AUM Weekly 2-23-16: AUM senior awarded internship; Dean Burger to help steer Alabama Humanities Foundation
AUM Weekly 2-23-16: AUM senior awarded internship; Dean Burger to help steer Alabama Humanities Foundation
by Caitlin Forrest | Feb 23, 2016
HEADLINES
Warhawk Spotlight: Students First
AUM senior awarded summer internship at national lab
AUM senior Manal Abdalla is excited about all she will learn during an internship at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, where she will gain new high-performance computer skills over the summer.
Read the full story.
Warhawk Spotlight: Citizenship and Community
Arts and Sciences dean named to Alabama Humanities Foundation board
Dr. Michael Burger, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of History at Auburn University at Montgomery, recently was named to Alabama Humanities Foundation Board of Directors.
Read the full story.
Four Theatre AUM members semi-finalists in KCACTF’s Irene Ryan Acting Competition
Two sets of AUM duet partners, Samantha Blakely with Amber Baldwin and Kodi Robertson with Blaire Casey, were recently chosen as semi-finalists (top 40) in the Irene Ryan Acting competition of the Regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) held at the College of Charleston in South Carolina.
Also, Jay Russell also represented Alabama in the acting category, and Robert Shrimp was among the top 10 Sound Design nominees.
The goals of the KCACTF are to encourage, recognize, and celebrate the finest and most diverse work produced in university theater programs. Since its inception, KCACTF also has given college theater students the opportunity to have their work critiqued and to receive national recognition for excellence.
AUM’s region comprises Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico.
Faculty, staff discounts on summer youth camps
AUM faculty and staff can receive $20 off all camps for children and grandchildren. Employees who register by April 1 also can take advantage of an Early Bird discount and receive an additional $20 off all camps.
AUM’s summer youth programs have provided educational enrichment opportunities for K–12 students for more than 25 years. Campers build and program rockets and robots; create video games, jewelry, movies, stories, poems, and visual works of art; get their hands dirty learning to become scientists; and explore new ways to improve their reading and math skills. Students are truly motivated to become lifelong learners.
For more information, contact Rebecca Williams at 334-244-3339 or [email protected].
Giagnoni to speak at Troy University forum
Dr. Silvia Giagnoni, associate professor in the Department of Communication and Dramatic Arts, will speak Tuesday, Feb. 23, at a Forum Discussion on Immigration Reform at Troy University.
Giagnoni will speak about how HB 56 affected immigrants living in the United States as well as her work relating to immigration and immigrants in the state of Alabama.
Tuesday, Feb. 23 | 1–3 p.m. | Troy University, Trojan Center Ballroom A
Shumack co-authors textbook
Dr. Kellie Shumack recently co-authored a textbook entitled The Administrative Professional: Technology and Procedures. The text, in its 15th edition, is marketed across the United States for higher education office administration programs that utilize technology within the curriculum.
CELT launches new graduate teaching certification program
In January, the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) launched a new program to assist AUM graduate students in developing teaching skills for current and future teaching requirements.
The program requires graduate students to attend eight CELT sessions and participate in several peer review activities. Graduate students may sign up at any time and have two semesters to complete the program. At the conclusion of the program, they will receive a certificate and letter of explanation that they can use when applying for jobs.
If interested, contact Dr. Lee Farrow, director of CELT, at [email protected].
AUM employees present at First-Year Experience Conference
Two AUM faculty and staff members are speaking at the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience (FYE) in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 20–23.
Amy Ingram, UNIV program manager, is presenting on “Service-Learning and Alternative Assessments Enhance Student Success,” and Dr. Virginia Lacy, director of the WASC, is presenting on “Warhawk Warning: Using Early Alerts to Increase Student Success.”
Other AUM faculty and staff attending are William Fenn, Lee Farrow, Dana Bice, Phill Johnson, Serena McCovery, Rahmel Cowen, Angela Thomas, Brad Elwood, and Lisa Kerr.
FYE provides an ongoing forum where higher education professionals can share experiences, concerns, and accomplishments related to supporting student learning, development, and success in the first college year.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Early Learning Center provide health screenings for kids on campus
The AUM College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Early Learning Center recently worked together to provide physical screenings for the children of the ELC. Professor Christy Taylor brought several students to the ELC to measure weight, height, blood pressure and BMI as part of the services provided to parents of the ELC children. Dental, vision and hearing screenings also are conducted annually for the students in the ELC.
