Vol. 26 No. 12 - November 8, 2021

Prior to the 2020-21 academic year, residence hall dining facilities were consolidated, with Ryle and Centennial halls selected as locations to remain open. Due in large part to popular demand, the Missouri Hall dining hall will reopen. The Centennial Hall dining hall will be taken offline next year.

Although the change will not go into effect until next fall, the decision was announced early so students filling out on-campus housing contracts for next year can factor this into their decision. A majority of the on-campus students live in close proximity to the Missouri Hall dining hall. Centennial Hall may also be in line for some minor renovation projects in the coming years, so readjusting dining facilities now could help accommodate any potential future projects.

The dining hall in Missouri Hall was upgraded in the summer of 2018 and features the most up-to-date facilities of the campus halls. Among the amenities scheduled to return are the food island, which includes a deli and soup station, salad bars with a section for controlled allergens and two exhibition style cooking grills with one designated for vegetarian options. The seating area was also updated during the last renovation with new tables and chairs. The redesign increased the dining hall’s capacity, taking it to more than 200.

The housing renewal application for the 2022-23 school year opens in January. Questions regarding housing or dining can be directed to Residence Life at 660.785.4227 or reslife@truman.edu.

Truman will celebrate Graduate Education Week Nov. 8-12 in an effort to increase public awareness about the impact and outcomes of graduate education.

The week will kick off with a virtual Graduate Office open house from 4-5 p.m. Nov. 8. hosted by Jeanne Harding, director of graduate studies, and Bethany Gibson from the graduate office.

Students will have the chance to have a free professional photo taken by Tim Barcus, University photographer, from 12-1 p.m. Nov. 9 in Barnett Hall 2220.

Take a break and participate in Wellness Wednesday by listening to Rebecca Dierking, associate professor of English education, and her online mindfulness sessions at wellness.truman.edu/mindfulness or join Eric Dickson, assistant professor of music, trumpet, for an in-person mindful drop-in session from 2:30-2:50 p.m. in Baldwin Hall 107. Exercise and physical activity are also a great way to feel better and boost health. Join a free in-person class at the Student Recreation Center or a virtual option through recmovement.com.

From 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 students can meet graduate students from various programs and join the Graduate Office for a virtual trivia night. Door prizes will be awarded.

The Truman Career Center will host a virtual presentation from 12-1 p.m. Nov. 11 to share resources available to graduate students. This is a chance to find out more about #HireTruman, interviews and resumes.

Stephan Parsons, graduate faculty member and dean of the School of Arts and Letters, will present a faculty trombone recital at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. The concert will also be available via livestream.  

Master’s programs offered are accountancy, athletic training, communication disorders, education, English, leadership, music, counseling (online), data science and analytic storytelling (online) and gifted education (online). Applications for these programs are currently being accepted and can be found here. For more information, visit gradstudies.truman.edu.

In spring 2022 Truman will host another Three-Minute Thesis Competition. Developed by the University of Queensland, the competition challenges graduate students to explain the significance of their research projects to a general audience in three minutes or less. Currently enrolled master’s students at Truman are eligible to participate. The winner attends the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools annual competition. To find out more about Truman’s competition visit truman.edu/majors-programs/graduate-studies/three-minute-thesis.

Truman will extend its current campus mask policy until the end of the semester.

This decision was reached after careful consideration of a variety of factors, including campus vaccination rates and recommendations from the CDC. Constituent groups, including Student Government, Staff Council and Faculty Senate, were also consulted.

Data from the recent vaccine incentive program indicates the known fully vaccinated rate is 57% for all students, 63% for residence hall students and 72% for employees. While those numbers exceed the general county rate, they are not high enough on their own to mitigate exposure to and spread of the virus. The mask policy, in conjunction with the campus vaccination rate, has helped to keep Truman-related cases to a minimum.

Based on the CDC COVID Data Tracker, community transmission in Adair County is still listed as “substantial” and masks are recommended for everyone in public, indoor settings.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, the University will maintain a flexible approach in regard to COVID-19 and make decisions based on all relevant information available. The mask policy will be reviewed again for the start of the Spring 2022 semester.

Ideas for initiatives were developed under the sub-topics of health and wellness, diversity and inclusion and advising and student support. The TruSolutions webpage also allows the Truman community to view photos from the event, read progress updates on the TruSolutions initiatives and share other ideas for campus improvement solutions. Academic Affairs plans to work with various stakeholders, departments and volunteers from across campus to implement the solutions and will hold future TruSolutions events on an annual basis.

