Campus Expression Policy Being Drafted

A process is underway to create a "Campus Expression: Time, Place and Manner" policy. See www.sonoma.edu/expression to make comments.

Background:
The idea for this policy came about nearly one year ago, following the World of Work Fair. Protesters wanted to communicate their messages about the military in a way that the event organizers felt would have disrupted the opportunities for students looking for employment. Because campus guidelines did not exist regarding protests, the event served as an impetus for creating an SSU policy governing such activities and others.

Both the then-Chair of the Faculty and the then-Associated Students' president were brought into the early conversation and were supportive of the work to create a policy that served all parties, allowing free expression while protecting the rights and opportunities for the students and campus.

Since that time a group has met regularly to begin the process of creating a campus expression policy. A scan of several other campus' policies, including CSU East Bay, highlighted the importance of working with those that most suited SSU's style and organizational structure. It was used as the framework for SSU's early draft policy.

The draft was reviewed with the CSU Office of General Counsel for adherence to Constitutional rights. Edits were made by members of the committee, the campus' attorney in Long Beach and others including the current Chair of the Faculty. Additional meetings with the staff representative to the Academic Senate and the ASI President were scheduled, along with Jonah Raskin, Chair of the Communication Studies Department (an acknowledged expert on Free Speech issues) as well as Tryon Woods, Chair of the sub-committee of the Academic Senate on Academic Freedom.

To read more about the Campus Expression policy, and the process that was recently agreed upon, click here.

Sonoma States Earns the Maximum 10-Year Accreditation from WASC

Sonoma State University has earned the maximum ten-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), reports President Ruben Armiñana. SSU has been accredited by WASC since 1969. The WASC accreditation process aids institutions in developing and sustaining effective educational programs, and also assures the general public and other organizations that the accredited institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness.

The WASC accreditation letter addresses specifically the Educational Effectiveness report, which was framed around the topic of "Educating the Whole Student" and SSU's three themes: planning efforts; the distinctive qualities of an SSU education; and curriculum and the roles of general education and the major.

The Commission also emphasized the need for further attention and development in the following areas: institutional mission, student retention and graduation, institutional planning, assessment, program review, general education, and diversity.

To view the entire Commission letter, visit the SSU Portfolio. For further information on the WASC accreditation, contact Shawn Kilat in the Provost's Office, at 4-2028 or shawn.kilat@sonoma.edu.

Marie Lovell, Parking Supervisor, Passes Away

Marie Lovell Marie Lovell, SSU Parking Supervisor, unexpectedly passed away on the morning of March 18, 2010. She had been a part of the campus community for 25 years. The cause of her untimely death is still being determined.

"We will miss Marie, the historical knowledge she brought to the department, and her caring nature and attitude with whomever she contacted," said SSU's Chief of Police, Nate Johnson.

Marie began her career at SSU in the summer of 1985 as a dispatcher trainee with the Department of Public Safety. The following year, she was reassigned to a position as maintenance and laborer trainee, in what was then the Department of Plant Operations/Campus Planning. After working for several years in housekeeping, Marie was promoted to Parking Officer in 1992. In 2002, she was assigned to Police Services as the Supervising Parking Officer, a position she continued to serve until her passing.

Marie loved the SSU community and was a supporter of intercollegiate athletics. Over the years, she maintained a "can do" attitude and delivered service with a smile. Marie Lovell leaves behind her husband Dean and son Michael.

Photo above: Marie Lovell and a campus friend, Thomas Cooper. Photo courtesy of Police Services.

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