Submit items to Campus Currents

The Campus Currents is distributed every Friday. If you would like to include an item in the newsletter send it to: Campus Currents, USB 9512 or by e-mail to Campus Currents. Deadline is Thursday at 8 a.m.

King's article published - Top

An article written by Dr. Vincent King, College of Arts and Sciences assistant professor, was recently published in the annual Faulkner Issue of the Mississippi Quarterly. His article is titled "The Wages of Pulp: The Use and Abuse of Fiction in William Faulkner's The Wild Palms."

BHSU science faculty and undergrads publish results - Top

BHSU chemistry professor Dr. Peter deLannoy and three undergraduate students, Dennie Mann, Rapid City, Joseph Maycock, Gillette, Wyo., and Christopher Davidson, Sioux Falls, have recently published a paper in The Chemical Educator.

Their article is titled "Nucleoside Chemistry and Flash Chromatography: An Integrated Approach to Teaching an Organic Chemistry Laboratory."

The paper details synthesis of two nucleosides, and used the synthesis to teach students how science is done in the real world. Nucleosides are a type of nucleic acid. Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA. Nucleosides are rapidly becoming important because they are used to design gene inhibitors called antisense compounds, used to treat AIDS, and in the synthesis of DNA.

Students are encouraged to handle science in a manner similar to an industrial or academic research setting by forming three-person teams to solve problems. Synthesis of nucleosides requires the students to become familiar with numerous lab techniques.

BH students in the lab become familiar with primary reference sources, plan their project, use cutting edge chemical procedures to synthesize the intermediate and final compounds, and purify the product using flash chromatography. The teams then presented their results in a written paper and via an oral presentation

Publication of the procedures used in the BHSU lab will allow faculty at other universities to use this innovative technique with their students. The development of these procedures was funded by the BHSU Faculty Research and Instructional Improvement Committees as well as the Center for Innovation and Economic Development.

Chemistry associate professor deLannoy has been a member of the BHSU science faculty since 1991. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Colorado.

Space Day at BH will offer NASA speaker and demonstrations - Top

The South Dakota Space Grant Consortium (SDSGC) along with corporate sponsor Black Hills Corporation/Black Hills FiberCom will sponsor the 5th Annual South Dakota Space Day Friday, April 23 in Cook Gymnasium on the campus of Black Hills State University (an SDSGC educational affiliate). The theme for the day's event is: "NASA and the Environment, Where Earth and Space Meet."

This is a day of hands-on math, science, and technology demonstrations geared toward K-12 students, with the public welcome. Over 2,200 students have signed up to attend the day's events. Some of the exhibits featured include a NASA space suit, food for space, simulated moon rocks, StarLab, a flight simulator, and many others.

Roger Zwieg, a NASA senior research pilot and South Dakota native, will be the keynote speaker. He will be present all day to informally interact with people and will formally present at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact the South Dakota Space Grant Outreach office at (605) 578-9731 or Larry Hines at 642-6887.

BHSU and SDSM&T research dinner meeting set - Top

The next joint research dinner meeting between Black Hills State University and South Dakota Schools of Mines and Technology will be Wednesday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Phil-town Inn in Sturgis.

Dinners are $9.69 and include tax and tip. A final count on dinners must be given Thursday, April 15.

Dr. John Bendler of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology will be the speaker. Dr. Bendler has a long research career in industry and academe. His research area is polymer chemistry.

If you are interested in attending contact Thomas P. Cox.

Support staff conference offered - Top

In recognition of Professional Secretaries Day, the South Dakota Bureau of Personnel presents the 1999 support staff conferences. Sessions are being held in Rapid City, April 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alex Johnson Hotel.

Ellen Killey will be the presenter for "Passion for Excellence: Delivering Exceptional Customer Service." Topics include motivational skills and goal setting, internal and external customers, team building, communication skills—listening, establishing rapport, telephone professionalism and how to handle angry customers and deal with conflict.

The registration fee is $60 per person. If special accommodations are necessary, contact the training office at 773-3461 at least two weeks in advance of the training.

If anyone at BHSU is interested in attending, contact Becky Bruce at 6549 or Anita Haeder at 6545 to register. Conference costs and travel will be billed to the requesting department.

