The Computer Information Systems Department would like to wish Associate Professor Barbara Sherman a happy and well-deserved retirement, effective July 2. Dr. Sherman joined the CIS Department in 1994 and returned in 2007 following a brief hiatus to complete her doctorate. She served as the department chair from 2014 to 2017. In lieu of a retirement party, friends are asked to consider supporting the new George Floyd Memorial Scholarship.

Please join us in extending our congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Sherman on her next phase in life.

Given the financial hardship on campus during the COVID-19 closure, Butler Library, along with other departments, has been asked to reduce its spending costs in anticipation of an expected budget shortfall.

Consequently, we must make difficult decisions for the renewal of library resources, and regrettably may need to cancel some high-cost products until we can confirm budget stability. 

Librarians and staff members will put forth every effort to justify our costs based on historical feedback from faculty and departments, and we promise to review any reduced services a year from now, when more reliable financial forecasts are available.

To date, the following packages have been canceled because of low use or duplication:

American National Biography
Country Watch
Drama Online
Grove Art Online
Oxford Bibliographies – Environmental Science
Oxford Bibliographies – Latin American Studies
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
Twentieth Century North American Drama

The Teaching and Learning Center and Applied Learning are pleased to announce the fifth session in the new weekly conversation series in preparation for remote and hybrid learning in the fall, "Field Studies in Your Online Course" on Tuesday, July 28, from noon to 1:00 p.m.

The series will look at a number of topics centered on applied learning in an online environment. A short presentation will be followed by a discussion exploring ways we can design new activities or adapt or revise current projects.

This session, presented by Jessica Kulak, assistant professor of health, nutrition, and dietetics, will present her experience with the field study component of her online course in fall 2019 and plans for further adaptation for fall 2020 due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Following the presentation, participants are invited to share their experiences, questions, and challenges.

Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

The Teaching and Learning Center and Applied Learning are pleased to announce the fourth session in the new weekly conversation series in preparation for remote and hybrid learning in the fall, "How to Make Online Screening and Presentations Intimate, Personal, and Meaningful," on Tuesday, July 21, from noon to 1:00 p.m.

The series will look at a number of topics centered on applied learning in an online environment. A short presentation will be followed by a discussion exploring ways we can design new activities or adapt or revise current projects.

This talk, presented by Dorothea Braemer, assistant professor of communication, will address strategies for making online screening and presentations that are powerful and personal. We will address how the audience, students, or other participants can be made to feel that these events are special; how student presenters can feel adequately validated without ideal streaming conditions or real live audience; and how instructors can solicit meaningful feedback from the audience. Ms. Braemer will present her recent experience followed by discussion. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences.

Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

The Teaching and Learning Center and Applied Learning are pleased to announce the third session in the new weekly conversation series in preparation for remote and hybrid learning in the fall, "Sidewalk Research Project: Connecting Students to Community," on Tuesday, July 14, from noon to 1:00 p.m.

The series will look at a number of topics centered on applied learning in an online environment. A short presentation will be followed by a discussion exploring ways we can design new activities or adapt or revise current projects.

This talk, presented by Ann Emo, professor and chair of the Theater Department, will look at combining remote instruction for first-year students with hands-on experiences that are COVID-safe. Introducing the concepts of inquiry and rigor early and often can set students on the path toward lifelong learning. Using this example as a jumping-off point, participants can explore options for hands-on research in their remote classes.

The Teaching and Learning Center and Applied Learning are pleased to announce a new conversation series in preparation for remote and hybrid learning in the fall. The second session, "Beyond Discussion Boards: Other Methods to Encourage Student Collaboration," continues the weekly series on Tuesday, July 7, from noon to 1:00 p.m.

The series will look at a number of topics centered on applied learning in an online environment. A short presentation will be followed by a discussion exploring ways we can design new activities or adapt or revise current projects.

This talk, presented by Katrina Fulcher-Rood, associate professor of speech-language pathology, will first discuss the use of discussion boards in online or remote classes including prompts, grading expectations, and rubrics. Following this, alternatives for student collaboration and engagement outside of discussion boards will be discussed (e.g., use of Google docs/presentations, breakout rooms, group discussion boards, etc). Time for brainstorming among attendees will end the talk.

Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

The Teaching and Learning Center and Applied Learning are pleased to announce a new conversation series in preparation for remote and hybrid learning in the fall. The first session, "Promoting Applied Learning through Structured Reflection in Remote Environments," kicks off the series on Tuesday, June 30, from noon to 1:00 p.m.

The series will look at a number of topics centered on applied learning in an online environment. A short presentation will be followed by a discussion exploring ways we can design new activities or adapt or revise current projects.

This talk, presented by John Draeger, professor of philosophy and director of the TLC, will focus on ways to promote various kinds of structured reflection (e.g., deep/wide, near/far, integrative, metacognitive) within remote learning environments. Special attention will be paid to ways authentic structured reflection can capture the experiential nature of applied learning experiences.

Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

From the Chair of the College Senate
All final reports from the College Senate standing committees, presented at the May 8, 2020, College Senate meeting, are now posted on the College Senate Standing Committees web page. Reports given by Vice President Barnum at the May 8 Senate meeting are posted along with the podcast. All reports and podcasts for past Senate meetings are available on the College Senate website. Please contact Vincent Masci, assistant to the College Senate, for more information.

From the Chair of the College Senate
The first meeting of the College Senate for fall 2020 will be held Friday, September 11, at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom web conferencing if COVID-19 restrictions are still in place. Any changes in location will be announced, and Senate members will be notified. Please contact Vincent Masci, assistant to the College Senate, for more information.

From the Chair of the College Senate
The Committee Interest Form is now available on the College Senate website for those interested in serving on one or more of the eight College Senate standing committees for 2020–2021. The form will be available until Friday, July 31; forms must be submitted by Monday, August 3.

The College Senate Office will forward the names of interested parties to the committee chairs for review and consideration. Committee membership is determined solely at the discretion of committee chairs. The College Senate Office has no involvement in the formation of standing committees. Not all committees may need members.