January 26, 2006

Columbus State receives highest rating from Auditor of State

The Ohio Auditor of State's annual report once again gives Columbus State and the Development Foundation an "unqualified" rating--the highest rating, which says Columbus State's financial reports are an accurate representation of the college's financial condition.

"The purpose of the audit is to have annual financial results independently reviewed to ensure that our reporting follows appropriate principles and that we comply with applicable laws and regulations," says Aletha Shipley, director in Business and Administrative Services. "We are required by state law to have an annual audit. There are federal requirements for annual audits if an entity receives significant amounts from federal programs such as financial aid."

The report from the independent accounting firm was presented to and discussed with the Trustees' Committee of the Whole January 19. At tonight's Board of Trustees meeting, the Board is scheduled to vote on accepting the reports of the independent auditors for the college and the foundation as prepared by Parms & Company, LLC.

 

W2's have left the building

You should expect your W2 Tax Form to arrive at your address on record in the next few days. Please allow until February 6, before you check with the Payroll Department if you think your form may be lost in the mail.

 

New General Education Outcomes to be discussed at Board meeting

In 2004, a General Education Outcomes committee came together to review the learning outcomes developed in 1994. The General Education Outcomes, which are an integral part of all degree programs, refer to the measurable knowledge of skills that serve as the foundation for success within all programs of study and throughout life.

The committee reviewed the current General Education Outcomes, looked at other college's outcomes, reviewed Ohio articulation and transfer policies, considered methods of assessment, and discussed issues with academic departments across campus.

From this research, the committee arrived at new outcomes, which were presented to the Shared Governance Instructional Council during autumn quarter 2005. They are scheduled to be voted on at tonight's Board meeting.

The proposed General Education Outcomes include:

  • Critical thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Community and Civic Responsibility
  • Quantitative literacy
  • Scientific and technological effectiveness
  • Information literacy

According to Provost Mike Snider, "The General Education Outcomes that will be presented at the Board meeting represent the final review and faculty approval for general education at Columbus State."

If approved, the new outcomes will go into effect with the 2006-2007 academic year, with a two-year phase-in process for students who have already started their curriculum.

 

Disability Services provides information for teaching students with disabilities

Disability Services has updated its Web page with new resources for faculty members. With the goal of improving the quality of education for students with disabilities, the new Fast Facts for Faculty guide covers information enabling faculty to provide a better learning environment for students with disabilities.

The Web-based guide includes details on universal design for learning; rights and responsibilities; guidelines for creating an accessible syllabus and web content; suggestions for teaching students with sensory impairments, invisible disabilities, and medical or mobility impairments; tips for coordinating internships for students with disabilities; and more.

The new guide was created in conjunction with The Ohio State University Partnership Grant. Wayne Cocchi, director of Disabilities Services, served on the grant committee and wrote the interpreting portion of the grant.

For more information, go to http://cscc.edu/docs/Disability/FastFacts/index.htm.

 

Marketing and Graphic Communications Department hosts seminar on importing

The Marketing and Graphic Communications Department is hosting the first of two Supply Chain Management seminars on importing, February 17 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Funded through a Project EAGLE grant from the Department of Education's BIE program, the Basics of Importing Seminar will provide in-depth information on critical issues impacting decisions to enter or expand import activities. Topics include import clearance, trade terms and incoterms, traditional methods of payment, and a case study analysis.

The seminar will be taught by Pierre David, professor of Business at Baldwin-Wallace College. An expert in the field of importing and author of the text International Logistics , David has more than 25 years of experience in the field and stresses real world application of knowledge.

Registration is $149 and includes lunch, materials, and a DVD of the seminar.

For more information or to request a registration form, send an e-mail to logistics@cscc.edu or call the Marketing and Communications Department at ext. 5010.

 

Gruber presents at the Great Lakes International Aviation Conference

Jeff Gruber, instructor in Aviation Maintenance Technology, presented his paper "Human Factors: A realistic look at the SHEL Model Concept" at the January 2006 Great Lakes International Aviation Conference in Lansing, Michigan.

Gruber's paper addressed the ways aviation technicians can classify the location of problems, find the root cause, and discover methods to correct the problems. Gruber's course, based on his presentation, is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

Gene Sprang, right, judging the PAMA Olympics Hardware competition at the Great Lakes International Aviation Conference.

Joining Gruber at the conference was Aviation Coordinator Gene Sprang. In addition to attending seminars for their required eight hours of recurrent training, Sprang and Gruber also judged the Regional Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) Olympics. The participants of the PAMA Olympics competed in three common tasks of an aviation technician--safety wire, data research, and hardware identification. The overall winner received the title of Regional Tech-n-athlete and took home a new Snap-on toolbox.

 

Retirement parties tomorrow

Don't forget that tomorrow, Friday, January 27, the college will celebrate the retirements of two employees -- Kathy Weiss and Mike Snider. Weiss' retirement party will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Rhodes Hall Room 232. Snider's party will take place 2-4:30 p.m. in the second floor lobby of Davidson Hall.