Students, faculty and staff who have signed up to receive Truman emergency alert text notifications will get a TruAlert text and email message letting them know it is a test. Those that have not signed up for emergency text messaging can do so through TruView.

To sign up, sign in to TruView and click on the “Everyday Tools” tab. Click “Personal Information Menu” then  “Update Emergency Text Messaging Information.” A maximum of three phones can be registered to receive texts. Confirm information in the same manner.

An emergency alert will be displayed on all Truman computer systems where the Alertus software has been installed. This should include nearly all workstations on campus. There will also be alerts sent to digital signs in Violette Hall, Magruder Hall, Ophelia Parrish and Health Sciences, to the Truman channel on the cable televisions in residence halls and to classroom teaching console PCs.

The campus is also encouraged to review the emergency procedures. It is important the entire community is familiar with these procedures in order to understand how to respond appropriately in a number of emergency situations.

In their weekly discussion, Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group committee members Scott Alberts and Nancy Daley-Moore discussed the number of Truman-related cases and other seasonal illnesses. Because many people have colds, allergies and other ailments, it is important to get tested when displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. Students can get tested at the Student Health Center on campus, as well as at any number of local providers. Truman-related cases have been fewer compared to last year, thanks in large part to responsible actions by the campus at large. Alberts and Daley-Moore encouraged students and employees to be thoughtful about their decisions during the upcoming Thanksgiving Break. A complete recording of their conversation can be found here.

Prior to the performance, the student campus organization University Percussion Society will be collecting new or gently used blankets; as well as new socks, in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall lobby. These items will be given to the homeless and others who are in need. There will also be a jar for monetary donations for anyone would like to donate to the purchase of blankets and socks.

The Truman State University Foundation Spring 2022 Foundation Scholarship applications are now available. To apply, log in to TruView, go to the Student Tab, Student Tools, Scholarships, Financial Aid & Loans then Foundation Scholarship Application. Students can submit and revise their application online at any time prior to the deadline of Nov. 23. These scholarships are available thanks to the private gifts of alumni and friends of the University.

Truman’s Theatre Department will perform “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10-13 in the James G. Severns Theatre.

“Much Ado About Nothing” is about Don Pedro’s army arriving at Leonato’s country estate ready for rest and relaxation after the end of a war. Claudio, a young nobleman, falls for Hero, a fair young woman. Two other young people, Beatrice and Benedick, swear they’ll never marry, and a plot is hatched to trick them into falling in love. Later, the veneer of love is stripped away when Hero is wrongly accused and apologies must humbly be made.

“Much Ado About Nothing” is appropriate for audience members of all ages however the heightened text might make it difficult for young children to understand. Runtime is approximately 135 minutes with an intermission.

Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at boxoffice.truman.edu. For more information, contact the Truman Theatre Box Office at 660.785.4515 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Communications Disorders (CMDS) Department is hosting a virtual and in-person open house for graduate students.

The virtual open house will take place 1:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 12. Students who wish to attend will be sent links providing information concerning the CMDS program and a tour of the facilities that is located on the CMDS website. The in-person open house will take place at 1-3:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in Health Science 2203. Refreshments will be served. Students should RSVP to Connie Ikerd at cikerd@truman.edu.

All prospective students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in communication disorders from Truman are invited to attend. Information regarding the CMDS graduate program, the profession, employment opportunities and funding for graduate school will be provided, along with the opportunity to meet faculty, alumni and students of the program.

International speaker and author Dr. Howard E. Fields III will present a two-part conversation focusing on equity in higher education, Nov. 16.

Fields currently serves as an assistant superintendent of human resources and adjunct professor at Harris-Stowe State University. He is the author of the new book, “How to Achieve Educational Equity,” co-founder of Black Males in Education St. Louis (BMESTL) and EduOpenings.com. His perspective and focus on remaining student-centered, yet equity-focused, along with the ability to create and implement strategic solutions for organizations, has made him a sought-out speaker, writer and consultant. More information about Fields can be found here. Copies of his book will also be available at the event.
 
This two-part conversation will include an interactive workshop focused on “A Practical Approach and Discussion on Educational Equity” from 3-4:30 p.m. with registration required. Following the workshop, an open seat presentation titled “How to Achieve Educational Equity” will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. Both sessions will be in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

This event is sponsored by Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Education Department and Truman’s chapter of the National Education Association.

