New Website Tracks Progress of SIS Project

Over the last several months, mention has been made across campus of the “new student information system,” with periodic updates of the project’s progress. Now, a new website lists the project team members, documents the history of the project, traces the timeline, highlights the milestones, and answers frequently asked questions. Visit the site at http://www.unk.edu/offices/its/itsweb/myblue/index.php.

Linked from the site is a blog that Deb Schroeder, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology, created to explain the different aspects of the project. In her post of June 16, she listed the key stages of the implementation process:

• Portal available – August 2009
• Students admitted for Fall 2010 – September 2009
• Class Schedule created for Fall 2010 – October 2009
• ISIR load (financial aid) – February 2010
• Registration for Fall 2010 – March 2010
• Payment processing – May 2010
• Transcripts production – August 2010

Watch the website and blog for continuing updates to understand the implications of these new processes, terms, and technologies.

- written in collaboration with Deborah Schroeder, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology

Faculty/Staff Visit China with Summer Development Program

Ten UNK faculty/staff members are currently visiting Shandong University at Weihai in China as part of the summer faculty development program established three years ago. The group left on July 2 and will be in China until July 13. The program exposes participants to China's history, language, and culture, as well as provides opportunities to meet with Chinese students and professors and deliver lectures in related areas of expertise. This year's participants include:

• Liubov Kreminska - Physics
• Mary Daake - Academic Advising
• Ross Taylor - Management Information Systems
• Marsha Yeagley - Management Information Systems
• Larry Carstensen - Accounting/Finance
• Jake Jacobsen - Communication
• Ann Marie Park - Study Abroad
• Jean Eichhorst - Geography
• Mariela Arrieta - Modern Languages
• Ann Snider - English Language Institute

- written in collaboration with Tami Plugge, Academic and Student Affairs, and
Fauneil Meier, International Education

Educational Administration Department Enrollment Rises

The Educational Administration Department has experienced a growth of student numbers since the Master’s degree program has been offered on-line. With both the Master’s and the Educational Specialist degree programs, the 2009 spring enrollment was 813, a considerable change from the 2006 spring enrollment of 499.

Not only are Nebraska students accessing their degree programs through internet delivery, they are learning and communicating with out-of-state colleagues.  Students share educational issues and practices on Discussion Board.

Numbers are good for programs, but the discussion between Nebraska students and those who live in other states and around the world add to the rich exchange of educational issues and thought. This has been a win-win situation for students and for the department.

- Patricia Cruzeiro, Chair of the Department of Educational Administration 

EPA Air Monitoring Equipment Installed on Roof of Bruner Hall of Science

Recently, the EPA approached UNK with the request to serve as a Midwest Nebraska site for air monitoring equipment. The EPA supplied the equipment and paid for minor site modifications to install the equipment on the roof of the Bruner Hall of Science. The equipment is now up and running, and Mike Larsen in the department of Physics and Physical Science is overseeing the twice weekly maintenance in order to keep the instrument in good working order.

The purpose of the equipment is to detect/identify and follow the hazardous radiation from any potential major gamma-radiation events, as well as to track ambient alpha and beta radiation levels. In exchange for allowing the EPA to place their equipment and for the volunteer equipment maintenance, the Physics department will have priority data access from this instrument and the other 100 instruments (eventually 160) spread across the country. This provides both faculty and students a unique opportunity to research with state-of-the art equipment in a realistic scientific environment, including, for example, examining the hourly gamma spectra the instrument records in order to couple radiation information meteorological measurements already being made by the Physics department at Bruner Hall on the UNK campus. The immediate focus will be on maintaining the equipment with plans to do more in-depth research projects with the results in the future.

- Mike Larsen, Assistant Professor of Physics and Physical Science 

Physics Receives Grant from the NU Foundation

The Department of Physics was recently awarded a grant of $128,725 from the University of Nebraska Foundation to up-grade the facilities and equipment in the observatory located on the roof of Bruner Hall. The completion of the new planetarium in October will further enhance astronomy at UNK. Thanks to Jose Mena-Werth who has been a key figure behind both the planetarium and observatory projects.

- Robert Rycek, Dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences 

Industrial Distribution Program Receives National Recognition

In the spring of 2009, the UNK Industrial Distribution Program was named one of the top in the nation by the University Sales Education Foundation (USEF).  The spring 2009 issue of Selling Power magazine also included a supplement featuring the top programs both nationally and internationally, and the UNK ID program was the only Nebraska institution to make that list.

“Fewer than one percent of all colleges and universities are on the 2009 Top University Sales Program list,” Dr. Don Envick said. “The key to our success is a driven faculty, staff and student body who believe in the ID Program vision, have a passion for success and know we can be the best.” In a press release regarding our inclusion to the list, Jeanne Frawley, USEF Director said “UNK is leading the way for the state in sales and education. A true national differentiator for the UNK program is the focus on technical sales.”

