rangeland resources and wildland soils hsu academic senate, nov. 10, 2009

Rangeland Resources and Wildland Soils

HSU Academic Senate, Nov. 10, 2009

Outline of Presentation

1. Prioritization thus far (see senate packet)2. Response to prioritization (today)3. How RRWS serves CSU and HSU Mission and

Vision4. A reasonable proposal

2HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

1. Prioritization thus far

• Designated Category IV by teams and task force.• CNRS Dean proposed a minor only or

consolidation of options , thus weakening competitiveness of graduates according to federal OPM standards for Soil Scientists, Rangeland Management Specialists, etc.

• Provost recommended elimination in favor of a minor only or a set of courses that support related majors.


1. Prioritization thus far…AMP/ICC

• The Academic Master Planning subcommittee, chaired by Cindy Moyer is to be commended for their close and careful reading of supporting materials.


1. Prioritization thus far…ICC summary

• RRWS Supports HSU Mission• Program prepares graduates well according to

federal OPM standards• RRWS graduates average 7 students per year,

low enrollment in upper division classes (see comments in section 3 of this presentation)

• RRWS did not address the possibility of a minor only configuration (see comments below)


1. Prioritization thus far…ICC summary, cont.

• Proposed curricular changes reduce units to graduate from 128 to 120, with 70 units of coursework in common between the two options, and 17 units of specialized courses for each option (including 4 unique required courses in each option.)

• ICC feels that the above courses will continue to have low enrollments. (see comments below)

• “Based on the above factors, the ICC concluded that the program had not demonstrated any significant changes in the strengths and weaknesses that were used in making the prioritization ranking.” (see comments below)


Questions thus far?

• After extensive discussion, the ICC voted to recommend to the Senate that the Rangeland Resources and Wildland Soils Programs should be eliminated. The vote was 11 for elimination, 3 against elimination, and 1 abstention.


2. Response to Prioritization – Summary of Points from RRWS

perspectiveA. No revision of prioritization score despite

requests made by RRWS.B. Low graduates and enrollments? –please consider data after prioritization snapshot (see below).C. Why not a minor only?


2. Response to Prioritization


2. Response, cont.

• Vision - We received only 3 out of 4 for adherence to vision, the same score as one program that used an “outdated” mission statement.

• Snapshot in fall 2008 was worst possible.• Demand – indicators have improved since

prioritization snapshot (new data)


2. Response – Major headcounts up 60% since prioritization snapshot


2. Response – Gender balance (Spring 2009 data)

HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 12

2. Response –Average enrollment per upper division RRS class up 75% relative to snapshot date (and will increase with growth in Ecological Restoration and

Forestry)


2. Response –Average enrollment per upper division SOIL class up 32% relative to snapshot date

(and will increase with growth in Ecological Restoration and Forestry)


2. Response – Combined SCUs up 20% relative to snapshot date


2. Response – Combined FTES up 20% relative to snapshot date


2. Response –RRWS SFRs are increasing and comparable to CNRS averages


Graduation Rates – RRS projects an increase in graduates in Spring-Fall 2010


2. Response - Low graduates?Projected RRWS graduates(4) Fall 2009 -Michael Dieter, Niko Daoussis,

Amy Meredith, Tina Norris

(8) Spring 2010 – Jerome Cimino, Dustin Detweiler*, Lauren Herstead, Ashley Hodge, Matt Meil, Rio Patton*, Heidi Ruhling, Matt Schiff

(5) Fall 2010 – Chelsea Hansen#, Angie Hart, Sarah Schuette*, Austin Tomlinson#, Stuart Wilson*

*Scholarships totaling more than $15,000 #Gave undergraduate research poster at Soil Science Society of

America meetings (Nov. 2009)


2. Response - Faculty productivity?• Based on a pending FERP faculty decision and on the eve of

the other faculty’s sabbatical leave.• $144,000 USDA grant to support student diversity, $25,000

McIntire Stennis funding and $30,000 Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Grants awarded after prioritization snapshot.

