Focus EMU, March 19, 1996
Item
- Title
- Focus EMU, March 19, 1996
- Description
- Eastern Michigan University "Focus" Newsletter from March 19th, 1996, with the headline "Queer Student Leadership Summit is March 23", detailing the Queer Student Leadership Summit in Hoyt Conference Center.
- Contributor
- Latitude Brown
- Date
- March 19, 1996
- Is Part Of
- EMU Focus
- Subject
- Queer Student Leadership Summit
- Medium
- Newsletter
- Date Created
- March 19, 1996
- Identifier
- Focus EMU, March 19, 1996
- Source
- “DigitalCommons@EMU.” Commons.emich.edu, commons.emich.edu/.
- extracted text
-
Volume 43, Number 31
FOCUS EMU
March 19, 1996
-
Produced by the Office of Publi� Information
Serving students better is goal of
Shelton's Barriers to Learning initiative
Angelou to kick off
Excellence Week
by Karen M. Pitton
by Kirk Carman
"How can we better serve our students?"
A key advising problem was the accessibility of advisers.
The answer to that question is at the heart of two major
"We do a good job of making advising accessible to new
projects being undertaken at Eastern Michigan University . .
students," says Hermon, "but students who were undeclared
. a campus-wide realignment and an initiative to remove
. majors had more difficulty gaining access." One of the
barriers to learning.
changes planned is to hire more graduate students to work as
Both were initiated by President William Shelton, who
para-professionals in the
has long been concerned with the process of learning and the
Academic Advising
The Barriers to Learning
availability of education. "I don't view this as an overhaul
Center. Another
Initiative focuses on
of this institution," says Shelton. "We don't have to do that.
transition will have the
removing elements of
We're very strong. We're very clear on what we're trying to
¢ time
Honors Program assume
do."
¢ space, and
advising responsibilities
¢ process
The Barriers to Learning initiative is being facilitated by
for all of its students.
that hinder learning and
Professor Mary Vielhaber Hermon, who describes it as a
Still more changes lie
· diminish the effectiveness ahead, as advising
systematic problem-solving process. "In alf parts of the
of an institution's learning personnel work with
University, people are trained to be problem solvers and
environment.
they're trained in critical thinking... . What we're doing is
academic departments to
building on those various approaches and skills."
continue enhancing their
Although the initiative has only recently been
services. The College of Arts and Sciences has initiated a
formalized, aspects of it have been in the works for some
task force on departmental advising under the direction of
time. The Retention Council spent 18 months identifying
Dean Barry Fish. Its mission is to look at ways to improve
where changes needed to be made in order for the University advising for students who are majoring in the various
to retain students. That report, presented a year ago,
departments by learning from exemplary models in the
has become the framework for what is being done today.
college.
Two areas cited as important to student retention, academic
Academic Advising Center Director Patricia Williams
advising and career services, became the first two pilot
projects under the Barriers to Learning initiative.
Se_e Barriers, page 7
A sold out performance by poet
Maya ·Angelou Sunday, March 24, at
7 p.m. in Eastern Michigan University's
Pease Auditorium will kick off EMU's
Celebration of Excellence Week.
The week, which coincides with
EMU's celebration of Founders Day,
Thursday, March 28, will feature a
variety of events honoring the EMU
Angelou
staff, students, faculty, programs and
activities that make the University a
success.
Angelou,.who won a Grammy Award for the recitation of
her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" during President
Clinton's inauguration in 1993, is the second poet in U.S.
history to recite original poetry at a presidential inaugura
tion.
She is the author of 11 books, including I Know Why the
Caged Bird Sings and Wouldn't Take Nothing For My
Journey Now, and in 1981, was appdinted to a lifetime
position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies
at Wake Forest University.
Celebration of Excellence Week events Tuesday, March
26, will include a Student Volunteer Appreciation Reception,
See Excellence, page 2
MAGB
�AMPUS CAPSULE·�------� Awards will
Writing Grants
Assessment Expo
Vetera"s/Disability
Barriers To Learning
Workshop Is March 19 .go to four
Is March 22
Survey Underway
Report Available
at EMU
The Barriers to Learning
Initiative: A Progress Report
currently is being distributed to
all full-time faculty and staff.
The report details the
progress of EMU President
William Shelton's initiative
to remove barriers to learning
at EMU.
For more information,call
Mary Herm9n at 7-6890.
The EMU Assessment Expo
will be Friday, March 22, from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. in Guild Hall of
McKenny Union.
The expo will highlight the
assessment activities being
developed by EMU faculty.
Poster displays, demonstrations
and hand-out materials will be
available and refreshments will be
served.
For more information, call Don
Bennion at 7-2246.
The Office of Academic
Programs Abroad has extended
the application deadline tu
Friday, April 5 f:or EMU students
to study in the Netherlands
during the fall semester.
Students may earn up to 15
credits by taking a variety of
courses on the Netherlands and
Europe. All classes are taught in
English, except Dutch language.
Since 1989, 35 EMU students
and 35 Dutch students have
particjpated in the program to
date.
To participate in the
program, students pay EMU
tuition and fees and a program
fee of $200. The cost of living in
Groningen is similar to that in
Ypsilanti.
For more information, call
Catherine Marquardt at 7-2�24
Distinguished Faculty
Reception Is April 2
Academics Abroad
Deadline Is April 5
Reception For Roy
Wilban·k� Is March 19
A reception for retired EMU
Executive Vice President Roy
Wilbanks will be Tuesday, March
19, from 3 to 5 p.m. in 205 Welch
Hall.
The Celebration of Faculty
Excellence, honoring EMU's 1995
Distinguished Faculty Award
recipients, will be Tuesday, April
2, from 3:45 to 6 p.m. at the Hoyt
Conference Center.
The ceremony will be at 4 p.m.
with a reception at 5 p.m.
For information, call Sharon
Collins at 7-3200.
March 19 Regents
Meeting Cancelled
The March 19 Board of
Regents meeting is cancelled.
The next regular meeting and
committee meetings are Sfheduled
for Tuesday, May 2 l .
