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

The deadline for the Sept. 9 posting is Tuesday, Sept. 3.

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. 26–Oct. 12
The iconic imagery and graphic designs of legendary Los Angeles artist John Van Hamersveld will be in the spotlight this fall at the upcoming exhibition “Drawing Attention” at California State University, Northridge’s Art Galleries. For more information, call CSUN’s Art Galleries at (818) 677-2156.

Aug. 31
International EducationUSA Fairs
The Tseng College’s Intensive English and University Pathways Programs will attend international education fairs in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil, to tell college students about English and academic programs at CSUN.  EducationUSA, a division of the U.S. Department of State, sponsors the fairs.  Vanessa Andrade, the Tseng College’s international programs and outreach manager who also is a native of Brazil, will represent the Tseng College.  For more information―visit the Tseng College website  or email vanessa.andrade@csun.edu.

Sept.
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 “The Voyager Encounters” 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 Bianchi Planetarium website  or call (818) 677-2488.

Sept. 7
“The Constitution and the General Welfare” Discussion
Come join a spirited discussion about the U.S. Constitution at “The Constitution and the General Welfare: Whose?  How?  Why?”  CSUN history professor James Sefton and professor John Evans of the political science department at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, lead the discussion about what Americans expect of the federal government.  The Tseng College sponsors the event in honor of U.S. Constitution Day. The discussion will take place at the University Club/Orange Grove Bistro.  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 to attend, but reservations are required by Sept. 4. Register with David Matheke or call (818) 677-2270. For more information―visit the Tseng College website.

Sept. 11
Employee Benefits and Wellness Fair
The Office of Human Resources will host a Benefits and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the University Student Union, Northridge Room. Benefit plan representatives and several of our internal campus partners will be available to answer your questions. Join us and receive a free carotid artery screening, giveaways, and plenty of information to assist you with your Open Enrollment selections. For more information, visit the Benefits Administration website.

Sept. 12
Freshman Convocation
Edward Humes, author of “Garbology,” will address CSUN’s first-year students at the university’s annual Freshman Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. on the Oviatt Library Lawn. “Garbology,” is this year’s freshman common reading book. Programs like the Common Reading and Freshman Convocation provide opportunities to link curricular and non-curricular learning so that first-year students smoothly begin university life. For more information, visit the Academic First Year Experiences program website.

Sept.  17
“In Protest: The Shifting Paradigms of Collective Social Action” opens in the Oviatt Library’s C. K. and Teresa Tseng Exhibit Gallery on Sept. 17 and continues through July 25, 2014.
On display in the gallery are selections from special collections and archives that document dozens of distinct and significant social action movements over the course of the 20th century. For more information call (818) 677-2638.

Sept. 18
Grammy-winning Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club will kick off the 2013-2014 season at California State University, Northridge’s Valley Performing Arts Center with a night of diverse Cuban music on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact CSUN’s Valley Performing Arts Center  or call the ticket office at (818) 677-3000.

Public Meetings

 Faculty Senate Library Committee
Meets 2–4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Delmar T. Oviatt Library 372

The Personnel Planning and Review Committee
Meets 2–4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
University Hall 277

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

Academic Technology Committee
Meets 1–3 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 6
University Hall 277

Graduate Studies Committee
Meets 2–4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
University Hall 277

 Educational Resources Committee
Meets 2–4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
University Hall 211

General Education Council
Meets 2–4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
University Hall 211

Faculty Senate
Meets 2–4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Jack and Florence Presentation Room
(Room 81, West Wing, Lower Level of Oviatt Library)

Classroom Technology Committee
Meets 9–10 a.m.
Friday, Sept. 13
University Hall 277

Research and Grants Committee
Meets 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13
University Hall 277

University Student Union Board of Directors
Meets 12:30–2 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 16
University Student Union, Grand Salon

Classes

Department of Police Services Community Workshops
Sept. 19
Tools and Tips for Your Safety, noon–1 p.m.
Tighten up your safety tool belt as we share with you the programs and services offered by CSUN Police Department. Learn about the resources that increase your awareness and personal safety such as street smarts, personal and vehicle safety tips. For more information, contact Daniel Foster  or register online  (click on “Safety Workshops Open to the Community).

Book Club Meetings and Groups:

CSUN Jewish Studies Book Discussion Group
‘Natasha and Other Stories’ by David Bezmozgis is the upcoming read that will be discussed on Oct. 6. From 2 to 4 p.m. Audrey Thacker, a professor in the English department, will host the informal discussion to take place at CSUN Hillel, 17729 Plummer Street, Northridge 91325. Please RSVP by emailing jewish.studies@csun or calling (818) 677-4724.