• $271,000 for HSU USDA Multicultural Scholars (award notification Jan. 2010, submitted)

• $500,000 in collaboration with other universities’ range programs, USDA Higher Education Challenge, to be submitted Feb. 2010, notification Summer 2010. Unified competencies, outcomes, assessment and shared delivery will be the focus of grant proposal


2. Response - Why not a minor?

• Program, as it stands, has a high level of integrity and produces well educated and highly sought after graduates (our first priority).

• If we were to coalesce soils courses and students into the Forest Soils option, we would lose many soils students who are interested in sustainable/organic agriculture.

• As noted by ICC, we have the only Range Resource Science undergraduate degree in California, a state that requires professional certification/licensure under Forest Practice Rules.


Summary thoughts about prioritization

• The prioritization process was completed with the ICC’s recommendation.

• Recommendations from the Academic Senate and decisions by the Provost and President Richmond are forthcoming.

• Little input from students and HSU’s regional constituency has been considered in this process, although about 30 letters of support have been received.


Before continuing to a review of HSU Mission and Vision, are there any questions?


3. How RRWS serves the CSU and HSU Mission

• Background – Dean Hedrick championed a comprehensive suite of natural resources disciplines in a coherent package for HSU that was in place in the 1960’s.

• Since that that time, HSU has become recognized nationally and internationally as a premier undergraduate destination for these studies.


3. How RRWS serves the CSU Mission

http://www.calstate.edu/PA/info/mission.shtm“To accomplish its mission over time and under changing

conditions, the California State University: Offers degree programs in academic and applied areas that are

responsive to the needs of the citizens of this state and provides for regular review of the nature and extent of these programs. “

HSU has the ONLY Range undergraduate program in California, one of two on the west coast, and has one of only three major or minor programs in soil science in California.


http://www.calstate.edu/PA/info/mission.shtm

Recall how many other CSU campuses share HSU’s majors…

23 Business Administration, Biology, English. Liberal Studies, Psychology21 Art, Chemistry, Economics, History, Kinesiology, Political Science20 Interdisciplinary Studies, Music, Sociology, Spanish19 Math, Philosophy, Theater Arts18 Nursing, Physics17 Geography15 Communications, French12 Child Development, Environmental Science, Recreation Administration11 German9 International Studies, Journalism, Social Work, Women's Studies8 Religious Studies7 Ethnic Studies, industrial Technology6 Dance Studies5 Computer Science

3 Environmental Resources Engineering, Soil Science2 Anthropology, Botany or Plant Science, Forestry, Physical Science, Watershed, Wildlife

1 (HSU ONLY) Fisheries Biology, Native American Studies, Natural Resources Planning & Interpretation, Oceanography, Rangeland Resource & Wildland Soils


3. How RRWS serves HSU

• THE VISION of Humboldt State University “Humboldt State University will be the campus of

choice for individuals who seek above all else to improve the human condition and our environment. We will be the premier center for the interdisciplinary study of the environment and its natural resources.”

Range Resource Science is an essential part of natural resources disciplines – 62% of California’s land area is RANGELAND.


• Many of California’s and the West’s tribal lands consist of Forest and Rangelands.

• Much of BLM and Forest Service land (green and taupe colors) is rangeland.


http://www.epa.gov/region09/air/maps/images/mapca_lg.jpg

3. How RRWS addresses selected HSU Core Values

“We believe our location is an ecologically and spiritually rich asset that we embrace as an integral part of our learning community. Our curriculum is relevant, collaborative and responsive to our geographical location.”

“We believe the University is an integral part of our local and regional communities.”

