Vol. 25 No. 5 - September 14, 2020

Features

  • Truman Tops U.S. News Rankings for 24th Year

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    Truman has again been recognized as the No. 1 public school in the Midwest Region according to U.S. News & World Report, running its streak at the top to 24 consecutive years.

    The 2021 Best Colleges rankings place Truman No. 7 overall among both public and private institutions in the Midwest Region. Truman was the only public university in the top 20, and the only Missouri public school in the top 75.

    Truman also was included on multiple supplemental rankings, most notably the Best Undergraduate Teaching list, coming in as the No. 1 public university, No. 2 overall, in the Midwest Region. Of the 17 schools included in the category, Truman was the only Missouri public institution.

    “For the past 24 years, no matter what is happening in the world, Truman has provided an exceptional educational experience that prepares our graduates to be successful in a complex and rapidly changing world,” said University President Susan L. Thomas. “With a truly student-centered approach, our talented faculty and staff are the springboards from which our students accomplish great things. Our first-rate education, coupled with a low cost, results in an immense value and delivers a return on investment significantly above the national average.”

    Affordability led Truman to another top ranking from U.S. News & World Report. On the list of Best Value Schools, Truman was the No. 1 rated university in the Midwest Region. The list considered many factors, including a ratio of quality to cost, the percentage of students receiving need-based aid and the amount of total cost covered by the average need-based scholarship. Truman was the only public school in the top 10, and the University was an average of approximately $18,000 less expensive than the other nine institutions.

    Truman also earned recognition as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans, coming in at No. 5 overall, No. 1 among public universities, in the Midwest Region. Truman was the only public university in the top 10 for the region. 

    For the second-straight year Truman was recognized on the list of Undergraduate Business Programs. Based on peer nominations, Truman earned a 2.3 composite score on a five-point scale, which was enough to make the nationwide list of 511 schools. Truman also earned a spot among the 481 schools on the first-ever ranking of Undergraduate Computer Science Programs.

    The University also managed to grab a spot on the list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, which recognizes schools that are successful at enrolling and graduating large portions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. All of Truman’s 2021 rankings can be found here

    U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on several indicators of academic excellence, including graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, assessment by peers, financial resources, student excellence and alumni giving. Complete listings are available at usnews.com/colleges.
  • “A Doll’s House, Part 2” to Run on the Quad

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    Tickets are now available for the first theatre production of the 2020-21 season.

    “A Doll’s House, Part 2” will run nightly at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23-26 on the quad. The production is taking place outdoors in order to create a safe and socially distanced space for members of the audience. All attendees will be required to wear face masks.

    In the final scene of Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 groundbreaking masterwork, “A Doll’s House,” Nora Helmer makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children to begin a life on her own. This climactic event – when Nora slams the door on everything in her life – is credited with propelling world drama into the modern age. In “A Doll’s House, Part 2” many years have passed since Nora’s exit. Now there is a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why, and what will it mean for those she left behind?

    For this production, there are two different casts telling the story of “A Doll’s House, Part 2.” At the Sept. 23 and Sept. 25 performances, a group of actors dubbed the Nora Cast (Courtney Klein, Zac O’Keefe, Courtney Kopp and Faith Nagel) will perform, while at the Sept. 24 and Sept. 26 performances, a different group of actors dubbed the Torvald cast (Meredith Murphree, Kameron Boucher, Gael Jenks and Genesis Sanchez) will take the stage.

    Tickets can be purchased online at boxoffice.truman.edu and right before the performance on the quad. General admission tickets are $6. Run time is 90 minutes. Due to language, discussion of mild violence and the use of stage blood, the production is not suitable for audience members less than 13 years old.
  • Truman Food Bank Internship Available

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    The Truman Food Bank is accepting applications for an internship position (either scholarship or work-study) with the option of including a for-credit academic component. The application is open now through Sept. 17.

    The Truman Food Bank intern will work with the food bank committee on all aspects of operating the Truman Food Bank and will assist in the assessment and analysis of food insecurity and its impact on students, as well as drafting, implementing, and maintaining policy and procedures for operation of the program.

    Applicants should have a strong background in writing and social media creation and maintenance, as well as knowledge and understanding of food insecurity and its impact in a campus community.

