ByLion -- May 12
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Southeastern to offer undergraduate degree in nursing online Registered nurses who are graduates of associate degree or diploma programs can now earn a bachelor's degree in nursing from Southeastern completely online through a new program starting in the fall. The program is being offered through a statewide adult learning initiative known as CALL ("Continuum for All Louisiana Learners"), a Louisiana Board of Regents project piloted last year in the northwest region of the state. The initiative offers a variety of undergraduate degrees through six Louisiana higher education institutions and is aimed largely for adult learners who have some college credit but have never earned a degree. "This program makes it possible for registered nurses without a bachelor's degree to enroll and earn the undergraduate degree online and at an accelerated pace," said John Crain, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "For many nurses, this is an important step in their career advancement." To be eligible, applicants must have graduated from a nationally accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program, hold an unencumbered nursing license and be in good standing with their licensure board, and have completed at least one year of current nursing practice as determined by the Southeastern School of Nursing. More information on eligibility and how to apply for the program is available at the university's Web site, www.selu.edu/call. Courses generally will be offered in four to eight-week formats. The accelerated pace allows students the opportunity to complete the program in as early as three semesters, depending upon prior course work and experience. And while the program is intended primarily for Louisiana residents, out-of-state applicants will also be considered. Nursing CALL Program Coordinator Jean Urick said the School of Nursing will work with applicants to review their completed courses and work experience to determine the courses needed to meet the requirements of the bachelor's degree. "As a result of prior educational programs in nursing, registered nurses can earn up to 30 nursing credit hours awarded by transfer credit, transfer block credit, or prior learning assessments," Urick said. "In addition, transfer credit is awarded for any equivalent general education courses." Crain said an increasing number of adults recognize that continuing education is important to career growth and professional advancement. "This is an important part of our workforce, and the state has recognized the need to develop programs that will allow adults to complete their degrees and to advance professionally," he said. "We recognize that these students are already working, in most cases full time, so we designed the courses to be short in duration and to be taken completely online." Urick explained that online learning is not for everyone. The Southeastern CALL Web site includes links to information to help individuals determine if online education would be appropriate for them. Beginning this fall, CALL will offer a total of seven complete degree programs through six Louisiana public colleges and universities. In addition to the nursing program at Southeastern, other programs include two-year associate degrees in business administration, computer information systems and general studies at Bossier Parish Community College, a bachelor of general studies degree at Northwestern State University, associate degree in criminal justice at LSU at Eunice, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at McNeese State University, and a bachelor's degree in health studies at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. More information on the programs is available at the general CALL Web site, www.yourCALLla.org. "We are genuinely excited about the success of the CALL initiative," said Commissioner of Higher Education Joseph Savoie. "In order for Louisiana to prosper in the new global economy, we must produce more college graduates. And with a shrinking supply of high school graduates projected over the near term, we must focus on improving the educational attainment of our working adult population. CALL provides a very attractive option for busy adults who want to finish college and enhance their work skills and marketability." The CALL initiative is part of the Louisiana Board of Regents' "Education … Go for More!" campaign being implemented in cooperation with the Southern Regional Education Board's adult learning campaign. The program is supported by a grant from Lumina Foundation for Education and the Go Alliance, a consortium of SREB member states chartered to cooperatively prepare for and launch media outreach campaigns to motivate all students to complete school at high levels of achievement. SREB established the Go Alliance to help states share expensive media materials and run more effective campaigns. The Go Alliance is supported by its member states and is sponsored by the College Board and ACT, Inc. Table of Contents  
Above, biological sciences instructor Michaelyn Lombard and Dean Barnes,
a Southeastern intern at the Lake Pontchartrain Maritime Museum, ferry
cypress trees to the shoreline around the Tchefuncte River lighthouse
