Vol. 16, No. 16 - Jan. 10, 2012

Expanded capabilities recently installed in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall are giving the Music Department the ability to reach a worldwide audience and have made Truman an innovator among Missouri universities.

Live streaming video and audio of concerts in the performance hall are now available after three years of collaboration between Truman IT Services and music faculty members. The feature debuted Dec. 1 when the Wind Symphony I concert was streamed live. Parents, alumni, friends and prospective students of the University were able to log on and watch the concert, with viewers coming from as far away as Japan.

The concept of streaming concerts from Ophelia Parrish is a natural progression of the facility’s capabilities. When it was renovated in 2003, Ophelia Parrish was designed with a recording area. While video was not originally part of the plan, by adding that feature the Music Department now has the ability to document and assess student performances in addition to streaming concerts to a much wider audience than the 500-seat venue can hold. Truman is the first university in Missouri to offer live streaming concerts.

Jay Bulen, chair of the Department of Music, said plans are currently underway to determine what events taking place in the performance hall will be streamed live, but between concerts, student recitals and performance master classes, he anticipates the system being used several times each week.

Keeping costs low was not the only advantage of using in-house staff to upgrade Ophelia Parrish. Three of the IT Services staff members who worked on the project were also Truman music alumni.

“I was aware of the department’s desire to stream these events and, as a former trombone player at Truman, I knew it could be very valuable for a prospective music student, or a music student wanting to share with family who could not attend,” web developer Greg Marshall said.

The ability to live stream events is the first step in a series of improvements planned for Ophelia Parrish. Bulen said the existing sound quality of live-streamed events is excellent, and should only get better with the installation of high-quality hanging microphones. Also, a control room is being built and will feature a custom console for the mixing board, audio recording computer and video recording system.

While the current video capture system is low-resolution, eventually the plan is to include a high-resolution system to be used for archiving performances and for preparation of audition recordings.

Live stream performances are available through the Truman Music Department webpage at music.truman.edu/livestream.asp.

Truman has again been named one of the nation’s best values in public education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

Truman was ranked No. 23 on Kiplinger’s recently released list of “100 Best Values in Public Colleges.” Truman was the top-ranked Missouri school and was the only school from the state to be listed in the top 75.  

Kiplinger’s assesses quality and affordability according to a number of measurable standards. Truman moved up eight spots from last year’s listing because Kiplinger’s gave more weight to academic value, such as the percentage of students who return for the sophomore year and the four-year graduation rate.

“Kiplinger’s ranking reflects Truman’s value of providing affordable access to an exceptional education,” University President Troy Paino said. “We appreciate Kiplinger’s recognition of the value of offering degrees with integrity that provide opportunity instead of crippling debt.”

A comparison of all 100 public schools on Kiplinger’s list shows that Truman’s total costs are in the top ten percent on affordability for both in-state and out-of-state students.

The annual public school rankings appear in Kiplinger’s February 2012 issue, available now in print and online at www.kiplinger.com/links/college.

This year the Fulbright Commission is again offering opportunities for U.S. undergraduates to follow a three to six week summer program at a world-class United Kingdom university or cultural institution.
 
Each Summer Institute provides an immersive academic, cultural and social experience for freshman or sophomore American students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the U.K. and its diverse population while developing their communication, research and presentation skills.

The commission is offering Summer Institutes that cover a range of disciplines as well as some that focus on specific disciplines such as theatre, art and design, archaeology and Irish studies.

The scholarship covers participant costs including academic program fees, travel, housing and cultural visits.

The 2012 U.K. Summer Institutes will take place at: Cardiff University, Bangor University and Aberystwyth University; Durham University; Newcastle University; Nottingham Trent University; Queen’s University Belfast; and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in association with the American Institute for Foreign Study.

The application deadline is March 16.

For more information on each Institute and details on how to apply, visit www.fulbright.co.uk/fulbright-awards/for-us-citizens/summer-institutes or email programmes@fulbright.co.uk.

The annual Student Interview Project is planned for spring semester 2012, and faculty and staff members are invited to conduct interviews.

This year’s project addresses academic stress at Truman. Approximately 100 undergraduates will be interviewed early in the spring semester with a focus on identifying factors that contribute to higher or lower levels of academic stress. Interviews will be concluded by the middle of February and the results will be published for the entire University community. The results of last year’s study are available at assessment.truman.edu/almanac/index.asp.

Faculty and staff members who sign up for a one-hour time slot normally will interview two students during that hour. Interview questions and instructions will be provided.

Interviews will be conducted with a student co-interviewer. The faculty/staff member may bring a student co-interviewer of their choice or a volunteer co-interviewer can be provided. Preference should be indicated when selecting an interview time. To sign up, contact Elaine McDuff, Student Interview Project chair, at emcduff@truman.edu or 785.4360.