    To apply, submit an online application via TruPositions and send a resume and personal statement to jdsmiser@truman.edu by Sept. 17.
  • It’s Up to Us: How Truman Can Keep Case Numbers Low and Continue the Semester In-person

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    Through four weeks of in-person classes, the number of Truman-related COVID-19 cases has remained relatively low in comparison to other schools throughout the state and country. Truman students, faculty and staff have been the reason for this success, and it is important to remember continued vigilance is needed to keep the number of cases to a minimum and complete the semester in-person. Everyone on campus should:

    •    Continue washing their hands regularly and thoroughly
    •    Continue to maintain social distance whenever possible
    •    Avoid traveling
    •    Avoid parties and large gatherings
    •    Conduct meetings virtually rather than face to face whenever possible
    •    Wear a mask

    Christine Harker, professor of English, and Nancy Daley-Moore, assistant professor of health and exercise sciences, recently looked at Truman’s numbers through Sept. 8. Both instructors are members of the Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group, and Daley-Moore is one of the coordinators of the University’s contact tracing program. A recording of their discussion is available here.

Announcements

  • Vote Now for Student Government Reps

    Online voting is underway now at vote.truman.edu. Voting closes at 4 p.m. Sept. 17. Elections are announced at 5 p.m. Sept. 18 via Zoom. Once announced, results will be made public via social media. Follow Student Government on Facebook and Instagram.

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  • TLS Virtual Recruitment Starts Sept. 14

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    Tau Lambda Sigma is a service organization dedicated to promoting the ideals of uniqueness, sisterhood and charity through service in the community and other philanthropic interests. Out of respect for the health and safety of current and potential new members, TLS will host a virtual recruitment process. A recruitment schedule is listed below. More information on TLS recruitment is available at tls.truman.edu or through the QR code below.

    Information Night
    7 p.m.
    Sept. 14
    Facebook and Instagram Live

    Service and Sisterhood Night
    7 p.m.
    Sept. 15
    Zoom

    Interview Night
    7 p.m.
    Sept. 16
    Zoom

    Invite Only Event
    Sept. 17

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  • Wellness Offers 20-Minute Drop-in Sessions

    Truman Wellness, in collaboration with Eric Dickson, assistant professor of music, will host weekly 20-minute mindful drop-in sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Magruder Hall 1000 and Violette Hall 1408 respectively. No experience necessary.

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  • Non-elected Positions Available with Student Government

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    Student Government is always looking for new ideas and perspectives to improve campus. There are a number of ways to get involved through non-elected positions. Student Government is currently seeking applicants for the following positions:

    Non-elected Opportunities
    • Public Relations Director
    • IT Director (website design)
    • Purple Friday Chair
    • Academic Affairs Chair
    • Student Affairs Chair
    • Legislative Director
    • Parking Appeals Chair

    Students can also apply to serve as an associate senator on one of the seven standing and secondary committees listed below. Associate senators work exclusively with their committee to accomplish projects they are passionate about:
    • Academic Affairs
    • Student Affairs
    • Diversity
    • Environmental Affairs
    • Health, Wellness and Safety
    • External Affairs (related to the Kirksville community)
    • Purple Fridays

    For more information on these positions, check out the Standing Rules on the Student Government website or email President Katie Alexander at kga5644@truman.edu.
  • Spring Internships Available with Judicial Archives Project

    Applications are now being received for spring 2021 internships with the Judicial Archives Project field office in Kirksville. Located on the Truman campus, this internship is open to all students. It is especially relevant for those considering careers in the legal profession, justice system or archives. The benefits include:

    • Earn up to three hours of academic credit or complete as scholarship hours or work-study
    • Participate in Missouri State Archives initiative to preserve local court records
    • Receive training from a certified professional archivist
    • Visit the State Archives on a field trip to Jefferson City
    To find out what the internships entail and how to apply, visit the Judicial Archives webpage or contact Jason McDonald, assistant professor of history, Baldwin Hall 226, 660.785.7575.

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  • Phi Delta Service Sorority Rush Runs Through Sept. 17

    Phi Delta is a non-Greek service and social sorority that provides women the opportunity to participate in philanthropic events both on campus as well as within the Kirksville community and also provides the opportunity to network with others on Truman’s campus. Rush Week information is listed below. For more information email kmq3428@truman.edu.

    Philanthropy Night
    Sept. 15
    7 p.m.
    Student Union Building 3200

    Speed Friending
    Sept. 16
    7 p.m.
    Student Union Building 2105

    Sisterhood Night
    Sept. 17
    7 p.m.
    Student Union Building 2105

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  • ASG Recruitment Set for Sept. 15-17

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    Alpha Sigma Gamma Service Sorority is having their fall 2020 recruitment Sept. 15-17 from 7-9 p.m. each evening. The first and third nights will be on Zoom. Links will be provided the week of the event. The second night is tentatively a small, outdoor service event on campus. All undergrad students who identity as female and love service and sisterhood are invited. Contact pr.asgducks@gmail.com with questions or if you wish not to come to the in-person service event.
  • Student Business Group Recruitment Includes Game Night

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    For recruitment this year, the Student Run Business Initiative (SRBI) will be playing games online through Zoom. Learn about the organization, play games and get to know current members. SRBI is a business organization that is currently looking to start an online drop shipping business. It also hosts fundraisers, community events and professional development.

