The Department of Social Work will host its second annual Ethics Panel from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 30 in the south wing of the Cal U Convocation Center.

The campus community and the general public may attend the free presentation, which is co‐sponsored by Cal U’s Master of Social Work program.

Child welfare specialist Jane Zupancic, a licensed social worker at Washington County Children and Youth Services, will join four Cal U faculty members on the panel:

• Dr. Holiday Adair, Department of Psychology.
• Dr. Elizabeth Gruber, Department of Counselor Education.
• Dr. Mary O’Connor, Department of Nursing.
• Dr. Julie A. Warnick, Department of Criminal Justice.

The workshop is intended to build awareness of how people in diverse disciplines might interpret and respond to a variety of ethical dilemmas.

Each panelist will present case scenarios that involve ethical questions. Attendees will discuss the situations in small groups after each presentation.   

Continuing education credits

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors has designated Cal U’s Master of Social Work program an approved provider of professional continuing education for LSW, LCSW, LPC and LMFT professionals. 

Licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists, or professional counselors who attend the workshop can earn three continuing education credits (CEUs); cost is $15, payable by check to “California University of Pennsylvania.”

Contact us

For more information, contact James Andrews, field coordinator for Cal U’s Department of Social Work and MSW program, at andrews@calu.edu.

These students have earned a place on the Fall 2014 dean's list at California University of Pennsylvania.

Dean’s list students are undergraduates attending full-time and have earned a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher this semester.

Did you miss 'Technology Today' on KDKA-TV? Watch as Dr. Kate Mitchem, Dr. Swarn Gill and Dr. Stephen Whitehead describe how students and the community benefit from Cal U programs that use the latest high-tech tools. 

Throughout February, California University of Pennsylvania celebrates Black History Month with these free events: 

Feb. 3:

Blood drive and sickle cell information
10 a.m., Carter Hall Multipurpose Room

Give the “gift of life” at a Central Blood Bank blood drive and learn more about sickle cell anemia, which affects an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 people in the United States.  

Feb. 12-28

“Significant African Americans with Pittsburgh-Area Roots”
Manderino Library, Lobby

View this photo exhibit showcasing notable artists, athletes, business professionals and humanitarians, each with a connection to western Pennsylvania.

Feb. 17:

“What’s Going On: The State of Black America”
6 p.m., Keystone Hall, Room 205

Psychology professor Rueben Brock, this year’s Frederick Douglass Institute Visiting Scholar and author of “A Young Man’s Wisdom,” moderates a panel discussion of issues and trends in the black community.

Panelists are:

• D. Watkins, an award-winning writer whose work has been published in The Huffington Post, Aeon, The City Paper and Salon. He is a recurring guest on National Public Radio, Huff Post Live and The Real News Network. A professor at Coppin State University, he also runs a creative writing workshop at the Baltimore Free School.

• Emmai Alaquiva, an Emmy Award-winning producer and CEO of Ya Momz House Inc., a full-service multimedia company. He is a director for CBS Sports Network and the executive director of the Hip Hop On L.O.C.K. youth arts education program.

• Marisa Bartley, executive director of the PNC YMCA in Pittsburgh and an executive board member for the National Urban League Young Professionals.

• Malcolm Thomas, program director for the Reaching Back male mentoring and manhood development program at the Neighborhood Learning Alliance in Pittsburgh.

Feb. 19:

Poetry Slam with Drew Law
1 p.m., workshop, Natali Student Center, Student Organization Suite 101
9 p.m., performance, Natali Food Court

Spoken word poet and teaching artist Drew Law hosts an afternoon poetry slam workshop, then gives an evening performance in the Natali Student Center. 

The original host of the groundbreaking Graffiti DC slam series, Law is a teaching artist for Split this Rock, an organization that uses written and spoken word as an agent for social change, and Poetry NOW, a nonprofit group that creates spoken word curricula for high schools and government entities in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

“The Confederate Flag: Symbol of Hate or Freedom of Speech?”
7 p.m., Morgan Hall, Room 222

A panel discusses the powerful feelings evoked by this iconic image from the U.S. Civil War. 

Feb. 23:

“Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations,” with Carlton Heywood
7 p.m., Morgan Hall, Room 222

Attend “A Brief Conversation About the History of HBGLOs (Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations) and Activity in Western Pennsylvania” with Carlton Heywood, a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and a teacher/librarian in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. 

