Wednesday
March 10, 2004
Vol 1, No 34

1. BOT to launch general studies review
2. Low-demand programs to continue
3. O'Neill-Jones named 'American Mind' program director
4. Board approves tenure for 10 faculty
5. Owens to address spring grads
6. Institute leads Women's History Month celebration
7. Theatre Program presents 'War of the Worlds'

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1. BOT to launch general studies review

At last week's meeting, the Board of Trustees decided to hire a consultant to help it review the general studies program to determine whether changes should be made.

Trustees directed Interim President Ray Kieft to pursue consulting services from Anne Neal, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, who gave the board a presentation on curriculum trends around the country.

"I think you could easily argue that an urban baccalaureate institution has a greater need for a strong general studies program than do other institutions," Neal told the board.

Some trustees have expressed concerns that Metro's general studies program provides too many choices - including courses that have a narrow focus - and therefore may not ensure that students are taking the courses that will give them a broad educational foundation.

"We'll use Anne's services to help us determine what we want graduates to know as they go out into the world," said BOT chair Bruce Benson.

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2. Low-demand programs to continue

The Board of Trustees approved a staff request to exempt three academic programs from being discontinued at the board's meeting last week.

The measure, which applies to the surveying and mapping, physics and African American studies programs, was approved with no discussion. To read more go to
http://www.mscd.edu/%7Ecollcom/@metro/tw@metro_vol1/lowdemand_twv1031004.htm

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3. O'Neill-Jones named 'American Mind' program director

Metro State Technical Communications Professor Peggy O'Neill-Jones has been named director of "An Adventure of the American Mind," a $2 million federally funded program to train teachers to integrate digital technology and archives from the Library of Congress into their classroom curriculums. To read more go to
http://www.mscd.edu/%7Ecollcom/@metro/tw@metro_vol1/library_twv1031004.htm

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4. Board approves tenure for 10 faculty

The Board of Trustees last week approved tenure for 10 faculty members. "In my 34 years in higher education this group of faculty is one of the most talented groups I've seen," said Interim President Ray Kieft in recommending the faculty for tenure.

Faculty earning tenure are:

Lisa Abendroth, art
Pamela Ansburg, psychology
Clay Daughtrey, marketing
Janos Fustos, computer information systems
Kathy Heyl, health professions
Heather Holmes-Lonergan, psychology
Patricia McKenna, mathematical and computer sciences
Ann Murphy, accounting
David Ruch, mathematical and computer sciences
Cynthia Vanucci, hospitality, meeting and travel administration

The review and evaluation process for probationary faculty eligible for tenure consideration involves seven levels of review. A dossier detailing the faculty member's cumulative performance and contributions is reviewed at each level. The dossier includes student evaluations, teaching observations, peer evaluations, letters of recommendation, history of professional development and service contributions.

Trustee Gin Butler raised concerns about the lack of faculty of color achieving tenure. "It's a concern institution-wide," Kieft responded. "Past hiring has not produced the level of faculty of color that we would like. What's key is to now begin to put greater emphasis on hiring faculty of color." The most recent recruiting class had 37.5 percent faculty of color, said Joan Foster, interim vice president of academic affairs.

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5. Owens to address spring grads

Gov. Bill Owens will be the speaker at Spring Commencement, Interim President Ray Kieft announced last week. Commencement is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, at the Colorado Convention Center.

"About 1,300 candidates have applied to graduate, and more than 12,000 are expected to attend," said commencement coordinator Kathy Heyl, interim associate dean of the School of Professional Studies.

The ceremony will be broadcast live via Webcast and can be accessed at http://www.mscd.edu/commencement. The Web site also has additional details about spring commencement.

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6. Institute leads Women's History Month celebration

For 18 years the Metro State Institute for Women's Studies and Services has led the effort to coordinate campus events that celebrate women's lives, experiences and histories during Women's History Month in March.

Several lectures, seminars, discussions and exhibitions are planned, including:

"Women's Spirituality Festival: Different Paths One Journey"
Wednesday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Tivoli 320
This all-day celebration of women's spirituality features tarot card readings, psychic counseling, aura healings, books, crafts and jewelry.

"Physical Feminism: The Power Politics Behind Women's Gender Roles"
Tuesday, March 23, 2-3:30 p.m., Tivoli 651
This workshop explores women's gender role beliefs and how they are physically manifested and examines the power politics of gender role differences and the effects it has on women, both physically and psychologically.

"When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: Hip-Hop, Feminism and the Modern Black Woman"
Thursday, March 25, 1 p.m., Tivoli Turnhalle
Joan Morgan, author and self-proclaimed hip-hop feminist discusses her book and the contradictions inherent in being both a strong woman and an African American sister attempting to process the machismo of the hip-hop world.

These events are free and open to the public. For a complete listing, visit www.mscd.edu/~women and click on the Women's History Month calendar icon or call 303-556-8441.

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7. Theatre Program presents 'War of the Worlds'

Aliens invade the King Center this week when the Metro Theatre Program presents H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds" Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The classic Orson Welles' radio broadcast has been adapted for the stage in this Metro Student Stage Ensemble. Tickets for Metro State students are free, and other ticket prices range from $8 to $15. Call the King Center box office at 303-556-2296 for more information.

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