Vol. 25 No. 11 - October 26, 2020

As part of the Ofstad Speaker Series, visiting scholar Tricia Levenseller will present “Turning Rejection into Success” at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms.

Authors receive hundreds of rejections before achieving a single “yes” on their road to publication. A bestselling and full-time author, Levenseller will recount her journey and the lessons learned along the way. She writes young adult high fantasies with heavy romantic subplots and is the author of the “Daughter of the Pirate King” duology, “Warrior of the Wild,” “The Shadows Between Us” and the forthcoming “Blade of Secrets.”

Levenseller will also answer publishing questions after her presentation.

Due to the generosity and vision of Odessa Ofstad in creating the Clayton B. Ofstad Endowed Chair in English and Linguistics, the Department of English and Linguistics is able to offer a range of intensive seminars, masterclasses and workshops in creative writing, English and linguistics led by guest writers and scholars. Along with these classes the Clayton B. Ofstad Reading Series has become a centerpiece of departmental and campus culture.

Photographs from 105 participating artists will be on display on the south side of Ophelia Parrish near the bell wall from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 29.

The display is a collaborative effort of the Art Department and the Women’s and Gender Studies Program and is part of A Yellow Rose Project in honor of the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Selected images will also be screened on public monitors in several buildings on campus in the days leading up to the Nov. 3 general election.

A Yellow Rose Project is a large-scale collaborative photographic project made by women all across the country conceived by Meg Griffiths and Frances Jakubek. A year ago, artists were invited to make photographic work in response, reflection or reaction to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The goal of this project was to provide a focal point and platform for image makers to share contemporary viewpoints in the lead up to the centennial of women’s suffrage and now acknowledge it today. The mission in researching the complication of this anniversary was to gain a deeper understanding of American history and culture, to build a bridge from the past to the present and future.

Aug. 18, 2020 marked the centennial of the 19th Amendment. It was on that day 100 years ago women wearing yellow roses stood shoulder to shoulder in Tennessee awaiting the roll call of men that would cast their votes for or against a woman’s right to a voice in government. The bright flower was an outward symbol of their expression to gain equal representation. After decades of untold risk, through oppression, brutality, incarceration and even starvation, women fought seemingly insurmountable odds, at the local, state and national levels, to gain the right to be a part of the democratic process.

Though this movement granted rights to some women, and this achievement in itself is to be acknowledged and celebrated, the struggle did not end there. It was not until much later that all American women, regardless of race, were given the same privilege. Due to state laws and prohibitive policies, many women of color were unable to exercise their rights even given this momentous event. In light of these facts, A Yellow Rose Project asks women to look back upon this part of history from various perspectives, inviting both a critical eye as well as one that sees how far things have come.

Finding inspiration in the power of women to influence public perception and the perseverance to continue the arduous fight to obtain equal rights beyond ratification, A Yellow Rose Project gathers women in a collection of visions and voices to continue the conversation.

For more information about the display contact pkambli@truman.edu or visit ayellowroseproject.com.

The Truman community will celebrate the 2021 United Way campaign with a kickoff event at 3 p.m. Oct. 27 on Zoom.

Lori Shook, campus planning and 2021 United Way Truman co-chair, along with Steve Smith, professor of mathematics and campaign co-chair, recently sent out campaign letters, brochures and pledge cards to all Truman faculty and staff. This year’s goal has been set at $38,000. With the drive just beginning, $16,441 has already been raised through donations from current faculty, staff and retired faculty.

Agencies that will benefit from the 2021 drive include: Adair County 4-H Council, Adair County YMCA, Boys Scouts of America, Community Opportunities/Sheltered Workshop, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, Hospice of Northeast Missouri, Kirk-Tran, Macon Diversified Industries, NEMO Senior Citizens Services, RSVP/Senior Adult Services and the Salvation Army.

More than one out of three people in the United Way of Northeast Missouri service area are touched by United Way agencies and programs. Without the support of the United Way, many of these agencies would not be able to continue providing theses essential programs.

Local United Way board members who are associated with Truman include: Bertha Thomas, diversity consultant and retired assistant dean for multi-cultural affairs; Tim Mills, information technology services; and Polly Mattson, Truman Career Pathways consultant and career advisor.

The kickoff event can be accessed on Zoom here, or with meeting ID 930 2273 7953 and passcode 082679.

Registration is open for winter interim classes, and the Office of Academic Affairs is conducting a survey to explore the possibility to offer expanded options for the term in future academic years.  

The winter interim runs Dec. 12 through Jan. 9 and features a combination of short workshops as well as full-fledged courses including a section of COMM 170: Public Speaking, and PSYC 499: Workshop in the Psychology of Marketing. This winter interim also features several major-specific internships and electives.

“The advantage of interims is that they afford a time for focused study,” said Kevin Minch, associate provost. “When focusing on a single class, during a period with minimal competing distractions, students can really excel. Students might take a course to increase their GPA, knock-out a challenging class, or simply focus on a special topic that interests them.”

