Vol. 25 No. 17 - January 19, 2021

During the spring semester, the Truman residence hall wireless network is being upgraded to provide greater internet bandwidth to each student room and common area, which will result in much higher bandwidth speeds.

Currently, 5G is available in the residence halls, but the access devices used are shared by several rooms. This upgrade provides for each residence hall room and common area to have its own 5G access device – so no sharing of bandwidth will be required.
 
This project is being done in response to the increasing video and audio activities associated with hybrid and online learning and will ensure that students living in the residence halls are equipped with leading edge, reliable and responsive access to the internet.

Truman ITS also conducted several upgrades during break. In addition to normal maintenance and minor repairs, almost 40 classrooms were enhanced with HoverCams to add more functionality to these spaces. This will result in some rooms having a dual-camera system allowing classroom Zoom sessions to have two camera inputs if needed.

The Presidential Reading Room in Pickler Memorial Library received permanent technology features that will better facilitate large classes meetings.

Web cams were added to some study rooms in the library so students who are attending classes on campus have a place to attend an online class if needed. This also provides a more private way to participate in online classes.

Students who received a grade point average of 3.5 or better during the fall semester can now find their honor roll information posted online.

The President’s List, for students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, can be accessed at  
truman.edu/honors/fall-2020-presidents-list. The Vice President for Academic Affairs’ List, featuring students with a grade point average between 3.50-3.99, can be found at truman.edu/honors/fall-2020-vice-president-for-academic-affairs-list.

To qualify for either list, a student must be an undergraduate and complete at least 12 hours of credit during the semester.

Social media buttons on both pages make it easy for students and parents to share this accomplishment with friends and family.

Students who have requested a directory hold on their information will not be included on a list. Any questions regarding student eligibility for either list can be directed to the Academic Affairs Office at 660.785.4105.

Truman has published the names of students who graduated at the conclusion of the fall semester.

The names of the graduates can be found online at truman.edu/honors/fall-2020-graduation-list. Students who graduated with honors will have that distinction noted by their names. Cum laude recognizes those who earned a grade point average of 3.50-3.74. Magna cum laude is for graduates with a grade point average of 3.75-3.89. Summa cum laude honors graduates with a grade point average of 3.9 or better.

Master’s degree recipients will have that distinction noted by their names.

The list is organized by state and hometown. Hometowns are based upon the permanent address given to the University by the student. Students who have requested a directory hold on their information will not be included on the list. Any questions regarding student eligibility for inclusion on the list can be directed to the Registrar’s Office at 660.785.4143.

Truman conducted commencement ceremonies Nov. 21. Commencement was originally scheduled for Dec. 12, but was moved to the earlier date when the University altered its schedule to conclude in-person classes prior to Thanksgiving Break. In an effort to limit exposure to and spread of COVID-19, commencement was divided into two sessions. Only the graduating students and a small stage party were permitted in Pershing Arena for the events, which were livestreamed for friends and family. Recordings of both commencement ceremonies are available online at truman.edu/registrar/commencement/commencement-broadcast.

Alumni Anthony Cooperwood and Jo Ann Daughtery will perform an enticing livestream jazz event at 7 p.m. Feb. 2.
 
Cooperwood has spent the last 35 years performing music and entertaining people all over the world. His performances include almost 10 years with Cirque du Soleil as a keyboardist, bass guitarist and backup conductor for its “Dralion” show. He has also had multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Musique Plus” (Canadian MTV) in Montreal.

Daughtery will perform the second half of the concert. She is a pianist, conductor, musical director, recording artist, composer and arranger who loves making all kinds of music. Her most recent album “Bring Joy” earned a four-star review from Downbeat Magazine. She has performed with touring Broadway productions including “Jersey Boys,” “Motown the Musical” and more, as well as concert specials for PBS with Under the Streetlamp. 

In lieu of in-person events, Truman’s Kohlenberg Lyceum Series is offering online presentations at no charge. The concert will be available at 7 p.m. Feb. 2 with free access at lyceum.truman.edu. It will also be broadcast in Kirksville on Sparklight channel 56.
 
One of Truman’s oldest traditions, the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series provides a unique opportunity to broaden the cultural experience for students and the community by bringing well-known speakers, dance troupes, musicians and other performers from all parts of the world to the Truman campus. The year’s season, “There’s No Place Like Home,” will feature a showcase of Truman alumni and student talent. More information, including a schedule of events, can be found at lyceum.truman.edu.

The Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group, composed of Scott Alberts, Nancy Daley-Moore and Christine Harker, discussed Truman’s numbers for the first week of Jan. 12 during a recent Zoom meeting.

