Vol. 23 No. 2 - Aug. 27, 2018

Truman has again been recognized by Washington Monthly as one of the best master’s universities in the nation, coming in at No. 7 in the publication’s 2018 college rankings.

On a list dominated by coastal schools, Truman is the only public university in Missouri and the neighboring eight states to be included in the top 50 of the master’s universities category. Truman is the lone Missouri public school to be included on the entire list, which ranks 150 institutions. This marks the sixth year in a row Truman has been included in the top 10.

The Washington Monthly rankings are unique in that they place an importance on social mobility, research and service. Along with traditional benchmarks such as graduation rates and costs, schools are rewarded for criteria including the number of first-generation students enrolled and the number of students contributing to community service projects, participating in ROTC and going on to serve in the Peace Corps. Additionally, Washington Monthly looks at the number of bachelor’s recipients who go on to earn a Ph.D. and the success rates and earning potential of students 10 years after enrollment.

“The Washington Monthly rankings reflect what makes a Truman education so advantageous in today’s world,” University President Susan L. Thomas stated. “Offering enormous value, all components of the Truman experience are designed for our students to fully realize the personal benefits, and contribute to the public benefits, of a college education. Our graduates are change agents and leaders in their fields and in their communities.”

The college guide and rankings appear in the magazine’s September/October issue and can be found online here.

The department conducted its inaugural Honor in Caring event Aug. 19 in the Student Union Building. Nurses in the BSN class of 2020 and the ABSN class of 2019 participated in the event, which marked their entrance into the realm of clinical nursing with an emphasis upon the professional, ethical and moral responsibilities that nurses have to their patients.

Sixty-two students made their Honor in Caring pledge in the presence of more than 250 friends, faculty, peers and family members. They were subsequently welcomed into their clinical nursing education by two Truman Nursing alumni. Vickie Sollars (’85) and Lisa Archer (’87), both of whom are highly respected nurses in the Kirksville community, cloaked the students in their white coats, which serve as an outward symbol of the students’ professional access to the clinical setting.

Another alumnus of the program, Rebecca McClanahan (’75), who is a former member of the nursing faculty, former member of the Missouri State House of Representatives and current vice president of advocacy for the Missouri Nurse Association, delivered the keynote address. She stressed the importance of compassion, character, advocacy, civic engagement, self-care and family caregiving across her long academic, professional and personal nursing tenure.

The initial idea for the Honor in Caring ceremony came from Shiva Felfeli, a nursing student in the class of 2019. She was present at the event, offering a welcome and remarks on behalf of the current senior BSN class.

The department plans to make this an annual tradition that marks the beginning of the students clinical nursing education and culminates with the Nursing Pinning ceremony just prior to graduation.

Applications are currently being accepted for speakers and host for Truman’s inaugural TEDx conference, Nov. 4.

TED is a non-profit organization that sponsors independent conferences all over the world. These conferences strive to spread new ideas through short, powerful talks that can cover a wide range of topics. TEDxTrumanStateUniversity, sponsored by Student Government, will feature students, faculty and staff as the majority of the speakers. Throughout the conference, audience members should be able to recognize the breadth of new ideas in the community and draw connections between ideas they once thought disparate.

Speaking at a TEDx conference is an excellent opportunity for students to build upon their resume by presenting their research through an internationally acclaimed organization. Truman’s Student Government encourages presenters to represent a liberal arts perspective: for example, ideas that challenge thinking, showcase scientific discoveries, explain the artistic process or develop connections between different subject matters.

Applicants who are accepted will be filmed and featured on the TEDx website that reaches thousands of people, allowing for presenters to have an international platform. Student Government hopes students, faculty and staff will shine light on old ideas to showcase the conference theme, “The Web of Thought.”

Additionally, an engaging host is essential for a successful TEDx conference. Applicants who wish to host should be able to effectively introduce speakers with a variety of backgrounds and topics and make clear and compelling transitions between completely unique talks.

