Preparation for Tenure and Promotion Workshop for Faculty 1–4 Years
CHPA and LIB
Date: Monday, November 4
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Location: Strong Hall 204
CHHS
Date: Monday, November 11
Time: 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Location: LIB 101
This workshop will focus on the teaching, research, and service criteria that are used for tenure and promotion to various ranks and how to best prepare to meet them. Process for annual evaluation, what to expect in feedback, and how to respond optimally will be discussed. Establishment of yearly goals and documentation of progress will be emphasized.
General Education Student Transition Resources Website
In an effort to assist advisors and students as we transition from the current general education program to the new program in the fall (2014), the Office of the Provost has developed a Student Transition Resources website. This site contains the following items:
- A copy of the new general education requirements
- An explanation of which general education program (“old” or “new”) various categories of students will be expected to fulfill
- Tools such as crosswalks and worksheets which are designed to help students and advisors understand how the old and new programs articulate
- Course descriptions of those new courses that will be a part of the new program but are not included in the current undergraduate catalog
- Instructions for current students who wish to switch to the new program
- Frequently Asked Questions
Advisors are also encouraged to share this information with their advisees.
Visit the Student Transition Resources website
Blackboard Feature Spotlight: Test Availability Exceptions
If you give tests through Blackboard and have students who need special exceptions, Blackboard has made allowing these exceptions simple! While setting up your test options, set the Test Availability Exceptions to allow a student or groups of students to have more than one attempt, different availability, a custom timer, or to turn Force Completion on or off. The test will deploy with the settings you’ve selected for all the students, and the exceptions you’ve applied to those students or groups that need them. This can be set while you’re building the test or by editing the test options once the test is deployed. For help using Test Availability Exceptions, check out this article in Experts, come by the Blackboard Open Lab every Friday from 1:30 to 5:00pm in Library 205, or contact the Friendly Faces of your Computer Services Help Desk!
See the Blackboard Blog to learn more about other great improvements to Blackboard, and don’t forget about all the opportunities for Blackboard training at the Blackboard at Missouri State University website, and learn how you can become a Blackboard Black Belt while you’re there!
Green Kiosk—Sustainability on the MSU Campus
Monitoring utility consumption is key to keeping costs low. The Office of Energy Management recently purchased an energy dashboard called Green Kiosk to monitor this and educate the campus community on Missouri State’s sustainability efforts.
MSU Veterans Day Events on Friday, November 8th
The Alliance for Veterans would like to invite all faculty, staff and student veterans, along with their guests, to attend the Veterans Day events on Friday, November 8th. Events include complimentary recognition breakfast and a presentation by Dr. William Piston, noted author and Professor of History at Missouri State University. The breakfast and presentation will be from 8:00–9:30 am in the PSU Ballroom. The breakfast is open to all veterans and their guests. Register online through the Alliance for Veterans website for the breakfast by Tuesday, November 5th.
The following events are open to all MSU faculty, staff and students:
- 9:45 a.m.—MSU Canteen Show featuring a live performance by the Hibernotes in the PSU Food Court.
- 10:30 a.m.—A concert by the Civil War Ensemble and Trumpet Choir on the McDonald Arena steps.
- 11:00 a.m.—The Taps Project at Missouri State University following the concert on the McDonald Arena steps.
- 11:30 a.m.—Veterans Day Panel Discussion, “Voices of the Civil War in Missouri: A Talk with Veterans” in Plaster Student Union Room 315. Panel includes Dr. William Piston, Dr. Stephen Trobisch, and Connie Langum from Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. This panel is co-hosted by the Office of Multicultural Programs and the Alliance for Veterans Committee.
Additional events in recognition of Veterans Day include:
- The Veterans Big Band Dance will be held on Monday, November 4th at the Oasis, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave. from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Featuring the Missouri State Dues Band and the sounds of Harry James, Count Basie, Les Brown, Woody Herman, and much more.
- The Pride Band of Missouri State University will lead the Springfield Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9th beginning at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Springfield.
- “A Musical Salute to Our Veterans” performed by the Missouri State University bands and choirs on Sunday, November 10th at 4:00 p.m. at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
Please join us to honor those who have served and are currently serving in our U.S. military.
Nominations Being Accepted for Staff Excellence in University Service Awards
The nomination deadline is Saturday, November 16
The Staff Excellence in University Service Awards (SEUSA) recognize excellence in service to the University among staff employees. Nominations are now being accepted for the Staff Excellence in University Service Awards.
