Cal U’s talented singers, musicians, actors and dancers are featured in these pre-holiday events sponsored by the Department of Music or the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Unless otherwise noted, these performances are free and open to the public, as well as the campus community.

Nov. 17—Cal U Jazz Ensemble, annual fall concert; 8 p.m. in Morgan Hall auditorium.

Nov. 18—Cal U Jazz Ensemble; 6 p.m. at Claysville Community Center, 225 Main St., Claysville, Pa.

Nov. 23—University Choir, John Rutter’s “The Magnificat,” with a 22-piece orchestra; also, performances by the Cal Singers, Acapella Stella and Vulcanize; 3 p.m. in Morgan Hall auditorium.

Dec. 4-6—Department of Theatre and Dance, “Miracle on 34^th Street: The Musical”; 8 p.m. Dec. 4-6 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Cal U students pay 50 cents; a $5 deposit is returned at the show. Tickets: Steele Hall Box Office, 724-938-5943.

Dec. 5—Student singers, Light Up Night in California Borough; 5:30 p.m. at the Mechanic Street Basketball Court.  

Dec. 6-7 —Cal Singers join the Washington Symphony Orchestra for “Ho Ho Ho with the WSO”; 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Trinity High School auditorium, 231 Park Ave., Washington, Pa. Cal U students admitted free with a valid CalCard. Tickets: www.washsym.org or 888-71-TICKETS.

“Building Bridges Through Education”
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Convocation Center, South Wing

Cal U students, faculty and staff may attend a gathering of leaders from more than a dozen universities around the world.

“Building Bridges Through Education: An International Event” is sponsored by California University’s Office of International Programming, in collaboration with the Turkish Cultural Center of Pittsburgh. 

University presidents and rectors from schools in Central and Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South America will engage in dialogue about the importance of higher education in building bridges between cultures to promote diversity, religious and social tolerance, and global understanding.

The visit is intended to build stronger understanding and open doors to study abroad opportunities, student and faculty exchanges, and cultural collaboration.

In addition to interim University President Geraldine M. Jones, speakers include:

• Professor Dr. Serif Ali Tekelan, rector of Fatih University in Istanbul, Turkey.
• Professor Recai Pecen, president of North American University in Houston, Texas.
• Cal U student Emily Dickey, who traveled to Turkey with a group of Cal U students under the auspices of the Turkish Cultural Center.

Participating universities

Leaders from these universities are expected:

Questions?

For more information, contact:

• Elizabeth Bennellick, Office of International Programming: bennellick@calu.edu
• Dr. Ali Sezer, Department of Chemistry and Physics: sezer@calu.edu

Contact us

Learn more about living at Cal U; or contact us at helfrich@calu.edu or 724-938-8990.

Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 5 for the 2015 Presidential Distinguished Merit Awards (formerly the Presidential Faculty Gala Awards).

Any member of the Cal U community — students, faculty, staff and alumni — may nominate a tenured faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, research or service. 

Self-nominations are permitted. Nominations close at 5 p.m. Dec. 5, 2014.

Award recipients will be recognized at the 2015 Honors Convocation. Each recipient will be presented with:

• A medallion.
• An engraved paperweight.
• A check for $1,000.
• A $1,000 scholarship for a student within the recipient’s department.

Make a nomination

Nominations will be accepted via e-mail only. Send nominations to the Presidential Distinguished Merit Awards Committee chair, Dr. Paul F. Crawford, at Crawford_p@calu.edu.

Each nomination must include:

• Name of the nominee.
• Category of nomination (teaching, research or service).
• Name of the nominator. 

Eligibility

Nominees must be tenured faculty members.

Although a faculty member may be nominated in multiple categories, he or she may compete for only one award. The nominee may select the category.  For example, if someone is nominated in both the teaching and service categories, he or she may submit support materials for one or the other, but not both. 

 Support materials from nominees are due by 4 p.m. Jan. 21, 2015.  

Cal U students can register now for a community cleanup on Dec. 4.

Student groups and individual volunteers will meet in the Natali Student Center between 1:45 and 2:15 p.m.

Groups will be assigned to clean up a particular area in California Borough, concentrating on streets within a few blocks of campus.

In case of inclement weather, students will meet at 1 p.m. Dec. 5.

Participants are reminded to wear Cal U gear, if possible, and to dress for the weather.

Students who register through OrgSync may include this service project on their Activities Transcript, an official record of a student’s volunteer efforts and community service.

Contact us

For more information, contact the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning at volunteer@calu.edu.

