Vol. 23 No. 4 - Sept. 10, 2018

Features

  • Truman Extends No. 1 Streak to 22 Years

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    Truman has topped the U.S. News & World Report rankings for the 22nd year, and its inclusion on several supplemental lists proves the school is offering a student-focused, high-impact, great-value education that produces graduates with the skills to flourish in today’s world.

    Truman is the No. 1 public school in the Midwest regional rankings and the No. 9 school overall for the area. The University stands out as the only public school in the top 25 spots for the Midwest region.

    As is commonly the case, Truman fares well on the Midwest region Best Values list, coming in at No. 2 overall. It is the highest-rated public school on the list and the only one to make the top 10 in the subcategory.

    The 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings also included some web exclusive recognitions, and Truman stands out in terms of faculty and innovation.

    In the Midwest region, Truman was tied for No. 5 overall on the Best Undergraduate Teaching list. It was the No. 1 public university and the only one among the 23 schools to be highlighted.

    Truman was also in elite company in the Midwest region on the list of Most Innovative Schools, coming in tied for No. 6 overall. Truman was again the No. 1 public school, one of only two on the list of 16.

    “Truman has been a fixture for years in this ranking, and many others, because we focus on producing graduates who are extremely well prepared to excel and advance in their chosen fields and who emerge as true leaders ready to thrive in the complexities of a rapidly changing, technologically advanced, multicultural world,” University President Susan L. Thomas said. “Being able to do all that, at a very reasonable cost, is why Truman is such an exceptional university.”

    U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on several indicators of academic excellence, including graduation and retention rates, assessment by peers and counselors, student-to-faculty ratio and alumni giving rate. Schools are grouped by academic mission into 10 categories for 10 distinct rankings. Complete listings are available at usnews.com/colleges.
  • Spirit Day Photo Contest Sets the Stage for Homecoming

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    Celebrated on the first Friday of October, this year’s Spirit Day is Oct. 5.

    Students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends are encouraged to wear purple or other Truman gear to show their support for the school. No matter where, fans can stay connected to the Bulldog Community by participating in Spirit Day and the “Bulldogs Biggest Fans” photo contest.

    As part of this year’s Spirit Day festivities, the “Bulldogs Biggest Fan” photo contest on Facebook offers a chance to win a VIP Homecoming Package. The package includes: four tickets to the Bulldog Forever tailgate; four tickets to the football game; four Truman Homecoming T-shirts; Bulldog Forever koozies; and one hotel room for Oct. 12-13. Bulldog fans can take the following steps to enter:

    Step 1: Take a picture displaying Truman pride in celebration of National Truman Spirit Day.

    Step 2: Send photos to bulldogforever@truman.edu by 11:59 p.m. during National Truman Spirit Day, Oct. 5.

    Step 3: All pictures will be uploaded to an album titled, “Bulldogs Biggest Fan 2018” published by the Truman State University Alumni Facebook page. Voting will take place from the morning of Oct. 6 to Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. The picture with the most “likes” and “shares” will win.

    Each participant has an unlimited number of submissions. For more information, visit the Spirit Day website.

    After concluding the photo contest Oct. 10, Truman’s Homecoming will be shortly after, Oct. 12-14, with a variety of events. Bulldog fans are encouraged to visit campus as Homecoming is a time to gather with old friends and create new memories.

    Alumni, family and friends can attend annual events such as the tailgate, parade, athletic events, Golden Alumni Reunion Luncheon, Alumni Leaders Conference, Bulldog Forever 5K run/walk and the Bulldog Forever Banquet. The weekend features additional events such as campus tours and planetarium shows, to name a few. The schedule is being updated regularly, so check online for updates.

    To purchase tickets or apparel, visit the online store. A detailed schedule of events is on the Homecoming website.
  • Awards Presented to Truman Staff

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    Representatives of the Communication Disorders Department accept the Bulldog Award during the Fall Opening Assembly.

    During the Fall Opening Assembly several staff members were recognized.

    The Bulldog Award is a yearly honor that recognizes “shared team achievement” for outstanding customer service practices. Truman’s success depends on employees and departments who have demonstrated exceptional customer service to individuals within and/or outside the University. Faculty and staff nominate a department based on exceptional service efforts that exemplify the community spirit of the University. At the assembly, the Bulldog Award was presented to the Communication Disorders program and the Institute for Academic Outreach.

    The Communication Disorders Department received the Bulldog Award for a variety of reasons. For example, the Truman Speech and Hearing Clinic provides year-round services to the University, community and public. Student clinicians and faculty from Truman’s Communication Disorders program provide speech, language, and hearing screening, assessment and treatment services through the clinic. The student clinicians work under the direct supervision of faculty. Because such services are scarce in northeast Missouri, the clinic draws clients from a 100-mile radius, typically serving more than 1,000 people each year.

    The Institute for Academic Outreach received the Bulldog Award for its effort to generate revenue, increase enrollment and expand Truman’s public profile. The Institute inherited the Joseph Baldwin Academy and Taiwan at Truman and has extensively developed and grown both programs. Its outreach to the K-12 community is significant, promoting and growing the University’s enrollment activities in high schools, online and on-ground professional development courses for teachers.

