Vol. 25 No. 1 - August 17, 2020

Zac Burden, student life and development coordinator for Residence Life, mayor of Kirksville and Truman folklore enthusiast, gives a brief look at how the University has overcome challenges in the past and why Truman will be successful during the current school year.

Many students, faculty and staff have returned to campus this semester, in some cases, for the first time in months. While in-person classes are resuming, it is important to remember things are not entirely “back to normal.”

Truman has already taken a number of steps to prevent exposure to and spread of the coronavirus, including: hand sanitizing stations throughout campus; the placement of plexiglass barriers in many in-person locations; social distancing of classrooms; controlled entrance and exit points in many high-traffic areas; and increased sanitation protocols; among others. The University’s complete guide for returning to campus can be found on the Fall 2020 website.

Individuals can do their part by: wearing a mask; maintaining social distance whenever possible; washing their hands often; doing a daily symptom check; and avoiding campus if they have any symptoms.

If the entire campus community takes a responsible approach, Truman can successfully complete the semester in person.

Many students choose to attend Truman because of the opportunities they can explore as undergraduates. For Tyler Beauregard, a mathematics and computer science double major, that includes studying the intersection of computational complexity and the expressive power of mathematical languages. Fellow student Kerstin Peterson, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, has spent time in the lab researching a protein that may play a role as an alternative for cataract surgery. Before long both Beauregard and Peterson will likely have doctoral degrees and be trusted voices in their respective fields. Their potential contributions to research and the betterment of humanity are full of promise, but the world was very close to not having their future insights. As first-generation college students, Beauregard and Peterson have overcome obstacles many may have never considered, and they are doing their best to help similar students following in their footsteps.

Peterson is a founding member of First Gen United, a low-commitment, dues-free organization designed to help students who might not otherwise have a resource to guide them in their college experience. Beauregard joined his freshman year and now serves as the organization’s president.

“I was very concerned about coming to college,” he said. “First Gen United has been so meaningful to me. Not only has the organization helped to answer all of my questions about college and about being a first-gen student, they’ve also provided a space for me and other first-gen students to feel included and even celebrated.”

Peterson knows firsthand the appeal of an organization where students can ask questions, and it was why she helped charter First Gen United on campus. For even the best-prepared students, starting college can feel overwhelming.

“A lot of my concerns were centered around where to go if I needed help with something. Since my parents did not go to college, I could not ask them about specific university policies or processes,” Peterson said. “First Gen United does a nice job of talking about these resources in an approachable way and provides the connection in a comfortable and confidence-boosting way.”

First-generation students might be more prevalent than most people realize. At Truman, they account for roughly 21 percent of the student body. Figuring conservatively, that’s several hundred students, far less than the actual membership of First Gen United, and its one reason Peterson and Beauregard want more people to be aware of their organization.

“There are a lot of first-generation college students at Truman, and I feel like if we can reach out to more of those students, we could build an even stronger community,” Beauregard said. “A goal I have is to continue to strive toward making our community a space which is open to all first-generation students and focusing on ways to make our organization relevant and inviting to first-gen students of all backgrounds.”

First Gen United is free and open to any first-generation Truman student. There is no formal recruitment process, and joining is as simple as attending a meeting.

“If you show up at any point throughout the semester, you will be greeted with open arms. First-generation students are amazing, and they provide different perspectives to the university world. They are unique and important.” Peterson said. “We would love to start out the semester with new members. First Gen United is a fun and open organization. If you are looking for a place of acceptance where you feel supported in your situation, First Gen United is the place to go.”

Students who would like more information about First Gen United can visit the organization’s Facebook page or contact members by email at tsu.fgu@gmail.com.

Truman is one of 10 public schools chosen in the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” Best Buys of 2021.

For 37 years, the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” has chosen a select group of schools noted for quality academic offerings and affordable cost for its annual best buy list. The 2021 guide includes 20 schools – 10 public and 10 private – it deems as best buys. These are schools that, in the judgement of the editors, offer “outstanding educational value as determined by academic quality in relation to the net cost of attendance.”

Truman has been included in the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” for six consecutive years and 12 times total.

This year’s best buy list includes colleges and universities throughout the United States. Truman was the only Missouri school to be included among the Fiske best buy schools.

“Fiske Guide to Colleges” Best Buys of 2021
Public
Arizona State University
University of Florida
University of Iowa
New College of Florida
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Purdue University
SUNY–College at Geneseo
Texas A&M University
Truman State University
University of Washington

Private
Centre College
The Cooper Union
Drew University
Goucher College
Oglethorpe University
Olin College of Engineering
Rice University
St. Olaf College
Vanderbilt University

Sodexo has made some adjustments to its service in order to provide students multiple dining options and limit their possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Ryle Hall and Centennial Hall will offer extended service hours and meal pick-up services throughout the fall. The first half hour during lunch and dinner will be utilized for carry-out only. Sit-down and carry-out options will be available throughout the remainder of the meal period.

