Volume XXIII No. 49 • Dec. 23, 1999

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, Unit 9512 or by e-mail to Campus Currents. Deadline is Thursday at 8 a.m.

CSA position open

The following career service position is open:

  • secretary with keyboarding, College of Arts and Sciences
  • senior building maintenance worker, facilities services

For more information, please check the announcement bulletin or contact the personnel office.

Collaboratory for Lifelong Learning to sponsor workshop - Top

BHSU faculty are invited to mark their new year's calendar for a day of fellowship and collaboration sponsored by the Collaboratory for Lifelong Learning faculty development program on Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Faculty who have received Bush Foundation minigrants and travel support during the past summer and this fall term will SHOWCASE their projects in J306! Paul Kopco and Roger Ochse will present The Digital Difference: Enhancing Shakespeare
through Performance Technology; Jim Hesson, Rob Schurrer, Betsy Silva, and Larry Tentinger will present Personality Types: Collaboration' s Friend or Foe; Sharon Strand, Dorothy Fuller, RenaFaye Norby and Kristi Pearce will present Internet Teaching by Style: Profiling the On-line Professor; and Lidan Lin will share her experiences at the International Ezra Pound Conference in Beijing, China. Lunch will be provided.

For additional information contact Kristi Pearce.

Lebrun speaks to fall graduates - Top

Regent Pat Lebrun of Rapid City gave the commencement address to the last graduating class of the twentieth century at Black Hills State. Addressing the 189 candidates for degree status, the faculty, students' families and friends of the university attending the 138th graduation ceremony, she spoke of the new revolution—the information age. Lebrun told the graduates the information age is driven by technology which in turn is driven by education. Today's economy requires more educated people. Lebrun said, “Let us resolve to meet the demands of this revolution, to make education the foundation of our future. ... That through education we can build a better, more prosperous South Dakota for us all.”

What goes around, comes around - Top

From one generation to the next time flies, or so it seemed to Dr. Darlene Swartz, professor of education at Black Hills State University. This summer in an education class the name Edwards and the face of a student seemed familiar to Swartz. As it turned out she taught his father, Guy, 44 years ago in a kindergarten class at Porcupine. Today, Guy is a successful Sturgis businessman and his son is an aspiring new teacher. Guy also graduated from BHSU in 1972 with a degree in business.

Honors breakfast honors student scholars - Top

Senior Max Wetz received his gold cord as a summa cum laude graduate from Vice President of Academic Affairs Lyle Cook during the 15th annual honors breakfast hosted recently by the university. Wetz was among the 20 summa cum laude graduates recognized at the breakfast prior to the fall semester commencement. The senior from Newell is a mass communications major and was editor in chief of the BHSU student newspaper Today. A former Legislative intern, he will soon move to Pierre to begin his new job as Republican Legislative Campaign Director.

Sophomore receives $40,000 ROTC Award -Top

Captain Harold Stewart, professor of military science at Black Hills State, awarded Amanda Hatch a $40,000 ROTC scholarship during Black Hills State's 15th annual honors breakfast prior to the December commencement ceremony. Hatch is a sophomore American Indian Studies major. The scholarship potentially will cover college costs up to $16,000 a year. Hatch is a 1994 graduate of Edgemont High School

Make plans now for spring 2000 registration - Top

Classes begin Jan. 13 for the spring 2000 semester at Black Hills State University.

Anyone not already registered will be able to sign up for classes the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 8 a.m. until noon in the Student Union Market Place. Late registration will be Jan. 12-14 in the Student Market Place during posted hours. Students who have registered for classes will not need to re-register.

All students must check in according to the financial aid disbursement and fee payment schedule, which begins Tuesday, January 11 at 8 a.m. in the multipurpose room. To keep payment lines as short as possible, students are asked to pay their tuition and fees during scheduled times. Disbursement will continue through Friday, January 14 at 4 p.m. according to the schedule which can be obtained by calling the enrollment center at 642-6343. Students who are unable to meet their scheduled time may check in Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m., or Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dropping and adding of classes will begin Jan. 11 in the Student Union Market Place. Students must drop a non-block class by Jan. 27 to receive a refund. Block classes must be dropped within the first 13 percent (first or second day) of the class to receive a refund. Refunds will be mailed to the student's current address on Feb. 25.

Students may register for evening classes in the Student Union Market Place Jan. 11-14 anytime during Market Place hours. After Jan. 14, registration will move to Woodburn Hall Room 106 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The ACT test will be given Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. in Jonas 301. This is the final opportunity to complete the ACT prior to the spring semester.

Students may move into the residence halls Jan. 10 from noon until 10 p.m.

First-time borrowers and transfer students must attend a loan/debt information session before picking up a student loan check. The sessions will be held in the first floor conference room of Woodburn Hall as follows: Jan. 11 at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Jan. 13 at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Jan. 14 at 9 a.m.

For more information, call the enrollment center at 642-6343.

CSA minutes Nov. 9, 1999 - Top

The CSA council met Nov. 9 at the Pangburn dining room. Present were Deatta Chapel, Susan Hemmingson, Paulette Palladino, Gloria Spitler, Becky Dovre, Fred Nelson, Candy Huddleston, Marilyn Luscombe and Corinne Hansen. Not present were Ellen Boyd, Colleen Gustafson, Margaret Kleinsasser and Jim Holter.

Vice president Deatta Chapel called the meeting to order. Minutes of the October meeting were read. Candy Huddleston motioned to approve the minutes, Paulette Palladino seconded the motion.