Heywood, a Clarion University graduate who visited Cal U during Black History Month 2013, provides his perspective on the past, present and future of black fraternities and sororities.

Join us

Black History Month programs are free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.

Sponsors: Multicultural Student Programs, the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, the Frederick Douglass Institute, the Student Activities Board and the Office and Fraternity and Sorority Life. 

Now you can grab a bite, or a cup of Starbucks coffee, even after dark!

Sycamore Bistro has extended its hours. It’s now serving sandwiches, soups and salads from 7:30 a.m. -7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday.

The Bistro is just one of Cal U’s dining locations.

Late-night activities

Looking for something to do? These evening activities are planned for February:

Feb. 5: Non-Alcoholic Mix Off , 9 p.m., Convocation Center Concourse. Sponsored by the Office of Greek Life and The Underground Café.
 
Feb. 6: Funny Freaking Friday comedy series featuring Scott Schendingler, 7 p.m., Vulcan Theatre. Presented by the Student Activities Board.
 
Feb. 12: The Underground Café at Vulcan Village, 9 p.m., clubhouse.
 
Feb. 19: The Underground Café featuring poet Drew Law, 9 p.m., Natali Food Court.
 
Feb. 24: “Phantom of the Opera,” Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. Presented by PNC Broadway Across America. Ticket and transportation packages are on sale beginning Feb. 3 at the information desk in Natali Student Center. A limited number of tickets are available. Cost is $15 for students, $45 for others.
 
Feb. 26: The Underground Café featuring Austin Renfro, 9 p.m., Natali Food Court.
 
Feb. 27: Flashback Friday featuring Disney's “Finding Nemo” and a sushi bar, 8 p.m., Vulcan Theatre. 

Clubs and organizations

For more student activities, log in to OrgSync.

Mobile Vet Center
1:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 10
Third Street (near the Natali Student Center)

Military veterans and their families may visit a Mobile Vet Center when it makes a campus stop Feb. 10. 

Mobile centers operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Readjustment Counseling Services are among the VA’s premier front-line resources for reaching veterans, especially in rural settings.

The centers provide nonmedical counseling and outreach to military veterans and their families, focusing primarily on social and economic issues. 

At the mobile center, veterans can file claims for service-related illnesses or injuries, apply for VA pensions, or learn about benefits for dependents or survivors.

The center also provides information about:

• Individual or group counseling.
• Military sexual trauma.
• Marriage and family counseling.
• Community education.

The Mobile Vet Center welcomes veterans from Cal U and from the surrounding community.

Learn more

For more information, contact Robert Prah, director of Veterans Affairs, at prah@calu.edu or 724-938-4076. Or visit the Veterans Center in Manderino Library, Room 317.

‘Back to the Drawing Boards’ art show
6-9 p.m. Feb. 19 (reception)
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 20
Vulcan Hall

Artworks by current and former students will be displayed on all three floors of Vulcan Hall during a juried art show, “Back to the Drawing Boards.”

The student gallery’s first show of the 2015 season is presented by Associated Artists, a student organization that has developed cooperative programs with amateur and collegiate art groups in Washington, Fayette and Allegheny counties.

Artworks range from jewelry, pottery and paintings to drawings, prints and installation pieces.

Opening reception

A free opening reception is planned from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 19 in Vulcan Hall. 

Two bands, Devin Moses and The Saved and Proper People, are scheduled to perform. Their appearance is sponsored by Green Mountain Energy and provided through Ziggy Sawdust Productions.

More information
For details, contact:

• Shannon Drudy, Associated Artists president, dru5424@calu.edu
• Todd Pinkham, faculty adviser, pinkham@calu.edu

8^th annual Conference on Homeland and International Security
“Assessing the Security Gaps in Our Criminal Justice System”
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 27
Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre 

The Department of Criminal Justice, in collaboration with the Mon Valley NAACP and the NAACP State Conference Criminal Justice Committee, present the 8^th annual Conference on Homeland and International Security on Feb. 27.

In addition to faculty members Dr. Michael Hummel and Dr. Aref Al-Khattar, of the Department of Criminal Justice, speakers include David Hickton, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and retired police chief Chuck Drago, president of Drago Professional Consultants.

View the conference brochure

The schedule

Attendees may sign in beginning at 8 a.m.

