Vol. 24 No. 12 - November 4, 2019

Features

  • University Honors Donors with Tag Day, Nov. 18

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    To celebrate private gifts to the University, numerous items on campus will be “tagged” Nov. 18.

    The goal of Tag Day is to show appreciation to donors who have given back to the University, as well as to raise awareness of how they impact day-to-day life at Truman. Hundreds of items will be marked with special purple tags highlighting the fact those items were made possible by a gift.  

    Thousands of alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends invest in the University to the benefit of the campus community. The University has more than 700 funds, and donors support a variety of causes across campus including scholarships, athletics, fine arts and academic departments.

    This year’s Tag Day will feature an interactive component where students have the opportunity to win prizes. Details on the contest will be included in upcoming Truman Todays and posted on University social media platforms.
  • Truman Now Offering Course to Train Behavior Technicians for Autism Services

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    In an effort to respond to increasing regional demand for autism spectrum services, the Institute for Academic Outreach is launching a special program aimed at training registered behavior technicians (RBTs).  

    The RBT is an entry-level credential that works on the front lines of delivering services to people with autism and other neurodevelopmental or behavioral conditions. Supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), the RBT is a paraprofessional who provides direct implementation of behavior analytic services. No college degree is required to work as a registered behavior technician, and employment demand for people with the credential is high, including in northeast Missouri.  

    Truman’s RBT program is almost entirely online and allows students to complete pre-certification requirements from where they live in just eight weeks.

    “The new program is unique in the market,” said Kevin Minch, associate provost and director of the Institute for Academic Outreach. “While there are quite a few non-credit certification programs out there, this program has several features that make it one-of-a-kind.”  

    The program consists of a single three-credit-hour course. Only two campus visits are required on selected Saturdays to practice skills. The program also awards college credit, allowing students to apply the course toward a current or future degree. Most important, the program uses an electronic system to enable students to confirm the possession of required skills before sitting for the required exam from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. In addition to the college credit, the electronic skills check of the program is the key differentiator making it attractive to students in rural northeast Missouri.

    “Traditionally, students who complete an RBT course must then complete a lengthy skills verification process under the live supervision of a BCBA,” Minch said. “If you live in a rural area, finding someone to actually perform that supervision at your mutual convenience is hard. We’re talking about hours of supervision. Under our program, an online system helps students view skills, demonstrate them via video and submit them online for review by qualified supervisors.”  

    Truman’s approach adds flexibility to the process, allowing students to show these skills at any hour of the day, from any location.

    The RBT program is supported by a MoExcels workforce development appropriation from the state of Missouri. Courses are eight weeks long and begin Jan. 13 and March 5.  

    Interested students are encouraged to contact the Institute for Academic Outreach to enroll. More information on the program is available at pd.truman.edu/rbt. The Institute can be reached at 660.785.5384 or by emailing institute@truman.edu.
  • Philosophy and Religion Conference Set for Nov. 9

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    The Philosophy and Religion Department will host the 30th Annual Undergraduate Philosophy and Religion Conference from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 9 in Baldwin Hall Little Theater.

    Student scholars from Truman and six other colleges and universities will present papers exploring diverse areas of philosophy and religious studies. Evan Fales of the Philosophy Department at the University of Iowa will deliver the Henry Smits Lecture as the conference’s keynote address at 1 p.m. The title of his talk is “Might the Biblical Miracle Stories be True After All?”

    The conference is free to the public and is supported by the Dr. Patricia Burton Honorary Endowment. A conference schedule can be found on the department’s website.
  • Town Hall Meeting Scheduled to Discuss University’s Strategic Plan

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    A Strategic Planning Town Hall will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in Violette Hall 1000.

    This meeting will begin the process of creating the University’s next strategic plan. The current strategic plan concludes at the end of June 2020, and a final 2021-2025 plan must be presented to the Board of Governors for their approval no later than the June 2020 meeting.

