Vol. 26 No. 3 - September 7, 2021

Features

  • Truman Improves in Washington Monthly Rankings, Named one of Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges”

    kirkmemorialsummer9721.jpg

    Two notable publications have recognized Truman for quality and affordability.

    Washington Monthly included Truman as one of the top master’s universities in the nation. Coming in at No. 6 in the publication’s 2021 college rankings, Truman improved six spots from last year’s honors.

    The Washington Monthly rankings are unique in that they place an importance on social mobility, research and promoting public service. Along with traditional benchmarks such as graduation rates and costs, schools are rewarded for criteria including the number of first-generation students enrolled and the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants or participating in ROTC. Of the 616 schools included on the list, Truman was the only Missouri public university among the top 275 spots.

    In its Best Bang for the Buck rankings, Washington Monthly placed Truman at No. 30 among Midwest schools. This list rates institutions according to how well they help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.

    Along with Washington Monthly, The Princeton Review also recently recognized Truman as one of the nation’s best schools for undergraduates to earn their college degree.

    The education services company included Truman in the 2022 edition of its annual college guide, “The Best 387 Colleges.” Only about 14 percent of America’s four-year colleges are profiled in the book, which is one of The Princeton Review’s most popular publications. The company chooses the colleges for the book based on data it annually collects from administrators at hundreds of colleges about their institutions’ academic offerings.

    The Princeton Review also considers data it gathers from its surveys of college students who rate and report on various aspects of their campus and community experiences for this project. The rankings in this edition are based on the company’s surveys of several students at the 387 schools in the book. In the profile on Truman, students cited the school’s wide “variety of classes, majors and minors” and that the small class sizes “translate into a ‘more personal’ learning experience.”

    The Princeton Review’s school profiles and ranking lists in “The Best 387 Colleges” are posted at princetonreview.com/best387. Washington Monthly’s college guide is available in its September/October 2021 edition.
  • Students Can Apply for ARP Block Grants Now

    bellwall9721.jpg

    Through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), students may be eligible to receive grant assistance for costs associated with their education.

    Under ARP, Truman has established student emergency funding to assist eligible students with “exceptional need” as it relates to a student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to coronavirus. A limited amount of funding is available for students who meet specific requirements.

    Grants can be applied to costs associated with: tuition; food; housing; books/supplies; transportation; personal expenses (clothing, personal items, laundry, etc.); health care; or child care.

    Based on current Department of Education guidance, Pell Grant eligible students were automatically awarded a block grant amount if they did not fall into one of the following categories: enrolled in less than six credit hours for fall 2021; or non-degree seeking. Non-Pell Grant eligible students who are not eligible to submit a FAFSA are required to submit an ARP grant application detailing expenses and “exceptional need.” All eligible students will be emailed instructions from the Financial Aid Office on how to apply.

    Truman received a limited amount of grant funding. Grant amounts will be determined based on the number of applications received and the specific needs presented in the applications. The grant amount will need to fit within the cost of attendance for eligible students who are required to submit an application. The University cannot guarantee all applications submitted will be eligible for funding.

    More information about the ARP grant, as well as some frequently asked questions, can be found here.

    Students who are not eligible, or attempt to apply but do not receive an ARP grant and still have financial need, should contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@truman.edu or at 660.785.4130. Students can also find financial aid information online at financialaid.truman.edu.
  • New Version of TruView Coming in October

    newtruview921.jpg

    The newest iteration of Truman’s campus intranet can be accessed now by all students, faculty and staff.

    The TruView version familiar to users over the past several years will be retired Oct. 4. It is being replaced with an updated campus portal that offers the convenience of email, the engagement of social media, the power of group activities, online access to student, faculty and employee services, and much more. All of the same information and resources now available through TruView is available on the new version.  

    For those interested, the new version of TruView can be accessed now at portal.truman.edu. When the current version of TruView is retired, Oct. 4, the new version will also be available at truview.truman.edu.

    The initial focus was to migrate most of the content in TruView to the new platform, and this work has essentially been completed. Offices with documentation that describes how to navigate to services through TruView will need to update their documentation to reflect the changes in navigation in the new tool.