    The Points of Excellence awards were also handed out at the Aug. 15 ceremony. Staff who received the honor typically demonstrate innovation, diversity, acts of service to both the community and students, Truman values and an excellent work performance. Recipients included: Lana Bogart, School of Business; Ron Collinge, Public Safety; Janes Dreamweaver, Student Recreation Center; Beth Oberman, Information Technology Services; Joyce Schmitz, Classical and Modern Languages and Brad Turnball, Multicultural Affairs.

    Lastly, The Mark and Robin Gambaiana Purple Pride Award was presented to Bethany Gibson based on her exemplary service to many departments at Truman. Gibson received several nominations for this award, praising both her work in her current position in the Academic Affairs Office and her prior position in the Advancement Office.

    The Bulldog Award, Points of Excellence and Mark and Robin Gambaiana Purple Pride Award are presented yearly based on staff nominations. Nomination forms can be found here.
  • Detours magazine Accepting Photo Contest Applicants

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    Truman’s Detours magazine’s photo contest is now open until Oct. 14.

    The contest is open to any photos the photographer finds to best fit the chosen theme, “Perfect Timing.” The winners will be featured on the Detours magazine website. Entries must include the location of the picture as well as the photographer’s name. No watermarks should be on the photos. There is a limit of three submissions per photographer. Participants are encouraged to include a short caption describing the story behind the photo. By entering the photo contest, participants grant Detours magazine permission to use their photos in any or all web and digital publications.

    Submissions may be emailed to editor@detoursmagazine.com. Additional rules can be found here.

Announcements

  • Family Day BBQ Tickets Available Online

    The annual Family Day Barbecue will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 on the Student Union Mall. Rain site will be the Student Union Building.  

    Anyone wanting to attend the barbecue can now purchase tickets online. Students with a meal plan can use that option at the barbecue, but must have a meal remaining by Saturday evening. Tickets are $9 for adults, for children 8 and under the cost is $5.  

    The menu includes hamburgers, grilled chicken breasts, vegan riblets, black bean veggie burgers, roasted potatoes, zucchini and yellow squash, fresh cubed melons, pumpkin bars and beverages. Those who plan to attend may consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket as seating is limited.

    Tickets should be purchased in advance, and pre-purchased tickets can be picked up in McClain Hall 202 during normal business hours.

    To see all of the events planned for Family Day, visit truman.edu/familyday.

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  • Conservation Course to Visit Africa

    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. The information session will take place at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 10 in Magruder Hall 2007.

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

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  • Program Helps Underrepresented STEM Students

    Underrepresented students in STEM are strongly encouraged to join the Missouri Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM program at Truman. 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.

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  • Social Wall Compiles All Truman Accounts for Viewing

    Truman’s social wall integrates all of Truman’s major social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. This wall arranges Truman’s most recent posts into a convenient feed to be all viewed at once. This feed can be found at social.truman.edu/wall.

    To connect with Truman, the links for many Truman accounts can be found directly on the University home page. A collection of other Truman departments and organizations can be found throughout the social wall. For assistance in creating or maintaining social media click here.

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  • Society of Prim Roses Host Recruitment

    The Society of Prim Roses will host its Fall Recruitment 7-9 p.m. Sept. 10-14 in the Student Union Building. The Society of Prim Roses is an independent sorority that focuses on sisterhood and service.

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  • Cardinal and Blue Key Sponsor Blood Drive

    11 a.m.-6 p.m.
    Sept. 11-12
    Student Union Building Georgian Rooms
    Click here for more information.

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  • ASG Rush Scheduled

    Alpha Sigma Gamma is hosting its 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.
  • Student Loans Available Through University Foundation

    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.

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  • Missouri Government Internship Info Meeting Planned

    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.

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  • Free Sno-Cones on the Quad

    Phi Sigma Pi, a major- and gender-inclusive honor fraternity, will be giving out free sno-cones 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 12-14 on the quad.
  • McNair Application Period Now Open

    The McNair Program supports and prepares underrepresented students for graduate studies. Paid summer research internships, funds for graduate school visits and conferences, as well as 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.

    McNair Information and Application Work Sessions in Adair House
    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.

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    McNair Scholars, from left, Marquita Cooper, Yu Xuan Lin, Sydney Shank, Ray Stewart, Marissa Pina and Monique Maxwell
  • Sodexo to Feature Local Foods

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  • QPR-A-Thon Training Session Offered

    In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, University Counseling Services and Residence Life are offering QPR-A-Thon. This event is open to all staff, faculty and students.

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  • Open Forum Scheduled for SAM Dean

    An open forum for Tim Walston, a candidate for the dean of the school of Science and Mathematics, is scheduled from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 14 in Baldwin Hall 102. A professor of biology, Walston currently serves as the interim dean of SAM. A dean is not only the leader of the School, but also a vital member of the Academic Affairs leadership team. Walston’s CV and application materials can be found here.