U Pubs Chili Cook-Off
Is March 29
University Publicarions'
"Everything But the Kitchen Sink"
chili cook-off will be Friday,
March 29, in the Wise Dining
Room, DC One.
Three top prizes will be
awarded: lst prize-$75; 2nd prize
$25 ; 3rd prize-$15.
The Office of Researcb Devel
On an annual basis, the
opment will sponsor the workshop
University is required to file a
"Writing Grants To Foundations"
report with the Equal Employment
Tuesday, March 19, from 1:30 to
Opportunity Commission indicat
3 p.m. in the Tower Room of
ing the number of veterans
McKenny Union.
employed at EMU. To help verify
The workshop will feature
this data, any regular faculty or
Cheryl Elliott of the Ann Arbor
staff member who served in the
Area Community Foundation;
armed forces should self identify
Raymond Byers of Ford Motor
him/herself.
Co.; and Alison Harmon,
Unlike in recent years, survey
associate professor in the
sheets are not being mailed out to
Department of Leadership and
all employees. If you have
Counseling.
indicated your veterans status in
The workshop is designed
the last three years, you need not
for those who want to understand
do so again at this time. If you
the fundamentals of submitting
have not indicated your status the
a successful foundation proposal.
last three years and wish to do so
For more information or
now, pick up the identification
to reserve a spot, call ORD at
form in room 310 King or leave a
7-3090.
message via e-mail for Tamara
Fackler Hendricks on v01ce mail at
Undergrad Symposium
7-2030.
Human Resources often is asked Is March 29
The 16th annual Undergraduate
for numbers of employ-!es with
Symposium
will be Friday, March
disabilities and this information
helps provide an accurate picture of 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in
McKenny Union.
our workforce.
Rodney Slater, EMU alumnus
Information will be gathered
until March 31. For more informa ('77) and federal highway
administrator for the Clinton
tion, call the Affirmati'-'e Action
administration, will serve as
Office at 7-2030.
keynote speaker.
For more information, call
Basketball 'Spirit'
Wendy
Kivi at 7-3130.
Towels For Sale
The Office for Alumni
Relations is selling basketball
'spirit' towels in conjunction
with the Eagles' current winning
streak.
The towels are in "EMU
green," cost $3 each and are
available in 13 Welch Hall.
For more information, call
7-0250.
Free Counseling
Services Available
EMU' s Department of
Leadership and Counseling is
offering free counseling services
through its on-campus practicum
lab in Pittman Hall.
For more information, call
7 0- 255.
Two EMU faculty members and
two EMU students will be among
those honored at the 15th annual
Michigan Association of Govern
ing Board Higher Education
Awards Convocation Tuesday,
April 19, at 5 p.m. at Michigan
State University's Kellogg Center
in East Lansing.
The MAGB Awards convoca
tion annually recognizes two
distinguished faculty and two
outstanding students from each
of Michigan's 15 four-year
state institutions. EMU's facuJty
award recipients are selected by
the EMU Dean's Advisory Council
and the Faculty Council, while
the student recipients are selected
by EMU's Division of University
Marketing and Student Affair:,.
This year, EMU's faculty
honorees are Dr. Marylyn E.
Lake, professor of special educa
tion, and Dr. Thomas M. Gwaltney
Jr., professor of teacher education.
Ermelinda Harper of White
Lake and Christina White of
Westerville, Ohio, are EMU's
student honorees.
Lake, who joined EMU's
Department of Special Education
in 1967, received EMU's Distin
guished Faculty Award for service
in 1994. She holds bachelor's and
master's degrees from EMU,
earned in 1964 and 1966, and a
doctorate from the University of
Michigan, earned in 1978. She
. has served as a facilitator and
coordinator of the Collaborative
See MAGB, page 7
2
Tuesday, March 19, 1996
FOCUS EMU
Sidlow �ays Dole's campaign is
threatened by 'Muskie' imagery
by Pat Mroczek
There is a striking similarity in the treatment that
Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole is getting from
the media to that which Edmund Muskie received in 1972.
"One percentage point in an early
primary does not make a loser," said
Dr. Edward Sidlow, professor and head
of the EMU Political Science Department.
"Dole is starting to look like an Ed Muskie
of 1972, who didn't win big enough in
New Hampshire and therefore was portrayed as a loser. That strikes me as a
Sidlow
real unfortunate possib.ility for Dole's
political future."
Sidlow said that data shows Dole is still leading in the
Republican race nationwide, despite a second-place finish in
the New Hampshire primary. "So if I'm Dole, I'm sitting
here saying, 'Wait, a minute, I'm leading in every national
poll taken but I'm always being reported as being chased,
caught up with or beaten up.' If Dole follows Muskie's
lead, he would stop now. That's not going to happen in
1996. Dole has enough organization and financing to
prevent that discussion from even �eing placed on the
table."
That wasn't the case for Muskie, who in 1972 had
launched a serious presidential bid for the Democratic
nomination in New Hampshire. But news organizations
Loe1TUARV...-----
reported that his New Hampshire win was not as convincing
as had been expected, setting up a scenario to make the
victor look like he was walking away a loser. Muskie never
overcame that and combined with other factors ultimately
had to abandon his pre�;jential hopes.,
Sidlow predicts that New Hampshire victor Pat
Buchanan will enjoy a couple of weeks of momentum based
on the primary win, but Dole's "impeccable" national
campaign organization should beat out this temporary
setback. "It's all about expectations," he explained. "If you
were to tell me Dole needs a big win tonight, then you've
loaded the deck. I don't believe Dole needed a big win in
New Hampshire to be successful nationally. That is not
the case, however, during the upcoming primaries in the
large industrial state5.
Sidlow said the country's familiarity with Dole detracts
from his news-making ability. "He's been on the national,
political scene for 20 years, so naturally he's not going to be
as interesting as a governor in a plaid shirt or a multimillion
aire now running for president. But I'm not sure that's an
appropriate way to go about repo1,ing political news
anyway."
"It almost seems that the interpretation of the pre
election phase has become as important as the (nomination)
result itself. It has become a characteristic of the political
system that is most unfortunate," he added.
