AUM Weekly 2-9-16: AUM Mini-College; Kinesiology presentations
AUM Weekly 2-9-16: AUM Mini-College; Kinesiology presentations
by Caitlin Forrest | Feb 09, 2016
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.
Presentations and discussions will focus on a variety of topics across the arts and sciences spectrum, from history and literature to biology and psychology. Participants can choose from among sixteen seminars organized around the theme “Good Questions,” attend a film screening and a follow-up conversation with an AUM faculty member, enjoy breakfast and lunch with professors from multiple disciplines, and interact with peers who share their enthusiasm for the life of the mind.
For more information, contact Dr. Peter Zachar at 334-244-3311 or [email protected]. To register, visit the AUM Mini-College page.
Tuesday, June 14–Wednesday, June 15 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Career Development Center, Taylor 323 | Registration: $50; Deadline to register, May 1.
Kinesiology professors share wellness practices with Montgomery, Birmingham communities
Kinesiology faculty, graduates and current graduate students made multiple presentations recently at the Alabama State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Fall Conference in Birmingham, Ala.
At the conference, Rachel Stuart spoke on “Mastering the 12-6 Pitch: Changing Hitting Styles Fast Pitch to Slow Pitch”; Dr. Hank Williford presented “Get Involved with Get Moving Alabama”; Matt Leatherwood shared information on “The Effects of Caffeine on the Cardiovascular System”; Natasha Foster shared “New Trends Unfolding in Youth Recreation”; Amy Oliver and Mel Redding informed on “Things to Know about Exercise for Individuals with Down Syndrome”; and Dr. George Schaefer spoke on “Managing Risk at a Youth Day Camp.”
At another recent gathering, Rebekah Seay, Bruce Bentley, Katie Spain, and Holly Clark presented information on wellness and health care at the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Wellness Program event. At the event, attendees were able to receive blood pressure screenings; forced-vital-capacity (FVC) checks; waist-to-hip ratio, body composition, and grip strength measurements; and general weigh-ins. All the services offered are part of the “Warhawk Fit” initiative, which looks to help everyone and anyone begin, progress or continue on a path to healthier living.
For a full list of all services available, contact [email protected] or call 334-244-3472
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.
Middle schoolers learn about math competition training at AUM
AUM’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science recently hosted the first spring session of the Montgomery City Math Circle (MC)2. Thirteen curious minds from different middle schools attended the hands-on activity involving Platonic solids.
The Circle, part of the National Association of Math Circles and sponsored by AUM’s Department of Mathematics and Science, was organized and has been led by two female high school students from LAMP (Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School) — freshman Quinn Lee and sophomore Martha Yin — since September 2015.
The Circle, which is not a tutorial service, was founded to train like-minded students who want to participate in math competitions such as MATHCOUNT and American Mathematics Competitions (AMC).
The organizers believe Montgomery students can perform better in math competitions, and they changed the format and expanded the Circle to include middle schoolers who enjoy and want to know more mathematics. The topics of discussion were selected and prepared by Lee and Yin.
To learn more about (MC)^2, explore the Circle’s website at www.montgomerycitymathcircle.weebly.com or contact Dr. Enoch Lee at [email protected] or 334-244-3324.
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. 18–20 and 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].
Dueñas, Hogan to present at Hispanic and Latino Studies Conference
Dr. Gil Dueñas and Dr. Jan Hogan, professors in the Department of Curriculum Instruction and Technology, will present a paper, “Embracing a Vital Linguistic Resource of Hispanic Households: Dichos as a Foundation for Enriching In-school Learning,” at the National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies Conference in Baton Rouge, La., on Feb. 12.
In other College of Education news, Dueñas’ article, “Los Sentimientos, Luchas, y Esperanzas de Cinco Familias Mexicana: The Sentiments, Struggles, and Hopes of Five Mexican Families,” was recently published in the Journal of Latinos and Education.
Lacy named director of WASC; Elwood named associate director of academic transition
Dr. Virginia Lacy has been named director of the Warhawk Academic Success Center.
