Earth and Soil Sciences Advisory Council

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The Advisory Council for the Earth and Soil Sciences Department was established in December 1995.

 

Mission of the Earth and Soil Sciences Advisory Council.

The Advisory Council provides advice to the Department on matters relating to the education of those students studying Earth and Soil Sciences. Their input helps set the direction of the Department in matters of curriculum and promoting the "learn by doing" concept for educational development. They work with the Cal Poly Placement Service to assist students with finding meaningful employment. They encourage students to obtain professional certification and registration upon graduation. The Advisory Council seeks the support of alumni, friends, and parents in an effort to assist the Department with accomplishing its educational mission.


 

Goals and Tasks
  1. To keep the department up-to-date on current and future needs of employers so that the curriculum will be well-suited to prepare graduates for meaningful careers.
  2. To become proactive in providing computerized job listings from employers for permanent positions as well as co-ops and internships for students.
  3. To assist with maximizing the opportunities for graduates to obtain professional certification and registration.
  4. To develop and implement an action plan for increasing the financial support of the Department by alumni, friends, and parents.
  5. Promote the Earth and Soil Science professions and the ERSS Department.

Membership

Membership in the Council is by invitation of the President of Cal Poly. Nominations may be made by the Earth and Soil Sciences Department through the Dean of the College of Agriculture to the President. Membership is usually for a three year term with terms staggered so that about one-third expire each year. In the year of formation the terms will be for one year except the Chair and Vice-Chair. The Chair and Vice-Chair will serve three years. The Chair represents the Department on the College of Agriculture's Advisory Committee.

The Council will consist of fifteen to thirty outstanding leaders who are alumni, friends, supporters or parents of students with a special interest in Cal Poly. The ESWCC club will nominate a student for approval by the Department Chair to serve on each of three task forces. One of these students with Chair approval will be designated by the ESWCC Club to serve as a voting member of the Council. All memberships will be reviewed annually by the Council Officers and a decision made regarding continued participation.

Organization

Officers are Chair and Vice-Chair, nominated and elected by the Council membership. They are supported by the Department Chair, who acts as an ex-officio advisor to the Council, and an administrative assistant, designated by the Department Chair.

Participation

The full Council will meet once a year to review progress and provide advice to the Department. The Council officers will convene prior to each meeting to review action taken on recommendations from the previous meeting and to outline the general program content for the ensuing meeting. The Council officers will convene and conduct the bi-annual meetings. The Council and Department Chair may call on members from time to time for additional advice. The Council does not determine academic policy, but drawing on the knowledge and experience of the membership advises the Department Chair on matters in which counsel has been sought.

Benefits

Members will receive the recognition of leadership for serving on the Earth and Soil Sciences Advisory Council. Additionally, members have the ability to obtain the following benefits:

  1. Interaction with academic leaders
  2. Access to faculty and students
  3. Recognition on campus as a council member
  4. Information on special department and university programs
  5. Parking passes to official council meetings
  6. Recognition in department and college publications as appropriate


 

Earth and Soil Sciences Advisory Council Members (2004-05)

Chair
Dr. Joel Kimmelshue
CH2M Hill, Consulting Soil Scientist

Co-Chair
  • John Gonsalves
    Robert Mondavi Grower Relations

     

    Other Members
    • Richard L. Clark, Hazardous Materials Specialist, LA County Fire Department
    • Kerry Arroues, USDA-NRCS, Supervisory Soil Scientist
    • Dr. Craig Beyrouty, Purdue University, Department of Agronomy
    • Mary L. Bianchi, University of California, Co-Op Extension
    • Terry D. Cook, Soils Consultant
    • Nat B. Dellavalle, Dellavalle Labs, President
    • Dr. Scott E. Fendorf, Stanford University, Dept. of Geological & Environmental Chemistry
    • Dr. Jay Gan, UCR, Assistant Professor and Water Quality Specialist
    • Stephen McShane, Newstar Fresh Foods LLC
    • Michael E. Edminster, United Agri Products - Area Manager
    • Omer L. King, Jr., Department Alumnus
    • Katherine J. Kendrick, U.S Geological Survey - Research Geologist
    • Anthony T. O'Geen, UCD, Assistant Soil Resources Specialist
    • Matthew J. McCarthy, U.S. Army, Land and Water Use Analyst
    • Deborah A. Soukup, TEAM Engineering & Management, Inc Soil Scientist
    • Glen Stoller, Owner, Sunridge Nurseries
    • James Vangelos, President & CEO, HAYS
    • Roy J. Shlemon, Geological & Environmental Consultants