Black Hills Research Symposium set for April 21 at BHSU - Top

The Black Hills Research Symposium featuring keynote speaker Dr. Gil Dyrli, an expert in educational telecommunications, will be held Wednesday, April 21 beginning at 8 a.m. in the second-floor conference room of the Student Union at Black Hills State University.

A series of half-hour presentations by faculty, students and others will be made throughout the day in two sessions running concurrently from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. with a noon lunch break.

The symposium will begin with opening remarks from BHSU President Thomas Flickema at 8:45 a.m., followed at 9 a.m. by Dyrli's address titled “Telecommunications and Education: Looking Toward a New Future.”

The keynote speaker is a professor emeritus of education at the University of Connecticut where he served as news and technology editor for Curriculum Administrator magazine. He also coordinated a university-sponsored teacher professional development center that was cited in Newsweek magazine. He recently collaborated on three network children's programs including the Emmy-award winning Schoolhouse Rock on ABC.

Dyrli says, “Emerging developments in telecommunications and the World Wide Web will transform education, and are changing teaching and learning profoundly.”

Session presenters and topics during the symposium

The sessions are open to the public at no charge. Information on the symposium is available by phoning (605) 642-6421

Wellness Fair scheduled - Top

The BHSU Wellness Fair will be Wednesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the BHSU Young Center.

The fair will feature free health screenings, massage, demonstrations, merchandise and more. The fair is open to the public at no charge.

For additional information contact BHSU Health Services at 642-6520.

Kevin Whirlwind Horse Memorial Run set for April 17 - Top

The 15th annual Kevin Whirlwind Horse Memorial Scholarship Run/Walk will be held Saturday morning, April 17th, beginning at the Wenona Cook cul-de-sac. Categories include 5-K and 10-K runs, a one mile walk, and kids' races.

A $10 registration fee includes a commemorative t-shirt. Medals will be awarded for 1st-3rd place in each division, and trophies will be awarded to the overall 5-K and 10-K winners. Registration materials will be available at the Young Center on Friday (the 9th), and next week at the Wellness Fair and the Tribal Language Summit.

Schedule of events:

• 10:00 Registration in Wenona Cook cul-de-sac
• 10:30 Kids races begin; presentation of awards
• 10:45 Presentation of Memorial Scholarships by Mrs. Whirlwind Horse
• 11:00 5-K and 10-K races begin; walk starts
• 11:30-Presentation of awards

Remember, this is a scholarship fundraiser, so even if you don't want to participate, you can still donate! Anyone who donates $15 or more will receive a memorial run t-shirt. Two scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding Native American sophomores in memory of Kevin Whirlwind Horse, a BHSU student who was killed in a car accident in 1984.

For entry forms or more information contact: Deatta Chapel, Black Hills State University, Student Support Services, 1200 University, USB 9510, Spearfish, S.D. 57799-9510 or call 642-6294/6622.

Minutes of the March 17 faculty senate meeting - Top

A faculty senate meeting was held Wednesday, March 17, 1999, at 3:15 p.m. in Jonas 103.

Faculty senate members attending: Tim Steckline, Steve Babbitt, Don Chastain, Barb Chrisman, Charles Lamb, Dan Peterson, Rob Schurrer, Nicholas Wallerstein.

Don Chastain moved the approval of the agenda. Rob Schurrer seconded. Motion to approve the agenda passed.

Steve Babbitt moved the approval of the minutes as amended. Rob Schurrer seconded. Motion passed.

Discussion of a possible statement to be issued by the faculty senate concerning the actions of the Legislature in the final hours of the session. Concern about the rights of the faculty are at issue.

Tim Steckline announced that Tad Perry will be on campus for a meeting with faculty on April 6 at 3:20 p.m. in the Student Union.

Tim Steckline also indicated that the class attendance statement will be in the 1999-2000 Catalog.

The discussion on pay periods for extension faculty is continuing. Ben Dar and Anita Haeder will be asked to provide the choices in writing so that it will be easier to understand the possibilities.

Discussion was held regarding the agenda item related to administrators serving on faculty committees. No one was certain as to the reason for the concern. At the present time the senate will take no action and will treat each appointment on a case by case basis. If a complaint with all of the particulars is brought to the senate it will be considered at that time. The appointments committee tries to take into consideration such issues as the appointments are made.

The agenda item regarding sanctioned school activities was discussed at length. No one seems quite certain as to what organizations are on this sanctioned list or how an organization may be sanctioned. Are these organizations the same as those organizations which are eligible for financial consideration from the student activity funds? Do the deans decide? Tim Steckline will pursue guidelines for these sanctioned groups as well as the list.

