HSU Academic Senate, Nov. 10, 2009

1. Prioritization thus far (see senate packet)
2. Response to prioritization (today)
3. How RRWS serves CSU and HSU Mission and
Vision
4. A reasonable proposal
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 2

• 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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 3

• The Academic Master Planning subcommittee, chaired by Cindy Moyer is to be commended for their close and careful reading of supporting materials.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 4

• 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 )
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 5

• 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 )
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 6

• 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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 7

A. 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?
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 8

HSU Prioritization Breakdown
Potential
15%
Vision
15%
Revenues
20%
Demand
20%
Quality
30%
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 9

• Vision - We received only 3 out of 4 for adherence to vision, the same score as one program that used an “outdated” mission statement.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 )
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 10

45
40
35
30
15
10
25
20
5
0
50
Headcount RRS 2000 to Fall 2009
RRWS (soils option)
RRS (range option)
RRS Sum
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 11

Wildland Soils Option Range Option
60
40
% Male
% Female
57
43
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)
25,0
20,0
Avg. Enrollment in
Upper Division RRS Classes
15,0
10,0
5,0
0,0
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 13

Average enrollment per upper division SOIL class up 32% relative to snapshot date
(and will increase with growth in Ecological Restoration and Forestry)
Average Enrollment in Upper Division SOIL
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 Fall 2009
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 14

Student Credit Units (SCUs) for RRS and
SOIL classes (2003-2009)
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009
SOIL
RRS
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 15

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
SOIL
RRS
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 16

15
10
5
0
25
20
2. Response –RRWS SFRs are increasing and comparable to CNRS averages
Student Faculty Ratios
RRWS AVG
CNRS AVG
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 17

Graduation Rates – RRS projects an increase in graduates in Spring-Fall 2010
Graduates in select CNRS majors
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009
CHEM 2 (all)
BOT 2
GEOL 2 (all)
MATH 1 (all)
NRPI 1 (all)
RRS 4 (all)
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 18

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)
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 19

• 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
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 20

• 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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 21

• 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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 22

Before continuing to a review of HSU Mission and Vision, are there any questions?
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 23

• 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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 24

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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 25

23 Business Administration, Biology, English. Liberal Studies, Psychology
21 Art, Chemistry, Economics, History, Kinesiology, Political Science
20 Interdisciplinary Studies, Music, Sociology, Spanish
19 Math, Philosophy, Theater Arts
18 Nursing, Physics
17 Geography
15 Communications, French
12 Child Development, Environmental Science, Recreation Administration
11 German
9 International Studies, Journalism, Social Work, Women's Studies
8 Religious Studies
7 Ethnic Studies, industrial Technology
6 Dance Studies
5 Computer Science
3 Environmental Resources Engineering,
Soil Science
2 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
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 26

• 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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 27

HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal
• 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.
28

“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
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 29

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 ,
Annual Average
Employment
SOC
Code 2006 2016
Percent
Change
Wages and Training
Educatio n &
Median
Hourly [1]
Median
Annual [1]
Training
Levels [3] net change
25-2021
Occupational Title
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special
Education
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and
Vocational Education
1,460
690
1,670
780
14.4
[2] $53,991 5 210
25-2022
11-9011
25-9031
29-1051
13-1111
13-2011
39-9032
15-1051
280
280
390
590
600
180
13.0
12.3
27.3
27.3
18.2
9.3
9.1
28.6
[2]
$28.02
$32.89
$58.82
$23.38
$22.20
$9.84
$33.20
$60,575
$58,274
$68,399
$122,339
$48,644
$46,193
$20,463
$69,076
5
4
3
1
4
5
5
5
90
80
60
60
60
50
50
40
25-2041
Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary School
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including
Health
170
140
210
170
23.5
[2] $58,247 5 40
19-2041
25-2012
11-9033
21.4
16.7
15.8
$33.89
[2]
$33.80
$70,491
$51,386
$70,315
5
5
4
30
30
30
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment
Specialists 210 240 21-1092
19-3031
21-1021
27-3031 130
14.3
15.4
11.1
8.3
$14.83
$33.64
$18.50
$16.27
$30,846
$69,958
$38,486
$33,851
5
2
5
5
30
20
20
10
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 30

