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Academic Affairs

eNews: A Newsletter from Academic Affairs and Student Life

Preparing Students for Careers and Citizenship

Volume 2, Number 11

February 20, 2009

Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUI) Conference at UNK March 6

"A Conference to Explore the Importance, Strategies, and Challenges
of Scholarship at Non-Research Institutions of Higher Education" 

On Friday, March 6, UNK will sponsor the 4th Annual Conference on Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions. The conference will explore the ways that faculty at PUIs carry out research and scholarly activity and create opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in research. Presenters will speak on a variety of topics, applicable to all disciplines, including:

  • The Teacher-Scholar Model (Tim Crowley, Dean of Graduate Studies at Ft. Hays State University)
  • The "Mythbuster Project": Integrating Research into a Physiology Class
  • Developing an Undergraduate Research Program from Scratch: Perspective from Two Physicists
  • Libraries in Transition: An Integrative Marketing Research Project
  • Conducting Research in an On-line Environment
  • Present and Presence: Engaging Students in the 21st Century
  • Student Preferences for Engaging Teaching Techniques
  • A Framework for Faculty Scholarship in Teacher Education
  • Action Research for Teacher Education Majors
  • The Changing Education Landscape: Engaging Students in the Learning Process (Felice Nudelman of the New York Times)
  • Academic Engagement in the Global Community
  • Community Research as a Tool to Engage Undergraduates in Political Science
  • Creating a Mentoring Program for Undergraduate Women in Science
  • Ethical Considerations When Mentoring Student Research

The conference is designed to be a time for participants to exchange ideas and relate their own stories regarding the pursuit of research at PUIs. According to John Falconer, Director of UNK’s Office of Sponsored Programs, "Participants will learn how colleagues at UNK and other institutions have found ways to pursue their own scholarship and support student scholarship within the culture of a PUI."

The Office of Sponsored Programs launched the conference four years ago, and the opportunity to host rotates between UNK, Fort Hays State University, and Park University. The deadline for conference registration is Wednesday, February 25.

In This Issue:

PUI Conference 

Library - In-Brief Online

Deadlines 

Recognition

Calendar

Contact Information

Library - In Brief Online

  • Vital Statistics on American Politics, 2007-2008

    In January, the Library added Vital Statistics on American Politics to its “Collections/Catalog - Virtual Resources” page under several subjects, including “Social Sciences.” This resource is updated annually and provides historical data back to 1788, including information on elections, campaign finance, public approval ratings, Congress, the executive and judicial branches, the federal budget, economic, foreign and military policies, and more.  It is keyword searchable but also very easy to browse with the table of contents. 

    Vital Statistics contains answers to these questions and much more:
    • How often do incumbent representatives and senators win re-election?
    • Which countries are the largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid?
    • How do college freshman characterize their political views, and how has this changed since 1970?

    The data from Vital Statistics can be easily exported in Excel and comma-delimited formats for use in tables or visual charts within a research paper.  The “CiteNow! Function” within each dataset of Vital Statistics also allows users to easily copy or export citations in MLA, APA and Chicago styles.

  • Stat!Ref: Access to DSM-IV, other medical titles

    The Stat!Ref Online Medical Database is located on the “Collections/Catalog - Virtual Resources” page under “Medicine.” It integrates core titles with evidence-based resources. This collection provides 24/7 access for UNK students to key works such as the DSM-IV for diagnosing mental disorders, the Oxford Textbook of Psychotherapy, Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, and AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) Conditions A – Z.  Additional resources are available under the “Resources” tab. Stat!Ref is keyword searchable, but it also allows users to browse the table of contents within the DSM-IV and other medical reference texts.  Users may optionally click on “Preferences” to customize their own display settings and save their searches. Please note that access to STAT!Ref is limited to one simultaneous user.   

  • Audible Pronunciation Guide Available:  Naxos Music Library

    Not sure how to pronounce Joseph Bodin de Boismortier’s name?  This composer’s name and those of several hundred other composers and musical artists are spoken aloud for you by very pleasant and clear female voices, as part of the Naxos Music Library, an online service recently added by the Library. On the Library’s homepage, go to “Collections/Catalog - Virtual Resources.”  Click on “Humanities” and then “Naxos Music Library.”  On the gray bar beneath the search dialog box, mouse-over “Resources.”  Click on the second item on this list, “Pronunciation Guide.”  Then you’ll need to select either “Artists” or “Composers.”  Here, “Artists” means “performers” or “musicians.”  If you want to hear Boismortier’s name pronounced, click on the letter “B” and find his name on the list.  Then click on the loudspeaker icon to the right of the name and you’ll hear it! Two caveats:  1. Don’t forget to turn on your speaker, and 2. Names are not alphabetized within each letter’s list. 
Library home page Faculty Services Library Hours