Writers Gerstler and Weissman
to read from their works March 22
Writers Amy Gerstler and Benjamin Weissman will read·
from their works at EMU Friday, March 22, at 7 p.m. in the
Tower Room of McKenny Union.
Gerstler is. the author of more than 12 books of poetry,
including Crown of Weeds, which is scheduled for publica
tion by Viking Penguin in 1997. She won the National
Book Critics Circle Award
for Poetry in 1991 for Bitter
Angel. Published widely in
art criticism, she also received
a National Gallery of Art
fellowship for the Art Critics
Conference in 1991.
Weissman, who is an artist
and a writer, had a book of
short fiction, Dear Dead
Person, published in 1994 by
High Risk Books/Serpent's
Tail. His art has been
exhibited in more than 30
exhibits, including galleries in
Excellence,
John Ullrich, who served on the EMU Board of Regents
from 1975 to 1982, died March 7 of a heart attack.
At the time of his death, Ullrich
served as an EMU Foundation Board
of Trustees member and was vice
president of technology and support
services at Masco Corp. in Taylor. He
previously held positions at Textron,
Excello Corp., International Harvester
and Ford Motor Co.
Ullrich
Ullrich, who held bachelor's, master's
and doctoral degrees from tbe University of Michigan,
was a member of numerous corporate and philanthropic
boards, as well as professional and honorary committees.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; a son, Frederick; two
daughters, Kathryn and Amy; and a granddaughter,
Amanda.
Funeral services were held March LO at Muehlig's
Funeral Home in Ann Arbor, with memorial services held
March I I at the First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor.
Contributions in Ullrich's name may be made to
the University of Michigan Engineering Scholarship
Fund, School of Engineering, A9n Arbor, Mich., 48109;
the University Musical Society, Burton Tower, Ann
Arbor, Mich., 48109; or the American Heart
Association.
Colegrove awarded
MPA journalism
scholarship
by Pat Mroczek
Rotterdam, New York, Paris
and London.
The readings are co
�
sponsored by the EMU
College of Arts and Science
Dean's Office, the Office of
Campus Life, EMU's English
Language and Literature
Department, Shaman Drum
Booksellers and Campus Book
and Supply.
A Graduate Student
Poetry Reading, featuring
EMU graduate students
Ken Cormier and Roberta
Weissman
Meyer, also is scheduled
Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in the Tower Room of
McKenny Union.
Both events are free and open tp the public.
For more information, call EM:l]'s English Language and
Literature Department at (313) 7-4220.
An EMU senior recently was awarded a Michigan
Press Association Community Journalism Scholarship,
one of only five presented in the state.
Amy Colegrove, former editor of
EMU's student newspaper the Eastern
Echo, was presented the scholarship and
recognized during the MPA annual
meeting in Grand Rapids in January.
Colegrove is the daughter of Dennis
and Carol Colegrove of 1832 Sherlynn
Drive in Brighton. She is a 1992
Colegrove
graduate of Hartland High School.
At EMU, she has served in a variety of capacities at
the Echo, which is published three times a week and has
a circulatio11 of 7,500. Additionally, she has been active
in the University Honors Program, the Stoic Society and
Jones Hall activities.
"It's really exciting to have my hard work and
dedication to journalism recognized by such a presti
gious organization as the Michigan Press Association,"
Colegrove said.
She will graduate from Eastern in April with a major
in journalism.
Except for the luncheon, the S)'mposium is free and open
to the public.
For more information, call Wendy Kivi at 7-3130.
EMU's Celebration of Excellence Week will end with the
Office of Campus Life's Winter Student Leadership
Conference Saturday, March 30, from lO a.m. to 4 p.m. at
the EMU Corporate Education Center.
Shelley Wilson, Campus Life program coordinator, said
the conference will feature a diverse range of EMU student
leaders and will focus on motivating students for leadership
roles in the 1996/97 academic year.
"The conference will be an excellent opportunity for
student leaders from across campus to come together and
get motivated for next year. It's fitting that the conference
· will round out Eastern's Celebration of Excellence Week
activities since students are really what we're all here for."
For more information on Angelou's perfon11ance, the
Student Volunteer Appreciation Reception or the Wint�r
Student Leadership Conference, call the Office of Campus
Life at 7-3045.
,]ty
t
from page.1
from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Hoyt Conference Center.
The reception will honor EMU students who have
participated in and organized volunteer events, including the
Alternative Spring Break Project, Students Against Hunger
and Homelessness, Americorps and the Young African
American Professionals Student Leadership Conference.
Also March 26, the Residence Hall Association will host
an "unbirthda)i." party in honor of its 30th year, in the
Walton Putnam lounge, with time to be announced.
Throughout the week, EMU residence halls will hold a
Founder's week bulletin board contest. The boards will
highlight people for whom the residence halls are named.
Thursday, March 28, Founder's Day events will include
the 15th annual Gold Medallion Awards Program, from 8: 15
to IO a.m. in the Ballroom of McKenny Union.
The program was initiate� by the Division of University
Marketing and Student Affairs in 1982 and this year was
expanded to include the Division of Enrollment Services.
The program honors persons or groups who have made
significant on-going contributions to the success of divi
sional programs, activities or services.
Also March 28, a Founder's Day cake and balloons will
be provided to the University community beginning at IO
a.m. in McKenny Union.
The 16th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
will be Friday, March 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in
McKenny Union.
Sponsored by EMU's College of Arts and Sciences, the
symposium is an annual one-da:y event to recognize and
showcase the scholarship and research of EMU undergradu
ates. A luncheon honoring symposium participants, their
faculty mentors and famili'es will follow the morning
presentations. Featured guest speaker will be EMU alumnus
Rodney Slater ('77), who serves as federal highway
administrator for the Clinton Administration.
Mid-American Conference Champions
The men's basketball team
hoists the trophy high after
winning the MAC tournament
March 9 by defeating the
University of Toled_o, 77-63,
during a title game broadcast
on ESPN. The championship
ushered in an appearance
at the NCAA Southeast
Regional tournament site
in Indianapolis March 14,
where the Eagles beat the
Duke Blue Devils 75-60, but
on March 16, lost to top-seed
UConn, 95-81. The loss
ended one of EMU's best
seasons in school history
(25-6), capping months of
national recognition includ
ing a ranking as high as 21st
in one poll.
