January 25, 2001

Studying the Environmental Effects of Globalism in Ecuador
Developing Research Skills in the Field

In the Andes of South America, strong indigenous cultures and traditions coexist with the challenges of poverty and globalization. Social & Cultural Anthropology Professor Mutombo Mpanya—known for his highly refined skills in the arts of bridging worlds and creating alliances—is offering CIIS students the chance to join him in "activist anthropology" on a teaching/ research trip.

In July 2001, Mutombo will lead a fourteen-day for-credit study tour to Quichua, Ecuador (including visits to Riobamba Province, Quito, and Otavalo). Students will look at local ecology, indigenous culture, and the influence of the West. By conducting ecological impact studies in indigenous contexts, they will learn specific research skills such as project analysis, planning and evaluation, and environmental impact analysis. Mutombo says, "I think it is extremely important to give students the opportunity to integrate what they learn in the classroom with work in the field. The direct experiencing of local and indigenous cultures, witnessing sustainable development projects, and inquiring into the role of 'humanitarian aid' to foreign countries will be invaluable."

Mutombo is conducting this research in association with several international development nonprofit organizations, including International Development Exchange (IDEX). The trip is being offered by CIIS and an international nonprofit organization called World Neighbors. Call 415-575-6100, x277, or 415-648-9577 for details.

Sage Perspectives: Jean Shinoda Bolen

Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., author of The Tao of Psychology, Goddesses in Everywoman, Gods in Everyman, Ring of Power, Crossing to Avalon, Close to the Bone and The Millionth Circle—has a history with CIIS going back to being the graduation speaker 17 years ago. Continuing the tradition, in 1996 her daughter graduated from the Integral Counseling Psychology Program at the Institute.

Dr. Bolen sees CIIS as having a unique role in education and in people's lives. In an interview with Inner Eye she said, "CIIS bridges science and spirituality, East and West, psychology and soul. Also, CIIS has remarkable offerings for those who are seeking education in midlife; it presents the people and ideas that are at the cutting-edge of bridging culture and spirituality in a variety of fields. When I speak in different parts of the world and people ask where they can go to for a depth education in such matters, I tell them about the Institute."

We also talked with Dr. Bolen about her newest book, Goddesses in Older Women: Archetypes in Women Over 50 (to be published March 2001), in which she suggests a new set of positive archetypes for women in the third phase of their lives. "This is a unique time in history," she says. "For the first time since ancient Greece, there is a generation of women capable of transforming culture. Some forty-five million post-menopausal American women whose lives were influenced by the women's movement are coming into their fifties and sixties, with decades of active life left."

Dr. Bolen introduces Goddesses of wisdom, decisive action, healing laughter, and compassion as archetypes stirring in the psyches of older women. Metis, Sophia, Hecate, Hestia, Sehkmet/Kali, Baubo/ Uzume, and Kuan Yin symbolize these facets. She says, "Older women no longer accept the idea that they should become invisible. This is a time when the state of the world depends on older women bringing their sense of connectedness andwisdom into cultures on a global scale. If we are to shift direction, women must bring forward what they know." She encourages women to employ binocular vision, "a way of seeing that allows us to see both the archetypes that are within us and the culture's expectations of us. With this awareness, each individual can make a life uniquely her own, and bring forth her voice for the common good."

Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst in private practice, clinical professor of psychiatry, University of California Medical Center, and an internationally known lecturer. (www.jeanbolen.com)

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Report on Finance & Planning
by Annabel Beerel, Vice President for Finance & Planning

Now that we have really entered the third millennium in earnest, it is time to resume our efforts in strategic planning. As many will recall, great strides were made in beginning a new, institute-wide strategic planning process. The tremendous buy-in and support from faculty, students, and the administration resulted in a comprehensive document that will form the foundation of the next iteration of the strategic plan and will provide sound evidence of our planning efforts to WASC.

The strategic planning committee will reconvene during the latter part of January to work on the revised strategic plan. The committee's role is to establish investment criteria against which proposed new programs and other initiatives will be evaluated. The committee will set priorities with respect to the implementation of new programs and initiatives and also will be engaged in assessing their success. The names of those on the committee will be publicized shortly; everyone is invited to give their ideas regarding both the process and any new strategic initiatives to committee members or to me. I would welcome meeting you and learning about your aspirations for the Institute.

I look forward to working with you in creating a viable strategic plan that represents our collective vision for an exciting future!

Keeping in Touch with Student Alliance
by the Student Alliance Election Subcommittee

The results of the Fall 2000 Student Alliance Elections for Student Representatives are listed below. The full results and vote counts are posted on the SA bulletin board next to the Cafe on the third floor.

Congratulations and thank you to all candidates and write-ins, and to voters!

