CSM Connects granted service-learning award & other news
Youth Service America (YSA) has selected CSM Connects, the College's volunteer community service program, as a State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Award winner.  The prestigious State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning grant is administered by Youth Service America and funded by State Farm. The grant helps underwrite youth service projects for National and Global Youth Service Day in the U.S. on April 21-23, 2006. As one of 100 grant winners, CSM Connects was chosen out of more than 300 applicants from across the United States for its leadership and commitment to engage youth in service, according to a congratulatory letter from YSA.

Other news
Bev Madden, coordinator of CSM Connects, is already planning the YSA day for next spring but she wanted to inform the campus about another event. On Saturday, February 11, the College will host the 2006 CSM Service & Leadership Conference, an event focused on providing information and education to high school and college students on civic engagement, service and leadership. Along with students, educators and community organizers who work with youth are encouraged to attend the fourth annual conference, which will run from 8:30 am to 1 pm. More details will be provided as the event grows closer. In the meantime, contact Madden at (650) 312-8786 or csmconnects@yahoo.com for more information, including how to register. Also, the event's Web site at collegeofsanmateo.edu/studentactivities/slc/ and CSM Connects' site at collegeofsanmateo.edu/csmconnects are good sources of information.

Earlier this fall, CSM held the second annual Service Learning Faculty Workshop. About 20 people attended the event titled "Taking Your Classroom to the Community." CSM Connects and co-sponsor Youth Community Service provided a stimulating agenda mixed with seasoned service learning faculty (CSM English Professor, Daniel Keller; Crima Pogge, ecology and biology professor at City College of San Francisco and Dr. Jennifer Colby, service learning professor at CSU, Monterey Bay) , non profit agency representatives (Parca and the American Heart Association), CSM service learning students and CSM student leaders. After the event, a professor commented: "I'm thinking of including a service learning component in my English section next semester.” while a student said: “It created more awareness of why volunteering is actually important in order to build a better society.”

Service learning in action
CSM Sociology Professor Minu Mathur is one of the number of faculty at CSM incorporating service learning into class curriculum. For the second consecutive year, Mathur's sociology students (45 this year) participated in a fundraiser/service learning event for an organization called Home of Hope, a charity helping destitute and orphaned children in India. The students helped set-up the hall for the event's 650 paying guests, decorate, usher, set-up info booths and serve food.  About $100,000 were raised.  At left , dressed in orange traditional Indian dress, is Mathur and many of her participating student volunteers.

__________________________________________________________________________

CSM offering array of new classes in spring semester, tell students
Students are encouraged to register now for CSM’s full array of spring 2006 semester classes. With the start of the semester just about six weeks away on January 17, 2006, classes are filling. But there’s still availability and, for the students’ convenience, an open class update is posted daily on CSM’s Web site at collegeofsanmateo.edu.

Every semester, the College introduces new offerings to its menu of traditional, online and short classes. Here is a line-up of those first-time classes for spring 2006:

Business & Creative Arts
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Training (ACTG 680)
Train to become a tax preparer in the VITA program. VITA volunteers help low-income people prepare their tax returns. Contact: Bruce Maule at (650) 574-6663 or maule@smccd.net

Creating A Virtual Office (BUSW 680)
This online class covers skills, work habits, technology, design and ethical considerations within the virtual office setting. Contact: Patricia Brannock at (650) 574-6668 or Division Office at (650) 574-6494 or dinocco@smccd.net

Old Masters’ Aesthetics & Techniques (ART 124)
This class combines art history and studio art. Analyze the aesthetics, materials and techniques of the Renaissance, and learn how to paint in fresco, egg tempera and traditional oils. Contact: Janet Black at (650) 574-6284 or blackj@smccd.net or Division Office at (650) 574-6494.

