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IN THIS ISSUE ...
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Faculty Senate meets Wednesday |
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Southeastern’s Traditions Week
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1) Southeastern cheerleaders pump up the crowd at Strawberry Jam during Southeastern's Traditions Week, designed to give students the opportunity to begin a new semester getting to know their peers and all that the university has to offer.
3) A flash mob performs for the crowd in the Student Union on the first day of classes.
Faculty Senate meeting August 24
The first Faculty Senate meeting for the Fall of 2011 will take place on Wednesday, August 24, at 3 p.m. in the Alumni Center.
Southeastern’s construction projects moving into high gear
As students begin a new academic year at Southeastern they will witness nearly $50 million in construction and renovation projects that are nearing completion or gearing up to start on the Hammond campus.
Construction is winding down on the university’s $13 million addition to its Kinesiology and Health Studies Building, while several new projects totaling nearly $36 million are set to start in coming months to address deferred maintenance issues and upgrade existing structures.
When completed in October, the addition and renovation to the kinesiology building will allow the School of Nursing to move its faculty offices and specialized classrooms and labs into the addition this fall. New classrooms will go into use in the spring semester.
“This has been a long overdue and much needed project,” said President John L. Crain. “The nursing program has been housed in Mims Hall, a former dormitory built in 1948. The new facility will greatly improve the teaching environment for one of our strongest and most recognized programs.”
Crain said the addition has been in the planning stages for nearly a decade, and has gradually moved up the state’s priority list for capital outlay projects. The state’s capital outlay budget is different from the general operating budget, which has seen significant cuts over the past several years, he explained. Under the capital outlay process, state institutions submit proposals that must undergo prioritization by the university’s management board and the Board of Regents.
Moving the nursing program to new quarters will allow Mims Hall to undergo major mechanical renovations using approximately $980,000 in federal stimulus funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Director of Facilities Planning Ken Howe said the work will include removal of window air conditioning units and radiator stacks and installation of central air conditioning and heating.
“It will make Mims Hall a much more pleasant and energy efficient facility,” he said.
The project is expected to be completed by April 2012, at which time the offices of the Division of Student Affairs – now located in the War Memorial Student Union – will be moved temporarily into the building.
The Student Union itself is slated to undergo major renovations and additions starting in January. In three phases of construction that will span over two and a half years, the Student Union will be significantly renovated.
The project will include about 90,000 square feet of renovation and the construction of 90,000 square feet of new space, Howe explained. Architects for the project are Holly and Smith of Hammond and WTW of Pittsburgh, a firm specializing in the design of university student union facilities.
“The project will change the dynamics of the campus,” Howe said. “It creates a ‘fourth wall’ of a quad that includes the library, D Vickers Hall and Fayard Hall, with the Katrina-Rita Memorial Fountain becoming the central focus.”
With a total cost of $32 million, the project is being funded largely by a self-assessed student fee and through funds obtained from participating commercial partners, such as food and other vendors.
In addition, campus deferred maintenance projects that are currently ongoing or scheduled to begin in the near future include:
University Center, $1.8 million: major heating and air conditioning work, including replacement of the chiller, boiler, control systems, ductwork, and insulation and piping that is expected to be completed in the fall;
White Hall classroom building, $453,000: heating and air conditioning upgrades expected to start upon delivery of equipment;
Dyson Hall administrative building, $555,000: replace and upgrade heating and air conditioning systems, waiting on bid process later in the fall.
Southeastern’s Student Union to Undergo Expansion – An artist’s rendering depicts the north side of the Southeastern War Memorial Student Union, which will undergo a major expansion and renovation early next year. The $32 million project will involve approximately 90,000 square feet of renovated space and the construction of 90,000 square feet of new space.
Anderson appointed NLN Ambassador at Southeastern
Staci T. Anderson, assistant professor of nursing, has been appointed by the National League of Nursing to serve as an NLN Ambassador.
In her position, she will keep faculty and the university administration informed about NLN initiatives, grant opportunities, conferences, publications and other benefits available to NLN members.
“This selective program makes it easy for nursing faculty and nursing programs to understand what the NLN has to offer to enhance professional development and status,” said Beverly Malone, chief executive officer of the New York-based 28,000-member organization.
Ambassadors, she said, also communicate to NLN professional staff and board on issues and challenges that are of greatest concern to nurse educators in the field in order to maximize effectiveness of programming and services.
“The Ambassadors are, in effect, the NLN’s ‘eyes and ears’ on campus,” she added.
A nurse for 14 years, Anderson has been a member on the Southeastern faculty for nine years and is based at the university’s nursing center in Baton Rouge. She holds a doctorate in nursing and is a certified nurse educator. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Louisiana State Nurses Association, Baton Rouge District Nurses Association and the Rho Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International nursing honor society.
