NEWS: Carlsen's 2006 Harassment

Portions of this article originally appeared on
The Campus Ledger Online April 21, 2006

Carlsen's unwelcome visits continued into 2006
Female employee says her supervisor knew of Carlsen's visits and still did nothing

by Miguel M. Morales

A new document reveals Teresa Lee, manager, Human Resources, feared the college president, Charles Carlsen, would resume sexually harassing her.

The Ledger obtained a new document describing a visit Carlsen made to Lee's office one month before allegations of unlawful harassment against him became public.

A previous 22-page document described alleged unlawful harassment by the former college president from May to November 2003.

“I am shaking about it”
The new document dated March 14, 2006, states Carlsen came into the Human Resource office where Lee works and sat in her private office until Dorothy Freidrich, then director of Human Resources, interrupted.

"Dorothy came in to say that she had [someone] on the phone and wanted to know if Dr. Carlsen was able to be a part of a conference call," Lee writes in the document. "He made a joke that he didn't like the look in her eye and then said he could.

"He stayed seated in my office after she left ... I thought it odd that he wouldn't just get up and leave."

According to the document, after Carlsen left, Lee spoke to others in her department as she had in 2003.

"I then went out to ask [another employee] what Carlsen had asked her," she continues. "[The employee] told me that he had asked her about [a Human Resources] issue. She directed him to me as she was now out of the loop.

"I told her, 'Gee, thanks!'"

"I am not sure why he is in my office again. He was in last week as well and I let Dorothy [Friedrich] know. I would think that the man would never set foot in my office again."
Teresa Lee, manager, Human Resources

The employee asked if Carlsen was again in Lee’s office with the door closed.

"I told her that it hadn't stopped Carlsen in the past whether the door was closed or not," Lee writes.

Lee also wrote that she thought this type of behavior from Carlsen ended in 2003 after she confronted him about his unlawful harassment. According to information from a previous document, that was the meeting where Carlsen admitted harassing Lee.
"I am not sure why he is in my office again. He was in last week as well and I let Dorothy know," Lee writes in the new document. "I would think that the man would never set foot in my office again.

"I am a little concerned that he is going to start something again. I haven't been keeping track of his visits but I think I will need to start again ... Now I am shaking about it."

“Satisfactorily resolved”
April 13, nine days after denying the allegations of unlawful harassment in The Ledger, Carlsen released a statement resolving to take a leave of absence while a third party investigated the allegations. In the statement, Carlsen again denied the allegations.

"I am deeply distressed by reports in our campus newspaper about a personnel issue brought to my attention two and one-half years ago that I was assured had been adequately addressed and satisfactorily resolved at that time," his statement read.

The meeting Carlsen referred to took place Nov. 14, 2003.

The meeting involved Susan Lindahl, vice president of College Relations and Strategic Initiatives; Friedrich, then director of Human Resources, now vice president; Lee; and Carlsen.

Lee's calendar shows a 10 a.m. meeting with Carlsen that day, which corroborates the date in her narrative.

Lee's narrative describes Carlsen as "uncomfortable" during the meeting. He also admitted that he didn't know why he harassed her.

The document also reveals Friedrich said the college would pay Lee's legal fees.

"My legal fees -- Dorothy said after the meeting for me to submit them to her and we would try to get them paid under consulting fees," Lee writes.

In an e-mail to her attorney that day, Lee writes, "While I was meeting with you the powers-that-be-met with him. We all met this morning and he apologized to me and discussed how we could improve the current procedure for handling this type of problem."
Her lawyer responded, "I am pleased that your concerns were recognized as important. I am also pleased, but surprised, that the issue was addressed by JCCC without a formal complaint from you.

"Pat yourself on the back for standing up for yourself, and for handling the situation professionally and with class. Keep a journal of any further incidents, and stay in touch."

Lee took his advice.In 2004, she documented contacting and meeting with Board of Trustee chair, Elaine Perilla, regarding Carlsen's unlawful harassment. Lee also documented Carlsen's March visit.“Exceeding expectations”
Trustees, including Perilla, deny knowledge of the alleged sexual harassment.

Lindahl and Friedrich have yet to deny knowledge of the alleged sexual harassment or that they impeded the process by not reporting it.

Lee's performance appraisal forms, or evaluations, from fall 2002 to fall 2005 rate her overall work performance as "exceeding expectations."

Friedrich, who conducted each evaluation, noted in the fall 2003 appraisal, "You have a trusting relationship with many supervisors on campus. They frequently seek your advice on personnel matters. I consider this to be a major strength for you and for the division.

"I respect your advice and value you as a colleague. I genuinely appreciate your commitment to our team."

¡Viva la Evolución!

I created The Latino Reporter blog in 2004 to help me focus on journalism.  When I began immersing myself into the world of nut graphs, column inches, and inverted pyramids, this blog helped me understand journalism's particular style of writing. I learned many lessons but the most important: listen to my writer's voice.

While exploring journalism as a student, I uncovered a scandal that toppled my college president. I earned several national and state awards including the First Amendment award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

I could (and just might) write a book on how journalism changed my life and my campus. 

In the last few years as I shifted my brand from The Latino Reporter to TrustMiguel, my writing skills expanded (as has my waistline). It took time but I'm as comfortable writing poetry and fiction as I am a writing a news story or an editorial -- and I'm just as proud. 

Since I'm still learning about this new non-journalism world, it only seems right to resurrect this blog to help me process once again. Like an old college buddy, it only took moments to reconnect but it's clear that we've both changed. The challenge is not to stay mired in the past but to build on it.

The Latino Reporter is now The Latino Writer, part of the TrustMiguel brand. I'll tell you more about that later ...

Miguel Goes VIRAL!