UNIV students to showcase work; Midterm Madness in March; student wellness initiative in the works
Next week marks the halfway point in the semester, and UNIV classes are going strong! During Week 8, students will present their mid-term projects, presentation boards that include connections between SMART career goals and students’ majors. These presentations will be made Monday–Thursday during first, second, fourth, sixth, and seventh periods in the WASC area on the second floor of the Library Tower. Stop by to see UNIV students in action.
Also, the WASC is once again sponsoring Midterm Madness all day Tuesday, March 8, and Wednesday, March 9. Stop by the 2nd floor of the Library Tower and enjoy free coffee and doughnuts, receive free test-taking supplies, and get some study tips and support to help you with your midterms.
Finally, the UNIV Legacy Committee, with Chairperson Cornelia Brown leading the way, is working on a student wellness initiative that will include two exciting events later this semester. For more information about the events or to get involved, email [email protected], like the UNIV Legacy Committee on Facebook and visit at Twitter and Instagram @univ_legacy.
Intensive English Program featured to international, multi-regional delegation of educators
AUM’s Intensive English Program was featured in January 2016 when an international, multiregional delegation of educators traveled to Alabama under the auspices of the U. S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
AUM was selected as a professional resource for the international educators’ program as an example of an outstanding academic department in its field of study. The project was entitled “American Language I: Connecting English Teachers to U.S. History and Culture.” Participants were in the U.S. from Jan. 16 to Feb. 6.
The project opened in Washington, D.C., where IVLP participants were introduced to the role of the federal government in supporting English programs. The participants also learned about professional standards for English language instruction; teacher training for English language programs; TESOL online professional development courses and digital education tools; American history and folk life; and immigration in the United States.
Delegates also participated in a community service project, and the larger delegation then split into smaller teams with each team traveling to a different city.
EVENTS
CELT learning opportunities today
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching is offering two sessions today. Read about each session in detail here.
Supervisor Roundtable Discussion — HR Session
Today, Feb. 23 | 10–11 a.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor West
The Lecture Debate — Tara Beziat, Curriculum Instruction and Technology; Ben Severance, History
Today, Feb. 23 | 2:15–3:15 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor West
Want to be Curtiss the Warhawk?
Interested in being the next Curtiss? Tryouts are being held soon to find a new, fun-loving Warhawk to represent school spirit. Attendance at least one interest meeting is mandatory, and the last interest meeting is Wednesday.
Also, clinics will be held March 8–9. Attendees will learn about the character walk, emotions and the personality showcase.
The Curtiss Workshop will be held March 24 and include a how-to on skits, props, and music, and there will be mock tryouts.
Interviews will be held March 30 with tryouts March 31.
For more information, contact Joel Hughes at 334-244-3279 or [email protected].
Interest meeting | Wednesday, Feb. 24 | 12:05 p.m. | Taylor Center 219 (Global Education Center)
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
All week long during National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) Week Feb. 22–26, “Take a Compliment!” There are numerous ways to show support:
· Look for the signs around campus and take a compliment! You deserve one!
Wednesday in the Taylor Center Lobby and Thursday in the Goodwyn Hall Lobby
· Sock it to Eating Disorders: Wear your fun, colorful socks in support of NEDA!
· Show your Support: Wear a NEDA support ribbon provided at these events and in the Counseling Center.
· Get the Facts: Learn facts about disordered eating that you may not know! #IHADNOIDEA
· My Body Screenings: Take this free, anonymous self-assessment to gauge your risk of an eating disorder.
For more information, contact Audrey Shaw at 334-244-3553 or [email protected].
AUM Connected hosts breakfast
Come join us for a free breakfast and a small group discussion of our common reading book, The Ghost Map.
Friday, Feb. 26 | 10–11 a.m. | Taylor Center 222
AUM Library throws Cheryl Meehan retirement party
Please join us in extending best wishes to Cheryl Meehan, who is retiring from the AUM Library after 10 years of dedicated service. Cheryl has served in Acquisitions, Government Documents, and as a valued member of our Reference team.
Everyone is invited to help celebrate Cheryl’s retirement. Happy retirement, Cheryl! We will sorely miss your collegiality and ever-present smile.
Monday, Feb. 29 | 10 a.m. | Library Tower, 1st floor
Admissions Director candidate to visit
The Office of Admissions and Recruiting has invited the following Admissions Director candidate to campus for an interview and presentation.
