Current Issue: Volume 23 - Number 16 - November 17, 2006
Author Speer Morgan to read at Southern
Author and teacher Speer Morgan is coming to Joplin as part of the Missouri Southern State University Department of English and Philosophy’s Visiting Writers Series.
Morgan will give a reading on the third floor of Billingsly Student Center on the MSSU Campus at 7 p.m., Thursday Nov. 30.
He will also be giving another reading and a Q&A session at 11 a.m. Friday morning (Dec. 1) at the University Java coffee shop on the bottom floor of Spiva Library at MSSU. Both events are free and open to the public.
Speer Morgan was raised in Fort Smith, Ark. and is the author of five novels, all set in the four state area.
His first novel was a work of historical fiction about 19th century outlaw Belle Starr. His most recent novel, The Freshour Cylinders, won an American Book Award in 1999.
He is currently teaching at Missouri University and is the editor of The Missouri Review.
For more information, contact Joey Brown, English, at ext. 9708 or e-mail brown-jr@mssu.edu.
Special time for Board Meeting replay due to Grey Cup
KGCS-TV announces programming changes during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday week. On Sunday, Nov. 19, the station will air the America One Television Network coverage of the Canadian Football League Grey Cup Championship Game. The game coverage begins at 5 p.m.
As a result, the replay of the MSSU Board of Governors meeting normally seen on Sunday evening will move to 9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 20.
"We know that quite a few people are interested in watching the unique style of Canadian football, which features many players who spent their collegiate careers in the United States," says Judy Stiles, KGCS General Manager.
Taiwan arm of the IEP going well
 |
Dona Sue Cool, the MSSU instructor teaching English at Kuo-Chi Senior Vocational Technical High School in Taiwan, writes that things are going well nearing the end of the first semester of the program. She teaches one class in preparation for the national English exam given each year, serves as pronunciation instructor for several national curriculum English courses (team teaching with the Taiwanese instructors of those courses), and is working with a smaller group of students on English skills of a more general nature.
The faculty and administration of the high school have been extremely supportive both on and off campus, assisting with everything from shopping to text selection. It is hoped that soon there will be an “English Conversation Center” in the school. Some classrooms have excellent English instruction programs installed in them.
Kuo-Chi is a private high school which is working with the IEP to raise the level of English instruction for its students. “We want the best English program in Kaohsiung.” says school CEO, Jay Chen. The program operates cooperatively under the joint direction and supervision of Bill Trudeau, MSSU Director of the International English Program in conjunction with the administration of the high school. It was initiated after a visit to Taiwan by Chad Stebbins, Director of International Studies, and Bill Trudeau. The visit and coordination was fostered by Donald Ruthenberg, former area college president and a lead figure in developing connections between Asian and Missouri institutions.
During his sabbatical this fall, Jay Moorman, Communications, visited the school as well as one of the area universities seeking a cooperative relationship with Southern. “This is an exciting frontier for our English language teaching at Southern,” Bill Trudeau says. “The area is in many ways similar to southwest Missouri and we hope our students there will eventually become our students here in Joplin.” The IEP is recruiting additional instructors for Taiwan as the program develops.
Behind the Bricks
Jerry Williams, Lifelong Learning, is hosting a new show entitled Behind the Bricks. This TV show highlights the many different educational opportunities on campus. The show will inform the public about MSSU and can be seen on both KGCS and SITV stations. The 30-minute program will highlight two areas on campus.
This week’s program features the Department of Lifelong Learning and the School of Business. Tune in at 7 p.m. onWednesday evenings at and 10 p.m. on Mondays.
Suzuki Violin Academy to hold two recitals tomorrow
The Suzuki Violin Academy students of Paul Carlson, Kexi Liu, Carolann Martin and Elizabeth Meisinger, Music, will perform two recitals on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Webster Auditorium on MSSU campus.
The first recital starts at 1 p. m. and the second one at 2:30 p.m. The recitals are open to the public and admission is free. The piano accompanists are Anna Buckley and Alison Hasselquist. For a list of students taking part, visit www.mssu.edu/news/suzuki11-18-06.htm.