The New Pittsburgh Courier has selected Dr. Caryl Sheffield, associate provost and associate vice president for Academic Affairs, to receive a 2014 Women of Excellence award.

Sheffield was selected for her leadership at Cal U, as well as for her roles as “a businesswoman, mother, wife, philanthropist, daughter, entrepreneur and African-American woman.”

She is the third honoree from the University, joining Geraldine M. Jones, interim University President, and Dr. Lisa McBride, former director of the Office of Social Equity.

Sheffield will be recognized Dec. 11 at an awards ceremony in Pittsburgh.

About Dr. Caryl Sheffield

Caryl J. Sheffield, Ed.D., is an associate provost/associate vice president in the Office of Academic Affairs. A professor at California University since 1991, she was chair of the Department of Early, Middle and Special Education from 2002-2012.

Sheffield is active with the Frederick Douglass Institute at Cal U and with the President’s Commission for the Status of Women, among other professional activities.

The Frederick Douglass Institute recently honored her by establishing the Dr. Caryl Sheffield Faculty Excellence Award, to be presented to faculty who exemplify excellence in teaching and mentoring.

In 2000, she received a Fulbright Scholar Award and spent six months at the University of the West Indies Institute of Education in Kingston, Jamaica. 

Among her other accomplishments:

• Summer faculty researcher at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. 
• Visiting professor and minority fellow in the Department of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind.
• Visiting professor and summer minority scholar in the Instructional Systems Program at Penn State University.
• Author of education and technology articles in publications including the Journal of Technology and Education, Journal of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Computers in Schools, Educational Technology, and International Journal of Instructional Media.
• Founding member of the Edna McKenzie Branch (Pittsburgh, Pa.) of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
• Active member of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education and chair of the Western Region Service Learning Project Committee.

Sheffield earned her bachelor’s degree in special education at California University of Pennsylvania. She earned an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and Guidance from Slippery Rock University and a doctorate of education in instructional design and technology from the University of Pittsburgh.

She holds Pennsylvania teaching certification in mentally handicapped education, elementary school counseling and elementary education. Sheffield began her career as a special education teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

For the second consecutive year, California University’s Department of Theatre and Dance welcomes the holiday season with Miracle on 34^th Street, The Musical.

Performances are set for 8 p.m. Dec. 4-6 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, with matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7.

 All performances are open to the public. 

Cal U’s performance incorporates University students and community talent. Based on the 20^th Century-Fox Pictures production, its book, music and lyrics are all by Meredith Willson.

Filled with humor, spectacle and such beloved songs as “Pinecones and Hollyberries” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” this heartwarming musical is pure family entertainment.

The story takes place between the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas. It centers on a white-bearded gentleman who claims to be the real Santa Claus — and who brings about a genuine “miracle” on 34^th Street, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City.

Dr. Michele Pagen, a professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, is directing the show.

Kathy Sacco is providing musical direction, and choreography is by Maria Gismondi. 

Among the Cal U students handling behind-the-scenes roles are Emily Lorence, assistant director; Alex Hagerty, company manager; Summer Gobel, dance captain; Dominic Carrola, accompanist; Kellee Cohlhepp, production stage manager; and assistant stage managers Nikki Davis, Molly Malady, Grant Prodan, Stephen Reddy and Katie Rendos.

Ticket price is $12 for patrons of all ages. Students with valid CalCards are admitted for 50 cents; a $5 deposit will be returned when the student attends a performance. 

For more information, or to order tickets (with a credit card) by phone, call the Steele Hall Box Office at 724-938-5943.

Light-Up Night in California Borough
5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Mechanic Street basketball courts, downtown

Students, faculty and staff are invited to welcome the holiday season with our California Borough neighbors at the borough’s free Light-Up Night event.

Cal U students (individuals, clubs or student organizations) will meet at 5 p.m. in front of Manderino Library and walk downtown together. Please wear your Cal U gear and show your Cal U pride!

The Light-Up Night event includes performances by Cal U carolers, refreshments, a Toys for Tots collection and more. 

California University of Pennsylvania has contracted with The Compliance Group (TCG), of Lenexa, Kan., to conduct the external review of Cal U’s intercollegiate football program.

The University has asked TCG to examine all aspects of the program and to recommend changes, as appropriate, to assure that it reflects Cal U’s core values of integrity, civility and responsibility.

The University’s goal is to have a football program that recruits, retains and graduates student-athletes who embrace the opportunities afforded by a Cal U education, and who understand the obligations associated with being part of a living-learning community.

To assure the integrity of the review, TCG will organize and execute the review process. Acting Provost Dr. Bruce Barnhart will act as a liaison with TCG, providing documents and other logistical support as needed.

Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones issued this statement:

 “I welcome the knowledge and experience The Compliance Group will bring to the review of our football program. Cal U will cooperate fully with TCG’s work and make every effort to expedite the process. I look forward to receiving the group’s recommendations.”

Meet Interim President Geraldine M. Jones

A new edition of the Cal U Journal is available online. The latest headlines include: International leaders build bridges; Associate Provost named ‘Women of Excellence;’ Emeritus president speaks at Commencement. Read the Journal online

Leasing is now open for 2015-2016 University Housing in the residence halls and at Vulcan Village. Apply before Feb. 6 and save $75 on the application fee. Returning students are eligible for priority room selection. Get details

To: All students, faculty, staff and alumni
From: Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones

It’s time to celebrate! Our University’s alumni ranks will grow by more than 1,200 this week as we mark California’s 179th Commencement.

On Friday evening, graduate students who completed their studies in August and December will receive their master’s degrees. On Saturday morning, undergraduates will receive their associate and bachelor’s degrees at Winter Commencement ceremonies.

Our graduates have worked hard to reach this important milestone, and I look forward to congratulating each of them in person as they walk across the Convocation Center stage. This campus has been a big part of my life for more than 40 years, yet I still take genuine pleasure in shaking the hand of every newly minted Cal U graduate.

I urge every member of our campus community to join me in wishing our graduates well. Please make an effort to stay in touch with them, too, and encourage them to remain engaged with their alma mater. Bright and talented alumni can be wonderful role models for our current students, enriching our Cal U community by continuing the cycle of learning and mentorship.

Speaking of mentorship, I am thrilled to welcome Emeritus University President Dr. John Pierce Watkins as our Commencement speaker this weekend. Dr. Watkins was Cal U’s fifth President, and he remains both a champion for this University and an important mentor to me and to many others on campus.

I know he will deliver a thought-provoking message to our graduates, their families and friends.

As the fall semester comes to a close, I have a few brief messages of my own to share.

To our faculty and staff: As always, I appreciate your efforts on behalf of our University and, most importantly, the students we serve. Your expertise, your dedication and your sincere interest in our students combine to make Cal U a very special place.

To our current students: Please enjoy your winter break (or Winter College classes) and return refreshed and ready for a productive spring semester. As a campus community, we are committed to helping you complete the journey toward your own graduation day. You can do it!

And finally, to our graduates: You have reached a significant goal, and I applaud your success. Your Cal U “family” and I will be watching as you step forward into a new chapter of your life as a California University graduate. We know you will make us proud!

With warmest wishes for a happy holiday season,

Meet Interim President Geraldine M. Jones

Two events honor the memory of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King:

Jan. 20: MLK Day talk

Derric I. Heck, director of strategic initiatives at Propel Schools, will speak at 11 a.m. Jan. 20 in the Vulcan Theatre, inside the Natali Student Center. Propel Schools is a federation of not-for-profit public charter schools located in and around Pittsburgh.

The campus community, as well as the general public, may attend Heck’s talk, “Connecting for Impact.” 

An architect and longtime community advocate, Heck works with Propel schools and the Propel Foundation to offer quality choice in education to communities throughout western Pennsylvania, and to inspire achievement among students. 

He also is the founder of Project HOPE (Healthy Opportunities to Pursue Excellence), an initiative designed to mitigate disparities in academic outcomes through staff and scholar development. Read his bio

Jan. 27: Day of Service

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 27 members of campus clubs and organizations will meet in the Carter Hall Multipurpose Room to perform service-oriented activities coordinated by the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning.

Projects will benefit numerous organizations, including Center in the Woods, Washington Family Center Afterschool Program, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Golden Living Center, local animal shelters and Meals on Wheels.

Students must register online through OrgSync is they wish to participate in the Day of Service.

On Jan. 27 they also may register in person or through OrgSync to participate in a Feb. 3 blood drive organized by Central Blood Bank.

The Day of Service can help students bolster their Activities Transcript, an official record of their service and leadership activities. Inspiration for the annual event was a 2003 visit to Cal U by the late Coretta Scott King, who asked that the day commemorating her husband be observed as “a day on, rather than a day off.”

Questions?

To learn more about the Martin Luther King Day talk, contact LaMont Coleman, associate dean for multicultural student programs.

For details about the Day of Service or other volunteer opportunities, contact Diane Hasbrouck, director of the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, or phone the center at 724-938-4794.

Flocks of crows have begun congregating on campus, and once again Cal U is taking measures to discourage them from roosting on University buildings and in the Quad.

