News from the Office of the Provost
| |
The Ernest E. Tschannen Engineering Teaching & Research Building (TEB) – Santa Clara Hall (SCL) has been officially renamed the Ernest E. Tschannen Engineering Teaching & Research Building (TEB)
| |
Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,
The signs of spring beginning to appear around campus serve as a powerful reminder of the fresh opportunities and growth that each semester brings to our community of learning and inquiry. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering dedication to the teaching, scholarship, and service that make us Sac State. As we embark on the second half of the academic year together, let us embrace this season of renewal with enthusiasm and optimism, united in our shared pursuit of academic excellence and student success.
Renewal has undoubtedly been in the air all year. Since taking leadership of Sac State, President Wood has been taking bold actions to address long-standing inequities that have negatively impacted our students’ ability to succeed and thrive. After an exhaustive series of listening sessions where hundreds of faculty, staff, students, and other members of the campus community had the opportunity to tell our new president what is--and isn’t--working at Sac State, President Wood has set his leadership team to work on goals aimed at fostering inclusivity and excellence across our institution. From making it easier for staff to advance their careers to creating the nation’s first Black honors college, exciting changes are beginning to happen.
Implementing changes—however necessary—at a 75-year-old institution can be uncomfortable. I recognize that some of you may be feeling apprehensive. But it's crucial to understand that adjusting our practices will help us position our University for continued growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. I invite you to embrace this opportunity for innovation and collaboration as we work together to shape the future of Sac State for generations to come.
One way to embrace innovation and collaboration is to recognize excellence in our colleagues. This Thursday, Feb. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the University Union Pacific Suite, the Faculty Senate will be holding the 2023-24 Outstanding Faculty Awards. Recipients of these awards are being honored for their outstanding achievements in serving our University through their teaching, their service and their research and creative activities. Some of these faculty are being recognized for putting student success front-and-center, mentoring the next generation of scholars and instilling a passion for education. Others have taken on critical research or creative activities, deepening knowledge and widening understanding in their fields and endeavors. I encourage you to join me in celebrating their contributions and to be inspired by their commitment to advancing our university's mission.
Keep scrolling this newsletter for the latest highlights and announcements from Academic Affairs. We have important reminders and upcoming events to help you stay connected and involved in the vibrant academic community here at Sac State. Thank you for your continued dedication and contributions to our shared mission of academic excellence and student success. Together, let's make this semester one filled with growth, discovery, and achievement.
Carlos Nevarez
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)
| |
SSIS names New EdInsights Director - On behalf of the Division of Academic Affairs, the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies is pleased to announce Dr. Madeleine R. Kerrick as the Interim Executive Director of the Education Insights Center (EdInsights). Dr. Kerrick draws on nearly two decades of experience working in equity and social justice within healthcare and education. With an established record of securing funding, producing quality research, and building highly collaborative and successful teams, Dr. Kerrick is well-positioned to lead the center during this time of transition. As Director of Evaluation Research, Dr. Kerrick helped to grow EdInsights’ reputation as a trusted education evaluation partner in California using a highly collaborative process based on equitable evaluation strategies. During her five and a half years with the organization, she has brought in and managed more than $6M in research and evaluation projects, advocated for and established career ladders to support an equitable and transparent workplace, and grew EdInsights’ research and evaluation team from three to nine over three years. Prior to joining EdInsights, Dr. Kerrick was an adjunct professor at San José State University. Dr. Kerrick was Made at Sac State, receiving a bachelor’s in Child Development - Social & Community Settings before completing a Ph.D in Developmental Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her willingness to step into this role in support of the many activities of the Center is greatly appreciated.
Fellowship opportunity for CSU students - Applications for the Japanese American Archival Collection Research Fellows Program (JAAC RFP) opened on Feb. 19. The annual JAAC RFP supports the use of the Japanese American Archival Collection by research fellows for scholarly research and creative end-products relating to the Japanese American experience including: marginalization, racism, and the Constitution of the United States, as well as the principles of democracy and social justice. The JAAC RFP provides two (2) annual fellowships up to $3,000 for individuals or research teams. Priority review begins April 15. More information is available on the library website.
Passing of ECS Emeritus Dean Donald Gillott - Dean Kevan Shafizadeh of the College of Engineering and Computer Science reports that Emeritus Dean Don Gillott passed away on Dec. 23. Gillott was dean of the college from 1976 to 1993. He was an expert in the field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and was a former chair of the department. Gillott is credited with obtaining the approval to build Riverside Hall, and the college’s Gillott Project Center meeting room on the third floor is still named in his honor. Funeral services were held on Jan. 12 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in El Dorado Hills.
