Another semester is almost over.  I listened to my students’ final presentations this week, I just wrote their final exam and then it’s grading time. 

So much has happened since I last wrote to you so I will try to hit the highlights.  I will start with one bit of news that is less than a highlight as I received a letter this week announcing that I had not received the funding for the proposal I submitted over the summer – the 30,000 square foot addition to Temple Hall.  Not to worry I’ll get my review comments and resubmit if the RFP is announced again in 2009.  (We must be persistent.)

Clearly the budget news is on everyone’s mind.  I will be working with the heads over the next couple of weeks to determine which searches we may put on hold or at least delay for a period of time and which searches need to continue.  We will all need to work together as we proceed.  As we learn more about future scenarios I will be sure that you are aware the plans in CNAS.  As we attempt to set priorities for the future (especially a future that may include significant budget cuts), please give feedback to your department heads and faculty representatives to the CNAS Faculty Advisory Committee.  I will be seeking their guidance.  As always I would welcome meeting with departments to discuss your plans and ideas.

I attended the national meeting of the deans of arts and sciences in Portland, Oregon last month.  It was a great meeting.  I made a number of new contacts and the conference had a session on “sustainability in the curriculum”.  UC-San Francisco has three new degree programs in environmental studies that are truly unique.  Chico State has developed a sustainability brochure that is outstanding and I think we could have one that it is even better.

Four of our faculty attended a conference on general education science courses offered by AACU.  I will be meeting with them immediately after the first of the year and they will be then give a presentation to all science department faculty in the spring.

We are going to have a public science lecture series in the spring.  Bob Patterson (PAMS) has speakers organized already.  Dates and titles will follow.  I will get the series scheduled posted on the website before the end of the year.  We hope that this is a huge success this spring.  If you are interested in speaking at this event in the future please let me know.

The Agriculture Department had their annual scholarship banquet and it was outstanding!  I attended Project Runway – a fashion show with a sustainability twist – that was organized by the students in Fashion and Interior Design.  I also attended a showcase presented by the interior design students of the department. 

I have signed many, many internal routing forms for new grant proposals and I thank you in advance for all of the hard work you have put into writing up your plans.  I wish you all success.

The CNAS Graduation Reception will be held on Thursday evening, December 18 beginning at 6:00 PM in the PSU West Ballroom (room 300).  There will be a short program at 6:30 PM.  All are welcome to attend.  Commencement for CNAS graduates is Friday, December 19 at 4:00 PM in the JQH Arena.  I hope to see you at one of these events.

Have a wonderful, wonderful break.  Get some rest (or go for a run) – whichever one is more relaxing for you!!!! 

Some dates to watch for in 2009:

January 5     Staff – Be prepared to meet with your supervisor to review your ADP.

January 7     Showcase on Teaching and Learning

January 9     Faculty Annual Evaluations are Due

January 12   Spring Classes Begin

January 15   Staff Evaluations should be complete 15 and copies submitted to Dean’s Office

January 20   CNAS Faculty Advisory Committee meets at 4:00 PM in Temple 120

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