Speaker and host applications are due Sept. 15. Any further questions can be directed to the committee chair, Katie Alexander. More specific details can be found on the speaker application, available at senate.truman.edu/applications.

An informational meeting for the Spring 2019 Missouri Government Internship Program will take place at 4:45 p.m. Sept. 12 in McClain Hall 212.
 
The Missouri Government Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to gain meaningful experience in the fast-paced world of state politics. Selected interns will work as full-time staff assistants with a legislator or state public official. By interning at the Missouri Capitol, students will expand their knowledge of state government, build a diversified professional network and establish a basis for future professional positions.
 
Many former interns have subsequently taken positions as legislative directors, chiefs of staff, judicial clerks, policy analysts, lobbyists and public officials as a direct result of what they learned and the connections they made as interns.
 
The varying daily tasks throughout each office could include attending public hearings, completing legislative research, writing and editing published materials, constituent relations or assisting with basic office work.
 
The Truman State University Foundation provides selected interns with a stipend. Interested students should click here for more information and to view the internship application. Additional information will be presented at the Sept. 12 meeting. Questions can be directed to Candy Young or Heidi Templeton.
 
Applications will be accepted until 12 p.m. Sept. 25. Interviews for the internship will take place Oct. 3-4.

Truman’s Rho Rho chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, was named an “Honor Chapter” for its outstanding activities in 2017-18, the 25th consecutive year the organization has earned this prestigious distinction.  

Lucy Lee, chapter adviser and national president of Sigma Delta Pi, has been instrumental in earning this national honor that was awarded to only 10 chapters nationwide in 2018.

Each summer, more than 615 chapters of Sigma Delta Pi nationwide are asked to submit an annual report detailing their numerous activities and projects from the academic year. Based on these reports, the national executive committee chooses approximately 10-15 “Honor Chapters” annually. This recognition is based upon the caliber of chapter projects that reflect the Sigma Delta Pi mission of honoring excellence in the study of the Spanish language, contributing to cultural understanding and upholding the goals of the society.

Students with financial needs that may interfere with their ability to continue their education can seek assistance through the Truman State University Foundation Loan Program.

Foundation loans can come in the form of short-term loans, long-term loans, access loans and cultural loans specifically for study abroad trips. Applications go through the Financial Aid Office and are repaid directly to the University. Banks and outside lenders are not involved in the process.

To be eligible for a Foundation loan students must be enrolled on a full-time basis and be in good academic standing. Students also need to demonstrate an ability to repay the loan in a timely manner. Deferments of up to five years are available for cultural and long-term loans, provided the student is enrolled on a full-time basis.

In addition to scholarship assistance, the loan program is an example of the immediate impact of donations to the Truman State University Foundation. Gifts from alumni and friends allow Truman to provide assistance directly to students as they pursue their education.

For more information on the Foundation loan program, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@truman.edu, at 660.785.4130 or in person at McClain Hall 103.

The Office of Student Research will be accepting Grants-In-Aid of Scholarship and Research (GIASR) applications for research and creative scholarship to be conducted during Fall 2018.

All disciplines are invited to participate. The purpose of these grants is to promote a culture of research and scholarship at Truman while providing flexibility to accommodate different research styles and requirements. Projects supported by this program should involve original ideas but may encompass a variety of activities including obtaining preliminary data or information, exploring new topics and continuing ongoing projects.
 
Students must be current Truman undergraduates or graduate students and be mentored by a Truman faculty member. Grant applications may request up to $750 and can cover student stipends as well as supplies and travel to conduct the research. Complete guidelines can be found at the Office of Student Research website.
 
All students who wish to be considered for GIASR Fall 2018 funding should submit applications online by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 27.
 
Any questions about the Office of Student Research programs can be directed to osr@truman.edu.