The wall outside the JCCC Board of Trustee meeting room features photos of current and past presidents and trustees. Students, staff and faculty call it The Hall of Shame. Watch the video to find out why.

Vote for Miguel Morales for JCCC Trustee April 7

Request an Advanced Voting Ballot here.

NEWS: JCCC Holds its Seat

When Charles Carlsen stepped down as president of Johnson County Community College following allegations of unlawful harassment, the college's status in the prestigious League for Innovation fell into question.

After a year-long affirmation process that included site visits and meetings with the JCCC Board of Trustees, the League announced JCCC will keep its status in the League.

Posted on the Johnson County Community College electronic mail server, Infolist:

JCCC RETAINS ITS LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION BOARD SEAT

Overland Park, Kan. – Johnson County Community College will retain its seat on the board of directors of the prestigious League for Innovation in the Community College. The League for Innovation’s board of directors consists of the chief executive officers of 19 member institutions. League board members serve for as long as they remain the chief executive officer of a League member institution. When a college CEO changes, the college must go through a reaffirmation process to retain its place on the board.

The League for Innovation in the Community College is an international organization dedicated to catalyzing the community college movement. The League hosts conferences and institutes, develops Web resources, conducts research, produces publications, provides services, and leads projects and initiatives with member colleges, corporate partners, and other agencies. For more information about the League, see www.league.org. JCCC has been a League board member since 1978.

COMMENTARY: J Advice for new Prez

Guarding our Watchdogs

Frank LoMonte, director of the Student Press Law Center penned a terrific column on the Education Advice for the New President blog.

In the column, "Protect Student Journalism," LoMonte wrote that today's student journalists face more challenges and carry more responsibility.

"With professional journalism outlets slashing staff, the watchdog role of student journalists in holding our schools accountable for their performance is more important than ever," he wrote.

I've made a few emergency calls to SPLC while a staffer on the student newspaper The Campus Ledger. I wouldn't have been able to investigate and publish my 13-month investigative story on the allegations of sexual harassment against my college president, who immediately stepped down and retired when the story broke.

Student journalists give voice to the campus community and ensure public business takes place in public. Thank goodness there is an organization like SPLC that strives to ensure the rights and voices of student journalists.

Become a fan of SPLC on facebook here.

NEWS: JCCC Connection to San Antionio CC Shooter

Community of Colleges

Library and President's office linked to Northeast Lakeview College

Yesterday's shooting at Northeast Lakeview College (NLC) in San Antonio, Texas provided multiple shocks for staff at the Billington Library in Overland Park, Kan.

Library Ties
The Johnson County Community College (JCCC) library staff found it difficult to learn of another campus shooting much less one that took place in a college library and was allegedly perpetrated by a librarian against another librarian. Yet for some staff, the name of the man police identified as the shooter left them stunned.

Alan Godin, the alleged assailant and librarian at NLC, is married to former JCCC librarian, Christine Godin.

Christine worked in the JCCC library from the mid-seventies until the late nineties when she joined the staff at North Vista College (NVC) in San Antonio, Texas, as director of Learning Resources. In June, Christine was promoted to Dean of Learning Resources.

Both NLC, where Alan worked as a librarian, and NVC, where Christine works, are two of the five colleges in the San Antonio Community College system. Christine also teaches theatre courses at NVC.

Second Connection
Eric Reno, president of NLC, where the shooting took place, applied for the presidency at JCCC in spring 2007 after JCCC's president, Charlse Carlsen, resigned amid allegations that he unlawfully harassed female employees. Reno visited JCCC for an interview with the college's Board of Trustees February 5-6, 2007.

Today the chancellor of the San Antonio Community College system posted this message on the system's webpage:

TO: The Alamo Community Colleges Family
FROM: Dr. Bruce Leslie, Chancellor
DATE: October 14, 2008
SUBJECT: Northeast Lakeview Shooting

Yesterday's tragic shooting at Northeast Lakeview College has deeply affected all of us, especially those who personally knew Donald Devin Zimmerman, as well as those who know his alleged assailant, Alan Godin.

On behalf of the entire Alamo Community Colleges' family, I would like to express our deepest sympathy and our condolences to Mr. Zimmerman's family, colleagues, students and friends and to the family of Mr. Godin. We will inform you about funeral arrangements and memorial services for Mr. Zimmerman when that information becomes available.

Counseling for Northeast Lakeview College faculty and staff is being offered at both Northeast Lakeview College campuses and at Northwest Vista College as well.

All classes at Northeast Lakeview college have been cancelled for today. Classes will resume Wednesday morning, October 15, at 8 a.m. Counseling for students will be available at both campuses when they return to their classes tomorrow.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

NEWS: Innovation Validation

Major League
Will college strike out or hit a home run as it pitches to regain League of Innovation status?

When Charles Carlsen resigned following allegations he sexually harassed several female employees, the college's membership in the prestigious League of Innovation was in jeapoardy.

Last spring the college passed phase one of reaffirmation into the League. Entering the second phase requires a site visit by League board members.

A former JCCC president currently sits on the League's board and serves as a League Senior Fellow. Larry Tyree, former interim president, represented JCCC on the League's board after Carlsen resigned.

Tyree now serves as interim president of Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y., which is also one of the 19 members comprising the League's board.

Community Invited

League representatives will meet with the JCCC Board of Trustees, Sept. 16.

The next morning the public is invited to attend presentations to the League representatives focusing on diversity, sustainability and other campus issues.

This is the message posted today on the college's electronic mail server, Infolist:

LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION REAFFIRMATION PRESENTATIONS

JCCC is one of 19 community colleges in the country that sits on the Board of Trustees for the prestigious League for Innovation in Community Colleges. Every time there is a CEO turnover at one of these schools, it must undergo a “reaffirmation” with the League. JCCC successfully completed Phase I of this reaffirmation process last spring with submission and League acceptance of its reaffirmation application. (This document can be found at http://www.jccc.net/home/download/18217/LeagueReaffirmation.pdf .) The next and final phase consists of a campus visit.