Notices

Dependent Eligibility Verification (DEV) Project
The verification phase of the CalPERS Dependent Eligibility Verification (DEV) Project has begun. If you are a health plan subscriber with dependents enrolled under your CSUN employee health benefits, you have or will soon receive a letter from HMS Employer Solutions, an independent company contracted by CalPERS to complete the verification phase. We have been advised that this letter will list your covered dependents on the plan, the rules for eligibility, and the documentation you are required to submit directly to HMS. As part of the verification process, you will be required to provide copies of documents demonstrating your relationship. Please note that we have been directed not to provide any documents we may have on file to preserve the independent verification process of this system-wide audit, therefore you will be required to independently submit your documentation to the CalPERS designated company. Please consult the FAQ section within the letter from HMS for answers to the most common questions.
To obtain additional information on the CalPERS Dependent Eligibility Verification (DEV) Project, please visit the CalPERS DEV Project FAQ website.

One-on-one Retirement Consultations
The Office of Human Resources has partnered with five CSU Tax Shelter Annuity Fund sponsors to have representatives visit campus and assist those approaching retirement achieve their goals. Please bring your questions and most recent statements from your retirement plan investment providers for a comprehensive analysis. For additional information, refer to the CSU TSA website.

Policy on Examinations and Religious Observations
Campus policy states that “in administering any test or examination, we will permit any student who is eligible to undergo the test of examination to do so, without penalty, at a time when the activity would not violate the student’s religious creed.” If a faculty member needs assistance in evaluating the request of a student for the re-scheduling of an examination for purposes of religious observation. For more information, review the policy on the Office of Faculty Affairs website or call (818) 677-2962.

Faculty and Staff Appointments and New Hires

Edward Alfano—Appointment
Edward Alfano has been appointed as chair of the Department of Art for a three-year term, effective Aug. 21, 2013. His term as chair will expire at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 academic year.

Dianne Bartlow—Appointment
Dianne Bartlow has been appointed as chair of the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies for a three-year term, effective Aug. 21, 2013. Her term as chair will expire at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 academic year.

Ronald Borczon—Appointment
Ronald Borczon has been appointed as acting chair of the Department of Music for a one-year term, effective Aug. 16, 2013. His term as Department Chair will expire at the conclusion of the 2013-2014 academic year.

Colin Donahue—Appointment
Former associate vice president of facilities development and operations Colin Donahue has been appointed the vice president for the Division of Administration and Finance. He assumed the post on July 1. For more, read the full story. 

Robert Gunsalus –Appointment
Robert Gunsalus was appointed by President Dianne F. Harrison to assume the role of vice president for the Division of University Advancement beginning July 1. Read the full story.

Crist Khachikian—Appointment
Crist Khachikian began his first day as associate vice president for the Office of Graduate Studies and Research on Aug. 21. Read more about the new associate vice president.

Michael Neubauer—Appointment
Michael Neubauer of the departments of mathematics and liberal studies has been appointed vice provost in the Division of Academic Affairs. For more information, read the full story. 

Jeffrey Noblitt—Appointment
Jeffrey Noblitt has been appointed associate vice president for marketing and communications in the Division of University Advancement.  He will be on campus beginning Sept. 30.

Cynthia Z. Rawitch—Appointment
Cynthia Z. Rawitch was appointed interim dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication effective Aug. 1. For more information, read the full story.

Jill Razani—Appointment
Jill Razani has been appointed as chair of the Department of Psychology for a three-year term, effective Aug. 21, 2013. Her term as chair will expire at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 academic year.

William Whitig—Appointment
William Whitig has been appointed interim associate vice president in the Office of Faculty Affairs.

Policy on Peer Class Visit Reports
Section 612.5.2.c.(2)(a)(iii) and Section 706.3.1.c. of the Administrative Manual was reaffirmed on May 20, 2013 by the Faculty Senate and approved by President Dianne F. Harrison. The policy can be viewed on the Faculty Senate website.  All policies can be found under “resources” on the Faculty Senate website.
For more information—Heidi Wolfbauer at (818) 677-3263.

2013-14 Academic Year Calendar of Personnel Procedures
The 2013-14 Academic Year Calendar of Personnel Procedures was recently approved by the Senate Executive Committee and by President Dianne F. Harrison.  An index listing all policies approved by the Faculty Senate and links to recently approved and frequently requested policies is available on the Faculty Senate website  under Resources.
For more information—Heidi Wolfbauer at (818) 677-3263.

Promotions
President Dianne F. Harrison is pleased to announce the following promotions took effect Aug. 21, 2013:

TO PROFESSOR (42)

TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (28)

Spring 2013 Faculty Elections
Full elections results, including vote totals for each candidate, are available on request from the Faculty Senate Office in Oviatt 10 or at (818) 677-3263.

