CNAS Updates and Events

University buildings will continue to be closed/locked until August 3.  The only exception will be a few buildings that will be used for SOAR on Mondays and Tuesdays – that includes Cheek Hall and the lecture hall portion of Temple Hall only.

Schedule for office openings starting today – Monday July 6 (these are subject to change):

• Dean’s Office open M-R 10 AM to 4 PM (to help with SOAR as needed)
• ITSS and DUSS Staff – Brian, Ken and Craig available
• HL Office open – M-R 9 AM to 4 PM
• PAMS Office open – MWR 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
• BIO Office open – T 1 to 5 PM

Recent news from the college (with more coming soon):

• From ploy to pollination: How flowers plant tricks on bees
• If you would like to see past stories please visit CNAS NewsWatch!

New Scholarship for returning students – Return to Finish – Check out the website for details –

https://adultstudents.missouristate.edu/return-to-finish.htm

Fire alarm test schedule (any CNAS building not listed has already had their test/inspection):

• Kemper Hall: July 13
• King St Annex: July 14
• Plaster Center: July 15
• Pummill Hall: July 16
• Temple Hall: July 21

CNAS Diversity Update

Statements regarding diversity and inclusion from professional organizations. #BlackLivesMatter

A group of CNAS faculty and staff has been meeting via ZOOM to talk about diversity and inclusive excellence.  We have collected a number of ideas.  We also collected a number of questions that people had.  Last week Wes Pratt and Chris Craig joined us to let us know some of what is happening in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of the Provost.  Our final goal will be to forward our recommendations as well as to align our actions to the university action plan that will be adopted by the BOG on August 7.

Inclusive Excellence on Campus for those who are interested in learning more –

Office of Diversity and Inclusion – https://diversity.missouristate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion.htm

Long Range Plan – https://www.missouristate.edu/LongRangePlan/

Long Range Plan – Diversity Chapter – https://www.missouristate.edu/longrangeplan/diversity-inclusion.htm

Annual Plan 2019-2020 – https://www.missouristate.edu/president/action-plan.htm

New annual plan is being developed now and will be adopted August 7 by BOG.

One CNAS goal has been – seek grant funding.  Four years ago the CNAS Diversity Committee compiled the following list – https://science.missouristate.edu/Scholarships.htm which is posted on our website.  It is time to update the list but also time to share projects that are in progress.  Dr. Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi is leading the NSF funded Mo LSAMP program at MSU –  https://science.missouristate.edu/lsamp/   Dr. Matt Pierson is currently leading the NSF STEM Scholars program at MSU – https://sstem.missouristate.edu/   Dr. Einhellig, Dr. Rebaza and I received NSF funding for an Advance program at MSU – https://science.missouristate.edu/ADVANCE.aspx   We are still in the first year of this project but will be sharing updates soon.  CNAS submitted a preproposal to the HHMI Inclusive Excellence program early this year.  The pandemic is slowing down the review process but we hope to hear something this fall.  Leaders of the MSU TRIO Program are interested in partnering with us to submit a Math/Science Upward Bound grant in 2021 and a McNair grant in 2022.

Another CNAS (and departmental) goal has been to bring in more diverse seminar speakers.   We have the opportunity this year to think differently about our seminar programs.   Maybe this is a time do more seminars via ZOOM.  This could give us the opportunity to invite diverse speakers from around the world.  Please send your department head (or the leader of your seminar program) some ideas this summer.

Everyone is welcome to join us this summer as we continue to learn and build our action plan.  Please let Gale or Dylan know if you are interested in attending the next meeting.

Misc Events

Register for the 35^th Showcase for Teaching & Learning on August 12^th through “My Learning Connection” or online here. An itinerary can be found here.

Public Affairs Conference 2020 – Wednesday September 30 and Thursday October 1 (see the schedule).

Calendar

June 9 – July 29	Summer Session
July 30-31	Summer Session Final Exam Period
Aug 3	Summer Grades are Due
Aug 3	Academic Buildings unlocked
Aug 5	Virtual Townhall Meeting at 10:00 AM
Aug 10	All faculty and graduate students report to work for the fall semester
Aug 12	Virtual Showcase on Teaching and Learning
Aug 17	Fall 2020 Semester Classes Begin Today
Sept 2	CNAS Student Expo – Recruiting students for membership in student organizations
Sept 29 – Oct 1	Public Affairs Conference – All sessions virtual
Oct 17	MSU Homecoming
Oct 18	Spring/Summer Commencement
Nov 9-10	CNAS Career Expo – Virtual
Nov 12-16	CNAS Undergraduate Research Day
Dec 3	Last day of classes for fall semester
Dec 5-10	Final Exam Period
Dec 11	Fall Commencement