Improvisation (MUS 170)
Learn improvisational music techniques, and rhythmic, harmonic and melodic foundations. Contact: Christine Bobrowski at (650) 574-6204 or bobrowski@smccd.net

Symphonic Band (MUS 430)
Study and perform for concert band. Playing techniques and group performance are emphasized. Contact: Michael Galisatus at (650) 574-6163 or galisatus@smccd.net

Technology
Data Acquisition & Control (ELEC 680)
A hands-on course designed to teach the use of sensors for real-world data collection and conversion, and use of analysis and display software to interpret data and make corrective decisions. Contact: Roy Brixen at (650) 574-6135 or brixen@smccd.net 

The Arts of Industry (MANU 680) 
Explore industrial materials, processes and methods related to the world of 3D objects with an emphasis on curiosity, innovation and visual intelligence. Contact: Lilya Vorobey at (650) 358-6761 or vorobey@smccd.net

Social Science
World Regional Geography (GEOG 150)
Survey the regions of the world, and examine their physical, cultural, climatic, historical and political features. Can be taken as part of the Global Studies curriculum and is also recommended for future K-12 teachers. Contact: Angela Skinner-Orr at (650) 574-6496.

Math/Science
Special Spring Event
Abstract Realism—And the Story of My Art
Lecture & Art Exhibit
March 31, 2006, 7:30 pm, CSM Theatre
“I believe that the kernel of human understanding is hidden inside abstract realism.”
--Mohsen Janatpour
Mohsen Janatpour, a CSM math, astronomy and physics professor, will explore the abstract as he once again presents a free and open-to-the-public lecture and art exhibit. For more information, call (650) 574-6272.

Language Arts
Colloquial Mandarin Chinese I, Elementary (CHIN 211)
Learn extensive basic skills in spoken Mandarin Chinese, with an emphasis on daily life topics, practical vocabulary and pronunciation. Acquire greater understanding of Chinese culture, heritage and contemporary Chinese-speaking environment. Prepare for better international and domestic career opportunities. Contact: CSM Language Arts Division at (650) 574-6341.

The Tragedy of the Commons Learning Community
Students participate during their regular class hours in this Learning Community—an exciting opportunity to meet with other classes, hear a variety of speakers, discuss different viewpoints and gain interdisciplinary perspectives on important questions of our time. Sections of the following classes comprise this Learning Community: English 100 (Composition and Reading), English 165 (Advance Composition), Math 251 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry I), Philosophy 244 (Contemporary Social & Moral Issues) and Sociology 105 (Honors Social Problems). Please see page 61 of CSM’s Spring 2006 Schedule of Classes for the exact sections. Contact: Jean Mach at (650) 574-6353 or mach@smccd.net

Physical Education
Intermediate Social Dance (DANC 688)
An overview of dance that goes beyond the basics. Learn variations of Latin, swing, waltz and other dance styles with partners who have graduated from basic levels. No partner required. Ballroom dance is a prerequisite. Contact: Joan Walton at (650) 574-6461.

Pilates (FITN 680)
Learn an anaerobic method of conditioning the body designed to stretch, strengthen and balance, while toning and improving posture. Contact: (650) 574-6461.

With any questions about CSM, visit its Web site at collegeofsanmateo.edu or call (650) 574-6161.

__________________________________________________________________________

Brief announcements

1A. If you have a "sweet tooth," you were certainly not disappointed with the selection of treats at the First Annual Holiday Dessert Fest on December 7, hosted by CSM President Shirley Kelly, Classified Planning Committee and Academic Senate. The event committee consisted of Valerie Anderson, Joyce Berghoff, Gloria Bianchi, Patty Egusa, Helen Hueg, Robin Lee, Christianne Marra, David McLain and Michelle Schneider. Fresh and Natural catered with some homemade treats made by classified staff. Clockwise and starting with photo at top right, entertainment was provided by Helen Souranoff (vocals), Virgil Stanford on acoustical guitar and Rudy Ramirez on the electric guitar, a shared-governance musical group of staffer, administrator and faculty member; in photo two, from left to right, CSM Administrative Assistant Phyllis Hechim, CSM President Shirley Kelly, Mark Avelar of the San Mateo Union High School District and Jeremy Ball, CSM professor, mingle (Avelar, oh, right--Mark is married to CSM Dean of Business & Creative Arts Linda Avelar); in photo three, CSM Academic Senate President Tom Diskin is pouring the bubbly (non-alcoholic, of course--sparkling apple cider to be specific) and Pat Griffin, the College's vice president of Student Services, is assisting with the hot beverages; and in photo four, attendees enjoy the sweets, including fruit, an assortment of cookies, eclairs, tiramisu' and fudge.
.