Faculty Officers
Vice President of the Faculty (1-year term): Shane Frehlich, Kinesiology
Secretary of the Faculty (1-year term): Terri Lisagor, Family and Consumer Sciences
CSU Academic Senator (3-year term)
Shane Frehlich, Kinesiology

For Standing and Advisory Committees (senate-elected positions only)
Academic Technology Committee (1 member):
Joel Krantz, Cinema and Television Arts

Educational Equity Committee (3 members):
Tracy Buenavista, Asian American Studies
Debra Malmberg, Psychology
Boris Ricks, Political Science

Educational Policies Committee (2 members):
Lawrence Becker, Political Science
Daisy Lemus, Communication Studies

Educational Resources Committee (2 members):
Linda Bowen, Journalism
Ward Thomas, Urban Studies and Planning

General Education Council (1 member):
Sharon Klein, English

Graduate Studies Committee (3 members):
Sloan Burke, Health Sciences
Richard Moore, Management
Merril Simon, Educational Psychology and Counseling

Library Committee (1 member):
Karen Carpenter, Cinema and Television Arts

Learning Resource Advisory Committee (1 member):
Marcia Henry, Library Reference and Instructional Services
Please note that elections for college representatives on Standing and Advisory Committees have not yet been conducted.

Confidential Reporting through the California State Auditor
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.
If you believe that you have been retaliated against for disclosing an improper governmental activity, you should report this immediately to:
Jill Smith, associate vice president, Human Resources, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8229, (818) 677-2118.

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 e-mail.)
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.
Jill Smith, Associate Vice President, Human Resources, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8229, (818) 677-2118
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.

Catastrophic Leave Notices
The following employees are out on medical leave and have exhausted their leave credits:

Gayane Jerome (Financial Aid and Scholarships)
Christina Perez (Secondary Education)
Cheryl McMillan (Alumni Relations)
Shauna Mund (Family and Consumer Science)
Carla Romero (Communication Disorders and Sciences)
Yontra Rufus (Physical Plant Management)
To make voluntary donations, please forward a completed Catastrophic Leave Donation form to Payroll Administration, mail code 8228. You can access the form online.

Sept. 1
M.S. in Communication Disorders and Sciences: Speech-Language Pathology Program
Students may apply for the Spring 2014 online master of science in Communication Disorders and Sciences:  Speech-Language Pathology program.  Classes start May 5, 2014.  The College of Health and Human Development offers the program in collaboration with the Tseng College.
For more information―Tseng College  or call (818) 677-2803.

Sept. 13
Open University
Students in CSUN’s Open University program may register for classes Aug. 26 through Sept. 13.  The Tseng College administers Open University, which allows community members who are not regularly enrolled CSUN students to register for fall academic-credit classes on a space-available basis so long as they meet course prerequisites and receive the instructor’s permission.
For more information― Open University or (818) 677-2504.

Sept. 16
Distinguished Visiting Speakers Program
The deadline for all Distinguished Visiting Speakers Program applications is Sept. 16. This program aims to bring renowned speakers to California State University, Northridge. Category I applicants request classroom visits or department seminars by a guest lecturer. Category II applicants request for an individual or a small group of scholars to participate in performances, public lectures or topical conferences.
To download an application— visit the website of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies.

Sept. 20
Fee Waiver Deadline
The deadline for the spring 2014 semester is Sept. 20. Deadlines are strictly adhered to.  Fee waivers must be completed online. Staff members hired after the fee waiver enrollment deadline may have their application processed by contacting the Fee Waiver Coordinator at (818) 677-2173 or emailing feewaiver@csun.edu with their request.

Condolences
Pete Accardy
The campus community extends condolences to the family of Pete Accardy (Swim Coach/Kinesiology) who passed away on July 13. His contributions to the CSUN swim team were astounding, bringing the Matadors nine NCAA Championships in the 1980s. Accardy holds a record 13 championships and was named the NCAA Division II co-coach of the decade. Condolences can be sent to Peter Accardy c/o Lee and Leslie Accardy, 1315 Shimmering Glen Ave., Henderson, NV. 89014.

Greg Jackson
The campus community extends deep condolences to the family of Greg Jackson (Education) passed away on July 12 after a short illness. Jackson started at CSUN in 1992, working as a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling and a coordinator of the career counseling program. A new scholarship will be created in his honor. To donate to the fund, please send a check made out to the “CSUN Foundation” with “Greg Jackson Scholarship” written in the notation section and mail it to: CSUN-Eisner College of Educationc/o Dounia Sadeghi, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8265.

Roberta Eleanor Madison
The campus community extends deep condolences to the family of Roberta Eleanor Madison (Health Sciences), a former chair of the Department of Health Sciences who passed away in July. She worked at CSUN for 35 years. Known as “Bobbie” to her colleagues, she taught statistics and epidemiology, contributed to numerous committees, and helped in the founding of the Department of Women’s Studies. She was honored as a “Phenomenal Woman” in 2010 by CSUN’s Department of Women’s Studies for her contributions to the department, university and surrounding community. She is survived by many loving friends and family members.

FYI