News and Events from the Tseng College
Events
CSUN MPA Graduates Earn Degree in Santa Barbara
Congratulations to the 26 graduates of CSUN's Master of Public Administration program in Santa Barbara who celebrated receiving their degrees May 30. The Tseng College offers the program at numerous Southern California locations, including at the Employees University Center in downtown Santa Barbara. Students working for nonprofit or government agencies apply what they learn directly to their work environment. They exchange ideas and strategies with fellow students who want to help their agencies better serve the public, making the program more than just an academic exercise. While people may think of bureaucracies as static, the program focuses on how students can improve their workplace. "Continue sharpening the saw, but look around you to see how you can make others better," said Camerino Sanchez, chief of police of the Santa Barbara Police Department in a keynote speech at the graduation. The two-year program gives students perspectives from other students working in an array of nonprofit and government settings. "I was able to examine public administration through the eyes of the uniqueness of my fellow students," said Scot Alderete, an MPA graduate who spoke at the event. The Santa Barbara program focuses on public sector management and leadership. Other MPA options include Health Administration, Nonprofit Sector Management, and Urban Studies and Planning.
SAGE Awards Scholarships to CSUN Students
Dr. Stephan Chung, instructor in
CSUN's Health Sciences department;
Ragini Kaur, CSUN student
and scholarship recipient;
CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison;
Joanne Cecilio, CSUN student and
scholarship recipient
Sonja Marchand (right),
who helped launch SAGE
through the Tseng College in 1987;
Bea Weingart, 100 years old,
a retired science teacher
who earned a master's degree
at CSUN
The Tseng College congratulates gerontology students Joanne Cecilio and Ragini Kaur for scholarships awarded by SAGE, a learning-in-retirement group connected to the Tseng College. SAGE presented the scholarships at a gathering, May 10, that featured CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison as keynote speaker. Members of SAGE and professors, administrators and graduates of CSUN crowded into a ballroom at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys for the event.
The two students from CSUN's College of Health and Human Development received $500 each to help further their studies in gerontology. "I am a big believer in lifelong learning," said CSUN president Dianne F. Harrison. "It keeps us fresh and interested in things. We do need to keep exercising our brains."
Joanne Cecilio and Ragini Kaur each received a $500 Sonja Marchand Scholarship in Gerontology, named after a former Tseng College administrator who helped launch SAGE at CSUN more than 25 years ago. SAGE, an acronym for Study, Activity, Growth, Enrichment, organizes study groups, forums with speakers, and education adventures for retired people.
"We award scholarships to outstanding students at CSUN, and this is a true pleasure for us," said Jeanne Polak-Recht, SAGE president. SAGE also contributes to CSUN's Oviatt Library and administered a "Computers for Seniors" program at CSUN for many years.
"I want to continue collaborating with healthcare professionals to create healthy and better lives for seniors," said scholarship recipient Joanne Cecilio. Ragini Kaur works as a licensed vocational nurse helping elderly people and also expressed her appreciation. "I love every day of my life working with seniors, and I plan to be a patient advocate for seniors," she said.
Check out photos of the event on the Tseng College Facebook page.
Communication Disorders and Sciences Degree Wins Award
The University Professional Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) honored the Tseng College and CSUN's College of Health and Human Development's Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences with UPCEA's 2013 "Outstanding Program Award - Credit," for CSUN's master of science in Communication Disorders and Sciences: Speech-Language Pathology program. UPCEA bestowed the award at its annual conference in Boston April 5, attended by representatives of colleges and universities throughout North America.
A master of science in speech-language pathology is the professional entry-level requirement for employment as a speech-language pathologist. The online degree program trains speech-language pathologists throughout the country to help people of all ages with communication disorders.
"We thank you for your innovative programming, which provides a model to which your colleagues can aspire," said Alice S. Warren chair of the UPCEA Awards Committee. Three hundred and fifty institutions of higher learning belong to UPCEA, an association of leaders in professional, continuing and online education.
Tseng College Dean Receives L.A. County Women of the Year Award
Joyce Feucht-Haviar
The Los Angeles County Commission for Women honored Joyce Feucht-Havair, university senior international officer and dean of the Tseng College, as a recipient of the 28th Annual Women of the Year Award, in the category of education. The ceremony took place March 11 at the Millennium Biltmore in downtown Los Angeles.