On Tuesday, September 16, and Wednesday, September 17, President Jean Goodnow of Delta College (Michigan), President Steve Johnson of Sinclair Community College (Ohio), and League CEO Gerardo de los Santos will be visiting JCCC to conclude the reaffirmation process. They will be meeting with the JCCC Board of Trustees the evening of the 16^th and will be hearing presentations on new initiatives at the school on the morning of the 17^th. Here is the presentation schedule for Wednesday morning:

Time	Innovation	Presenters
9:00 – 9:20 a.m.	Center for Sustainability	Jay Antle, Deb Williams, and Tim Gelvin
9:20 – 9:40 a.m.	Diversity Initiatives	Carmaletta Williams and Sean Daley
9:40 – 10:00 a.m.	Bioscience Academy, KC Wired, Research Triangle	Sally Winship, Tim Gelvin, and Luanne Wolfgram
10:00 – 10:20 a.m.	Oral Health on Wheels	Heather Flick
10:20 – 10:40 a.m.	College Scholars	Jim Leiker and Ellyn Mulcahy
10:40 – 11:00 a.m.	Facilities Funding, Deferred Maintenance, Gateway and Lenexa	Jerry Baird
11:00 – 11:20 a.m.	Teaching, Learning and Engagement Initiative	Dana Grove, Bruce Harvey, and Rick Moehring
11:20 – 11:40 a.m.	Edible Schoolyard/Wysong Challenge	Joe Sopcich, David Smith, and Felix Sturmer

These presentations will be in the Hudson Auditorium in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, and they are open to all wishing to attend. You are not expected to remain the entire morning, so come and go as your schedule permits. We will be happy to see you there. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Dana Grove.

TIME OUT: My Electability

Here is an e-mail I sent to the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' GLBT Caucus, of which I'm a member:

I'm running for the Student Representative position on NAHJ' Board of Directors. I'd appreciate your support in helping me get the number of petition signatures via e-mail needed (25) to stand as a candidate.

For those who don't know me, I'm a non-traditional student living in Kansas. I attend Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan. and Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan. NAHJ selected me as a participant in both the Student Campus and Latino Reporter projects in the past as well as awarded me a Ruben Salazar Scholarship. The Society of Professional Journalists awarded me it's 2006 First Amendment Award for my investigation that uncovered allegations of sexual harassment against my college president and the open records battle that followed. I've also won several first place writing awards in state competitions where I also earned the Journalist of the Year award. I've participated in the Associated Press' Diverse Visions/Diverse Voices program, the National Press Foundation's Introduction to Washington program, and the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association student projects. Of course, I am also a member of the NAHJ GLBT Caucus.

If you feel that as a member in good standing you can support my efforts, please use the following template to send your e-mail to ravila@nahj.org by June 18.

I (STATE YOUR NAME), of (COMPANY THEY WORK FOR OR OTHER FORM OF IDENTIFYING EMPLOYMENT) support the candidacy of _________________ for (position) ____________________ in the 2008 election of the NAHJ Board of Directors. This statement counts as my virtual signature and I have included my full contact information below.

Thanks for this opportunity to serve an organization that has served me,

miguel

If I secure enough e-signatures to be on the ballot, I'll layout my platform points because I definitely have ideas on the direction NAHJ needs to head and how students can help the organization get there.

NEWS: Missing Student update

Last Thursday, Matt Galloway, news editor for The Campus Ledger, published his controversial update on the missing student. The article explained why the student went missing and how the initial reaction of the college blocked initial search efforts.

“When a student went missing from campus on Feb. 14, her father turned to the first college employees he could find for assistance.
He said those employees couldn’t have been any ruder in his hour of need.”

Read the rest of the story here: Disappearing student tests college’s emergency response

CULTURE: Eat, Work, Pray

Today, someone from the college posted this message to the JCCClist, one of the college's electronic mail servers (not to be confused with the college's official communication listserv, Infolist).

The average person only prays 5 minutes a week. That is terrible. I have been praying and thinking about this very subject for the last month. I think we should have a prayer group, meeting, time, whatever you want to call it.

Of course, you don't have to come, but starting today at 11:30 in the Carlson Center Lobby I would love to start a prayer group. The Lord said, "When 2 or 3 are gathered in My Name I am there." Let's gather in His name. I will be there today at 11:30. I hope some of you feel convicted to show up. And, if you don't want to, you can always email me your prayer requests and we will pray for you. Please say if it is confidential or not, but Prayer is so powerful.

I don't really know how I feel about a prayer group forming on campus. We have student groups that focus on religion. We have classes that explore religious themes. But the person who posted this is an employee and, for her, JCCC is a workplace. I wouldn't want to walk into Best Buy and find employees around praying at the Wii display.

NEWS: Handwritten Hate

Graffiti Threat Causes Commotion
Increase in campus graffiti culminates with threat against a student

by Miguel. M. Morales

Graffiti threatening a student caused Johnson County Community College officials to repeatedly search the campus library Feb. 29.

Library sources said the college's Public Safety Officers initiated a search of the Billington Library at 7:30 am. Later Overland Park Police also joined the search. The college did not immediately disclose the reason for the searches that lasted through the day.

For at least one of the patrols Terry Calaway, JCCC president, and Dennis Day, vice president of Student Services, joined the search. The source said the president, vice president and officers combed the library as though they knew who they were trying to locate.

The college has not commented on why the searches took place. However, library sources said graffiti that threatened a student appeared in the women's third floor restroom and served as the reason for the searches.