• Representative to the Board of Trustees — Rupert Davis

• Representatives to Strategic Planning Council School of Professional Psychology (SPP) — Jason Kirk, Somatics (SOM); a second position remains open

• School for Consciousness and Transformation (SCT) — Caroline Webb (write-in), Philosophy, Cosmology, & Consciousness (PCC); Gwen Gordon, PCC (write-in)

• School (SCT and SPP) Representatives — SCT: Darcy Riddel, PCC; Ken Rowe, Social & Cultural Anthropology (SCA); SPP: Aaron Testard, Drama Therapy (PDT); Darlene Sorenson, PDT (write-in)

• Faculty Council — Jana Paradiso, Gender, Ecology & Society (GES);
Jason Kirk, SOM

• Academic Affairs Committees (formerly Educational Policy Committee) —
Sofie Qureshi, GES

• Finance Committee — Riko Robinson, SOM (write-in)

Message from President Subbiondo

Dear Colleagues:

Welcome to Spring Semester 2001. I hope that you enjoyed blessed and renewing holidays. Upon my return, I was delighted to find on my desk a letter and a check for $190,000 from Laurance Rockefeller. The grant will enable Professor Brian Swimme to host a conference and produce a videotape with Harvard's Forum on Religion and Ecology on The New Story of the Universe and World Religions. I am extremely grateful to Mr. Rockefeller for his continuing support of CIIS and to Professor Swimme for conceiving a project that brings distinction to the Institute. (Watch for details in the next issue of Inner Eye.)

Here at the Institute, on the fourth floor, you see the first change in the building for the new year. The members of the space planning committee have been meeting over the past semester, and their collaboration has not only improved the entry aesthetically but also has freed up much-needed office space. We all owe our thanks to our talented staff in physical plant for a task well done.

During the first weekend of the new year, the Information Systems and Technology (IST) Office staff worked into the late hours to ensure the security of CIIS technology and to improve the quality of the infrastructure. In light of the recent successful Teams Elite conversion, the IST staff has empowered us to begin 2001 better prepared in technology than we have ever been.

As we approach the visit by the WASC team, we will have an opportunity to demonstrate what we have accomplished and what we are planning to do to enhance the educational mission of the Institute. I look forward to working with you in what I expect will be one of the best years for CIIS.

 

Joseph L. Subbiondo

Secrets of the Stacks
by Olive James, Library Director

Spring 2001 Library Hours
Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-7:00 pm
Saturday, 11:00 am-4:00 pm

Where did you shelve that e-book? The library has virtually run out of space, but we haven't run out of solutions—yet. Our latest strategy is the purchase of a collection of 4,000 "invisible" works in digital format, e-books collected by an organization called Netlibrary. Working with other California university libraries, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Library was able to buy access, in perpetuity and at minimal cost, to titles in selected subject areas. The jointly owned collection includes titles in psychology, education, religion, economics and business, and social science. Primary publishers are the Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and UC University Presses, and McGraw Hill. Readers in the CIIS library will be able to search for titles we do not own (for example, through this URL, http://www.netlibrary.com.) More details on "loan" period, offsite access, etc. will be available in the library in February.

Who is that tall stranger?
The newcomer you may have spotted will not be a stranger for long. He is John Syphrit, who has joined the staff of the Institute's library as online services librarian. He will play a major role in ensuring the high quality and availability (onsite and off) of our electronic information resources.

Serendipitously, John was relocating from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to San Francisco when his predecessor, Josh Boatright, left the Institute. John holds an M.A. in Communication from Shippensburg University, an MLS in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh. He has done postgraduate work in religion at several institutions. During his interview, John confided that he also holds an additional, non-accredited master's degree (from Barbados) in sacred science and esoteric studies. He has nineteen years of experience in academic libraries, most recently at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He brings the technical, professional, and academic experience we require; and he is fascinated by what we do. Welcome, John!

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On the Page and On the Stage

Professionally Speaking

Don Hanlon Johnson, Somatics & Jorgé Ferrer, East-West Psychology
Invitational conference on "Transformative Practices," at Esalen Institute Center for Theory and Research, November 26-December 1, 2000. (Other participants included Richard Baker Roshi, George Leonard, Michael Mahoney, Michael Murphy, Kaisa Puhakka, Frances Vaughan, and Roger Walsh.)

Alfonso Montuori, Transformative Learning & Change
"Techniques for Effective Management of Entrepreneurial Alliance Networks as Complex Adaptive Systems," CEEMAN conference, Trieste, Italy, October 2000.

___ "Strategy and/as Organizational Change: Reconceptualizing Evolution, Adaptation, and Environments"
and Discussant, with Peter Reason, on a panel about time and organizations, Academy of Management Conference, Toronto, August 2000.

In Print

Alfonso Montuori, Transformative Learning & Change
Reissue by Hampton Press of Gregory Bateson's classic Mind and Nature, in the book series "Advances in Systems Theory, Complexity, and the Human Sciences," of which Professor Montuori is an editor.