The award salutes women for their work to bring about social and economic change and for excellence in the categories of education, health and law/public safety.
"There is a remarkable array of women in influential roles in education in Los Angeles," Feucht-Haviar noted. "I consider myself privileged, indeed, to be in a role and at an institution that allows me to envision a different future and then work with dedicated faculty and administrative colleagues to craft the innovative educational options that can make those envisioned possibilities a reality."
Tseng College Helps Sponsor Valley Business Expo
The Tseng College reached out to the community Feb. 28 with its participation in the annual Valley Business Expo at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel. Administered by the Valley Economic Alliance, the day-long event drew hundreds of people to network and exchange information. More than 100 exhibitors showcased their resources, with dozens of government, education, nonprofit and local businesses participating.
The Tseng College helped sponsor the event, which drew organizations throughout Los Angeles County, including economic and employment development departments, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, colleges and publications. The Tseng College hosted an exhibit table at the event to let visitors know about Elevate, which connects graduate education and applied research at CSUN to regional business and industry. Check the Tseng College Facebook page for photos of the event.
Master of Public Administration Expands Locales
The Master of Public Administration program continues to expand in the Greater Los Angeles area, with several off-campus classroom sites starting Fall 2013. The MPA provides graduate education in managing and resolving issues in the government, nonprofit and public sectors.
The Tseng College offers the program throughout the region. Students gain real-world knowledge and apply skills in issues such as budgeting, human resources, labor relations and strategic planning. Learn more by attending a free information session. The Tseng College collaborates with the City of Beverly Hills, the City of Pasadena, the City of South Gate, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder and the Los Angeles Unified School District to provide the MPA program at various government sites, so students don't have to drive to CSUN. Anyone with government or nonprofit administrative duties, or who wants to expand their expertise in this area, would benefit from the MPA. Classes start in August.
Tseng College Reaches European Students
The Tseng College's international presence continues to grow, with its representation at upcoming education fairs in Denmark and meetings with German-based agencies. Jessica Isomoto, the Tseng College's University Access Programs Coordinator, will greet students March 4-6 in Copenhagen, the University of Southern Denmark and Aarhus University to promote the Tseng College's Intensive English and University Pathways Programs (IEUP).
In Germany starting March 8, Jessica will meet with international agencies in Hamburg, Muenster and Bonn to discuss IEUP programs, including Semester at CSUN and Conditional Admission. Germany is the 12th leading country of origin of international students studying at American colleges and universities, according to the 2012 Open Doors Report of the Institute of International Education.
Just a Few Months to Summer
Think a semester ahead, to Summer Session 2013. Even if you're not enrolled at CSUN for the Fall or Spring semester, you still can take Summer classes if you meet course prerequisites. Check out the class offerings. The Tseng College administers Summer Session, which features three separate sections, May 28-Aug. 20.
News
Intensive English Program will Meet Students in Brazil
International Programs
and Outreach Manager
(NORTHRIDGE, JUNE 12, 2013) – The Tseng College reaches out to South America in August with its participation at an EducationUSA Fair in Brazil, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Vanessa Andrade represents the Tseng College's Intensive English and University Pathways Programs in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Aug. 31-Sept. 5.
"As a Brazilian native speaker and a former English as a second language student, teacher and teacher trainer in Brazil and the USA, I am especially thrilled to be involved in this recruitment project," says Vanessa, international programs and outreach manager for the Tseng College's Intensive English and University Pathways Programs. "It is close to home and to my heart."
More than 6,000 Brazilian students attended EducationUSA fairs last year, and the U.S. Department of State's Educational Information and Resources branch works with U.S. embassies in Brazil and other government agencies to promote U.S. higher education worldwide.
The Brazilian government also encourages students to study science and technology fields abroad through its Scientific Mobility Program. However, to study at an American university, students generally need to meet English-language requirements.
More than 57,000 international students take part in Intensive English Programs in the United States every year, according to the EducationUSA web site, and the Brazil education fair gives CSUN an opportunity to make the university known in South America.
Tseng College Students Earn Master's Degrees
(NORTHRIDGE, May 24, 2013) – The Tseng College congratulates its students who received degrees at CSUN this month. The desire to help others inspired graduates in the master of science in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services (ATHS) program. CSUN's College of Health and Human Development offers the degree in partnership with the Tseng College.
