CSUS students spoke directly to area civic leaders about regional issues at a luncheon forum on Monday, Dec. 6 in the Foothill suite of the University Union. This unusual opportunity was possible because the students had taken a class this fall to prepare themselves–The Sacramento Region: Issues, Opportunities and Challenges. Course instuctors for Interdisciplnary Studies 151 are former Sacramento mayor Anne Rudin, Rusty Hammer, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce president and Dr. Charlotte Cook, Coordinator of the CSUS Office of Community Collaboration. Leaders from around the region heard presentations from students about how issues that seem very different like education, development and conserving natural resources actually depend on each other for success or failure. Elizabeth DePalma, a graduating senior, who discussed the development of the Galleria Mall in Roseville, called on area leaders “to think about how development in one area affects another.” Michelle Abbott stressed that “education is the key to finding solutions for all our region’s problems.” The region course is “one tool for sensitizing people and how important regional issues are to the quality of life of everyone,” said Cook. Cook said that students in the course learn how regional issues are interconnected, and that they have the power to shape decisions that affect their lives. “I think that civic leaders want to hear what these students have to say. It validates what they are doing,” said Rudin. Throughout the semester, guest speakers share their knowledge about regional issues–from Bob Thomas, City Manager of Sacramento to Jim Henley, Director of the Sacramento History Museum. In Spring 2000, Interdiciplinary Studies 151 will be held on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. For more information contact Dr. Cook at 278-4786 or [email protected].