    The content from “Inside Truman” is currently in transition, and offices with content on this site will be contacted regarding a migration plan for their site. The portal implementation team will do their best to work with everyone to ensure a smooth transition of tools and services to the new platform.

    During the fall semester, several groups will begin piloting some of the new “Group” activities and features, with the goal of setting up even more groups in the spring.

    ITS is offering Zoom sessions for any faculty, staff or students who would like more information about the new version of TruView. Sign up is available here.
  • Wildflower Project Brings More Flowers to Campus

    flowerbed8721.jpg

    Truman’s Campus Tree Advisory Committee completed a project in May 2021 in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Student Sustainability Fee to help beautify the east side of campus.

    The Wildflower Project filled 20 empty plots along the sidewalk on the east side of Missouri and Blanton-Nason-Brewer halls with various plants. Sue Limestall, a Campus Tree Advisory Committee member, designed five different planting schemes that would be repeated four times. Nearly 400 plants, mostly from Missouri Wildflowers Nursery in Jefferson City and Claire’s Garden in Kirksville, were used. The plants were kept in the greenhouse at the University Farm and were tended by Bill Kuntz, a committee member and Truman farm manager.

    The Wildflower Project proposal was originally sent to the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) with the help of Lori Shook, the Campus Tree Advisory Committee chair and campus planner, but the proposal was not selected. However, Yvette Amerman from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) had run the proposal through colleagues at MDC. They approved the Wildflower Project as part of a public demonstration project and provided all the plants. Committee member Donna Liss helped with the idea to use the $500 available from the Environmental Sustainability Fee previously approved by Truman students to buy topsoil, mulch, boulders and any additional plant costs.

    Among the plants included in the Truman Wildflower Project are: Aromatic Aster, Blue Wild Indigo, Bush’s Poppy Mallow, Butterfly Weed, Columbine, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Little Bluestem Grass, Missouri Coneflower, Foxglove Beardtongue, Prairie Blazing Star, Prairie Dropseed Grass, Purple Coneflower, Rose Verbena and Swamp Milkweed.

    Shook created five signs that are placed along the beds identifying the entities who made the Wildflower Project possible. The beds have been weeded through their first season by various committee members, and a recommended care plan has been prepared and given to the Grounds Department for future care actions.
  • Visiting Scholar to Discuss Language Gap in Child Development

    ofstadspeaker821.jpg

    The Ofstad Reading Series will host Dr. Megan Figueroa, research scientist in the Tweety Language Development Lab at the University of Arizona, for her presentation “Decolonizing (Psycho)Linguistics Means Dropping the Language ‘Gap’ Rhetoric” at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 via Zoom.

    In this lecture, Figueroa will lay out how society must add nuance to the story of child language development by more accurately describing how language develops across families, communities and cultures without portraying certain environments as “high-quality” and others as inherently “lacking” or “impoverished.”

    Figueroa maintains the hunt for endogenous and exogenous mechanisms that underlie language development has long been a central theme in (psycho)linguistics; however, much of this work relies on a fallacy that high-quality input is necessary for children to develop language “successfully,” and that there is a gap in that type of input directed at children from historically marginalized families and communities. Within this framework, scholars have inadvertently pathologized the early linguistic experiences of those with less social capital, ultimately preserving power relationships that were established earlier in the United States’ colonial history.

    This event is sponsored by the Department of English and Linguistics. Due to the generosity and vision of Odessa Ofstad, the Clayton B. Ofstad Reading Series is able to offer a range of intensive seminars, masterclasses and workshops in creative writing, English and linguistics, led by talented, renowned and deeply engaging guest writers and scholars.
  • Grant Helps Campus Trees Flourish

    campussteps9721.jpg

    Some trees on campus will soon be getting attention to help them thrive for years to come.

    Truman has been awarded a Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation in the amount of $12,000. TRIM grants offer cost-share funding for government agencies, schools and nonprofit groups to manage, improve or conserve trees on public lands.

    This is the third year in a row Truman has received a TRIM grant. For 2021-22 the grant is specifically for the removal and trimming of trees on campus to clean up and keep them healthy.

    Trees on campus currently marked with pink ribbons will be pruned in the coming weeks.

Announcements

  • “Do All the Things” to Stop COVID

    covidmeeting91213.jpg

    Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group committee members Nancy Daley-Moore and Scott Alberts covered a variety of topics in their most recent video discussion.

