Current Issue: Volume 26 - Number 13 - April 4, 2008
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HLC recommends 10-Year Accreditation, longest possible term
An evaluation team representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools announced its preliminary recommendation that Missouri Southern State University be accredited for a 10-year period, the longest possible term, during an exit report Wednesday.
Members of the seven-member team will return to their respective institutions and begin preparing a formal report from their comprehensive evaluation visit that took place March 31 -April 2.
“We were very impressed with the cooperation of the University and we were impressed with the program displays that we had not seen at other evaluations,” said Reneé Neely, of Eastern New Mexico University and Chair of the HLC Consultant-Evaluator Team. “The University’s mission is clearly articulated, has broad support, and resources are directed to appropriately support it. The University has a strong international mission, is ahead of the curve in Distance Learning, and many would give their eye teeth to have such library resources.”
For Missouri Southern, the process represents the end of a three-year effort to gain continued accreditation. The process began in 2004 with an extensive Self-Study report headed by Jack Oakes, Computer Information Science Department; and Betsy Griffin, Psychology/Academic Affairs. A complete narrative of the Self-Study process is available at http://www.mssu.edu/selfstudy/.
“We were very pleased with the preliminary report that gives us accreditation through 2017-18 and that speaks highly of the efforts of Dr. Oakes, Dr. Griffin and the entire University faculty and staff,” commented Bruce Speck, President.
Missouri Southern State University has been accredited by the Commission since 1949, when it was Joplin Junior College. Its accreditation is at the bachelor’s degree level and includes selected master’s degrees and an international site.
The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs. Accreditation is voluntary. The Commission accredits approximately 1,100 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region. The Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation has implications related to Federal Financial Aid and degree recognition by other institutions.
For the past three years, Missouri Southern State University has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the Commission's requirements and criteria for accreditation and aspiration goals for the first year of college. The purpose of the evaluation team‘s visit to the University was to gather evidence that the self-study was thorough and accurate.
The team will submit a formal recommendation to the Commission for continuing status for the university, followed by a review process, at which time the Commission itself will take the final action.
HLC visit celebration this afternoon
After three years of preparation and many hours of hard work by people all over campus, it is time to celebrate.
MSSU President Bruce Speck invites faculty and staff to a reception celebrating the conclusion of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools visit.
The reception will be held from 4 - 6 p.m. today, Friday, April 4, in the BSC 2nd floor lounge.
Dr. Speck will make remarks at 5:15 p.m. A number of door prizes will be given away.
Today has been designated as an official "Spirit Day." Employees are encouraged to wear the MSSU colors of green and gold - and appropriate jeans for the day
Missouri Southern underwent a comprehensive evaluation visit by a team representing the HLC from March 31 - April 2. During their two and a half day visit, the team members met with officials from MSSU as well as members of the campus community in open forums for faculty, professional staff and students.
Before departure on Wednesday, the team held an exit meeting to share findings and recommendations.
Mining map demonstration April 8
A Tri-State mining map demonstration will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Tuesday, April 8 in the 3rd Floor Connor Ballroom of the Billingsly Student Center at Missouri Southern State University.
Presenters will include Charles Nodler, Archivist at MSSU’s Spiva Library, and Chris Chappell, Jasper County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator.
The demonstration is a collaborative grant project between the George A. Spiva Library and the Jasper and Newton County Environmental Task Force.
The Archives area of the Spiva Library at MSSU is the repository for a large number of maps of mines that covered the Tri-State area of Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma from the mid 19th to early 20th centuries.
An open house will immediately follow the presentation in the Archives area of the Spiva Library.
Southern Jazz Orchestra to perform April 17
The Missouri Southern Jazz Orchestra (SJO) invites the campus and community to attend its Spring Showcase concert at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 17, in Webster Hall Auditorium on the MSSU campus.
Joining the SJO on this concert will be its very special guests, drummer Greg Gaston and The MSSU Student Jazz Combo. Greg will join forces with the combo in performances of two of his original compositions, “Swing Set” and “December.”
He will then join the SJO in performances of Pat Williams’ arrangement of the Cole Porter classic “In the Still of the Night” and Miles Davis’ “Milestones.” The band will also showcase a number of student musicians including Luke Ochsenbein, guitar, Kyle Babbitt, tenor sax, Tom Smith, trumpet, Paul Whetstone, trombone and Levi Randolph, alto sax.
The orchestra is under the direction of Jeff Macomber, Music. The MSSU Student Jazz Combo is under the direction of Phillip C. Wise, Music. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jeff at ext. 9635 or e-mail macomber-j@mssu.edu.