Missouri Hall dining will be closed during the semester. This decision was made because fewer students will be living on campus this semester, and it allows Sodexo to more easily conduct altered protocols in response to coronavirus concerns.

The capacities of the dining halls have been adjusted in consultation with CDC guidelines and the Adair County Health Department, and multiple safety protocols have been instituted for the well-being of students, faculty and staff. All dining areas and service areas will be sanitized regularly and monitored by attendants. Social distancing signs will be in place, as well signs to manage the flow of traffic, and all Sodexo staff will wear masks as well as other necessary personal protective equipment.
 
Once the capacity of a dining location is full guests have the option to do a carry-out order or wait for seating to become available. Sodexo is asking those who choose to dine in to observe a 30-minute window so everyone can be accommodated and staff can sanitize before and after each guest.

All self-service items will be served by a Sodexo staff member to prevent any cross contamination. Reusable bottles or containers will not be allowed in dining halls in order to limit the risk of potential outbreak.   
 
To see the Sodexo hours of operation, visit truman.sodexomyway.com/dining-near-me/hours.

Joseph Baldwin Academy experienced its 35th successful summer, despite complications presented by the ongoing pandemic.
 
In April, The Institute for Academic Outreach decided to convert JBA to an online format, rather than outright cancelling as many other academies across the nation did.
 
Utilizing Zoom, Blackboard and Google, JBA hosted 82 students in four different classes, July 6-24. Students attended class in the mornings, and activities in the late afternoons. They also received a daily newsletter, the JBDaily, keeping them updated on events, guest speakers and activities. Students were able to interact with each other via Zoom, working on group projects, sharing interests and hobbies, and participating in Blackboard discussions.
 
Of the students responding to the end-of-academy survey, 90 percent ranked the quality of instruction by their professor as “excellent,” with the rest ranking it as “good” or “very good.” As expected from highly talented middle school students, they also provided insightful feedback on how the online academy could be improved, should the need arise in the future to return to an online version of JBA.

“This summer posed a lot of difficulties with very little time to prepare,” said Jared Young, coordinator of summer academies. “Our faculty members and support staff managed to develop an engaging, enriching program the students enjoyed, and we are prepared to build on that, no matter what is in store for us next summer.”

The Institute for Academic Outreach is already working on plans for all summer academies to return to campus in 2021. Nomination materials will be sent to schools next month. With much still unknown about what the next 12 months hold for education, the Institute is prepared to operate JBA in an online format again, if necessary. Regardless of circumstance, there will be JBA 2021. To promote the guarantee of a gifted summer academy for middle school students, the Institute is utilizing the tagline “We’re Ready” in materials to be sent to schools and families.
 
In order to best serve the students who missed out on the opportunity to attend an on-campus academy during 2020, The Institute plans to automatically nominate every age-eligible student from last year’s applicant pool to the 2021 academies.

Anyone interested in learning more about JBA, including information on nominations and the application process, can visit jba.truman.edu or contact the Institute at tiacademies@truman.edu or 660.785.5406.

During the June 13 meeting, the Board of Governors approved recommendations for promotion and tenure effective at the beginning of the 2020-21 academic year.

Promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and Granted Academic Tenure:
Jose Carreno-Medina, Spanish
Jocelyn Cullity, English
Margaret Edwards, political science
Arlen Egley, justice systems
David Charles Goyette, theatre
Chetan Jaiswal, computer science
Stacey Kaden, accounting
Michelle Kleine, communication
Victor Marquez-Barrios, music
Amanda Medlock-Klyukovski, communication
Sarah Mohler, English
Curran Prendergast, music
Jocelyn Prendergast, music
 
Promoted from Associate Professor to Professor:
Jamie D’Agostino, English
Ilene Elmlinger, communication disorders
Sergio Escobar, Spanish
Elisabeth Hooper, biology

The Great Lakes Valley Conference’s Council of Presidents voted to postpone the majority of the 2020 fall intercollegiate athletics season until the second semester, due to ongoing concerns of the coronavirus.

The decision was made based on guidance from the league’s athletics directors and an extensive review of the recommended testing and safety measures developed by the NCAA Sport Science Institute.
 
The fall sports of football, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball will have regular-season competition and GLVC championships conducted in the second semester, while the sports of men’s and women’s cross country will still be permitted to compete this fall with the 2020 GLVC Cross Country Championships slated for Oct. 24. Men’s and women’s golf and tennis will also be allowed to compete in their non-championship segments in the fall and continue their season into the spring when their respective championship seasons begin.
 
In addition, several winter sports are scheduled to begin their 2020-21 seasons as early as September. The sports of men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s indoor track and field will be permitted to compete as scheduled, while the conference has established Oct. 1 as the deadline to determine the competition start date for the sports of men’s and women’s basketball.
 