and demonstrate how the trees are being planted to deter erosion. Southeastern faculty, students helping restore Tchefuncte marsh shoreline Lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have been incorporated by Southeastern, the Lake Pontchartrain Maritime Museum, and the Town of Madisonville into a creative partnership to restore the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline of the Tchefuncte Marsh. The marsh is located on the west side of the Tchefuncte River mouth and covers the 1.5 miles between Madisonville and the lake. Erosion of the marsh was accelerated by harvesting of cypress trees by private interests in the late 19th and early 20th century. Since the 1920s, the coastline has receded over 600 feet in some areas. Coastal restoration begins on April 25 in conjunction with Earth Day on town-owned land adjacent to the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse. The lighthouse, originally built in 1837 and rebuilt to its current configuration in 1867, stands on the south end of a peninsula that was once part of the coastal line. The methods used over the years by the U.S. Lighthouse Service and later the U.S. Coast Guard helped preserve the lighthouse, now under restoration by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, and created the peninsula on which it stands. The peninsula is now being undercut and threatens to become an island. "Shoreline restoration will start with the replanting of cypress trees, replacing the ones harvested from the marsh," said Museum Director Dr. Jay Martin. "We need to help Mother Nature reclaim the land before the lighthouse property is completely cut off." Faculty and students from Southeastern will teach museum volunteers how to plant cypress trees on town land. Turtle Cove Environmental Research Center is providing expertise gained at the university facility at Pass Manchac. "The hydrology changes from cypress logging, saltwater intrusion, and nutria predation have kept the Tchefuncte Marsh from repopulating itself with cypress," said biological sciences instructor Michaelyn Lombard. "The current program will begin to resolve those issues." Lombard is volunteering her time to teach museum volunteers how to properly plant cypress trees. Restoration of the shoreline and the lighthouse provides unique opportunities for Southeastern students in biological sciences and cultural resource management to learn by doing, Martin said. Southeastern and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum have a long standing educational partnership. The Tchefuncte Lighthouse property is inaccessible to the public during the stabilization and restoration process, which is expected to take several years, dependent upon fundraising efforts. Donations to support this effort may be made to the Southeastern Louisiana University Development Foundation or the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. Table of Contents Traffic changes planned for May 17 commencement Motorists and visitors planning to attend Southeastern's commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, should anticipate heavy traffic and route changes affecting University Avenue (Hwy. 3234). Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitchell Landrieu will address more than 1,060 students receiving associate, bachelor's and master's degrees at the 10 a.m. ceremony in the University Center. Mike Prescott, director of University Police, said the section of University Avenue between West Tornado Drive and SGA Drive will be restricted from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day. Local traffic will be allowed to proceed on University Avenue for as long as possible, but will be diverted through the campus as congestion increases. Prior to commencement, the University Center parking areas are expected to be filled early and all traffic on University Avenue will be diverted. Eastbound commencement traffic will be diverted to West Tornado Drive for parking at the University Center, and westbound commencement traffic will be diverted to the campus at SGA Drive. Three Southeastern Lion Traxx Shuttle Busses will be in operation before and after the ceremony to accommodate those parking in outlying areas or needing special transportation assistance, Prescott said. Drivers not attending commencement are asked to use U.S. 190 (Thomas Street and Morris Street) or Natalbany Road (Hwy. 1064) to avoid University Avenue traffic. Table of Contents  Rhodes
joins Southeastern as dean of enrollment managementJeffrey Rhodes has joined the Southeastern administration as dean of enrollment management. As dean, he will oversee the operations of Southeastern's admissions, financial aid, and records and registration areas. Rhodes comes to Southeastern from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn., where he was director of admissions. He also served as associate registrar at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, registrar at Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, and dean of students at Clarendon College in Clarendon, Texas. He also has written or contributed to articles published in education journals and presented papers at state, regional and national conference meetings. A Texas native, Rhodes earned his doctoral degree in higher education administration at Texas Tech University, where he also received his bachelor's degree in human development and family studies. He has a master's degree in religion