November 17, 2008

Inside this Issue

From the Chancellor
Featured Events & Activities
Around Campus

From the Chancellor

Senior Vice Chancellor Baldwin and I attended the November Board of Regents Meetings on November 13 and 14. We also had meetings with individuals from the Office of the Vice President for Research to explore support for UMC faculty, the Office of Human Resources to review results of the PULSE Survey, and the Office of Equity and Diversity. These meetings provide the opportunity to better access resources in central administration for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students on the Crookston campus.

There were limited action items on the Regents’ agenda for November. Major presentations included an external audit report, an update on Academic Health Center plans, a discussion on the role and future of private giving, an update on UMore Park, and a resolution to allow alcoholic beverage sales at limited locations on the Twin Cities campus. There were no major items specific to the Crookston campus.

Last week we finalized the membership of the newly-formed University of Minnesota, Crookston Sustainability Committee. Martin Lundell, M.S., associate professor, Math, Science and Technology Department, and Chris Waltz, a senior majoring in natural resources, have agreed to co-chair the committee. An organizing meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18. Other members include Rachel McCoppin, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication; Paul Aakre, M.S., assistant professor of agriculture; students Leela Hier and Ashley Allen; Douglas Langer, facilities staff; Peter Phaiah, associate vice chancellor of student affairs; Linda Kingery, executive director, NWRSDP; Jason Brantner, research fellow, NWROC; Pat Kelly, Crookston Public Works; and Jon Steiner, Polk County Environmental Services. I look forward to the work of this committee and the impact it will have on the campus.

I want to extend congratulations to the team of UMC horticulture students for their first place finish at the Mid-America Collegiate Horticulture Society competition in Maryville, Missouri, also to senior Jennifer Zoch of Remer, Minn., who earned high place individual honors. Thanks to coach Theresa Helgeson, lab services coordinator, for her mentorship.

- Chuck

Charles H. Casey, Chancellor
University of Minnesota, Crookston

Featured Events & Activities

International Education Week, November 17-21

Campus Assembly Meeting, Wednesday, November 19 – 3 p.m., Dowell Hall 225

Tobacco Cessation Program with Sandra Peterson, licensed clinical social worker and certified QUITPLAN cessation counselor, Thursday, November 20 – 2 p.m., repeated at 3:30 p.m., Prairie Room, Sargeant Student Center

Meteorologist Paul Douglas presents “A Slow Moving Transformation, Climate Change and Minnesota Agriculture,” Thursday, November 20 - 7 p.m., Kiehle Auditorium, free and open to the public

Service-Learning Community Dialogue, Friday, November 21 - 9 to 11 a.m., Kiehle 116

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27 & Floating Holiday, Friday, November 28 – campus offices closed, no classes

Women’s Holiday Social and Silent Auction, Tuesday, December 2 – 4 to 6 p.m., Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center

Ag and Natural Resources Day, Friday, December 5

Admissions Preview Day, Saturday, December 6 - 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For details on these and other events or to discover what's happening this week, visit UMC Today at www.UMCrookston.edu/umcnews or review our news page at www.UMCrookston.edu/umcnews/stories .

Around Campus

Administrative Affairs –

The Fall Semester meeting of Campus Assembly will be held Wednesday, November 19, at 3 p.m. in Dowell Hall 225.  Everyone is welcome.  Refreshments will be available.  The agenda is available online at www.umcrookston.edu/academics/campusassembly/current.htm.

As the Crookston campus continues preparations to go tobacco-free beginning January 1, 2009, opportunities will continue to be offered to encourage and support cessation.  Sandra Peterson, licensed clinical social worker and certified QUITPLAN cessation counselor, will discuss tobacco cessation and lead a question and answer session in the Sargeant Student Center’s Prairie Room Thursday, November 20, at 2 p.m., repeated at 3:30 p.m.  Campus counseling and health staff will also offer three “lunch and learn” sessions discussing resources and support available to assist  anyone with the effort to quit tobacco use.  These sessions will be offered starting at 12 noon in Brown Dining Room D, Sahlstrom Conference Center on the following dates:  Tuesday, November 25; Thursday, December 4, and Wednesday, December 10.  Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Laurie Wilson, 281-8587; Vicki Svedarsky, 281-8583; or Stacey Grunewald, 281-8512.