___________________________________________________________________________________

1B. College Vista , an innovative residential development for District faculty and staff, opened last week with a ribbon-cutting celebration and tour. A number of CSM employees are taking advantage of this special opportunity and were on hand for the festivities. Photos of the event are on the District's portal site at smccd.net/accounts/portal.  

____________________________________________________________________________________

2. In the news:

.Titled "Integrative Learning," the Summer/Fall 2005 edition of "peerReview" highlighted the work of CSM's Learning Communities program. The publication covers emerging trends and key debates in undergraduate education. CSM was one of only two community colleges featured by the publication in the "Integrated Learning Project Campuses" section. The other eight were four-year institutions, also from across the United States.

.KCSM and its DJs were featured in a December 4 Oakland Tribune article titled "College radio station frees DJs to improvise."

____________________________________________________________________________________

3. The early spring 2006 edition of CSM Currents , the College's community newsletter, will be mailed to more than 100,000 households in CSM's service area the week of January 9, 2006. It will also be distributed on campus that week, and then sent to retirees, the media and local libraries. Also, the edition will appear in the Resources > Reference section of CSM Internal and on CSM's Web site.

The edition includes a column by CSM President Shirley Kelly and articles on the Measure A bond measure, the new coastside office in Half Moon Bay and CSM's hurricane relief efforts. CSM Photography Professor Lyle Gomes, exceptional student Darnell Ford and EOPS's Lorena del Mundo are featured. Also, a list of some of CSM's new spring 2006 classes and and a column of the College's many accomplishments round out the edition.
__________________________________________________________________________

4. From December 19 through January 16 of next year, there will be no food service on campus. The Café International closed for the holiday break last Friday. The kiosko will close tomorrow, while the cafeteria will close on Friday. All will reopen at 7 am on January 17, the beginning of the spring semester.

____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Today's edition of CSM Internal is the final for the calendar year. New editions will resume on January 23, 2006 and continue every other week on the following dates during the spring semester: February 6, February 20, March 6, March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1 and May 15. It's preferred that items for CSM Internal be submitted at least one week but no later than the Wednesday before the desired publication date, although every effort will be made to include last minute submissions.

____________________________________________________________________________________

6. CSM Language Arts Division Dean Susan Estes, coordinator of the event, announced recently that the fall "President's Lecture Series: Diverse Voices in Writing" will continue in spring, 2006, with two presentations.

On March 13, Bharati Mukherjee will speak, beginning at 11:10 am. On April 28, beginning at 12:10 pm, Stanford University professor Paul Ehrlich will present. Both lectures will take place in the campus theatre and be followed by a book-signing reception in Building 1, Room 115, where light refreshments will be served.

Again, the series is being made possible by a generous grant from the Lane Family Charitable Trust. For more information, call (650) 574-6314.

____________________________________________________________________________________

7. Please tell students:

Applications for scholarships are being received by Nancy Pendergast (650.574.6434 or pendergast@smccd.net) in CSM's Scholarship Office, now through February 1, 2006. Also, please urge students interested in transferring to UC Santa Cruz to contact Pendergast about the $20,000 Pister scholarship; the deadline for Pister consideration is January 27, 2006.

Last week, CSM received 100 doses of flu vaccine that the College would like to use before the holiday break. Please call the Health Center at (650) 574-6396, if interested in getting the flu shot. The cost is $25 for staff, $20 for students.