 

• Independence: Harry Truman Presidential Library (full-time, 9 credits)
• Kansas City: National World War I Museum (part-time, 4 credits)
• Kirksville: Judicial Archives Project (part-time, 4 credits)
• St. Joseph: St. Joseph Museums (part-time, 4 credits)
• St. Louis: Field House Museum (part-time, 4 credits), Missouri History Museum (part-time, 4 credits), Mercantile Library (part-time, 4 credits)
• Springfield: MSU Special Collections and Archive (part-time, 4 credits)

The summer internships are open to all Truman students, but they are especially relevant for those considering careers in archives, museums and teaching.
 
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.
 
To find out what the internships entail and how to apply, direct enquiries to: Jason McDonald, Baldwin Hall 226, 660.785.7575, jasonmcd@truman.edu.

The Institute for Academic Outreach is seeking applications for the following academies:

• Joseph Baldwin Academy (June 8-July 3 and/or July 6-31)
• JBA Junior (July 10-15)
• ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy (June 9-18)

Each academy is in search of preceptors for programs ranging from one to three weeks during June and July. Stipends vary based in the length of the program and nature of the work.

To be eligible as a preceptor, applicants must be a Truman student or a May 2022 graduate, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and not be enrolled in summer classes while working in the program. Individuals hired for these programs will also be required to complete a criminal background check, pre-academy trainings and pre-academy orientations.
 
Applications are currently being accepted and will continue until the positions are filled. Information about each available position can be accessed at tiacademies.truman.edu/employment or by emailing Michelle Wilson at mwwilson@truman.edu.

Junior and senior students could win up to $250 from Truman, and $10,000 nationally, through the Robert L. Gould Scholastic Award competition.

SS&C, a financial technology company, sponsors the annual Robert L. Gould Scholastic Award to recognize outstanding university students who produce academic papers on topics related to investment management strategies, theories and trends. The concept for this year is related to gamification and investments. As technology is explored in everyday lives, how could gamification impact or encourage appropriate investing behaviors and what are the real or potential positive and negative consequences of using gamification in this environment?  

In addition to the national award, the University will offer cash prizes to the top three papers from Truman students. Locally, first place will earn $250, second place will receive $150 and third place will get $100. All three will be submitted to the SS&C for the national competition.

Papers should be submitted to Chuck Boughton, instructor in business administration, at boughton@truman.edu by Jan. 14. Submissions should be in Word format only. Local awards will be announced after the Jan. 31 submission to the Gould judges. For more information email boughton@truman.edu.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be filed now for the 2022-2023 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 students to taking a loan, but it does allow for more options.

The 2022-2023 FAFSA requires students to report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. For the 2022-2023 FAFSA students will use their 2020 tax information.

It is strongly recommended to apply or renew before Feb. 1, 2022.

A COVID vaccine booster shot clinic will be available for eligible Truman employees from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

To be eligible, employees must have received their second shot at least six months ago (at least two months ago for those receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). Unvaccinated employees may also attend the clinic to begin the vaccination process.
 
A consent form including the requested insurance information must be completed to receive the vaccine. Bring the completed form if possible. Forms will also be available at the clinic. Employees should also bring their COVID vaccination cards so they can be updated.
 
The clinics will be conducted by Hy-Vee. Registration is not required.
 
Wear a short-sleeve shirt or other clothing that allows access to the upper arm, where the shot will be administered.
 
For those unable to attend, vaccines may also be received from local pharmacies and the Adair County Health Department.

Six Truman Women’s Soccer players were chosen by league coaches to the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference team on Friday. Senior Hanna Hickey was the Bulldogs first-team selection and the Truman squad earned the James R. Spalding Team Sportsmanship Award.

Camryn Sprague was one of two defensive players for Truman to earn all-league accolades. Sprague was a second-team choice. Four Truman players were placed on the third team, forwards Faith Branson and Chance Douglass, defender Kate Peterson and goalkeeper Beth Hopwood.

Sydni Beeley was nominated by the team for the James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award. Each team selects one player from their squad for the nomination. Schools will select one male and one female from those nominated to represent the school on the sportsmanship list following the academic year.

The Truman State University Foundation Spring 2022 Foundation Scholarship applications are now available. To apply, log in to TruView, go to the Student Tab, Student Tools, Scholarships, Financial Aid & Loans then Foundation Scholarship Application. Students can submit and revise their application online at any time prior to the deadline of Nov. 23. These scholarships are available thanks to the private gifts of alumni and friends of the University.