The general intent of the awards is to serve all staff classifications, but the Review Committee will be looking at exceptional service to the University.
The University wishes to recognize those staff employees who strive to do their jobs well on a daily basis, those who go above and beyond the call of duty in a special situation, and those who have contributed in a significant way to the success of the University.
Six full-time staff employees will receive a one-time $1,500 award.
Do you know a coworker who has proven superior service to the University?
Currently enrolled students, employed staff, faculty, administrators or groups are encouraged to nominate full-time staff employees for the Excellence in University Service Awards.
Need more information? Nomination forms and information may be found at the staff awards website.
Public Affairs Theme Suggestions for 2015–2016 Now Being Accepted
As is the case with this year’s theme of Global Perspective: Why it matters and the 2014–2015 theme of The Ethical Citizen: Can you make a difference?, the intent is to identify and adopt a theme that can permeate the campus community for the academic year. While public affairs themes generally focus on challenges in public policy or issues confronting our world, you are encouraged to submit any and all ideas. Ultimately, the theme will be developed in a collaborative manner involving representatives of the university and Springfield communities; these individuals will look for a concept that can engage and excite the campus through a broad topic and provide meaningful opportunities for learning.
The intent is for the annual public affairs theme to be selected a minimum of two years in advance so that the theme may be incorporated into SOAR materials for new students in the 2015-16 academic year. This time frame also allows for careful planning of a multitude of public affairs activities that will occur that year.
In addition to serving as the focal point of the annual Public Affairs Conference, the theme should be broad enough to be used in a wide variety of both curricular and co-curricular activities, yet focused enough to be illustrative of our public affairs components: community engagement, cultural competence, and ethical leadership.
Proposals should include a brief (1 page) description of the theme and how it would fulfill the above criteria (including specific examples of curricular and co-curricular activities that could take place). Because the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs will select a Provost Fellow to coordinate the year-long activities, and in particular, to serve as the coordinator of the 2016 Public Affairs Conference, proposals including the name(s) of potential Provost Fellows for Public Affairs are encouraged.
Send all proposals to Dr. Rachelle Darabi, Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs by Friday, November 8, 5 p.m. (deadline extended). We hope to have the theme selected by Monday, December 2.
Fall 2013 Public Affairs Convocation Lecture–Blake Mycoskie
Date: Monday, November 11
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: JQH Arena
Open to the public
The Fall 2013 Public Affairs Convocation Lecture will feature Blake Mycoskie, CEO/Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes. Blake Mycoskie is the person behind the idea of One for One, for every pair of shoes purchased, the company gives a pair of shoes to a needy child in the world. Blake’s first book, Start Something that Matters, is the MSU common reader for this year. In his book, he offers his own amazing story of inspiration and power of incorporating giving into business. His book, Start Something that Matters, is available at Paw Prints in the PSU. This is a free event, but a ticket is required for admission. Tickets can be picked up at JQH Arena, Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and the PSU Theater ticket offices. Book signing will follow.
Two Students Recognized for Exemplary Academic Integrity
The Academic Integrity Council and Academic Integrity Matters Student Organization (AIM SO) recognized two students, Logan Smith and Maan Ayyash, on Friday, October 25 for exemplary integrity displayed on the MSU campus.
Logan Smith is a History, BSED student. He was in a lecture class with approximately 330 students this fall when a test was distributed. Logan looked through the test for a few minutes before beginning and when he reached the end, he realized that the answer sheet was stapled to the back of the test. He raised his hand and explained to the moderator that the answer sheet was attached. Approximately ten minutes had passed, and yet no other student brought the error to the attention of the professor. He could have remained silent with the rest of his classmates, but chose to do the right thing.
Maan Ayyash is a Cell & Molecular Bio, BS–PreAdm student. Through his work with the Association of International Students, Maan has facilitated several conversations between AIM SO and international students in an effort to help the students understand the expectations of integrity at MSU. Through his own behavior and choices, he is helping other students see how they can make good ethical decisions.
The Academic Integrity Council and AIM SO hopes this is just the first of many notifications of a celebration of integrity. We would love to receive other examples such as these.
A Free Public Lecture with Sherrema Bower
A Woman’s Glory: A Comparative Study of the Spiritual Experiences and Gendered Lives of Women in Two Pentecostal Communities in the USA and New Zealand
Date: Wednesday, November 6
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Strong Hall 001
Ms. Bower will discuss Pentecostal women’s embodied expressions of submission to men and the reasons women consent to submit. The cross-cultural nature of Ms. Bower’s research provides a framework for deeper understanding about how religion and gender impact one another.