    They reiterated the importance of taking multiple steps – hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask on and off campus, and getting vaccinated if possible – in order to limit exposure to and spread of the virus. Truman hosted a vaccination clinic on campus Sept. 2, and the vaccine is readily available at local pharmacies. Daley-Moore and Alberts also described the University’s contact tracing process as well as quarantine and isolation procedures.  

    A recording of their entire conversation can be found here.
  • Vaccine Panel Discussion Planned for Sept. 9

    Join faculty members Cassidy Dobson, Stephanie Fore, Nancy Daley-Moore and moderator Scott Alberts for a live panel discussion to answer questions about how the COVID-19 vaccines work, especially the mRNA versions.

    The in-person panel discussion will take place at 4 p.m. Sept. 9 in Violette Hall 1300 and Violette Hall 1412. It will also be available to watch via Zoom.

    vaccine321.jpg
  • Students and Employees Should Complete Vaccine Surveys

    As the pandemic and mitigation strategies continue to evolve, it is important that Truman has the most timely and accurate information possible to inform its decisions, including the mask mandate. Students, faculty and staff are invited to complete both of the following surveys.
     
    Survey No. 1
    To share your vaccination status, click here. When the Google login is presented, enter a Truman email address to complete the survey.  The site is available through the close of business on Sept. 10.
     
    There are only two questions on the first survey:

    1. Are you fully vaccinated for COVID-19?
    2. If you answered “no,” have you begun the vaccination process?
     
    Those who answer “yes” to either of the questions will be asked to upload an image of their vaccination card so the University can have the most accurate information about verification status. Once Human Resources verifies vaccination status from the card image, the card image will be deleted. The image will be deleted no later than Sept. 17. Anyone who does not wish to upload an image of their vaccination card can bring their card to Human Resources from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday in McClain Hall 101 to share their status. Vaccination status is being collected to have knowledge about the campus as a whole.
     
    Survey No. 2
    To participate in the second survey, click here. This eight-question survey is sponsored by Truman’s Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group, and faculty and staff are encouraged to share their thoughts.
     
    The survey asks about personal health and attitude information; data are collected anonymously and can only be accessed by the Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group. Aggregated results will be shared with the campus. The purpose of the survey is to gather information that may inform strategies to promote a healthy and thriving campus.
  • Mock Trial Team Hosts Info Night

    Truman’s Mock Trial team will host an interest night event at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 for students to learn more about the team and the try-out process. No mock trial experience is needed, only interest in the legal system and performing. For more information email tsumocktrial@gmail.com.

    mocktrial921.jpg
  • Consider a Career in Education with the MAE Program

    Any student interested in a career in teaching should contact Wendy Miner, chair of education, to learn more about Truman’s MAE program. A Master of Arts in Education from Truman allows future educators to enrich their content knowledge and build confidence in their teaching skills. Dedicated faculty and staff are also there to help every step of the way. Find more information here or contact Miner at wsm@truman.edu or 660.785.6074.

    maepromo921.jpg
  • Learn About Graduate Programs at Info Sessions

    sculpture721.jpg

    Information sessions about graduate programs will take place on campus. Registration for each session can be found here and closes at 5 p.m. the day prior to the event. The location for on campus sessions is Student Union Building 3201. Master’s programs offered are accountancy, athletic training, communication disorders, education, English, leadership, music, counseling (online), data science and analytic storytelling (online) and gifted education (online). For more information, contact Liz McLain, assistant director of admission-graduate and transfer.

    On-Campus Sessions

    Sept. 7
    5:30-6:30 p.m.

    Sept. 21
    5:30-6:30 p.m.

    Oct. 5

    5:30-6:30 p.m.

    Oct. 19
    5:30-6:30 p.m.

    Nov. 2
    5:30-6:30 p.m.

    Nov. 16
    5:30-6:30 p.m
  • Fraternity Recruitment Set to Begin Sept. 9

    IFCrecruitment21.jpg

    Men’s fraternity recruitment will take place Sept. 9-17. It will begin with an informational assembly featuring the various fraternities on campus. Each chapter will host events throughout the week for potential members to attend.

