ABA NEWS

TELLING TALES: ABA INNOVATION FEATURED IN REGIONAL NEWSLETTER

Dr. Mike Christensen, Associate VP of Risk Management Services, contributed an article to The Western Association of College and University Business Officers (WACUBO) Newsletter, published in Winter 2011.

In Tales from the Front, Mike discusses the work he and a student assistant - Carlos Romero, with the help of a three-member student team, performed over the course of nine months to develop the University's first Business Continuity Planner. The students were excited to work on such a project as it satisfied their senior project requirement for graduation.

The goal of the project was to develop "a Microsoft SQL (structured query language) database for storing continuity of operations planning information" and combine it "with a web interface for departmental user data entry." With its development, Mike and the students successfully addressed specific needs of the department to gather data from across the University about how units plan to resume operations during and following emergency events. Other universities and state organizations have obtained free copies of the software to meet their own operational needs, a good measure of product quality and usefulness.

The successful completion of the project came in large part because the Risk Management Services Department could not afford similar third party software. Such creativity, ingenuity, and hard work show what can be accomplished even during tight financial times. To read the article in its entirety, view the PDF here.

ABA SUPPORTS CAMPUS COMMUNITY SERVICE EFFORTS

Every year, for 36 years running, Sacramento State has engaged in a campus-wide effort to help replenish area food closets. Through coordination and support provided by University Transportation and Parking Services (UTAPS), the campus donates thousands of pounds of food through the State Employees Food Drive each year. Donations received help go towards needy families and individuals.

Results for the 2010 holiday season, made available this spring, show an increase in donations of close to 300 pounds over the previous year. The amount was derived by converting cash contributions ($2,280) to pounds and adding that to the total count for canned and dry food.

UTAPS Senior Director Nancy Fox coordinates the effort to place bins in strategic locations throughout the campus, which UTAPS employees pick-up, store and deliver. It is indicative of the caring Sac State community, which includes staff, faculty and students, as well as members of our neighborhood community, that donations have increased despite the still tough economic conditions.

SHARING BEST PRACTICES: ABA SAFETY EXPERTS TAKE PART IN WEBINAR

Dennis Franzen and Daryn Ockey, Facilities Services and Bernie Tano, Risk Management Services, participated as panel members in a discussion presented by the CSU-SETC Joint Health and Safety Committee. SETC is the State Employees Trades Council, or the CSU’s collective bargaining representative for professionals working in the trades.

The panel discussion, "Ask a CSU Safety Expert: Strains, Sprains and CSU Best Practices," was broadcast live by webcast to participating campuses. Topics of discussion were:

• Recap of Work Related Injuries and Illness – How Do We Measure Up?
• CSU, Northridge’s (CSUN) Wellness Program Overview
• Specific Stretches for Folks Who Lift, Push and Pull
• Sac State’s Experience using the CSUN Model

Sacramento State's presentation focused on the campus Safety Program's stretching component, which was updated using a modification of CSU, Northridge's model. Former Building Service Engineer and Safety Committee Member Bob Gardner, who passed away in December, was a key player in the project. Development of the new program began with an assessment, followed by an action plan. The program is distinguished by the partnership of the University's Physical Therapy Program in its development and is notable for the involvement of employees. Campus Moving Services took it upon themselves to design their own stretching manual that is used by others across the Facilities Services Department.

The idea behind the webinar was to provide an opportunity for campuses to share best practices. The effort demonstrates the collaboration among CSU unions, management and safety professionals. The group hopes to continue using technology to save travel costs. The webinar is posted for viewing on the Chancellor’s Office website - http://centralstationu.calstate.edu/healthsafety/training/.

 

ABA COOKS: RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

For the French, food is serious business – and a classic way of bringing people together. That’s why Nancy Fox, senior director of University Parking and Transportation Services (UTAPS), proposed an evening out – with a French twist. At her suggestion, a group of ABA colleagues and friends converged on Café Rolle, the neighborhood French eatery, to enjoy a Saturday evening meal together in March. The twist was that they would prepare it themselves. With coaching, of course, from the restaurant's experts in French cuisine, they teamed up to cook a beef burgundy, with potatoes dauphine, followed by a dessert of creme brulee.

Gina Lombardo, UTAPS director, says she is decidedly not a cook, but she can’t wait to go back, "because it wasn’t just about cooking." It was team building at its best. "The meal and the entertainment were fabulous." It was also a way to get to know colleagues in a different setting, and to become better acquainted with their spouses.

Gina Lombardo was joined by Ryan Artis, Ryan’s wife Melissa, Michael Kalstein and Mike’s wife Madeline. Owner and Chef William Rolle, has also been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

COLLEAGUES REMEMBER BOB GARDNER

Sac State lost long-time employee Bob Gardner, who passed away in December after a year-long struggle with a severe illness. A 16-year staff member of Facilities Services, Bob worked in the Central Plant, Engineering Services. His interest in safety practices inspired Bob to lead workplace safety activities and participate as an active member of the Facilities Services Safety Committee.

Bob demonstrated a continuous motivation to learn new things, make customers happy and do whatever he could to help improve processes. His periodic contributions to The Pipeline, Facilities Services’ newsletter, revealed his enjoyment for work, his sharp sense of humor and a penchant for writing.

In his personal life, Bob was an avid movie fan. He enjoyed discussing the latest releases and the classics, and he had an encyclopedic knowledge of everything Hollywood. Bob’s open, helpful and friendly personality had a big impact on coworkers and customers. Bob will be remembered as a treasured friend and colleague.