    Those not able to attend can view the town hall meeting and access the strategic planning materials on the strategic plan website.

Announcements

  • International Education Week Continues

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    International Education Week is a nationally recognized event that serves as an opportunity to celebrate international students and study abroad opportunities. These experiences enrich education and make campus a more diverse and welcoming place. Events include:

    Game Night

    6-8 p.m.
    Nov. 4
    Baptist Student Union

    International Tea and Coffee
    5-6:30 p.m.
    Nov. 5
    Student Union Building Hub

    Careers Around the World
    7-8 p.m.
    Nov. 7
    Baldwin Hall Room 114

    Language Crash Course

    7-8 p.m.
    Nov. 8
    Violette Hall 1400s

    International Idol
    7 p.m.
    Nov. 9
    Baldwin Hall Auditorium
    Students can see a variety of performances from different international students, and judges will award a prize for the top performance.
  • COMM Week Set for Nov. 4-7

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    Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honors fraternity, will host COMM Week Nov. 4-7. Students, faculty and staff are invited to join in events that will showcase the various aspects of the communication field. These events include:

    Benefit Night for Adair County Public Library

    5-9 p.m.
    Nov. 4
    Bellacino’s
    Guests can mention Lambda Pi Eta to donate a portion of their check to Adair County Public Library.

    UpChuckles Comedy Workshop
    7 p.m.
    Nov. 5
    Barnett Hall 1221

    Internship Panel and Trivia
    6 p.m.
    Nov. 6
    Barnett Hall 1211
    Students will share their past internship experiences and discuss the benefits of having an internship. Communication trivia and snacks are to follow.

    Truman Media Network Open House
    6-8 p.m.
    Nov. 7
    Barnett Atrium
    Guests can learn about how to get involved with student-run media organizations including the Index, Detours Magazine, KTRM and TMN TV.

    For more information, contact Grace Fear, president of Lambda Pi Eta, or Jay Self, Communication Department chair.
  • Open Forums Scheduled for SAL Dean Candidates

    Open forums for Susan Maher and Stephen Parsons, candidates for the Dean of the School of Arts and Letters, will take place in the coming weeks.

    A dean is not only the leader of the School, but also a vital member of the Academic Affairs leadership team. It is important the best candidate is selected for both the School of Arts and Letters and for the University. Feedback from faculty, staff and students is vital to making the best selection. Application materials for Maher and Parsons, as well as feedback forms, are available here. For those not able to attend the live forums, they will be recorded and posted to this site.

    Both forums will take place at 4 p.m. in Baldwin Hall 102 on the following dates:

    Nov. 4
    Susan Maher
    Professor of English and former dean of the College of Liberal Arts
    University of Minnesota Duluth

    Nov. 13
    Stephen Parsons
    Director of School of Music
    Illinois State University
  • Get Your Financial Life Together with Erin Lowry

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    Author and personal finance expert, Erin Lowry (also known as “Broke Millennial”) will be on campus at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room to talk all things money. She will explore topics such as how to make yourself save, budgeting, and investing. Lowry will help students unearth their emotional relationship with money and discover how that impacts decisions. This is event is being made possible by FAC and the School of Business, with co-sponsors including Delta Sigma Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha and Alpha Phi Omega.
  • Ofstad Reading Series Presents Zoë Estelle Hitzel

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  • ATSU Founder Portrayed in Special Event

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    A.T. Still University will host the Missouri premiere of “Dr. A.T. Still – America’s Healthcare Disruptor” at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium. The event will present a portrayal of Dr. A.T. Still, founder of osteopathic medicine, and feature Patrick Lobert, Ph.D. For additional information, contact communications@atsu.edu or call 660.626.2272.
  • Global Issues Colloquium Examines Climate Anxiety


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    The last Global Issues Colloquium event will feature the presentation "Climate Anxiety and Global Hope" at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 in Baldwin Hall Little Theater.

