Why is healthcare such a big deal? It is as essential to the economy as roads, bridges, ports, schools, energy, and water. Business and industry cannot operate without healthy workers and healthy families. And because our healthcare costs have inflated and spiraled out of control, it is a huge drag on the US Economy. Money that could flow into capital investment and consumer spending is directed towards a necessary, but overpriced and inefficient system of care. Healthcare costs burden existing businesses and hinder those wanting to start new enterprises and create new jobs.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger knows it is a big deal. He tried but failed to pass a healthcare bill to cover Californians. California’s vibrancy is dependent on innovation. Californians must be able to create new enterprises that solve problems, and develop new products and services. But California and the US as a whole are in danger of losing their competitiveness because of healthcare.

Why can’t we solve this problem? If you have health insurance it is not a big deal to you personally. If you don’t, it is huge. If you go to work for government, you have healthcare insurance as one of your basic benefits. If you work in the private sector, most people have at least part of their healthcare paid for - usually the employer pays 80% of the premium and you pay 20%.

The problem of healthcare coverage is particularly vexing for entrepreneurial types. If you want to start a business you are paralyzed by the reality that healthcare is out of your reach. You might be willing to take the risk and follow through trying to turn your idea into a business, but if you have a family, you cannot just strike out on your own. Going without healthcare coverage is the equivalent of flying naked. Not a good idea in general, but suicide if you have a family depending on you. You cannot afford to be without it, but you cannot afford to purchase it.

As a career counselor, I talk with countless individuals who have great ideas and are willing to start businesses, but the cost of buying healthcare is a deal breaker. I also talk with employers who are being crushed by healthcare costs. I talk with individuals who are reluctant to leave their current employer for fear that they will be without coverage.

Healthcare should be viewed as part of infrastructure that makes society work. It should rank right up there with freeways, airports, and clean water - as something essential that government needs to guarantee citizens. Government is the only entity that has the ability to set up programs to provide healthcare for everyone. Insurance companies are not willing to take the risk. And individuals cannot solve their healthcare access problem alone, anymore than they can build the freeways, airports and water systems they need. It is just too expensive.

I recently had an opportunity to view Britian’s national healthcare up close and personal. My daughter, Elizabeth was studying in London. She needed healthcare services. She was required to register for a doctor when she arrived in London in fall 2007. In February 2008 she dropped in, saw a MD for a short visit, and then walked across the street to the pharmacy and picked up a prescription. She was on her way within 30 minutes - start to finish. She was astounded. She paid nothing to the doctor or the pharmacy. She was so astounded by the experience that she called to tell me about it. She wonders why everyone is so dead set against something that works so well. In the next few years the US will develop something somewhere between the failing system that we now have and a national health service type of system that my daughter experienced.

So what if we don’t provide our citizens with healthcare? Why should you care? Because increasing numbers of people are now without healthcare. As the unemployment rate climbs, that problem will get worse. This leaves a huge number of people at risk. People need to be healthy to be productive. The US had a similar problem during the run up to WWI. Nutrition was the issue. It was hard to conduct a war with unhealthy people.

America is fighting for its economic viability right now. It costs too much to produce things in the US. Check the tags on your clothes and turn over the toys at Walmart. They are all made in countries where production and labor costs are substantially lower than in the US. Part of that cost is healthcare. GM is facing bankruptcy right now. For a new American car, the cost of employee benefits exceeds the cost of the steel. In addition to needing to refocus on fuel efficient cars, they will have to shed the cost of healthcare to become competitive.

We are competing with other nations where healthcare is not a part of production. In almost all modern industrial socieites, the cost of healthcare is distributed across the entire population and the entire economy. In developing countries and emerging economies, healthcare is simply not the burden of the employer (which is not to say that the healthcare provided is adequate - just that it is not a cost of production).

It is not at all likely that the US will move towards a nationalized or government run or single payer system. But it is the responsibility of government to direct the system in a fashion that serves the needs of all, that creates efficiencies in the market, and distributes the cost in a more equitable fashion. We like to believe that we have the best healthcare system in the world. In fact, we do have the best research and technology. But we are not competing with respect to making sure that everyone is covered and we are not competing effectively in terms of containing the costs.

It’s a danger to the economy that is even more pronounced as we struggle with recession. And if managed intelligently, healthcare spending can actually serve as a vital economic stimulus.

Schilling Robotics is giving a talk on November 13th @ 4:30 to 5:30 pm in RVR 1015 . Pizza at 4:00! Alums, Andy Lyons (BSMET), Director of Manufacturing Technologies, and Chris Savarino (BSME), Mechanical Engineer, will speak to students and alumni about career opportunities and company activities. This event is sponsored by the Career Services Office, ACM, IEEE, Competitive Robotics and ASME.