Applications are now being accepted for the May 2019 study abroad course in South Africa, AFR 300 Conservation and Management of African Mammals. This faculty-led course is open to all majors who are adventurous and passionate about wildlife and want to experience conservation in action. Students will receive specialized training in live, wild game capture while working with Parawild in Limpopo Provenience, South Africa. The course will also include a tour of Kruger National Park, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa. This is a “get out of the bus and get messy” course. Information sessions are scheduled for the following times:

Aug. 27
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Magruder Hall 2007

Sept. 9
3-4 p.m.
Magruder Hall 2007

Sept. 10
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Magruder 2007

Additional information and the application are available on the course’s study abroad page or contacting the from the instructor, Stephanie Foré. Applications are due on or before Oct. 15.

The McNair Program supports and prepares underrepresented students for graduate studies. Paid summer research internships, funds for graduate school visits and conferences, and seminars and academic counseling are just a few of the benefits the program has to offer.

Recruitment is ongoing for new applicants for Pre-McNair (freshmen) and McNair (sophomores and juniors) programs. To learn more about McNair services, attend one of the recruitment events. Snacks will be provided.

Open Houses in Adair House
Aug. 27
10-11 a.m.

Aug. 28
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Aug. 30
7-8 p.m.

McNair BBQ outside Adair House
Aug. 29
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

McNair Information and Application Work Sessions in Adair House
Sept. 4
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 13
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 19
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 28
5:30-6:30 p.m.

For more information visit mcnair.truman.edu.
McNair Scholars, from left, Marquita Cooper, Yu Xuan Lin, Sydney Shank, Ray Stewart, Marissa Pina and Monique Maxwell

Students who have excellent communication skills on and off the phone, an outgoing personality, a reliable and dependable work ethic and a willingness to ask parents and alumni for financial support are needed. There are nightly incentives (prizes, food, etc.) as well as the institutional hourly wage.
 
Apply here. Questions regarding Tel-Alumni can be directed to Dylan Phillips at 660.785.4103, dphillips@truman.edu or in McClain Hall 205. The application deadline is Aug. 29.

Underrepresented students in STEM are strongly encouraged to join the Missouri Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM program at Truman State University. Majors included in this program are: agricultural science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics and statistics.

The MoLSAMP Program prepares students to succeed in their STEM major while at Truman. Participants receive STEM-specific advising and academic tutoring, as well as the opportunity to enroll in classes designed to prepare for undergraduate research and learn the important interconnectedness of the STEM fields. As a member of the statewide program, students are invited to participate in programs at other campuses that bring together the entire cohort of MoLSAMP students for seminars, classes and research conferences to help develop their professional network and increase the skills needed to succeed in STEM. Students will have access to paid summer research programs and internships in St. Louis and Columbia that are only available to members of a MoLSAMP program.

Participation in the program is free. To learn more, check out the website and program agreement at step.truman.edu/home/programs/molsamp. Program agreements may be returned to the STEP Office (Magruder Hall 3101). Email molsamp@truman.edu with any questions.

Truman will host a bicycle sale at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 30 at the Delaney and Baldwin Complex, Building No. 4. The bikes will be sold to faculty, staff and students. A Truman ID must be presented to register for a buyer number. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. Buyers will be a limited to purchase one bike per person. There are approximately 34 bikes for sale. Bikes will be sold for $20 (includes tax). Payment can be made by cash or check at the sale site. Bike will be sold “as is” with no guarantees, refunds or liability from Truman.

The previous year parking decals will expire Aug. 31, 2018. New vehicle registrations can be completed through TruView. From the TruView homepage click on:

•    Update and View your personal Information,
•    Register your Vehicle/Bicycle.
•    Confirm name and campus address, click continue
•    Complete Vehicle Information – License Plate is required (Do NOT put spaces and/or dashes when entering license plate)

New parking decals may be picked up during Parking Services hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Students will be required to present their Truman ID card to pick up their parking decal. Questions can be directed to Parking Services at 660.785.7400.

With Sodexo’s new Bite app, users can always know what food choices are available on campus. Updated in real time, the app provides menus for two weeks in advance. Students can highlight their favorite options and get notifications on when and where they will be available. Bite app also provides nutritional information, which can be logged to Fitbit. Details regarding allergens are also accessible. Bite is available at the App Store and on Google Play.