In this role, Lacy will manage the day-to-day affairs of the WASC and the Student Success and Retention Office. In addition, she will serve as the primary liaison between the WASC and the campus community.
Lacy is looking forward to continuing the vision and mission of the WASC by providing student-centered advising and programming that encourages student success and increases the retention of students and their persistence toward graduation.
Lacy most looks forward to working closely with constituents across campus to develop meaningful and impactful strategies aimed at making AUM an environment that cultivates student connections, knowledge, and skills so that they thrive at AUM and beyond.
Prior to taking on her new role, Lacy worked part-time in the AUM Counseling Center before joining the WASC full time in February 2014 as Student Success Advisor. She has an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University.
In addition, Lacy has served as an adjunct professor at Auburn University in the Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling Department. She has a passion for working with and developing college students and is excited to serve in her new role in the WASC.
Brad Elwood has joined the WASC as associate director of Academic Transition Programs.
In the role, Elwood will support and promote the work and collaboration of a dynamic team that includes Auburn Guarantee (previously Seamless), Bridge, and Learning Communities. Elwood will strive to assist the leadership of each program to build off of their current successes and continue to cultivate a clear vision for the future.
Elwood’s future plans include learning how each academic transition program can become further embedded in the fabric of the institution and learn how to increase the effectiveness of each program.
“The Auburn University at Montgomery family can assist me through collaboration as we develop and expand our programs. I look forward to working with each of you!” Elwood said.
Elwood is originally from Northern California and graduated from Seattle University with B.A. in International Studies, minoring in Spanish.
In 2008, Elwood graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a M.Ed. in Student Affairs. In 2015, he started working on his dissertation for an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration. Also, for the past six years, he has worked in a variety of student service roles with the City Colleges of Chicago, including academic advising as well as coordinating first-year student programming.
In 2013, Elwood was elected to the executive board of the Illinois Academic Advising Association (ILACADA) as the chair of the constitution committee and developed the organization’s first constitution and by-laws.
Previous to his role at City Colleges, he was a study abroad advisor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, advising on programs in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Elwood is a strong advocate for international education and talk to students about studying abroad at any opportunity.
Farrow posts to ‘All the Russias’ blog
Dr. Lee A. Farrow, Distinguished Teaching Professor and director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, recently published a short summary of her book Alexis in America for the blog “All the Russias,” a site sponsored by the NYU Jordan Center for the Advanced Study of Russia. For more information, contact Danitra Tolbert at 334-244-3525 or [email protected].
McCovery named Young Professional of the Year nominee
Serena McCovery, program and project manager in AUM’s Office of Orientation and Transitions, recently was honored as an Emerge Montgomery Young Professional of the Year finalist.
McCovery, who was featured in a Montgomery Advertiser article, and two other nominees took part in a ceremony at Old Alabama Town on Feb. 3.
Counseling Center hosts Love is Respect session
Join the Counseling Center in raising awareness of signs of an unhealthy relationship and abusive relationship behaviors through interactive quiz games and tips on spotting signs of dating abuse.
Also, by choosing to wear one of the Counseling Center’s temporary metallic tattoos, you can take a stand against abusive relationships.
For more information, contact Jennifer Bradley at 334-244-3554 or [email protected].
Tuesday, Feb. 9 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Global Education Center
Hot Topics Café: Check Your Privilege
What is privilege? How does it impact society, or does it? Please join Housing and Residence Life and a panel of facilitators as we hold a safe, honest discussion about race, class, gender, ability, sexuality and everything in between. For more information, contact Christin LeJeune at 334-244-3683 or [email protected].
Wednesday, Feb. 10 | 6:30 p.m. | The Landing (in The Nest) | Light snacks will be served.
Arts and Sciences presents ‘Stamp Motion Graphics’ with Joe Walker of Stamp Idea Group
The AUM College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Fine Arts presents “Stamp Motion Graphics” with Joe Walker of Stamp Idea Group in Montgomery.
Walker has nearly 20 years of real-world experience in post-production motion graphics, ranging from title sequences and broadcast graphics to DVD and Blu-ray menu design.
