7-18-08

#532

Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:23:49 -0400

From: KDG Consulting <kdgconsulting@VERIZON.NET>

Subject: HEDIR Update: Threatened Health Course in NY College

Just a quick note to thank you for your support and to update you on where we are at Kingsborough Community College (Brooklyn, NY) in our efforts to retain our 3 credit required health promotion course (HPE 12 – Foundations of Health and Wellness):

1. A straw vote indicated that the majority of college chair persons support retaining the course as a requirement BUT for 1 credit, 2 hours course. The final vote is due in the fall. We appreciate that it appears that we will not be wiped out all together, but feel if the course isn’t at least 2 credits, we won’t have much credibility, much information and skill-building will have to be cut, and the students will lose out when they transfer to schools that accept this course for a minimum of 2 credits as an elective or as a direct match for a specific course. We are prepared to revise our syllabus to accommodate the new reality, if necessary, but we will continue to fight this change. Ways to include math as a required course have been suggested which still leave room for a required health course, and a review of our vital statistics and youth behavioral risk survey show it’s important to fight to retain the course.

2. We have discovered an interesting discrepancy in our university system: courses just like HPE 12 in other community colleges are at least two credits, and they are considered General Education courses (more practical than Liberal Arts, but still a “status symbol” with privileges). We want parity for our course.

3. NONE of our community health courses (Intro to CH, Critical Issues in CH, Epi, CH Interventions and specific topical courses like human sexuality, nutrition, women’s health issues, etc.) are considered Liberal Arts courses, either. NY law says any course with the word “health” in it can’t be a liberal arts class. Therefore, our courses don’t contribute toward meeting college graduation requirements unless you’re a community health major. Neither our health promotion course or any of our community health classes are included in college Group Requirements. Because our community health courses aren’t liberal arts, none are included in any of the 5 Groups of courses from which students are required to take courses (I – Performing and Visual Arts; 2 – Language and Literature; 3 – Social Sciences; 4 – Behavioral Sciences; and 5 – Math and Sciences.) Isn’t community health, isn’t health education a social science or behavioral science? The report of the Arts and Sciences Council says public health is a liberal arts program, but our college doesn’t seem to see it that way.

We are trying to change these policies while acknowledging the needs and values of the administration, faculty, students, future students, employers, and the community.

Craig Becker’s article was a great help as was much of the discussion on the HEDIR which we used to frame many of our arguments in committee meetings.

If you have any suggestions, we welcome your ideas and support. To those of you who sent letters to my Chair, Sam Scherek, thanks, and for those in touch with my senior colleague Ron Gerwin, thanks for your encouragement and ideas.

Karen Denard Goldman, PhD, CHES

Co-Director

Program in Community Health

Kingsborough Community College, CUNY

2001 Oriental Boulevard, G-201

Brooklyn, NY 11235

718-368-5716

917-715-0928

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#533

Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:26:52 -0400

From: Marco Meneses <marcomeneses@MSN.COM>

Subject: Re: HEDIR Update: Threatened Health Course in NY College

You have all my support.

Marco Meneses, MPH, MS

CHES, AASECT, CFLE

Visit my web site at:

http://marcomeneses.com

http://www.developmentex.com/member/meneses

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Communityhealtheducation

"In addition to the life-death cycle basic to nature, there is also an
unnatural living death: human life which is denied its fullness... "

Freire, P. (1972) Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

"If there are connections everywhere, why do we persist in turning dynamic, interconnected phenomena into static, disconnected things?"

Eric R. Wolf (1923 – 1999) Anthropologist, best known for his studies of Latin America.

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#534

Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:14:15 -0400

From: "Michaela Conley, MA" <michaela@HPCAREER.NET>

Subject: Paid Ad: Dir. Center for Minority Health Assoc/Full Professor @ IU.

Indiana University, Department of Applied Health Science, Public Health (tenure eligible), with emphasis on Health Disparities, Director of the Center for Minority Health, Associate/Full Professor. Begins January 2009 or earlier. The doctoral degree in health education/health behavior, community psychology, medicine, or a related field is required for this position with an emphasis on health disparities among underrepresented population groups. MPH degree in a related field also desirable. Must have an active and collaborative research record in an area specific to health disparities, specifically among underrepresented population groups. A demonstrated record is necessary in acquiring grants and contracts in line with health disparities research, a strong publication record in peer reviewed journals, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines. Direct the Center for Minority Health, an established Center within the Department and School. Mentor junior faculty members. Teach courses related to the candidate's expertise. Serve on departmental, school, and university committees. Remain actively involved in professional organizations and other activities of national prominence Deadline is October 31, 2008, or until a suitable candidate is identified. Send letter of application which includes a brief statement of professional objectives, complete curriculum vitae, and a list of at least six references. Only finalists will be asked to contact references to obtain support letters. Applications should be addressed to: Dr. Nancy Ellis, Chair, Search and Screen Committee, Department of Applied Health Science, HPER 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, Telephone: (812) 855-9441 or (812) 855-3627, E-mail: ellisn@indiana.edu (email contact is preferred for inquiries related to position). The HPER website is located at: http://www.hper.indiana.edu. INDIANA UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. (Women and minority group members are encouraged to apply).ealthH healthhealth

Michaela Conley, MA
CEO/Founder, HPCareer.net
p. (410) 715-2268
m. (443) 414-3532
The single largest career resource exclusively in health promotion related fields.