Academic Affairs –

The U of M, Crookston Library has been awarded an IDEA (Innovation, Diversity, Equity, and Achievement) Grant of $2,500 from the University of Minnesota’s Office for Equity and Diversity to fund a children’s book diversity collection.  The grant was written by Owen Williams, director of the UMC Library, in collaboration with Thomas Williams, director of Diversity and Multicultural Services, and Jim Carlson, assistant librarian.  The money will allow the purchase of 300 to 400 additional children’s books that address perspectives of underrepresented groups.  The collection will serve as a resource for the Early Childhood Education Program and the Children’s Center as well as for general use by library patrons.

Student Affairs –

Kim Jorgensen has been hired as the GLBTA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies) programs coordinator.  She serves as a consultant and resource for GLBTA students, offering programs for GLBTA awareness, supporting the system-wide efforts of the U of M GLBTA Programs Office, and addressing the unique needs of the Crookston campus in creating a welcoming environment for all.  She is also available to present to classes and groups on topics of GLBTA issues, gender, human sexuality, sexual health, social justice advocacy, and psychology and counseling.  She holds office hours in the Equality Room, Hill Hall, Room 15, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Contact her at jorge382@umn.edu.

A week of events is planned to help recognize the value of global learning during International Education Week, November 17-21.  Filling the week are speakers, presentations, programs, special meals, poster and photo contests for students, and an international market on Wednesday, November 19 from 2 to 6 p.m. in Bede Ballroom.  The week culminates with the International Week Festival, Friday, November 21, from 2 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sargeant Student Center.  During this festival, international students will demonstrate activities unique to their country.  Additional activities, many of which are designed to involve younger children, include flag face painting, origami, writing names in another language, computer kiosks with photographs from around the world, and international games.  A full schedule of events is available at the UMC Online Calendar.

Well-known meteorologist Paul Douglas will speak on climate change and its affect on Minnesota and agriculture Thursday, November 20, at 7 p.m. in Kiehle Auditorium. The event is free, and the public is welcome.  The event is made possible by a grant from Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) and by the U of M, Crookston Natural Resources Club, Golf and Turf Club, Horticulture Club, and Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment (SPACE).

Crookston Student Association President Marshall Johnson has been elected to serve as vice-chair for the University of Minnesota Student Senate, the body of student representatives from the Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and Twin Cities campuses.  The group meets three times each semester on the Twin Cities campus.

Center for Adult Learning and Affiliated Organizations –

The Center for Adult Learning will host a College in the High School (CIHS) workshop Thursday, November 6, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.  The workshop is designed to give CIHS instructors the opportunity for discipline specific interaction with UMC faculty, to promote CIHS instructor networking, and to comply with National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) standards.  Currently, more than 900 students from 40 regional schools take part in the CIHS program.

Finance & University Services –

Mark Hudon has been hired as an additional Campus Security staff member.  He will work 40 hours per week, primarily during evening hours.  The Campus Security Office is located in 1110 Centennial Hall; contact 218-281-8531 or 218-289-0565 (cell).

All foundation footings for the new apartment-style residence hallhave been completed, and construction of the building’s walls will begin this week off-site.  These completed wall sections will then be transported to campus, where they will be installed sometime in early December.

Development & Alumni Relations –

The annual Women’s Holiday Social and Silent Auction will be held Tuesday, December 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center.  Everyone is invited to connect with friends of the University, enjoy holiday music and light refreshments, and to bid on items in the silent auction.  All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Women’s Project Fund.  Last year the event raised $2,000 for women’s scholarships.