Graffiti Problems

In November 2005, racist and anti-gay graffiti covered the walls and stalls of a restroom in the Science building. According to a Department of Public Safety report, it was the second time in two weeks graffiti appeared in that restroom. A month later, similar hate graffiti appeared in the second floor men's room in the Carlsen Center.

In an interview with The Campus Ledger following 2005 incidents, Larry Dixon, manager of Public Safety said the college informs police when graffiti makes specific threats.

"We just would ask the help of students and faculty and staff who might be suspicious of somebody in there doing it to call us because we definitely want to put a stop to it,” he said.

However in the same article Jerry Baird, executive vice president of Academic Affairs, said graffiti at the college was not a problem.

“To think there’s just been a real outbreak of this stuff is probably not accurate,” Baird said. “In comparison to most institutions, frankly, we have very little. We’re very fortunate in that respect."

In fall 2007, the college's Diversity Committee asked about a crime alert sent to the campus via Infolist concerning graffiti. Wayne Brown, chief information officer, said the crime alert concerned 17 instances of graffiti that occurred during March 29, 2007 and June 22, 2007. He said that in three of those instances graffiti targeted African Americans.

The Ledger also reported four instances of graffiti between Oct. 5 and Oct. 29. One of those instances included smeared feces on a restroom wall on the first floor of the Carlsen Center.

Unfortunately the college's annual crime report does not list graffiti as a category. However, it does list hate crimes.

College procedures call for all graffiti to be reported to campus security. They will notify housekeeping services to remove the graffiti after officers have taken photos and gathered information for a report.

Morales works at the Information Desk in the Billington Library but did not serve as the source in the story. Special thanks to Joshua Seiden's article that appeared in The Ledger Dec . 7, 2005.

COMMENTARY: BOT Play-by-Play

This edited summary of yesterday's Board of Trustee meeting combines the version posted on the college's electronic mail server, Infolist, the version by Faculty Association President Mike Martin posted to the FA listerv in green, and my sarcastic comments in red.

New Library

The board heard a presentation from the Clark Enersen Group about plans for the library of the 21st century. Possibilities include renovating the existing Billington Library, building a new library and renovating the existing building, or building an addition to the library and renovating the existing structure. The last option is the one Clark Enersen recommends, which keeps the project within the $35 million budget. The new structure would be to the southeast of the existing library. The project would include a bridge to the Regnier Center; space for offices and programs already housed within the library; space for programs that would be good partners for the library, such as the Writing Center and the Academic Achievement Center, among others; more classrooms; faculty offices; and perhaps underground parking. The board and the Facilities Committee will continue to discuss possibilities for the library.

As an employee of the library, I really don’t have much to say about this project other than we really do need a new facility, which will happen. The big question is ultimately what will students get? No one has really explained that to me -- or the campus.

While no actions were taken, open, informative discussions were had. I expressed to the Board that a contemporary library is central to the operation and mission of an academic institution. We support a new library and also acknowledge a shortage of classrooms and office space -- some of the four plans addressed this better than others.

When the faculty were asked (several years ago and under a different administration) to support a new art museum and the Regnier Center, it was pledged that at least 25 classrooms would be gained from the buildings and the vacated spaces. To date, we have a net gain of 18 classrooms (and that was up from the 11 or 12 that were first rolled out).

Based on their experience with the Nerman and Regnier buildings, the FA is right to worrying about a new library. Like them, I’m concerned the process of creating a student-friendly library will get bastardized into another opportunity to reward donors with useless named facilities. I’m concerned that administrators will claim this new prime real estate overlooking the Japanese Garden and Regnier Center. I’m mostly concerned that students will end up with yet another building created for them that they cannot use.

I expressed to the board that program growth and sustainability require additional classroom and office space. We, the faculty, are poised to do more with grants and collaborative initiatives, but that requires the space to grow (and not to displace current offerings). I tried to express to the Board that classrooms and office space are a high priority for the faculty. While the Board does serve as stewards for the community to the financial resources of the College, they also serve as stewards for the community to the intellectual resources/talent within it; by providing adequate classroom and office space for the College at a time when we are anticipating growth in student numbers and faculty initiatives, the Board can help to catalyze the intellectual growth and work-readiness of the community.

Students totally support creating more offices for faculty. We know -- as does the college -- that cramming multiple instructors into one office violates student privacy.

The external firm did involve two faculty members from the library, Carol Campbell and Judy Guzzy, but did not involve any other faculty; given that some of the four plans did involve regular classrooms and faculty offices, it seems prudent that other faculty would have been involved in these considerations. The report given was preliminary and there should be future opportunities for engagement as plans might proceed.

Armed Campus

Dr. Wayne Brown, executive vice president, administration, gave an update on safety matters. The deliberation on whether the current department of Public Safety should become a police force continues (yeah, sure it does). As an intermediate step, certified officers will be equipped with OC (pepper) spray and a baton. All officers will be outfitted with bulletproof vests. In addition, funds have been budgeted for two fully-equipped police vehicles in next year's budget (‘deliberation,’ huh?). Two vendors will be interviewed regarding a campus-wide emergency notification system. A web survey will be conducted to ask students, faculty and staff their opinion about having a police force on campus (which we already have with an armed officer from Overland Park) to help make justify the decision.

Seriously?

It was suggested in new business that the Pledge of Allegiance be said before each JCCC Board Meeting. Also, a desire to have a US flag and a copy of the US Constitution be placed in each classroom (preliminary costs were given for some of this) was expressed. It will be a topic for the Board at an upcoming retreat. A primary retreat consideration will be on potentially switching to a policy governance approach on behalf of the Board.

Governance

Trustees Don Weiss and Shirley Brown-VanArsdale, President Terry Calaway, and Vice President Dorothy Friedrich have been working on policy governance, which is a model for board oversight and decision making.