NSM Awards & Scholarship celebration - The College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (NSM) will hold an event celebrating the Outstanding Student Awardees from each NSM Department as well as acknowledging the Outstanding Faculty Awards for: Teaching, Community Service, University Service, Scholarly & Creativity. The event also recognizes all College of NSM Scholarship recipients. It is a great way to recognize all of the students and faculty who go above and beyond. Family & friends of the recipients attend the catered event. The event will be held Monday, May 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the University Union Cottonwood Suite.
New COE certifications - The College of Education faculty have recently had three new school personnel certifications approved by the state external accrediting body, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. These are the Reading & Literacy Added Authorization, Reading & Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential, and Career Technical Education Credential. The first two focus on language and literacy instruction for pre-kindergarten to adult learners, with a special focus on addressing extreme reading difficulties and equity issues in reading achievement. The Career Technical Education credential prepares those with industry experience to become teachers in schools with career pathways.
13th annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk - Sac State’s 13th annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk for suicide prevention is Thursday, April 11, in front of The WELL. The event will kick off with a Mental Health Resource Fair starting at 4 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony starting at 5:30 pm. This year’s theme is Hornets for Hope. Registration includes parking at Parking Structure 3 (top floor only) starting at 3 p.m. Register for the walk HERE. By registering, you are showing support for survivors, students, staff, and faculty at risk, and those who have been affected by suicide. To volunteer, fill out this brief survey. For questions or to request ADA reasonable accommodations that would allow you to participate in this event, contact Ali Hopkins no later than five business days before the event: orlando@csus.edu.
COE exhibit at the Library - The College of Education is hosting an exhibition in the University Library titled, “Learning to Liberate: The College of Education Social Justice Library Exhibition”. The COE Faculty Research Exhibit will be housed on the second floor of the library and is scheduled from March 19 to April 30, 2024. The exhibit seeks to highlight our amazing faculty and all the contributions they have made in and out of Sacramento State.
CCE Dean named UPCEA Committee Co-Chair - UPCEA, the online and professional education association, announced the election of new officers and new directors to serve on the UPCEA Board of Directors. Elected in November, these individuals will assume their roles March 28, 2024. Pamela Wimbush, Interim Dean of Sac State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE), will serve as a Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee Co-Chair for a two-year term (2024-2026). In welcoming Wimbush to the position, UPCEA noted: “Dr. Wimbush has made a significant impact on institutions as a distinguished scholar, researcher, and educator in continuing, professional, and online education. She is dedicated to expanding access and social mobility through quality learning.”
BioSci faculty excelling at student-inclusive research - The Biological Sciences department announces that three recent faculty publications all include student authors:
Jamie Kneitel, Tim Davidson, and former graduate student, Sean O'Brien’s article Invertebrate community composition differs between restored and natural vernal pools came out Dec. 2,in Restoration Ecology: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.14080
Chris Lopez’s undergraduate researcher, Eileen Garcia Fuentes, is first author on their publication that just came out in January: Eileen Garcia-Fuentes and Christopher Lopez “Draft genome sequence of Metabacillus indicus strain EGFCL74 isolated from spontaneously fermented apple cider” https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01023-23
Kim Mulligan’s group, which includes 10 Sac State Student authors, published the following article with preprint available: Fishburn JLA, Larson HL, Nguyen A, Welch CJ, Moore T, Penn A, Newman J, Mangino A, Widman E, Ghobashy R, Witherspoon J, Lee W, Mulligan KA. Bisphenol F affects neurodevelopmental gene expression, mushroom body development and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Neurotoxicol Teratol. March–April, 2024 (102); 107331. doi.org/10.1016/j.ntt.2024.107331
Using Library media resources - The Sac State Library provides access to many streaming media resources. Faculty are encouraged to search the Library's collection of streaming media databases before submitting a request. If there is a title you would like to use that is not active in one of the streaming platforms, please request it through the Course Reserve Request Form. The Library will honor streaming requests that meet these criteria.
Sacramento State Design students compete at regional student Design Charette - The Charette is a one-day design showdown where students showcase their talents, dive into collaboration, and tackle a thrilling design challenge. Teams, a dynamic mix of students from different schools and years, will unite forces to create one solution. Each team gets to present their creative work to a panel of designers, architects, and industry leaders. The winning team will be sent to the National Charette at Neocon in Chicago on June 10-12, 2024. Find out more HERE.