SCHILLING ROBOTICS, INC. is a leading global producer of subsea control systems, ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), and other high-technology equipment and services for oil and gas subsea exploration and production. The company brings technology expertise and innovation in control, communication, and actuation, gained through 20 years of market leadership, to the challenges facing customers in subsea environments.

Schilling Robotics designs, manufactures, and supports the world’s highest-performing, basic building blocks for subsea equipment operating in the world’s harshest environments. Schilling has a long list of open positions! This is a not to be missed event if you like really cool computer engineering, control systems, robotics, or mechanical equipment. It is an engineer’s dream place to work!!!

Schilling Robotics hires EEE, ME, MET, CS, CPE majors. This is a great Opportunity to Connect with a great company that is hiring!!! (Not that many companies are hiring right now and it is going to get a lot tighter) Schilling has lots of Jobs!

They make some cool stuff, check out their website: http://schilling.com/

Pizza will be served!!!

College of Engineering and Computer Science Alum, Robert W. Cribbs died recently of pancreatic cancer. Bob received his MS from Sacramento State and taught in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He was kind and generous with his time and hired many of our graduates.

According to Dr. SK Ramesh, past Chair of the EEE Department, "Bob Cribbs was a tireless supporter of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Sacramento State. I will especially remember Bob’s energy and passion for innovation and entrepreneurship going back to his days at Folsom Research, and that he readily shared with us during his tenure on the College Industry Advisory Board. He had a wide range of interests spanning several disciplines in engineering and was the quintessential "problem solver"; always looking for creative ways to come up with solutions to problems in fields such as biomedical engineering. I will miss his energy and presence but know that his legacy will continue through the numerous engineers he has mentored over the years."

Dr. Suresh Vadhva, current Chair of the EEE Department shared his thoughts: " Bob was at the forefront of technology and gave numerous presentations to the IEEE. His presentations on how the technology he developed to view into pyramids non-invasively was fascinating to students and professionals alike. He served on countless senior design reviews at Sacramento State and he will definitely be missed."

According to the Sacramento Bee, Robert W. Cribbs, was an innovative scientist and entrepreneur who started four companies based on the ultrasound technology that he developed. His companies, Folsom Research, Electra-Physics Laboratories Inc., SoniPulse Inc., LipoSonix Inc., developed equipment that used ultrasound imaging and microwave technology to see through walls and human tissue.

Want to make a difference? Apply for a Job in the Obama-Biden Administration. Yes, they will need techies too!

President-Elect Obama will make appointments throughout the federal government. Some positions will require Senate confirmation while others will not. Some appointments will be made during the transition process and others during the early part of the new Administration.

Applicants for any of these non-career positions - whether in the White House or in any Federal Department, Agency or Commission - should use this website, as applying on-line is the fastest and most accurate way to get your information to us.

If you apply for a position now, you will not need to apply again after January 20th. Applications submitted now to the Obama-Biden Transition Project will be retained and considered by the Office of Presidential Personnel after President-Elect Obama takes office.

Application Process:

   1. Please complete and submit the on-line Expression of Interest Form.
   2. Within a few days, you will receive an email with a link to a more complete on-line application.
   3. Upon submitting your full on-line application you will receive an e-mail acknowledgment.
   4. If and when you are considered for a specific position, you will be asked to fill out additional forms, including  financial disclosures, and be subject to other reviews which may include FBI background checks.

How To Apply:
Apply online via website: http://change.gov/page/s/application

DMV is Hiring Student Assistant-Computer Engineering/Computer Science Majors

Hours Per Week: 20

Pay Range: $8.41 - $11.20

The student assistant will be responsible for the following duties:<

• Provide hardware and software maintenance and support;
• Diagnose and repair hardware and software problems;
• Install and configure software;
• Customize/configure servers, NAS, SAN systems and equipment for end users;
• Perform routine tasks for network and MS Active Directory;
• Assist with IT procurement;
• Maintain an up to date hardware and software inventory;
• other related projects and related duties as required.

Majors: CS CPE

Minimum Qualifications:
Students must be enrolled and attending classes during the regular term (Fall, Spring and Winter, if applicable), at any accredited college or university and enrolled at a minimum : six (6) semester units or nine (9) quarter units for undergraduate students; four (4) semester units or six (6) quarter units for graduate students.The hiring department may have a higher unit requirement. If so, you must follow that department’s requirement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent attendance; strong computer skills;
• ability to prioritize assignments;
• ability and willingness to learn new tasks and show initiative;
• ability to work with various staff at all levels;
• ability to communicate effectively; good troubleshooting skills;
• good analytical and interpersonal skills;
• ability to easily adapt to change.