Anything project involving Dorothy Friedrich, a woman who violated college policy by covering up for Carlsen’s alleged harassment, makes me think it’s a bad idea.

Policy governance focuses on policy issues while leaving operational decisions to the president and administration. Weiss will present the framework for policy governance to the board over the next few months, and the subject will also be discussed at the board retreat April 19.

Other Actions

• The board approved a new course in administration of justice and course fees for floriculture and horticulture courses.
• The board approved clinical affiliates for the dental hygiene program.
• They approved the proposal from SKC Smart Communications for the purchase of an audiovisual system for the Healthcare Simulation Center at a cost of $352,263.
• They approved a three-year extension of the lease agreement at King's Cove in the following amounts: March 1, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009, $110,703; March 1, 2009-Feb. 28, 2010, $115,222; and March 1, 2010-Feb. 28, 2011, $119.740. The total square footage of lease space will increase from 8,357 to 9,037. Kings Cove is used for credit education classes for the practical nursing program and health occupations.
• The board approved an international student exchange policy that promotes student participation in the study abroad program by providing for a tuition exchange for international students from designated international schools, programs or agencies. (I don’t know what that means.)
• The board also approved the bids for purchasing a digital color production printing system, science lab supplies, audiovisual equipment, theater lighting, ceiling renovation in the Commons building, and carpet for the renovation projects in the Carlsen Center and the Billington Library.

Faculty Association

The board also met in executive session for 30 minutes to discuss the benefit package, which pertains to matters of non-elected personnel and to consult with the college attorney. The college has received a proposal from Blue Cross Blue Shield for an increase in benefits of 9.2 percent, which exceeds the 9 percent threshold for opening the contract with the Faculty Association. The board approved the 9.2 percent increase in benefits; members of the Faculty Association will vote on the contract before the end of the month.

I don’t know what this means, either.

When we first negotiated our multi-year contract (but with annual vote), it was not anticipated by the board or the bargaining unit that a health plan option would be removed as BCBS has done. This has resulted in additional, unforeseen costs and we all are now in positions to be responsive to them. Through the work of HR, the FA, and the benefits committee we have worked to retain our benefits package and philosophy. At last night's meeting, the board voted to cover the projected 9.2 percent increase in benefit costs and to keep with the practiced philosophy of full-family coverage and basic life insurance being contained within our allotted flex benefit credits. This is conditional upon a vote of the bargaining unit (to be conducted next week via email) and, if it is voted up, will be implemented for all JCCC faculty and staff. More will follow on this soon.

Okay, so this had to do with a health benefits, right? And now everyone should be cool with the outcome, yes?

Boring Stuff

The board also heard a report from the college's lobbyist in Topeka, Dick Carter. Carter talked about what has been happening in Topeka, including bills on energy, immigration, educational funding practices, and the state budget.

These faculty and staff members were recognized for their achievements:

• Karen Gerety Folk, curator of education, Nerman Museum, had an essay published in an anthology on art museum education.
• Robert Brandon, Postal Services associate, was commended for finding and returning more than $400 that was dropped in the hall. (I’d like to say that I’d do the same -- and I probably would. But still, that’s 400 bucks … man, that’s a lot of money. He had better have gotten a reward.)
• Dr. Marilyn Rhinehart, vice president, Instruction, received the Administrator Award of Distinction from Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year schools.

Charles Rogers, director, Carlsen Center, listed performers who will appear in the Carlsen Center series in 2008-2009:

• The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (boring)
• The Czech Symphony Orchestra (boring)
• Savion Glover - Tap dancer (Hurray!)
• Branford Marsalis - Musician (Cool, cool)
• Ruben Studdard - American Idol winner (… interesting)
• Garrison Keillor - humorist (Funny for old people)
• Luna Negra Dance Theater (Hot Latin guys and girls? ¡Que Rico!)
• National Acrobats of China (Is that like Cirque du Soliel?)
• Zakir Hussain - folk drumming from Grammy-award (...uhmm, ok)
• The Capitol Steps - political satire (Political satire in an election year? That’s just crazy!)

The next meeting of the JCCC board of trustees is at 5 p.m. March 27 in the Hugh W. Speer Board Room, 137 GEB. Board of trustee meetings are open to the public.

You can watch archived Board of Trustee meetings on JCCC’s video server.

BREAKING NEWS: FOUND

Missing Student Found Alive

Disapperance raises questions about college's emergency text-messaging system

By Miguel M. Morales

Hours after canvassing Johnson Count Community College, Overland Park Police located missing student, Rachael Renee Wooldridge, in Lawrence, Kan.

A bus driver reportedly recognized Wooldridge and called police. OPPD did not reveal Wooldridge's condition or the circumstances of her disappearnce pending futher investigation.

Earlier today, Wooldridge called her father to pick her up from school. When he arrived, he found only her jacket and backpack on a bench in front of the Carlsen Center.

Campus security began searching for Wooldridge shortly after and released an alert four hours later on the college's electronic listerve. However, the campus text-messaging service, TXTJCCC, used to notify students of campus emergencies failed to alert the campus community that a student had gone missing.

The college started the TXTJCCC service in January 2007 and aggressively pushed the service following the tragedy at Virginia Tech. The service is in partnership with The Olathe News and Textcaster.

After an individual signs up for the TXTJCCC service, the college will send messages or e-mail to his or her cell phone, wireless PDA or pager. According to the college's promotional video on the service's sign up page, text message options include campus reminders, trivia contests, merchandise deals, weather closings and emergencies.

CALENDAR: Town Hall & State of the College

From the college's electronic mail server, Infolist:

TOWN HALL MEETING

Dr. Calaway will hold a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 3-4:30 p.m. in 101 RC. Mike Martin, professor, mathematics, and president of the Faculty Association, will co-host this meeting with Dr. Calaway. Topics will include instructional reorganization and task force.

