Economic Crisis Work Life Balance - DOC

							Workforce and State Economic
Development Initiatives from Annual
Reports [Draft 1.2]
As of July 14, 2009

In annual reports, departments were asked to list significant departmental accomplishments related to
workforce and state economic development and provide 1-2 sentences of description for each item. As of
the preparation of this summary, 38 out of 39 departments have reported information.

         Workforce and state economic development
         Research, consulting, and advisory positions with local or state businesses; participation in
         groups, panels, or committees directed at improving economic conditions in the state; or other
         related activities.




 School of Arts & Sciences
 Art
         Dr. Cassandra Broadus-Garcia: All of these depend on the articulation of standards as a
          foundation on which to build. They will affect higher education teacher training programs,
          accreditation programs, and district planning goals, teacher mentoring, and also guide the
          planning for requirements for beginning teachers to show competence for earning their teaching
          license.
         Dr. Cassandra Broadus-Garcia: Connecticut Department of Education Statewide Arts
          Assessment Initiative/Project Served as Reviewer on the Steering Committee;
         Dr. Cassandra Broadus-Garcia: Connecticut State Department of Education - Connecticut Visual
          Arts standards Committee Charged with revising current CSDE Visual Arts Teaching Standards.
         Dr. Cassandra Broadus-Garcia: Developed 5th grade Arts Assessment Rubric - the evaluation
          instrument used for the assessment of all 5th grade student work submitted in the 2008 Statewide
          Assessment Pilot.
         Dr. Cassandra Broadus-Garcia: Led Visual Arts Benchmarking sessions;
         Dr. Cassandra Broadus-Garcia: These standards are enormously important because they impact
          several different Connecticut State initiatives currently under development including
          Certification Regulations, Revised Program Approval Regulations, Teacher Evaluation and
          Professional Development Guidelines.
         Dr. Cora Marshall: Greater New Britain Arts Alliance, Gallery Committee Chairperson and
          Board Member. Develop criteria for the submission of exhibition proposal; review proposals;
          attend and represent CCSU at public exhibitions. Several news articles and reviews of
          exhibitions.
         Dr. Jerry Butler: West Hartford Art League: Presented economic development plan centered on
          an outdoor gallery for the Blue Back Square. The plan included murals, mosaics, etched glass,
          and an outdoor theatre.
Biology
     The Biology department continues to coordinate an employment fair for undergraduate and
      graduate students in the biological sciences in the fall and spring semesters.
     The Biology department has cooperated with the CCSU Nursing Department and expanded its
      Anatomy and Physiology courses to accommodate the influx of nursing students accepted into
      the new 4 year degree program.
     The M.A. Program in Nurse Anesthesia brings in an annual cohort of approximately 32 nurses
      who train to become registered nurse anesthetists. Typically ½ of each annual cohort is
      composed of individuals from Connecticut who remain in Connecticut after they graduate.

Chemistry
     Offering of two new courses for the B.S. Nursing program.

Computer Science
     CS students frequently participate in the CCSU coop program. Generally, CS students have no
      difficulty finding coop positions. The program provides a means for undergraduate students to
      experience computer science work in Connecticut industry.
     The CCSU CS department graduated 23 undergraduate students in 2008, more than U. Conn.
      (21), and more than most other universities in the state. (July 1, 2008, Hartford Courant). In the
      state, only 5 universities are ABET accredited (CCSU, SCSU, U. Conn, U. New Haven,
      Quinnipiac University) and of these CCSU and SCSU produce the most graduates. ABET
      standards were developed by major employers and academic institutions nationwide to describe
      what students should know upon graduation.
     The publication Higher Education: Building Connecticut’s Workforce (April 2009, p. 17) from
      the Departments of Labor and Higher Education reports that in 2006-2007 CCSU graduated 50
      students in “Computer & Information Sciences” and that 45 of them were employed by the third
      quarter after graduation, for a 90% rate of employment. Several majors are included in this
      category.
     The value of computer science graduates to the Connecticut economy is stressed in Connecticut
      Workforce Demands and the Implications for Education (CT Dept. of Labor, 2003). That
      document describes how Connecticut is moving toward a “knowledge economy” and how
      professional-level computer science is required to sustain it. In that report seven of the twenty-
      five “Most in Demand” occupations requires a degree in computer science.