To further utilize the winter interim, Truman deans are exploring a possible recommendation to alter the academic calendar to make room for a “January Term.”  The “J-Term,” as it is often called at other universities, is an expanded winter interim that leaves up to four or five weeks for more fully developed courses, as well as domestic study away programs, short-term study abroad programs, special professional development coursework and internships.  

Academic Affairs is launching a survey of students to seek input on the possible creation of a January term for future years. The survey includes questions about possible calendar configurations, courses students might pursue and what might motivate a student to take courses during this period. The survey is available here through Nov. 15.  

All students are encouraged to participate in the brief survey, even those who might not be interested in taking classes at that time or who are graduating at the end of the year. Knowing what students think will help make sound decisions and shape the academic calendar for everyone.

 
Students can apply now for positions with Truman summer academies.
 
The Institute for Academic Outreach has summer positions available for Joseph Baldwin Academy, JBA Junior and ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy. Each academy is in search of preceptors and night monitors.
 
In order to be a preceptor, applicants must currently be a full-time student at Truman and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. Preceptors are expected to be supportive of the University goals, responsible, enjoy working with high-ability teenage students and be high-energy individuals.
 
Applicants should prepare a letter of interest which should include: the skills they possess that will assist them when working with high-ability teenage students; related work experiences; and why they are interested in the summer academy for which they apply. Applicants will also need to complete the online application and provide a current resume.
 
Applications are due Feb. 5. Information about each available position and the online application can be accessed at tiacademies.truman.edu/employment.

The Iota Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi (DSP), a professional business fraternity on Truman’s campus, was nationally recognized for their achievements during the 2019-2020 school.

Delta Sigma Pi received the R. Nelson Mitchell Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award and the Outstanding Alumni Relations Award for a Collegiate Chapter. Debra Cartwright was honored with the Chapter Advisor of the Year Award.

The R. Nelson Mitchell Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award is presented on an annual basis to the chapter of Delta Sigma Pi which best promotes the aims and ideals of the fraternity through its actions and activities. This award is the highest honor a collegiate chapter can receive.

The Outstanding Alumni Relations Award for a Collegiate Chapter is presented to the chapter that most thoroughly integrates alumni relations into their operations and prioritizes connecting with alumni.

The Chapter Advisor of the Year Award recognizes an advisor who serves as an example to the chapter and is a constant advocate of Delta Sigma Pi to the University. They give freely of their time and energy to brothers and regularly attend chapter and executive committee meetings. They uphold the standards of what it means to be a Deltasig and share their passion of the fraternity with others. Debra Cartwright received this award because of her dedication and commitment to the Iota Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi.

Find more information about the awards at deltasigmapi.org/about/awards-recognition/2019-2020-award-winners.

Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group committee members Nancy Daley-Moore and Scott Alberts recently discussed Truman case numbers for the week of Oct. 20. Another slight increase is a reminder to adhere to responsible practices. Currently, no cases related to Truman have been linked to classroom activity. They are usually the result of community spread, off-campus events and households with other positive cases. Everyone should avoid large gatherings, particularly since colder weather will mean more events taking place inside. A recording of the conversation between Daley-Moore and Alberts is available here.

Students should also be smart in terms of planning for Halloween this year. The Halloween tip sheet was created by student Tabitha Mabery.  

Truman won both portions of the Top Dog Challenge against the Greyhounds of the University of Indianapolis. The GLVC rivals spent nearly two weeks raising money for local nonprofit organizations, with the winners determined by the total dollar amount and the total number of donors. Truman swept both categories with a total of 1,578 donors compared to 432 for UIndy, and $7,852 against $7,131 for the Greyhounds. All of the money raised by Truman will be split between The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri and the Adair County Humane Society.

The Student Recreation Center will host two recruitment meetings for students interested in teaching a fitness class or related program for the Campus Recreation Department spring schedule. Attend either informational meeting to learn the necessary steps to apply and what to expect if selected to interview/audition. Applications will be provided at the recruitment meetings only.

Matthew Zwolinski, professor of philosophy at the University of San Diego and founder and director of the school’s Center for Ethics, Economics and Public Policy, will present “The Case for a Universal Basic Income” at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 via Zoom.

The idea of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) gained national attention with the presidential campaign of Andrew Yang. But where did the idea come from? And does it really make economic or moral sense? In this presentation, Zwolinski will talk about the history of the UBI, the main arguments for and against it, and why it is gaining appeal not only on the political left, but among certain conservatives and libertarians as well.

Students and employees can watch the event in Baldwin Hall Auditorium while seated socially distant and wearing masks. Zwolinski’s presentation will also be available virtually via Zoom.