"The skills and values you learned are crucial," said Mary Ann Cummins-Prager, CSUN's associate vice president, Student Access and Support, at a ceremony prior to the ATHS graduation. "You will be ready to tackle complex matters. What you do will impact the lives of many. " She noted how developments in robotics, biotechnology and neuroscience lead to increased ways to help disabled people.
The Master of Public Administration program celebrated the graduation of 450 students with a reception on campus, honoring MPA students from throughout Southern California. Students work as managers in government and nonprofit agencies and attended classes on campus or at government sites.
Sheryl Spiller, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, praised department employees who earned their Master of Social Work at CSUN. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Tseng College jointly offer the program.
"I am able to apply all the skills I learned in my job," said graduate Daniela Alvarado, an eligibility worker who helps people in need of financial and mental health assistance. "We step outside our comfort zone. The program provided us an opportunity to become better people."
In other graduations, 60 students who studied online for their master of science in Communication Disorders and Sciences—Speech-Language Pathology gathered together at CSUN for their graduation. CSUN's College of Health and Human Development offers the program in collaboration with the Tseng College.
College of Humanities graduates spent two years building their knowledge of the best of Western intellectual and philosophical thought, and celebrated their award of a master of arts in Humanities at a reception before their graduation. CSUN's College of Humanities and the Tseng College offer the program.
Congratulations to all.
Sustainable Energy Highlighted at CSUN Presentation
(NORTHRIDGE, April 10, 2013) – Professor Hamid Johari gave an overview of CSUN's groundbreaking design and installation of energy saving, green technology at a presentation sponsored by the Tseng College.
Dr. Johari, chair of the mechanical engineering department in CSUN's College of Engineering and Computer Science, spoke as part of the Tseng College's Elevate Breakfast Series, which acquaints business and community leaders with research capabilities at CSUN.
"We have a lot of interest in the practical, applied side of research," Dr. Johari said. He explained how faculty and students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science designed and installed projects. Collaborating with area industries and agencies, CSUN built and installed a fuel cell plant that generates electricity and captures heat, solar panels to meet energy needs on campus, microturbines that generate heat used on campus, and even a subtropical rainforest.
The fuel cell power plant produces 15 percent of the energy, electricity and heat on campus. "Mechanical engineering and electrical engineering students researched the available technology and developed specifications used in the bid," he said.
Solar panels in outdoor campus parking lots generate electrical output for the campus. "Faculty members acted as consultants. Students were involved throughout the design and installation. This was a real world design experience for students."
The subtropical rainforest, created in 2009, turned an undeveloped area into a lush landscape. Biology department students researched the vegetation and soil best suited for the rainforest. Recycled water from the fuel cell power plant irrigates the area.
California Senate Bill 2 requires that 33 percent of energy come from renewable sources by 2020. The hands-on research and application of research makes CSUN an important part of resolving sustainability challenges.
"We have access to faculty and students with a broad range of interests," Dr. Johari said. "Students are eager to get involved and roll up their sleeves."
CSUN's Institute for Sustainability provides detailed information about CSUN clean energy projects throughout the campus. In addition, CSUN's Liberal Studies program in the College of Humanities offers a minor in sustainability, and the Tseng College offers a graduate certificate in urban studies and planning that addresses sustainability issues.
For photos of Dr. Johari's presentation, see the Tseng College Facebook page.
Mediation as Alternative to Litigation Highlighted at Information Session
attorney at law
(NORTHRIDGE, April 4, 2013) – People upset with each other who take their dispute to court may find a less stressful, more efficient alternative in mediation. The Tseng College offers a 100-hour certificate program in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, and attorney Jack R. Goetz gave an overview about the advantages of mediation at an information session on campus.
The one-semester program trains community members as mediators in community, legal and workplace settings. Instead of a judge or jury deciding an outcome in a particular case, mediators helps the parties work out their own resolution to their disputes.
"You want to help the parties figure out how to solve their problem," said Dr. Goetz, academic lead for the program and a long-time mediator. "You give the parties feedback. You create understanding and are open and listening."
People choose mediation because of its lower cost than litigating a case through trial, the ability of the parties to control the outcome, and flexibility in finding a resolution.