Criminology & Criminal Justice
     Developed a risk assessment tool to assist in decision making for bail recommendations to the
      court
     Developed and conducted trainings for criminal justice practitioners on the following topics:
      criminal thinking; motivational interviewing; client engagement; cognitive behavioral;
      intervention; sexual offending; strength based practice; administration and interpretation of risk
      assessment instruments
     Developed of a structured interview to assess motivation and perceived strengths in Juvenile
      probation clients (AIM; Assessing Individual Motivation).
     Faculty are active in assisting state criminal justice agencies and programs in developing risk
      assessment strategies, evaluation instruments and protocols, data management procedures, and
      provide practitioner training in empirically supported practices. Below are some of examples:
     Provided quality assurance reviews of criminal justice case managers to improve their work with
      offenders.
Design (Graphic/Information)
     Eleanor Thornton, Assistant Professor: Judge for Hartford Business Journal E-Technology
      Summit Competition 2009

Economics
     Charkiewicz: Working with Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to encourage students to apply for
      internships
     Charkiewicz: Working with American Economic Association to encourage minority students to
      apply for AEA Minority Scholarship Program
     Daigle: Member, The Hartford Area Business Economists
     Daigle: Member, The National Association of Economic Education Council and Center
      Directors
     Osoba: Invited panelist: “Culture and Entrepreneurial Activity in the United States: Regional
      Implications” panel presentation at Trinity College

English
     Rae Schipke Program focusing on developing the writing skills of recruits in the New Britain
      Police Department

Geography
     Dr. Button organized career Beginnings Workshop for High School students from numerous
      Hartford area schools. Provided jointly with Dr. Martin Esty of the Hartford Consortium of
      Higher Education. February 24, 2009.

Philosophy
     Dr. David Blitz: Hosted (organized by Bill Cibes, former Chancellor of CSU system, and Ned
      Lamont, Chair Arts and Sciences Public Policy Meeting) meetings at CCSU of a non-partisan
      group which aimed at developing a long-term strategy for economic development in Connecticut
      and short term response to the current economic crisis that does not compromise the basis for
      eventual recovery. Brought to campus 40-50 leaders of non-profit, labor and business groups;
      led to formulation of “Act Now” and “Prosperity for All” documents. Working with faculty,
      students and alumni to develop a public policy for renewal of Connecticut cities, with particular
      emphasis on tax reform and housing, transportation and service issues needed to end stagnation
      in the urban centers and create the basis for long term economic growth and social equity among
      the various population groups in the state.
     Dr. David Blitz: Hosted Connecticut database developers group on campus, consisting of small
      business and independent developers of Filemaker Pro software package.
     Professor Ned Lamont : “An Evening with Ned Lamont: Business-Politics-Academics and
      Building Connecticut’s Workforce”. Thursday, June5, 2008. Goal: Invite alumni to campus for
      a presentation on a multi-disciplinary approach to workforce development, with special
      reference to the role of higher education.
     Professor Ned Lamont: “A Blueprint for Connecticut Prosperity”, presented by Bruce Katz, The
      Brookings Institute: Thursday, November 6, 2008. Goal: bring to campus a major thinker on
      urban revival in the United States and promote discussion of measures to restore Connecticut
      cities to prosperity.
     Professor Ned Lamont: “Financial Crisis 2008” (with faculty from Arts and Sciences, Business,
      and Wall Street executives): Wednesday, October 15, 2008. Goal: explain and debate the
      causes and prospects of the financial crisis.
     Professor Ned Lamont: Hosted (with Bill Cibes, former Chancellor of CSU System) meetings at
       CCSU of a non-partisan group which aimed at developing a long-term strategy for economic
       development in Connecticut and short term response to the current economic crisis that does not
       compromise the basis for eventual recovery. Brought to campus 40-50 leaders of non-profit,
       labor and business groups; led to formulation of “Act Now” and “Prosperity for All” documents.
      Professor Ned Lamont: Working with faculty, students and alumni to develop a public policy for
       renewal of Connecticut cities, with particular emphasis on tax reform and housing,
       transportation and service issues needed to end stagnation in the urban centers and create the
       basis for long term economic growth and social equity among the various population groups in
       the state.

