Campus Currents

Dr. Steve Anderson, professor of geology/planetary science at Black Hills State University is a co-investigator on a grant that was recently awarded by the Mars Fundamental Research Program.

The project “Characterization of Terrestrial Primary, Eroded, and Mantled Volcanic Surfaces for a More Complete Understanding of Martian Volcanic Deposit Modification”, is a three-year grant in the amount of $257,526.

According to Anderson, he will be studying rock deposits from volcanoes on Earth that have experienced different degrees of erosion and burial by sediment.

“Several ongoing NASA missions have shown that large areas of Mars are covered by similar features, and this research is designed to help geologists better understand how Mars has evolved as a planet,” Anderson says.

The grant will allow for travel to field sites in the western United States, use images and topography data from satellites orbiting Earth and Mars, and perform lab experiments. Other investigators on the project include the project director Dr. Jeff Byrnes from the United States Geologic Survey, and co-investigator Dr. Mike Ramsey from the University of Pittsburgh.

Anderson earned his Ph.D. in geology at Arizona State University in 1990 and has published multiple articles and papers on his research related to volcanoes and lava flows. He has been a member of the science faculty at BHSU since 1991.

Several students as well as their parents have expressed their great appreciation for the efforts of faculty and staff during New Student Days.

President Kay Schallenkamp says she was impressed by the well coordinated program to assist new students move into the residence halls this fall.

“Clearly, BHSU made a great first impression! It was a Sunday morning. It was cold and rainy, yet, we had students, community members, faculty, and staff literally swarming the campus to welcome students and their families, direct them to their residence halls, and carry in their belongings. It was a heartwarming experience,” Schallenkamp said.

In a letter from parents from Riverton, Wyo., the parents said they were impressed with the extra help moving their child into the residence halls at BHSU.

“We would like to commend you and your staff for the most welcome greeting our son received when he registered the first day of school. We were greeted and directed at every corner by your friendly staff. Despite the rain, all involved were very helpful and made the first day much more enjoyable,” Bill and Dawn Reiter wrote. “We appreciate your efforts and the work of your staff. Their personal enthusiasm was a blessed assurance that Black Hills State University was indeed a friendly college community.”

Parents from Huntley, Mont., also wrote to express their gratitude and noted that the assistance moving in was outstanding and quite unusual and that they have been pleasantly surprised each time they have visited the campus.

“Each time we visited your campus and spoke to administration, faculty and students we left feeling very good about Black Hills State University. Move-in day was no exception. My son has been on your campus for a week now and he seems very happy. He likes his advisor and this is a big plus. The scholarships that he received from Black Hills State were a great help. Thank you to the university for these scholarships,” wrote Mike and Tracey Kragt. “We have already recommended Black Hills State University to many people. We are confident our son will leave Black Hills State University with a great education and many good memories. Thank you BHSU for your interest in my son and for all you do to help students.”

Dr. Thomas Flickema, former president of Black Hills State University, and his wife Judy, will serve as parade marshals for the annual Swarm Day parade Saturday, Sept. 23.

Tom and Judy Flickema are being recognized as parade marshals in honor of their dedication and commitment to the university through the years. Tom Flickema, who retired from his position as president of BHSU this summer, had a distinguished 45-year career in higher education which included 12 years as president at BHSU. Flickema served as the eighth president at BHSU. Flickema is remembered for his far-reaching vision for the university and many accomplishments as he led the university through a number of changes and enhancements.

A Michigan native, Flickema received a Ph.D. from Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., in history with a political science minor. He earned a master's degree in history at WSU in 1962. His undergraduate degree in history and education was acquired at Hope College, Holland, Mich., in 1960.

After completing a teaching assistantship and his master's degree in history, Flickema began his professional career in 1962 as a history instructor at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Mich. He later taught at Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., and California State University-Fullerton where he also served in several administration positions. He served in administrative roles at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and Northern State University in Aberdeen.

Flickema came to BHSU in August 1994 when he was appointed to serve as interim president. He was named to the post permanently in February 1995 following a nationwide search.

Swarm day events at BHSU including the parade and football game, will go on as planned despite the rainy weather.

Two psychology professors, Dr. Judith Neighbours and Dr. Tom Cox, were chosen by the students as Swarm Day mom and dad.