2006-2016 Fastest Growing Occupations North Mountains
Region (Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, and
Trinity Counties)
SOC
Code Occupational Title
200
6
1,0
2016
1,3 1,48
25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 0 11.3
1,22
Perc ent
Chan ge
0 13.0
13-1111 Management Analysts 390
11-9011 Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural Managers
29-1051 Pharmacists
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Vocational Education
13-2011 Accountants and Auditors
Annual
Average
Employme nt
120
260
13-1073 Training and Development Specialists
25-2012 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
490
290
150
290
140
140
25.6
16.0
25.0
12.0
11.5
16.7
16.7
Wages and Training
Educatio
Media n
Hourl y [1]
Median
Annual
[1] n &
Training
Levels
[3]
Net change
[2] $55,714
$15.5
7 $32,384 6 (A.S.)
$26.1
5 $54,397
N/A N/A
4
4
$62.5
0
$129,99
9
[2] $52,617
$28.5
3 $59,351
$26.9
2 $56,008
[2] $55,222
$27.3
0 $56,777
5
1
5
5
5
5
5
150
140
100
40
30
30
30
20
20
20 11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers 150 15.4
Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary
25-2041 School 140 160 14.3
5 20
11-9111 Medical and Health Services Managers
21-1023 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
21-1021 Child, Family, and School Social Workers
39-9032 Recreation Workers 230
180
190
250
12.5
12.5
11.8
8.7
[2] $56,893
$40.0
2 $83,237
$18.4
4 $38,353
$17.6
1 $36,620
$22.6
8 $47,167
4
3
5
5
20
20
20
20
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 31

2006-2016 Fastest Growing Occupations
North Valley Region (Colusa, Glenn, and Tehama Counties)
Annual Average
Employment Wages and Training
SOC
Code Occupational Title
Elementary School Teachers, Except
2006 2016
25-2021 1,060
Middle School Teachers, Except
25-2022
Secondary School Teachers, Except
25-2031
Preschool Teachers, Except Special
25-2011 330
Farm, Ranch, and Other Agricultural
11-9011 700
Kindergarten Teachers, Except
25-2012 160
21-1012
Educational, Vocational, and School
Counselors 90 110
29-1127 110
Education Administrators,
11-9032
39-9032 90
29-1051 100
Clinical, Counseling, and School
19-3031 110
13-2011 160
Percent
Change
Median
Hourly [1]
Median
Annual [1]
Education
& Training
Levels [3] net change
23.3
18.4
15.0
17.9
6.1
23.1
22.2
22.2
12.5
12.5
11.1
10.0
6.7
[2]
[2]
N/A
$10.16
N/A
[2]
$17.94
$30.14
N/A
$9.11
$35.81
$27.16
$53,591
$56,134
$41,573
$21,135
N/A
$53,899
$37,296
$62,687
$86,837
$18,957
$56.11
$116,709
$74,470
$56,490
5
5
5
7
4
5
3
3
4
5
1
2
5
200
70
60
50
40
30
20
20
10
10
20
10
10
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 32

• 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
33

• 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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 34

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)
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 35

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%)
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 36

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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 37

Some HSU Vision Statements RRWS Relevance
•
•
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.
• 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 will be renowned for social and environmental responsibility and action.
We will commit to increasing our diversity of people and perspectives.
• We are already successful in recruiting and supporting diverse students.
• We will be exemplary partners with our communities, including tribal nations.
• We are serving natural resources employment needs of agencies,
NGO’s, consulting firms, private landowners and tribal nations in
California and the west.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 38

Chronicle 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.
HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal 39