The Disability Services Office is now the Office of Student Access and Disability Services (OSA). Students with temporary situations requiring an accommodation on a short-term basis (i.e. notetaking for students who have a broken hand/wrist/arm) may also receive assistance. The office has also been relocated from the McKinney Center to Kirk Building 114, within the Center for Academic Excellence. There should be an increase in the ability to assist students with new tools and opportunities to enhance their success.  

A search for a fulltime director is in process. Brenda Higgins is serving as the interim director, and Vicky Wehner is assisting the office on a part-time basis. Wehner previously served in this role, and Truman is fortunate to have her assist once again during this time.

To request assistance, or refer students who may need accommodations, contact Wehner at 660.785.4478.

The library is in the process of replacing the fire sprinkler system in the entire building. This critical project started in the summer and will continue through winter break. Study spaces and collections will be temporarily unavailable to the public during construction phases.
 
Currently, work is being done on the east side of the second floor. In particular, general collection A-K, government documents and media scores are not available for browsing. Library staff will pull requested items on a limited schedule, so be prepared for delays in obtaining materials. Students can use the request button in the library catalog, or ask at the Library Service Desk, to request materials. Library staff also strongly encourage the use of e-resources, MOBIUS and interlibrary loan for access to materials during this project.
 
Starting the week of Sept. 10, work will move to the media library and the east side of second floor will once again be open to the public. For a more detailed schedule, see the project website.
 

Applications for the Student Activities Board are now open and will close at midnight, Aug. 30. Be one of 30-35 students who plan and execute major campus events throughout the academic year, including concerts, comedians, special speakers, films, interactive productions and more. SAB will host an interest night at 7 p.m. Aug 29 in the CSI Complex in the lower level of the SUB. The application can be found at sab.truman.edu/apply. Contact mkz3514@truman.edu with any questions.

Applications for a student-at-large to serve on a committee to select new members to Student Activities Board are now open and due Aug. 30 at midnight. Interested students must be available the afternoon/evening of Sept. 3-5 (the student will only be needed two of the three days, but the days are determined by the board). Applications are available at sab.truman.edu/apply. Contact mkz3514@truman.edu with any questions.

Alpha Sigma Gamma are hosting their Fall 2018 rush event from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 11-13 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. ASG is a women’s service organization whose mission is “service today shapes a better tomorrow.” Find more details on Facebook and Instagram @asg_ducks.

Live athletic events featuring Truman teams are available online through the Great Lakes Valley Conference Sports Network. The digital platform allows student, alumni, family and friends to watch the Bulldogs both at home and on the road in most team sports for free on the GLVCSN. The network is available on desktop and mobile devices and on most Smart TV apps such as Apple TV and Roku. Visit GLVCSN.com/truman for more information.

Daniel Mandell, professor of history, spoke on “The American Tradition of Economic Equality” for the keynote lecture at the University of Missouri’s Kinder Institute Summer Seminar for undergraduate fellows.

Students Peter Windsor, Ari Vera and Yu Xuan Lin recently traveled to the 2018 MERCURY Conference for undergraduate computational chemistry at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. The students gave poster presentations of research conducted in the Miller research lab during summer 2018 at Truman. Windsor, a senior chemistry and exercise science double major, presented on the inhibitory capability of biflavanoid molecules on the aggregation of Amyloid Beta peptides, biomolecules associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Vera, a senior chemistry major, presented her research on the discovery and design of inhibitors of proteins called calpains, found in patients with Alzheimer’s. Xuan, a junior biology and chemistry double major, presented her research on potential inhibitors for the Zika Virus protease discovered using computational chemistry techniques. Bill Miller III, assistant professor of chemistry, serves as their research supervisor. These research projects will be continued during the academic year.


Ari Vera, Peter Windsor and Yu Xuan Lin