    Sign-up is available at greeklife.truman.edu/go-greek. For more information, visit ifc.truman.edu. Follow the Interfraternity Council on Facebook or Instagram. Questions regarding fraternity recruitment can be directed to ifc@truman.edu.
  • APO Recruitment Begins Sept. 10

    Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity, will host recruitment events starting Sept. 10.

    Pizza on the Quad will take place from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 10. It will include a variety of lawn games and the opportunity to purchase pizza for $1 a slice. This informal event is a great way for potential new members and anyone who may be interested in joining to meet some actives and get to know what APO is all about.

    Rush nights will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 13, 15 and 17 on the quad. Each night will have a theme that corresponds to APO’s three cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service. The smoker, a celebratory cookout the chapter organizes to welcome all potential new members who choose to rush, will take place at 12 p.m. Sept. 19 at Brashear Park.

    aporush921.jpg
  • Upchuckles to Perform Comedy Show Sept. 10

    Truman’s stand-up comedy club, Upchuckles, gives students the opportunity to write, practice and perform their material at various events and venues in the Kirksville area. They will host a comedy show at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 outside the Student Union Building by the fountain. Admission is free, all are welcome to attend. Students who are interested in joining can email upchucklestsu@gmail.com for more information.

    stockfountain520.jpg
  • Farewell Reception for Brad Turnbull

    baldwinsummer9721.jpg

    There will be a farewell reception for Brad Turnbull, program coordinator in the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 10 in Baldwin Hall in the hallway space near the CDI. Both a Truman graduate and staff member, Turnbull lent his knowledge, skills and talents to many efforts to help champion the cause of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging for all students on the Truman campus.
  • All-Science Picnic Scheduled for Sept. 11

    The All-Science Picnic will take place from 12-4 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Ryle Hall Commons (behind Ryle Hall at the corner of Patterson and Franklin streets). Meet people from all fields and get to know science-related organizations across campus with a fun afternoon of food and games. All are welcome.
  • Video Series Highlights Truman Community Members

    SpotlightGraphicTT.jpg

    A new video series showcasing the achievements of students, faculty and staff members will debut in the Sept. 13 issue of the Truman Today.

    Each month of the academic year, “The Spotlight Series” will highlight the research, philanthropy or notable accomplishments of one member of the campus community, demonstrating what makes Truman special.

    Short videos will be released in the Truman Today and hosted on the University’s YouTube channel. They will also be shared across various Truman social media platforms.
  • Personal Training Students Seek Clients

    The Assessment and Prescription class is looking for people to work with this semester as personal training clients. Requirements include meeting with the student group five different weeks from 8-9 a.m. or 9-10 a.m. on either Tuesday or Thursday. Anyone interested in being a client can contact Evonne Bird for more information.

    weights.jpg
  • ASG Recruitment Runs Sept. 14-16

    Alpha Sigma Gamma, a non-selective service sorority, will host its fall recruitment from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 14-16 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Recruitment will be in-person and masks will be required. Those who do not feel comfortable attending in-person can email asgducks.pr@gamil.com. Other questions regarding recruitment can be directed to asgducks@gmail.com.

    ASGFall9721.jpg
  • Blue Key and Cardinal Key Sponsor Blood Drives

    RedCrosslogo.jpg

    Blue Key and Cardinal Key will sponsor a Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sept. 14-16 in the Student Union Building Down Under. All students, faculty, staff and members of the Kirksville community are welcome to donate. One donation can save up to three lives. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter TrumanState.
  • STEP Office Sponsors Workshop to Support Student Success

    clocktowerfountainlibrary821.jpg

    Truman STEP Office is hosting a Tips for Student Success workshop from 3:45-5 p.m. Sept. 14 in Magruder Hall 1096. This workshop is designed to provide students with an interactive experience to enhance their academic learning and personal success. They will receive tips on learning strategies and how to achieve academic goals.

    The STEP Center is committed to supporting students at Truman who are interested in pursuing a degree in science or mathematics. As a grant-funded office, it provides scholarship and research opportunities to as many students as possible. To learn more about the center visit step.truman.edu/office-mission.
  • McNair Program Applications Open Through Sept. 17

    mcnair821.jpg

    The McNair Program supports and prepares first-generation, Pell-eligible and underrepresented students for graduate studies. Paid summer research internships, funds for graduate school visits and conferences, 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. 17. Check eligibility here or come to one of the information sessions listed below to learn more.