For further information, contact Kexi Liu, Music, at (417) 625-9681 or e-mail liu-k@mssu.edu.
Flu shots available week after Thanksgiving
The Student Health Center has finally received its flu vaccine shipment.
Pam Hosp, Student Health Center, says the flu shot clinic this year is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 27-28 in the Billingsley Student Center.
All students, faculty, staff and family are welcome to participate in this year's flu shot clinic. The cost is $10 for students and $15 for faculty and staff. Flu vaccinations received at the flu clinic are not covered under Missouri Southern's current insurance plan.
To be covered through insurance, the vaccination must be administered and billed through a physician’s office. The shot will only be reimbursed through the flexible spending account with the proper receipt. Flu shot payment may be made by cash or check.
Deadline to enroll in Law Enforcement Academy December 15
The deadline to enroll in the next session of Missouri Southern's 600-Hour State Certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy is Friday, Dec. 15. Upon successful completion of the Academy, the Missouri Department of Public Safety will certify eligible students as Peace Officers in the state of Missouri.
The Academy will meets Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning Jan. 8. The Academy requires four Saturday classes per semester. Graduation will be held May 9, 2007.
Those taking part receive training in Missouri criminal statutes, constitutional law, criminal investigation, patrol techniques, defense tactics training, physical training, firearms training and other skills and abilities deemed necessary by the state for Missouri law enforcement officers.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Those interested in enrolling should contact Tim Wilson, Law Enforcement, at (417) 625-9519 or e-mail wilson-t@mssu.edu.
Senior Honors Thesis presentations scheduled
Two students will give Senior Honors Thesis presentations near the end of November. The college community and public are invited to attend. These theses may be the essence of good teaching and learning, as they constitute original research within the students’ programs of study.
Sarah Wallace, secondary math education major from Branson, will present "What Drives the Modern Student? Learner Motivation of Traditional and Nontraditional Students at Missouri Southern" at 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30 in Room 112 of Webster Hall. This is a study on learner motivation between the traditional and nontraditional students at MSSU. It studies the differences between the groups: whether one is more intrinsically/extrinsically motivated and the students’ attitudes toward higher education.
Melanie Holt, secondary vocal music education major from Webb City, will present "Soirées Musicales --The use of Four Nationalistic Dahle Rhythms in four ariettas by Rossini" at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 30 in Webster Hall Auditorium.
Ms. Holt will give a lecture demonstration of four works by Gioacchino Rossini. The songs are written in the native dance styles of Italy, Austria, and Spain. A short reception will follow each presentation.
Program to recap elections, discuss students' civics knowledge
A recent study finds that even top undergraduates are woefully ignorant of American history and civic government. This Friday, Missouri Southern Live! examines what college students know (or don't know) about their own history, according to research conducted last year at 50 colleges and universities where over 14,000 students were randomly assessed.
Missouri Southern Live! airs at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 17 on 88.7KXMS/Fine Arts Radio International, a cultural resource of MSSU now celebrating 20 years of service.
Program host Jeff Skibbe, KXMS General Manager, recently interviewed Provost Charlotte Borst, academic head of elite Rhodes College (Memphis, Tenn.) which ranked first among the fifty colleges and universities tested. The study's findings were shocking.
Tom Simpson, Social Sciences, who directs the Regional Economic Development Center will discuss Missourians' election of Claire McCaskill, approval of embryonic stem cell research. Michael J. Fox's TV ads, language used on ballots, high-tech voting machines and area polls running low on ballots will be covered.
Garrison Keillor will also make his usual daily appearance with his thoughts on the day.
Details about the national American history/civics study will be posted on the 88.7KXMS Web site at:
http://www.mssu.edu/kxms/blog7.htm.
Writing Placement Exams
Writing Placement Exams Writing Placement Exams will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 27, and at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 10:00am in the Justice Center Auditorium.