Beginning Jan. 15, technicians will use a natural, plant-based mist to disperse the flocks. Bright lights also may be deployed to shoo the birds from University property. 

Once crows have identified a winter roosting site, it is typical for them to return to the area year after year. USDA-approved crow dispersal measures have been used annually at Cal U since 2010, and they generally have proven effective at relocating the flocks.

The plant-based “fog” and/or bright lights typically are deployed beginning at dusk and continuing for two or three hours as needed. Specific locations will be based on the birds’ activity patterns. Relocation efforts are expected to continue for five days.

Humane measures

The natural grape-extract mist and bright lights are not harmful to humans or other animals. These humane measures are intended to discourage the flocks from settling on campus, where they can create unpleasant and unsanitary conditions.

The crow dispersal program used at Cal U has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will be carried out by trained and licensed pest removal technicians. The anti-roosting measures do not harm the crows; they simply change their roosting habits and encourage them to relocate.  

Questions?

The California University Police Department is aware of the crow dispersal measures, which are being overseen by the University’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Anyone with questions or concerns may contact California University Police at 724-938-4299.

The USDA-approved crow dispersal program is used annually on the grounds of the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. To learn more about the state Capitol’s crow dispersal program, visit http://www.pa.gov and type “crows” into the search box.

A new edition of the Cal U Journal is available online. The latest headlines include: Two presidents address graduates; Two named women of the Year; Mentorship has global reach. Read the Journal online today

Each day, 22 U.S. military veterans die by suicide, according to the 2012 VA Suicide Data Report. 

To raise awareness of this public health crisis, Cal U ROTC and the Veterans Club will meet on the Quad at 11:22 a.m. weekdays, from Jan. 22-Feb. 20, and perform 22 pushups each.

You can join them! It takes just a few minutes to complete 22 pushups. As the group on the Quad grows larger, awareness of this issue also expands. 

Each time a participant completes 22 pushups, he or she will be registered for a drawing. The winner will be selected at the end of the 22-day event. 

Why meet at 11:22 a.m. (EST)?

The Great War (World War I) ended at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month — a date we observe as Veterans Day on Nov. 11 each year. Meeting at 22 minutes past the 11^th hour recalls the 22 veterans who die by suicide each day. 

How long will this continue?

The event continues on weekdays from Jan. 22 through Feb. 20. That’s seven weekdays in January and 15 in February — 22 days in all.

Why do pushups?

Pushups are a familiar component of military training — and almost everyone can do them. This event is a creative way to incorporate physical activity into your day while raising awareness of rising suicide rates among veterans and military members. 

Who can participate?

The event is open to the entire campus community, as well as the general public. In particular, student veterans, military members and their dependents are encouraged to attend. 

How does Cal U assist veterans?

The Office of Veterans Affairs at Cal U provides information and support for veterans, military members and their families. Learn more at www. calu.edu/veterans.

Do you need to park at the east end of campus while you grab a meal or visit the Convocation Center?

Cal U’s Department of Parking and Transportation has installed a pay-by-license meter in Lot 11, behind Gallagher Hall. Or you can pay by using a smartphone app.

Lot 11 permit holders continue to have unmetered access to the parking area.

But this pilot project gives drivers without Lot 11 parking permits convenient access to the Convocation Center, Morgan Hall and Gallagher Hall, Cal U’s primary dining facility during the Natali Student Center renovations.

Use the meter

Similar to those found on city streets and at other State System schools, the pay-by-license meter is located in the transit shelter behind the building.

To pay by the hour for any available parking space in Lot 11:

• Go to the meter and enter your license plate number.
• Select the length of your stay.
• Pay the rate indicated with $1 bills or a credit card.

There is no reason to go back to the car. Your license plate becomes your parking permit.

If you pay by credit card you can choose to receive a text message before the meter expires. You also can use your smartphone to add time on the meter.

Use the app

To bypass the meter altogether, use a smartphone app to pay for parking.

• Download the free PassportParking Mobile Pay app from iTunes or Google Play.
• Register and link a credit card to your account.
• Use the app to pay for parking in Lot 11.

Pilot project

The Lot 11 meter and mobile app are part of a pilot project to determine the value of extending hourly paid parking options in high-traffic areas of campus.

Meter use will be evaluated during the spring and fall semesters. Then University officials decide whether to offer additional pay-by-license meters or mobile solutions at other high-traffic areas on campus.

Christopher Johnston, director of Parking and Transportation, says if the project is expanded, the University may consider allowing students to use CalCards to pay for metered parking.