Col. Vernon Beitzel | Tuesday, March 1 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor East | Faculty, staff and students welcome to attend
REMINDERS
Theatre AUM opens production of ‘Miss Julie’
Considered Strindberg’s masterpiece, “Miss Julie” is set in Sweden in 1894. In “Miss Julie,” midsummer night’s celebrations are in full swing, but the Count’s daughter, the beautiful and imperious Miss Julie, feels trapped and alone. Downstairs in the servants’ kitchen, handsome and rebellious footman Jean is feeling restless. When they meet, a passion is ignited that soon spirals out of control.
Show dates are Feb. 25–28.
Thursday through Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinee starts at 2 p.m. General admission is $10; seniors, students, and military, $5; AUM students, faculty, and staff, free with ID. For more information, contact Katie Pearson at 334-244-3632 or [email protected].
Wild & Wacky Games at the Wellness Center
Take part in Wild & Wacky Games for students, faculty and staff at the Wellness Center. The fun and unique games will help promote health and wellness on our campus!
Stations will be set up on the Wellness Center gym floor, and craziness will ensue! There are opportunities to win prizes for students — gift cards from Newk’s, Marco’s Pizza, Chicken Salad Chick, Taziki’s, Sommer’s Place and more!
Warhawk ID cards must be used to gain access to the Wellness Center.
Friday, Feb. 26 | 3 p.m. | Wellness Center
CELT offers February learning opportunities
The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching will offer a number of sessions this month. Read about each session in detail here.
Working with International Students — Gokhan Alkanat, Office of Global Initiatives
Wednesday, Feb. 24 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor East
Transformative Learning — Arlene Morris, Nursing; Debbie Faulk, Nursing
Wednesday, Feb. 24 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor East
Excel for Faculty — Jessica Carroll, Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Clement Hall 110
Understanding AUM’s Bridge Program — Sissy Spiers, WASC; Matt Kemp, The Learning Center; and Luke Smith, Foundations, Technology, and Secondary Education
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor West
3rd Annual Technology Speed Dating Event
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Taylor Center 230
Cultural Intelligence: Culture Matters — HR Session
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor East
Classroom and Behavioral Management — Kate Simmons, Counselor, Leadership, and Special Education
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 5–6 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor East
Make It Stick Discussion
Friday, Feb. 26 | 1–2 p.m. | Goodwyn Hall 112
Priming the Pump: Warm-Ups that Work — Lee Farrow, CELT and History
Monday, Feb. 29 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor West
Syllabus Swap — Lee Farrow, CELT and History
Monday, Feb. 29 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor West
Self-Efficacy: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Incorporate It into Your Classes — Lee Farrow, CELT and History
Monday, Feb. 29 | 2:15–3:15 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor West
ShamROCK the House and enjoy games, food, trivia
Top of the mornin’ to ya!
St. Patrick’s Day falls over Spring Break this year, but that won’t stop Housing and Residence Life and Student Involvement from joining forces to throw an all-green St. Patrick’s Day bash. Meet up in the Landing for games, food and trivia!
For more information, contact Christin LeJeune at [email protected] or 334-244-3683.
Tuesday, March 8 | 6:30 p.m. | The Landing in The Nest
Apply for Graduate Study Merit Scholarships through March 1
The Auburn University at Montgomery Alumni Association is accepting applications for its 2016-17 Graduate Study Merit Scholarships through March 1.
To be eligible, students must be fully admitted to an AUM graduate program, have completed at least six hours of graduate study, and have a current grade-point average of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Interested students can view the Alumni Scholarship Guide & Application and email [email protected] with any questions. A completed application will include, among other things, two letters of support (preferably from AUM faculty or staff), a 250-word essay on career objectives, and a current résumé. Applicants will be notified of their award status by mail.
For more information, contact Valerie Rankin at [email protected] or 334-244-3557.
Students, faculty, staff encouraged to attend Higher Education Day on Thursday, Feb. 25
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend Higher Education Day on Thursday, Feb. 25.
Higher Education Day is an opportunity to remind political leaders that funding the state’s universities, Auburn University at Montgomery included, is necessary to continue to offer and to expand the programs students will need to be competitive when they complete their education at AUM.
Student Bus Information (service provided by SGA)
9 a.m. — Buses load at AUM’s Duck Pond parking lot
2–2:30 p.m. — Return to AUM
NOTE: Students with class or campus work assignments during this time should check with professors, instructors and/or supervisors to see if the absence will be excused.