The Judicial Branch of California recognizes alternative dispute resolution as a way for parties to resolve issues.
"Mediation implies we are bringing the parties together," Dr. Goetz said. "Often the emotions are so high, we have to place one party in one room and the other party in another room." As a result, the program focuses on listening and negotiation skills, and also includes sensitivity to cross-cultural issues.
More information about the information session is posted on the Tseng College Facebook page.
Summer at CSUN
(NORTHRIDGE, April 2013) – Community members can register now for Summer Session at CSUN, even if they are not CSUN students. Dozens of CSUN departments offer hundreds of academic-credit classes during three separate sessions, May 28-Aug. 20; May 28-July 9; and July 10-Aug. 20.
The Tseng College administers Summer Session and invites community members thinking about obtaining a degree, furthering their professional or personal enrichment, or earning university credits to check out the array of Summer classes.
CSUN classes meet on campus or online, and registration continues to June 7 for Sessions One and Two, and to July 19 for Session 3. Whether it's business, computer science, foreign languages, health sciences, psychology or dozens of other subjects, a Summer Session class will give students a boost in knowledge or a head start in academic studies.
Info Session Gives Overview of M.A. in Music Industry Administration
about the Music Industry
Administration program at
the information session.
(Northridge, March 26, 2013) – Behind music industry glamor and glitz lies the business side of creating, producing, marketing and ensuring music artistry reaches a consumer. CSUN's Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration teaches students who love the music industry how to turn that excitement into practical knowledge.
The Tseng College held an information session about the program, attended by about 30 people in person and many more through a live-stream broadcast. "This degree is an alternative to the MBA for people who want to work in the music industry," said Jennifer Kalfsbeek, director of graduate and professional education programs and services for the Tseng College, which offers the degree in collaboration with CSUN's Music Department and College of Business and Economics. "We know you are busy, working adults. We make sure the schedule is conducive to your life and that you finish the degree in a timely manner."
The 11-course program takes students through developments and trends in the music industry, including business management, financial and managerial accounting, entertainment law, copyright and other issues vital to producing, distributing and promoting music.
"The traditional MBA does not address needs of today in the music industry," said Carey Christensen, assistant professor of music at CSUN and an academic lead for the program. "We are the only one on the West Coast doing this kind of program."
Prof. Andrew Surmani of CSUN's Music Department and an academic lead for the program emphasized the need for the specialized information provided. "We want you to have business chops. You don't have to have a music degree to take this program, but you should have a passion and love of music."
Salmonella Treatment for Cancer Explored
assistant professor of biology,
CSUN
(Northridge, March 13, 2013) – CSUN biology professor David Bermudes led a stimulating discussion about his research to use salmonella bacteria as a cancer treatment, as part of the Tseng College's Elevate Breakfast Series. Elevate connects university research capabilities with area business, industry and the community.
"Tumor cells have the ability to break out and get into the bloodstream," Dr. Bermudes said. "When they get to distant sites, they can take up residence in the distance location and start to grow again."
Problems result when cancer drugs fail to penetrate tumors. "You wind up with toxicity of normal tissues and lack of efficacy against the tumor." The bacteria approach causes the bacteria to seek out the cancer cells directly or stimulate the body's immune system to attack the cancer. "You can reverse the inability to get drugs into the tumor. We exposed mice to salmonella. Salmonella invaded cancer cells in culture. The strain is attenuated salmonella that stimulates an immune response."
When unleashed on tumors in mice, salmonella attacked the cancer. "Injecting the salmonella into the mouse has an anti-tumor effect."
The tumor-targeted salmonella project stretches across years of research and experiments. "My goal is to make the salmonella tumor-killing salmonella," said Dr. Bermudes who noted that research on this possibility has spread throughout the globe.
Currently, Dr. Bermudes leads students in a CSUN biology teaching lab, training the next generation of biologists, and continues his work though CSUN start-up funding and a grant. "We turn the classroom and lab into research experiences."
Tseng College dean Joyce Feucht Haviar noted that attention to research projects is an important goal of the Elevate Breakfast Series. "I look for research in the university that makes a difference in the broader community, including putting forward ideas that have implications for how industry develops them."