Stuart Sovatsky '84,
"Spirituality & Psychotherapy:
The Matter of Separation Anxiety," International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 20 (winter 2001).

___ "Too-vivid Impermanence: Psychopathology & DSM-IV Religious Issues," Review of Existential Psychiatry & Psychology, XXV (winter 2001).

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In our fragmented culture, it is challenging to find space for the spiritual respite that is vital to our individual and collective well-being, and for contemplating deep and transformative ideas. It is equally challenging to find ways to bring the fruits of this renewal back into our daily lives. As our lives become increasingly busy and hectic, scarcely any task is as important, or as difficult, as learning to act, speak, and move through the world from our spiritual center.

In response to this need, the Institute is pleased to announce the first of a series of Insight Seminars that foster creative spiritual renewal and intellectual discussion in a weekend format for individuals in leadership positions. The seminars offer leaders an opportunity to step outside the workplace into an environment that is conducive to rest, renewal, and creativity.

The Institute's Vice President for Finance and Planning, Annabel Beerel, is coordinating the seminars. She says, "I am very excited about the Insight Seminars initiative. One goal of the seminars is to give those who attend an opportunity to get a flavor of the transformative learning that takes place at CIIS. Our intention is to hold several seminars each year that are designed for different audiences, with a view to encouraging spiritual dialogue."

The first seminar—Holding the Center/Balancing Polarities—will be facilitated by CIIS President Emeritus Robert McDermott from March 16-18, in Bodega Bay, California. Commenting on what participants may look forward to he says, "This is indeed a rare occasion to drink deeply from the existing wealth of spiritual wisdom, East and West, while spending a very special time with close friends and family members. Prominent and exemplary teachers will join the group for a weekend of lectures, discussion of selected readings, and intimate discussion, and assist us in finding ways to apply our spiritual insights to the pressures of life in the 21st Century." Readings include materials by highly regarded contemporary teachers—Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist.

We hope that attendees of the Insight Seminars will form a network that will be spiritually sustaining to them and will also increase the network of friends of the Institute.

For more information, please call Joshua Lachs at 415-575-6176.

Ancient Archetype in a New Medium

Visiting Professor Lucia Chiavola Birnbaum, who teaches in the Women's Spirituality Program, has just entered the world of online publishing with the publication of Dark Mother: African Origins, Godmothers, and a World Transformed (the third volume of a trilogy), on iUniverse. Although Lucia has received praise from academics and others on her work, and in spite of the fact that she received important prizes for the first two books, she says, "Mainstream publishers have been frightened away by the theme of the Dark Mother, which explores the African origins of modern humans and of world civilization, and discusses the fact that the oldest human divinity we know is a dark mother of Central and South Africa, who to this day is associated with values of justice with compassion, equality, and transformation." Lucia is now working on her next book, Sicily! A Spiritual Topography.

 

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Appointments & Announcements

Reforming Nike Corporation's Labor Practices

Angana Chatterji, professor in Social & Cultural Anthropology, is one of the researchers in a global research project, "Global Manufacturing and Responsible Business Practices of Nike Corporation," that aims to assess and reform Nike Corporation's international labor practices. The research is being sponsored by the International Academy of Business Disciplines.

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Ask the Dean of Students
by Richard Buggs, Dean of Students

Dear Dean,
I heard recently that your office has some kind of program that connects students with alumni for the purpose of discussing career options and issues. Can you tell me how to take advantage of this?

Yours,
A longtime student and soon-to-be-alumna

Dear Longtime/Soon-to-be-Alumna,
I'm so glad that you asked this question. In our Field Placement Office (Room 401) we have created a "Career Advisor Network" (CAN). This network/directory refers students to alumni of CIIS who are willing to act as advisors and mentors. Currently 80 CAN advisors—representing all programs—are available to serve as resources or contacts with the professional world. CAN advisors are interested in speaking with students about career development and current events in their particular fields. Most of these alumni are based locally and have first-hand experience being a professional in the Bay Area. The CAN listings are located in the Placement Office, or you can view the Placement Office Webpage for general information.

Graduates who would like to join our Career Advisor Network, please give us a call at 575-6117 or e-mail keitha@ciis.edu.

 

In each issue of the Inner Eye, the Dean of Students will answer a question posed to him by the students, staff, or faculty of CIIS. If you would like to ask a question, send it to richardb@ciis.edu or drop by Room 401.