• 9-9:15 a.m.— Opening ceremony and opening remarks
• 9:15-10 a.m. — Dr. Michael Hummel: “Managing Decisions in a Crisis Situation and the Integration of Deadly Force”
• 10-10:45 a.m.— Dr. Aref Al-Khattar: “Law Enforcement and Culture”
• 10:45-11:30 a.m.— David Hickton: “Building Police and Community Relations”
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.— Chuck Drago: “Strategies to Reduce Officer-Involved Shootings”
• 12:30-12:35 — Closing remarks 

Join us

Admission to the Conference on Homeland and International Security is free. The general public may attend.

Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance. Get directions

For more information, contact Dr. Michael Hummel at hummel@calu.edu.

Planning committee

Planning committee members are Lynn Baron, Burrell Brown, Michael Hummel, Elaine Johnson, Ross Martin, Hazel Murray, George Simmons and Mohamed Yamba.

The conference is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Burrell A. Brown.

BACCHUS Area 11 Regional Conference
“Igniting the Future of Peer Education”
Feb. 28
Convocation Center 

More than 100 peer educators from universities in three states are expected to attend the BACCHUS Area 11 Regional Conference, “Igniting the Future of Peer Education” Feb. 28 in the Convocation Center.

BACCHUS is a university- and community-based network of more than 8,000 student leaders and advisers who work with over 4 million peers on more than 330 campuses nationwide.

Options@CalU peer educators are certified through BACCHUS, which stands for Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students. The nonprofit organization now is a division of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Through grants from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Options@CalU peer educators provide interactive programming and education to reduce underage and dangerous drinking and other high-risk behavior, especially among first-year students. 

Attend the conference

BACCHUS Area 11 consists of member schools from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, but the conference is open to any peer educator from any school.

Speakers include Wendy Krisak, BACCHUS coordinator for Pennsylvania and director of counseling at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa. 

Through Feb. 20, cost to attend is $60 per member, or $90 for non-members. A late registration fee will be added after Feb. 20. 

More information

To register for the conference, contact Bob Mehalik at 724-938-4775 or mehalik@calu.edu.

Get directions

Learn to build your personal brand, pick up networking and etiquette tips, visit a career fair or fix up your resume — all with Career Week activities organized by the Career and Professional Development Center. View the schedule 

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

At last week’s Faculty-Staff Convocation I spoke about the pressing need for all members of the campus community to become actively engaged in the life of our University.

The inaugural Cal U Conference on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity provides an opportunity to do just that.

Scheduled for April 14 in the Convocation Center, the conference will include presentations and posters prepared by faculty, by students or by faculty-student teams. Illustrating the wide variety of exciting activities occurring on our campus, the presentations and posters will focus on the presenters’ engagement in research, scholarship and creative activity (RSCA).

Faculty can spotlight pedagogical and/or educational innovations, application of high-impact practices in teaching and learning, or innovative ways to incorporate RSCA into the curriculum.

Undergraduate and graduate students can focus on RSCA from class projects, capstone experiences or senior/graduate theses. A panel of judges will evaluate the students’ presentations and posters, with prizes awarded for outstanding work.
The free event will be open to the entire campus community — but let’s not stop there.

Students, faculty and staff should participate in promoting this event outside of Cal U. I urge you to invite alumni and University friends, members of the local business community, teachers and students from area schools, and others who might be interested in California University’s academic mission. I know they will be impressed with the depth and breadth of the research, scholarship and creativity on display.

I encourage faculty members with Tuesday classes to schedule their April 14 class meeting at the Convocation Center, so everyone can participate. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the conference.

Please direct suggestions and questions abut the conference to one of the conference coordinators: Dr. John Kallis, dean of the Eberly College of Science and Technology (kallis@calu.edu), Dr. Paul Hettler, coordinator for Faculty Professional Development (hettler@calu.edu), or Dr. Gregg Gould, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research (gould@calu.edu). 

But first, set aside time on your calendar to prepare a presentation, or to visit the Convocation Center on April 14. The University’s first Conference on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity is one event you won’t want to miss.

With best wishes,

Meet Interim President Geraldine M. Jones

Because of poor road conditions, Vulcan Flyer service may be suspended temporarily today, Feb. 18.

Service will resume once roadways are deemed safe for travel.

The Office of Parking and Transportation thanks you for your patience.

To: All Cal U students

From: Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones

It was wonderful to see so many of you in the Convocation Center Thursday for our Spring 2015 Student Convocation.

I believe it is important for you to have factual, up-to-date information about the University issues that affect your education and your campus experience.