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Alabama State House (front steps) | T-shirts, free lunch provided to attendees
Volunteer opportunity aids homebound senior citizens
Passionate about helping others? Want to add a boost to your resume? Join Housing for our monthly community service effort, “From Our Community to Yours,” as we join efforts with the Montgomery Area Council on Aging. Housing will be preparing delicious and nutritious meals for homebound senior citizens in the River Region. Join us in making a difference in others’ lives! For more information, contact Christin LeJeune at 334-244-3683 or [email protected].
Friday, Feb. 26 | 8:30 a.m. | The Nest
Residence Rumble to support basketball teams
Residents of Housing are encouraged to come support our basketball teams. We will be serving pizza and will have fan items available for Housing residents. Additionally, the floor or building with the most attendees will earn its own pizza party in the Nest! For more information, contact Christin LeJeune at 334-244-3683 or [email protected].
Saturday, Feb. 27 | 1:30 p.m. | AUM Athletics Complex
Cobb to speak on ‘Hope for Humility’
Dr. Aaron Cobb, assistant professor in the Department of English and Philosophy, will present a lecture, “Hope for Humility: Regulative Epistemology and the Cultivation of Intellectual Virtue.”
Thursday, March 24 | 12:30 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor South
Annual undergraduate research symposium — April 1
The AUM College of Arts & Sciences will host its annual undergraduate research symposium on April 1. All undergraduates currently or previously taking part in research projects at AUM are eligible to present. Visit the Undergraduate Research webpage for more information, including presentation criteria and awards.
Friday, April 1 | 8:30 a.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor | Submit abstract by Feb. 26
AUM Mini-College connects community with Arts and Sciences faculty, scholars
AUM Mini-College, set for June 14–15, is a chance for local residents to spend two days on campus engaging with professors and scholars.
For more information, contact Dr. Peter Zachar at 334-244-3311 or [email protected].
Tuesday, June 14–Wednesday, June 15 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Career Development Center, Taylor 323 | Registration: $50; Deadline to register, May 1.
RESUME BREAKOUT: CDC assists students with résumés, cover letters
Students can stop by the Career Development Center for a quick résumé or cover letter critique, interview prep, or to simply have a chat about their major or career path.
The CDC understands that setting an appointment is not always convenient, so the career center staff has set aside hours (below) every Friday exclusively for walk-in students. Students do need to bring a hard copy of their résumé or cover letter if they would like it reviewed.
Every Friday | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Career Development Center, Taylor 323
Weekly LGBTQ support group
The Counseling Center is offering a weekly support group, “Open Room,” for students concerning gender identity and sexual orientation.
This group is open to all, however, participants must agree to maintain members confidentiality and attend regularly.
The AUM Counseling Center (AUMCC) is a safe space for anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or anyone who is exploring their own sexual orientation or gender identity.
Thursdays through April 21 | 12–1 p.m. | Taylor Center 158
Mindfulness group counseling
Join us for an interactive group counseling series through the semester. We will be exploring activities to increase mindfulness, your overall mental health, and reduce stress.
Activities include:
· Breathing exercises
· Mindful meditation
· Mindful eating
· Progressive muscle relaxation
· Healthy sleeping practices
· Relaxation techniques
· Cognitive reconstruction
Fridays through April 29 | 1–2:30 p.m. | Taylor Center 158
NAMI on Campus AUM offers support to those with coping with mental illness
NAMI on Campus AUM is a peer-led support group for students living with a mental illness as well as students who live with, care for, or love someone with mental illness. These group sessions will offer students the opportunity to engage with one another through support. This group is open to all students who would like to connect with and support other AUM students experiencing similar struggles.
Fridays through April 29 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Taylor Center 158
AUM launches Student Alumni Association
The AUM Student Alumni Association aims to generate pride and advance the traditions of Auburn University at Montgomery while fostering loyalty, commitment, lifelong relationships, involvement and communication among students and alumni.
Membership is open to all students. For information, contact Valerie Rankin at 334-244-3557 or [email protected].
Students: Travel the world this summer with Study Abroad
Did you know you can study in other countries this summer and earn AUM credits at the same time — with up to $1,500 in scholarship assistance?
Choose a country below and contact Study Abroad at 244-3544 for more information.
