Vol. 26 No. 20 - January 31, 2022
Features
Applications Open for Counseling Master’s Programs
Truman’s counseling program is currently accepting applications for the fall 2022 cohort.
The program offers two degrees – a Master of Arts in Counseling: Mental Health Counseling and Master of Arts in Counseling: School Counseling.
The Master of Arts in Counseling: School Counseling program is geared toward meeting the academic, career and personal/social needs of culturally diverse students in elementary, middle and secondary schools as certified and licensed school counselors.
The Master of Arts in Counseling: Mental Health Counseling program specializes in community-based work as licensed professional counselors.
Cohort size is limited, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. For priority consideration, apply here by April 1. For more information about either program visit counseling.truman.edu or email Karl Witt at karlwitt@truman.edu.ITS Performs Winter Upgrades
During winter break, several technology upgrades and maintenance were completed.
Banner, the perimeter access system and the Blackboard Learning Management system were all upgraded with enhancements. In Blackboard enhancements for editing, adding content and content accessibility were made. Major configuration was also made to the new portal.
Improvements were made in 20 classrooms across six academic buildings. Restoration or major renovations of several classrooms were conducted in Pershing, including the dance studio, athletic training labs and nursing lab. This project will continue as the electrical infrastructure in the building is completed. Audio and visual control system updates were made in Barnett Hall and Magruder Hall. Enhanced speaker system updates or fixes were completed in McClain Hall, Magruder Hall and Violette Hall. Phase II of the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall was also completed, which included updates to microphones, speaker systems and the video streaming system.
Enhanced high-definition camera updates were added in Barnett Hall and Violette Hall. Updated presentation technology was added in Ophelia Parrish. Audio and visual wiring updates for added functionally were made in Barnett Hall and Violette Hall. Preventative maintenance was also competed in all classrooms with the zero client systems receiving firmware updates along with a system refresh.
The IT Service Center offers many technical resources and assistance. Anyone having technical difficulties or needing additional technological services can call 660.785.4544 to contact the Help Desk, submit an online work request or visit the IT Service Center located in Pickler Memorial Library 203. Visit its.truman.edu/get-help for more information.Ofstad Reading Series to Discuss the Importance of Archival Work
The Ofstad Reading Series will host scholar Dr. Tabitha Lowery at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 via Zoom.
In Lowery’s lecture, “‘Thank God for Little Children’: Frances Harper’s Children’s Poetry, Social Justice and the Archives in the 21st Century,” she will address issues related to the need for archival work which helps amplify forgotten 19th-century Black authors’ voices. She will discuss how to understand Black-authored newspapers and texts that cultivated their own spaces for Black children’s development and activism.
Lowery is an assistant professor of African American literature and culture at Coastal Carolina University. Her research interests include African American literary history, canon formation and childhood studies. While at Truman, she will teach a class on the graphic novelization of “Kindred” by Octavia Butler.
For those interested in attending via Zoom, email Sara Day for the passcode.Mask Policy Extended
In light of the significant increases in COVID cases in Adair County, as well as among students and employees, Truman will continue its mask policy, with the next review date on or before Feb. 25.
This month has seen the highest number of known cases in the county since the start of the pandemic. Based on the CDC COVID Data Tracker, community transmission in Adair County is listed as “high,” the most extreme category. The CDC recommends everyone should wear a mask in public indoor settings when transmission is high.
Decisions regarding the mask policy are made by the president in consultation with the executive leadership team. Factors taken into consideration include, but are not limited to: the number of active cases related to the University; the transmission rate in Adair County; the campus vaccination rate; Truman’s capacity to effectively accommodate students in isolation and quarantine; guidance of the CDC and the local health department; and the advice of Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government.
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.Organization Offers Free Help with Tax Preparation
Beta Alpha Psi will host Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sessions from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 12, Feb. 26 and March 19 in Violette Hall 1424.
Clients who come to VITA should bring: social security cards for spouses and dependents; bank routing numbers and bank account numbers for direct deposit; wage and earnings statements such as W-2, 1098T and 1099; and a copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns if available. VITA services will be completed by IRS-certified volunteers and will also offer free electronic filing to receive a faster return.
Students can schedule an appointment here. Truman staff and Kirksville residents can schedule by calling 660.785.6064.
Appointments are required. Walk-ins will be turned away. For more information, visit bap.truman.edu/vita.Leadership Recognition Program Now Accepting Nominees
The nomination form for the 2022 Leadership Recognition Program is now open.
This program is designed to honor Truman students, advisors and organizations for their dedication to their peers, campus and Kirksville community through various leadership roles during the academic year. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate exceptional student leaders, advisors, organizations and events on campus, particularly candidates whose achievements stood out after a year of constant adaptation to change.
The access link to the nomination form and packet can be found online at involvement.truman.edu/lrp. Nomination forms are due by 5 p.m. March 15. The awards ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. April 12 in the Student Union Building.Research Competition Open to All Graduate Students
Truman’s fourth annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition will take place at 10 a.m. Feb. 26 in Violette Hall 1010, providing students an opportunity to highlight their graduate-level research.