FOCUS EMU
Housing ·continues to offer students
flexible and convenient ·living options
by Kirk Carman
Offering students the option to choose single rooms in
two residence halls is Eastern Michigan University's
Housing and Dining Services' latest effort to provide
EMU students with flexible, convenient and modem living
options.
Beginning in fall 1996, single rooms will be available
for students in both Hill and Hoyt Halls. Students living
in these halls also will be offered a reduced flex-meal
plan, which allows residents to spend a certain amount
on dining options each semester whenever and however
they wish.
Rebecca Figura, director of Housing, said
the request for single rooms increases each
year and that every effort is made to meet
the demand. "Every year there h5 a larger
number of students who desire their own
room and providing more single rooms is
our way of being flexible.
"We're constantly seeking input from
Figura
students living in the halls and really
appreciate their feedback, since it allows us to meet their
needs and change with the times," Figura said, noting that
based on demand and availability, a limited number of
single rooms are available in the fall in Jones and Wise
Halls.
Housing recently completed another successful "room
draw," which gives current Eastern residence hall students
the opportunity to request a hall and room for fall 1 996 prior
to the room assignments of new incoming students.
Many students participated in this year's "room draw,"
including Hill Hall residents Eric Hudy and Shannon
Bublick. Hill, which reopened in August after a year of
renovation, houses only returning upperclass students, and
offers single rooms with a microwave, cable hook-up and
individual telephone in �ach room.
Hudy, a Ludington sophomore, and Bublick, a
Waterville, Ohio, sophomore, said they chose to live
in Hill again next year because the hall provides students
of the '90s with a modern, convenient and quiet place to
live.
"The hall, overall, is extremely quiet," Hudy said.
"Living on such a tranquil floor has really helped my study
habits and allowed me to concentrate on academics. I've
really found the single room option to be a great opportu
nity."
Bublick agreed with Hudy, adding that, "Hill Hall
provides upperclass students with a comfortable and mature
place to Jive. I've really enjoyed living in Hill and look
forward to next year."
Beginning in fall 1996, Housing will designate the
"Tower" halls Cf-fill and Hoyt) for upperclass students
.
desiring single rooms. As a result, Phelps/Sellers and
Walton/Putnam Halls will become the First Year Center for
new incoming freshmen. Phelps/Sellers previously was
designated as the First Year Center a few years back.
Figura
said
Beginning in fall 1 996, single rooms
current
will be available for students in both
Phelps/
Hill and Hoyt Halls. EMU currently
Sellers and
offers students living options in 1 2
Walton/
residence halls.
Putnam
-- --
- - -residents
may elect to remain in their respective halls next year. The
ground floors of the four halls will be reserved for students
who wish to return.
According to Figura, the transfer of the First Year Center
to the valley area of EMU's campus will allow Eastern
freshmen to be closer to several campus dining facilities,
including the Eastern Eateries, Dining Commons I and The
Eagle Club. It also will allow for the establishment of all
single rooms in Hill and Hoyt, since "Tower" hall rooms
traditionally are a bit smaller than other EMU residence hall
rooms.
Housing prides itself on ensuring that the students
who help run the residence halls, including resident
advisers, officer managers and multicultural peer advisers,
are highly qualified and serious about supervising and
mentoring Eastern students. To apply for any of the
positions, a student must have a minimum grade point
average of 2.25 and have completed at least 12 credit hours
.at EMU; have lived on campus for a least one semester;
and have good financial and judicial standing with the
University.
Other options offered by Housing include smoke-free
and alcohol-free floors and academic enhancement study
programs.
Figura said frequent improvements and enhancements of
residence halls are essential because "successful living
accommodations for a student will result in a greater chance .
for academic achievement.
"Eastern's residence halls offer students much more than.
just a 'dorm,' where they sleep, study and eat," she added.
"Students are offered a diverse range of activities, programs
and opportunities to make their time away from home
exciting, memorable and productive."
Eastern currently offers students living options in
1 2 residence halls, including Best, Bu�ll. Downing,
Goddard, Hill, Hoyt, Jones, Phelps, Putnam, Sellers,
Walton and Wise.
Individuals interested in living in EMU residence halls
should contact EMU Housing at 7- 1 300.
'
Vice President Laurence Smith
receives student personnel award
by Pat Mroczek
Laurence N. Smith, vice president for university market
ing and student affairs at EMU, has been awarded the
Distinguished Service to the Profession Award by the
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
Region IV-East. The award was presented during the
NASPA regional conference in Indianapolis, Ind., in
February.
Smith's service to higher education spans three decades
and includes teaching, administration, community service,
professional association activities, consultations and
publications.
"Not only has Larry made his mark on Eastern, but
he is recognized for his leadership and expertise within
the student affairs profession across the nation," said
Dr. Theresa A. Powell, vice president for student affairs
at Western Michigan University, who chaired the NASPA
regional awards committee. "His contributions and service
to our field are numerous while his deep commitment to
both his institution and to individual students also is
exemplary. EMU is very fortunate to have such a distin
guished individual (in its administration)."
Tlie Distinguished Service to the Profession Award
annually recognizes outstanding achievement to the
profession over an extended period of time. The recipient
has served the college student personnel profession for at
least 1 5 years, providing leadership to NASPA at state,
regional and ryational levels.
Smith joined EMU in 1975. As vice president for
university marketing and stud�nt affairs, he has overall
responsibility for strategic marketing planning and manage
ment of university marketing and student affairs. Prior to
coming to EMU, he was vice president for student affairs at
Chicago State University for six years and served in various
Laurence N. Smith, vice president for university
marketing and student affairs at EMU (right), with Dr.
Theresa A. Powell, vice president for student affairs
at Western Michigan University, who chaired the
NASPA regional awards committee.
administrative capacities at State University of New York at
Buffalo from 1960-69.