John Williams, a senior entrepreneurial studies and management major from Spearfish; and Amber Riggins, a senior business management and human resources major from Wanblee, were named Swarm Day king and queen during a coronation ceremony this week.

The homecoming festivities continue through the week with many events concluding with the parade and football game Saturday, Sept. 23. Events include a free carnival for preschool and elementary age children Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 4-7 p.m. on the campus green. The BHSU Homecoming theme this year is “Livin’ It Up in the Wild West.”

For Swarm Week details see the schedule listed below. For more information regarding Swarm Week, call 642-6418.

Black Hills State University will observe Fire Safety Day, Wednesday, Sept. 27 with a variety of event including hands-on fire extinguisher training and fire safety education.

Fire extinguisher hands-on training/demonstrations will be held with CAMSE and Residence Life staff members. Other people interested in training should contact Myron at 642-6297. The Spearfish Volunteer Fire Department will be on campus showcasing their new fire truck and answering questions. Throughout the day there will be a safety promotion table at the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union. Residence life staff will also have fire drills and fire safety programs.

The Black Hills State University Case Library presents an exhibit of books and historic photographs in honor of the Devils Towers centennial celebration.

The Case Library exhibit is on the main floor of the E.Y. Berry Library, in the current periodicals reading area between the coffee shop and the writing center. The exhibit will be available through the end of the semester in December. A bibliography for this exhibit is available at the library Information Desk.

President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower the first National Monument on Sept. 24, 1906. The monument will be hosting various events from Sept. 22 through Sept. 24. Visit their website at http://devilstowercentennial.com/ann.html for celebration details.

Other exhibits on main floor of the E.Y. Berry Library include: Native American items and photographs from the Sanders Collection; a hand-carved Lakota flute, Sumerian cuneiform clay tablets dating to around 2500 B.C., from the A.D. Humbert Collection; selected photographs and documents from the E.Y. Berry Papers; and the United States Presidents’ First Ladies Doll Collection by Rowena Rachetts.

On display on the second floor are several items given to previous university presidents including a Buddha statue, a gift from the Ambassador of Thailand when he visited the BHSU Center for Tourism Research in 2003.

The Leland D. Case Library, sponsor of the Devils Tower exhibit is located on the second floor of the E.Y. Berry Library in the south west corner of the building. Information about the holdings of the Case Library can be found through the library web pages or by calling (605) 642-6361.

Black Hills State University music department faculty Christopher Hahn, instructor, and Dr. Janeen Larsen, professor, will be presenting a recital in the Clare & Josef Meier Recital Hall Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m.

The recital is a cross-section of 20^th century music showcasing the many different tonal colors of the trumpet. Hahn and Larsen will also perform in the Sturgis Community Center Theatre Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m.

The hour-long recital covers a wide range of styles from the late romantic, through the avant garde of the 50s, to the colorful sounds of the present.

The composers include Jules Levy, George Antheil, Toru Takemitsu, Libby Larsen, and Joseph Turrin.

“There are many facets to trumpet playing, from full bodied and bold, to soft and lyrical. This recital will showcase those different timbres in solo performances and with piano accompaniment”, according to Hahn. He will be performing on two different types of trumpet and on flugelhorn.

Admission is free and donations for music scholarships will be taken at the door. For more information contact Hahn at (605) 642-6888.

Persistence of Vision’ photography exhibit in Clare & Josef Meier Hall closes September 29

A photography exhibit by John Burnap, a mass communications senior from Deadwood, entitled ‘Persistence of Vision’ is on display on the second floor of Meier hall. His exhibit has been on display August 31. A closing presentation is scheduled on Sept. 29 at noon. Student exhibits at Meier Hall will be presented monthly throughout the semester.

The American Indian Consortium will hold its first bi-annual meeting at Black Hills State University Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the small dining room of Pangburn cafeteria. This meeting is for people on campus involved with Indian projects in Indian country that wish to share their experiences with other interested BHSU administration, staff and faculty at BHSU.

To schedule a brief presentation and to add your name to the list for the complementary lunch, contact Urla Marcus, assistant director with the Center for Indian Studies at 642-6578.

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations to attend this event should contact Marcus at least 48 hours prior to the event.