________________________________________What does our region need?Please refer to fastest growing occupations

handout


SOC Code Occupational Title

Annual Average Employment

Percent Change

Wages and Training

2006 2016Median

Hourly [1] Median

Annual [1]

Education &

Training Levels [3]

net change

25-2021Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 1,460 1,670 14.4 [2] $53,991 5 210

25-2022Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Education 690 780 13.0 [2] $60,575 5 90

11-9011Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers 650 730 12.3 $28.02 $58,274 4 80

25-9031Instructional Coordinators 220 280 27.3 $32.89 $68,399 3 60

29-1051Pharmacists 220 280 27.3 $58.82 $122,339 1 60

13-1111Management Analysts 330 390 18.2 $23.38 $48,644 4 60

13-2011Accountants and Auditors 540 590 9.3 $22.20 $46,193 5 50

39-9032Recreation Workers 550 600 9.1 $9.84 $20,463 5 50

15-1051Computer Systems Analysts 140 180 28.6 $33.20 $69,076 5 40

25-2041Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary School 170 210 23.5 [2] $58,247 5 40

19-2041Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 140 170 21.4 $33.89 $70,491 5 30

25-2012Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 180 210 16.7 [2] $51,386 5 30

11-9033Education Administrators, Postsecondary 190 220 15.8 $33.80 $70,315 4 30

21-1092Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists 210 240 14.3 $14.83 $30,846 5 30

19-3031Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists 130 150 15.4 $33.64 $69,958 2 20

21-1021Child, Family, and School Social Workers 180 200 11.1 $18.50 $38,486 5 20

27-3031Public Relations Specialists 120 130 8.3 $16.27 $33,851 5 10

FASTEST GROWING OCCUPATIONS 2006-2016 North Coast Region (Humboldt, Lake, Del Norte, Mendocino Counties)Education & Training Levels: 1=professional degree, 2=doctoral degree, 3=M.S., 4= Bachelor’s or higher plus work experience, 5=Bachelor’s (Omitted jobs with less than a B.S. Degree) Source: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/?pageid=146,


http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/?pageid=146


Annual Average

Employment

Percent

Change

Wages and Training

2006 2016

Median

Hourly [1]

Median Annual

[1]

Education &

Training Levels

[3]

Net change

25-2021Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

1,330

1,480 11.3 [2]

$55,714 5 150

19-4093Forest and Conservation Technicians

1,080

1,220 13.0

$15.57

$32,384 6 (A.S.) 140

13-1111 Management Analysts 390 490 25.6$26.1

5$54,39

7 4 100

11-9011Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers 250 290 16.0 N/A N/A 4 40

29-1051 Pharmacists 120 150 25.0$62.5

0$129,9

99 1 30

25-2022Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Education 250 280 12.0 [2]

$52,617 5 30

13-2011Accountants and Auditors 260 290 11.5

$28.53

$59,351 5 30

13-1073Training and Development Specialists 120 140 16.7

$26.92

$56,008 5 20

25-2012Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 120 140 16.7 [2]

$55,222 5 20

11-9151Social and Community Service Managers 130 150 15.4

$27.30

$56,777 5 20

25-2041Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary School 140 160 14.3 [2]

$56,893 5 20

11-9111Medical and Health Services Managers 160 180 12.5

$40.02

$83,237 4 20

21-1023Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 160 180 12.5

$18.44

$38,353 3 20

21-1021Child, Family, and School Social Workers 170 190 11.8

$17.61

$36,620 5 20

39-9032 Recreation Workers 230 250 8.7$22.6

8$47,16

7 5 20

2006-2016 Fastest Growing Occupations North Mountains Region (Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, and

Trinity Counties)


2006-2016 Fastest Growing OccupationsNorth Valley Region (Colusa, Glenn, and Tehama Counties)


Annual Average Employment

Percent Change

Wages and Training

2006 2016Median

Hourly [1] Median

Annual [1]

Education & Training Levels [3]

net change

25-2021

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 860 1,060 23.3 [2] $53,591 5 200

25-2022

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Education 380 450 18.4 [2] $56,134 5 70

25-2031

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Education 400 460 15.0 N/A $41,573 5 60

25-2011

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 280 330 17.9 $10.16 $21,135 7 50

11-9011

Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers 660 700 6.1 N/A N/A 4 40

25-2012

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 130 160 23.1 [2] $53,899 5 30

21-1012

Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors 90 110 22.2 $17.94 $37,296 3 20