 

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Eye on Technology
Looking Back, Looking Forward
by Lionel Chan, Chief Information Officer

As we begin 2001, we can look back to several major technology accomplishments at CIIS for the year 2000, including:
• Replacement of a malfunctioning telephone and voice mail system
• Conversion of our information system to an integrated CMDS Teams Elite system
• Upgrading a substantial number of staff and faculty desktop computers
• Testing WebCT Internet course management and distance learning software on selected Fall 2000 courses

In early 2001, we expect to complete the following projects:
• New firewall installation and network redesign
• Replacement of malfunctioning servers
• Installation of Teams Elite web module to enable students to register for courses on the Internet
• Initiation of student e-mail addresses

Student E-mail Addresses Now Available! The Institute is now realizing a dream that we have had for some time: making CIIS e-mail addresses available to all students. The format of the e-mail address is studentname@students.ciis.edu. You may also use the account to receive notices and group discussions relating to classes, events, and the broader CIIS community by subscribing to the Institute's listservs (electronic bulletins).

Many students already have an e-mail address (if not several) of their own and juggling addresses can get cumbersome. You may set up a forwarding system yourself, or let the Institute's technical staff assist you when you pick up your address and password.

To access your e-mail account you do need Internet access. Once you have set up Internet service you can access your CIIS account from home; or use the Institute's Internet connection via the Computer Lab or the Student Cafe (both on the third floor).

The account is subject to official CIIS e-mail policy posted at http://students.ciis.edu and Institute policies governing enrollment and academic standing. To get your account address and password, stop by the third floor and see the lab assistant in the Computer Lab or call the Helpdesk at (415) 575-6140. The Computer Lab and the Helpdesk will also provide continuing support on how to use your account. For information on CIIS listservs, please visit our Webpage, http://students.ciis.edu, and browse to "Student Commons>Discussion Forums" for a list and a description of what's available.

 

 

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InnerLight Bookstore
If you still need a 2001 calendar to bring color to your workplace, the Bookstore still has some very nice ones, but they're going fast.

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Comings & Goings

Welcome to:
New Staff
Brian Aho, as admissions assistant. Brian is a student in the Drama Therapy program, as is his identical twin brother, Michael, who is academic administrative coordinator in the School of Professional Psychology. Brian shares his job with another Michael—Fosler.

Patricia Rojas, as library circulation assistant. Patricia, a Venezuelan citizen, is a student in the Expressive Arts Therapy Program.

John Syphrit, as online services librarian (see this page , "Secrets of the Stacks" ).

New Faculty
Phillip Brooks, adjunct, Integral Counseling Psychology; Katharine McGovern, adjunct, Clinical Psychology; Kaisa Puhakka, adjunct, Clinical Psychology.

Farewell to:
Cris Brackett, facilities manager.

Pam Chaloult, director of Communications and Marketing, who has taken a new position as vice president of external affairs for Social Ventures Network located at the Presidio in San Francisco. In little more than two years at CIIS, Pam has greatly enhanced communications and marketing, integrated marketing and admissions, brought a new look to the Website, advanced the Spiritual Emergence Network, developed an award winning enrollment marketing kit, and enriched the Inner Eye and Open Eye.

Samantha Kahn, financial aid counselor, who has taken a similar position at the California Culinary Academy.

Cathy Makunga, financial aid director, who is leaving to take a position with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund located here in San Francisco.

Michael Moore, library circulation assistant.

Transitions:
Michael Fosler, from front desk receptionist to admissions assistant.

Mary Stephens, from operations assistant, promoted to operations manager.

 

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It's In the Stars
by Cathy Coleman

Classes begin with a powerful boost of creative, mental energy as Mercury conjoins Uranus the first day of classes, January 22. Class lectures may be electrical, stimulating, and mind opening. This combination promotes out-of-the-box thinking. On January 24, Saturn turns direct, and the following day Jupiter turns direct. For the past four months, it's been a time for reviewing bottom lines and values. Now energy abounds for building new paradigms, sprouting new ideas and projects, and moving forward practically toward accomplishing our goals. With all planets direct, it's full speed ahead. Great ideas, insights, and intuition abound. All one really has to do is be receptive to this effusive cosmic energy. Making leaps in consciousness is easy to do now, so stay awake and on the path, and open to the boundless possibilities of your life.

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Inner Eye
Editor: Candice Chase
Editorial Board: Jaclyn Kellye Higgs, Susanna Spiro, Cathy Coleman

The Inner Eye is published by the Communications & Marketing Department.
Deadline for next issue: Tuesday, 1/23/01
Next Issue: Thursday, 2/8/01

Articles may be submitted to candicec@ciis.edu via email or disks may be put in the Inner Eye mailbox. Articles are subject to editing for clarity, length, and appropriateness.

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WHO IS IT?

HINT: Inquiring minds she helped to tame, now she'll play the numbers game.

ANSWER AT: InnerGate-mail.ciis.edu.

Each issue of the Inner Eye features a photograph of staff or faculty from another time in their lives. (Please submit photos along with a "hint" to Candice Chase in Communications.)