For the competition, participants will create a single slide that conveys their study. They will then have three minutes to discuss their research and its importance. Any original graduate research qualifies. It can be a scientific study, a discussion on a student’s creative writing adventure or musical composition. Current graduate students cannot submit research completed as an undergraduate.
Students will create a three-minute presentation following the guidelines set forth by Queensland University. They will also need an introductory slide that will include their name, title of presentation, faculty member and department. The single research slide appears right after, and as soon as the student starts speaking, the timer begins.
The first-place prize is $75, with second place earning $50. The winner of the competition will attend the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools annual competition.
To convey interest students can register here by submitting name, email, title of research and name of faculty mentor. The suggested deadline is Feb. 11. After registering, students will need to upload a presentation slide by 12 p.m. Feb. 25. The slide should adhere to the guidelines found on the MAGS website. For more information, contact Julia Edgar, associate professor of communication disorders at jedgar@truman.edu.
Announcements
DSP Recruitment Continues Through Feb. 3
Delta Sigma Pi is a professional business fraternity open to all business, accounting and economic majors. They will host their recruitment through Feb. 3.
Meet the Chapter
7 p.m.
Jan. 31
Student Union Building Alumni Room
Trivia Night
7 p.m.
Feb. 1
Student Union Building Alumni Room
Alumni Speaker
7 p.m.
Feb. 2
Student Union Building Alumni Room
Speed Networking
7 p.m.
Feb. 3
Magruder Hall 1090ASG Recruitment Runs Feb. 1-3
Alpha Sigma Gamma, a non-selective service sorority, will host its fall recruitment from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 1-3 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Recruitment will be in-person and masks will be required. Those who do not feel comfortable attending in-person can email asgducks.pr@gamil.com.
MAE Professional Development Series Focuses on Positive Classroom Environment
The fourth event in the MAE Professional Development Series will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 via Zoom. It will feature Amanda Ketzer, a teacher from Clayton School District, who will talk in depth about creating a positive classroom environment. RSVP for the event is available here. For more information, email ams8285@truman.edu.
OSR Seeks Summer Research Proposals
The Office of Student Research is accepting TruScholars proposals for research and creative scholarship conducted during the eight-week summer term, June 6-July 29.
During the program, students should devote full-time effort to their project and faculty mentors should be continuously available for consultation and collaboration. Grant applications may request 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 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Feb. 3 via Zoom. To attend the workshop students can register here by Feb. 2.
Complete guidelines for the TruScholars applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications are due Feb. 23. Questions can be directed to osr@truman.edu.Graduate Programs Highlighted at Info Sessions
Information sessions about graduate programs will take place on campus. Registration for each session can be found here and closes at 5 p.m. the day prior to the event. The location for on campus sessions is Student Union Building 3201. 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). For more information, contact Liz McLain, assistant director of admission-graduate and transfer.On-Campus Sessions
Feb. 2
5:30-6:30 p.m.
March 2
5:30-6:30 p.m.
April 13
5:30-6:30 p.m.Virtual Lunch Sessions
Feb. 16
12-1 p.m.
March 30
12-1 p.m.
April 27
12-1 p.m.Funds Allotment Council Accepting Applications
The Truman Funds Allotment Council is accepting fund applications for the fall 2022 semester. Applications can be submitted online at fac.truman.edu from now until Feb. 22. FAC will also host an information night at 6 p.m. Feb. 2 in Student Union Building Georgian B to provide details on the application process as well as answer any questions.
Phi Delta Service Sorority Recruitment Set for Feb. 3-10
Phi Delta is a sisterhood of Truman students who strive to serve the community. They are LGBTQ inclusive and strive to always put out positively and love. Rush Week information is listed below.
Information Night
7 p.m.
Feb. 3
Violette Hall 1140
Information Night
7 p.m.
Feb. 4
Violette Hall 1140
Meet the Members
1 p.m.
Feb. 6
Student Union Building 3200
Sisterhood Night
7 p.m.
Feb. 8
Baldwin Hall 241
Social Night
7 p.m.
Feb. 9
Student Union Building 2105
Philanthropy Night
7 p.m.
Feb. 10
Student Union Building 1101Fraternity Recruitment Starts Feb. 6
Truman’s Interfraternity Council spring recruitment will take place Feb. 6-11. Sign up for recruitment is free and can be found here. Find every fraternity’s event schedule online and by following IFC on Facebook or Instagram. For more information visit ifc.truman.edu or email Zach Stellhorn at zas7686@truman.edu.
Homecoming Committee Applications Now Being Accepted
Applications for Homecoming 2022 are now available. Interviews will begin Jan. 31 and the deadline to apply is Feb. 6. Applications can be completed at homecoming.truman.edu/committee. Contact homecoming@truman.edu for any further questions.
Save the Date: Spike’s Annual Pizza Bowl
In celebration of National Pizza Day, Spike’s Annual Pizza Bowl will offer students free pizza and prizes. Details will be available in the next Truman Today and also shared on Truman’s Instagram, @trumanstate.
Spike’s Annual Pizza Bowl
2-4 p.m.