Economy and Higher Education Fundraising Statement from Corby Kemmer, director, Development & Alumni Relations:  During these challenging and uncertain economic times, private giving is of critical importance to sustaining the continued growth and prosperity of the U of M, Crookston.  As fundraisers, we will stick to the basics, work even harder, be more aggressive and strategic in our efforts, be realistic, and not abuse our loyalties to our donors.  Fundraising is based on long-term relationships and long-term returns.  Successful programs are those which are sustained and built over time, not halted and restarted based on current economic conditions.  As alumni, donors, students, parents, employees, community and other constituents, we must work as a team, support each other, and communicate regularly to keep this institution moving with momentum.  As the 2008 comes to an end and we enter 2009, we ask for your financial support and thank you for your past and current support.  We pose these questions: what can we do for you, and how may we assist you in your philanthropic priorities?  Please contact Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations, for detailed information on giving opportunities in support of the U of M, Crookston. 218.281.8434 or ckemmer@umn.edu.

Athletics –

Four Golden Eagle football players earned The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) All-Conference recognition following the 2008 season. Travis Coulson (P, Sr, Crescent City, Calif.) earned NSIC North Division All-Conference First Team Special Team honors.  Enrique Julien (DE, Sr, Miami Springs, Fla.), Mario Perez (OG, So, Colton, Calif.), and Jeff Schiller (C, Fr, Lakeside, Calif.) earned NSIC North Division All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. 

In volleyball, middle hitter Amber Meyer (OH, 6-2, SO, Paxton, Neb.) earned recognition for her season play as a member of the NSIC All-Conference Honorable Mention team. 

In women’s soccer, Vanessa Copiak (Sr, Def/Mid, Calgary, Alberta, Canada) was named All-NSIC Honorable Mention, and Justine Jones (So, Fwd/Mid, Richland, Wash.) was named to the All-NSIC Third Team.

Visit www.goldeneaglesports.com for schedules and cheer on the Golden Eagles.

Accolades

Three staff members presented at the Region IV conference of NAFSA: the Association of International Educators, held October 25-28 in Fargo, North Dakota.  Kim Gillette, Ph.D., director of international programs, presented the session “Facebook and International Education… What’s the Link?”  Kim, together with Shou-ching Chao, Ph.D., Writing Center coordinator, and Rand Rasmussen, Ph.D., director and program advisor for the Academic Assistance Center and Student Support Services, also presented a discussion on helping international students overcome the beyond-the-critical-age barriers in college education together.  Region IV of NAFSA includes international educators from Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and North and South Dakota.

On October 27, 2008, Eric Burgess, Ph.D., instructor of business management, presented a paper summarizing the results of his doctoral dissertation at the International Association of Business and Public Administration Disciplines Conference in Memphis, Tenn. Burgess’ paper, “A Grounded Theory for Strategic Planning in Higher Education,” received high ratings from conference participants who attended his presentation.  The conference was well attended by higher education faculty and administrators representing universities and colleges from throughout the United States and Canada. His paper will be published in the conference proceedings.

The U of M, Crookston’s Aviation Program and Mike Vivion, chief pilot and instructor, are featured in an article in the December 2008 issue of Flight Training Magazine published by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.  The article, written by Ian Twombly, focuses on the challenges of winter flying and the learning opportunities it affords student pilots.

Staff from Residential Life and the Residence Hall Association (RHA) sponsored their annual Haunted House on Friday, October 31.  With the help of I.C. Muggs / Mugoo's, a local business that generously donated building space, they created and operated the scary event for the entire community.  More than 340 people attended, raising $1,700 for Habitat for Humanity and over 100 cans of food for the local Care and Share.

David DeMuth, Ph.D., associate professor of physics, was invited to present for the Physics and Astronomy Lecture Series at the University of North Dakota on Wednesday, November 5.  He presented “The Greatest Accelerators, Including the LHC and GRBs,” a lecture on how particle accelerators are used as microscopes at the subatomic level as well as tools for discovering larger universal structures.

Publication notes: The E-Update is published twice each month August thru April and once each month in the summer, May thru July. Issues are posted online.

If you have any questions regarding the information in this news update, please send them to urumc@umn.edu.