Student Affairs is inviting three candidates to campus for the director of campus recreation position. Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate campus-wide open forums. Each candidate will make a short presentation about their background, discuss their interest in the position and answer questions from the audience and Zoom participants. The open sessions are scheduled for 2 p.m. each day in Student Union Building Alumni Room.

Christopher Crume
Oct. 26

Melissa Fadler
Oct. 29

Tony Dirth
Oct. 30
 
Resumes and Zoom links are available online at trumansearch.truman.edu/recreation-center-director. Recordings will be posted there as well for anyone that cannot attend in-person or via Zoom.

The Alumni Office is conducting a virtual trivia night at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 through Zoom. Truman alumni Kyle Hill (’07) and Alison Mayer (’05) will host the event and take participants on a journey through the University’s history and more with multiple question rounds.

Half of the proceeds from entry fees will go to the Investing in Students Fund, which provides emergency student relief for Truman students. In addition to bragging rights, the winning team gets to decide which Foundation Fund receives the other half of the entry fee money.

Registration can be completed in the Alumni Store. Cost is $20 per team. For the technological aspects of trivia night, there are two options to join. Teams can join via Zoom and request a breakout room. The quiz master will be on a livestream on YouTube that can be seen in another window alongside the Zoom meeting. The other option involves the team captain in the main trivia Zoom session with a second device connected to a separate Zoom for team members.

Questions can be directed to bulldogforever@truman.edu or 800.452.6678.

The Communication Disorders Graduate Program will host a series of virtual open houses. Participants can join for a live Q&A session with faculty and current graduate students. More information, and pre-recorded sessions, are available at truman.edu/majors-programs/cmds-open-house.

Nov. 6
2-3 p.m.

Nov. 7
10-11 a.m.

Nov. 13
9-10 a.m.

Email Connie Ikerd at chelton@truman.edu to RSVP and to receive a Zoom link.

Beta Theta Pi is fundraising for the Forest Lake Area Trail System (FLATS). Specifically, the organization is raising money for phase 3.1 of the project in which a trailhead will be constructed by the woods near W. Missouri St. The trailhead will contain an innovative nature playscape, accessible parking, benches and shelters. Eventually, the trail will span from Kirksville to Thousand Hills State Park. Click here to donate. One hundred percent of all donations will go toward the Kirksville FLATS program.

The Truman Compost Project will accept bagged leaves and grass clippings from the public this fall. Material must be in a paper yard bag or, if brought in a plastic bag or other container, the person must dump the leaves and take the plastic bag with them. Brush and tree branches cannot be accepted. Leaves may be dropped off at the University Farm Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Oct. 24 through Nov. 14.

The Compost Project also has limited quantities of finished compost available for sale. Bulk compost is priced at $45/cubic yard, loaded onto your truck or trailer at the University Farm. Delivery is also available in the Kirksville area. Contact compostproject@truman.edu for more information. Learn more about the Compost Project at compost.truman.edu or on Facebook or Instagram, @TrumanCompostProject.

Applications are now being received for summer internships at the following locations in Missouri:
 

• Independence: Harry Truman Presidential Library (full-time, 9 credits)
• Kansas City: National World War I Museum (part-time, 3 credits)
• Kirksville: Judicial Archives Project (part-time, 3 credits)
• St. Joseph: St. Joseph Museums (part-time, 3 credits)
• St. Louis: Field House Museum (part-time, 3 credits), Missouri History Museum (part-time, 3 credits), Mercantile Library (part-time, 3 credits)
• Springfield: MSU Special Collections and Archive (part-time, 3 credits)

 
The summer internships are open to all Truman students, but they are especially relevant for those considering careers in archives, museums, teaching, and law.
 
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.
 
To find out what the internships entail and how to apply, direct enquiries to: Jason McDonald, Baldwin Hall 226, 660.785.7575, jasonmcd@truman.edu.

The Truman Media Network will provide live election coverage from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Nov. 3 featuring interviews from students and local officials. Coverage can be heard on 88.7 KTRM and streamed on tmn.truman.edu. There will also be a video stream of coverage here.

The Truman State University Film Festival was created in response to this interest in student filmmaking, and is intended to be a creative outlet and platform for undergraduates in the state of Missouri and beyond to share their work.

This year’s film festival will take place in a virtual format the weekend of Nov. 5-8. Starting at 12 p.m. Nov. 5, introductions go live, along with a Vincent Price film. Tune in anytime until the end of the festival. At 12 p.m. Nov. 8 judging decisions will be available and winners announced.

For more information visit filmfest.truman.edu.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be filed now for the 2021-2022 school year at studentaid.gov.

Even though a student may not qualify for grants or work study, all students are considered for the Federal Direct Loan (no co-signer required). Filing the FAFSA does not commit you to taking a loan, but it does allow you more options.

The 2021-2022 FAFSA requires students to report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. For the 2021-2022 FAFSA students will use their 2019 tax information.

It is strongly recommended to apply or renew before Feb. 1, 2021.