Vol. 24 No. 29 - April 14, 2020
Features
Summer Classes Converted to Online Only
As a continuation of cautionary measures related to COVID-19, Truman will be moving its summer and interim sessions for 2020 entirely online.
Like many colleges and universities across the country, the continued need for social distancing and the likelihood of continued disease spread has caused Truman to take this step. The safety of students and the entire campus community remains the top priority.
The vast majority of summer classes are already online, or will be converted to online over the next couple of weeks. A few courses will be cancelled. Students in cancelled classed will be contacted directly and will not be billed for the course.
If a course is converted to online and a student no longer wishes to take it, they have the option to drop prior to the beginning of the course. As was the case this spring, some online courses will be taught synchronously at their scheduled times. Students should consult the Open Course List on TruView, or their personal class schedule, if they are unsure about whether a class will be offered in real time or not.
For questions about a specific course, contact the professor or department chair. Broader questions about the operation of the summer and interim sessions can be directed to the Institute for Academic Outreach at institute@truman.edu.Census Data is Vital for Truman and Kirksville
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some confusion, the 2020 Census is still being conducted, and there are some important things for students to consider.
The census is conducted every 10 years, and it is a critical resource. Census data is used to calculate the number of elected representatives each state gets, and it is also considered in deciding where to build factories, offices and other resources that serve local communities. The census is used to improve transportation, infrastructure and affordable housing.
For college students, the census affects federal student loan programs, campus funding, health and social services, campus improvements and various legislation. It is crucial all college students participate in the census and do so correctly.
April 1 is the official census date, and everyone should fill out the census based on where they would have been living on that date under normal circumstances. Students who were living off campus and have returned to their hometown due to the coronavirus pandemic should take that into consideration when they fill out the census. Students who were living on-campus have already been counted through Residence Life, and they do not need to take any action.
Students can complete the 2020 Census online at my2020census.gov. For more information, visit census.mo.gov.Barker Earns Prestigious Music Award
Adam Barker, a music performance major from Spokane, Mo., has been named a Presser Scholar for the 2020-21 academic year.
A highly selective award, Barker is one of 200 Presser Scholars from across the United States. The recognition also comes with a $4,000 monetary prize from the Presser Foundation. Established in 1939, the Presser Foundation is one of the few private organizations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy.
Barker will graduate in May 2021 with a degree in music performance. A violin player, he is a member of the Truman State University Orchestra, the President’s String Quartet and the contemporary ensemble Uncommon Practice.
In 2018, Barker was the winner of Truman’s Gold Medal Concerto Competition. That same year, he traveled to Italy with faculty and students to perform at the Institute of Musical Studies “Luigi Boccherini” in Lucca and the Conservatorio Giaroma Puccini in La Spezia.
Barker is also an active member of Student Government, and in February he was one of two Truman representatives at the Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum, “Faith and Values in Leadership,” in Jefferson City.More Faculty Messages of Support
Following the suspension of in-person classes, Truman faculty members offered words of encouragement to students in video clips. The first installment was released in the March 30 issue of the Truman Today. The second volume is now available here.
Announcements
Run in Student Government Elections
Are you passionate about making a difference here on campus? Student Government is hosting their annual spring elections, and you can run for a variety of positions. This spring’s election process has been adapted to occur entirely online. To better understand how to run, the first step is to read through the election packet here, and follow Student Government’s social media to stay up to date. The deadline to file a petition to run is 5 p.m. April 17. Contact jtk7741@truman.edu with any questions.Watch the Student Government Presidential Debate
The annual Student Government Presidential Debate will occur via Zoom from 6-8 p.m. April 16. Tune in at the link below to listen to the presidential candidates answer questions, and ask your own questions as well. Email jtk7741@truman.edu for more information, and follow Student Government’s social media for more up-to-date information.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/490207012
Meeting ID: 490 207 012
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,490207012# US (Chicago)
+19294362866,,490207012# US (New York)We are Bulldogs!
We don’t get to choose the challenges that come our way, but we can choose how we respond to them. We are Bulldogs!Be Pawsitive, Show Support with Window Spike
Anyone who would like to show support for their fellow Bulldogs during this time can print out a free window sign featuring Flat Spike. Similar to the phenomenon of hunting for teddy bears in windows, children can keep an eye out for Flat Spike, and the signs serve as a reminder that everyone is in this situation together. Printable signs can be found here and here.Nominations Open for William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award
The William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award pays tribute to excellent faculty advisors and demonstrates how important academic advising is at Truman. This is an opportunity for students to honor faculty advisors in their departments. The award recognizes outstanding advising/mentoring by a full-time faculty member who is nominated by students.
In addition to campus-wide recognition at the Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop in August, the awardee receives a $1,000 grant to be used for the enhancement of student advising.
To make a nomination for the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award, complete the online nomination form.
Nominations deadline is 5 p.m. April 29.LRP Nominations Extended
The deadline for Leadership Recognition Program nominations has been extended to 11:59 p.m. April 15.
The Leadership Recognition Program is designed to honor Truman students, advisers and organizations for their dedication to their peers, campus and Kirksville community through various leadership roles during the academic year.
For more information about the awards, click here. To make a nomination online, click here. Questions can be directed to the U&I at 660.785.4222 or by email at csilrp@gmail.com.Research Conference Carries on in Virtual Form
The Student Research Conference, scheduled for April 16, will proceed in an asynchronous, virtual form.
Since this is a challenging time, the Office of Student Research is not requiring students with accepted abstracts to present. Those students with a previously accepted abstract who would not like to participate do not need to take any action. Their abstract will remain published on the SRC website.