He is chair of NASPA's Future Skills and Knowledge
for Student Affairs Leaders Committee, which recom
mended a number of initiatives designed to assist senior
student affairs leaders in the challenges facing higher
education.
Smith has completed a variety of professional
publications and presentations, including publishing the
1991 book, The Mountain Is High Unless You Take the
Elevator: Success Strategies for Adult Learners and its
1995 second edition, The Adult Learner's Guide to College
Success.
Tuesday, March 19, I 996
3
Music events
continue iri March
The EMU Music Department's March calendar of
events will continue with the Symphonic Band Invita-'
tional Concert Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Pease
Auditorium.
The concert will feature the Concord High School
Band as special guests performing works by Sousa,
Holsinger and Stamp.
A select group of student soloists and chamber
musicians will perform in the Wind-Percussion Honors
Recital, sponsored by Kappa Kappa Psi, TRursday, March
Recital
2 1 , at 8 p.m. in the Alexander Music Buitding
'
Hall.
Ar Townsend and The Couriers, along with vocalist
Lyn Raglin, will join the EMU Jazz Ensemble in present
ing a benefit concert for the ensemble Friday, March 22,
at 8 p.m. i n Pease Auditorium.
Townsend is former lead trombonist with the Gene
Krupa Orchestra and creator, leader and arranger for the
20-member Ambassadors big band. Tickets are $8 for
adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and are
available by calling the EMU Arts and Entertainment Box
Office at 7 -1221.
The EMU Department of Music Graduate Recital, a
performance competition open to the public, also will be
March 22 at 4 p.m. in the Alexander Recital Hall and
Organ Recital Hall.
Celebrated poet Maya Angelou will be featured as part
of the EMU President's Series Sunday, March 24, at 7
p.m., in Pease Auditorium however, the performance
already is sold out.
EMU organ students will perform in the sixth concert
of the Organ Recital Series, Tuesday, March 26, at 8 p.m.
in the Alexander Organ Recital Hall.
An Opera Workshop Performance featuring one-act
operas, including "Riders to the Sea" by �- Vaughn
Williams and "Gallantry" by Douglas Moore, will be
Thursday and Friday, March 28-29, at 8 p.m. in the
Alexander Recital Hall. Tickets cost $5 for EMU students
I
and $7 for the general public.
The March music events will close with a·Steinway
piano sale Sunday, March 3 1 , from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in
Pease Auditorium. The sale, sponsored by Hammell
Music, will benefit the EMU Music Department.
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to
the public.
For more information, call the EMU Music Events
Hotline at 7-2255.
Travel program in
Bavarian Alps
planned in July
The EMU Offices o f Continuing Education and Alumni
Relations are offering an alumni education and travel
program in the Bavarian Alps, July 9-17.
Alumni College in the Bavarian Alps, an Alumni
Campus Abroad program, is designed to continue the
intellectual advancement college graduates, and will
introduce participants to the Alpine culture of a typical
Bavarian village.
The all-inclusive program cost of $2,195 per person
covers all meals, activities, excursions and seminars.
It also
includes
The program cost of $2, 1 95 per
round-trip
person covers all meals, activities,
jet service
excursions and seminars.
from
Chicago,
Ill., to Munich, Germany, double-occupancy accommoda
tions for seven nights at the first-class Hotel Vier
Jahreszeiten in the spa town of Berchtesgaden, the services
of a campus director throughout the program and welcome
and farewell receptions.
The program will begin with a seminar on the history of
Berchtesgaden, followed by an orientation walk of the
village and a driving tour and lecture of the picturesque
Berchtesgaden Land.
A scenic cruise across the fjord-like Lake Konigssee in
the Berchtesgaden National Park will allow travelers to
view the historic St. Bartholomew Church.
Other highlights of the trip will include a hike through
the Almbach Mountain Gorge, an extensive tour of a
Berchtesgaden salt mine active since the 12th century, a
visit to historic Obersalzberg, where participants will learn
about the area's history and its connection to Hitler, and a
visit to the Old World Town of Salzburg, Austria, the
birthplace of Mozart and the location for the filming of The
Sound of Music.
For more information or to make reservations, call
Continuing Education at 7-0407 or Alumni Holidays at
(800) 323-7373.
4
Tuesday, March 19, 1996
FOCUS EMU
Gay· and lesbian faculty/staff coal ition
Queer Student
works with the system to promote chang_e Leadership Summit
is March 23
by Kirk Carman
The EMU Board of Regents' approval of the inclusion of
sexual orientation in four EMU policy statements earlier this
year was a giant milestone for a group of EMU faculty and
staff members who are littJe in numbers but large in spirit.
The group, which refers to itself as the Lesbian, Gay and
Bisexual Faculty and Staff Advocacy Coalition, had been
favoring the inclusion of consistent anti-discrimination
policies in aJI University documents, in addition to the
availability of benefits to domestic partners of EMU lesbian,
gay and bisexual faculty and staff members.
Half of the coalition's request was met at the Jan. 23
Board of Regents meeting, when a paragraph on nondis
crimination based on sexual orientation was added to the
Board of Regents Bylaws - Preamble Statement; the Civil
Rights Policy; the Equal Employment Opportunity and
Affirmative Action Policy; and the Mission Statement's
Guiding Principles.
Michael G. McGuire, professor of music and coalition
member, said the coalition was "more than pleased" with
the board's actions. "The amendment to the policies was
absolutely a step in the right direction and we're all very
happy with the unanimous support from members of the
Board of Regents who voted. The board's action clearIy
shows it recognized consistent anti-discrimination policies
as an issue of fairness."
McGuire added that the revisions of the University_
documents contain language with exclusions, such as the
new language not affecting federal programs, partner
benefits or student housing. The coalition will continue to
work toward the possibility of some of the exclusions being
removed.
The coalition, which has committeg itself to ensuring
that the EMU campus community fosters equity for all
employees, regardless of sexual orientation, has received
support and encouragement from several University
administrators, including Provost and Vice President for
Academic Affairs Ronald Collins, who last year approved
funding for a coalition member to attend a national "Creat
ing Change" conference.
