For Your Information 8-18-14

For Your Information shares announcements of events, public meetings, notices, classes and deadlines relevant to CSUN faculty and staff. The submission deadline is noon on Monday, one week before the next post.

The deadline for the Sept. 1 posting is Monday, Aug. 25.

We strive to include all items submitted by deadline occurring until the next post. You can submit future items by emailing pubinfo@csun.edu, sending them to mail drop 8242 or faxing them to (818) 677-4909. Email is the preferred method of submission.

Events 

Aug. 25–Oct. 11
Valley Vista Art Exhibit
“Valley Vista: Art in the San Fernando Valley, ca. 1970-1990,” which examines the unique contribution of the San Fernando Valley to Los Angeles’ art history will be on exhibit at California State University, Northridge’s Art Galleries.
For more information, call CSUN’s Art Galleries at (818) 677-2156.

Aug. 20
New Faculty Orientation
California State University, Northridge’s new faculty are invited to attend the annual New Faculty Orientation.The orientation takes place Wednesday, Aug. 20 and Thursday, Aug. 21 in the Oviatt Library’s Presentation Room. The event will focus on S.H.I.N.E.: Strategies, Highlights, Individualized, Networking and Emotions.New faculty should RSVP by completing this survey.
For more information about the New Faulty Orientation, visit the Office of Faculty Development webpage or contact Whitney Scott at whitney.scott@csun.edu.

Aug. 21
President
’s Annual Convocation
CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison will give her third annual convocation address, which will include a review of the campus’ past year’s accomplishments, as well as a look into the year ahead. The event will be held at the Valley Performing Arts Center from 9  to 11 a.m.
Please RSVP at rsvp@csun.edu.

 Sept.  2
Rainbow Reception
The CSUN Pride Center and LGBTQ Alumni Association are having a rainbow reception in the University Student Union’s Northridge Center from 6 to 9 p.m. This  is an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and students within the LGBTQA community. Refreshments will be served. The deadline to register is Aug 31.
For more information–email alumnievents@csun.edu or call
(818) 677-2137

Sept. 4
Freshman Convocation 2014
All campus faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the Freshman Convocation on the Delmar T. Oviatt Library Lawn at 6 p.m. This year’s keynote speaker will be Drew Magary, author of “The Postmortal: A Novel,” the freshman common reading book. Freshmen students and faculty and staff who wish to walk in with them are to assemble in the Matador Square at 5:30 p.m.
For more information–Visit the website or call (818) 677-4100

Sept. 5
Bianchi Planetarium
Come and learn about stars and constellations and planets visible in the sky during late summer at the “Summer Sky Show,” which takes place at 7:30 p.m. It is followed by “Voyager: History’s Greatest Explorers” by a program that examines Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft, which were launched at the end of August 1977. General admission tickets are $6 for one show, $10 for two shows; students are $4 for one show and $7 for two shows.
For more information―visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy or call (818) 677-5601.

Sept. 13
The Constitution and Political Parties Discussion
In honor of U.S. Constitution Day, Tseng College will host a presentation, “The Constitution and Political Parties,” led by CSUN history professor James Sefton and John Evans, political science professor at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.  The discussion takes place at CSUN’s University Club, Orange Grove Bistro, and the public is invited to attend.  The event starts at 8:30 a.m. with continental breakfast and will be followed by the presentation at 9 a.m.  There is no charge, but reservations are required.  For more information–visit the Tseng College website.
To RSVP email david.matheke@csun.edu

 Sept. 14
The Green Prince
CSUN’s Jewish studies program presents a dramatic documentary about the story of a Hamas leader’s son who agreed to spy for the Shin Bet (Israel’s security agency). The screening of “The Green Prince” will take place at 10 a.m. at the Laemmle’s Town Center 5, 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino.
For more information and to RSVP―Call (818) 677-4724 or email jewish.studies@csun.edu.

 Sept. 20
Founders Day
Celebrate the legacy of achievement that has become California State University, Northridge and reunite with classmates and colleagues whose hearts never left San Fernando Valley State College in the University Student Union at 10:30 a.m. Graduates from the class of 1964 and former faculty/staff members who started their first year of service at Valley State in 1964 will be inducted into the 50-year club. Tickets are $35 per person and available for purchase online. The registration deadline is Sept. 10.

Public Meetings

University Student Union Board of Directors
Meets 12:30–2 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 25
University Student Union, Grand Salon

Senate Executive Committee
Meets 1–4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 28

University Hall 277

Educational Policies Committee
Meets 2–4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
University Hall 211

Academic Technology Committee
Meets 1–3 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 5
University Hall 211

Graduate Studies Committee
Meets 2–4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 9
University Hall 277

General Education Council
Meets 2–4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
University Hall 211

Faculty Senate
Meets 2–4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Jack and Florence Presentation Room
(Room 81, West Wing, Lower Level of Oviatt Library)

Classes

Department of Police Services Community Workshops

Sept. 16
Building Marshal Training, noon – 1:30 p.m.
The Building Marshal Program will provide emergency response procedures for some of the most common or likely critical incident emergency situations that may occur on the campus. The training is designed to enhance your chances of protecting yourself as well as assisting others in an emergency situation. The training is for those faculty and staff who are participants in the Building Marshal program. If you are interested in volunteering to be a Building Marshal, please contact Kit Espinosa at 5973 or kit.espinosa@csun.edu before registering for this event.