    The news about the rapidly changing global climate can be overwhelming in its magnitude, creating what is called “climate anxiety.” While not discounting the severity and urgency of the situation, this presentation will address points of hope and possibility, followed by a panel discussion featuring local climate experts and activists to address strategies for combating climate anxiety and take action against climate change.
  • First-Generation Students Celebrated with Annual Dinner

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    National First-Generation College Student Week will be Nov. 4-8. First-generation students are those whose parents do not have a degree from a four-year college. All first-generation students, faculty and staff are invited to visit tabling in the Student Union Building from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Student Union Building and to attend Truman’s 4th annual First-Generation Celebration Dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. RSVP at tabling or online.
  • Info Meeting for Ireland Study Abroad Trip

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    There will be an informational meeting for the May/June 2020 faculty-led trip to Ireland. The meeting will be at 5 p.m. Nov. 7 in Barnett Hall 1215 and will provide an overview of the trip and answer student questions.

    The three-week trip will be led by Don Krause, professor of communication. The group will stay in Dublin and Belfast. Sites planned for the trip include Kilkenny Castle, a cliff walk from Greystones to Bray, the Book of Kells and Giant’s Causeway. Students will also go on a political tour in Belfast to learn about “The Troubles.”

    Throughout their time abroad, students will look at communication-related topics including public relations, journalism and photography from an Irish perspective. The trip is open to all majors, and students will earn three credits. 

    Students who wish to be considered for Foundation Scholarships need to complete their application by Nov. 15. The regular application deadline will be Jan. 20. To learn more about the trip, visit studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led/commireland or contact Krause.
  • Percussion Trio Performs Guest Artist Concert

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    Percussion trio TROIKA will perform a guest artist concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    Originally from New York City, the trio specializes in performances of new works for percussions written by some of today’s most innovative composers. In addition to traditional percussion instruments, they will be utilizing an array of electronic systems and triggering enhancements, as well as some very non-traditional instruments.

    This performance is co-sponsored by the University Percussion Society and Funding Allotment Council. Admission is free. For more information contact Michael Bump, professor of music.
  • Emergency Notification System Test Scheduled for Nov. 8

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    Truman will conduct a test of the emergency notification system at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 8.

    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 “Truman” tab. Click the “Update Emergency Text Messaging Information” under “Update and View My Personal Information” (lower right screen). 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 classrooms with the Truman touch-pad control system installed.

    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.

    The city of Kirksville is also implementing a new mass notification system known as ReGroup. Alerts can be customized by email, text and/or phone call. There are a variety of groups that can be joined to get notifications about emergencies, advisories, community events and newsletters. Sign-up can be completed here.
  • Applications Open for December Commencement Speaker

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    Student Government is seeking a Truman student graduating this December who would like the opportunity to speak at graduation. Students of any major with a GPA of 2.75 or higher are welcome to apply. Applications are due by 8:30 p.m. Nov. 8. Contact Madeline Sarasio Meyer with any questions.
  • TEDx Showcases Truman Community

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    The second annual TEDx Truman State University conference will take place Nov. 10 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. Tickets can be reserved online.

    Session 1
    1-2:45 p.m.

    Lindsey Heiserman
    “Face Down in the Mud - You Are Your Biggest Obstacle”

    Caleb DeWitt

    “Teaching Chemistry with Peanut Butter Sandwiches”

    A.L. Mueller
    “Doing Gender: Why Mindfulness Matters”


    Session 2
    3-4:45 p.m.

    Will Storm
    “Practicing Relativity: Leading Communities as an Outsider”

    Maguire Radosevic
    “Why American Politicians Have Double Standards: a Perspective From Game Theory”

    Lizzie Cremer

    “Improving Doctor-Patient Communication”
  • Food Packs Available for Truman Students

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    Drawstring packs of food are now available for Truman students experiencing food insecurity. Any student limiting their food intake due to cost is eligible to receive a pack. Packs can be picked up with a Truman ID between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the SERVE Center located in the Student Union Building 1105. Food is provided by Pantry for Adair County in partnership with the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.
  • “Vulnerability: A Call to Courage” Features Movie Screening and Discussion

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    Jennifer Hurst, professor of health and exercise sciences, in collaboration with the JED Campus committee, will host “Vulnerability: A Call to Courage,” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in Violette Hall 1000.