I’m also glad to hear your questions and comments, good and bad. Listening to you, face to face, is one of the best ways for me to keep tabs on what our students are thinking.

I understand that not every issue can be resolved in a single session. So let me remind you about some of the excellent services available on our campus:

1. The Office of Academic Success in Noss Hall should be your first stop if you have questions about scheduling or staying on track academically.

The office has five Student Success Facilitators and an entire staff dedicated to your success. There are programs to help with basic study skills, and tutoring is available in the Math Lab, Reading Clinic and Writing Center.

2. The Office of Social Equity in South Hall can assist if you believe you have been treated unfairly because of your race, gender, disability, national origin or membership in another protected class. The office also addresses concerns about sexual harassment and other issues covered under Title IX.

You don’t need to file a complaint in order to talk with someone in the Office of Social Equity. The staff is available to consult on issues of concern, or just to listen.

3. The Wellness Center on the ground floor of Carter Hall supports your physical and mental health and well-being.

Professional staff at the Student Health Center can attend to your health care needs and help you achieve a healthful lifestyle. The Counseling Center advises on ways to make the best personal, social and psychological choices, especially in times of transition. Both centers can make appropriate referrals, as needed.

The End Violence (END V) Center provides education and resources related to sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking. And the Wellness Education Center offers programming and consultations on a wide range of issues, from nutrition and body image to STDs, smoking cessation and drug-and-alcohol awareness.

These are just a few of the student services available at your University. We also have services specifically for commuters and non-traditional students, veterans and service members, international students, students with disabilities … and the list goes on. The Cal U website can direct you to the information you need, or you can stop by the Student Affairs Office in Carter Hall, Suite G-35.

As I mentioned at Convocation, you can succeed — and there are many caring people to support you along the way.

I look forward to seeing you and your fellow students again on April 7, when we hold our next Campus Talk!

Meet Interim President Geraldine M. Jones

Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference
“Stepping Inside the Personal, Public and Political Experience of (Dis)Abilities”
9:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
March 17, 2015
Cal U Convocation Center, North Wing

The discipline of Women’s and Gender Studies has begun to include an exploration of disability issues. In an effort to embrace this important change, the 10th annual Audrey -Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference focuses on issues encountered by people with disabilities and their family members.

Admission is free. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. 

Conference schedule

• 9:30-11 a.m.: “The Family Next Door”
  This 83-minute film eloquently tells one family’s story of day-to-day life with four maturing children, two of them on the autism spectrum.  

• 11-11:30 a.m.: Q&A session
  Film director Barry Reese and the film’s “Mom,” Donna, discuss “The Family Next Door” and experiences with the filmmaking process. 
  (Lunch break)

• 12:30–1:45 p.m.: Panel discussion
  Two academics who have researched disability issues join two people who are living the experience. Topics include the impact and importance of self-care for caregivers; the gendered nature of caregiving, and how these expectations can impact men, women, children and families; and the everyday experiences, positive and negative, that arise for parents, caregivers and community members.

• 2–3:15 p.m.:“Square Pegs in Round Holes: Living with Autism in a Social World”
  Well-known speaker Rebecca Klaw shares her insights and leads a workshop focusing on the experience of living with autism and other disabilities. Klaw has trained consultants and direct care staff, teachers and parents in techniques that can drive developmental growth for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. 

• 3:30-4:45 p.m.: “Autism and Poverty”
  Licensed psychologist Dr. Daniel Marston examines how social justice and political issues, such as class/socio-economic status, intersect with disability issues such as autism to affect individuals and families.

Contact us

The public is welcome. Parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance. 

Directions and campus map

For more information, e-mail Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux, director of Women’s Studies, at mcclintock@calu.edu.

World Social Work Day
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 17
Kara Alumni House 

World Social Work Day is an international celebration of social work as a profession and a force for good in the world.

Join us March 17 for California University’s inaugural World Social Work Day event, sponsored by the Department of Social Work.

Event schedule

Kara Alumni House

• 8:30-9 a.m.— Registration and refreshments
• 9 a.m.— Welcome, Dr. Sheri Boyle, Dr. Bernadette Jeffrey and Dr. Thao Pham
• 9:30-11 a.m.— Keynote speaker, Dr. Mohamed Yamba, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and a native of Ghana; followed by a panel presentation by international graduate students

Carter Hall, Room G6

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.— Potluck lunch and international student poster presentations

Kara Alumni House

• 1-2 p.m.— Closing discussions

Register to attend

Admission to the World Social Work Day event is free, but registration is requested.

