Rangeland Resources and Wildland Soils

1. Rangeland Resources and Wildland Soils HSU Academic Senate, Nov. 10, 2009

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

3. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

4. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

5. 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) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

6. 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) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

7. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

8. 2. Response to Prioritization – Summary of Points from RRWS perspective 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

9. 2. Response to Prioritization HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

10. 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) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

11. 2. Response – Major headcounts up 60% since prioritization snapshot HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

12. 2. Response – Gender balance (Spring 2009 data) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

13. 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) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

14. 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) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

15. 2. Response – Combined SCUs up 20% relative to snapshot date HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

16. 2. Response – Combined FTES up 20% relative to snapshot date HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

17. 2. Response –RRWS SFRs are increasing and comparable to CNRS averages HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

18. Graduation Rates – RRS projects an increase in graduates in Spring-Fall 2010 HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

19. 2. Response - Low graduates? Projected RRWS graduates • Fall 2009 -Michael Dieter, NikoDaoussis, 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

20. 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 HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

21. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

22. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

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

24. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

25. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

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

27. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

28. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

29. 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 HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

30. 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, HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

31. 2006-2016 Fastest Growing OccupationsNorth Mountains Region (Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

32. 2006-2016 Fastest Growing OccupationsNorth Valley Region(Colusa, Glenn, and Tehama Counties) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

33. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

34. 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

35. 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) HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

36. 4. A reasonable proposal 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

37. 4. A reasonable proposal We ask that you allow us to: • Implement proposed curriculum changes and course change proposals (to make program more efficient) • 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

38. Lest we forget… Some HSU Vision Statements 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. • 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. HSU RRWS Continuation Proposal

39. The last word 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