Political Science
      Professor Paul Petterson is part of a group that has developed the Blueprint for Connecticut’s
       Future, an effort to craft a long term budget strategy for the state that will enhance economic
       growth and social well-being for all. (See www.ctblueprint.org). This is also relevant to
       Community Engagement, below.

Psychology
      Dr. Carol Shaw-Austad. Member of advisory positions with Ned Lamont/Bill Cibes groups on
       state education/businesses; applied research, policy analysis meetings.

Sociology
      Beth Merenstein worked on issues of Work-Life Balance on campus. Through the auspices of
       CCW, she and Leah Glaser created an extensive report on concerns of Work-Life balance on the
       CCSU campus. In March, they met with the President to discuss some of these issues, and with
       his support, as well as a grant from the office of Diversity and Equity, they moved forward in the
       first steps of creating a Work-Life balance website, as well as a babysitting network for campus
       parents

Theatre
      Professor Sheila Siragusa and student Doug Oliphant were invited by Attorney Edward
       Klemouski to speak to the Rocky Hill rotary Club about her original production, “Water”. The
       club was inspired by her challenging and topical production since it raises funds for clean water
       projects throughout the world
School of Business
Accounting
     Accounting graduates take jobs in Finance and Insurance, Professional and Technical Services,
      Government, and others, including manufacturing. The CT Dept. of Labor and Dept. of Higher
      Education Workforce Studies report, Building Connecticut’s Workforce (2008, DHE) provided
      to us by CCSU’s Institutional Research and Assessment, reported that 80% of the graduates
      majoring in business management and administration were employed the third quarter after
      graduation.
     The department works with CPA firms to promote our students for positions and internships in
      public practice.
     We have a student whose education is being funded by the Department of Labor

Finance
     The Finance Preparatory Program (FPP): As part of the Department of Finance mission, we are
      launching the Finance Preparatory Program (FPP). The objective of the FPP is to enhance the
      job-readiness of our students for entry into the financial industry and to ensure a better alignment
      between pre- employment training and the quantitative skills that financial sector employers
      expect from fresh graduates. ainly, we aim at providing them with the analytical and
      quantitative skills, (which are not covered in traditional class setting), they need to succeed in
      the financial industry. The FPP will ensure that our finance graduates continue to be sought after
      by financial sector employers and that financial industry continues to benefit from well-trained
      and job-ready graduates

Management & Organization
     Dr. Drew Harris was involved in various activities related to the development of small
      businesses and startup businesses in Connecticut.
     Dr. Sarah Stookey worked with local community agencies to provide training programs to
      homeless and at-risk individuals in New Britain.

Marketing
     Henry Greene: has organized a field trip for marketing students to learn about economic
      development and tourism in Willimantic, Connecticut, possibly to investigate potential student
      internships.
     Henry Greene: submitted a grant for developing enhancing the education experience and
      developing an effective assessment of learning. He has not heard back from his grant request.
     Nusser Raajpoot: By incorporating greater analytical exercises (both in MKT 295 & MKT 380)
      and exposure to use of statistical software (MKT 380) in marketing strategy development I
      contributed to improving the quality of potential Connecticut workforce.