The fall session of the South Dakota Stock Market Game offered by Black Hills State University will begin Monday, Oct. 2 and will conclude the 10-week trading period on Friday, Dec. 8.

The SDSMG is an innovative online learning tool that motivates students in building lifelong economic skills. The South Dakota Board of Education has mandated that state high school students must complete an economics/personal finance course. The SDSMG program is an excellent way to deliver this content in a meaningful and motivating way, according to Donald Altmyer, associate professor for the Accounting and Economics Department of BHSU.

The program starts with teams of students investing $100,000 in hypothetical “cyber dollars” in a portfolio of stocks by performing on-line research and stock trading using real time prices. The teams with the highest valued portfolios at the end of the 10-week trading period receive cash prizes and awards. Student teams compete in three prize divisions: middle school (grades 4-8), high school and college. Teachers receive online support including grade level specific and course specific curriculum materials, lesson plans and classroom activities conforming to national content standards in math, economics, social studies and general business.

Teachers have successfully used the SDSMG to enliven core academic subjects including math, social studies, economics, personal finance, accounting and general business, according to Altmyer.

He added that teachers have discovered that using the program boosts attendance and reduces dropout rates. Students who participate gain confidence and build self-esteem while having fun learning as they see how their classroom lessons apply to the real world according to Altmyer.

The students work together practicing leadership, organization, negotiation and cooperation skills. In building their portfolio of stocks, students make decisions based upon what they have learned. To determine why certain stocks or the broader market performs, they need to understand how the economy works. To calculate the return on investment in their portfolio, they must apply conceptual math skills. At the end of game, each team writes a culminating portfolio report and presents the paper before the class building effective public speaking and writing skills.

To register, go to www.smgww.org and click on “Register Now” and select “USA/South Dakota” then follow the prompts to enter your school, subject and number of teams. Select the Oct. 2 to Dec. 8 session. The team registration fee has been reduced to $5 per team and includes all materials, including weekly newsletters profiling current economic and business events. Teachers may also register for the free teacher demo session that begins on Sept. 5 and runs for three weeks ending on Sept. 22.

A free teacher-training workshop will be conducted at BHSU Meier Hall 3^rd floor conference room on Friday, September 29 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited at the workshop to the first 10 teachers that register.

Additional information on the SDSMG program can be found at: www.bhsu.edu/businesstechnology/cee/stockmarketsimulation.html

Sponsors for the South Dakota Stock Market Game are the Center for Economic Education at Black Hills State University, the Central States Securities Industries Association, the South Dakota Council on Economic Education and the Foundation for Investor Education.

**The BHSU Yellow Jacket presents the new university organizational license plate stickers that are available through the Institutional Advancement Office in Woodburn Hall, room 114**

Black Hills State University supporters can now show their university connection on their vehicle license plates.

"These stickers are a great way to show your support of Black Hills State University," said Tom Wheaton, Black Hills State director of alumni relations. "Whether you are an alum, an enthusiastic fan, or even a current student, this is one of the most visible and inexpensive ways to show school spirit."

BHSU is offering Yellow Jacket license plate stickers for organizational license plates. The license plate stickers, featuring a close-up depiction of the Yellow Jacket, are available from the BHSU Alumni Association for $25. Proceeds from the sale of the Yellow Jacket stickers go to the BHSU Alumni Association.

The license plate stickers are only available for organizational license plates. The organizational license plates cost $10 an can be purchased at any South Dakota county treasurer's office.

Stickers are available in the Institutional Advancement Office in Woodburn Hall, room 114. For more information on the Yellow Jacket license plate stickers, call (605) 642-6385.

The Jacket Investment Club, which was formed last year and actually invests money on the market, recently held its first meeting of the semester to welcome new students.

The first meeting, which was a picnic at the Spearfish City Park, drew 30 members and potential members.

The club was formed last year as a legal partnership entity to give students a vehicle to invest their own money and learn how to analyze securities. The club has accumulated more than $5,000 in capital since it began investing in November.