from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. During his tenure as director of admissions at St. Cloud State, the university experienced increases in enrollment of new freshmen, transfer students, and minority students. Before joining the university administration, "I heard nothing but glowing remarks about Southeastern," said Rhodes. "Southeastern is a good place to work with good people. It is clear that my dedication to doing what is best for students will be a good fit." Table of Contents Southeastern Channel pre-empting programming to update server Regular programming on the Southeastern Channel will be pre-empted from Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 25, due to installation of the new server and automation system in master control. During that time the channel will air the satellite channel Classic Arts Showcase. Regular programming will resume Monday, May 26. Table of Contents 'Senior Salute' honors Class of Spring '08 May 14 The Alumni Association will sponsor its annual send-off for graduating seniors, Senior Salute, from 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, at the Alumni Center. Graduating seniors attending the event (previously titled "00 Year Reunion") will receive free "mini diplomas" and food and will take a group picture with President Randy Moffett. Admission is free to the students of the Class of Spring '08 who show their Southeastern identity card. Seniors may bring one guest at no charge. Other guests are welcome with tickets, available for purchase at the door. For additional information, contact the Alumni Center at 985-549-2150 or 1-800-SLU-ALUM. Table of Contents Northshore School of the Arts adds 'Summer Theatre Program' The Northshore School of the Arts, Southeastern's innovative after school arts program, is adding theater to its curricula this summer. Scheduled for June 4-24, the summer theater program is open to high school juniors and seniors and will be taught by James Winter, a member of the Southeastern theater faculty and a professional actor, director, playwright and producer. "The NSA Summer Theatre Program is a performance-based class designed to jump start the college careers of students interested in participating in drama at the university level," said Bryan DePoy, assistant dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and interim director of the NSA. "Through a series of improvisational activities, students will learn basic acting techniques for live and media performance. This hands-on class exercises the body, mind, and the imagination," Decoy said. Students who complete the course with a "C" or better grade may earn three college credits at Southeastern. The course serves as an equivalent of the university's "Introduction to Acting" course (Theatre 234). The application deadline is May 23. Students interested in participating should contact Winter at james.winter@selu.edu or 985-549-2101 for more information; an application form can be downloaded at www.selu.edu/nsa. Winter plans to include such topics as improvisation, physical theater, mask work and stage combat in the inaugural Summer Theatre Program. Under his direction, students will learn, rehearse, and perform scenes and monologues, with the public performance serving as the course's final examination. The program will utilize Southeastern's state-of-the-art 400-seat Vonnie Borden Theatre, home of Southeastern's award-winning theater groups. Plans call for the new theater course to be offered this fall at the university's St. Tammany Center, located in the parish government complex on Koop Drive, north of Mandeville, DePoy said. Also new this fall will be a music theory class at the Livingston Parish Literacy and Technology Center in Walker. Students will also be able to enroll in Basic Drawing at Southeastern's main campus in Hammond, and Applied Music - one-on-one lessons with college faculty in piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion -- at all three locations. Since the program's inception in 2006, more than 100 students have participated in the Northshore School of the Arts. Table of Contents PROFIT, ASSET student make presentations On May 8, 14 students made presentations at the College of Business' 11th semi-annual PROFIT ("Preferred Research Option for Intensive Training) and ASSET ("Assisted Search Seeking Executive Training") program for undergraduate and graduate students. The students, who were nominated for the prestigious programs by their faculty mentors, presented their research to an audience of faculty, family, and friends. The first three presentations were for the PROFIT program, which recognizes outstanding research and presentations at the undergraduate level. The remaining five presentations were for the ASSET program, which recognizes excellence in research and presentations at the graduate level. Tim Tregle, a graduating senior marketing major from Metairie, presented an electronic report which analyzed Adobe Systems. He analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the company and showed a one-minute commercial which he had created using Adobe System's software. He was introduced by his faculty mentor, Dr. David Wyld, professor of management. N. Marie Allen, a senior general studies major from Baton Rouge, presented a talk on language and cultural barriers within the global market. She emphasized that Americans must be open and accepting of different cultures and languages and learn to offer products which appeal to diverse cultures. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Aristides Baraya of the General Business Department. A marketing research team consisting of Jenny Breaux, a senior marketing major from Denham Springs; Justin Dyck, a graduating senior marketing major from Hammond; Melissa Morse, a junior marketing major from DeRidder; and Caitlin Rutter, a junior marketing major from Covington, spoke on technology etiquette. They designed a survey instrument which asked students at Southeastern about their attitudes toward using a cell phone while driving, text messaging in class, and answering a cell phone in a restaurant. The responses were mixed in some cases, but a majority thought text messaging in class was inappropriate. The mentor for this group was Dr. Tará Lopez of the Marketing-Finance Department. Graduate students Janet Foster of Loranger and Holly Syrdal of Mandeville presented the results of surveying Southeastern students on their attitude toward online or Internet courses. Currently, 3.5 million students are enrolled in online courses. The result showed that a majority of respondents did not want a total Internet course, but rather one that gave them an opportunity to have on campus contact with the instructor teaching the online course. The mentor for this team was Dr. Michael Budden, professor of marketing. Kiran Shaikh, an international graduate student from Karachi, Pakistan, reviewed a book, "Made to Stick," by Chip and Dan Heath. The theme was how ideas are created and why some stick and others fail. She was introduced by her mentor, Dr. David Wyld, professor of management. The graduate research team of Brandy Dieutto of Mandeville and Ashley Wozniak of Ponchatoula presented the results of their survey of Southeastern students who use the Pennington Student Activity Center for exercise on campus. Some wanted a smoothy bar, others more equipment and upgraded facilities. Their mentor was Dr. Budden. Breda Kovac, an international graduate student from Ljubljaha, Slovenia, and former undergraduate member of the Southeastern women's tennis team, reviewed a book, "The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary," by Joseph Michelli. She noted that in Europe people normally drink coffee out of china cups and did it in a social setting of family or business. She was surprised by the concept of coffee in a paper cup, but she is now a convert. Her mentor was Dr. Wyld The graduate marketing research team consisting of Victoria Kinchen of Hammond and Kayla Allen of Franklinton presented the results of their survey of Southeastern students' financial management practices. They were surprised at the percentage of respondents who never balanced their checking accounts or made a budget. There was a positive trend toward use of debt and credit cards. Some used them and their ATM cards in lieu of cash. This led to their conclusion that with online bill paying, we were moving toward a cashless society. Their mentor was Dr. Budden. At end of each presentation, the undergraduate students were given PROFIT Program plaques and the graduate students were given ASSET Program plaques engraved with their names in recognition of their achievements. A brief reception was held at the end of the presentations. Table of Contents CPTP programs offered on campus Space is remaining in two programs to be offered by the Comprehensive Public Training Program at Southeastern. The programs are offered free of charge to all state employees. "Professionalism and Productivity for Non-Supervisors" will be offered May 14 and 15. The program addresses professional behavior, managing conflict, personal organization and goal-setting. "Providing Quality Service," providing strategies for more effective customer service and for handling challenging situations, will be offered May 20. Both programs will be held in the University Center, room 139, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jan Ortego at Jan.Ortego@selu.edu or ext. 5771. Table of Contents UFCT fish fry and crawfish boil Wednesday Southeastern faculty is invited to the annual United Federation of College Teacher' fish fry/crawfish boil, Wednesday, May 14 from 6-9 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Campground. The campground is located on Highway 190 in Robert, approximately six miles east of Hammond, on the Tangipahoa River. Food and beverages will be provided. "Bring your dependents and a salad or dessert, if you wish," said UFCT President Al Dranguet. "Mosquito repellent is recommended. The swimming pool at the campground will also be available for your enjoyment. Put that final exam grading aside for a few hours and let's celebrate the end of the semester." Table of Contents  Strong