The scholarship funds were the next agenda item to be considered. What has happened to the vending machine money which was divided among the colleges? Concern was expressed that most of the money is going to incoming freshman and there is little left for upper class students.

Faculty have expressed concern about the date when mid-term grades needed to be in the records office. The faculty would have preferred grades to be due when they returned from spring break. Do faculty have the option of not submitting mid-term grades? Since the grades were due on Wednesday of spring break, was this done so that the grades would be available to students during the week after spring break?

Steve Babbitt and Nicholas Wallerstein reported that the issue of the BHSU logo continues. There are people on both sides of the issue. Steve Babbitt indicated some misunderstanding with the use of the corporate image or the mascot. The issue is not yet dead.

The possibility of giving "plus" or "minus" grades was discussed. It was indicated that we have used them or not used them over a period of years. Senate members will pursue this issue with their colleges.

Meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted Barbara Chrisman, acting secretary.

Minutes of the March 3 faculty senate meeting - Top

A faculty senate meeting was held Wednesday, March 3, 1999, Jonas 103 at 3:15 p.m.

Faculty senate members attending were Tim Steckline, Randalei Ellis, Rob Schurrer, Nicholas Wallerstein, Kristi Pearce, Tim Martinez, Barb Chrisman, Ryan Maher, Don Chastain, Dan Peterson and Steve Babbitt.

Barb Chrisman moved to accept the proposed agenda. Tim Martinez seconded. Motion to approve the agenda passed.

Dan Peterson moved to approve the minutes from the Feb. 17, 1999, meeting. Steve Babbitt seconded. Motion passed.

Nick Wallerstein presented a concern regarding the BHSU logo with the phrase "a commitment to excellence." He suggested that the logo be compelling. It was decided that Steve Babbitt would assist him with determining campus interest and investigating alternative ideas.

Ben Dar, assistant vice-president of technology and distance education, visited with the faculty senate. Dar presented an overview of current distance education programs and a vision for the future of technology use across campus. He also responded to questions regarding the payment procedures for teaching distance education courses including the Ellsworth campus program. He responded that if all faculty agree, pay for extension classes could be made at the end of the month with three options: at the end of term or three or four equal payments. It was suggested by a faculty senate member to have two separate checks to clarify how payment was determined for each contract. In addition, Dar discussed how RDTN was being phased out and replaced by Picturetel. He also described how one satellite course was delivered to eight high schools during the fall semester, how the number of correspondence course enrollments has increased, and how the number of courses offered via the internet increased from six during the fall term to 13 this semester. In addition, Dar presented the plan to deliver a business administration degree via the internet in response to the EAFB request. Another degree program option being discussed at the state level includes: an associate of arts in computer science or general technology. The faculty senate members discussed the concerns regarding workload and teaching expectations that accompany distance education issues. Tim Martinez is chairing a special committee to respond to such concerns. This committee will prepare guidelines for the campus to consider when expecting faculty to teach distance education courses. Mr. Dar completed his presentation by describing the technology plans for the campus. He noted that 10 classrooms in Jonas will be multi-media ready in the fall, and that Jonas 305, Jonas 309, and Jonas 301 will be renovated to become SMART classrooms with interactive video conferencing capabilities.

In response to the payment issue, Tim Steckline will work with Ben Dar's office to prepare a ballot for faculty who teach at Ellsworth to vote on the payment plans.

Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Submitted by Dr. Kristi Pearce, faculty senate secretary.

Minutes of the March 9 career service advisory council meeting - Top

Meeting called to order on March 9, 1999, at 9:00 a.m.

Present: Boyd, Ellen; Chapel, Deatta; Gustafson, Colleen; Hansen, Corinne; Hemmingson, Susan; Holter, Jim; Candy Huddleston; Luscombe, Marilyn; Spilter, Gloria; Nelson, Fred; Ward, Paulette.

Minutes from past meeting were read by Gustafson. No corrections were made. S. Hemmingson made a motion to approve. Ward seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Minutes from the special meeting were handed out and reviewed. One correction was made. Hemmingson made a motion to approve with change. Huddleston seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Treasurers report was read by Luscombe. There was no new bank statement since last meeting.