To register, e-mail young_e@calu.edu or phone 724-938-5910.

The public is welcome to attend. Parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.

Directions and campus map

‘The Vagina Monologues’
7 p.m. March 4, 5 and 6
Blaney Theatre

The Cal U Women’s Center marks V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls, with its 12^th annual production of Eve Ensler’s play “The Vagina Monologues.”

Ticket price is $5 for students, $10 for non-students.

Tickets and merchandise are available at the Women’s Center, G45 Carter Hall, and at various table locations on campus.

Proceeds benefit the Women’s Center.

About the ‘Monologues’

Based on interviews with actual women, the play is a series of monologues, each one dealing with a different aspect of the feminine experience. Topics include sexuality, body image, menstruation, rape and female empowerment.

Performances are intended for an adult audience.

Questions?

For more information, visit the Women’s Center in Carter Hall, phone 724-938-5857 or send e-mail to womenscenter@calu.edu.

California University of Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County Community College signed an agreement March 6 that will allow students enrolled at Cal U to complete the diploma or associate degree they began at WCCC.

This is the first reverse transfer agreement between California University and any community college.

It benefits students who earn college-level credits at WCCC but transfer to Cal U before completing the requirements for a community college diploma or an associate degree. 

Credits that transfer students have earned while working toward their bachelor’s degree will be sent back to the community college and evaluated for possible credit toward the completion of the associate degree requirements. 

Are you eligible?

To be eligible for the reverse transfer program, a Cal U student must meet these requirements:

• Transferred to California University with WCCC as the last school attended.
• Earned a minimum of 15 credits (excluding developmental courses) at WCCC.
• Earned a minimum 2.00 grade-point average in program courses at WCCC.
• Attended WCCC within the past five years.

Benefits of completing an associate degree

An associate degree is:

• A marketable credential. Because employers value the degree, you may be able to land a better job, or advance your career, while completing your bachelor’s degree.
• An educational milestone. Being recognized for completing a two-year degree may encourage you to stay on track and finish your four-year degree.

Learn more

Cal U students may contact the Office of Articulation and Transfer Evaluation in Dixon Hall, Room 210; visit www.calu.edu/transfer, call the office at 724-938-5939 or e-mail transfer@calu.edu. 

WCCC students may contact Robert Wright, counselor/associate professor, at wrightr@wccc.edu or 724-925-4282.

‘Joyfest’
7 p.m. March 21
Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre

Cal U’s own Young & Gifted Gospel Choir performs with award-winning gospel music artist Maurette Brown Clark when the Department of Music presents this year’s Joyfest gospel concert.

The performance also will feature the Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Gospel Choir and Clarion University Gospel Choir.

The free event is open to the campus community and to the public.

Directions and maps

Problem Gambling Conference
9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 2
Cal U Convocation Center

With support from the Washington County Drug and Alcohol Commission, California University of Pennsylvania presents its second annual conference addressing treatment and prevention of problem gambling.

The daylong educational and community outreach program explores the issue of problem gambling, discusses prevention and treatment strategies, and highlights available resources. 

The conference is designed for service professionals who address addiction, as well as anyone who has a friend or family member who struggles with problem gambling.

Conference speakers

Presenters are:

• Dr. John D. Massella, assistant professor and a licensed clinician who practices at the Cal U Counseling Center. [LINK to speakers page]
• Dr. Emily Sweitzer, professor of the Department of Modern Languages, Philosophy and Socio-Cultural Studies.
• Dr. Susan Ryan, associate professor of the Department of Earth Sciences 
• Robert Mehalik, Cal U’s alcohol and other drug (AOD) education specialist.  [LINK to speakers page; ADD info there if he provides a bio]
• Timothy Phillips, director, Westmoreland County Drug and Alcohol Prevention.
• Rueben Brock, Frederick Douglass Institute Visiting Scholar and assistant professor of the Department of Psychology.
• Tammy Taylor, prevention supervisor, Washington County Drug and Alcohol Commission.

Register now

Seating is limited. Registration is required by March 27. 

Register on OrgSync to guarantee a space.

The conference is approved for six (6) Continuing Education Units for LPC, LSW, NCC, PCB, ACT 48 and APA (pending).

Contact us

For more information, e-mail Donna George, AOD coalition coordinator for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, or call her at 724-938-5515.