Those wanting details on the Southern Jazz Orchestra may visit the SJO online at:
www.mssu.edu/music/newjazzorchestra.html.
MSSU Social Science Department partner in $1 million grant
The Social Science Department at MSSU and the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence will participate with the primary recipent, the Carl Junction School District, in receiving a $1 million Teaching American History grant from the U.S. Department of Education for its project, What is an American ?: Teaching American History through Biography.
Additional project partners include SuccessLink, The Joplin Globe, and a rich mix of humanities including National Archives and Records Administration (Central Plains Region), Missouri State Historical Society, the Missouri Historical Society, the Powers Museum, George Washington Carver National Monument and Jefferson Expansion National Monument.
What is an American is a three-year program to improve the teaching of history in local schools. MSSU history professors will provide history content seminars for teachers, which will be followed by faculty-led field trips to historic sites including Colonial Williamsburg, historic Missouri sites, and a Civil Rights tour of the south.
Benefits to Missouri Southern include thousands of dollars for library resources, classroom technology, and guest speakers. More importantly, the project strengthens the bonds between Southern, local schools, and other educational and humanities institutions.
What is an American is the fifth Teaching American History grant awarded to Missouri Southern State University.
Test your C.S.I. skills this weekend
O.K., you might not be "Lenny Brisco" on Law and Order but you CAN show up at the scene of an imaginary “crime” and put your sleuthing skills to work this weekend at MSSU.
A mock crime scene will be set up by the Criminal Justice Forensics Association (C.J.F.A.) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 5 - 6 in the Mills H. Anderson Justice Center.
The cost is $6 for adults or $3 for students with I.D. and children ages 6 - 12.
Demonstration booths will allow those taking part to learn the techniques of fingerprinting, blood spatter evidence, gas analysis, ballistics and photography as they are used in crime scene analysis.
A live action crime scene will challenge those who turn out to help solve the case. Participants will be able to confer with evidence technicians. They will also have the chance to question faux suspects, witnesses and officers on the scene.
Jeans Lecture in History April 24
The fourteenth annual Jeans Lecture in History will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24 in Webster Hall Auditorium.
The speaker will be T. H. Breen, William Smith Mason Professor of American History at Northwestern University. Breen's address is titled “It Rained Dead Cats and Dogs the Day the Revolution Began: Political Ideology and Popular Mobilization on the Eve of American Independence”
Breen received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1968. He is interested in the history of political thought, material culture, and cultural anthropology. A Guggenheim fellow, he has held appointments at the Institute for Advanced Study and the National Humanities Center as well as the Pitt Professorship of American History and Institutions at Cambridge University and the Harmsworth Professorship at Oxford University.
His publications include five monographs, among them Tobacco Culture: the Mentality of the Great Tidewater Planters on the Eve of Revolution (recipient of the T. Saloutos Prize) and Imagining the Past: East Hampton Histories (winner of the Historical Preservation Book Prize), as well as portions of the highly successful undergraduate text, America: Past and Present. Breen has most recently published Marketplace of Revolution: How Consumer Politics Shaped American Independence, with Oxford University Press, and won the Colonial War Society Prize for the best book in 2004 on the American Revolution.
A recent recipient of an Alexander von Humboldt Award from the German government and a Fellowship from the Max Planck Institute, he is now working on a new book tentatively entitled The Collapse of an American Empire: Revolutionary Political Culture, 1774-1776.
The Jeans Lecture in History is named in honor of Dr. Virgil and Virginia Jeans, longtime residents of Joplin. They were lifelong learners and placed high value on education. At their deaths, contributions in their memory were made to the Missouri Southern Foundation, and it is that support that funds the lecture series. Funding is also provided by the Social Science Department.
Special deal for Spanish Language Village
MSSU employees will receive a special price for Villa Española (Spanish Village), MSSU's summer program for children ages 8-13. Regular cost of the program is $650 for the residential camp and $450 for the day camp.
Children of MSSU employees can attend the Villa for a reduced price of $500 for the residential camp and $350 for the day camp.
Villa Española will be held for the thirteenth year July 13th-18th. Villagers learn basic Spanish language skills, culture, geography, history, songs, dances and crafts in a very dynamic environment. They also take part in small and large group games, computer activities and recreational events such as swimming, treasure hunt, scavenger hunt, and others.
No prior knowledge of Spanish is required. Advanced levels of instruction are available for campers who have previous knowledge of Spanish.