Deadlines Approach for Various Opportunities 

Opportunity

Deadline

More Information

Contact
4th Annual Conference on Research at Predominately Undergraduate Institutions Registration Deadline Wednesday, February 25 see PUI Conference  John Falconer, Office of Sponsored Programs
Continuing Student Scholarships Saturday, February 28 see Continuing Student Scholarships  Office of Financial Aid
Shandong University at Weihai Faculty Development Saturday, February 28 see Faculty Development Abroad  Finnie Murray
Distance Education Stipend Monday, March 2 contact Gloria Vavricka, Director of eCampus, for more information about this opportunity to receive remuneration for the development of distance education courses Gloria Vavricka, Director of eCampus
Student Research Day Wednesday, March 4 see UNK Student Research Day  Office of Graduate Studies and Research

Recognition

 

Outstanding Student Achievements and Honors
Jordan Gonzales
Cristal Grado
Tim Hruza
Antonio Lopez
Jennifer Nelson
Criss Salinas
Heather Sullivan
Brandon Wissing

represented UNK at the annual Legislative Dinner on the East Campus of UNL in Lincoln on Monday, February 2, 2009

The dinner was sponsored by the University (Varner Hall) for students from all four University campuses, all of the Senators and selected Legislative staff, as well as members of the NU Legislative Liaison Team. Students and legislators had opportunity to informally discuss the students' experiences at the University. UNK students were nominated by individuals from Admissions and Student Life. Curt Carlson, Vice Chancellor of University Relations and member of the NU Legislative Liaison Team, made the final selection of attendees and arranged for the students' travel.

Mark Bradshaw
Deb Ecklund
Matt Tonniges
Josh Steele
Brandon Wagner
Andy Wissing

(Construction Management Students)

 participated in a national competition with 37 other four-year university Construction Management programs in January 2009, proposed solution to given problem was presented to a panel of five judges - coached by Nathan Barry

Brock Ingmire
Cassie Larreau
Brandon Pettigrew

(Forensics Team Members)

Competed at state tournament in February 2009 to qualify for opportunity to compete at the 2009 Interstate Oratory (ISO) Tournament in April 2009

Brock Ingmire 5th in Persuasive Speaking
  Cassie Larreau State Championship in Informative Speaking
  Brandon Pettigrew 5th in Informative Speaking

 

Publications, Presentations, and Honors
Sylvia Asay (Family Studies) "Domestic Violence Within the Evangelical Community:  Romania and Moldova" presented at the 70th Annual National Council on Family Relations Conference, November 2008
Pradeep Barua (History) contributed an assessment report to the Department of Defense to assist in the recent administrative transition; the report has been downloaded in digital form by the Army's Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute and made available on the web as part of an elective course for the Army War College
Jennifer Crosswhite (Family Studies) "Parenting and Children's Self-control:  Concurrent and Longitudinal Links" presented at the 70th Annual National Council on Family Relations Conference, November 2008
Wyatt Hoback (Biology)

co-authored with Mathew L. Brust and Robert J. Wright: The Grasshoppers of Nebraska published by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln  Extension
    co-authored with N.J. Fryda and K.D. Koupal: "Abundance and cove fidelity of adult crappies during spawning seasons in a Nebraska irrigation reservoir" published in the Proceedings of the Fourth Reservoir Symposium 62: 587-594 (2008)
Larry Hughes (Management) co-authored with L. W., J. Avey, and S.M. Norman: "A study of supportive climate, trust, engagement, and commitment" published in the Journal of Business and Leadership: Research, Practice and Teaching
    "A correlational study of the relationship between sense of humor and positive psychological capacities" published in the Economics and Business Journal: Inquiries and Perspectives
Kennard Larson (Industrial Technology)

"Moisture Transport in Structure" presented at the Bauphysik in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,15 Jahre Lehren und Forschen: Vortrage von Wegbegleitern (Building Physics in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, 15 Years Teaching and Research:  Discussions of Colleagues) at the University of Rostock, Germany, October 2008
Phyllis Markussen and faculty of department(Family Studies and Interior Design) invited to submit photos of student work display, information or organizing course binders, actual course binders, signage map of the display area, written description of the display, etc. to be a part of the "Best Practices" showcasing self-study tools at a workshop sponsored by CIDA in conjunction with the  Interior Design Educators Council annual International Conference as a result of their recent CIDA accreditation review
Richard Meznarich (Industrial Technology) with Stanley Lightner of Western Kentucky University: “Web-based Videos:  Enhance and Reinforce Manufacturing Laboratory Activities” presented at the 2008 IJAC-IJME International Conference on Engineering & Technology, November 2008
    with Stanley Lightner of Western Kentucky University: “Globalization: it’s Effect on Industrial & Engineering Technology Curriculum” presented at the 2008 NAIT Conference, November 2008
Richard Meznarich and 
Ronald Shava
(Industrial Technology)		 “A Case Study: Globalization and its Impact on Design, Engineering and Manufacturing at John Deere and Company" presented at the 2008 NAIT Conference, November 2008

Richard Meznarich and
James Toppen
(Industrial Technology)