Mark your calendar for student film festival - The J Street Film Festival, which celebrates senior capstone films and other student works, will be held Thursday, May 16, at the Crest Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. with films beginning at 7 p.m.
Tschannen Building renamed - The Ernest E. Tschannen Engineering Teaching & Research Building (TEB) – Santa Clara Hall (SCL) has been officially renamed the Ernest E. Tschannen Engineering Teaching & Research Building (TEB) to recognize the philanthropic gift from Ernest E. Tschannen in anticipation of the future engineering building. Campus maps, signage, and the class schedule are being updated.
Carlsen Center: Startup Challenge - Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is excited to offer another Startup Challenge. The Startup Challenge is a crazy-fun, high-energy, weekend-long event where you learn about startups by doing startups. The Startup Challenge is scheduled for March 1-3. You will create a real startup in one weekend with nothing more than an idea and your wits. Here's how it works: Gather on Friday night, have dinner, talk, network, and get to know all the amazing entrepreneurs we have right here in the Sacramento ecosystem. And then things kick off. You have from Friday night to Sunday night to turn those ideas into a real business. If any accommodations are needed, please contact the Carlsen Center. Register HERE.
Multicultural Education Conference - The annual College of Education Multicultural Education (MCE) Conference will happen in Spring 2024 on Friday, April 5 (on campus) and Saturday, April 6 (via Zoom). The theme for the 30th anniversary of this conference is “Living Legacies and Freedom Dreaming of Critical Multicultural Education”. Learn more about this year’s conference and register HERE.
Carlsen Center hosts University-Wide Innovation Competition -
Do you know a student, innovator, researcher, or entrepreneur looking to, or already working on building a venture or turning an idea into reality? If so, please encourage them to apply for the “University-Wide Innovation Competition.” The competition is for students, faculty, or staff with innovative problem-solving ideas, technologies, and/or startups with the opportunity to compete for prize money totaling $2,500 for the winners. Innovation and startup applications are accepted from across the campus, from any college, department, or center. The “University-Wide Pitch Competition” will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Library 1520. The Carlsen Center will support contestants with two pitch workshops from noon-1 p.m. Register for Tuesday, Feb. 20. Register for Monday, March 4. If accommodations are needed, please contact the Carlsen Center. Learn more and apply by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 8.
Call for Proposals: Sixth annual Community Engagement Showcase
In keeping with President Wood's commitment to Sacramento State as a Community Engaged Campus, The Community Engagement Center (CEC) is excited to announce our sixth annual Community Engagement Showcase. Our theme for this year's showcase is “Cultivating Authentic Community Partnerships.” Faculty, staff and students are invited to submit proposals to participate by sharing their community-engaged research, projects and/or activities in a poster format. A poster template will be provided when acceptance letters are sent out. The Showcase will be from 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday, April 18, in the WELL Shoreline Room. All proposals are due by Wednesday, March 6. Submit proposals HERE.
Save the date: Hornet Community Bus Tour, May 2024 - The Community Engagement Center and Anchor University Advisory Council encourage you to mark your calendars now for the exciting, third annual Hornet Community Bus Tour on May 22-23. The bus tour is an opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators to gain a deeper appreciation for Sacramento, geographically and historically. Through visits with community and governmental organizations, elected officials and other community members, you will learn about the Sacramento community. This tour aims to foster mutually beneficial partnerships between the campus and community partners and promote engagement across teaching, research, and service. Applications will open on April 1 and close on April 15. Applicants can expect confirmation by the end of April.
Spring 2024 OWP Water Seminar Series: Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities - The Office of Water Programs (OWP) helps small, disadvantaged, and otherwise underserved communities throughout California and the nation develop plans and access funding to address substandard drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and services. On March 15 from noon to 1 p.m., OWP research engineers Maureen Kerner and Brian Currier will discuss community water needs in California, California's Human Right to Water (AB 685), various state agency programs and initiatives for improved water services for all, and OWP's involvement through contracts with the CA State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The speakers will discuss OWP's collaboration with the State Water Board, EPA, disadvantaged communities, and Sacramento State students through technical assistance addressing funding for equity and resilience, environmental finance programs, water sector needs assessments, lead testing and remediation at child care centers, and per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) drinking water well testing. Register and get the Zoom link HERE. The recordings of past seminars are available HERE.
| |
|
|