Feb. 9
Student Union Building Alumni RoomStudent Floral Business to Sell Valentine’s Day Arrangements
TruView Flowers is a student-led floral business through the Agriculture Practicum Capstone class.
They will be selling Valentine’s flower arrangements from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 14 in Magruder Hall. The arrangements will contain white, red and pink Carnation, along with baby’s breath, leather leaf and eucalyptus greenery. The arrangements will be available in small, medium and large sizes. The small 7 oz. jar will cost $12, the medium 12 oz. will cost $15 and the large 24 oz. will cost $20.
Follow @truviewflowers on Facebook and Instagram for updates about new and upcoming sales.Blue Key Hosts Spring Recruitment
Blue Key Honor Society is hosting an informational session at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 where more can be learned about the chapter and active members can be met. The first interview night will take place at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15 where business formal attire is required. The second interview night will take place at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and is by invite only. All events will take place in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Blue Key membership is limited to males who have completed at least 45 credit hours with at least a 3.0 overall GPA.Save the Date: University Spring SPAW
2-5 p.m.
Feb. 17Student Union Building Georgian RoomsPresident Sue Thomas will give an address at 2 p.m., followed by spring Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW) sessions. A schedule of events will be shared the week of Feb. 7.
Survey to Assess Potential Competitive Esports
Truman is exploring the possibility of establishing a competitive esports program. Although nothing is definite, this survey will help to acquire information regarding the current gaming activity among Truman students. In addition, it will help gauge student interest in potentially joining an esports team that would represent Truman against other collegiate esports teams. This would involve a commitment to coaching, practices and scrimmages, as well as matches and tournaments as scheduled by the University.Student Ambassador Positions Available
The Admission Office is now hiring student ambassadors for the 2022-23 academic year. Apply at tru.mn/ambassador. Scholarship, work-study and volunteer opportunities are available. Institutional opportunities are limited.
Life Support Classes Available
The Institute for Academic Outreach is offering American Heart Association basic life support classes. Visit institute.truman.edu/trulifesaver to complete the online registration form. Questions can be directed to institute@truman.edu or 660.785.5384.
Master of Athletic Training Program Accepting Applications
The Master of Athletic Training program is currently accepting applications for the 2022 cohort that begins July 1.Students interested in health care can consider a career in athletic training, which encompasses injury evaluation, rehabilitation and treatment, as well as program administration. Athletic trainers work closely with medical professionals to provide overall care and treatment to a variety of physically active individuals.
Applications for the MAT program can be submitted here. Application deadline is April 1. For questions, contact Brandy Schneider at bschneider@truman.edu.Personal Training Students Seek Clients
The Assessment and Prescription class is looking for people to work with this semester as personal training clients. Requirements include meeting with the student group five different weeks from 8-9 a.m. on either Tuesday or Thursday. Anyone interested in being a client can contact Evonne Bird for more information.
Upcoming Board of Governors Meeting
The University Board of Governors will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Student Union Building Conference Room.
Notables
Michael Barnes
Michael Barnes, assistant professor of accounting, along with his co-author, Kathy Enget, won the Innovation in Auditing Education Award at the 2022 American Accounting Association Audit Midyear meeting. The award is the result of their paper, “TIME is of the Essence: An Audit Escape Room Activity.” Barnes was able to travel to Las Vegas and receive the award in person with support from the Susan K. Hatcher Traditions in Excellence Fund.
Hannah Belanger
Hannah Belanger was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week after averaging 19.7 points, three rebounds and more than four assists per game during the week of Jan. 17.Belanger scored 11 points and added seven assists as Truman defeat Drury, Jan. 17, followed by 25 points and four assists in the Bulldogs’ victory against Lindenwood, Jan. 22.
Michelle Boyd
Michelle Boyd, head athletic trainer and lecturer in health and exercise sciences, has been inducted in the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame.
Jacob Morris
Jacob Morris was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Indoor Track Athlete of the Week following his school-record-breaking performance, Jan. 21-22.
Morris set the new University record in the weight throw at the South Dakota State D2 Invitational with a toss of 19.51m (64-0.25) and placed second in the event. The throw ranks sixth in Division II this season and is first among all GLVC weight throwers.
Morris also set a personal best in the shot put with a toss of 14.46m/47-5.25 the next day at the Northwest Missouri Open, Jan. 22. He is seventh on the GLVC performance list in the shot put.
Forensics
The Truman forensics team competed at the Online Asynchronous Tournament Series (OATS) #5 hosted by Outspoken Culture the week of Jan. 17.Senior Jackson Elder received second place in extemporaneous speaking and was tournament champion in impromptu speaking. Elder also placed second in individual sweepstakes. Senior Kayla Gerlt placed sixth in prose and was tournament champion in after dinner speaking. Sophomore Ella Schnake placed second in dramatic interpretation and third in impromptu speaking. Schnake also received fifth place in individual sweepstakes. The team tied for third place overall out of 33 schools.
Swim Team
Truman men and women’s swimming teams have been selected by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) as a Scholar All-America Team. The men and women posted GPAs of 3.24 and 3.42 respectively to earn the honors.