STATE OF THE COLLEGE FEB. 22

The state of American community colleges in general and of Johnson County Community College in particular will be addressed Feb. 22 in two presentations delivered as the “State of the College: The New American Community College” at JCCC.

The event begins at 3:30 p.m. in Polsky Theatre in the Carlsen Center. Dr. John E. Rousche, director of the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin, will talk about “The Community College of the 21st Century.” Following him, Dr. Terry A. Calaway, JCCC’s new president, will present “Johnson County Community College: The New American Community College.” All faculty, staff and students are invited.

The event will also be broadcast live on the college’s cable TV channel (17 on Time Warner, 22 on Comcast).

The presentations will be followed by a reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Atrium between the Regnier Center and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on campus.

The event will also launch a new President’s Scholarship Fund to recognize outstanding academic achievement as well as provide much needed assistance to students in financial need.

Dr. Roueche is professor and director of the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin, where he holds the Sid W. Richardson Regents Chair in Community College Leadership. The Texas doctoral program in community college leadership is the nation’s oldest and has produced more chancellors, presidents, vice presidents, and deans of American community colleges than any other university graduate program. Dr. Calaway is a graduate of the program.

NEWS: Tyree is no Retiree

Another Turn at Interim

Former JCCC Interim President Larry Tyree takes the helm of another Kansas community college

by Miguel M. Morales

The chance to help heal a campus community brought Larry Tyree back to Kansas.

Johnson County Community College's former interim president was one of four final candidates for the director of Arkansas' Department of Higher Education when Independence Community College President Terry Hetrick died suddenly of a heart attack Oct. 5.

Tyree withdrew from consideration Oct. 30 to assume the interim position ICC trustees offered. Tyree began serving as Interim President Nov. 12.

"He started work this morning and we already love him," said Lois Lessman, director of Human Resources and Public Relations for ICC.

"He speaks very well of Kansas and so I know that his experience at Johnson County must have been a good one for him as well," she added.

JCCC trustees hired Tyree in July 2006 after President Charles Carlsen abruptly resigned when the student newspaper, The Campus Ledger, published allegations that he sexually harassed an employee. Carlsen denied the allegations though an independent investigation uncovered other alleged victims.

Tyree served as JCCC interim president through May 2007.

After returning to his home in Sarasota, Fla, Tyree joined the Executive Advisory Board of Campus Works, Inc.

Tyree said he will serve as ICC's interim president until June 2008 when trustees name and seat a permanent replacement.

"He’s so kind and yet I can already see that he has great strength," Lessman said. "I’m really thrilled that he was able to join us. "

ICC is located approximately two and a half hours south of JCCC in Montgomery County, Kan. near the Kansas-Oklahoma state line.

Opinion: Lee Leaves JCCC - part 1

Walking on the Ledge:
She taught me that sometimes Walking on the Ledge means standing in truth

I sent an e-mail asking if the college planned to give her a going away party.

I wanted -- I needed -- to stand with her again and we'd celebrate instead of strategize. A few days later, I read the posting on Infolist, the college’s electronic mail server.

FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR TERESA LEE

As some of you may be already be aware, HR Manager Teresa Lee has been offered and accepted the position of director of human resource services for John Knox Village in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Her last day at the college will be Thursday, September 20. To acknowledge and bid her a fond farewell, the HR department will host a reception for Teresa Wednesday morning, September 19, from 10 to 11 AM in GEB 240. Please come by to say goodbye and wish her well.

Of course, we already heard. How could we not know that the woman who made the allegations of unlawful harassment against Charles Carlsen, then president of Johnson County Community College, was leaving?

When the day of the reception arrived, I stood in my bedroom and cried.

I loosened my tie, kicked off my dress shoes and put on my usual college wardrobe of cargo shorts and a t-shirt. I wouldn’t be going to the reception.

I’ve never been good at goodbyes. But I struggled with this one in particular because, I felt it was wrong.

Why should she have to leave?

Carlsen took a leave of absence April 14, 2005 -- the day after my story detailing the allegations broke. He resigned a week later.

Susan Lindahl, vice president of College Information and Strategic Initiatives and Carlsen’s right hand, who admitted knowing of the allegations and not acting on the complaint resigned March 19, 2006.

Elaine Perilla, Board of Trustees chair, who denied knowing of the allegations, did not seek re-election to the board and skipped out on her last board meeting in June.

Dorothy Friedrich, then director of Human Resources and Lee’s direct supervisor, also admitted taking no action after learning of the allegations. Yet since the allegation became public, Friedrich received two promotions. The first made her vice president of Human Resources and the next, announced 10 days ago, makes her Vice President of Policy and Strategic Initiatives. Apparently, she has Lindahl’s old job.

Friedrich, who violated college policy, now oversees the same policy? Why don’t we just hire a child molester to run the daycare center?

It’s disgusting -- and that’s why I stood and cried.

In my 13-month investigation into the allegations against Carlsen, I forged a unique relationship with Teresa. We tortured and supported each other.

I had never experienced that kind of truth with a member of the administration. At that moment, I knew our campus would change forever.

An anonymous source made her the object of my reporting. A 22-page narrative detailing her harassment fell into my hands. A few months later when I finally summoned the courage to take on the story, I asked Teresa about the narrative. She stood in her truth and confirmed its validity. I had never experienced that kind of truth with a member of the administration. At that moment, I knew our campus would change forever.

Over the next few months, I dragged Teresa on to the record because I knew using her name would make the story credible and it would ultimately protect her. I also learned of the mistrust she had for those who betrayed her -- and the college -- when they chose to protect Carlsen. At times, I had to stand in her anger because I was the only safe outlet she had for it.