The council discussed what was made from cookbook sales. Need to decide what should be placed in the scholarship fund. Boyd will research the amount that has been deposited.

No reports from the following committees:

• Safety and Facilities
• Strategic Planning
• Welcome Baskets

Old Business

Hemmingson passed around a copy of the invitation and list for the CSA banquet. John Buxton and CSA members will be added to the invitation list. Previous minutes stated that the banquet would be held from 11:30 to 1:00. Discussion followed that in the past the banquet has been two hours. The banquet committee is taking care of entertainment and they have contacted Al Sandau and are trying to get a performance from "Gypsy." The menu options were shown to the president and we have a choice of chicken or roast beef. A vote was held on menu options, eight in favor of chicken, three in favor of roast beef. Menu will be as follows: unbreaded chicken breast with hollandaise sauce, baked potato with condiment or garden pasta, broccoli spears, fresh fruit cup, dinner rolls, and homemade carrot cake.

Nelson will be the master of ceremonies. The invitations will be sent by the end of March.

An example of the certificate was passed around for viewing. They will be printed on certificate paper in a color decided by the committee.

Ward stated that Tim Johnston had been contacted to reschedule next month's meeting to the first week in April. The scholarship description has been sent to Cheri Leahy. Gustafson said the process for reviewing scholarships is new this year. Hansen stated that we should receive the applications by March 28 or 29.

Executive committee reports will be discussed at another meeting.

New Business

Hemmingson explained that we have been grandfathered into the endowment and that we earned $250 in interest last year. When we reach $5,000 we will be able to self-support up to a $500 scholarship. She suggested we should continue with small scholarships for a few more years to build our endowment then work towards larger scholarships.

Hemmingson also discussed CSA finances. The council discussed the fact that our off-campus checking account may not be in compliance with BOR policy. We will be doing some research for the next couple of months and discuss this further in May and June.

A copy of the form on the web site was distributed and the council discussed the changes that needed to be completed. Hemmingson made a motion to change the page. Ward seconded the motion. Motion passed. Changes are as follows: Within the member area the following contact names will be changed: Fred Nelson to Colleen Gustafson, Susan Hemmingson to Deatta Chapel, and Michelle Kirk to Marilyn Luscombe. Nelson will be added as the state representative. The footer on all pages will be changed to maintain by CSA Council with a link to Colleen Gustafson.

Fred Nelson will discuss exempt employees and CSA checking account at the state meeting in April.

Meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

Faculty-research committee has funds available - Top

The faculty-research committee has funds available for the current fiscal year. Write a short (about three-page) proposal. Proposal forms are available at the academic affairs office. The faculty research committee will review applications April 23.

Proposals are due April 16. It is anticipated that successful applicants will request support for faculty release time, research equipment, travel to research sites, research support for the production of creative work. Education, social science and humanities proposals are encouraged. Funds for two three-hour release times are available for the spring and fall 1999 semesters. You can apply now. The research committee will not provide salary. The committee may approve payment to student or non-student research assistants. Mail ten copies of your proposal to USB 9550.

Grants opportunities announced - Top

Below are the program materials received March 20-26 in the grants office, Woodburn 220. For copies of the information, contact our office at 642-6627 or e-mail requests to us at <grants@mystic.bhsu.edu >. Fellowship information will also be posted on the Student Union bulletin board near the information desk.

This week at Black Hills State - Top

Saturday, April 10

• Student awards banquet, Student Union, 6 p.m.

Monday, April 12

• Spring Science Series: "Putting Isoteres into Helices or How to Kill a Protein Without Really Trying," by Mike Zehfus, Jonas 164, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 13

• Student recital, Cook 303, 3:30 p.m.
• Preregistration for seniors
• College of Business and Technology meeting, 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday, April 14

• BHSU Wellness Fair, Young Center, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Preregistration for juniors
• Assessment council meeting, Woodburn conference room 1, 3 p.m.

Thursday, April 15

• Pre-registration for sophomores
• CSA annual awards luncheon, Student Union multipurpose room, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Tribal language summit, Cook Gymnasium, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Film series: "A Pure Formality," Jonas Hall room 305, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 16

• Pre-registration for sophomores
• Lakota Omniciye Wacipi, Young Center

Saturday, April 17

• Kevin Whirlwind Horse Memorial Scholarship Run/Walk
• Lakota Omniciye Wacipi, Young Center