Candy Huddleston reported that she attended the safety committee meeting.

Corinne Hansen gave a report on the recent CSA election. Newly elected CSA council members who will begin their terms in January are: Linda Torgerson for Jonas/Cook/Central, Jeanne Hanson and Myron Sullivan for facilities services, and Ginny Sunding for Woodburn. All four have agreed to serve on the council.

Thank you notes were presented from Steve Meeker for the addition of money to the CSA scholarship and Dorothy Keller for the door prize.

Welcome baskets were discussed. Susan Hemmingson suggested that each CSA area be visited by the council representative in their area. Deatta Chapel will discuss the progress of basket distribution with Margaret Kliensasser.

A Christmas/fall social was discussed. Paulette Palladino, Becky Dovre, Gloria Spitler and Candy Huddleston volunteered to serve on this committee. Several ideas were discussed.

Fred Nelson, state CSA council member, gave the official minutes from the state CSA meeting. He also discussed the salary resolution.

A second reading was held on the by-law changes. Paulette Palladino made a motion to approve changes as noted. Becky Dovre seconded the motion. Motion passed.

It was noted that new CSA council members should be invited to the next meeting. A suggestion was made to designate all committee members at the first meeting of the year.

The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 8 a.m. in the Little Dining Room. Meeting adjourned.

Recorded by Corinne Hansen, CSA secretary

Funds available through instructional improvement committee - Top

The instructional improvement committee (IIC) encourages, through monetary grants, the application of existing knowledge to specific teaching situations to improve the quality of instruction at BHSU.

Any full-time faculty member, full-time adjunct faculty or other full-time staff member engaged in student instruction may apply for grant funds administered by the committee. Grant funding will normally be available up to a maximum of $1,000 per project. Priority will be given to projects that will have a broad-based, visible, continuing impact on instruction across faculty members and/or disciplines. Funds are available for development of materials and methods to improve teaching and learning, equipment to enhance teaching and learning, travel to conferences or workshops which enhance teaching and learning, and bringing consulting lecturers and teaching specialists to campus to offer presentations to and/or with faculty and teaching-support staff at BHSU. Faculty members who apply for grants to support travel to a conference or workshop are limited to receiving no more than one grant every three years.

Proposals for grant funding will be reviewed by the IIC on a monthly basis. The deadline for submission will be the last Friday of each month; a decision will be made as soon as practical on each proposal. Ten copies of the proposals should be submitted to the Grants and Special Projects Office, Woodburn 220, or to the chair of the committee, Sharon Strand. Proposals will consist of proposal and budget outlines following the specified format available at the grants and special projects web page.

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. Proposals are due Dec. 21.

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. Preference is given to new applicants particularly in the areas of education, business, social sciences and humanities.Two three-hour release times are available for fall 2000 and spring of 2001.

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 unit 9550

Grants opportunities - Top

Below are the program materials received Dec. 16-Dec. 22 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.

  • Research Program for Humanities Scholars. This program provides grant support for humanities faculty in South Dakota colleges/universities and others working in the humanities to devote time to conduct research on subjects of particular relevance to South Dakota culture and heritage, as well as on universal humanities themes of interest to the public. One of the goals of the program is to develop and strengthen humanities resources in the state. A maximum of $2,500 in outright funds is necessary because of limited funds available. The deadline for research proposals is Feb. 4, 2000, for projects proposed after April 15. The preliminary deadline (one copy for staff review) is Jan. 21.
  • The Education Department is inviting required preapplications for cooperative agreements under the fund for the Improvement of postsecondary education's comprehensive program for projects focusing on better use of resources to increase learning productivity and supporting and disseminating information about reforms. Deadline: Feb. 11. http://www.ed.gov/FIPSE/
  • Higher Education Challenge Grants (USDA). The agriculture department is inviting applications to improve postsecondary education in specific areas to strengthen the nation's food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce. Deadline: Jan. 17 for letters of intent to apply; Feb. 14 for applications. Projects should have the potential for high impact, innovation, multidisciplinary effort, and generating products and results. Projects must address one or more of the following: curricula design and materials development; faculty preparation and teacher enhancement; instruction delivery systems; and student experiential learning. http://199.141.9.195/
  • Racial Disparities in Diabetes (NIDDK). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is inviting applications to address differences among ethnic populations in risk factors for diabetes complications. Deadline: Feb. 1, June 1 and Oct. 1. NDDK asks researchers to look at the extent to which factors, including inherent metabolic and genetic variations, medical care, socioeconomic status and behavioral factors, account for racial/ethnic differences. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-00-028.html

Campus Calendar - Top

Tuesday, Dec. 28

  • Final grades due in records office by 4 p.m.

Wednesday – Thursday, Dec. 29-30

  • Men's Basketball, Perkins Classic Tournament

Friday, Dec. 31

  • Orders for letterhead and envelopes to be printed during January are due in duplicating today

Friday, Jan. 7

  • Men's and women's basketball vs. Dordt College, 6 and 7:30 p.m., Young Center

Saturday, Jan. 8

  • Men's and women's basketball vs. University of Sioux Falls, 6 and 7:30 p.m., Young Center

Monday, Jan. 10

  • Day of fellowship and collaboration sponsored by the Collaboratory for Lifelong Learning faculty development program Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 11

  • Women's basketball vs. Montana State – Northern

Wednesday, Jan. 12

  • Register for spring classes

Thursday, Jan. 13

  • Classes begin