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EspañolNEW COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA
New College of California is a small San Francisco based liberal arts college founded in 1971 by Father John "Jack" Leary, formerly President of Gonzaga University. The College promotes social justice, ecological sustainability, spirituality, and education as a force for social change. It has campuses or facilities in the Mission District and Civic Center neighborhoods of San Francisco, in Oakland, and in Santa Rosa, California. New College offers bachelor's, master's and professional degrees.
History
Father Leary started an experimental liberal arts program which he called "the New College" at Santa Clara University, a private, Jesuit university, which asked him to take the program away as "the Trustees of the University of Santa Clara did not support New College's being at their school." [1]
In 1971, Father Leary brought the New College to his living room in Sausalito. From Father Leary's living room, the school expanded to a warehouse, then a 5 room schoolhouse on Marinship Way, all in Sausalito.[2] New College obtained a former mortuary and funeral parlor on Valencia St. in San Francisco, in the Mission District, for its first real campus. It quickly added a former creamery building on the same block.
New College Today
Currently, The New College of California, which consists of the San Francisco, North Bay and East Bay campuses,is on probation by WASC for numerous problems. WASC is the regional accrediting body for The New College of CA. Failure to meet the requirements of WASC could mean closure of the College as soon as Spring of 2008.
The progressive curriculum at New College interlaces critical thinking, self expression, ecological thinking, activism, social responsibility, spirituality and community involvement into its curriculum. The university’s facilities include three theaters, (including the historic Roxie movie theater) a visual arts studio, a union print shop, video editing laboratory, desktop publishing laboratory, and music laboratory. It is primarily a commuter college, and has plans to create student housing through The Green Living Center, which will be a cooperatively run housing facility.
There are approximately 1,000 students enrolled at New College of California. It is an accredited institution, currently on probation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94501(510) 748-9001 as of July 5, 2007.
New College of Ca. offers 'BA, MA , MBA, MFAs' and teaching and sciences certificates. The ethnically and culturally diverse academic institution is one of the first educational institution in the country to offer a Sustainable MBA. Programs are based on a "cohort model" which provides students with experiential learning in a group setting.
One of the key components to the curriculum is the community involvement through its service and social action learning internships required of students. Other avenues of community involvement include free and low-fee community legal and mental health clinics run by students in its Schools of Law and Psychology Programs,a 'Family Literacy Center' operated by its 'Teacher Credential Program',publications such as the 'New College Review', public political and cultural events organized by its academic programs, the 'Center for Education and Social Action (CESA)' and the 'New College Institute for Spirituality and Politics'.
New College School of Law, located on Fell Street, near Civic Center is the oldest public interest law school in the country. It was founded in 1973 during the social justice movements of the 1960s as a response to the needs of the legal representation for the poor and underserved populations. It is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. The School of Law combines litigation with negotiation, mediation, community healing, media savvy, and political action.
The New College of California's Science Institute was established in 1976 in San Francisco. The Institute provides accredited science units to more than 5,000 working adults seeking missing academic credits required to enter health care professions or academic institutions. In 2006, it opened a campus in Whittier, CA, west of downtown Los Angles. Both locations offer an accelerated weekend program of: courses in: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Human Biology. As of Fall 2007, San Francisco area classes will be taught in Hayward.
New College North Bay Campus in the study of 'Culture Ecology and Sustainable Community' was established in 1998 in downtown Santa Rosa, around the agrarian communities of Sonoma County. Students are exposed to ecologically-focused curriculum, with a predominate focus on building leadership skills. BA and MA Programs include: EcoDwelling, Ecological Agriculture, Consciousness, Healing & Ecology, Holistic Nutrition Education, Holistic Nutrition Consulting, Activism and Social Change. The first accredited 'Green MBA' in the country was born at this campus in 1999 with an emphasis in Sustainable Enterprise. The Green MBA has since relocated to Dominican University.
One of the community programs that sprung out of the campus is The New College of California's SoCo Biodiesel Co-op (SCBC), a community-based organization that promotes produces, and provide vegetable-based fuel. The Co-op was founded in 2002.
In 2005, New College saved the Roxie Cinema from financial collapse. [3] The new "Roxie New College Film Center" is the oldest continuously running theatre in San Francisco. It continues to screen progressive independent films, holds the College's Media Studies classes and hosts prominent lecturers and community activities, including a Green Movie night through San Francisco Urban Alliance for Sustainability.