The Truman Institute is sponsoring three competitive grant processes for Summer 2012. Grants are available to support conversion of courses to online delivery for summer school, design of professional development and enrichment courses for adults, and development of summer and weekend enrichment programs for all ages. Proposals are due Jan. 16. Copies of the three grant RFPs are available at institute.truman.edu/forms.asp. Projects are aimed at developing content for introduction in 2013. Contact Kevin Minch at 785.5384 or kminch@truman.edu with questions about proposals.

The Truman Institute is sponsoring a video contest promoting summer school at the University. First prize in an HD Flip Cam. For complete contest rules and guidelines visit summer.truman.edu/contest.asp.

Click here to see the most interesting student in the world.

Applications for Fall 2012 are due Jan. 13. See www.scoville.org for complete details.

* Washington,  D.C., Fellowships usable at 27 national organizations active in policy, research, education, advocacy.

* Up to eight Scoville Fellowships awarded annually.

* Active mentoring and networking from distinguished Board of Directors and former fellows.

* $2,400 per month salary plus benefits. Scoville Fellow alumni now lead NGOs, hold senior positions on Capitol Hill, State Department, private foundations, and other influential jobs in peace, security, and environmental security.

* The Scoville Peace Fellowship is among the most prestigious fellowships in the nation for peace and security. Eligibility includes strong academic record and recommendations, excellent writing, activism, advocacy or civic engagement and initiative.

* Areas of interest: international relations, political science, conflict or peace studies, national security, environmental studies, or honors and other interdisciplinary programs that relate to securing a more peaceful and just world.

Applications are now available for paid assistantships in France to help elementary and secondary teachers with English in classrooms. The program begins in late September and ends in early April or May. The contract may be extended. Assistants receive a monthly stipend and governmental health among other benefits. Applicants must have intermediate to advanced skills in French and be between the ages of 20-30 by Oct. 1, 2012 at the beginning of the contract year. Applications are due Jan. 15. For additional information, contact gsiewert@truman.edu.

Scholarships are available through Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc., for the 2012-2013 academic year. Last year they awarded more than $13,000 in scholarships. Two students selected by the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri will be submitted to Central Region as an applicant and to National Gardens Club Inc., as a Missouri applicant and will compete for a Central Region and National Scholarship. The application is available at www.gardenclub.org/Youth/Scholarships.aspx. The deadline to apply March 1.

U.S. Bank is awarding 40 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 through a random drawing process. Undergraduate students attending an eligible four-year college or university participating in the U.S. Bank No Free Education Loan Program are eligible to apply. More information about this scholarship opportunity can be found at usbank.com/studentloans. Deadline to apply is March 31.

SellUsedBooks.com is currently accepting applications for their Spring 2012, 500-word essay, “Why I Deserve to Win this Scholarship” contest. More information may be found at www.sellusedbooks.com/sell-used-books-college-essay.htm. Deadline for the $1,000 scholarship application is April 15.

The creators of the “Student Award Search Aid” website are offering a $1,000 scholarship for 2012. To learn more, visit www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline for application is May 28.

The BigSun Organization is offering a $500 scholarship. All student-athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of sport. Deadline for submission is June 22. To learn how to apply, visit www.bigsunathletics.com.

In addition to listing numerous on-campus events, the University Master Calendar also features other helpful links, including a final exam schedule, an academic calendar, a staff calendar and a link for Kirksville events. The links are located above the calendar at calendar.truman.edu. On-campus events for the upcoming semester can be submitted to the Master Calendar at calendar.truman.edu/submitevent.asp.

All submissions must be made by someone representing a chartered organization or a recognized department, division or program of Truman State University. Any off-campus events will be posted on the Kirksville tab on TruView.

Jan.  9- Classes begin
Jan. 16- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 28- Kohlenberg Lyceum Event “Sleeping Beauty”
Jan. 28- Truman Showcase Event
Feb. 8- Career Expo
Feb. 16- University Conference
Feb. 29- First block classes end
March 1- Second block classes begin
March 5-9- Midterm Break
March 17- Senior Showcase Visit Event
March 20- Kohlenberg Lyceum Event “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
April 9- Spring Break
April 14- Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series Presents Michael Beschloss
April 17- Student Research Conference
April 21- Junior Showcase Visit Event
April 27- Last day of classes
April 30- Finals start
May 2- Reading Day
May 4- Finals end
May 5- Commencement

Activity: Whiffleball
Division: Open
Deadline: Jan. 16
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: Jan. 21-22

Activity: 5v5 Basketball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Jan. 16
Captains’ Meeting: Jan. 18
Play Begins: Jan. 23