Anyone advising students who need English 101 (College Composition I) should advise their students to come to one of the exam dates. No registration is necessary. For more information, contact Joey Brown, English, at ext. 9708.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Jennica White, Student Services, says a Salvation Army Angel Tree in the McCormick Hall lobby has 25 angels to be adopted. If you'd like to help make a child's holiday a little better, adopt an angel! It's easy:
1) Just pick an angel tag off the tree
2) Read about your chosen "angel," his/her sizes and interests for a holiday gift
3) Take the tag with you when you go to find gift(s)
4) Return the tag and UNWRAPPED gift to McCormick Hall office no later than Monday, Dec. 11.
Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate. Those with questions may contact the McCormick Hall Office at 659-4190.
Last chance for U.W. donations
Liz Scheurich, Bookstore, reminds employees that the last chance to turn in a donation for United Way is imminent.
If you have not given your packet to your team captain please do by today.
If you did not receive a packet please let Liz know by calling ext. 3035.
Firearms safety course December 16
The Law Enforcement Academy has scheduled firearms a safety training course to satisfy the training requirement for the Conceal and Carry statute in Missouri. The eight-hour class will begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, December 16 in Room 125 of the Mills Anderson Criminal Justice Center at MSS.
This training course has been approved for Barton, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald and Newton County residents. Participants will receive training in the areas of legal requirements of use of force, care and cleaning of firearms, handgun safety, and legal aspects of firearms.
The Law Enforcement Academy will utilize the state-of-the-art live fire range and two state-of-the-art computerized electronic firing ranges. The course includes live-fire and simulated fire exercises. Participants must pass a live-fire qualification exercise.
The cost of the course is $95. Participants are required to bring their firearm, eye protection, ear protection and fifty (50) rounds of ammunition. Participants who do not supply their own firearm and ammunition must pay an additional $25 charge. The fee for the course must be prepaid.
To register and prepay for the course, contact Brenda Norman, Law Enforcement, at (417) 625-9328 or e-mail her at Norman-b@mssu.edu . Ms. Norman's office is located in Room 126 of the Mills Anderson Justice Center on the MSSU campus.
AAUW event to feature special program, brunch, sale
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) will feature a special Music Theatre Tribute featuring Susan Smith, Music, and her students, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at the First Community Church in Joplin. The presentation will be part of a benefit for the AAUW scholarship at Missouri Southern.
Those attending can enjoy brunch for $13, along with a silent auction and sale of baked goods, "junque" items and more. Reservations can be made by calling (417) 781-6478.
Women with associate through advanced degrees may take part in AAUW. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin. For membership information, call Sue Cowen, Membership Chair, at (417) 624-5466.
Kexi Liu, Music, was invited and conducted Emporia State University Orchestra on Thursday, Nov. 2. The concert was held in Albert Taylor Auditorium on Emporia State University campus. The performance was well received by the audience.
Joaquin Rodriguez Suro, Foreign Languages, had an article accepted for publication in the "Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education" magazine: The Spanish Imperfect and the Revival of the Past.
Michael Yates, Social Science, presented a paper on "How to Enhance Your School Law Course: Tech for Non-Techies" at the National Conference of the Education Law Association. He also served as a ballot counter for Jasper County in the Nov. 2006 election.
CLASSIFIED
Wanted: Summer house/pet-sitter needed. If interested, please contact Eugene Berger, Social Science, at berger-e@mssu.edu or at ext. 9740.
Need Cleaning? Call Busy Brooms Cleaning for the November-December Special: Residence Hall room cleaning only $20. Call (417) 206-0040.
For Sale: White iron double-bed frame - $150.Call 850-2235.
For Sale: Classic 1968 Mercury Cougar in great condition. 302 engine and automatic transmission. Complete the restoration your way. This car is currently licensed, runs great and the body and interior are in good condition. $11,500. Contact Kevin at ext. 9890
Bookstore Specials: New shipment of sweatpants just arrived! Get them before they're all gone. |