In that same year, New College built a broadcasting studio at its Valencia Street campus and partnered with listener-owned, 'Pacifica Radio Network' station KPFA to produce shows from that site. It also entered into a collaboration with Modern Times, a 35 year-old collectively owned and operated, progressive bookstore located a few doors away on Valencia St. Classes and lectures are held at the bookstore on a regular basis.
During the past five years, New College has added the following programs in San Francisco:
★ The Experimental Performance Institute (EPI), and Clown Conservatory (CC) at Circus Center. 'EPI' is one of the only performance studies programs in the country to blend theatrical innovation, queer and experimental work with social activism.
★ A study abroad program, a multi-cultural focused teacher certification (below the postsecondary level) and a weekend BA completion program.
★ In 2007, the progressive educational institution will open The Green Living Center, an intentional community and learning program.
–Currently The New College of California is on probation with WASC, the regional accrediting agency for The New College of California.
Campuses
★ 'San Francisco County'
:New College’s main campus is housed in several buildings in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, CA. The offices at 777 Valencia, and companion buildings across the street, are home to its Humanities-based programs, Media Studies, EPI, a KPFA broadcasting station, and administration offices.
:'The Law School', a four-story Spanish-style landmark building on Fell St., was designed in 1932 by the architectural firm of Willis Polk. It is within walking distance of City Hall, government offices, and The State Bar of California. New College shares this building with Bay Area Legal Aid, the largest legal services provider in San Francisco and the San Francisco Science Institute.
:'The Green Living Center' is located in the historic Casa Loma Hotel, on Fell and Fillmore streets, in Hayes Valley, on the edge of the Fillmore District. The building is a state-registered historic hotel with 45 guest rooms on three floors, an unoccupied commercial ground floor, a partial basement,a flat sunny rooftop, and panoramic views of the city. Curiously, in trying to negotiate with union staff employees who asked that they cut in areas other than people's jobs, the Hamilton Administration and its lawyers told the union that they intended to sell the Casa Loma Green Living Center, but still planned to open it. It will house approximately 50 students.
★ 'Alameda County'
:The East Bay Weekend BA Completion Program in 'Self-Mastery, Leadership and Resilience In Urban Environments and Global Society' is housed at 4550 San Pablo Avenue, in Emeryville, CA, across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco.
:'The Science Institute' classes will be held on the campus of Life Chiropractic College West located at 25001 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, California beginning in the Fall 2007 semester.
★ 'Sonoma County'
:'The North Bay Campus in Culture Ecology and Sustainable Community' is housed at 99 6th Street Santa Rosa, CA, in the turn-of-the-century, brick and mortar, Sperry Flour Factory, occupying 9,000 square feet of space. The historic building is used primarily educational programs as well as hosting a variety of films, lectures, musical events and classes for the general public. A number of local community groups hold their meetings and events at the Campus.
★ 'Los Angeles'
:'The Science Institute' classes are held at the Southern California University of Health Sciences, 16200 E. Amber Valley Drive in Whittier, California, within 12 miles of downtown Los Angeles.
Statistics
★ 1000 students
★ 150 Faculty (including full time and adjunct)
★ Faculty to Student Ratios: Undergraduate: 1:12-17 Graduate: 1:10-18
Notable Alumni
★ Carla Wilson
★ Darrick Smith
★ Frank Williams
★ Juba Kalamka
★ Rodel Rodis
★ Toni Riss
★ Faye D'Opal
★ Ford Greene
★ Norma Castellanos-Perez
★ Eric Mar
★ Linda Lofthus
★ Peggy Flynn
★ Ora Prochovnick
Notable Faculty
★ Peter Gabel, Ph.D., has been a law professor at New College of California's nationally praised public-interest Law School for 30 years, currently sits on the Board of Trustees, and served as President for 20 years. Peter graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. from Harvard College in 1968, and Magna Cum Laude with a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1972. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology at The Wright Institute in 1981 and holds a Marriage, Family and Child Counseling License. He has been a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist during the last two decades and was a founder of the Institute for Labor and Mental Health in Oakland.
★ Judy Grahn, Ph.D., is an internationally known poet, co-founder of lesbian feminism, and early contributor to literature of women's spirituality. She is Co-Director of the Women's Spirituality MA program and Program Director of the MFA in Creative Inquiry. Dr. Grahn is Editor of our online academic journal Metaformia: A Journal of Menstruation and Culture.