The spring sports of baseball and softball will be permitted to have only intrasquad competition on campus in the fall.
 
The distinction between the sports stems from the sport classification put forth by the NCAA Sport Science Institute, based on a consensus by the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine COVID-19 Working Group. Bowling, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field were classified as low contact risk sports, while baseball, cross country and softball were deemed medium contact risk. The NCAA believes low and medium contact risk sports can successfully implement physical distancing and universal masking practices during all sport activities; however, the level of risk in cross country and track and field are dependent upon the student-athlete’s proximity to other unmasked individuals. The sports in which those safety practices are deemed highly unlikely by the NCAA, including basketball, football, soccer and volleyball have been classified as high contact risk sports.
 
The GLVC’s scheduling committee will soon begin to determine second-semester, regular-season schedule models for all affected sports with health and safety, as well as institutional facility, personnel and cost-containment measures in mind. In addition, dates and locations for all GLVC championships will be announced at a later date.

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. 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 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.

Applications are open now with a priority deadline of Sept. 15. RSVP for a virtual McNair information session here.

Aug. 18
5:30-6 p.m.

Aug. 19
6-6:30 p.m.

Aug. 21
6:30-7 p.m.

Aug. 24
4:30-5 p.m.

Sept. 2
6:30-7 p.m.

Sept. 4
5:30-6 p.m.

Sept. 9
5-5:30 p.m.

For more information visit mcnair.truman.edu or follow the program on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Virtual Midwest Regional URSCA
The Office of Student Research is seeking applications for students interested in presenting at the Virtual Midwest Regional Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity (URSCA) Conference. This conference is sponsored by the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) and hosted by Truman. Ten abstracts highlighting different disciplines across campus will be selected to represent the University at the Virtual URSCA, Oct. 2-3. Students applying to present at the Virtual URSCA should be able to dedicate time Oct. 2-3 to participate in the virtual conference.
 
Grants-in-Aid of Scholarship and Research
The Office of Student Research is accepting Grants-in-Aid of Scholarship and Research (GIASR) applications for research and creative scholarship conducted during the fall. Grant applications may request up to $750 and can cover student stipends, supplies and travel to conduct research. A virtual GIASR proposal writing workshop for students will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. Aug. 24. Register here by Aug. 23 to attend the workshop.
 
Complete guidelines for the Midwest URSCA and GIASR applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications for both opportunities are due by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 28. Questions can be emailed to osr@truman.edu.

Family Day and Homecoming are typically two of the largest annual on-campus events. CDC guidelines still advise against large gatherings, and it is not logistically feasible to plan multiple events which would allow participants to maintain proper social distance.

The Student Affairs and Alumni offices are continuing to explore options for engagement on Family Day and Homecoming respectively. Possible Family Day options could include: virtual events, expanded care package options or other creative ideas. In lieu of in-person Homecoming activities, virtual events might consist of: a 5K, tailgate, trivia and the Bulldog Forever Forum for alumni leaders. Details on any alternative activities will be posted on the University website.

Truman is taking a number of steps to limit exposure to and spread of the coronavirus. In addition to in-person classes, many will be offered in alternative or hybrid delivery methods. The semester schedule has been altered to allow students to conclude in-person classes prior to Thanksgiving Break, thus eliminating extensive travel and potentially increasing the risk of exposure. Details on the fall semester are available at truman.edu/fall2020.

Daniel Mandell, professor of history, recently talked about his new book, “The Lost Tradition of Economic Equality in America,” on the podcast “The Rogue Historian.” Mandell also penned “Fight for Economic Equality is as Old as America Itself,” – a short summary of his book, plus a couple of policy recommendations – for The Conversation, an online journal whose motto is “Academic rigor, journalistic flair,” published Aug. 4. The piece has since been republished by the Houston Chronicle and Seattle Post Intelligencer, as well as some other newspapers and news republishing sites.

For Graduate Studies
Fulbright Grants
Research grants and teaching assistantships for a year abroad

Rhodes Scholarships
Grants for two years of study at Oxford University

Marshall Scholarships
Awards for two years of study in any British university

Mitchell Scholarships
One year of graduate study or research in Ireland or Northern Ireland

Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Awards for an advanced degree or second bachelor’s degree at the University of Cambridge

 
For Undergraduate Studies
Goldwater Scholarships
Up to $7,500 annually for tuition, fees, books, room and board for science and mathematics majors

Harry S. Truman Scholarships
For senior year and post-graduate study leading to a career in public service

Udall Scholarships
For students interested in careers related to environmental issues or for Native Americans and Alaskans interested in careers related to health care and tribal public policy

Carnegie Endowment Junior Fellowships
For students interested in international affairs to work as research assistants to the Endowment’s senior associates in Washington, D.C. for a full year

Boren Scholarships
To study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests