Contents
Message from the Dean
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Yes, spring is here and now all we need is some sunshine and all will be complete.
Another busy month has just passed for the DELO family, some highs and some not so highs. One of our low moments was when we heard that Winston Woodward had passed away after a long illness. Our thoughts and prayers continue for Sharon, and she is now back to work. Sharon asked that we include her thank you note in this letter, and I am pleased to do so here:
To All,
I’d like to thank everyone for the cards, calls, emails, visits, flowers, and prayers during Winston’s illness and following his death. Thank you also for the continued support, assistance, and understanding as you have helped with everything from large projects to everyday tasks. God has truly blessed Rhanda and me with a wonderful work family.
Sharon
Beth and I attended the North Central Conference on Summer Sessions in Chicago, March 5 – 7. This is a good group to share summer sessions ideas, best practices, what works, and what doesn’t. It made me proud to see that our own summer term ranks very well among those that presented there, and I saw nothing that beat our own marketing and promotion activities.
I also attended the University Continuing Education Association annual conference in New Orleans last week. This conference always is of benefit to me personally, not only for professional growth, but also to network with long–time friends in the field and meet new professionals that will become the leaders in our field.
Elizabeth attended the Web Accessibility Symposium on March 5 which was hosted and conducted by EKU. One definition of accessibility is that all web users, including users with disabilities, can obtain the same Internet content. DELO is committed to providing webpages that serve the widest range of audiences as well as comply with the applicable laws. Elizabeth found the Symposium to be very informative and she has already used some of the additional methods she learned.
Next week several of us will attend the Region South Association for Continuing Higher Education meeting in Tunica, Mississippi. I’ll give you some details in next month’s newsletter. I just love the chance to write Mississippi. I find myself spelling it either out loud or slowly in my mind every time I write it, just as I learned to spell it when I was a kid. I really don’t know what that says about me, maybe I’m still a kid?
We did get to see the Iowa grandkids over Easter and thoroughly enjoyed them. Jake is getting pretty good on his guitar he got for Christmas, so if any of you have recording connections in Nashville, pass them along to me. I’m thinking that he just might be able to fill the void that Elvis left. But then that just might be grandpa thoughts.
As you will see in this months letter, there has been lots of activities in DELO again in the past month. April will again blossom with new and renewed programs from DELO, just as nature once again blooms in all its natural beauty and excitement.
I hope you enjoy the letter.
Don S.
Glasgow News
Associate Degree Nursing Program
The Glasgow Campus received the following notice from Kacy Harris MSN, RN, Associated Degree Nursing Program Director, Interim Chair, Health Sciences Division:
"It is with pride and pleasure that I announce that the 2007 graduates of the Associate Degree Program of Western Kentucky University Glasgow Campus had a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)..."The Glasgow Campus is very proud of the hard work and perseverance of the students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. We have also learned that the Glasgow A.D.N. students were the only group in the state of Kentucky to have a 100% pass rate. Congratulations!!!
G.E.A.R.U.P. Career Fair
G.E.A.R.U.P. (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness Undergraduate Program) Class of 2012 is a federal grant program within Glasgow and Barren County Schools that works with this year’s 8th grade class until their graduation in 2012 to promote awareness, readiness, and access to postsecondary education. The Career Fair, held on the WKU – Glasgow Campus, was very important in order for students to get a clear picture of what they need to be doing now to plan for their future, and was dedicated to increasing the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education and training programs.
Eighteen speakers gave 32 presentations to 374 Barren County Middle School 8th grade students and 160 Glasgow Middle School 8th grade students. WKU – Glasgow Academic Advisor Crystal Nuckols (right) was one of the presenters. Career areas represented at the event were: technology, engineering, education, law enforcement, agriculture, interior design, real estate, media, plumbing, food services, and industry. In addition, faculty and staff members from both middle schools were present.
The event was made possible with funding from the GEAR UP program, which is designed to encourage students to think about postsecondary education, specifically those who are in the class of 2012.
In addition to the Career Fair, Glasgow School’s Success Academy toured the Glasgow Campus. At Success Academy, students work at their own pace, taking high school–level classes online. Success Academy students learn more than just the basics; they are also taught character education, career education, moral ethics, freedoms, driving laws, job skills, and ACT preparation among other things. Students who attend Success Academy will be required to work at jobs at local businesses, as well as earning credits toward a high school diploma.
Edmonson County High School also toured the campus during spring break. The Glasgow Campus is always proud to have high school students see what the college experience is all about.
WKU–Glasgow Goes to Ecuador
During Spring Break, six WKU–Glasgow students and one faculty member traveled to Ecuador as part of Study Abroad. The group spent the week touring agricultural plantations, seeing the sights, and eating the local delicacies (such as roasted "cuy" or guinea pig).
(left to right) Back row: Amy Russell – Tompkinsville, Eric Hatcher – Columbia; Middle row: Julie Cleary – Tompkinsville, Kendra Hatcher – Fairplay, LaSandra Crawford – Tompkinsville, Instructor Kristie Guffey; Front Row: Lindsie Kinslow – Smiths Grove
LaSandra, Julie, and Amy are shown digging potatoes in Pillaro, Ecuador.
The WKU Glasgow group at Midel de Mundo - Middle of the world - at the equator.
LaSandra, Julie, Amy, and Lindsie are shown straddling the equator.
EOC Workshop
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) held a workshop at the Glasgow Regional Center in March. The theme was "It’s never too late to go back to school" and the EOC wanted to increase awareness that their purpose was to assist students. They provided information on the many reasons why a person should start or return to college.
Kathy Fraim is the EOC counselor at the Glasgow Regional Center. She provides assistance with the process of admissions and financial aid to qualified prospective students.
Pictured left to right are Janet Holloway, EOC Coordinator, and Debra McCandless.
PSY Club Bowls for Kids’ Sake
The members of the WKU–Glasgow Psychology Club teamed up for Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake. The team members included Mariea Geis, Kyle Harris, Michelle Johnson, Kasie Pointer and staff advisor, Shana Pack and they raised around $300 for the charity. Later in the spring, the club will join the Sociology Club in sponsoring a picnic for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Support for the Barren River Animal Welfare Association
Sociology Club Makes Donation
Members of the WKU–Glasgow Sociology Club presented Margie Patton of the Barren River Animal Welfare Association (BRAWA) with a check for $100.00 that was generated through various fundraising activities. In addition, the club presented BRAWA with supplies, such as paper towels, dog treats, hand sanitizer, etc., that were donated at the Glasgow Campus.
Pictured left to right are Kasey Furkin, Treasurer, Margie Patton, BRAWA, and Kyle Harris, President, presenting a check from the WKU–Glasgow Sociology Club.
Partnership Event With Alumni
The Barren County Chapter of the WKU Alumni Association partnered with BRAWA (Barren River Animal Welfare Association) on Thursday March 27 at WKU–Glasgow. The event was sponsored to showcase some of BRAWA’s cuddly critters who are looking for loving homes. For those who brought supplies to donate, the alumni association gave away free tickets to the WKU vs. FUI Baseball Game on Saturday, April 5.
Pictured left to right are Douglas Ostapack, BRAWA, Jared Holland, WKU Alumni Relations Office, and Bryan Basinger, Barren County Alumni Chapter President.
Campus Activities Board and the Counseling & Testing Center Partner Once Again
The Campus Activities Board provided free pizza to WKU–Glasgow students on Thursday, March 20. In conjunction with the event, Elizabeth Mohon, Sexual Assault Coordinator with the WKU Counseling & Testing Center, brought information about the Clothesline Project in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Photo: Nancy Kirk stops to review the information provided by Elizabeth Mohon.
Congratulations, Justin!
We would like to congratulate Justin Pedigo as our new Senior Zone Maintenance Technician. Justin was hired last year as a one–year temporary full–time. He has now been hired as a permanent employee. Justin began with WKU–Glasgow as a co–op student from Barren County High School and has already proven to be a tremendous asset to the campus.
Grad Fair
Representatives from the Registrar’s Office, Graduate Studies, and the Bookstore visited WKU–Glasgow to assist students in obtaining their cap and gown and talking with representatives to assist in their transition from student to graduate to alumnus.
Owensboro News
Owensboro Police Chief, Glen Skeens, met with Charlotte Dixon, Amy Fitzpatrick, Laura Ricke, and Dr. Joe Etienne to discuss partnership opportunities between WKU–O, DELO, and the Owensboro Police Department. Bachelor completion degree alternatives were reviewed as well as a new cohort program for departmental employees and area law enforcement professionals.
The Master of Public Administration cohort program will be specifically designed to meet the professional development needs of public safety officials in the Owensboro region. Course content will be adjusted where appropriate to incorporate public safety examples and highlight specific tools of benefit to this element of the public sector. Students will be able to develop their papers and projects around public safety concepts and issues and learn from guest speakers who are leaders in the field.
Chief Skeens was also excited to hear about the services available through DELO’s Office of Continuing Education.
The Owensboro Hilltoppers welcomed Azurdee Garland to their March meeting. They planned upcoming events which include a Spring Fling with the Owensboro Community and Technical College and fun activities for finals week.
WKU Owensboro welcomed all those from Bowling Green for our Graduation Fair. Our students really appreciated the help!
Some Owensboro staff and family members cheered on WKU in the Sweet Sixteen. GO HILLTOPPERS!!
Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Ft.Knox News
A Graduation Fair was held at the Elizabethtown Community and Technical
College (ECTC) campus for WKU students. There was more than a 50% increase in
the number of students who participated in this year’s fair over last year.
Dr. Bob Hatfield is shown discussing the WKU Master’s of Business Administration program with prospective students during the MBA Fair which was held on Wednesday, March 26.
Ronda Sullivan, Elizabethtown Office Coordinator, and Liza Ramirez, Radcliff Office Associate, are shown visiting with chamber members and local vendors at the Hardin County Chamber "Good Neighbor Days" on March 13.
Servicemembers Opportunity College Workshop
DELO and the Elizabethtown, Radcliff, and Fort Knox Regional Center hosted a workshop on March 18 for Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) participants. The purpose of the workshop was to update higher education officials who work with the active Army, the Army Reserves, and/or the Army National Guard (ARNG) on Soldier benefits and how colleges may address their enrollment objectives by working with the Army.
There were two morning breakout sessions. The first Session A was designed for Servicemembers Opportunity College – Army Degrees (SOCAD) member institutions and focused on key elements of the SOC Degree Network System and the responsibilities of participating colleges. The second breakout group, Session B, the Kentucky ARNG Education Services Office staff discussed federal and state benefits, tuition assistance processing, and other ARNG education–related topics.
Highlights of the workshop were:
- Being Military Friendly and the Military Student Bill of Rights
- Tuition Assistance (GoArmyEd; Montgomery GI Bill; National Guard: non–activated and activated)
- Transition from Combat Boots to the Classroom: College and National Initiatives
- GoArmyEd LOI–school Open Forum: Expectations and Issues from Participating Colleges
Quality Matters in Kentucky Statewide Meeting
On March 6, the Office of Distance Learning hosted a meeting of higher education institutions to discuss forming a Quality Matters (QM) statewide consortium in Kentucky. The meeting was held at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center. Twenty–one people attended the meeting representing thirteen different institutions across the state.
Pam Wilson, Assistant Director of Distance Learning at WKU, has agreed to act as the Statewide QM Coordinator. Five institutions will be participating in the consortium that will create a statewide peer review system for online courses at the members’ institutions. Trained peer reviewers (online faculty and instructional designers) will review the online courses of consortium member institutions, providing constructive feedback and suggestions for improving the design of the reviewed courses. The statewide participants are University of Louisville, Morehead State University, Kentucky State University, Northern Kentucky University, and WKU.
For more information about Quality Matters, visit: http://qualitymatters.org.
Summer Sessions Kick–off
The 2008 Summer Sessions kick–off was held on March 18 to raise student awareness about the start of summer registration. While this exciting summer–themed event was planned to take place outdoors at the Centennial Mall, high winds and the threat of thunderstorms forced the event indoors to the Grise Hall lobby. Several hundred students took advantage of the free snacks and drinks, and Summer Sessions promotional book bags were given to approximately 200 lucky students. Many also stopped to discuss registration details and their summer course options with DELO staff members. With over 3500 students enrolled already with almost 20,000 credit hours, this event definitely proved to be a success.