How To Apply:
Apply online via website:
https://www.ueijobs.com/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1226347654426

USDA Forest Service Outreach Notice: CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN, GS-0802-7/8/9

Position Title: Permanent civil engineering technicians

Number Of Positions: 3

Agency/Organization: Lassen National Forest

Pay Range: $36,822 - $58,577 per year

Job Duties and Responsibilities:Work will involve

• forestwide engineering
• supporting a variety of planning, construction, rehabilitation, and resource
• improvement projects on Eagle Lake,Hat Creek, and Almanor Ranger Districts
• developing project plans and specifications prior to contract advertisement
• conducting a wide range of non-standard surveys and data collection activities to provide data for civil engineering project designs

Skills Required:
Surveying, design, computer-aided-drafting, construction management, contract administration, and spreadsheets are highly desired.

Job Location: The Supervisor’s Office in Susanville, CA

How To Apply:
Michael R Cruz
Forest Civil Rights Officer
Pacific Southwest Region 5
Tahoe National Forest
Office: 530-587-3558 ext:269
Fax: 530-587-6914
E-mail: mcruz@fs.fed.us

The positions are located on the Engineering Project Team and will report to the Project Team Leader.The positions can be hired at either the GS-7, 8, or 9 level ($36,822 - $58,577 per year) depending on experience and qualifications.

AC General Engineering is a highly-regarded, mid-sized sub contractor. We specialize in grading, underground utilities, and paving. Our office is in the North Sacramento/Natomas area.

AC General Engineering is an 8 year-old construction company; we have 80+ employees and growing with very low turnover. We focus on doing high-quality work and providing superior service to our clients. This approach also applies to how we treat our employees. The management of our firm is dedicated to maintaining a stimulating and exciting work environment where teamwork and excellence are encouraged and supported.

Position Information

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work a 40 hour work week.
• Perform detailed and accurate take-offs using EarthWorks and Agtek. Take-offs need to include dirt calculations for grading, length and area calculations for underground pipe, paving, sidewalk, etc.
• Attend weekly job meetings before, during, or after work.
• Use outstanding interpersonal, communication and customer-relations skills in maintaining long-term relationships with clients, engineers, and subcontractors.
• View and understand civil and architecture construction plans.
• Work with and assist the estimator/project manager in addressing construction plan issues, problem solving, and reviewing bid schedules.
• Work on a deadline and have take-offs complete on proposed dates.

Skills, Qualifications:
Preferred Bachelor’s degree. Excellent organizational, communication (both written and spoken) skills. Must be able to work at a “detailed” level and able to multi-task projects. Solid computer skills in Excel and MS Word. No experience is necessary, willing to train.

Compensation/Benefits:
Outstanding compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, paid vacation including holidays, and sick leave. Medical/Dental coverage and a 401(K) plan. The firm practices a progressive management style that truly values and appreciates high-qualify team members.

How To Apply:
E-mail your resume with a cover letter to: clayton@acgen.net

The Department of Mechanical Engineering California State University, Sacramento Invites you to view the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission STS-126. Live NASA broadcast from the Kennedy Space Center.

Dear Colleagues and students,

The Space Shuttle Endeavour Mission STS-126 to the International Space Station takes off from the Kennedy Space Center next Friday November 14, 2008 at exactly 4:55 pm. Since I will be one of NASA’s spokesmen for the mission, I requested that our university will become a viewing center for the launch. This time we will be able to see is directly from Riverside Hall. UMS has agreed to set up the link from NASA and open to the public the auditorium and carry a LIVE broadcast of the Launch of STS-126. This is similar to what NASA does for their own employees at their centers.

The plan is to open the doors of Riverside Hall 1015 at 3:00 pm until 5:30 pm. The actual launch is scheduled exactly for 4:55 pm (California time). The invitation is extended to all faculty staff and students and is open to the public. We are also inviting groups of children (our future students, future NASA engineers) to come and get sparked and motivated to engineering and science. Two of my students are currently working on master thesis computer models and simulation of the Space Station supported by the Space Grant. One of them on a model of this mission STS-126. It would be a good opportunity for the public also to see what we do in our department at CSUS. There will be a short presentation explaining the mission and what we do here from 4:00-4:15 pm.