    For more information visit mcnair.truman.edu or follow the program on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
  • SPHA Presents Informational Nights

    The Student Public Health Association will host information sessions from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 20 and 21 in Pershing 3102. Students must attend one of the sessions to be eligible for membership. For more information, email spha.hes@gmail.com.

    healthassociation821.jpg
  • DSP Recruitment Events Begin Sept. 20

    Delta Sigma Pi, the nation’s largest co-ed professional business fraternity, will host fall 2021 recruitment events at 7 p.m. Sept. 20-23 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. For more information, follow DSP on social media @dsptruman.

    DSP821.jpg
  • MOSI Art Guild Hosts Exhibition at Pickler Memorial Library

    MOSIart821.jpg

    Pickler Memorial Library and the Missouri-Southern Iowa Art Guild (MOSI) are partners in an art exhibition located in the library café.

    The Missouri-Southern Iowa Art Guild (MOSI) is a group of working visual artists formed in 2013. MOSI sponsors local art exhibitions, provides recognition and networking opportunities for members, and conducts art workshops for the community. For more information visit mosiartguild.com.

    This exhibition runs through Dec. 18 and is free to view for all Truman students, faculty and staff, as well as the community. There will be a reception for all to attend from 5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 23.
  • “Mindful Mondays” Feature Online Meditation Sessions

    SKY Campus Happiness, an international association for human values that offers programs to reduce stress, will host guided breathwork and meditation sessions at 3:30 p.m. every Monday online. These sessions are free and open to any Truman student, no experience needed. Register here.

    meditationmonday821.jpg
  • Wall Street Journal Now Available in a New Format

    wallstreetjournal821.jpg

    Pickler Memorial Library has partnered with The Wall Street Journal to provide school-sponsored memberships to students, faculty and staff. This membership can be used to get unlimited access to WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal mobile apps, newsletters and podcasts. The Wall Street Journal provides articles on job preparation, financial advice and career insights through the WSJ student center. Students also have the opportunity to be published on their website through the newsroom’s Young Audiences call for submissions on WSJ Opinion’s Future View Series. Professors can integrate content into their course through custom professor tools and resources found at the WSJ professor hub.

    To activate an account, visit WSJ.com/Truman and register using a Truman email account. Students will be asked for their graduation month and a year in order to gain uninterrupted access during their time at Truman. Faculty will be asked to refresh accounts annually. For those who already have an account and have questions about the school-sponsored membership, call 1.800.JOURNAL or emailsupport@wsj.com.
  • History Internships Available to Students

    historyinternships921.jpg
    Cameron Massieon stands beside an exhibit that he created during his internship at the St. Joseph Museums in summer 2020.

    The History Society is hosting an informational event on museum and archive internships at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in McClain Hall 210. Jason McDonald, assistant professor of history, will outline the museum and archive internship opportunities available to Truman students in the spring, summer and fall of 2022. He will also explain how to submit applications and earn academic credit for internship placements.

Notables

  • Cody Schrader

    Cody Schrader was selected as the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week as he rushed for 217 yards on 35 carries with four touchdowns in the Bulldogs 31-10 win over Davenport (Mich.) University, Sept. 4. The 217 yards was a career high and his sixth 100-plus-yard rushing game for his career. It was the second-highest total by a Bulldog during the GLVC-era, and overall, it is the 18th highest single-game rushing total in Truman football history. This is Schrader’s first GLVC Offensive Player of the Week award and first Truman offensive GLVC weekly award since September 2016.

    schraderpow921.jpg

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Student Loans Available Through University Foundation

    stockclocktower720.jpg

    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.
  • Nationally Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships

    clocktowernight721.jpg

    Each year Truman nominates students for national fellowship opportunities who have shown outstanding academic performance and exceptional service accomplishments. The application process is very rigorous and highly competitive, but the University provides support as students prepare for and then apply to these prestigious scholarships.
     
    Listed below are several of the major national fellowships and their websites. More information about these fellowships is available at www.truman.edu/majors-programs/more-learning-opportunities/fellowships.

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

    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
     
    For Undergraduate Studies

    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