 “An Innovative Technical Products Applications Laboratory: New Directions for Hands on Learning” presented at the 2008 NAIT Conference, November 2008
Rick Miller (Psychology) “Instructional Techniques that Promote Student Engagement” presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology Teaching Pre-Conference, February 2009
Tami Moore (Family Studies) "Seniors to Seniors: Harnessing the e-Connection" presented at the 70th Annual National Council on Family Relations Conference, November 2008
Diane Wysocki (Sociology)

with her students Rachael Broadwell, Jessica Seberger, Jena Lynch: presented papers at the Sociologists for Women in Sociology Conference, February 2009:

Rachael Broadwell "Contribution to American Society by Single Mother Families"
  Jessica Seberger "Britney Spears as Socialization"
  Jena Lynch "The Language of AIDS: Deconstructing the Discourse about HIV/AIDS on a Nebraska College Campus"

 

Grant Recipients
Wyatt Hoback (Biology) $33,550 grant from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for the Sherman Reservoir aquatic habitat assessment project extension
Geraldine Stirtz (Teacher Education) $20,000 grant from the Midwest Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education for the Midwest Consortium 2009 Service Learning Institutional Grant Renewal

 

Calendar of Events within the Academic Affairs and Student Life Division

 

Date

 Event
January 17 - April 12 MONA presents NEBRASKA NOW: Bonnie O'Connell, Bookmaking - Museum Hours Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
February 18 - 22 UNK Theatre presents: "Miss Julie" - Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Fine Arts Studio Theatre - Tickets adults $7, UNK faculty/staff, non-UNK students and seniors $5, groups of 10+ $3 - contact 308-865-8417 for more information
February 21 Saturdays at the Frank House: "Tiffany for Kids Workshop (pre-register)" - 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - contact KrisAnn Sullivan at 308-865-8284
February 22 UNK Symphonic Band Concert directed by Gary Davis - 3:00 p.m. at the Fine Arts Recital Hall
February 23 Concerts-on-the-Platte Series presents: Faculty Recital, Franziska Nabb, flute, Jonathan Sokasits, piano - 7:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Recital Hall - contact Nathan Buckner at 308-865-8608 or bucknern@unk.edu 
February 24 Spring Career Fair sponsored by Career Services - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Nebraskan Student Union Second Level Atrium - contact Joni Weed at 308-865-8501 or weedj@unk.edu
    How to Research & Write a Research Paper! A Workshop in Two Parts! sponsored by Phi Alpha Theta, History Honor Society and Sigma Tau Delta, English Honor Society - "Researching your Paper" 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Lower Level Computer lab of Ryan Library
February 26 How to Research & Write a Research Paper! A Workshop in Two Parts! sponsored by Phi Alpha Theta, History Honor Society and Sigma Tau Delta, English Honor Society - "Writing your Paper"  7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Lower Level Computer lab of Ryan Library
   UNK Foreign Film Series Presents: Les Choristes (The Chorus), Frensh with English subtitles - 7:30 p.m. in Thomas Hall Room 106 - contact Modern Languages department for more information
February 28 Saturdays at the Frank House: "Behind the Scenes: Frank House Collection Management" - 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - contact KrisAnn Sullivan at 308-865-8284
March 1 UNK Choirs Concert directed by David Bauer - 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall
March 2

Chemistry Club Presents: Professor Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, The William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea, Department of Chemistry and Director, Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison demonstrating chemistry experiments - 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in Copeland Hall Room 142
March 3 Kearney Symphony Orchestra Concert, "Viva Vertuosi," directed by Ronald Crocker - 7:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Recital Hall - Tickets General Admission $8, UNK students free - contact (308) 865-8417 for tickets
March 4 E.N. Thompson Forum: "Notes from Afghanistan," Sarah Chayes - 7:00 p.m. at the Leid Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, available live on the web with live satellite broadcast in the Communications Center, Room 101
March 5 UNK Foreign Film Series Presents: The Battle of Red Cliff, Chinese with English subtitles - 7:30 p.m. in Thomas Hall Room 106 - contact Modern Languages department for more information
March 6

4th Annual Conference on Research at Predominately Undergraduate Institutions - register at http://www.unk.edu/acad/sponsoredprograms/index.php?id=2717 
 March 6-7   An Evening of Concert Dance directed by Gary Schaaf - 7:30 p.m. at the Miriam Drake Theatre - Tickets General Admission $5 - contact (308) 865-8417 for tickets
March 8

International Student Association presents the 2009 Scott & Cheryl Morris International Food & Cultural Festival - 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Health and Sports Center
March 9-10 James E. Smith Midwest Conference on World Affairs: "The World in Turmoil: Understanding Conflict"
March 15-22 Spring Break-No Classes
March 31 Educator's Employment Fair sponsored by Career Services - 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Nebraskan Student Union - contact Joni Weed at 308-865-8501 or weedj@unk.edu 

A Publication of the
Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Life
University of Nebraska at Kearney
905 West 25th Street
Kearney, NE 68849
Phone: (308)865-8209

For questions or submissions,
contact the Coordinator of Academic Publications at 8935 or academicpublications@unk.edu.

 

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