At times, we frustrated each other but inside we knew that we were really testing one another.

Everyone who knew about Carlsen’s harassment could have stopped him but they didn’t. And when I learned about it, Teresa waited for me to betray her like Lindahl, Friedrich and Perilla had. But I didn’t.

In her, I saw my sisters. I saw the women in my family and my female friends. If this harassment had happened to one of them, who would stand with them and who would betray them?

So you see, I had to write her story.

I stand a better man because of Teresa Lee.

NEWS: Lee Leaves JCCC

Posted today on the JCCC Infolist:

FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR TERESA LEE
As some of you may be already be aware, HR Manager Teresa Lee has been offered and accepted the position of director of human resource services for John Knox Village in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Her last day at the college will be Thursday, September 20. To acknowledge and bid her a fond farewell, the HR department will host a reception for Teresa Wednesday morning, September 19, from 10 to 11 AM in GEB 240. Please come by to say goodbye and wish her well.

NEWS: You really like me!

Ledger earns two more honors
Kudos continue for staff that covered campus controversies

The Campus Ledger, the student newspaper of Johnson County Community College, earned two prestigious honors from two separate journalism organizations for its 2006-07 editions.

Pacemaker Finalist designation from the Associated Collegiate Press. This award, known as the Pulitzer Prize of student media, goes to the top college newspapers in the country for overall quality. The Ledger competes against 14 other community college newspapers for the award presented at the ACP's National Convention Oct. 24-29 in Washington, D.C.

Gold Medalist rating from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The medal rating reflects the judge’s overall score of 945 of 1,000 points, including an All-Columbian, or “best of best” rating, in The Ledger’s reporting and coverage of campus events including the investigation into multiple allegations of unlawful harassment and the search for a new president. The Gold Medalist rating is the result of an extensive evaluation of the entire year’s publications.

The Ledger also earned the All-Kansas award, the top award for college media, from the Kansas Associated Collegiate Press last spring. Over the summer the paper won Best in Show from ACP for overall coverage and design.

Opinion: Meet the FOC-ers

Walking on the Ledge:

Former JCCC president accused of unlawful harassment returns to public life thanks to low friends in high places

Charles Carlsen, former president of Johnson County Community College, has slithered his way back into public life thanks to the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

A unanimous vote by the BOCC named Carlsen and six others to the newly formed Johnson County Public Arts Commission Aug. 30.

In 2005 while celebrating his silver anniversary as president of JCCC, Carlsen abruptly resigned when the student newspaper, The Campus Ledger, published allegations of sexual harassment against him.

Despite his public resignation and a statement from JCCC's Board of Trustees acknowledging other harassment victims, Carlsen continues to sit on the Board of Directors of the JCCC Foundation.

What does this have to do with the Public Arts Commission?

Annabeth Surbaugh, BOCC chair, and David Lindstrom, commissioner, currently serve on the JCCC Foundation's Board of Directors with Carlsen.

It was Lindstrom who nominated Carlsen to serve on the Public Arts Commission.

According to GuideStar, an organization that tracks public information provided by nonprofits, Lindstrom and Carlsen also sit on the Board of Directors of the Shawnee Mission Medical Center Foundation.

But Lindstrom and Surbaugh aren't the only commissioners with ties to Carlsen.

In 2005, The JCCC Foundation honored Commissioner Ed Eilert as Johnson Countian of the Year.

Commissioner Ed Peterson worked with Carlsen on the Bistate II tax proposal.

In 2002, JCCC hosted an Ingram's magazine event where Carlsen, Peterson, Surbaugh and others discussed Johnson County's economic future.

And while not incriminating, Commissioner John Toplikar attended JCCC as a student when Carlsen presided as its leader.

Upon his unanimous approval by the commissioners, Carlsen will represent the third district. But more importantly he now has the clout to strut around Johnson County and perhaps onto the JCCC campus free to terrorize his alleged victims and their families.

Teresa Lee, the woman who brought the first allegations against Carlsen, told the Kansas City Star that neither Carlsen nor his supporters ever faced the reality of the situation.

"It’s a small community, a tight-knit community,” she said. “I just don’t think they understood."

This is not the first time Friends of Carlsen, or FOCs, have tried to restore Chuck to his former glory.

Last December, at JCCC Foundation event "Some Enchanted Evening," Calrsen took his first steps in public. In support of Chuck, the benevolent Polskys committed thousands of dollars to a scholarship in Chuck's name and urged other FOCs to contribute.

I know his victims and others on campus would like to see his name removed from the Carlsen Center. And Chuck slithering back into public life might just be the incentive they need.

COMMENTARY: What's in a Name?

College names office after software company in exchange for free upgrade

Walking on the Ledge:
$50,000 can buy a really nice car,
a really bad house,
or it can buy immortality

by Miguel M. Morales

Trustees at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan. voted to adopt two new names for rooms on campus June 21.

Trustees named one of those rooms, a new campus scheduling offices in the new Regnier Center for Technology and Business, the Ad Astra Scheduling Suite.

The college currently uses Ad Astra’s software to schedule classrooms, meeting rooms and public spaces. In exchange for the naming of the office, the company agreed to “gift” an upgrade to its system, Platinum Analytics, a $50,000 value.

“The Ad Astra Scheduling Suite is a wonderful addition to our new, high-technology Regnier Center,” said Lin Knudson, dean, Continuing Education and Community Services. “We appreciate the long-standing relationship we have with Ad Astra and are looking forward to showcasing Astra Schedule in our new buildings.”

In the past, trustees named buildings after noted citizens like the Wilbur T. Billington, the college’s first Board of Trustees chair who’s name adorns the library.

Then they began naming buildings and rooms after donors. Yardley Hall, the college’s largest auditorium was named for Arthur and Alma Yardley, who gave a $1 million to the college.

Now they have taken the first steps on the slippery slope trading our college’s name and integrity for services they’d rather not purchase.

Instead of fighting it, perhaps I should advise trustee to become more focused in how they sell off our college.

Our new student health center could carry the moniker, the Tampax Tampon Student Health Center.

I envisioning our new 21st century library complete with a Red Bull Foyer named in exchange for product for those marathon study sessions.

A refurbished greenhouse could be called, The Funyuns® Onion and Wasabi Onion-Flavored Rings Greenhouse sponsored by Frito Lay, a division of PepsiCo.

According to the college, Ad Astra’s suite will house the campus scheduling office and the new director of conference services.

The suite is near the new, and as of yet unnamed, 5,000-square-foot conference space in the Regnier Center and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

I’m thinking that I need to leave my mark on campus as well.

Is there an individual or company who’d like to sponsor the Miguel M. Morales urinal?

It would definitely be the most popular one on campus. Just think of all the administrators, former college presidents, donors, and trustees who would line up to use it -- even the women.


Here's the list of other named facilities at JCCC:

1. Billington Library - In January 2001, trustees renamed the Educational Media Center the Billington Library to recognize one of the college’s founders, Wilbur Billington, chair of the college’s first board of trustees.
2. Harvey S. and Beverly R. Bodker Executive Classroom – The Harvey S. and Beverly R. Bodker Executive Classroom in the Regnier Center (currently under construction) is for exclusive use by The Center for Business and Technology. The Bodkers served on the college’s Foundation board and fund the Beverly R. and Harvey S. Bodker Scholarship for Students of the Performing Arts at JCCC.
3. Carlsen Center – In December 1998, trustees renamed the Cultural Education Center the Carlsen Center to honor of President Charles Carlsen. Carlsen was instrumental in the creation of the center. Carlsen resigned in 2006 after being accused of sexually harassing several female employees. The building currently still bears his name.
4. Barton P. Cohen and Mary D. Cohen Gallery - The Barton P. Cohen and Mary D. Cohen Gallery in the Nerman Museum (currently under construction) was a gift from the Cohens.
   
5. Craig Community Auditorium - In May 2004, trustees renamed the 240-seat auditorium in the General Education Building the Craig Community Auditorium in honor of Ben and Evadean Craig. Ben Craig was one of the college’s founders.
   
6. Barbara Gill Lifetime Fitness Center - Trustees named the Lifetime Fitness Center in the Gymnasium after Barbara Gill, an instructor, coach and fitness advocate at JCCC, who was instrumental in the creation of the center.
   
7. Hiersteiner Child Development Center - In December 2003, trustees renamed the Children’s Center the Hiersteiner Child Development Center in honor of benefactors Walter and Jean Hiersteiner.
   
8. M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Auditorium - In March 2004, trustees named the auditorium in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (currently under construction) after M.R. and Evelyn Hudson, in recognition of a gift from the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation.
   
9. Virginia Krebs Community Room - In 2002, trustees renamed the Visitors Center the Virginia Krebs Community Room in honor of Virginia Krebs, the college’s first employee, a past director of Community Services and a current trustee.
   
10. Lichtor Conference Room - In December 2004, trustees named the conference room in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (currently under construction) after Margery Lichtor, a long-time supporter of the college, the JCCC Foundation and the college’s Gallery of Art.
11. Robert F. Lydel Conference Room - In June 2007, trustees renamed the Kansas Room after Lytle who was instrumental in establishing the college in 1967-69 and served as the college’s legal counsel for almost 40 years. He was also a member of the JCCC Foundation board of directors. Lytle died in spring 2007.
    
12. McCaffree Gallery - In December 2004, trustees named the focus gallery in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (currently under construction) after the McCaffree family. They support a scholarship program.
    
13. Jerome and Margaret Nerman Sculpture Garden - In January 2006, Lewis Nerman asked trustees to name the lawn in front of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (currently under construction) the Jerome and Margaret Nerman Sculpture Garden after his parents.
    
14. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art - In August 2003, the college received a gift from the Nerman family to support the construction of a museum of contemporary art.
    
15. Oppenheimer New Media Gallery - In 2004, trustees named the new media gallery in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (currently under construction) after Tony and Marti Oppenheimer. The Oppenheimer Collection, composed of works by nationally and internationally recognized contemporary artists, will be part of the new museum.
    
16. Polsky Theatre - In October 2004, trustees renamed 400-seat theatre in the Carlsen Center was named Polsky Theatre because of the Polsky's contribution to the college’s capital campaign and their funding of the Polsky Practical Personal Enrichment Series.
    
17. Regnier Center - In June 2003, the college received a $5 million challenge gift from the Victor and Helen Regnier Charitable Foundation to support construction of a new technology complex on campus, to be known as the Regnier Center.
    
18. Shull Foyer - In December 2004, trustees named the foyer of the Regnier Center (currently under construction) after Dick and Barbara Shull, long-time supporters of the college and the JCCC Foundation.
    
19. Hugh W. Speer Board Room - The room used for board of trustees meetings, GEB 137, was named after Hugh W. Speer, who served on the board of trustees from its inception in 1969 to his death in 1996.
    
20. Tearney Art Education Center - In August 2005, trustees named the Tearney Art Education Center in the Nerman Museum (currently under construction) after Jim and Mary Tearney.
    
21. Jerry Vincent Hospitality Suite - In 2002, trustees named the kitchens used by the chef apprentice program in the Office and Classroom Building after Jerry Vincent to recognize his development of the chef apprentice and hospitality management programs.
    
22. Yardley Hall - In 1991, trustees named the 1,250-seat auditorium in the Carlsen Center after Arthur and Alma Yardley, who gave a $1 million gift to JCCC to support the performing arts.