The coalition addresses several issues, including
identifying and inviting more lesbian, gay and bi
sexual faculty and staff as coalition members; the
coalition's level of "outness"; the repercussions for
coalition members identified as lesbian, gay or
bisexual; and harassment stories. Above, Barry
Avedon, professor of art (right); and Joan Sheard,
professor of health, physical education, recreation
and dance.
Regent Anthony Derezinski also has shown an interest in
the coalition and was the regent who first introduced the
motion to the board. "Regent Derezinski has really been our
ally, meeting with us on numerous occasions and advising
us on how to bring our issues before the board," said
McGuire. "His support was shown by his willingness to
simply meet with us."
McGuire said the coalition dates back to 1992, when a
small group of lesbian, gay and bisexual EMU faculty and
staff started meeting socially. While the group's initial
meetings were essentially a chance to get together ancl
"potluck," their motives eventually became more political.
During the nexttwo years, the group began discussing what
could be done to become more visible, active and political
on campus.
A survey was eventually sent to individuals on campus
who were self-identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Respondents were asked to state if they were willing to
serve as visible, political and "out" coalition members. The
founding members of the EMU Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual
Faculty and Staff Coalition are Professors Barry Avedon
(Art), John Capecci (formerly of Communication and
Theatre Arts), Kenneth Kidd (English Language and
Literature), Michael McGuire (Music), Pat Pokay (Teacher
Education), Joan Sheard (Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance) and Myrna Yeakle (Health, Physical
Education, Recreation and Dance), in addition to Alicia
Ortez (formerly of Career Services).
McGuire, who has served as faculty adviser for the EMU
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Association, said the
coalition's first year of operation was spent establishing its
mission and goa:ls. "During the first year, the coalition kept
The EMU Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Faculty and Staff
Advocacy Coalition has committed itself to ensuring
that the EMU campus community fosters equity for all
employees, regardless of sexual orientation. Above,
Dr. Myrna Yeakle, professor of health, physical
education, recreation and dance (left); and Michael
McGuire, professor of music.
a fairly low profile on campus," he saiJ, "and didn't really
publicize itself on any obvious level."
McGuire said the coalition has been working with the
American Association of University Professors on the
consideration of extending benefits to domestic partners of
lesbian, gay, and bisexual EMU faculty members. Sexual
orientation as an anti-discrimination issue already is included
in the AAUP faculty contract. "We are working toward
equity with all other faculty in areas such as partner benefits
and bereavement leave," McGuire said.
"We've been working with the bargaining.council
members we personally know so it will remain a priority for
the negotiations. AAUP is supportive of people with
differing sexual orientations and sexual orientation already is
included in the faculty contract. We're simply hoping for
some similar benefits, such as partner benefits, bereavement
leave, etc."
The coalition, which typically meets monthly during the
academic year, addresses several issues, including identify
ing and inviting more lesbian, gay and bisexual faculty and
staff as coalition members; the coalition's level of "outness";
the repercussions for coalition members identified as lesbian,
gay or bisexual; harassment stories; and library acquisitions.
While many groups labeled as "political" tend to partake
in somewhat radical actions to be noticed, the Lesbian, Gay
and Bisexual Faculty and Staff Coalition at EMU has taken a
much more subtle approach.,
"The coalition, as a group, decided not to approach its
mission radically," McGuire said. "We truly want to work
with the system and not against it. While many gay activists
would accuse the coalition of selling out to the mainstream,
other gay activists would simply �ay, 'this is the way
business gets accomplished.'
"We're not radical in our expectations - there will
always be certain exclusions to any decisions made and
we're not unrealistic about it. We've always committed·
ourselves to trying to establish and follow the proper
protocol within the University. Our agenda has never been
to directly request a change. We've always requested
consideration for a change."
McGuire noted that many coalition members are distin
guished in their respective professions on campus. "Many of
the faculty members on the coalition are distinguished and
highly productive as faculty members, meeting or exceeding
the expectations of faculty. Some of us have. had roles at the
national and international level and have national and
international recognition. We publish in scholarly journals,
we publish books and we speak at professional workshops
and conferences. Most of us are highly regarded as teachers.
We're all service oriented and fully committed to our
professions."
The coalition has received a strong show of support for
many of its activities from throughout the University,
including support from the Black Faculty and Staff Associa
tion, the Women's Commission, the Latino Student Associa
tion, the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Association, the
Women's Studies Executive Committee, the Stoic Society
and Student Government.
McGuire said the coalition has been extremely satisfied
with the response from the entire University community.
"Everyone at the University we've m�t with and talked to
have been very responsive, helpful and informative. We
haven't been disappointed at all and have been really pleased
with the level of.involvement and support."
EMU will host the first Queer Student Leadership
Regional Summit Saturday, March 23, from 2 to 8:30
p.m. at Hoyt Conference Center.
Under the theme "Education, Inspiration and Unity,"
the conference will strive to unite and empower lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgendered college and high school
students of Michigan, Ohio and Windsor through a focus
on gay studies, building leadership skills, and communi
cation with the regional gay community.
Open to students, faculty, staff, advisers and friends,
the conference will consist of a series of informational
sessions on topics including diversity, campus activism,
survival in the workplace, HIV and AIDS, coming out
and educational outreach programs.
Dr. Ronni Sanlo, director of the Lesbian Gay
Bisexual Programs Office at the University of Michigan,
and Jeffrey Montgomery, president of the Triangle
Foundation, will serve as keynote speakers at the
conference.
Sanlo has coordinated several sessions for the
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Creating Change
Conference. At the U-M, she has adopted a comprehen
sive educational outreach program, sponsored several
campus events and developed a gay studies library.
Montgomery, who regularly monitors and investigates
hate crimes, communicates to the news media the
realities surrounding violence against gays. He played an
active role in representing gay interests following the
Jenny Jones Scott Amedure murder case.
Th� conference is sponsored by the EMU Office of
Campus Life, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Support Services
Office, Delta Lambda Phi, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Student
Association and Student Government.
Other sponsors include The Triangle Foundation,
Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project, Parents and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays and U-M's Lesbian Gay Bisexual
Program Office.