    This event will include a screening of “A Call to Courage,” a Netflix documentary by Brene Brown that discusses what it takes to be courageous in getting out of comfort zones in today’s culture. Hurst discussed vulnerability as part of her Truman Week lecture to the incoming freshmen class this past August, and this event will build on themes discussed in that presentation.

    The documentary will be followed by a group activity and discussion, facilitated by Hurst, exploring participants’ experiences of vulnerability at Truman and how to create a culture on campus that supports vulnerability and personal growth for students, faculty and staff alike.

    All members of campus are invited to attend and are welcomed for the discussion. Faculty members or organizations who wish to incorporate the event into their classes or meetings are invited to contact Hurst for a short resource document that includes background on the original Truman Week lecture and ideas for reflection prompts that can be incorporated into discussions or assignments.

    Any questions about the presentation can be directed to Hurst at jhurst@truman.edu.
  • Students Eligible for Research Grants and Travel Aid

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    The Office of Student Research is accepting applications for Conference Travel Scholarship and Grants-in-Aid of Scholarship and Research (GIASR).

    Students presenting the results of their research or creative scholarship in upcoming conferences from January to June 2020 are able to request scholarship aid to cover up to $500. The scholarships will aid in costs for conference registration, lodging and travel expenses. Students must have completed or be currently involved in a faculty-mentored research experience and plan on presenting at the conference.

    GIASR applications are available for research and creative scholarship conducted in Spring 2020. Grant applications can request up to $750 and can cover student stipends, supplies and travel to conduct research.

    Complete guidelines for the Conference Travel Scholarship and GIASR applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications for both funding opportunities are due at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 13. Further questions can be sent to osr@truman.edu.
  • Safe Zone Training Open to All

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    The Center for Diversity and Inclusion will host Safe Zone Training from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Student Union Building Room 3000. Participants will learn current terminology and simple ways to create a welcoming campus environment. Training sessions are for people to learn more about LGBTQ issues and, specifically, LGBTQ issues regarding students at Truman. Trainings are open to all wanting to become a Safe Zone ally. RSVP here. For more information, contact Brad Turnbull at bturnbull@truman.edu.
  • Diploma Presentation Opportunity for December Graduation

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    Truman emeritus faculty or staff, current full-time faculty or current full-time staff with an immediate family member graduating in Fall 2019 may present their diploma at the Dec. 14 commencement ceremony. Family member, for purposes of the diploma presentation, means spouse, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, step-son, step-daughter, step-grandson or step-granddaughter of the presenting Truman faculty, staff, emeritus faculty or emeritus staff.

    In order to participate, notify Nancy Asher at 660.785.4143 or by email at nasher@truman.edu no later than 5 p.m. Nov. 22 and provide the following information:

    • Your name (presenter)
    • Your employment title/position (for purposes of announcing at commencement)
    • Name of the degree candidate
    • Your relationship with the degree candidate (your spouse, son/step-son, daughter/step-daughter, grandchild/step-grandchild)
    • Degree (BA, BFA, BM, BS, BSN, MA, MAc, MAE) and program name of the candidate
    • Your email address
    • Your phone number

    Family presenters are expected to be dressed in full academic regalia. If the presenter does not own these items, a robe and cap may be purchased through the University Bookstore. Family presenters will sit with the candidates and must be able to march with the candidates.
  • Autism Spokesperson Temple Grandin to Speak on Campus

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    Renowned autism spokesperson and professor of animal science, Temple Grandin will speak Dec. 6 in Baldwin Auditorium.

