E-News at SSU Extended Education

Welcome to another edition of E-news from the School of Extended Education at Sonoma State University. Our summer has been very active and productive. We offered our first ever August intersession, hosted international visitors and received a statewide award.

Reminder: Just click the words "read on" to see the article in its entirety.

The School of Extended Education's global educational outreach at Sonoma State University flourished this summer with two groups of Korean educators and one group of Korean students participating in a variety of learning experiences. (read on...)

Dr. Mark Merickel, Dean of the School of Extended Education, was recently named Senior International Officer (SIO) for SSU by Provost Ochoa. In naming Dr. Merickel, Provost Ochoa fulfills the directive of the Chancellor's Office which has charged each of the 23 CSU institutions to select an SIO. The decision of the Chancellor's Office to require each campus to have an SIO was made in order to create better communication and strategic planning for international development and programs throughout the CSU system. The exact roles of the newly appointed SIOs will vary from institution to institution. At Sonoma State "the SIO will act as a liaison for the various staff, faculty, and units that support international education and global engagement" according to Provost Ochoa. (read on...)

If you are reading this article, it may be because you have heard about the new direction Extended Education is taking and you are curious about the emphasis being placed on a "sustainable business plan".

At this time of major economic uncertainty, it is our challenge and responsibility to implement the most comprehensive and sustainable business and revenue model possible. (read on...)

The School of Extended Education is pleased to announce that our EXCEL Director, ALISON MARKS is our Mover and Shaker for our Fall 2008 E-News edition.

On July 25, 2008, the EXCEL for Youth Program (4th-9th grades) received a State Assembly Resolution for its many positive contributions to education. Since its inception in 1982, EXCEL has served over 16,000 students from throughout the North Bay. "This immensely popular youth educational program is designed to foster curiosity and involvement," notes Mark Merickel, Dean of the School of Extended Education. "We are proud to see it recognized." (read on...)

We extend our appreciation to KATHRYN JEON, Library Assistant in the Technical Services Department, for her outstanding work and support to the students of the Korean Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education and staff at the School of Extended Education SSALI office. Kathryn's sensitivity to the cultural differences between East and West made the experience of our Korean guests so much more valuable. She went above and beyond in making the students and their host families feel welcome at Sonoma State. Thanks Kathryn, for all your great work and patience!
- Julie Barnes, Assistant to the Dean, School of Extended Education