President's Message to The Community
April 20, 2015
Dear Colleagues and Fellow Members of the COM-FSM Community,
On April 7, 2015, Acting Vice President for Student Services held a college fair at the main gym at the FSM-China Friendship Sports Center, National Campus. All high schools on Pohnpei attended the college fair to learn about the different programs offered. Students who attended the college fair would have their registration fee waived when applying at COM-FSM.
Dr. Allain Bourgoin, a faculty at the National Campus, was one of two faculties who presented his research on starfish at a research conference at the University of Guam, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences on March 10, 2015. He returned and wanted to share his presentation at the college.
On April 8, 2015, Dr. Allain Bourgoin presented the “Population Densities and Size Structure of the Crown of Thorns Starfsih (COTS) in Pohnpei Lagoon, FSM” at the Media and Instructional Technology Center (MITC) room. Below is an abstract:
The Crown of Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci) is a corallivore asteroid (P. Echinodermata). During outbreaks (>83 ind.ha-1), they can destroy large sections of reef structures. In Pohnpei lagoon, COTS density explosions were first documented from 1969-1973. In 2006, COTS aggregations were noted, and outbreak levels observed for the next 4 to 5 years. Eradication measures were undertaken. In 2014, 25 sites were visited to evaluate the densities and size structure of COTS in Pohnpei lagoon. Time counts were used to estimate the population densities. The disc diameter of collected individuals were measured. The highest observed density reached 13 ind.ha-1 which is below the incipient outbreak level (≥ 18 ind.ha-1). Seventy two percent of the 360 measured individuals were adults (≥25cm), 27% pre-adults (15cm-24cm), and 1% juveniles (<15cm). The population densities have now returned to normal levels. The predominance of adults remains a concern because of their potential reproductive capacity.
On April 18, 2015 a talent show was performed by COM-FSM students was held at the Pohnpei Campus Gym. Tickets were sold at $1.00 each for admission. Money raised would help the Yap and Chuuk citizens affected by Typhoon Maysak.
The College in a partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Lady Sharks, Chuuk Student Organization (ChuChok), and the Yap Student Organization (YSO) are holding a relief drive to assist the victims affected by Typhoon Maysak.
Contributions can be made in the form of monetary donations or in the form of goods.
Suggested items to donate:
- Non-perishable food (can goods, rice, ramen, dried fruits, baby formula)
- Clothing (clean, not torn, washed, good condition)
- Shower items and toiletries.
For more information, please contact the President’s Office at 691-320-2480 or e-mail maysak@comfsm.fm.
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center will be holding its 8th annual Skills Expo on April 23, 2015 and April 24, 2015. Students will showcase learning outcomes for their respective programs at Pohnpei Campus.
The showcase will include skills and services in:
- Technology & Trades programs including Electronics, Telecommunications, Electrical, Refrigeration, Carpentry, Cabinetmaking, and Motor Vehicle Mechanic
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Agriculture & Food Technology
This event is open to the general public and it will provide everyone with the opportunity to closely observe and learn about these programs at the CTE center.
The College will be a hosting site for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test on October. The GRE is a standardized test that is an admission requirement for most graduate schools in the United States. Deadline to sign up with Ms. Universe Yamase is on May 8, 2015. Please contact her at uyamase@comfsm.fm or call her at 320-2480.
On April 19, 2015, the Yap Upward Bound high school students arrived on Pohnpei to do its annual college visit. The group of students will be learning about the programs offered at the College and will visit the cultural sites on the island and the government offices at Palikir.
The Board of Regents Meeting will be next week from April 29-30, 2015, at Chuuk State. On April 30, 2015, there will be a community meeting at the Chuuk Campus Student Center at 8:30AM. Stakeholders, college community, and the general public are invited to participate.
The National Campus Sports and Recreation Office is organizing its annual Fun Walk/Run on May 9, 2015. The event will commence at 7AM at the Palm Terrace parking lot. Registration is $5 and comes with T-shirts sponsored by the Matson Company located on Guam. Proceeds from the event will be deposited in the College’s endowment fund.
Dean of Yap Campus confirmed graduation date for both the Fisheries and Maritime Institute (FMI) and Yap Campus students on May 19, 2015.
I convey my appreciation to you for all your work, effort and dedication to the students we serve. Each of us plays an important role in the successful implementation of the mission of COM-FSM.
It is a privilege for me to serve you as president.
Warm regards,
Joseph M. Daisy, EdD
President and CEO