____________________________________________________________________________________

8. The Reach for the Stars campaign to raise $750,000 to help underwrite a new star projector and other equipment critical for CSM's new planetarium has now received in excess of $50,000 in donations from more than 200 individuals, businesses, and foundations, according to Milla McConnell-Tuite of CSM's Institutional Advancement Office. Click here to read a recent article on the campaign written by McConnell-Tuite. And when you click collegeofsanmateo.edu/reachforthestars/reachContribute.htm you'll see just how easy it is to donate online.

____________________________________________________________________________________

9. For students, staff, faculty and administrators, to access footage and review details on all campus projects, visit collegeofsanmateo.edu/construction and click on College of San Mateo and then LIVE CONSTRUCTION CAM & PHOTO GALLERY. Plus, here are information sources about the Capital Improvement Program: collegeofsanmateo.edu/construction or Swinerton Management & Consulting, the company managing the CIP, at 650.378.7334 or freemank@smccd.net.

_____________________________________________________________

10. The "Employee of the Month" parking places for January belong to Joyce Berghoff (Lot 4) and Valerie Anderson (Lot 5).

____________________________________________________________________________________

Accomplishments

Thurman"Skeet" McGinnis is among the who's who of teachers
Earlier this semester, CSM Administration of Justice (AJ) Professor Thurman "Skeet" McGinnis became a member of "Who's Who Among America's Teachers," an organization that honors teachers who have contributed to their students' lives and futures. McGinnis, who has been at CSM since 1994, was nominated by a former student. His name is now listed in the latest edition of the organization's Who's Who publication.

"There is no way I can consider myself among the many gifted classroom teachers on campus," said McGinnis last week when asked about the award. "Rather, I feel this award is the result of my open-door policy and personal practice of teaching, counseling and mentoring my AJ students. I see it as a complete package. I have been greatly honored by my past students who have contacted me for advice regarding their graduate school selection or a job offer. Erica Taylor, the student who nominated me for the award, was one of these students."

Diana Bennett and Patti Appel to chair Media Arts Awards
Diana Bennett, a CSM associate professor in multimedia, and CSM Graphics Professor Patti Appel are co-chairing the 2006 Media Arts Awards for California community colleges. The awards are part of the Multimedia & Entertainment Initiative (MEI), a statewide network of Community College educators working in strategic partnerships with industry and community organizations to identify and meet California's workforce and economic development needs.

Bennett has been chair of the Web category for the awards for the past three years. She is also on the MEI education committee of state-wide community college professors, education directors, industry professionals and member of the state board of education.

John Avakian of CSM is the director of MEI, which is comprised of six regional centers and scores of affiliated colleges throughout California and is committed to creating environments in which students can achieve artistic excellence and develop technological expertise for careers in the communications, entertainment and interactive learning industries.

For more information about the awards, visit http://www.cccewd.net/mediaarts.

Two CSM football stars named All-Americans
Two CSM football offensive linemen, James Tretheway and Alex Reyes, have been named to the 46th Annual J.C. Grid-Wire Junior College All-American First Team.

"This is the first time in CSM history that two players have been named to the first team," announced CSM's Physical Education Division Dean Gary Dilley in his District-wide email last week.

Andrew Havili, another CSM offensive lineman, was awarded Honorable Mention honors. And all three players, Dilley added, are being recruited by a number of division one universities.

_____________________________________________________________

Contact us with your feedback
Please contact Mike Habeeb at habeeb@smccd.net , if you have any story ideas or comments regarding CSM Internal

If you have any suggestions, complaints, compliments or comments about CSM's staff, faculty, administrators, divisions, departments or services, CSM Listens at (650) 378-7301, extension 19080, or csmlistens@smccd.net wants your feedback.

____________________________________________________________

Calendar

CSM Planetarium Show
Second Friday Monthly, 7:30 pm
CSM Planetarium, Building 13
For information: (650) 574-6272

CSM Transfer Services Events & Workshops
August through October, various times
Various locations
For information: collegeofsanmateo.edu/transfer or (650) 358-6839
Transfer Center Coordinator Mike Mitchell: mitchellm@smccd.net or (650) 574-6662

All CSM Sports Schedules

Theatre Events and Information