The registration fee of $15 includes dinner, a com
memorative T-shirt and a conference binder.
To register or for more information, call
EMU's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Support Services Office at
7-4149.
'96-'97 General Fund
Budget Hearings set
The following schedule for the 1996-97 divisional budget
hearings has been finalized:
Monday, March 25: Budget Overview... 9 to 10 a.m.
and Academic Affairs...I O:15 to l l :15 a.m.
Tuesday, March 26: Enrollment Services... I to 2 p.m.
and University Relations ...2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27: U. Marketing/Student Affairs...9
to IO a.m. and Auxiliaries... I 0: I S to 11: I S a.m.
Monday, April .I : Business and Finance... I O to 1 1 a.m.
and Budget Wrap-Up... I I :15 a.m. to 12: I S p.m.
The meetings will be held in 201 Welch Hall.
ERVICE ANNIVERSARIE
The following individuals are celebrating milestone
anniversaries with the University this month.
Kevin Smart
Nancy Asher
Roberta Bowling
Sharon Draper
Michael Constant
John Priess
Christine Fournia
Nancy Bowman
Carol Daly
Gerri Beaugrand
5 years
Employee Relations
10 years
Custodial Services
Athletics
Continuing Education
University Apartments
Custodial Services
Mai/room
Custodial Services
15 years
Registration Office
20 years
University Marketing
FOCUS EMU
Tuesday, March 19, 1996
5
OCU S ON FAC UlT v-------------�----'
llen Hoffman helps launch EMU departments into cyberspace
Jennifer Harrison
or home."
Hoffman, who serves as the webmaster
for Ann Arbor Online and chairperson of the
Michigan Internet Council's Online Access
Committee, said EMU has made significant
strides in the past few years by expanding its
resources and recognizing the value of
network-based information.
"It's pretty impressive if you look
at EMU three years ago and then look at
it today to see how much has changed,"
she said. "You can see the difference
because more professors are able to
mak� computer assignments part of
their courses knowing students have access
to them."
EMU departments currently online
include the Art Department, whose Web site
consists of exhibitions, student work and
. animation, the Recreation/Intramural
Ellen Hoffman Bi
Department, whose site includes the
Competitive Edge Pro Shop catalog, and the
-+ Holds a bachelor's degree and
Geography and Geology Department, whose
master's degrees in anthropology
and journalism from the University
site features the latest book by associate
of Michigan and also studied in
professor Norman Tyler.
U-M's doctoral program.
Future developments to watch for,
according to Hoffman, will be an online
-+ Serves as the webmaster for Ann
Arbor Online and as chair of the
resume service for graduating seniors
Michigan Internet Council's Online
through
EMU Career Services and a service
Access Committee.
for students who wish to put up their own
homepages to market themselves to
-+ Works part time as computirg
coordinator for Oak Trails
potential employers.
Montessori School in Ann Arbor.
"Students are learning more about
computing and are better able to use these
resources," she said. "In some ways,
"The biggest challenge is trying II)
computer experience can do as much for you
et more people aware that the Web exists
as a college degree, and the two are a very
nd getting more departments start-up
powerful combination when the student goes
elp," she said. "The only way the Univer
out job hunting."
·ity is going to have a good Web page is if
Because of the abundance and
II the departments put up good inf(l("mation
rapid advancement of information on
n it."
the Web, Hoffman is aware that the
Hoffman, who joined EMU last
technology can be quite intimidating for the
ay, noted that only a handful of depart
average student or employee. In addition,
ents had homepages just a few manths
she said many people are dissatisfied with
go. Now many departments are tak:ing
the information searches they conduct using
dvantage of the Internet as a valuable
the Web because the technology is not fully
esource which can help them publicize
mature.
heir programs and recruit new students, she
"The internet is interesting because
·aid. In fact, with her assistance, a depart
there's a lot of neat stuff out there, but it's
ent can put up a WWW homepage in as
not always easy to find," she said. "People
ittle as one hour.
get
discouraged very fast because they don't
a
With all of its advantages, havin5
have time to play around. They're not out
resence on the Web is something t1at
there just to look at the glitzy sites; they're
offman believes colleges and uniH:rsities
out there looking for certain information and
an't afford not to do.
they can't find it."
"Increasingly, high school stude:1ts
' While the typical advice given to
ave access to the Internet and they're
new users is to sit down and simply "surf
sing the Web as a way of looking at
the Net," Hoffman suggests buying a book
niversities they're considering attending,"
and grasping the basic concepts before
he said. "The Internet also makes
browsing the sites. Because the Web is
·t possible for universities to set up
essentially a public kiosk that anyone can
ampuses all over the country, and for
tudents to take classes from their workplace contribute to, she said it is important to be
With the explosion of the Internet in
gher education, many students and
ucators may find themselves lost in a
eb" of confusion.
For many at EMU, however, the
erwhelming world of network-based
mputing is starting to make sense, thanks
the expertise of Ellen S. Hoffman,
anager of user services in EMU's Leaming
esources and Technologies.
Hoffman is responsible for providing
structional computing support for &udents
d faculty and supervising the computer
bs and the Leaming Technologies
omputer Store. She also has accurrulated
e tasks of keeping EMU's World Wide
eb (WWW) homepage up-to-date and
ssisting departments in creating their own
omepages.
N-LIN--------------11
University Computing is pleased to announce its own home page on the
World Wide Web:
http://ucinfo.emich.edu.
This page also is accessible from :he Eastern Michigan University home page:
I
I http://www.emich.edu.
The following information services are available from the University Computing
web page:
v information about University Computing and its services
v' current recommended computer and printer configurations and prices
v' "Computing Compass," Unive·sity Computing's quarterly newsletter
v information about accessing E\IIU's administrative and academic·
computing systems
·
v access to a variety of Internet � ites of use to EMU faculty, staff
and administrators
University Computing welcomes comments on its new home page.
The above was provided by Al McCord, director of University Computing.
an educated consumer
and know how to sift
through the "garbage" to
find useful information.