finish for track and field at SEC championshipsThe men's track and field team totaled five individual titles, ten all-conference honorees and 129 team points, finishing second at the 2008 Southland Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships by just 9.5 points on Sunday. At the end of the three-day competition, the Lions turned in their best performance at the conference meet since joining the SLC prior to the 1998 season. Once again, the Lion distance running duo of sophomore Kalphys Kemboi and freshman Henry Rop came up big. Kemboi claimed All-SLC honors with a third place time of 14:33.54 in the 5,000 m run with Rop following in fourth at 14:36.86. This coming one day after the Kemboi finished first and Rop finished second in the 3000 m steeplechase and two days after Rop won the 10,000 m run crown with Kemboi taking second. After claiming top honors in the shot put on Saturday, senior thrower Teremine White capped his Southland Conference career with a championship performance in the discus with a throw of 177 ft. 8 in. (54.15 m) on Sunday. The Lions' got a lot of help from their triple jumpers on Sunday as freshman Michael Rheams returned to competition despite a nagging ankle injury to take home the SLC title with a leap of 51 ft. 7 in. (15.72 m). Rheams was joined by junior Corey Billizone (fifth place), sophomore Kernell Jupiter (eighth place) and senior Avery Sorapuru (ninth place) in scoring points for the Lions in the triple jump. Rounding out the Lions All-SLC list were senior jumper Babatunde Babalola with a third place finish in the high jump and sophomore Cory Roberts who took third in the decathlon. The Lions entered the final day of competition holding onto first place, but Texas-San Antonio passed the Lions for the top spot by sweeping both short sprint events. On the women's side, the Lady Lions posted their own set of highlights. Despite finishing eighth with 43.5 team points, the Lady Lions finished ahead of in-state rivals McNeese State, Northwestern State and Nicholls State. On Saturday, senior thrower Colleena Collins took home the women's hammer throw crown and sophomore thrower Yvette Schubert claimed the top spot in the javelin to give the Lady Lions multiple SLC champions for the first time since joining the Southland. Meanwhile, senior jumper Leonie Ezegbunum closed out her Southland Conference career earning All-SLC honors in the triple jump with a leap of 39 ft. 4 in. (11.99 m). Table of Contents This week in athletics The Southeastern baseball team will look to secure a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament during this week in Southeastern Athletics. After taking two of three from defending Southland Conference Tournament champion Sam Houston State, the Lions (27-24, 13-14 SLC) head into the final week of the regular season in control of its postseason future. Southeastern will close out its regular season slate with a three-game league series at Nicholls State in Thibodaux. The series opens on Thursday with a 6:30 p.m. contest, followed by a 6:30 p.m. contest on Friday. The finale is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. Southeastern can clinch a spot in the SLC Tournament - scheduled for May 21-24 in Huntsville, Texas - with two wins over Nicholls State, a win and a Stephen F. Austin loss or two SFA losses. All three of this weekend's baseball games will be broadcast live in the Hammond area on KSLU 90.9 FM and on the Internet at www.LionSports.net. Thursday, May 15 Baseball, at Nicholls State, Thibodaux, 6:30 p.m. (KSLU 90.9 FM) Friday, May 16 Baseball, at Nicholls State, Thibodaux, 6:30 p.m. (KSLU 90.9 FM) Saturday, May 17 Baseball, at Nicholls State, Thibodaux, 3 p.m. (KSLU 90.9 FM) Table of Contents Professional activities Dr. Anna Kleiner (Sociology and Criminal Justice) received the Partner of the Year Award from the Institute for Community-Based Research at Delta State University for her ongoing support of student research projects and for her collaborative research with the Institute's faculty and students on challenges facing minority farmers and disaster response and recovery in the Gulf Coast region. Dr. Kleiner also recently published an article titled, "Expanding the Marketing Opportunities and Sustainable Production Potential for Minority and Limited Resource Producers in Louisiana and Mississippi" in the online journal Southern Rural Sociology (with co-author John Green of Delta State University). At the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences academic honors convocation on April 30, Dr. Bonnie Lewis (Sociology and Criminal Justice) received the the Excellence in Faculty Service Award from the College of AHSS for her leadership within the Southeastern Social Science Research Center and within her department. Drs. Heidi S. Kulkin, June Williams, and Bonnie Ahn (Counseling and Human Development) had their article, "Exploring Baccalaureate Social Work Students and Web-Based Learning" accepted for publication by the Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work. Dr. David C. Wyld (Management) published an article, "Radio Frequency Identification: Advanced Intelligence for Table Games in Casinos," in the May 2008 issue of the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly (formerly the Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly). Table of Contents ByLion takes a break ByLion will not be published during the spring-summer break, but will return June 4. ByLion is published every two weeks during the summer. Have a great break! ByLion is published weekly online (bi-weekly during the summer session) for the faculty and staff of Southeastern Louisiana University. Send submissions to publicinfo@selu.edu, SLU 10880, fax 985-549-2061, or bring to Public Information Office in East Stadium. Submission deadline is noon on Friday. Contact: Christina Chapple, chapple@selu.edu, 985-549-2341/2421. Return to By-Lion directory |