Best Regards

Jose J. Granda

When: Friday, November 14, 2008. 3:00 to 5:30 pm. (California time)

Where:
Riverside Hall 1015 Auditorium.
CSUS Sacramento.
6000 J Street.
Sacramento, CA 95819

Contact: Professor. Jose J. Granda, NASA Faculty Fellow. (530) 902-3165

Astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-126 crew portrait. Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, commander, is at center; and astronaut Eric A. Boe, pilot, is third from the right. Remaining crew members, pictured from left to right, are astronauts Sandra H. Magnus, Stephen G. Bowen, Donald R. Pettit, Robert S. (Shane) Kimbrough and Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, all mission specialists. Image credit: NASA

Endeavour will carry a reusable logistics module that will hold supplies and equipment, including additional crew quarters, about 14,500 pounds of equipment and supplies to the International Space Station during a 15-day flight. The equipment will eventually allow the station to host a full-time crew of six instead of the current three.

Prof. Jose J. Granda is one of NASA spokesmen for STS-126. His students at CSUS work on computer models of the International Space Station. One of those is this mission. There will be a short presentation from 4:00 pm to 4:15 pm to explain the mission and the participation of CSUS. Exact launch time 4:55 pm. Doors open at 3:00 pm.

When: Thursday, November 20th from 12-1:30

Where: Orchard Suite in the University Union

Dr Denneal Jamison-McClung with BioTech SYSTEM and faculty speakers from Sacramento State’s Biotech-related academic programs will be presenting information on Biotechnology Career Paths, and career opportunities. Light refreshments will be provided.

Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology

The Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology Project, or MUST, funded by the NASA, is a joint partnership between the Hispanic College Fund, the United Negro College Fund Special Programs and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers.

MUST awards scholarships and internships to undergraduates pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields. The MUST Project is open to all students and is particularly focused on engaging students from underserved and underrepresented groups to enter STEM fields.

Each year, the MUST Project will support approximately 100 undergraduate students with a one-year competitive scholarship of up to one-half of tuition, not to exceed $10,000. Students who maintain the required minimum grade point average will be eligible for a paid internship at a NASA center. Additionally, students will benefit year-round from tutoring, lecture series and mentoring from STEM faculty and peers.

Application Deadline:
The application period for the 4th cohort of MUST scholars will open on November 1, 2008 and will close on February 1, 2009.For online application, click link below:
http://scholarships.hispanicfund.org/applications/subsectionID.1,pageID.139/default.asp

Application Requirement:

• Online Application.
• Official Transcript.
• Letter of Recommendation.
• Personal Essay.
• Resume.
• Proof of Citizenship.

Eligibility:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be enrolled full-time at an accredited university in the U.S. or U.S. Territory.
• Must be a rising freshman, sophomore or junior.
• Must have earned and must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

Who to Contact at NASA:
Vanessa R. Webbs, M.Ed,
MUST Project Manager
Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology
NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field
21000 Brookpark Road, M.S. 500-107
Cleveland, Ohio 44135
Phone: (216) 433-3768
Fax: (216) 433-3344
E-mail: vanessa.r.webbs@nasa.gov

For more information, click link below: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/Motivating_Undergraduates_Science_Technology.html

The Campus Career Center (Julie Collier) is moving to a temporary location: Riverfront Center 215. This office is located on the second floor, above the food court, near the Graduate Studies Office.

The office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 13 & 14. It will re-open on Monday, November 17th in its new, temporary location. In spring 2009, the Campus Career Center will begin residence at its new home on the first floor of Lassen Hall. The date is not finalized, but will hopefully coincide with the beginning of spring semester.

Julie will still hold drop-in office hours at Santa Clara Hall 1207 on Thursdays from 1:30 – 4:00, including this Thursday.

Julie is responsible for helping students get engineering and computer science co-ops and she is also available for career counseling and resume help.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science Needs Your Data

Please report any offers that you have received to ECS Career Services Web site:

 http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career  - click on the "Just Hired" link.

If you got a student position we need your data.  

If you have graduated in the past few years or if you are graduating this semester we need your data.  

The information you share is used for ABET reports and to help me identify trends in employment and salaries.

I keep your info confidential.  I only report the data!  I use your contact data to confirm and to keep in touch with you.

Employers are hiring from the resumes posted on our web site at http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career. If you have not already posted your resume on the ECS Career Services Office Web Site, now is the time!!!  Just click on the Post Your Resume button!

Managers from local companies, including HP and Intel report contacting candidates through the system.  If you are not on the system they cannot find you.  

Students are reporting multiple offers from using a combination of the resume posting service, the JETX job listings, and from Job Fairs.  

Employers are able to search your resume now with key words!

I also send resumes out to companies so send me a soft copy in MS Word at: cici@csus.edu