This event is sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies and the College of Humanities and Public Affairs.
A New Middle East? Assessing the Arab Uprisings After Three Years
Date: Friday, November 15
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Library 101
Please join us for this timely discussion and Q&A session. Panelists include:
- Dr. Jeff VanDenBerg, Professor of Political Science and Director of Middle East Studies at Drury University
- Dr. David Romano, Associate Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University
- Dr. Serdar Poyraz, is Visiting Assistant Professor of History at Missouri State University
- Dhia Ben Ali is currently completing his M.A. in Political Science and Middle East Studies at the University of Arkansas
This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Dr. David Romano.
An Exhibition of Student Artworks
Dates: Tuesday, November 5–Thursday, December 5
Location: Meyer Library, First Floor
Please join Study Away Programs and students from the summer 2013 Art program to Florence, Italy, at a reception on Friday, November 8 at 4:00 p.m. on the first floor of Meyer Library. Students of Iwona Zalewska-Duszek, Gwen Walstrand and Carolyn Cardenas, will present their artwork including illustrative images, mixed media collages, photography and alla prima and egg tempera techniques from the Renaissance. For more information, please view the exhibition poster here.
People, Plagues and Pests: The Challenges of Containing and Controlling Exotic Species
Date: Tuesday, November 5
Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Temple Hall 002
Presenter: John Havel, Professor, Department of Biology
Oceans and mountain ranges have historically isolated humans and other species, allowing the development of distinct plant and animal communities and human cultures. Global travel and commerce open up avenues for spreading species and human ideas, as well as harmful pests and epidemic diseases. Exotic species from other continents are now commonplace; some are intentionally introduced, some escape, and some hitchhike with shipped goods. While most exotics fail to establish or have little effect, some species are invasive and some create economic harm. The U.S. alone spends about $100 billion a year to control exotic pests, including those in agriculture, forests, and lakes. Preventing the introduction of exotic species is certainly cheaper than controlling them after establishment, but requires regulation of human behavior. Using examples of aquatic invasive species, I will describe some smart prevention methods, as well as new approaches for control of established pests.
Fall 2013 Noncredit Programs
Knitting and Crocheting
Date: Saturday, November 9
Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Alumni Center, Fourth Floor
Cost: $79
Discover the possibilities with some sticks and string! These ancient arts have gone from functional to just plain fun! Learn the basic techniques for both handcrafts, practice basic stitches and learn to read patterns, and get the secrets to fixing problem areas. Students will learn the skills to get started with these portable projects, and be inspired to create gifts for family and friends.
Visit the knitting and crocheting course page for registration and more detailed course information.
Fundamentals of Photography
Dates: November 11, 13, 18 and 20
Time: 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Location: Alumni Center, Fourth Floor
Cost: $49
This course will help the student learn the functions of their cameras (film or digital) and how to make better use of composition, lenses, lighting, software, flash units, and other equipment including tips and techniques for capturing photographs that stand out from the everyday snapshot image. In addition, this course is recommended to hobbyists, budding journalists that need to shoot their own stories, artists, and anyone else looking at improving their photographic imagery.
Visit the fundamentals of photography course page for registration and more detailed course information.
Sustaining Our Water Supply
Dates/Times: Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Registration at 8:30 a.m.;
Friday, Nov. 15, 8 a.m.–Noon, Registration at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Darr Agriculture Center, 2401 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Cost: Both Days $115, One Day $75
This two-day conference will focus on two major themes of sustaining water supplies: Release of Phase 2 of the regional supply availability forecast for Southwest Missouri and the value of water in agriculture production and processing.
Visit the sustaining our water supply course page for RSVP and more detailed course information.
Home for the Holidays
Dates: Saturday, November 23
Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Alumni Center, Fourth Floor
Cost: $50
Did you ever wonder where some of our favorite holiday traditions and customs started? Do you know that using spices like cinnamon and cloves are part of Ozarkian lore? Do you know the story behind the animals talking on Christmas Eve? Did you know the practice of making New Year’s Resolutions dates back to the Romans? Do you have an interest in recording your unique holiday memories in writing as part of your own legacy? Let’s explore some crafts, customs, recipes and time-honored traditions and sites as we celebrate our history and heritage this holiday season.
Visit the home for the holidays course page for registration and more detailed course information.
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