MIS
     An Executive Advisory Forum convenes yearly. High-level executives such as Chief
      Information Officers (CIOS), Senior/Executive/Vice Presidents, and Directors in IT, meet with
      faculty members to discuss industry needs and trends and to facilitate partnerships with area
      businesses. These forums also help faculty members keep abreast of developments in the field
      of management information systems and technology to inform their curricula decisions.
     Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce in the IT sector of the labor market, the
Management Information Systems department made significant efforts to recruit students for its
major and minor in Management Information Systems. Recruiters from a variety of industries
including insurance, service, and state government were invited into classes to make students
aware of internships, cooperative education positions, and full-time employment opportunities in
Connecticut.
Education and Professional Studies
Counseling and Family Therapy
     1) Central Access & Student Development (CASD) mission is to assist individuals in recovery
      from mental illness and/or substance use disorders to gain access to educational opportunities, to
      maximize their educational potential, and to succeed in their chosen field of study. CASD aims
      to foster the development of the whole person by promoting educational, personal and career
      achievements.
           o The CASD Project Coordinator actively participates on advisory committees within and
               closely associated with the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
               The main role for this involvement is to advocate for the importance of supported
               education; especially as it relates to obtaining a GED, post-secondary education or
               specialized training that will assist individuals with mental illness and/or substance use
               disorders in securing competitive employment and careers of their choice that they can
               be proud of.
           o CASD is often called upon to participate in consultations for the improvement of
               educational and/or employment services at private and public mental health treatment
               centers. (ie. Family Resource Center at the Institute of Living, Specialized Treatment in
               Early in Psychosis (STEP) program Yale University in association with the
           o Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) and DMHAS Young Adult Services where
               CASD developed applicable data questions to track post secondary educational goals
               and outcomes.
           o In December 2000 CCSU received funding from the Connecticut Department of Mental
               Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to launch a campus based supported education
               (SEd) program called Central Access & Student Development (CASD).
           o In the area of Work force development the CASD programs exemplifies the University’s
               role in state wide development
           o Since its inception, CASD has supported CCSU students and other students from across
               Connecticut. The program has emerged in a leadership role as a statewide advocate
               offering resources for student consumers, families, mental health providers and post
               secondary educational institutions alike.
     Dr. Rosenberg began development of an advanced certificate program for counselors in need of
      licensure
     Dr. Tait was the CCSU point person for the committee on Behavioral Health Education
      Programs in Connecticut sponsored by Connecticut Allied Health Workforce Development
      Council.
     Faculty in the Professional and Rehabilitation Program consult with professionals around the
      state on licensure issues to develop counselors who are eligible for licensure
     Supported Education is an emerging best practice in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation. The
      purpose of supported education is to help those who experience psychiatric disabilities pursue
      post-secondary education. Supported education offers a broad range of services and supports that
      address transitional academic needs. The goal of supported education is to identify and develop
      strategies and secure resources and accommodations for consumers/students to access
      postsecondary education.
     The Professional & Rehabilitation Program trains and educates students to work in state and
      private agencies for counseling, drug and alcohol recovery and rehabilitation careers. Program
      expects to have 21 graduates this year.
     Internships and experiential learning
          o   SDHE placed 17 student interns in placements in colleges, community colleges and
              universities throughout the central Connecticut area, working in student activities, health
              education, residence education, student affairs administration, financial aid, career
              counseling and development, learning assistance, academic assistance for student
              athletes, First Year Experience courses and training for community organizers. Total
              time contributed: 5,100 hours.
          o   Through various practicum and internship sites, the program placed 56 students in
              agencies state-wide, opening up possibilities for future employment for MFT graduates.
              Practicum Volunteer Service Hours: 21,100 Internship Volunteer Service Hours: 28,000

Educational Leadership
     Co-Facilitate BEST Teacher Leadership Academy
     Cohort in Bristol
     Cohort in Windsor Locks
     CREC presentation
     Developing coursework for technologists in education (Abed, Woods, and Rigazio-DiGilio)
     Integrated SMART board technology in Educational Technology classes
     Recruiting cohort in East Hartford

Nursing
     As a program, we address the workforce issues through the development of the new BSN
      program. The chair sits on various state-wide committees that focus efforts aimed at reducing the
      nursing shortage.
     Linda Wagner is a member of the Health Science Academy Committee at New Britain High
      School

Physical Education
     All coursework prepared teacher candidates for the workforce field of teaching.
     CT Dance Certification -All CT dance certification and DSAP candidates are reviewed by
      CCSU Dance Program Director.