The Virtual SRC will be an asynchronous conference, meaning presentations will be recorded before the conference date and made available to the campus community starting April 16.
General guidelines are listed below. Details on submissions, along with some frequently asked questions, are available on the Virtual SRC website. Questions can be directed to osr@truman.edu.
Oral Presentations
Oral presentation recordings are allotted a maximum time of 15 minutes. If students have accompanying slides or materials, these should be shared by recording the screen. For those who are able, SRC organizers would appreciate seeing a video of the student while presenting.
Performances
Performance recordings are allotted a maximum time of 15 minutes and should include a video of the performance.
Poster Presentations
Poster presentation recordings are allotted a maximum time of five minutes. Posters should be captured through a recording of the screen and include a verbal explanation of the poster. For those who are able, SRC organizers would appreciate seeing a video of the student while presenting.
Art Exhibits
Art exhibit recordings are allotted a maximum time of five minutes and should include a video of the piece as well as a verbal explanation of it.PR Internship Deadline Extended
The Truman Public Relations Office is now accepting applications for the fall 2020 internship.
Interns work approximately 32 hours per week and can choose to receive between six to nine credit hours. To maintain full-time student status, interns take two three-credit classes in addition to the internship credit hours. A small stipend is also included.
Primary responsibilities of the intern include assisting with the production of the University’s online weekly newsletter, helping with social media and video projects, and contributing to the Truman Review alumni magazine. The intern will also help with special events throughout the semester, write press releases and fulfill other office tasks.
Applicants should have a strong background in writing and editing. Communication majors are encouraged to apply, with special consideration given to candidates with knowledge of Associated Press Style. Applicants must have the flexibility to work 32 hours a week.
To apply, send a resume, an advising transcript, two writing samples and contact information for two on-campus references to pr@truman.edu or mail to the Public Relations Office, McClain Hall 202 no later than April 24. For questions about the internship, email pr@truman.edu.Student Group Conducts Fundraiser for Food Pantry
Truman’s chapter of Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) is conducting an online fundraiser with the goal of raising $1,000 to support the Adair County Food Pantry. To encourage donations, for every $100 raised a member of YAL will video themselves getting a pie thrown in their face. Individuals can donate through Facebook.New Employees for March
The following full-time employees started at Truman in March.
Melissa Alvarado, Counseling, subject matter expert
Michael Kriegel, Physical Plant, building trades worker
Amanda Nadelberg, English and Linguistics, Ofstad Visiting Writer
Susan Perry, Counseling, subject matter expert
Tyler Perry, Physical Plant, groundskeeper
Corie Pryor, Advancement, coordinator of advancement services
Brek Snyder, Physical Plant, groundskeeper
Kirk Zinck, Counseling, subject matter expert
Notables
Notables
Six Truman student-athletes were named All-Americans by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). Due to the cancellation of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, the CSCAA Board adjusted the selection criteria for each Division. Those named to the team from Truman are: Emma Brabham, 400 medley relay-HM; Mark Franz, 100 breast; Natalie Galluzzo, 100 breast, 200 breast, 400 medley relay-HM; Holly Olson, 400 medley relay-HM; Ginny Schranck, 200 breast; and Kaylee Sisson, 400 medley relay-HM.
Janes Dreamweaver, director of fitness-wellness, was recently featured by Campus REC magazine in a COVID-19 Virtual Roundtable, as well as online publications for Tips on Working from Home and Becoming a Better Bulldog at Truman.
Morgan Eby, women’s tennis, was named GLVC Student-Athlete of the Week. Even with all spring sports cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the GLVC conference office is still honoring student-athletes with weekly honors. A junior accounting major, Eby has competed in second singles and first doubles this season. She earned six singles wins and seven doubles wins in the 2019-20 fall and spring seasons.Daniel Mandell, professor of history, wrote an opinion piece featured in the April 7 online edition of Time Magazine. “How the Civil War Changed the Way Americans Thought About Economic Inequality” is a distillation of a chapter in his new book “The Lost Tradition of Economic Equality in America, 1600-1870,” available from John Hopkins University Press.Jason McDonald, assistant professor of history, was recently interviewed by Flatland, the digital magazine of Kansas City Public Television (KCPT). The interview features in “The Gene: A Brief History of Eugenics in the Heartland,” which accompanies KCPT’s airing of Ken Burn’s documentary “The Gene: An Intimate History.”
Scholarship Opportunities
Nationally Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships
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
Fulbright Grants
Research grants and teaching assistantships for a year abroad
Rhodes Scholarships
Grants for two years of study at Oxford University
Marshall Scholarships
Awards for two years of study in any British university
Mitchell Scholarships
One year of graduate study or research in Ireland or Northern Ireland
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
Boren Scholarships
To study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interestsPurdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship
The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation will offer the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy.
Purdy was born in 1914 on a farm near Macon and was the first in his family to attend a four-year college. He worked in the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture before becoming the campus’s first director of scholarships and student financial aid.
The scholarship is designed to provide merit-based scholarships to emerging leaders who are outstanding students and who have a need for additional resources for higher education. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $1,000-$5,000 based on expected family contribution (EFC), unmet need and other factors.
Applicants must be a Missouri resident, typically a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA, a U.S. Citizen, attending a Missouri public four-year university or the State Technical College of Missouri, and be a sophomore, junior or senior in college. Deadline to apply is June 30, 2020. Applications should be submitted online through Scholarship Central at moslf.org. To access more information about this scholarship, click here, or contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130.