The NLN is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education offering faculty development, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, research grants and public policy initiatives.
Southeastern sponsoring Part-Time Job Fair for students Aug. 25
The Office of Career Services is sponsoring a special job fair to help students locate part-time jobs.
The Part-Time Job Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the War Memorial Student Union mall.
“The beginning of a new fall semester always brings to us many students in need of good employment opportunities while in school,” said Career Services Director Ken Ridgedell. “The Part-Time Job Fair is an ideal opportunity for students to connect with more than 40 local employers – all at our centrally located student union and all on the same day.”
Ridgedell said representatives of the employers will be on hand to accept job applications from currently enrolled Southeastern students.
Career Fair 2011, Career Services’ annual career fair for upperclass students and recent alumni, will be held Sept. 21 from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Pennington Student Activity Center. For additional information about both fairs, visit www.selu.edu/career or call 985-549-2121.
Columbia Theatre to present “Average White Band”
Regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music, Average White Band will perform at Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Though best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit “Pick Up the Pieces,” the band’s strength is found in their accomplished song-writing, stretching across several gold- selling albums and multiple Grammy nominations for the Atlantic Records label.
“Average White Band has long been one of my favorites,” said Roy Blackwood, Columbia Theater interim director. “With their creativity, technical precision and rich rhythms, they are endlessly entertaining. Audiences have long supported what the music industry says about this group, that ‘you simply must see Average White Band.’”
Tickets for Average White Band range from $38 - $44 and are available at the Columbia Theatre box office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. or by phone at (985) 543-4371. Patrons may also get tickets online at www.columbiatheatre.org.
Improvements made to Southeastern’s Student Health Center
Just in time for the start of a new academic year, the Health Center at Southeastern has implemented a number of innovations designed to improve efficiency and service to the university’s more than 15,000 students.
Michelle Reed, a nurse of 22 years who was named director of the University Health Center this past year, said the center has undergone physical modifications and has implemented other changes, including a new on-line appointment system.
“The telephone appointment system was not efficient,” she said. “Once students got through, the call could become lengthy while we tried to identify available appointment times that met the needs of the students. The process could become time consuming and frustrating for both students and staff members.”
“With the online scheduling system,” she said, “students are able to access the Health Center’s Web site and enter the appointment schedule portal. The students then choose the day they would like to be seen, and the system shows them the available appointments for that day.”
“The telephone appointment system was not efficient,” she continued. “Once students got through, the call could become lengthy while we tried to identify available appointment times that met the needs of the students. The process could become time consuming and frustrating for both students and staff members.
As director, Reed oversees the walk-in clinic on campus for students that provides management of acute episodic illness or injury, routine well visits, immunizations, allergy treatments, and health education and self-care programs.
“The overall goal of the Health Center is to provide quality, affordable health care to our diverse community of students and to promote health and wellness at our university,” Reed said.
Reed said there is also a link on the center’s Web site called “How to save time at your appointment” designed to decrease wait times. She encourages students to go to the link prior to their appointment to complete any required documentation.
Additional changes implemented at the Health Center include the establishment of electronic medical records, eliminating the need for paper charts; the ability to provide and perform lab tests for Strep throat and Mononucleosis at a reduced cost to students; and the ability to offer testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, also at a low cost, through the women’s and men’s health clinic.
The new exam rooms, created from the conversion of two large rooms into six exam rooms, is intended to reduce bottlenecks and save time for students and health care personnel as well.
“In the past, a practitioner utilized one exam room to see students, resulting in bottlenecks and lengthy wait times,” Reed said. “We converted two large rooms that were not being utilized to their maximum potential into six, fully functional exam rooms. These rooms will allow us to see students more timely and efficiently without compromising quality.”
Reed added that they implemented a patient satisfaction survey in July and encourages students to take the time to fill it out.
“The Health Center is here to meet the needs of our students,” she said. “We are encouraging all students to tell us what they like about the center and what they don’t. We welcome suggestions for improvement.”
Finley serves on panel
Keith Finley of the department of history and political science and the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies recently served as a panelist in a symposium honoring civil rights activist A.P. Tureaud Sr. on the LSU campus. The discussion touched on various aspects of the Civil Rights movement and the role that Tureaud played in bringing about the end of segregation in Louisiana. Joining Finley were Tureaud’s son, A.P. Tureaud Jr., the first black undergraduate to attend the University; Rachel Emanuel, director of publications and electronic media at Southern University Law Center; D’army Bailey, founder of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn.; and Robert Mann, Manship Chair and co-director of the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs in the LSU Manship School.