The complete list of Top University Sales Programs can be viewed online at www.saleseducationfoundation.org.

For more information about this prestigious recognition, read the story in the Kearney Hub from April 29, 2009.

 - duplicated from the Industrial Distribution newsletter, created by Chele Simon, Industrial Distribution Program Assistant 

American Democracy Project Celebrates Successful First Year and Plans for Next

The 2008-2009 academic year was the first for the American Democracy Project (ADP) at UNK. Already in the first year, the ADP was actively involved in many projects, seeking to raise the level of civic and political conversation on campus, which was timely because of the November presidential election. High levels of faculty and student participation led to many successful ADP-sponsored events. ADP helped others with Constitution Day, bringing the NY Times to campus, sponsoring Times Talk events, hosting E.N. Thompson Forum telecasts and supporting a number of speakers who came to campus for other events. ADP hosted approximately five Times Talks each semester, with speakers from every college. The success of the Times Talks was insured by widespread faculty support.

In the upcoming year, the ADP and its advisory group will continue with last year’s initiatives, as well as introduce new activities. One area the ADP hopes to emphasize is student initiation of civic entrepreneurial activities. If the program is approved, the ADP would issue a call to students, judge the submitted applications and award small stipends to assist students with the implementation of their civic entrepreneurial plans. The ADP plans to launch a faculty book group to read a scholarly treatment of democracy. The group also hopes to invite a major speaker to campus, possibly in conjunction with the NY Times Speakers Bureau.

The ADP looks forward to another full and promising year of activity, always seeking to obtain a wider level of engagement from students, faculty and staff. 

- John Anderson, Coordinator of the American Democracy Project at UNK 

Music and Performing Arts Hosts Summer Camps

The Music and Performing Arts department has a steady stream of visitors during the summer months of 2009, with three camps designed to be fun learning environments for the development and enhancement of skills. 

The first camp took place May 31 to June 6. Anne Foradori coordinated the “Broadway Bound-Musical Theatre Camp” with 15 students in attendance, between the ages of 15 and 18. Attendees of this camp participated in an intensive week of singing, dancing, and acting led by UNK faculty and recent graduates. The week culminated in a "Showcase" performance on Saturday, June 6.

In the coming week, the department will host two more camps. 

During July 15-17, expert clinicians, UNK drum majors, and members of the UNK drum line and color guard will come together to offer expert instruction to approximately 175 high school band members at the “Sounds in the Summer Camp.” This event is coordinated by Neal Schnoor and will provide high school students with skill and personal development to help them prepare for performances in the coming year. The camp will close with a performance on Friday, July 17, at 7:00 p.m. at Foster Field. All are invited to attend and no admission will be charged.  

From July 19-21, David Bauer is coordinating the “All-State Vocal Camp.” High school students are invited to this camp where they will prepare for auditions to perform at the state National Music Educator’s Association convention in Lincoln in November. This camp, too, will culminate in a final performance on Tuesday, July 21, at 2:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall at the Fine Arts Building. 

- written in collaboration with Jane Jameson, Department of Music and Performing Arts,
Anne Foradori, Professor of Music, and
Neal Schnoor, Associate Professor of Music 

HPERLS Hosts National Youth Sports Program for 17th Year

For over 17 years, the Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies (HPERLS) department has been hosting the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. This year, over 70 children, ages 9 to 13, registered for the four-week program, with an average daily attendance of 56. Camp started Monday June 1 and ended on Thursday June 25th and ran from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additionally, with the help of the Noon Kiwanis, campers went to Island Oasis for a private party on Saturday, June 20th.

The program emphasizes healthy habits with the goal of increasing activity and reducing obesity in children. The NYSP camp is an important summer program that provides a safe, healthy, fun environment for children. Campers engaged in activities related to adventure, swimming, sports skills, cooperative games, and team building, and they received classroom instruction on nutrition and health, as well as a USDA breakfast snack and hot lunch each day. 

In years past, HPERLS received funding through a national grant, but they had to seek alternate sources after the national funding was eliminated four years ago. They have been able to continue providing  this service to the children of central Nebraska through donations and funding from the HPERLS Human Performance Lab. 

Many individuals were involved in hosting this program at UNK, and credit goes to them for continuing this tradition of outreach into the community:

• Nita Unruh (10 years with program), Chair of the Department of HPERLS
• Erin Holt, Assistant Professor of HPERLS - activity director in charge of day-to-day operations 
• Mary Iten (10 years with program), Lecturer in HPERLS - coordinator and teacher of the Health classes 
• Terri Sheridan, Lecturer in HPERLS - activity leader 
• Tanner Cavennee (10 years with program), PE teacher and head basketball coach at Elm Creek - activity leader  
• Amber Lewis, UNK graduate and History teacher at Kearney - activity leader 
• Meghan Ruebel - activity leader 
• Bill Murphy (15 years with program), head athletic trainer at UNK - medical coordinator  
• Lacey Batt - swim instructor 
• Morrow Longacre, lifeguard 
• 10 counselors all UNK students or recent graduates - Jonathan Cannon (Sports Administration), Michael Pennetta (Journalism/Sports Communications), Laura Gormley (Sports Administration), Brendon Leiss (Physical Education), Jade Mead (Businness), Justin Arellano (Mathematics), Briana Duncan (Journalism/Public Relations), Jewell Rupercht (Elementary Education), Michelle Pawlak (Elementary Education), Adam Jentz (Exercise Science)