Activity: Co-Rec 5v5 Basketball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Jan. 16
Captains’ Meeting: Jan. 18
Play Begins: Jan. 23

Activity: Superbowl Pickems'
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 2
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: Feb. 5

Activity: Badminton-Singles
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 16
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: Feb. 18

Activity: Badminton-Doubles
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 23
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: Feb. 25

Activity: Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: March 5
Captains’ Meeting: Feb. 29
Play Begins: March 12

Activity: Co-Rec Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: March 5
Captains’ Meeting: Feb. 29
Play Begins: March 12

Activity: Outdoor Soccer
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: March 5
Captains’ Meeting: Feb. 29
Play Begins: March 12

Activity: Co-Rec Outdoor Soccer
Division: Open
Deadline: March 5
Captains’ Meeting: Feb. 29
Play Begins: March 12

Activity: NCAA March Madness
Division: Open
Deadline: March 14
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: March 15

Activity: Swim Meet
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: March 29
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 5

Activity: Co-Rec Ultimate Frisbee
Division: Open
Deadline: April 2
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 14-15

Activity: Golf Scramble
Division: Open/Greek/Org
Deadline: April 10
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 17

Activity: Punt Pass & Kick
Division: Open/Greek/Org
Deadline: April 10
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 17

Activity: Track Meet
Division: Open/Greek/Org
Deadline: April 12
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 19

All information, rules and registration requirements are online at recreation.truman.edu/intramuralrec.asp, or contact the Intramural Office at 785.4467. Captains’ Meeting is at 4:30 p.m. in the SRC Conference Room.

Truman’s website is now easier to browse on mobile devices. It provides quick access to search, lab availability, campus maps, the campus calendar, The Index and more. Web Services has also optimized the Truman web template for small touch screens to make each page easier to navigate and display better. The mobile version should appear automatically for those accessing truman.edu from mobile devices.

For information about off-campus events, click on the Kirksville tab in TruView or the Kirksville Events tab located on the top of the Master Calendar at calendar.truman.edu.

Mary Baylie, Jenna McClanahan and Alex Meneely have received Gilman scholarships for study abroad. The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards for undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Baylie will be studying in Argentina, McClanahan will be studying in Ireland and Meneely will be studying in China.

Dean De Cock, associate professor of statistics, had his article, “Ames, Iowa: Alternative to the Boston Housing Data as an End of Semester Regression Project,” published in the Journal of Statistics Education, Vol. 19, No. 3, November 2011 (www.amstat.org/publications/jse/). The journal focuses on the improvement of statistical education at all levels and the manuscript, along with its accompanying data set, are a result of his sabbatical work while a visiting scholar at Iowa State University.

Taner Edis, professor of physics, had his paper “Defending Science and Nonbelief” appear in the Bulletin for the Study of Religion 40:4 14-16 (2011).

Truman recently had 92 students selected to be recipients of the Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Qualifying students were active in campus and community activities, had a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and were seniors graduating in December, May or August of the 2011-2012 academic year. The full list of recipients can be found at saffairs.truman.edu/WhosWho/whos_who_2011.asp.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) will host a discussion of issues of interest to the University at 12 p.m. Jan. 12 in the Student Union Building 3201. Contact Marc Becker at marc@truman.edu or call 785.6036 for more information.

The deadline to apply to attend the 2012 meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative University is Jan. 17. Applications are available online at www.cgiu.org/applying_to_cgiu. President Clinton will host CGI U 2012 at The George Washington University March 30-April 1. CGI U is designed to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world. Each CGI U student member makes a Commitment to Action: a specific plan of action that addresses a pressing challenge on their campus, in their community, or in a different part of the world.

There will be a public reception for the gallery exhibit “Voyeur,” curated by Brandelyn Dillaway and Texas Design-Exchange is the Message, at 6 p.m. Jan. 17 in the University Art Gallery in Ophelia Parrish.

The Truman State University Bookstore will host “A Tale of Two Cities,” a presentation and book signing by Huping Ling, professor of history, for  her work “Race, Transnational Migration, and Community in Chicago and St. Louis.” The event will take place from 3-4 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

The deadline for submission of TruScholars Program applications is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 29. The purpose of the TruScholars program is to foster collaborative faculty-student research and creative activities to enhance undergraduate student learning. Projects supported by this program should exhibit the potential for scholarly publication, presentation at a regional or national conference, public performance or a gallery showing. The OSR will fund up to 25 TruScholar applications. Application guidelines, important dates and frequently asked questions can be found at the OSR website osr.truman.edu/truscholars. Questions beyond the TruScholars frequently asked questions should be addressed via email to osr@truman.edu.

“A Conversation on the Liberal Arts” will continue at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Peter Goldman, professor emeritus of biology, will share his presentation entitled “A Question Augustus Asked.”