With students back from break, there were a total of 19 active cases among the University community. The group used this as an opportunity to discuss the importance of pods – interacting with a select number of people in order to limit exposure to and spread of the virus. It is important to be thoughtful about who makes up a pod and how to maintain its integrity. Pods are helpful during the pandemic, but they are not invincible. Members should still wash hands, wear a mask and maintain social distance whenever possible.

Other topics of conversation included a look at how schools with well-established practices have fared better in relation to cases, and how one of the best ways to stay safe is to act as if most people have the virus. A recording of their conversation can be found here.

Hosted by Alexandra Miller and Jared Young, Tech Talk Thursday focuses on sci-fi topics and depictions of space exploration in film. It covers a wide range of topics, from exploring Klingon Mythology and various sci-fi movies, to discussing the technology of Star Trek and the technological advances expected over the next century.
 
This show is free to attend and open to the public. Seats must be reserved online beforehand. Seating limited to 15 due to COVID precautions.

The Division of Student Affairs has invited two finalists to campus for the director of diversity and inclusion position. There will be a campus-wide open forum at which each candidate will make a short presentation addressing the following topic: What issues does higher education need to consider and act upon in order to become a more diverse, inclusive and equitable environment?

The Open Forums are scheduled for the following times:

Dr. April Warren-Grice
2 p.m.
Jan. 19
Student Union Building Alumni Room/Zoom

Dr. Saint Rice Jr.
2 p.m.
Jan. 21
Student Union Building Alumni Room/Zoom

Resumes and Zoom links can be found here. Sessions will be recorded and posted for anyone that cannot attend in person or via Zoom.

“Life takes you unexpected places. Delta Sigma Pi brings you home.”

Delta Sigma Pi, the nation’s largest co-ed professional business fraternity, will host spring 2021 recruitment events Jan. 20-Feb. 4. Contact dsprecruitment1978@gmail.com with any questions, and follow DSP on social media @dsptruman.

Pre-Recruitment Service Event
5:30 p.m.
Jan. 20
Student Union Building Activities Room

Information Night No. 1
5 p.m.
Jan. 27
Zoom

Information Night No. 2
7 p.m.
Jan. 28
Zoom

Games with Brothers
3 p.m.
Jan. 30
Student Union Building Activities Room

Meet the Chapter Night
7 p.m.
Feb. 1
Zoom

Trivia Night
7 p.m.
Feb. 2
Zoom

Alumni Panel
7 p.m.
Feb. 3
Zoom

Speed Dating
7 p.m.
Feb. 4
Student Union Building Activities Room

The Fitness-Wellness program is hosting a special event Cardio & Pilates class taught by Faith and Grace from 5-6 p.m. Jan. 22. in room 208. Participants will be led through a series of movements to get their heart rate up before moving to the mat for a Pilates workout. All fitness levels are welcome and maximum number of participants is 14.

“Megan + Max + You” will be on display in the University Art Gallery, Jan. 19-Feb. 26.

Artists Megan Pobywajlo and Max Wagner make still life photographs that combine the languages and techniques of commercial photography with mindful play. To make their photographs they take turns choosing objects and colors, shapes and scale, light and shadow to create a shared vision.

Members of the Truman community are invited to share their still life photographs for a chance to be included in the exhibit. Details can be found at meganmaxyou.cargo.site.

Pobywajlo and Wagner will participate in an artist talk at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 22 via Zoom. Those interested in participating can sign up here.

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. For more information, visit tls.truman.edu and @taulambdasigma on Instagram.

Information Night
7 p.m.
Jan. 25
Facebook/Instagram Live

Service and Sisterhood Night
7 p.m.
Jan. 26
Zoom

Interview Night
7 p.m.
Jan. 27
Zoom

Invite Only
Jan. 28

Union & Involvement will host the Activities Fair from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 25-27 in the Student Union Building.

This event is an excellent opportunity for students to find organizations to join on campus. Approximately 40 organizations will be showcased each night. Per University policy and CDC recommendations, no more than 250 people will be allowed to attend at one time.

For more information contact Union & Involvement Services in the Student Union Building 2000 at 660.785.4222 or by email at orgs@truman.edu.

The deadline to register is 12 p.m. Jan. 21. Organizations may register online here.

The Office of Student Research is accepting TruScholars proposals for research and creative scholarship conducted during the eight-week summer term, June 7-July 30.

During the program, students should devote full-time effort to their project and faculty mentors should be continuously available for consultation and collaboration. Projects will be funded up to a maximum value of $5,750, including a $3,500 max student stipend and $1,750 max mentor stipend.

A virtual TruScholars proposal writing workshop for students will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. Jan. 27. Register here by Jan. 26 to attend the workshop.