★ Richard Heinberg is an internationally-known journalist, author, and Peak Oil expert. Mr Heinberg has written seven books include: "The Party's Over," "Powerdown," "The Oil Depletion Protocol," "A New Covenant with Nature," "Cloning the Buddha," "Celebrate the Solstice," and "Memories and Visions of Paradise." He is one of the core faculty at the New College North Bay Campus and teaches courses on Energy and Society, and Culture, Ecology and Sustainable Community.
★ Dr. Linda James Myers, Ph.D., known for her work in the development of a theory of optimal psychology and book, "Understanding an Afrocentric World View: Introduction to an Optimal Psychology". Has won several prestigious awards,one being the Bethune/Woodson Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Development of Promotion of Black Studies from the National Council of Black Studies in 1994.Dr. Myers is the Dean of the New College School of Pyschology, and on the New College Executive Council.
★ Stephen J. Ducat, professor of psychology and author of "The Wimp Factor: Gender Gaps, Holy Wars, and the Politics of Anxious Masculinity."
★ Adam Clay Thompson, winner of The George Polk Award for Local Reporting for his series “Forgotten City,” about San Francisco's public housing, and instructor in the Media Studies Graduate Program.
★ Harry Britt, a gay political activist and former Supervisor for San Francisco, California. He was first appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in January 1979 by Mayor Dianne Feinstein, succeeding Harvey Milk who was assassinated in City Hall along with Mayor George Moscone by another Supervisor Dan White. Britt was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1980, 1984, and 1988. Britt served as President of the Board of Supervisors from 1989-90. Britt chose not to run for reelection in 1992. Britt ran unsuccessfully for the 5th Congressional District of California in 1987, narrowly losing to Nancy Pelosi in a special election to fill the seat left when Sala Burton died. He also was unsuccessful in his race against Mark Leno for the California Assembly in 2002. Britt teaches in the Weekend BA Degree Completion Program.
★ David Meltzer, poet and teacher in the graduate Poetics program at New College of California, as well as in the College’s undergraduate Humanities program. His most recent book of poetry is Beat Thing [La Alameda Press, 2004]. He is the editor and interviewer for San Francisco Beat: Talking With The Poets [City Lights, 2001]. With Steve Dickison, he co-edits Shuffle Boil, a magazine devoted to music in all its appearances and disappearences.
★ Daniel Cassidy, author, teacher, filmmaker, founder and co-director of the Irish Studies Program. His most recent publication is "How the Irish Invented Slang: the Secret Language of the Crossroads", He is also co-founder of the Crossroads Irish-American Festival.
★ Neeli Cherkovski, writer-in-residence. His literary vitae includes: "Ferlinghetti: A Biography", and he co-edited Beatitude, the North Beach literary journal, "Elegy For Bob Kaufman", "Whitman's Wild Children", "Bukowski: A Life", and most recently, a poetry collection entitled "Leaning Against Time."
Clubs, and Student Organizations
New College of California sponsors a number of student organizations, including the Black Law Caucus, Queer Caucus, National Lawyers Guild Student Alliance.
★ The New College Clarion: An independent student run publication created to monitor, reflect and engage the college and its community.
★ Green It Up Project: A campus-wide initiative founded by a New College alumnae, to purchase more sustainable materials and bring more awareness to the environmental impact of human activity on the planet.
Business, Community and Spiritual Leaders who have presented at New College:
★ Peter Barnes, Co-founder, Working Assets
★ Kevin Danaher, Founder, Global Exchange and The Green Festivals
★ Matthew Fox, Director of the Institute of Creation Spirituality
★ Randy Hayes, Board President, Rainforest Action Network
★ Michael Lerner, Author of "The Politics of Meaning: Restoring Hope and Possibility in an Age of Cynicism" and Editor of Tikkun Magazine
★ Joanna Macy Buddhist Scholar and Activist
★ Paul Ray, Ph.D., Author, Cultural Creatives
Controversy
ONE VERSION OF THE FACTS
Unionization and the Humanities Dept. Upheaval
'1995-6'
The administration initially fought unionization efforts by faculty and staff in the mid 90s.[4] At the same time, the Humanities department underwent major upheavals.[5] Students were not informed of what was happening in the department as instructors did not show up to teach classes, or new instructors suddenly appeared, replacing popular, longtime instructors.[6]
Wanting more power and a way to show solidarity with their instructors, students organized a group called Pipsqueak!. Pipsqueak! complained to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In February of 1996, WASC required New College to change its governance to include students and faculty.[4] As of this date, 11 years later, students and faculty have no role in decisions made at New College. The board of trustees continues to be self-electing as well.
