in the grassy area, with the rationale that this is most conducive to hanging out/talking and letting kids have the run of Raley Field. Tickets are $6 apiece—what a bargain! By July 11, please let Suzi Byrd (916-278-6557, suzi_byrd@csus.edu) know if you plan to attend and how many tickets you want. I ask that you make checks out to our alumni chapter president, José Henríquez, who has been kind enough to make the initial arrangements. I hope to see you there.

JOIN THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION!
Speaking of the alumni association, I wanted to report that during a spring meeting of department chairs, Dean Joseph Sheley (now the University’s Executive Vice President), emphasized that PPA had one of the most active alumni networks at Sacramento State. I agree. The strength of these ties was evident again a few weeks ago when PPA alum David De Luz met with current and former PPA students to discuss the gubernatorial appointment process. We had a great discussion and look to have more such events in the future, as well as social events such as the River Cats game. But to be still more effective we need more people to join the alumni chapter and get involved in event planning, coordination, etc. Please consider joining if you have not already done so; contact José Henríquez or me if you want to become more involved.

LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION REPORT
Alum Erin Riches wrote to tell me that the State’s Little Hoover Commission (headed by still another PPA alum, Jim Mayer) released a report on needed reforms to the state's management workforce. People who are interested in getting into state service should take a look; the report can be found at http://www.lhc.ca.gov/.

PPA PIZZA PICNIC
Mark your calendars now for the annual PPA pizza picnic on Tuesday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Alumni Grove on campus. While the main purpose of the event is to introduce our new students, all alumni, current students, faculty, and friends of the program are welcome and encouraged to attend. Naturally, reminders of this event will be forthcoming.

ON “QUIET MOVIES”
Many of you know that I’m a devotee of “quiet movies,” i.e., strong character-oriented alternatives to “The Longest Yard,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” etc. In fact, after enough discussions of this type I shared a few favorites with my PPA 210 students last semester (for the record, “Eat, Drink, Man, Woman,” “Harriet the Spy,” “A Midnight Clear,” and “The Station Agent”). Here’s another that I recently saw again on video: “You Can Count on Me.” It’s an alternately funny and affecting study of people who’ve been frozen in life patterns in part because of a tragedy that is referenced only briefly at the beginning of the movie. I find it much more interesting watching these people trying to move ahead with their (real) lives than seeing Brad and Angelina blow things up. If you have your own “quiet movie” recommendations please share them with me and I’ll provide a summary in a future newsletter.

Ted Lascher
PPA Department Chair

COMMUNICATOR