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  • Truman TEDx Seeks Presenters and Host

    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.tedx2.jpg
  • Events Planned for Constitution Day

    The University will celebrate Constitution Day Sept. 16-17. There will be a Constitution escape room from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room A. The reading of the Constitution will take place at noon Sept. 17 on the steps of Kirk Memorial (rain location: Student Union Building). President Susan L. Thomas will read the preamble. Lourdes Nicholls will be presenting “The Other December 7th” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in Violette Hall 1000 as part of the MAE Diversity Series and Constitution Day speaker.

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  • Delta Sigma Pi to Host Recruitment

    Delta Sigma Pi will host info nights prior to recruitment at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 and 13 in Violette Hall Room 1424. Recruitment will consist of the following events:

    Community Service Night
    7-9 p.m.
    Sept. 16
    Student Union Building Activities Room

    Meet the Chapter Dinner
    7-9 p.m.
    Sept. 17
    Newman Center

    Professional Speaker
    7-9 p.m.
    Sept. 18
    Student Union Building Activities Room

    Trivia Night
    7-9 p.m.
    Sept. 19
    Student Union Building Activities Room

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  • Faculty Forum to Feature Performances

    “End Times”
    Charles Gran, associate professor of music
    8 p.m.
    Sept. 19
    Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall

    Performance Abstract: “End Times” is a postmodern, multimedia musical revue exploring the secret knowledge behind apocalyptic mythology with a couple of impetuous cheerleaders skipping towards destruction. Gran will present excerpts from his sabbatical project and discuss its development. “End Times” will be directed by David Charles Goyette, led by pianist Rachel AuBuchon, and the forum will feature performances by a cast of Truman singers and actors.

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  • VSA To Host Cultural Event

    The Vietnamese Student Association will host Across Vietnam, an annual cultural event to enjoy traditional food and games of the country, from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 23 on the quad. The theme is Vietnamese folklore, which will be connected to the food prepared. Tickets are $6 or $4 for a vegetarian meal. Tickets can be purchased Sept. 13-14 and 17-19 on the quad, at the Student Union Building or in the Center for Student Involvement Office. For more information contact Dinh Huy Phan.
  • Speaker to Discuss Free Market Environmentalism

    Guest speaker, Dr. Randy T. Simmons, will speak on free market environmentalism. The event is free to the public 7 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Baldwin Hall Little Theatre.

    Simmons, professor of political economy at Utah State University, earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Oregon with an emphasis in public choice. He is a senior fellow at the Property and Environmental Research Center as well as the independent institute. He has written several books, including “Beyond Politics: The Roots of Government Failure” and “Nature Unbound: Bureaucracy vs. Environment.”

    Explore how markets encourage cooperation instead of conflict over natural resources and how property rights make the environment an asset by giving owners incentives for stewardship. This event is hosted by the Department of Economics.

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  • Arias Retirement Reception

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Notables

  • Notables

    George Shinn, professor of biology, published his article “Ultrastructure of Meelsvirus: A Nuclear cirus of arrow worms (phylum Chaetognatha) producing giant “tailed” virions” in PLOS ONE.

    Thomas Trimborn
    , professor emeritus of music, has an article entitled “Bernstein at 100: Lessons from a Teacher’s Teacher” appearing in the September issue of The Instrumentalist magazine. Helping to mark the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth, the article relates to how Trimborn’s childhood fascination with the maestro led to words of advice from the legend himself years later.

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COVID-19 Updates

  • Career Center Schedule of Events

    Expo Bootcamp
    6 p.m.
    Sept. 24
    Student Union Building 3201-04
    Learn the basics of working an expo, appropriate dress and resumes. Refine your 30-second commercial and learn how to find all of the registered attendees for the Expos.

    Mini Mock Interviews
    9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Sept. 25
    Student Union Building 3201-04
    Nervous about face-to-face interactions with employers? Get some last-minute practice with our staff of mock interviewers in quick 15-minute sessions

    Personal Statement Writing Workshop with Donald Asher
    TBD
    TBD
    Sept. 25
    Donald Asher, an internationally acclaimed author and speaker specializing in professional development and higher education, will help students write their own personal statements for graduate school applications. Students must bring a fully charged laptop to the session and will leave with a rough draft of their statement. Pre-registration required on #HireTruman.

    Graduate and Professional School Expo
    11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Sept. 26
    Student Union Building Activities Room
    Speak with recruiters from grad schools and learn about opportunities in your field.

    Law School Admissions 101 Informational Session
    4-5 p.m.
    Sept. 26
    TBD
    Join Lauren Butler, associate director of admissions at University of Missouri-Kansas City, to learn everything you ever wanted to know about law school admissions.

    Career and Internship Expo
    11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Sept. 27
    Student Union Building
    Speak with recruiters from non-profit, for-profit and governmental agencies to learn about opportunities in your field.

    Professional Photo Booth
    11 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Sept. 27
    Student Union Building 3204
    Get a free professional photo taken by Tim Barcus, University photographer.

    Pre-selected Employer Interviews
    8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Sept. 28
    Student Union Building

    Additional details can be found here.

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