Complete guidelines for the TruScholars applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications are due Feb. 15.

Questions can be directed to osr@truman.edu.

Alpha Phi Omega is a national co-ed service fraternity with the three cardinal principles of leadership friendship and service. These events are brief meetings to let people have more information about APO if they are interested in joining. Questions can be directed to apo.epsilon.recruitmentchair@gmail.com.

Jan. 25
6 p.m.
Baldwin Hall 219

Jan. 26
7 p.m.
Baldwin Hall 219

Jan. 28
5 p.m.
Baldwin Hall 102

The Student Recreation Center is offering free body composition testing from 2-4:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in room 218. Participants are eligible for a blood pressure reading, body mass index and three-site skinfold measurements. Participants can sign up for a 15-minute appointment at the weight room desk or by emailing dreamweaver@truman.edu.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be filed now for the 2021-2022 school year at studentaid.gov.

Even though a student may not qualify for grants or work study, all students are considered for the Federal Direct Loan (no co-signer required). Filing the FAFSA does not commit a student to taking a loan, but it does allow for more options.

The 2021-2022 FAFSA requires students to report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. For the 2021-2022 FAFSA students will use their 2019 tax information.

It is strongly recommended to apply or renew before Feb. 1, 2021.

Alpha Phi Omega and Beta Beta Beta will sponsor Red Cross blood drives in the Student Union Building. All students, faculty, staff and members of the Kirksville community are welcome to donate. One donation can save up to three lives. They will receive COVID-19 antibody tests as part of the donation. Click here to sign up.

Feb. 2
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Student Union Building Down Under

Feb. 3
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Student Union Building Down Under

Feb. 9
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Student Union Building Down Under

Students can apply now for positions with Truman summer academies.
 
The Institute for Academic Outreach has summer positions available for Joseph Baldwin Academy, JBA Junior and ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy. Each academy is in search of preceptors and night monitors.
 
In order to be a preceptor, applicants must currently be a full-time student at Truman and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. Preceptors are expected to be supportive of the University goals, responsible, enjoy working with high-ability teenage students and be high-energy individuals.
 
Applicants should prepare a letter of interest which should include: the skills they possess that will assist them when working with high-ability teenage students; related work experiences; and why they are interested in the summer academy for which they apply. Applicants will also need to complete the online application and provide a current resume.
 
Applications are due Feb. 5. Information about each available position and the online application can be accessed at tiacademies.truman.edu/employment.

The Athletic Fee Accountability Committee is now accepting project proposals. Due to the pandemic, the allocation of funds may look different this year, but there are projects that can help Truman student-athletes compete at the highest level. The application is available here.
 
The deadline for proposals is midnight, Jan. 22. Proposals can be sent to trumanafac@gmail.com. Late proposals will not be accepted. Questions or concerns can be sent to trumanafac@gmail.com or Matthew Hall, athletic fee accountability chairperson, at mch3662@truman.edu.

Any coeducational postsecondary institution that participates in the Federal student financial assistance programs and has an intercollegiate athletic program is required by section 485(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1092(g) (also known as the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act, or EADA) to prepare a report containing information regarding intercollegiate athletics. The EADA Report discloses athletic program participation rates and financial support data for a 12-month period and must be made available to students, prospective students and the public. Data is available to the public at consumerinformation.truman.edu/athletics and ope.ed.gov/athletics, or upon request a paper copy will be provided.

The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Office has put together a brief survey to evaluate the current programming needs of the community. They are also wanting suggestions of programs to be offered in the future. This survey is completely anonymous and will take less than five minutes. The survey can be found here.

Marc Becker, professor of history, published “The CIA in Ecuador” through Duke University Press. In the book, Becker draws on recently released US government surveillance documents on the Ecuadorian left to chart social movement organizing efforts during the 1950s, showing how the local patterns and dynamics that shaped the development of the Ecuadorian left could be found throughout Latin American during the cold war. Members of the Truman community can receive 30 percent off the purchase price with the code E21ECDR at checkout. Becker is also the author of “The FBI in Latin America” and “Indians and Leftists in the Making of Ecuador’s Modern Indigenous Movements.”

Melissa Garzanelli was named Truman’s director of human resources, effective Jan. 1. She previously served as a human resources generalist for three years and worked in the business office for five years. Garzanelli succeeds Sally Herleth, who retired June 30, 2020.  

In addition to overseeing the hiring and onboarding process for employees, the Human Resources Office is responsible for a variety of services including: the coordination of employee benefits; maintenance of employee records; coordination of wellness programming; and awards and recognition. For more information about services, contact 660.785.4031.