For more information, visit the website at www.mssu.edu/international/ilrc/spanish.htm, or you can request a brochure by calling (417) 625-3140 by e-mailing Leslie Parker, Foreign Languages, at parker-l@mssu.edu.
Southern co-sponsors ceramics workshop
Frank A. Pishkur, Art, and three students from MSSU's continuing education ceramics course attended a workshop featuring interpretational wood-firing ceramic artists that was held conjointly by Missouri State University and the College of the Ozarks. Artists included Gregory Miller of Denmark, Janne Hieck of Germany and Eva Zethraeus of Sweden as well as Dale Huffman, Ian Meares, and Justin Rothshank of Pittsburgh, PA.
The first two days of the workshop were at MSU in Springfield and focused on the artists creating a large amount of work and showing their different approaches to similar ceramic forms. They also shared their philosophy, intentions, and motivations about working with clay. The workshop then moved for four days to the College of the Ozarks in Branson to load and fire a two-chambered naborigama (traditional Japanese style) wood kiln.
The firing took over 30 hours of constant stoking and attention by the workshop participants. A hundred fifty years ago every firing was a wood firing, today the process is utilized for the distinctive coloration and markings created by the effect of the high temperature (2,400 degrees Fahrenheit) melting the ash from the burning wood being deposited upon the work.
An exhibition of work created by the artists, including some examples from the workshop firing, is being held at Springfield Pottery, 416 S. Campbell Avenue in Springfield. They can be contacted at (417) 864-4677 or by visiting www.springfieldpottery.com).
The opening reception will take place from 6 - 10 p.m., Friday, April 4, coinciding with Springfield's First Friday Art walk. The exhibition runs through April 18.
Czech film next Tuesday on campus
An eastern European film will be featured in the 46th Annual International Film Festival on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. in Cornell Auditorium, MSSU. No admission is charged.
The film, The Fifth Horseman is Fear (…a paty jezdec je Strach) (Czechoslovakia, 1964), will be presented in DVD format.
A Jewish physician working in Nazi-occupied Prague works in a warehouse after he is forbidden to practice medicine and helps an injured political fugitive. He is then plunged into a moral and ethical conflict.
Using historical context, director Zynek Brynych creates a thinly disguised allegory about Communist Czechoslovakia that is rich in atmosphere and dark in tone. "A nearly perfect film” wrote Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun –Times. . The Times of London called it "a striking portrayal of a society in moral meltdown."
For further details telephone (417) 673-1261.
Threads of Hope
The Robert W. Plaster School of Business is seeking the following fabric materials and toiletries for its Threads of Hope social responsibility project, coordinated by Nanette Philibert, Management, and the students in her Organizational Behavior class.
| - Polyester cloth | - Toothbrush & toothpaste |
| - Bathing suit fabrics | - Lotion |
| - Velvet | - Shampoo |
| - Silks | - Body wash |
| - Reading glasses | - Any type of bathroom toiletries |
Your donation will help women living in shantytowns around Lima, Peru to create a new life for their families by using the fabric to make Bible covers, purses, pillow cases, and clothing and it will also improve their lifestyle.
Donations will be accepted until April 22 and can be placed in the collection boxes in Plaster Hall, Reynolds Hall, Hearnes Hall, Webster Hall, Leggett & Platt Athletic Center, Residence Halls, Billingsly Student Center, Spiva Library. These donations will be collected and packaged by the students and shipped to Plano, Tex., where they will be routed to Peru.
Material that cannot be accepted is cotton or flannel or anything that frays when washed. Contact Nanette at 625-9868 for more information or visit www.forrestoutreachfoundation.org.
MOBIUS/SWAN welcomes Forest Institute
The MOBIUS Consortium & the SWAN cluster at George A. Spiva Library welcome Forest Institute of Professional Psychology as a full member.
“Forest Institute of Professional Psychology was one of the first professional schools established as a result of the "practicing-psychologist" movement of the 1950s. From its beginnings in 1979, the school's sole purpose has been to provide an alternative to traditional Ph.D. programs for individuals desiring an education preparing them to serve primarily as direct providers of mental health services rather than as researchers or academicians. Programs have emphasized a holistic approach to mental wellness grounded in the science and practice of clinical psychology.”
"We are excited to welcome FIPP," says Amber Carr, Library. "Their specialized collection will enrich the MOBIUS/SWAN collections available to our students and all students within the consortium"
Suzuki students to play
The Suzuki Violin Academy will host a Play-In concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Webster Auditorium on MSSU campus. Area violin students are cordially invited to join Suzuki Violin Academy students in the performance. The concert is open to public and admission is free.
