Pohnpei Campus. The following is a summary of activities as reported in July by the Assistant Director of Pohnpei Campus, Jeff Arnold and Director of Pohnpei Campus, Penny Weilbacher during several Cabinet meetings:

Penny attended a Workforce Investment Act apprenticeship Workshop in Guam along with Francisco Mendiola, Director of Maintenance, and Gary Robertson, Director for Vocational Education. She found the meeting helpful and will be meeting with the vocational people to prepare strategy.

On July 10, 2000 the Counselor Certification program for twenty-five (25) teachers started at Pohnpei Campus and will last until August. The program is open to others.

Construction of the vocational shop and student services building is on going.

It was also reported that the Pohnpei State Department of Education is using Pohnpei Campus’ facilities for their principals training workshops.

Talent Search Program (TSP). According to the July Monthly Report, the Director of TSP, Heinrich Palik announced that the recruitment for the school year 2000-2001 has begun. All information has been disseminated by way of flyers, brochures, radio announcements, TV announcements, and word of mouth. All participants must make appointment to be interviewed for the 650 available slots. The Director urged that all parents attend the interviews. Director Palik revealed that only 8^th graders are eligible to participate from the primary level.

Director Palik also reported that Francisco Simram was recently elected as the President for the first Pohnpei State Basketball Association. Lesley Ashby, Program Administrative Assistant was also elected as the Association’s secretary. Simram along with Loatis Seneres and Castro Joab left on the 25^th to participate in the Micronesian Basketball Tournament in Majuro, Marshal Islands. Four TSP students also went to Majuro for the tournament. They are: Cassidy Shoniber, Emiso Weilbacher, Albera Roby, and Nefferti David.

The TSP recently received its official award letter notification for the 2000-2001 fiscal year in the amount of $197,000. That is an increase of 2% from last year. Congratulations!

The TSP Director, through an invitation from U.S. Ambassador Diane Watson, met with officials from Region IX regarding the program. Director Palik delivered a brief presentation along with supportive comments from both Ambassador Watson and Mr. Victor Hobson. The Region IX officials offered their support and encouraged the program to continue the good work.

The TSP staff paid a courtesy call on the newly confirmed Director of Education, Mr. Casiano Shoniber. Director Shoniber indicated his full support for the program and offered that anytime the program needs assistance, the staff should let him know.

Joe Saimon, the Media Specialist at the National Campus and Patterson Shed, Pohnpei Campus Activities Coordinator visited the program with regards to making promotional videotape.

Ms. Amy James, formal TSP tutor and COM-FSM graduate visited the campus and gave a workshop with the tutors on classroom management. Ms. James is currently attending the University of South Pacific in Fiji. She is here due to the coup and the unrest in Suva.

Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae Campuses: No July Monthly Reports submitted yet.

Personnel. Several faculty and staff had a farewell luncheon at Sei Restaurant for Ken Girrard who has completed his contract on July 31, 2000. As noted on our last update, Ken’s help in “keeping the College technologically up-to-date” is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Ken!

New hires: FSM-FMI hired Alfred Chon as the Mechanical Engineer Teaching Assistant. His contract began on July 10, 2000.

Chuuk Land Grant hired Marcus Henry as an Extension Agent. He began on July 17, 2000.

Kosrae Campus Gear Up Program hired Steve Sigrah as their Administrative Assistant on July 24, 2000.

Chan Tallon was hired as and Administrative Specialist II for Pohnpei Campus on July 24, 2000.

Mary Snaden is transferring to Kosrae as the lead instructor for the Gear Up Program.

Carol Wilson-Duffy and Jack Duffy are leaving August 12^th. We are indebted to both Carol and Jack for their dedicated service. We wish them the very best.

Alice Bridge will be leaving us at the end of the summer term. We wish her well.