 - written in collaboration with Nita Unruh, Chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies 

Teacher Education Hosts Summer Institute for Network of Partner Schools

For the past nine years, the Department of Teacher Education has hosted members of the UNK College of Education, K-12 Network of Partner Schools at a Summer Institute. The agenda for the day follows a central theme related to the goals of the Network. Each school is invited to send a team of three teachers and/or administrators, who present on topics including P-12 Student Academic Achievement, Preparing Prospective Teachers, Professional Development for Practicing Educators, and Inquiry Projects. This year’s institute was held on Friday June 12, 2009 at the Nebraskan Student Union with 130 in attendance. 

Currently, there are forty-seven K-12 schools involved in the Network of Partner Schools. The Network began with eight cohorts of five schools each and has grown to twelve cohorts of four schools each. UNK's field experience program has increased by 45% since 1999, and this adds to the the Network Schools' involvement with UNK students. Most universities that are involved with the National Network of Partner Schools are located in more urban settings. In contrast, the setting of rural Nebraska makes this partnership unique because UNK students are engaging in field experiences in which they have to travel distances to reach their schools and go to communities where the population is smaller than the urban counterpart.

Ron Bovill, Dirctor of the UNK Network of Partner Schools, coordinates the summer institute each year, setting the agenda and making all of the arrangements for the day. This year's UNK faculty participants were Ed Scantling, Glen Powell, Dennis Potthoff, Tommy Hansen, Ken Mesersmith,  Jane Ziebarth/Bovill, Wendy McCarty, Donna Montgomery, Carol Hudson, Carol Tjernagel, and Demaris Grant.

 - Ron Bovill, Director of the UNK Network of Partner Schools 

UNK Athletics Hosts Multiple Summer Sports Camps

The Athletics department offered the following sports camps during the summer months, attracting attendees from Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas, ranging age from elementary to high school:

- Peter Vazvac, UNK Sports Information Director 

2009 Undergraduate Research Journal Now Available

The 2009 UNK Undergraduate Research Journal has been published, showcasing the work of 16 students from across campus.  Copies have been sent to each department, but additional copies are available upon request. 

- John Falconer, Director of Sponsored Programs 

Guidelines for the Use of IT Resources Revised Last Spring

In April, revisions to the old “Guidelines for the Use of Computing Resources” were approved. The changes to the policy - now called “Guidelines for the Use of Information Technology Resources at UNK” - involve updating the language to reflect the most current industry standards, changing “computing resources” to “IT resources.” Also, an item was added to the description of the “Misuse of Information Technology and Network Systems” (formerly “Prohibited Acts”): “V. Personal use of any University information system to access, download, print, store, forward, transmit or distribute obscene material.” Take a moment to review these important IT guidelines online or in the printed version of the 2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog (page 281).

- written in collaboration with Deborah Schroeder, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology

New Rank and Tenure Guidelines Approved

In the spring of 2006, Finnie Murray, then Senior Vice Chancellor, established an ad hoc committee in cooperation with the Deans' Council and Faculty Senate to begin a review of the guidelines for Rank and Tenure at UNK. The committee has worked for many months to revise and update the guidelines, and now, after a process that involved review by the faculty of the four colleges, endorsement by the Faculty Senate, and approval by the Chancellor and the Board of Regents, the new guidelines reached the end of the approval process in April of 2008. The new guidelines are in effect with the 2009-2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement and can be found online in the Faculty Handbook.

Many thanks to the individuals who worked on the revision of this document:

• Deborah Bridges, Chair from 2007 to 2008
• Ken Nikels, Chair from 2006 to 2007
• Greg Anderson, from 2007 to 2008
• Mary Ann Barton, from 2006 to 2007
• Allan Jenkins, from 2006 to 2008
• Joseph Benz, from 2006 to 2008
• Anne Foradori, from 2006 to 2008
• Laurence Hilton, from 2006 to 2008
• Larry Kuskie, from 2006 to 2008
• Robert Rycek, 2008
• Frank Harrold, from 2006 to 2008

- written in collaboration with Tami Plugge, Academic and Student Affairs, and
Deborah Bridges, Faculty Assistant to the Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs 

Recognition

Calendar of Events within the Academic and Student Affairs Division

Edited by Kim Elliott, Coordinator of Academic Publications 

A Publication of the
Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs
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.