29-1127Speech-Language Pathologists 90 110 22.2 $30.14 $62,687 3 20

11-9032

Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School 160 180 12.5 N/A $86,837 4 20

39-9032Recreation Workers 80 90 12.5 $9.11 $18,957 5 10

29-1051Pharmacists 90 100 11.1 $56.11 $116,709 1 10

19-3031

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists 100 110 10.0 $35.81 $74,470 2 10

13-2011Accountants and Auditors 150 160 6.7 $27.16 $56,490 5 10


3. How has RRWS supported the mission and WASC themes of the university?

• After the prioritization snapshot, we received $144,000 for a USDA Multicultural Scholars grant (majors in forestry, range, soils).

Picture taken August 18, 2009 of new scholars, mentors, HSU faculty and staff and U.S. Forest Service partners. 33HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

3. Range and Soil Science = Agriculture

• Foregoing this degree will severely curtail agriculturally-related classes at HSU and potential funding sources (e.g. newly formed USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture).

• How many of you have read “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver or “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan?

• “Locavore living” and interest in regional production of a safe , sustainable and healthy food supply is very popular and will increase enrollment.

• College of the Redwoods is in the process of hiring new faculty to enhance their Agriculture program.


4. A reasonable proposal

Since the 2007-2008 prioritization snapshot RRWS has increased in…

• Majors (up 60%)• Upper Division course enrollments (up 75% RRS,

up 32% SOIL)• Student Credit Units (up 20%)• Full Time Equivalent Students (up 20%)• Student Faculty Ratio (steady upward trend)• Graduates (projected upwards)



Given that…• There are pending RRWS grant proposals

totaling more than $300,000 for HSU,• HSU is the only choice for California students

to get a B.S. in Rangeland Resources Science,• HSU is one of few places for California student

to take sufficient courses in Soil Science, and that

• Employment is high for both options (>90%)



We ask that you allow us to:1. Implement proposed curriculum changes and course

change proposals (to make program more efficient)2. Postpone elimination for a four year evaluation

period following acceptance of new curriculum (to continue upward trends in enrollment and graduate rates).

• We have successfully recruited community lecturers to assist with upper division classes.

• Our trends, as opposed to the 7 year average used in prioritization, are on an upward trajectory.


Lest we forget…Some HSU Vision Statements

• Humboldt State University will be the campus of choice for individuals who seek above all else to improve the human condition and our environment.

• We will be the premier center for the interdisciplinary study of the environment and its natural resources.

• We will be renowned for social and environmental responsibility and action.

• We will commit to increasing our diversity of people and perspectives.

• We will be exemplary partners with our communities, including tribal nations.

RRWS Relevance• It’s the only choice - the only range

major and one of the few soils programs in California.

• Rangeland Resources and Wildland Soils are integral to all terrestrial ecosystems.

• We teach for sustainable ecosystem services.

• We are already successful in recruiting and supporting diverse students.

• We are serving natural resources employment needs of agencies, NGO’s, consulting firms, private landowners and tribal nations in California and the west.


The last wordChronicle of Higher Education, Nov. 5, 2009• The bigger issue is that most colleges are too concerned with trying

to compete for prestige rather than serve their students and their communities, said Cal State's chancellor, Charles B. Reed. He and Arizona State University's president, Michael M. Crow, spoke on a panel at the "Smart Leadership in Difficult Times" forum, sponsored by the TIAA-CREF Institute.

• "Public higher education has done it to itself with generic state institutions" that all try to do the same thing, Mr. Crow told the gathering of 130-plus college presidents and other leaders. The duplication of expenses among so many colleges that are "insufficiently differentiated" adds to states' costs and leaves legislators and other potential supporters with little inspiration to support colleges when they come looking for money, said Mr. Crow.


rangeland resources and wildland soils hsu academic senate, nov. 10, 2009

Documents

presentation rrws

rrws perspective

faricc summary rrws

prioritization ranking

hsu mission program

reasonable proposal

response average enrollment

far icc summary