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Bulletin Board policy revised
The Bulletin Board policy has been revised in response to subscriber input regarding the increased number of messages sent via the listserv. The most significant change is that all submissions to Bulletin Board by authorized posters will be checked by a listserv administrator to ensure they meet rules on frequency of messages posted on a given topic, and the appropriateness of the messages.
The new policy, which can be viewed at
www.csufresno.edu/humres/MAPP/II/C/C-11.pdf, clearly describes the types of messages appropriate for Bulletin Board and the new posting procedures for those individuals authorized to post (deans, associate deans, department chairs, managers, representatives of bargaining units and designated proxies). For more, click here.
 Fresno State pistachio orchards garner international interest
International visitors came to see Fresno State's pistachio orchards at the corner of Cedar and Sierra on Friday, Sept. 12. A delegation visited Fresno State from People's Republic of China, led by Niu Dun, vice minister for agriculture, and accompanied by a USDA delegation led by Constance Jackson, undersecretary of agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service.
The Chinese delegation's visit is expected to open new export markets for pistachios, according to Ganesan Srinivasan, director of the University Agricultural Laboratory. He briefed the visitors on the agronomic practices involved in growing the crop as well as the processing and marketing of the nuts. The members of the ministerial delegation later visited the Gibson Farm Market where they got to sample some of the pistachios from campus.
The visitors were accompanied by officials from Meridian Nut Growers who partner with Fresno State in processing and marketing pistachios.
In photo above (far right) Sydney Jackson, Fresno State government relations officer, meets with Constance Jackson, USDA undersecretary, and Niu Dun, China's vice minister for agriculture.
Provost’s office launches “Bulldogs: Best in Show” Campaign
Did you know that Fresno State graduated a record number of students last year? Did you know that Fresno State brought in the largest number of grant and contract dollars last year? Did you know that more than 10,200 students, faculty, and staff provided more than 670,000 hours of service to the community — the highest in the university's history?
These and many more singular achievements will be celebrated and showcased in a campuswide effort spearheaded by Provost Jeri Echeverria and Academic Affairs. They have teamed up with faculty and students from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism to implement the “Best in Show” campaign. For more information, contact campaign co-chair, Associate Provost Ellen Junn, at ejunn@csufresno.edu.
 Remote Observatory captures the night sky
Fresno State's Remote Observatory is now operational and takes beautiful pictures of the universe. The photo shown is an image taken the observatory of the Crescent Nebula, also called NGC 6888, by the constellation of Cygnus, the Swan. Astronomers call this kind of object a Wolf-Rayet Bubble.
The 16-inch main telescope is designed by DFM Engineering; the guidescope on top is a 5-inch refractor by Meade.
Professor Frederick Ringwald operates the observatory mainly from his campus office, by remote control over the Internet. Pictures taken by the observatory are available here.
Ringwald is also using the Remote Observatory to record science data for his research in astronomy. During the early parts of the night last month, he observed a powerful outburst of a black hole discovered by NASA's Swift spacecraft. These outbursts are rare.
 New Web site addresses smoking
An interactive map featuring the approved smoking locations on campus is featured on a new Web site, www.csufresno.edu/smoking. The clearly marked locations are linked to photos of the two dozen sites where smoking is permitted. The Web site also features an abridged version of the Smoke Free Campus Policy and information on smoking cessation programs for faculty, staff and students. Approved smoking locations have tables and/or benches plus specially marked ash cans.
Fresno State became a "smoke free campus" except for officially posted designated smoking areas in April 2003. In addition to the smoking restrictions, the use of smokeless tobacco in any form is not permitted in classrooms or other enclosed buildings and is strongly discouraged outdoors.
The university has taken an informal approach to enforcement of the policy and has asked those who view violations to ask smokers to respect the policy and only smoke in designated areas.
 Fossils found by Fresno State team
Mammoth and camel fossils unearthed by a Fresno State team under contract with Caltrans during its extension of Highway 180 West were displayed at the Caltrans ribbon-cutting of the Highway 180 West project on Sept. 12.
Dr. Robert Dundas
and Dr. Fraka HarmsenWith their students, Dr. Fraka Harmsen, associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, and Dr. Robert Dundas, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences, found the fossils.
The university had a $300,000 contract with Caltrans to conduct paleontological monitoring during construction of the new highway segment. The university was charged with excavating and preparing any fossils found during that process.
Culinology® program receives kitchen equipment gift
The California Restaurant Association has given $7,500 worth of industrial kitchen equipment to the Culinology® program as part of the association’s support of schools that prepare students for careers in the food service, restaurant and culinary industry. The donation included hand tools and other utensils, according to Klaus Tenbergen, Culinology® program director. For more, click here.
Campus goes ‘green’ with food products
New this year, the Bucket Grill and Pub and university catering departments are using eco-friendly utensils and other products. Included are cups, plates, napkins, to-go containers, coffee cup sleeves and stirrers. The products use corn- and sugar-based utensils that are compostable. Dining Services is working with the University Farm on composting.
‘Maddy Forum’ broadcasts Saturdays
Fresno State's 90.7 KFSR radio airs "The Maddy Forum," a 30-minute weekly public affairs program on issues impacting Central California, Saturdays at 1 p.m., with a rebroadcast Sundays at 11 a.m. The program launched Sept. 20. Mark Keppler, the executive director of the Maddy Institute, will introduce each program. Mike Lukens, liaison for the Maddy Institute with the California Partnership, will serve as the program host. Guest hosts include Don Jackson (chairman) and Lee Lockhart (board member) of the Maddy Institute. The program features topics critical to the region and interviews with local and regional leaders. For more, click here.
  Nancy Hinds, Carolyn Drake enter Nursing Hall of Fame
The Central San Joaquin Valley Nursing Hall of Fame inducted Fresno hospice pioneer Nancy L. Hinds (pictured far right) and Fresno City College nursing educator Dr. Carolyn C. Drake at its fifth annual awards luncheon. They join other nursing leaders recognized for their lifetime dedication and achievements in nursing with plaques in McLane Hall, which houses Fresno State's Department of Nursing.
The Hall of Fame was created in 2004 as a collaborative project that recognizes nursing leaders. For more, click here.
Advancement Division reports accomplishments
The Advancement Division accomplishments in the 2007-08 year were reported to President Welty and the Cabinet by Vice President Peter N. Smits.
Volunteers, university leaders and staff continued their energetic work in all areas of Advancement – University Communications, Alumni Relations and University Development.
The Campaign for Fresno State is a major focus of Advancement. Smits reported that in the context of a “young”
development program, ups and downs in gift totals are normal. One or more very large contributions (in the seven- or eight-figure range) can elevate one year’s total and may not be repeatable the subsequent year. (The previous year we exceeded goal by 35
percent; this past year we were about the same percentage below.) The objective for a young program such as ours is to continue building the base and at the same time to build relationships with potential major benefactors, both individuals and organizations, working toward their willingness to invest in university programs as time goes on.
Contribution totals were down overall for fiscal year 2007-08. On the other hand, two seven-figure gifts from realized bequests allowed two campus units to exceed their goals. This is a reminder that Development is a long-term process. It starts with relationships, progresses through meaningful involvements and culminates in philanthropic investments that change lives for the better.
Most important are the advances made possible by the generosity of our benefactors. Nearly 10,000 donors gave to Fresno State last year. Gifts of all sizes make a difference – and that is what the Fresno State Comprehensive Campaign is all about. We are grateful to every one of those donors.
To read more about the accomplishments of Advancement’s units – University Communications, Alumni Relations and University Development, click here.
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Vol. 12 