Jacket Investment Club 2005-2006 officers are president, John Williams a business administration senior from Spearfish; vice president, Nicholas Koontz, a psychology senior from Sturgis; chief managing partner, Ammon Bemis from Canby, a business administration senior from Spearfish ; chief financial officer, Rachel Eddy, a business administration senior from Spearfish; chief trading officer, Ryan Richey, a business administration senior from Spring View Neb., chief information officer, Amber Riggins, a business administration senior from Wanblee; and secretary, Melanie Jobgen a professional accountancy senior from Philip.

The club advisor is Dr. Sheng Yang, assistant professor of business administration. For information about the Jacket Investment Club call 642-6429

Minutes of Assessment Committee meeting Sept. 18, 2006, at Meier Hall Conference Room from noon to 1:00 p.m.

Attendance: Erin Dugan, Student Senate; Amin Sarkar, Deans’ Council; Gary Haggarty, General Education Committee; David Calhoun, College of Education Chairs; John Alsup, College of Education; Laura Colmenera-Chilberg, Faculty Senate; Judith Haislett, Student Affairs; George Earley, Chair; Priscilla Romkema, College of Business, excused.

Item One: Standards of Operation were amended to include a representative from the College of Education who is working on the NCATE report. Pat Simpson will join the Assessment Committee for an unspecified period of time and help the committee integrate our work with that of the NCATE team. Standards of Operation were also amended to include a majority vote change from 6 of 10 to 6 of 11. Dr. Earley will make the changes in our document.

Item Two: The Assessment Committee will meet weekly on Wednesdays at noon until 1 p.m. Dr. Sarkar will reserve the conference room in Meier Hall, floor three. Unless otherwise notified, we will meet at this time and location.

Item Three: The charge to the Assessment Committee is to continue to address the assessment standards put forward by the Higher Learning Commissions (HLC), NCATE, and the initiatives for the campus. Higher learning commission focuses on general education, the majors, and the university environment. The focus on global issues, undergraduate research, and intensive writing experiences for students will persist and should be reflected in the reports. Due to the NCATE Team arrival, some of our schedule has already been met. We know that the college of Arts and Sciences will discuss the education component of its program with NCATE on 10/26/6 and with the Assessment Committee on 10/30/6. The College of Business and Technology will discuss its education component with NCATE on 10/30/06 and with the Assessment Committee on 11/27/6.

The College of Education will discuss its assessment with NCATE on 1/24/7 and with the Assessment Committee on 1/29/7. These dates will be included in a spreadsheet of dates and presentations that will be developed within the next few meetings.

Item Four: Those programs submitting assessment plans that were not approved will continue into the current academic year cycle. They will present both their plan and results simultaneously, which is not encouraged.

Item Five: The next meeting of the committee will be September 27th. October 4th will be the third meeting. Judith Haislett will present the seven-year trend report on the Student Satisfaction Inventory and inform the committee members of the upcoming plan to assess students using this instrument.

Minutes of the University Graduate Council for Tuesday September 19th at 3:30 p.m. in Jonas 104

Present: Mackin, H. Ahmad, A. Ahmad, G. Earley, D. Looney, Mettler, B. Smith, D. Siemens

Meeting times and dates- The graduate council will meet on the following dates at 3:30 Pm in Jonas 104 - October 17, November 21, January 30, February 20, March 20, and April 17. All meetings are open to the faculty and students.

The operational guidelines were discussed- Chair pointed out that the guidelines had been changed to incorporate the new graduate degree- master of science in integrative genomics. Chair agreed to send them out again so people could look at them and vote to accept or reject.

Chair pointed out that A. Ahmad’s term of office ends in October so there will have to be an election.

MSBSM- Looney reported that he had done a survey of graduate students in the MSBSM program. The data indicated students were usually local, part-time, female students. The students were divided over whether they preferred face to face or online classes.

He also indicated that he was working on a two year rotation of courses to insure that the enrollments met the Board of Regents requirements.

MSIG- Siemens reported that the new degree was approved this summer and is up and in place. We have four students in the program. He believes that there is greater cooperation between institutions for graduate offerings than four years ago.

Library- Bukralia reported that the BOR imitative on libraries was creating more resources for faculty and students. The resources had to be online and also accessible to the other regental institutions. These included among others

Bukralia also reported that BHSU had proposed an undergraduate library media minor online which included dual numbered courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. Once these are approved by the Board of Regents we will begin to offer the courses.