    Game Night
    8 p.m.
    Sept. 15
    Sign up here.
  • Constitution Day Speaker to Discuss Voter Suppression

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    The main event of this year’s Constitution Day events will be a talk by alumna Franita Tolson (’01) entitled “The Long Shadow of Voter Suppression: Time for a Reckoning?” at 6 p.m. Sept. 17.

    Tolson is a professor of law at the University of Southern California. Her talk will be available via livestream with limited seating in Magruder Hall 1000 as well as on Zoom. She has suggested those interested in her talk read this article beforehand. Following Tolson’s presentation there will be a panel discussion with faculty and student contributors.
  • Ofstad Scholar Examines Paranoid Woman’s Film Genre

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  • Global Issues Colloquium Begins Virtually, Sept. 17

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  • Alpha Kappa Psi Recruitment Info Night

    Alpha Kappa Psi is a professional business fraternity that is co-ed and open to ALL majors. AKPsi offers a unique opportunity to attain the critical professional skills necessary to land the next internship or job interview. Aside from professional development, the organization has fun brotherhood events, service and leadership opportunities. Learn more about how to join the organization at info night.

    3 p.m.
    Sept. 20
    Zoom Meeting ID: 214 160 2105
    Zoom Meeting Password: AKPSI
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  • Arts and Letters Dean Featured on “Bulldog Break”

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    Steve Parsons, dean of the School of Arts and Letters, will be the featured guest for the next “Bulldog Break,” a webinar series sponsored by the Office of Advancement.
     
    This one-hour webinar will allow attendees to hear about Parson’s past work experiences and what led him to Truman. The session will also allow participants to ask questions to better understand his vision for the school and how he will be working with all constituents to move it forward.
     
    The free webinar will take place at 12 p.m. Sept. 22. One hundred spots are available on Zoom. Click here to register.
  • Entrepreneurship Week Provides Guidance, Inspiration

    Truman’s first-ever Entrepreneurship Week will be highlighted by two webinars aimed at helping students focus their passion for business and celebrating women who have blazed their own trails.

    Alumnus Doug Villhard will present “The Art of the Side Hustle in Pandemic Times” at 7 p.m. Sept. 22. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to put their passion for entrepreneurship “into practice” while succeeding as a full-time student.

    Truman will highlight its commitment to women entrepreneurs by participating in the seventh annual Women Entrepreneurship Week (WEW), a global movement to celebrate and inspire female founders.
     
    During a Zoom webinar at 6 p.m. Sept. 24, participants will have the opportunity to meet and interact with a number of inspirational women about their entrepreneurial journeys. In addition to celebrating their experiences, the panelists will also dive into a Q&A session to discuss challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs, how COVID-19 has created both opportunities and challenges and much more.

    Both events are open to all students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Truman.

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    For additional information and to register for this event, visit truman.edu/events/the-art-of-the-side-hustle-in-pandemic-times.

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    For additional information and to register for this event, visit truman.edu/events/celebrating-women-entrepreneurs.

Notables

  • Notables

    Daniel Mandell, professor of history, will discuss “Finding the Lost Tradition of Economic Equality in America,” in a webinar hosted by the American Antiquarian Society (AAS) at 7 p.m. Sept. 30. In this lecture, he will sketch out the main arguments in his recently published book and highlight AAS collection holdings that were particularly significant for the work. Register here.

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Scholarship Opportunities

  • Nationally Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships

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    Each year Truman nominates students for national fellowship opportunities who have shown outstanding academic performance and exceptional service accomplishments. The application process is very rigorous and highly competitive, but the University provides support as students prepare for and then apply to these prestigious scholarships. Listed below are several of the major national fellowships and their websites. More information about these fellowships is available at www.truman.edu/majors-programs/more-learning-opportunities/fellowships.

    For Graduate Studies
    Rhodes Scholarships
    Grants for two years of study at Oxford University

    Gates Cambridge Scholarships
    Awards for an advanced degree or second bachelor’s degree at the University of Cambridge

     
    For Undergraduate Studies
    Goldwater Scholarships
    Up to $7,500 annually for tuition, fees, books, room and board for science and mathematics majors

    Harry S. Truman Scholarships
    For senior year and post-graduate study leading to a career in public service

    Udall Scholarships
    For students interested in careers related to environmental issues or for Native Americans and Alaskans interested in careers related to health care and tribal public policy

    Carnegie Endowment Junior Fellowships
    For students interested in international affairs to work as research assistants to the Endowment’s senior associates in Washington, D.C. for a full year