Notices

Jesus Ric Alviso—Appointment
Jesus Ric Alviso has been appointed as chair of the Department of Music for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Lawrence Becker—Appointment
Lawrence Becker has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Political Science for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Timothy Black—Reappointment
Timothy Black has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Philosophy for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Brian Castronovo Appointment
Brian Castronovo has been reappointed as the chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term as chair will expire at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Kang Chang—Appointment
Kang Chang has been appointed as chair of the Department of Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Sandra Chong—Appointment
Sandra Chong has been appointed as chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Flavia Fleischer—Appointment
Flavia Fleischer has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Deaf Studies for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Julie Gainsburg—Appointment
Julie Gainsburg has been appointed as chair of the Department of Secondary Education for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Marianne Hattar—Appointment
Marianne Hattar has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Nursing for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Doris Helfer—Reappointment
Doris Helfer has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Collection Access and Management Services for a three-year term, effective July 1. Her term expires on June 30, 2017 academic year.

Edward Jackiewicz—Appointment
Edward Jackiewicz has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Geography for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Robert Kent—Appointment
Robert Kent has been appointed as chair of the Department of Urban Studies for a three-year term, effective Aug 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Ah Jeong-KimAppointment
Ah Jeong-Kim has been appointed as chair of the Department of Theatre for the fall 2014 semester, effective Aug 20. Her term will expire on Dec. 23.

Gary Lennon—Reappointment
Gary Lennon has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Theatre for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Sheryl Low—Appointment
Sheryl Low has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Physical Therapy for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Karen Morgaine —Appointment
Karen Morgaine has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Sociology for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Vicki Pedone—Appointment
Vicki Pedone has been appointed as chair of the Department of Geological Sciences for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Kathryn Sorrells—Appointment
Kathryn Sorrells has been appointed as chair of the Department of Communication Studies for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

John Stahl—Appointment
John Stahl has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Cinema and Television Arts for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Jackie Stallcup—Appointment
Jackie Stallcup has been appointed as chair of the Department of English for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20, 2014. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Nancy Virts—Appointment
Nancy Virts has been reappointed as chair of the Department of Economics for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. Her term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Dino Vrongistinos—Appointment
Dino Vrongistinos has been appointed as chair of the Department of Kinesiology for a three-year term, effective Aug. 20. His term expires at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Whistleblower Protection Act Annual Notice

The California State Auditor’s office is your confidential avenue for reporting improper activities by state agencies or employees. It is your responsibility as a government employee to report any type of fraud, waste, or abuse, which ultimately protects scarce state resources.

WHAT TO REPORT

Pursuant to Government Code section 8547.2, subdivision (b), improper acts by a state agency or employee that should be reported to the State Auditor include:
• Violations of state or federal law, including theft, fraud, or conflict of interest;
• Noncompliance with an executive order or Rule of Court;
• Noncompliance with the State Administrative Manual or the State Contracting Manual;
•  Misuse or waste of state resources including property or employee time;
•  Gross misconduct, incompetence, or inefficiency.
The State Auditor does not have the authority to investigate violations of internal department policies or procedures.

WHISTLEBLOWERS ARE PROTECTED

If you report an impropriety, you are protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act, which:
• Requires the State Auditor to protect your identity (except from law enforcement);
• Prohibits intimidation, threats, or coercion by state employees that could interfere with your right to disclose improper governmental activities.

 HOW TO REPORT

You have three ways to report information to the State Auditor confidentially:
Call the Whistleblower Hotline at:
(800) 952-5665
(916) 322-2603 (Fax)
(Note: The hotline is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, callers may leave a brief recorded message during other hours.)
Mail information to: Investigations, California State Auditor, P.O. Box 1019, Sacramento, CA 95812
Submit a complaint online to:
(Note: The state auditor does not accept complaints sent by email.)
Additionally, pursuant to California State University Executive Order 929, Reporting Procedures for Protected Disclosure of Improper Governmental Activities and/or Significant Threats to Health or Safety, you may also report information and/or make a protected disclosure to the Associate Vice President of Human Resources.
You may also call the California Attorney General’s confidential whistleblower hotlines at (800) 952-5225 or (916) 322-3360.

INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS

The California State Auditor investigates complaints and reports the substantiated allegations to the head of the employing agency, the Legislature, and the Governor. In addition, some of the substantiated allegations will be reported to the general public, keeping identities confidential. Substantiated violations of law will be referred to appropriate law enforcement agencies. Investigations handled by California State University, Northridge are conducted pursuant to Executive Order 929.  Details regarding California State University retaliation complaint procedures may be accessed online.

Sept. 13
Open University
Students in CSUN’s Open University program may register for classes Aug. 25 through Sept. 12.  The Tseng College administers Open University, which allows community members who are not regularly enrolled CSUN students to register for  academic-credit classes on a space-available basis so long as they meet course prerequisites and receive the instructor’s permission.
For more informationOpen University or (818) 677-2504.