· Manabi, Ecuador
· Mexico City, Mexico
· Shiga, Japan
· Ulsan, South Korea
· Hubei, China
· Lincoln, United Kingdom
· Kandy, Sri Lanka
· South Africa
Political Film Series features semester of films
The Political Film Series, sponsored by the College of Public Policy & Justice, is featuring another semester of exciting films.
The International Women’s Day feature on March 8 (7 p.m., Library Tower, 10th floor West), introduced by Dr. Silvia Giagnoni, is Vanishing Borders (2014). The documentary tells the story of four immigrant women living in New York City.
The final film of the spring is dedicated to Earth Day. Plastic Paradise (2014) will take you on a journey to Midway Atoll, one of the most remote places on Earth, to reveal the mystery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Dr. Karen Stine will introduce the documentary, which will be shown on April 21 (7 p.m., Library Tower, 10th floor West).
The March and April screenings are co-sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences. All films are free, open to the public, and made possible thanks to a grant from the Ida Belle Young Special Projects Fund.
For information, contact Dr. Pia Knigge at [email protected] or 334-244-3834.
Jack and Ruth Lee Scholarship available
The 2016 Jack and Ruth Lee Scholarship application is now available.
Applications are available in the Scholarships Office (located in Admissions on the first floor of the Taylor Center) and in the Center for Disability Services. The deadline to apply is March 15.
The scholarship totals $500 toward books and supplies for the fall 2016 term. Eligibility requirements include a minimum 2.5 GPA, full-time enrollment, demonstrated financial need (will be verified by Scholarships Office and FAFSA), and eligibility to receive services from the AUM Center for Disability Services.
For more information, contact Kate Bartlett at [email protected] or 334-244-3078.
Learning Center Tutoring Hours
Learning Center-WASC, 2nd floor Library Tower
Monday–Thursday | 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
North Commons
Monday | 4–6 p.m.
Wednesday | 4–6 p.m.
ISL, 203 Goodwyn Hall
Monday–Thursday | 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
New campus tobacco policy
AUM takes Warhawk wellness seriously. Effective June 1, 2016, AUM will join more than 1,000 other colleges and universities by becoming a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus. AUM is committed to providing a healthier and cleaner campus community for our students, employees and visitors. A smoke-free campus will further promote the health, safety, and well-being of the AUM Family by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke on campus and at university-owned and -leased properties. For specifics, read the policy online.
If you would like help stopping smoking or tobacco use, there are many resources available to AUM students, faculty and staff. To quit smoking or using tobacco is a life-changing decision and can seem daunting or even impossible, but with the help of others who care and a solid plan of action, success can be attained.
Two great tobacco cessation resources are listed below:
The Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy offers pharmaceutical care to individuals in our community who wish to quit smoking. The “Pack It Up” Cessation Program involves personal, face-to-face evaluations and planning sessions with pharmacists. Pharmacotherapy is also an available option for those who need it to facilitate their cessation process.
Appointments with Auburn pharmacists can be made by phone or email:
334-844-4099, [email protected]
Also, the state of Alabama offers an educational and counseling service over the phone and the Internet. Alabama QUITNOW offers FREE counseling from qualified professionals, a personalized quit plan made just for you, and FREE nicotine patches for four weeks if enrolled in the counseling program. Counseling and planning are available toll free by phone or by Internet chat, and registering is easy.
You can access the QUITNOW services:
(1-800-QUITNOW) or (1-800-784-8669)
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Continuing Merit, Student Involvement scholarships available to AUM students
Students are encouraged to apply for two AUM scholarships.
The 2016-17 Continuing Merit Scholarship application is now available, and any currently enrolled student who has completed 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate hours may apply. The application will be available on the homepage of MyAUM until March 1.
Also, the 2016-17 Student Involvement Scholarship, sponsored by the AUM Student Government Association, is now available. Any currently enrolled undergraduate student who has completed a minimum of 12 hours may apply. Also, students must have a 2.5 institution GPA and demonstrate involvement and dedication to AUM’s campus community. This scholarship totals $500 for the academic year, and paper applications are available in the Scholarships Office (located in the Admissions Office in Taylor Center) or the Student Involvement and Leadership Office (located in Warhawk Alley) until March 1.
Contact Kate Bartlett at 334-244-3615 or [email protected]
See who you know in Campus Life
AUM’s Campus Life page is frequently updated to show photographs of people, events and life around campus. See who you know — or see yourself — in the Campus Life photo album and in this month’s photo slideshow.