Welcome Liza Ramirez
Liza Ramirez is the new office associate at the Radcliff Regional Education and Development Center. She brings in over 18 years of office experience, including volunteering with military family programs and other various employment. Liza is married and has 3 children, Elizabeth, 21 years old attending college in Missouri, Jacqueline, 19 years old attending college in Colorado and Jose, Jr., 18 years old attending Ft. Knox High School. Liza lives in Elizabethtown with her spouse, Jose, Sr., who is retired military Army. Hobbies include walking her dogs, word search puzzles and she is currently working on her family genealogy. Liza is currently a student at ECTC working on her Business Administration degree. She will be attending WKU when she completes her coursework at ECTC.
New Winter Term Session Discussed
Beth Laves, Assistant to the Dean (DELO), held two open forums for faculty and staff about the possibility of having two overlapping sessions in Winter Term 2009. She proposed a flexible four-week session to overlap the traditional three-week winter session. This new "D session" would take place from Dec. 15 to Jan. 23 with two weeks off when the University is officially closed. The traditional "J session" will continue to be three weeks, scheduled for 2009, starting Jan. 5 and ending Jan. 23.
WKU faculty and staff were encouraged to express their opinions on how this might impact their teaching, students, and WKU operations. Beth’s feedback to date has been mixed. Faculty who teach weekend courses and online courses were excited about the possibilities and felt that the break would provide an opportunity for projects and/or readings that could enhance learning when classes resumed. Other responders were concerned that the two-week holiday break might be too disruptive to the learning process. Beth stated that while she knew not all courses are amenable to Winter Term scheduling, this new proposed term could add an additional option for faculty seeking to determine their most effective course plan.
Beth is also conducting an online student survey this week to gather additional input. The results of these forums and survey will be presented to the Calendar Committee which is responsible for making calendar recommendations to Dr. Barbara Burch, WKU Provost.
A Cool Idea for High School Students This Summer!
The Glasgow Regional Campus and the Bowling Green Community College will host a summer session for high school students. Through DELO’s Dual Credit Program, rising juniors and seniors at area high schools will have the opportunity to take a college course in subjects such as communication, sociology, theatre appreciation, or history.
The special session for high school students runs on a unique schedule designed around the high school calendar. Courses will be held Mondays through Thursdays for five weeks beginning June 9 with a break the week of July 30.
Tuition will be the dual credit program rate of $200.00 per course. If you’d like more information, contact Dewayne Neeley, 745-2368 or email dewayne.neeley@wku.edu.
CTD Conducts Customer Service Training
The Center for Training and Development (CTD) in partnership with Twin Lakes Regional Hospital in Leitchfield, KY presented elements of extraordinary customer service using principles from the book "The FRED FACTOR" by Mark Sanborn. Scott Taylor provided tips to a staff of doctors and health care professionals on the importance of communication to internal and external customers. These sessions were conducted on Friday, March 28 at the hospital.
Selected Knicely Center Events in March
- Lowe's Companies Incorporated Installer Training (two–day seminar)
- Country Oven Bakery Regulatory Training (three–day seminar)
- Career Services Center Career Expo
- Bowling Green Human Rights Commission Women of Achievement Awards
- Southern KY Basketball Officials Association Banquet
- Cheerforce Booster Club 2007-2008 Banquet
To schedule your event at the Knicely Center, call 745-1908. WKU departments get a 40% discount on room rental rates.
DELO eNewsletter
The goal of the DELO eNewsletter is to share highlights of DELO and the individual DELO units with employees and interested individuals.
You are an important part of the success of the DELO newsletter. Submit information or story ideas to Elizabeth Main, (elizabeth.main@wku.edu) by the end of the month. Topics could include new program offerings, new employees, contracts made with outside organizations, professional awards received by you or your employees... anything that your fellow DELO employees might be interested in. Don’t be timid – take this opportunity to brag on your professional accomplishments!
Please send your information or comments to Elizabeth. We want to make the information in this newsletter interesting and useful for you.
Past issues of the DELO eNewsletter can be found at www.wku.edu/delo/NewslettersHTML/newsletterArchive.htm.