For Play-In repertoire and further information, contact Kexi Liu, Suzuki Violin Academy Director, at (417) 625-9681, or e-mail him at liu-k@mssu.edu.
Don't forget the interviews . . . .Mindy Thompson, Financial Aid, reminds all graduates with student loans that they are required to complete exit counseling/interviews prior to May 17.
Teachers should remind upcoming graduates they will not be able to obtain their diploma, transcript or grades until the exit interviews are completed either online or in person.
For information, contact Financial Aid at (417) 625-9325.
Newsmakers to focus on MSIPC
Judy Stiles, KGCS-TV, says an upcoming edition of the program Newsmakers will focus on the 2008 Missouri Southern International Piano Competition (MSIPC). Guests provide a preview of the activities, including information about the pianists selected to come to Joplin to compete. The program includes a clip showing one of the young pianists chosen to perform in the Junior category. Guests also discuss the host family set-up for performers. The program also provides information about the week’s schedule.
Newsmakers will air at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 9. It will be shown again at 5:30 a.m., Saturday, april 12 on KOAM TV and at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, April 13.
Judy says guests will be Vivian Leon, Competition Director, and Polly Scoutaris, Host Family Coordinator
Larry Cebula, Social Sciences, will be leaving Southern at the end of the semester to accept a position at Eastern Washington University. At EWU he will direct an MA program in Public History and serve as the Assistant Archivist at the Washington State Digital Archives.
Human Resources would like to take this opportunity to welcome two new employees to the Missouri Southern campus. Please join welcome Brad McDaniel and Victor McCullough to the Public Safety team!
Bill Hunt, KGCS, accompanied three members of the MSSU chapter of the National Broadcasting Society to their national convention in March. The students attending were Jarrod Griswold, Ashley Russell, and Rachel Roberts. The convention was held March 12-16 in Anaheim, Calif. While there, they attended sessions dealing with broadcasting and electronic media.
Gerald T. Schlink, Biology, completed the course and field work for "Naturist-Marine Life" certification through while at Cozumel, Mexico, March 10-17.
The Child Development Center lead staff (Roilynn Comer, Dana Forsythe, Michelle Schodde, and Amber Tankersley) will be attending the "Early Years are Learning Years: Make them Count!" conference held at Missouri State University on Saturday, April 5. This conference is held in celebration of the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Week of the Young Child.
CLASSIFIED
For Sale: Hewlett Packard Pavilion M70 CRT computer monitor. Includes mount-on speakers. Will take best offer. Contact Jude Meche at ext 9535.
For Sale: Only $1. The retired Spanish textbook Caminos, Second Edition, 2002, Houghton Mifflin. Contact the MSSU Bookstore.
For Sale: 2004 commercial Snapper rider mower, zero turn, 48 in. deck, 19 H. Kawasaki motor, approx. 460 hours. $3600. call ext. 9558 or 620-249-1984.
Wanted: Lake front property or house/trailer on lake front property. Table Rock Lake. Prefer the Shell Knob to Eagle Rock area. Any style house or a "fixer-upper" would be fine. Please call (417) 540-3423 or e-mail Becky Gallemore at gallemore-r@mssu.edu.
Sixth Annual Freeman Excellence in Nursing Gala tickets on Sale! The more tickets that are sold, the more money that will be donated to the Nursing department. $22 for students. Preferred seating for $45, General Admission, $30. The event will begin at 6 p.m.April 17, at John Q. Hammons Center in Joplin. Social hour with a cash bar plus dinner will be followed by keynote speaker, LeAnn Thieman, author of Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul- Second Dose. The Awards Ceremony caps the evening. To buy tickets, call Melissa at 625-9322.
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For Sale : 2 year old long haired, female, dapple dachshund. "Maggie" is a sweet natured, lovable dog who is just as happy cuddling as she is playing. She is up to date on all shots, we are asking $150. Please call Amber at 5444 or email at higgins-a@mssu.edu
For Sale: 2004 commercial Snapper rider mower, zero turn, 48 in. deck, 19 H. Kawasaki motor, approx. 460 hours. $3600. call #9558 or 620-249-1984.
For Sale: 2008 Chrysler 300T; loaded, 7500 miles. Gold with beige interior, must see to appreciate! $19,900.. Long distance cyclist has realized her bike will not fit in the trunk! Call Becky Gallemore at 659-5425 or cell at 540-3423.