An outside consultant, Samuel Gerson PhD, was brought in to mediate the dispute within the Humanities department, but was unsuccessful. Gerson's report blamed the administration's lack of formal structures, a point of pride to the administration, which is called "the tyranny of structurelessness" by feminist scholar Jo Freeman. The deliberate lack of formal structures at New College has led to several WASC investigations, the most recent of which ended on June 21, 2007.
In the end, 5 core faculty were either forced out, fired, or resigned voluntarily, depending on who told the story. They were given generous severance packages in return for signing nondisclosure agreements.[5] Faculty and staff joined Service Employees International Union (SEIU),[9] although not all New College workers are allowed into the union.
Graduate Psychology Department 2005
In 2005, several New College graduate students in psychology filed complaints with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the accrediting body with jurisdiction over New College, alleging infringements on free speech rights and lack of due process in the termination of faculty members and removal of students from the program. [10] After an investigation, the then-dean of the graduate psychology program, Ali Chavoshian, PhD, was terminated; a faculty member was suspended; and another faculty member received written warnings. The program is currently run by Dean Linda James Myers, PhD. Dean Myers resigned as Academic Vice President as of July 18, 2007.
Alliance of Students for Autonomous Power
In 2005, students reacted to the firing of popular Graduate Psychology Director Ali Chavosian, and the demotions of Media Studies appointed Co-Directors Jon Garfield and Foster by organizing and protesting. They created a group called Alliance of Students for Autonomous Power (ASAP)and published a newsletter, Student Action! ASAP complained about lack of democratic principles and accountability in the administration to WASC, which investigated yet again. They also complained about racism on campus, which they felt was a factor in the treatment of Profs. Chavosian and Foster.
ASAP's demands included:
★ The re-hiring of Ali Chavoshian.
★ A completely transparent school budget.
★ An end to constant tuition hikes.
★ The formation of a council composed of students, workers, faculty, and administration that would regularly meet, discuss, and resolve this issue as well as the many other school issues (such as the tuition hike). Decisions would be democratic and based on the input of all, not the whims of the Administration.[11]
The Leary Scandal 2006-7
'Sept.-Nov.2006'
On Sept. 8th, 2006, the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus issued an official statement acknowledging that Father John Leary, the founder of New College, had sexually abused boys and young men during his tenure at Gonzaga University, a private Catholic university. Before issuing this statement, they called New College President Martin Hamilton and informed him of this information.[12]
President Hamilton did not inform the New College faculty, alumni, or student body. He gave an interview to ''SF Weekly'', which became the cover story of the October 10th issue. This created a major controversy within the New College community. Students, faculty and alumni formed a community group, Stop Systems of Silence (SSOS), which included members of ASAP.
SSOS demanded a public meeting to inform the community and explain why the community wasn't properly notified about Leary; services for survivors of sexual abuse; and a letter of notification to be sent to all students and alumni regarding the founder's history of sexual abuse. Rather than an informational meeting, the administration held a Healing Forum, moderated by Dean Linda James Myers of the graduate psychology department (and co-moderated by two students at student insistence). The administration promised follow up meetings, which never occurred.
The Healing Forum was held on Nov. 1, 2006, in the New College Cultural Center. During the Healing Forum, a student called for Martin Hamilton's resignation. An alumna gave him a pink slip labeled "Martin Hamilton You're Fired!" a la Code Pink and told Hamilton he could "resign for health reasons". SSOS arranged for counselors from SF Women Against Rape to stand by for emergency counseling during the Healing Forum, and to give free services for anyone in the New College community affected by the Leary Scandal.
Acting Registrar Allegedly Rapes Student
'Dec. 2006'
On Dec. 13, 2006, a new article surfaced in ''SF Weekly'', Allegation 101. This time, a work-study student claimed that a staff member in the registrar's office raped her. She and the staff member allegedly had been dating for several months. She went to president Martin Hamilton. He did not offer her services, immediately begin a formal investigation, or put the staff member on administrative leave pending investigation. An informal investigation was begun a short time later and many New College personnel were questioned in regards to this matter. The incident was not reported to the police, nor did Hamilton urge the alleged victim to do so. Hamilton admitted everything in his interview with ''SF Weekly'' reporter Matt Smith. Hamilton admitted that there is no policy against administrators, faculty or staff dating students. Hamilton added that he himself has dated students and sees nothing wrong with it.