PPR Training for Supervisors
The training section of the Human Resources Office is providing a program for supervisors required to conduct Performance Planning and Reviews (PPRs) on classified employees. The session is scheduled Wednesday, August 24, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Human Resources Office Conference room.
To register for this program, email Jan Ortego at Jan.Ortego@selu.edu or phone extension 5771. Pre-registration is requested for this class.
Office of Sponsored Research and Programs news
The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (OSRP) will host a video conference with the Louisiana Board of Regents Wednesday, August 31, at 10 a.m. in McClimans, room 202, to discuss the upcoming 2011-12 BoR Enhancement and Research/Industrial Ties funding opportunities.
Disciplines eligible to apply for this funding cycle for enhancement include biological sciences, computer and information sciences, engineering B (industrial, materials, mechanical, etc.), humanities, social sciences, and multidisciplinary.
Disciplines eligible to apply for this funding cycle for the RCS and ITRS Research & Development Programs include agricultural sciences, engineering A (chemical, civil, electrical, etc.), mathematics, physics/astronomy, social sciences, biological sciences (eligible every year), computer and information sciences (eligible every year), and earth/environmental sciences (eligible every year).
Appointment times will be assigned as follows: enhancement appointments begin at 10 a.m.; research and ITRS appointments begin at 10:45 a.m. General appointments begin at 11:30 a.m.
Contact OSRP at 549-5312 or via email at orsc@selu.edu for more information or to reserve a time to talk with a BoR program director.
Southeastern in the news
Baton Rouge Advocate
SLU stages flash mob; dancing raises spirits
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/618681-63/slu-stages-flash-mob-dancing.html
Washington Parish has potential for economic boom
http://www.gobogalusa.com/articles/2011/08/12/news/doc4e45405a3c713921563840.txt
Parish leaders: Survey breeds optimism
http://www.gobogalusa.com/articles/2011/08/14/news/doc4e47dbf89f7b3355593508.txt
Changes in store for Document Source
As previously announced, as of August 31 the Southeastern Document Source will no longer be managed by Xerox Corporation. Southeastern’s Department of Auxiliary Services will oversee the operations of the center until a new management agreement is in place. As a part of this change, the Document Source will be able to offer enhanced print services through new, state-of-the-art equipment, including printers and finishing equipment.
The transition of replacing the current equipment with the new equipment will begin Monday, August 29. We anticipate the equipment transition to be complete no later than Monday, September 12. During this time, the Document Source will be temporarily relocating to the University Mail Center located in the Student Union. Both the Document Source and Mail Center will operate from this location. During this transition period, there will be no changes in the hours of operation or services provided by the Document Source. Additionally, all current billing and payment procedures will remain in place.
Departments are asked to allow additional time for completion of larger print orders since some projects may require additional resources during this time.
While we expect any delays to be minimal, assistance in planning for potential delays is appreciated. We appreciate your assistance in helping the Document Source complete a smooth and successful transition and look forward to continuing to provide the University’s print services through advanced technologies and superior customer service.
If you have any questions or concerns about this transition, please contact Robin Parker Rodrigue, director of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives for Auxiliary Services, at 549-2094 or via email at rprodrigue@selu.edu.
Extended Studies news
Hammond
Algebra Review (Four Mondays beginning Sept. 12 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.)
This class offers students a refresher math class. Topics will include operations with real numbers (fractions, integers, decimals), solving linear equations, introduction to graphing, and multiplying polynomials. The cost is $60, and students must purchase the book.
Introduction to Computers (Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon)
In the course the student will learn the basic skills needed to get started with personal computers and to work with the various features, tools and options available in Windows. The cost for this workshop is $90 with the book provided.
MandevilleHow to Write a Novel (Tuesday nights beginning Sept. 6 from 7 to 8 p.m.)
This course covers the basics of writing novel-length fiction, including story structure, plotting, character development, dialogue, description, and point of view. The cost is $150.
Introduction to Stained Glass (Mondays beginning Sept. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.)
In this no experience required course, students learn the methods and tools required to complete a stained glass panel in copper foil or Tiffany style from Gene Duvic, a 15-year veteran of the art. Students will take home their own creation. The cost is $150 with all supplies and tools provided.
Grantsmanship: Basics and Beyond (Sept. 13 and 15, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
This course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of when, how, and why a grant is appropriate for an organization as well as how to identify, define, and develop grant proposals. One CEU credit will be provided. The cost is $195.
