Fall 2005 brings big changes for David Todd, former chair of the computer science department.

In last spring’s budget cuts, Todd lost two programs under his control: computer electronics and aviation. The school administration recommended that Todd relinquish his chair position over the department.

“It wasn’t a financial change for the school,” chief operations officer Gary Murph said. “Nobody lost a salary. It was strictly about making an administrative change.”

After the changes, Todd was left with a single computer science program.

“Right now that program is shaping up to be a transfer program,” Todd said, “a transfer program that students will be able to take to Oregon universities but also to schools out of state. It’s all about standardization.”

Standardization, yes, but Todd knows innovation will also determine whether the program succeeds.

“I’m looking at other programs around the state, mainly Portland State, OSU and Western Oregon,” Todd said. “I’m looking for the things they’re not offering and [I] hope to be able to set up those programs here at Mt. Hood.”

Todd knows he can’t focus on the past.

“Basically what I’m concerned about is the success of this transfer program. If it succeeds, I’ll be happy. Am I upset about my situation? I’d only be upset if this program fails.”

It looks like things might have a happy ending, though.

“Last time I checked, the introduction class to computer science is just one away from being filled up,” he said.