    Grandin is one of the most accomplished and well-known adults with autism in the world. Her life was brought to screen in the HBO full-length film, “Temple Grandin,” starring Claire Danes. She has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, featured on NPR and has a 2010 TED lecture titled “The World Needs ALL Kinds of Minds.” She has also been featured on the BBC special “The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow,” ABC’s “Primetime Live,” NBC’s “The Today Show” and more.

    Grandin developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer and is one of few in the world. She has authored multiple books including her bestselling book on autism, “The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger’s.” Grandin is considered a philosophical leader in both the animal welfare and autism advocacy movements.

    As one of the first individuals on the autism spectrum to publicly share insights from her personal experiences, Grandin will be presenting on her life, how she got to where she is today and educating about autism. She will also be the keynote speaker for the Livestock Symposium, taking place Dec. 7.

    Those interested in hearing Grandin speak can visit eventbrite.com to purchase a ticket for $99. For more information contact Donna Brown at 660.341.9993. The Missouri Livestock Symposium website will also have event details.
  • Apply Early for 2020-21 FAFSA

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    Students should file the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) located at fafsa.gov as soon as possible to determine aid eligibility.

    Although some students may not qualify for grants or work study, all 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 more payment options.

    The 2020-21 FAFSA requires students to report income and tax information from 2018. It is recommended that students should apply before Feb. 1, 2020. For questions, contact the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103 or call 660.785.4130.
  • Annual Fund Internship Available for Spring Semester

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    The Office of Advancement is accepting applications for the spring 2020 annual fund internship.

    The intern will gain experience working on the fundraising side of a non-profit organization within Truman, specifically the Truman Foundation. Responsibilities will be divided between three main focus areas: Tel-Alumni coordinator, Office of Advancement projects and office hours with a focus on development projects such as the Student Giving Campaign and the Student Alumni Association.

    Qualified applicants will be a business or communication major with a minimum of 2.75 GPA. The intern will work 15 hours a week for approximately 11 weeks and receive class credit commensurate with their time in the office. A supplementary stipend is also included.

    For a complete job description, visit TruPositions or click here. Deadline for applications is Dec. 6. Contact Michael Burbee with further questions.
  • DPS Thanksgiving Break Hours

    Nov. 22
    7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    Nov. 23-24
    Closed

    Nov. 25-26
    7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    Nov. 27-30
    Closed

    Dec. 1
    3-10 p.m.

    Dec. 2
    Resume Regular Hours
    7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

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Notables

  • Notables

    Dereck Daschke, professor of philosophy and religion, had his chapter “’How Deserted Lies the City’: Politics and the Trauma of Homelessness in the Hebrew Bible,” published this month in “Next Year in Jerusalem: Exile and Return in Jewish History.”

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Scholarship Opportunities

  • Foundation Scholarship Application Open for Study Abroad Programs

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    Students can apply to a faculty-led study abroad program by Nov. 15 to be considered for a Truman State University Foundation Scholarship.

    Faculty-led programs being offered during the May Interim and Summer 2020 semester include:

    Biology in the Amazon Rainforests of Peru
    Journalism and PR in Ireland
    Summer Spanish Programs in Costa Rica and Spain
    Japanese Language and Culture in Japan
    Creative Writing and Communication in England
    Business in Italy, Croatia and Slovenia
    Cantoria Choir concert tour in France
    Communication Disorders clinical experience in Mexico
    Nursing clinical experience in the Philippines

    Foundation Scholarships for study abroad are awarded in varying increments, ranging from $500-$3,000. Last year, more than $80,000 in total scholarships were awarded, and this year’s total awards are estimated to be about the same amount. Priority consideration for Foundation Scholarships will be given to students who have applied for a faculty-led program, paid a program deposit and completed a registration agreement by Nov. 15.

    Students can apply online through TruView>Student Tab>Registration>Apply to Study Abroad. Awards will be announced by Dec. 6 and students will have through Jan. 20 to accept any award or receive a refund of their deposit.

    Students can explore faculty-led programs here. Contact Will Storm with any questions.