To register, or for further details on these or other courses that are available please visit:
Hammond- www.selu.edu/es Mandeville- www.selu.edu/stc Walker- www.selu.edu/livingston
SOT
According to the Office of Institutional Research & Assessment, all faculty, department heads, and deans should note the following schedule for the administration of the Student Opinion of Teaching (SOT) instruments for the Fall 2011 semester:
Term 1 (Aug. 17 to Oct. 5)
Packets delivered to Departments Wednesday, Sept. 28Administration of SOT Thursday to Wednesday, Sept. 29 to Oct. 5Deadline to be returned to IR&A Wednesday, Oct. 5
Full Term (Aug. 17 to Dec. 2) Packets delivered to Departments Friday, Nov. 4Administration of SOT Monday to Friday, Nov. 7 to 18 Deadline to be returned to IR&A Friday, Nov. 18
Term 2 (Oct. 12 to Dec. 2)Packets delivered to Departments Tuesday, Nov. 22Administration of SOT Monday to Friday, Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 Deadline to be returned to IR&A Friday, Dec. 2
Faculty who are interested in keeping the SOT scannable forms from the Summer 2009, Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 semesters should pick them up in the Institutional Research Office. Please note that these are the original bubble forms as completed by students, not the SOT rating summaries or reports.
As stated in the Student Opinion of Teaching Policy Manual, SOT scan forms will be made available after one year to each faculty member for whom data was collected. However, faculty may obtain only those data forms for which he or she is the instructor of record.
Faculty who are interested in receiving these data forms should contact Glenda in the Office of Institutional Research & Assessment at ext. 2077 or e-mail her at gwhite@selu.edu. These forms must be picked up no later than September 30, 2011. Forms that have not been picked up by the faculty members will be shredded.
This week in Athletics
The Geno Frugoli era officially starts this week, as the Southeastern volleyball team will open the 2011 season during this week in Southeastern Athletics.
Fans will have the opportunity to get their first look at the Lady Lions under first-year head coach Frugoli on Tuesday, when Southeastern participates in the Green and Gold intra-squad squad scrimmage at 7 p.m. in the University Center. The Lady Lions open the season officially on Friday, when it faces Tennessee-Martin at 4 p.m. on the opening day of the Mississippi State Maroon Classic in Starkville, Miss. On Saturday, Southeastern continues tournament play, facing Southern Illinois at 10 a.m. and host Mississippi State at 7 p.m.
The Southeastern women’s soccer team (2-0) will look to build on a successful opening weekend, when it hits the road for the first time this week. The Lady Lions will travel to Louisiana-Lafayette on Friday for a 7 p.m. match with the in-state rival Ragin’ Cajuns.
Tuesday, August 23Volleyball, Green and Gold Match, University Center, 7 p.m.
Friday, August 26Volleyball, vs. Tennessee-Martin (MSU Maroon Classic), Starkville, Miss., 4 p.m.Women’s Soccer, at Louisiana-Lafayette, Lafayette, 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 27Volleyball, vs. Southern Illinois (MSU Maroon Classic), Starkville, Miss., 10 a.m.Volleyball, at Mississippi State (MSU Maroon Classic), Starkville, Miss., 7 p.m.
Southeastern home events in bold
Professional activities
Jackie Dale Thomas (Leadership Development and Student Activities) attended the Summer Planning meeting for National Gamma Beta Phi. Thomas presently serves as Vice President of the National Organization and has been the advisor of the Southeastern Chapter of Gamma Beta Phi for 28 years since it was first chartered on campus. She was accompanied by local chapter president, Christy Hutchison-Whited, who also serves on the National Executive Board as a student representative. The meeting was held in Orlando, where their 2011 National Conference will be held in October.
They also received the news that the Southeastern chapter had been named an exemplary chapter. Gamma Beta Phi at Southeastern is the number one chapter in the entire nation for the second year in a row.
Dr. Logan Place (Fine and Performing Arts) was a trumpet instructor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan for Sessions I & II. The camp took place in June and July.
Drs. Alan Cannon, Lucy Kabza, John Lewallen, and Kent Neuerburg (Mathematics) were the organizing committee for the 22nd International Conference on Nearrings, Nearfields, and Related Topics hosted by Southeastern in July. This represents only the third time the research conference has been hosted in the United States in its 43 year history. Guests came from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, as well as the United States. During the conference, Dr. Alan Cannon presented "An open problem in centralizer nearrings and a closed problem in centers of nearrings of polynomials," Dr. Kent Neuerburg presented "Simple rings and covered groups,"and Dr. Gary Walls (Mathematics) gave his talk "A ring naturally associated with coverings of finite groups by certain abelian subgroups." Dr. Linhong Wang (Mathematics) and Chet Parrott, a Southeastern undergraduate double majoring in mathematics and computer science, also attended and assisted with the conference.
Dr. Andrew Traver (History and Political Science) and his colleagues on the Scotus Commission have received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for $300,000.
William B. Robison (History and Political Science) has written an essay, “The English Civil War Was Primarily a Religious Conflict,” for the Enduring Questions series in ABC-Clio’s Academic Solutions database.
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 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
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