Photos of Dr. Bermudes's presentation are posted on the Tseng College Facebook page.
Presentation Tackles Challenge of Virtual Teams
(Northridge Feb. 13, 2013) — Businesses increasingly find the days of team members sitting around a conference room table giving way to virtual teams, with team members scattered throughout the world. "The use of virtual teams is skyrocketing," said Julia Hoch, Ph.D., a virtual team expert and faculty member of CSUN's Marketing Department in the College of Business and Economics. "It is expanding in organizations and applied research." Dr. Hoch spoke about unique dynamics of virtual teams at a Tseng College Elevate event sponsored by the Tseng College at CSUN's University Club.
Unlike face-to-face meetings, virtual team members may never see each other and may not know each other well. Dr. Hoch said companies hire individuals with the skills set to work under these circumstances. "Virtual teams are more difficult to manage. You need to be more self-motivated. People feel isolated and out of the game."
To compensate for the reduced in-person interaction, research shows that virtual team leaders and members must be proactive and able to work in different time zones and with different cultures. They must share the same understanding of team goals, when members do not have face-to-face interaction.
Dr. Hoch noted that lack of shared physical space challenge communication and management success. Structure and information management still must take place when the leader may participate from thousands of miles away. She said research shows virtual teams do better with shared leadership and shared decision-making, when they encourage feedback and recognition, and by making sure team members understand group goals.
"It does change the dynamic," said Joyce Feucht-Haviar, University Senior International Officer and Dean, at the event. "You are working in different ways. Some companies only put together virtual teams when looking for a high level of innovation. Managing the innovation process is not a hierarchical thing. You want members to come from different points of view and challenge each other."
Photos of the event are posted on the Tseng College's Facebook page.
Tseng College Deputy Dean Chairs Theater Festival
(Jan. 29, 2013) — Students, faculty, playwrights and those who love theater will jam the Los Angeles Theatre Centre for the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Feb. 14-16. John Binkley, the Tseng College's deputy dean, serves as regional chair of the annual festival, which showcases new plays and gives opportunities to university students, actors and playwrights to have their productions performed and discussed.
The festival showcases university theater programs and perfectly fits Prof. Binkley, associate chair of CSUN's Theatre Department. The event gives a practical and hands-on educational experience for those involved in theater. It includes auditions, readings, performances, auditions and workshops about all facets of theater production.
According to the organization's web site, since the festival's launch in 1969, more than 400,000 college theater students nationally got the chance to have their work critiqued, and more than 16 million theatergoes attended 10,000 festival productions nationwide.
Tseng College Welcomes Rad Tech Students
(Jan. 14, 2013) — Students in CSUN's Radiologic Technologist program learned about clinical requirements at an orientation at CSUN today.
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging exams, such as x-rays, on patients. CSUN's program is for radiologic technologists seeking advanced certification in CT (computed tomography) and/or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
According to the California Employment Development Department, CT technologists use scanning machines to produce three-dimensional x-rays. MRI technologists use magnetic resonance imaging machines that utilize magnets and radio waves.
CSUN's College of Health and Human Development offers the Radiologic Technologist program online in collaboration with the Tseng College. "It has significantly increased in students," said faculty member Jennifer Little. "There are a lot of online programs, but they do not offer the clinical program." Students must spend 24 hours a week in supervised clinical settings, in addition to online instruction.
The Certificate of Advanced Professional Development also qualifies students to sit for the advanced certification examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Many students work full time, and the online and clinical aspect allow them to continue their employment. "I saw this opportunity to further my education," said Bakersfield resident Phillip Tomlinson. "Online works perfectly."
International Students Learn English at CSUN
(NORTHRIDGE, Jan. 10, 2012) — The Tseng College welcomes students from around the world this month to take part in the Tseng College's Intensive English and University Pathways Programs (IEUP). Students are expected to arrive from Brazil, China, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Taiwan.
Visiting students also will come from Sahmyook Health University College in South Korea to take part in an English for Nursing program, and students from Namseoul University in South Korea also will study English. In addition, students from China will participate in an "English for TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)" program, to improve their own ability to teach English.
IEUP offers year-round academic programs, including Intensive English, Intensive English Program with Conditional Admission, Semester at CSUN, English Language and Cultural Experience, and Custom-Designed Programs.