Social Work
     Dr. Patricia Henry Hensley: Developed and implemented weekend social work program
      targeting Connecticut State employees, and full time employees in human service agencies
      throughout the central Connecticut region

Special Education
     (Beck) Advisory member of the State of Connecticut Secondary Education Reform Act.
     Dr. Mitch Beck: Participated with State Department of Education to address teacher shortage in
      special education.
     Nelson, W. & Nicoll-Senft, J. (March, 2009). Red birds, blue birds, and response to intervention.
      3rd Annual Literacy Essentials Conference, CCSU, New Britain, CT.
     Nicoll-Senft, J. & Veneziano-Lemos, J. (April, 2008). Increasing the Capacity of
      Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Education. 27th National Conference on the Training and
      Employment of Paraprofessionals, Hartford, CT
     Nicoll-Senft, J. (March, 2009). Curricular Accommodations and Modifications, West Hartford
      School District, West Hartford, CT.
     Summer Curriculum Grant, Implementing 4Mat in SPED 315, Connecticut State University,
      (Awarded April, 2008). Amount Total: $3,700
Teacher Education
     Aaronsohn, E. Organic Gardens Board Member, New Britain
     Ayalon, A. Board of Education member, New Britain Consolidated School District
     Hoffman, N. The MAT program preparing teachers for secondary shortage areas is finishing its
      first cohort (6 students) in June 2009. The second cohort (23 students) will begin study on May
      26, 2009
Engineering & Technology
Biomolecular Sciences
     Biotechnology Institute (renewed for the next five years, 2009-2014) – provides support for
      outreach activities in the areas of biotechnology for middle and high school students. Also
      provides scholarships for CCSU students to support student-centered research.
     CT Career Choices- Biotech in the 21st Century – 150 High School students from across the
      state of CT met on campus for 3 meetings during the academic year to work on a Biotech based
      problem. Results from year-long project were presented at CT Expo center on May 9th.
      (Mulrooney, coordinator for CCSU component) (Davis, Hoopengardner, King, Martin) (5 CCSU
      Students).
     UCONN ESCRO Committee (Mulrooney) – serve as scientist to review for grants funded by the
      State of CT’s, 100 Million dollar Embryonic Stem Cell Initiative, and develop policies for
      governing ES cell research in the state of CT, consistent with US government guidelines.

Computer Electronics & Graphics Technology
     Curriculum Development

Engineering
     Connecticut Space Grant Campus Director, Alfred A. Gates; Involved with providing
      scholarships and internship opportunities to students and faculty from CCSU and other colleges
      within the state of Connecticut.
     Consultation: A. Gates, FuelCell Energy Danbury CT, Continuing with research and
      development of high temperature fuel cells, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Manufacturing & Const Mgt
     Assisting with development of training systems, based upon our curriculum needs and the results
      of these studies
     Conducting performance studies of CNC machinery virtual and online training systems
     Four training programs for AGC of Connecticut.
     MSHA training for over 30 companies in Connecticut and Rhode Island through a Federal Grant
      program.
     Research in online and virtual training systems, in conjunction with Connecticut Center for
      Advanced Technology (CCAT)
     Training programs in manufacturing at Allegheny Ludlum and Datamail, Inc.

Technology & Engineering Education
     Dr. Dischino serves as a board member to several Connecticut based groups to promote CCSU
      and the role of women in technology and engineering.
     Dr. Foster continues his research into the developmental issues relating Technology &
      Engineering Education and serves as an editorial advisor to the ITEA sponsored Yearbook
      Series.