Thursday, Feb. 11 | 2–3:30 p.m. | Goodwyn Hall 112 | Free and open to the public
AUM Connected hosts screening of ‘The Happening’
AUM Connected: Common Reading Program will host a screening of the film, “The Happening,” starring Mark Wahlberg as a science teacher and Zooey Deschanel as his wife, who is trying to survive a bizarre plague. For more information, contact Danitra Tolbert at 334-244-3525 or [email protected].
Thursday, Feb.11 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Taylor Center 223 | Light snacks will be provided.
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.
Friday, February 12 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Career Development Center, Taylor 323
‘From Our Community to Yours’ Housing volunteer opportunity
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 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,” on March 24.
Cobb’s lecture focuses on important developments in thinking about intellectual virtues and vices. He discusses intellectual humility and the vices of arrogance, vanity, domination, presumption, and hyper-autonomy.
Cobb contends that there is a reciprocal relationship between the virtues of intellectual humility and hope. Cultivating the virtue of hope requires the correction and guidance of humility, but communities that foster well-tuned hopes simultaneously cultivate the humility crucial to curbing presumption and hyper-autonomy.
Thursday, March 24 | 12:30 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor South
College of Arts & Sciences to host annual undergraduate research symposium on 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. | 10th Floor Library Tower | Submit abstract by Feb. 26
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].
Farrow to speak on ‘Grand Duke Alexis and the Mythical Origins of Mardi Gras in New Orleans’ today
The Friends of the AUM Library invite students, faculty and staff to a presentation by Dr. Lee Farrow: “Grand Duke Alexis and the Mythical Origins of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.”
Tuesday, Feb. 9 | 12–1 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor West | Sandwiches and king cake will be provided.
Gandhi’s grandson to speak on nonviolence today at Auburn University
The Auburn University Office of International Programs will host Arun Gandhi, grandson of the legendary Mohandas Gandhi, at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 for a lecture, “Lessons Learned From My Grandfather: Non-Violence in a Violent World.” Part of OIP’s Year of India, the free event will take place in the Foy Hall Auditorium. The Auburn University Indian Music Ensemble will provide a special performance as well, and a reception will follow in the lobby.
Tuesday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m. | Foy Hall Auditorium, Auburn University | Free and open to the public
Weekly LGBTQ support group starts Thursday
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.
This group will meet from 12–1 p.m. every Thursday from Feb. 11 until April 21 and will meet in Taylor Center, Room 158.
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.
Thursday, 12–1 p.m. | Feb. 11–April 21 | Taylor Center 158
‘AUMnibus’ seeks submissions for article contest
Do you have an interesting story or important cause to share? Make your voice heard with the AUMnibus, AUM’s student newspaper! There are no limits to what subjects we want to see, so send us something attention grabbing.
The winning article will be published on the front page of the March issue.
Deadline: Monday, Feb. 15 | Minimum length: 350 words | Send submissions to [email protected].
Outreach Business Breakfast features Aric Bostick, author of ‘FIRED UP! Employees’
Aric Bostick, motivational speaker, success trainer, and author of FIRED UP! Employees, will speak Feb. 16 at AUM Outreach’s Business Breakfast.
Tuesday, Feb. 16 | 7:30 a.m. | Marriott Legends at Capitol Hill in Prattville | Tickets (individual or table) or series sponsorship information: 334-244-3804.
Mindfulness group counseling available throughout semester
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, South Korea
· Lincoln, United Kingdom
· Kandy, Sri Lanka
· Peradeniya, 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.
For Black History Month, Fruitvale Station (2013), a dramatization of Oscar Grant’s tragic death by a police officer in the Bay Area, will screen on Feb. 17 (7 p.m., Goodwyn Hall 112) following an introduction by Dr. Annice Yarber-Allen.
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 January, 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.
College of Arts and Sciences Lecture Series
The Department of Biology’s Pete Haddix will give a lecture, “Red pigment function in the bacterium Serratia marcescens,” on Feb. 11.
Thursday, Feb. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Library Tower, 10th floor West
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.
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.