After the article and the subsequent outcry, the staff member was transferred to another department. He no longer has direct contact with students as part of his job. He is no longer employed at New College.
The Clothesline Project Banned at New College
'April 2007'
During the Spring 2007 semester, several students in the ASC program tried to create an exhibit for the Clothesline Project, a rape awareness art installation which usually is not controversial. Participants decorate T shirts and display them using clothesline and clothespins. The students wanted to spend an evening in the college cafe creating the T shirts, which would be displayed for 9 days. The project was to be a collaboration with SF WAR in preparation for their annual Walk Against Rape fund raiser. Dean Linda James Myers refused permission, without explanation, according to student organizers and SF WAR.
ASC Program Upheaval
'Spring 2007'
At the end of the Spring 2007 semester, both of the co-directors of the Activism and Social Change Program at New College resigned, with one leaving entirely. Co-Director Rachel Stryker wrote an open letter explaining that her resignation was a direct result of the Leary Scandal and other abuses of power by the New College administration. She called for WASC to investigate. Kai Lundgren-Williams, a core faculty member who helped design the program, also left. The program director did not renew her contract. With most of the original faculty gone, over half of the students in the ASC program decided to transfer out. Others chose to stay, but organize for a student government and reformation of New College's administration. Students from other departments, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as former faculty and staff have joined together to reform New College, creating several email lists and holding meetings off campus.
Changes in Governance to Comply with WASC Standards
'July 2007'
During the week of July 16, 2007, New College held its first school-wide faculty meeting in its 40 year history. The full time faculty formed a 'Core Faculty Council' which met and gave a vote of no-confidence in President Martin Hamilton. The part time faculty formed an 'Adjunct Faculty Council'.
On July 18, 2007 the newly-formed 'Adjunct Faculty Council' issued a press release stating “We the Adjunct Council, in solidarity with the Core Faculty Council, ask for cross representation towards our common goals. We support the core faculty vote of no-confidence and support the call for new administrative leadership. Further, we call for the immediate replacement of the Board of Trustees, President, and Academic Co-Vice Presidents in compliance with the demands of WASC.” [13]
On July 18 the first Ad Hoc Coalition meeting was held with representatives of the Core and Adjunct Faculty Councils, students, staff, and alumnae. After the meeting, students decided to form a 'Student Council'. Alumni and alumnae decided to form an 'Independent Alumni/ae Association'.
On July 19, 'Academic Vice President Linda James Myers' resigned. She continues to be Dean of Graduate Psychology. 'Academic Vice President Michael Macavoy' had previously stepped down. He remains Director of the Activism and Social Change Program. Half of the 'Board of Trustees' has resigned, however no press release was issued and no names have been released. The board designated a three member transition team. It is not known at this time who is on the team. On August 5, 2007, the ''San Francisco Chronicle'' reported that Martin Hamilton had resigned as New College president.[14]
Public Records
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References
1. President's Speech at the LGBT Community Center by Martin Hamilton, July 21 2005
2. Mike Frost, Class of '76
3. SF Weekly. ''Coming Soon: The New Roxie'', Ryan Blitstein, 1/11/06
4. ''New College Gets Organized,'' New Mission News, Nov. 1996, pg. 11.
5. ''New College humanities profs get the ax in recent layoffs,''The City Voice, pg. 2, Aug. 4, 1995
6. ''five core faculty shucked, embryonic student coalition asks: what the hell is going on?'' Pipsqueak!, Summer of 95, Squeak! Number One
7. ''New College Gets Organized,'' New Mission News, Nov. 1996, pg. 11.
8. ''New College humanities profs get the ax in recent layoffs,''The City Voice, pg. 2, Aug. 4, 1995
9. SEIU Welcomes New College Employees
10. School of Graduate Psychology Report
11. Student Action!,newsletter,Alliance of Students for Autonomous Power, no date
12. Resignation Letter from ASC Program Director Rachael Stryker
13. Adjunct Faculty Council Press Release 7/18/07
14. [1]
External Links
★ New College of California
★ Stop Systems of Silence
★ The Secret History of New College
★ The Double Life of John Leary
★ Allegation 101: When there is a suspected date rape, you don’t want the accusation looked into by administrators at New College
★ Public Statement of the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus on Father John Leary's sexual abuse of boys and young men during his tenure at Gonzaga University
★ Accreditation Report Blasts New College
★ The Tyranny of Strucurelessness
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