Hoffman said one of
the challenges facing
academic institutions
today concerns the
controversy surrounding
free speech and the
Internet. Alth�ugh she
does not endorse
censorship, Hoffman
said that she believes
there are appropriate
places for different kinds
of expression.
"There has to be
a balance somewhere
between seeing this
resource as something
that's part of the
education process as
opposed to an open
forum for any expression
(students) wish to
make," she said. "It's
hard to find that
middle ground, but
there should be the
definite recognition
that if you put up
material on your
Ellen Hoffman, manager of user services in Learning
Resources and Technologies, said EMU has made signifi·
business's or
cant strides by expanding its resources and recognizing
university's
the value of network-based information. "It's pretty
equipment, that
impressive if you look at EMU three years ago and then
organization has some
look at it today to see how much has-changed," she said.
responsibility."
"You can see the difference because more professors are
A former journalist
able to make computer assignments part of their courses
with master's degrees in knowing students have access to them."
journalism and anthro
pology from the
even bigger," she said. "If we solve them as
University of Michigan, Hoffman is no
a society, the Internet problem will be
stranger to arguments over th<i right to free
solved."
speech. "We're dealing with issues that
society in general is having a hard time •
To talk with Ellen Hoffman about putting
coping with, and when you put them in the
information on EMU's home page, call her
electronic arena, which people are unfamil
at 7-4325.
iar and uncomfortable with, it makes them
'
Who's Using the Internet?
,
About 7 percent of the U.S. population has online access.
Their mean income is $53,000, compared with $35,000 for
the entire population.
Gender
Male ........ .......................... : .......................... 60 percent
Female ................... ...................................... 40 percent
Age
1 8-29 ................. . . . . . . . . ................. . . . . . . . . . .. ....... 1 9 percent
30-44 ............................................................ 43 percent
45-59 ............................................................ 27 percent
60 and older . . . ; ............................................. 1 1 percent
Education
Non-high school graduate .. . . .. ... . . . . . . .. .... . . . . . .. 3 percerit
- High School graduate .................................. 1 O percent
Some college .............. : . ............................... 27 percent
College graduate or more ............. ............... 60 percent
Geographic Distribution
West ......................., ...... .............. . .. .............. 41 percent
South ............................ ............ . . . . . ............... 27 percent
Midwest ........................................................ 22 percent
East ......................................... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 1 O percent
Occupation
Executives/Professionals . . . . . . . ...................... 48 percent
White Collar .................................... . . ............ 1 9 percent
Blue Collar ........... : . . .. .............. ...................... 1 1 percent
Other ............................................................ 22 percent
(includes retirees, students, homemakers, unemployed and
others)
Source: Roper Starch Worldwide
-
6
FOCUS EMU
Tuesday, March 19, 1996
Using case learning in the college success classroom
by Dr. Robert Holkeboer, ORD Director and Associate Graduate Dean
Case learning, as a classroom pedagogy,
has enjoyed a boom in recent years,
although it has been largely restricted to
courses in education and business, and
mostly at the graduate level. But the method
is well-suited to undergraduates, and to the
college-success classroom.
Case learning is a good
way to get students to think,
talk, and write about factors
that influence success in
college. In the process of
working through cases in
small groups, students
practice and hone the s"!citls Holkeboer
that insure college success: critical thinking
and problem solving, effective written and
oral communication, and leadership.
to pay his tuition bills. And he's in the
early stages of a relationship that looks
very promising, although his roommate
strongly dislikes this person, which has
created conflict between them.
With midterms coming up and several
term papers he needs to get started on,
Sergio realizes that something will have to
go. It's still early enough for him to change
some commitments, but all of them are
important to him and some are set in stone.
What's the best way to deal with this
problem?
Arrange your students in small (4-5
student) groups. Distribute copies of the
case and ask students to read it twice - a
rapid scan followed by a more careful
reading. Allow about 20 minutes for small. group discussion. Appoint a group leader
for each discussion and rotate this task
among all students over the course of the
term. Ask each group to appoint a reporter
to take notes and report out afterward.
Stress that each group should try its best to
achieve consensus on the case solution.
To get them started, include a few
discussion questions, for example:
What Is Case Learning?
The case method is a collaborative
learning strategy for diagnosis. Students
work together to solve a case in much the
_ same way that a team of surgeons works
together to diagnose a patient's symptoms.
Some have called it a "half-finished chess
game:" a problem is presented in narrative
form (from one paragraph to several pages
long). Students read the narrative carefully
' and then work through the problem as a
team, following a three-step critical-thinking
process:
l . ldenti,fy the core problem.
2. Brainstorm possible solutions.
3. Agree on the best solution.
The most interesting cases are rich with
ambiguity: many solutions are possible but
none of them is perfect. There is usually a
"best solution," but never a "right answer."
In the process of discussion, students learn
to discard solutions that offer short-term
gains and easy answers, and to identify those
that promise the most favorable outcome for
the greatest number of people.
Case learning is characterized by lively
discussion and group interaction. Students
learn pleasurably because they are working
in a social setting to solve problems that
bear directly on their lives. The case
method helps students to internalize learning
derived from textbooks, lectures, and
authorities. Through their encounters with
the issues and with each other, students gain
experience in making constructive and
appropriate contributions in a group or
committee setting. Through facilitated
small-group discussion, students arrive at
workable and ethically coherent positions on
such difficult issues as individual freedom
and social responsibility, time management,
religious tolerance, multicultural sensitivity,
relationships with faculty and work supervi- . •
sors, gender roles, balancing academic
responsibilities with the need for personal
growth, responsible sexuality, and personal
safety.
-
How Does It Work?
A short (one-page) case like the one
below on time management is well suited to
a fifty-minute classroom.
Sergio is halfway into the semester and
already he's overextended. To keep all his
present commitments, he'd need at least
three extra hours a day.
Firstof all, he's taking a full load - four
General Studies requirements including a
four-hour calculus course (the instructor
speaks broken English and Sergio has
been getting D's and E's on the quizzes)
and one free elective (a figure-drawing
course that he really enjoys). Besides
classwork, Sergio has volunteered 10 hours
a week to work on a local literacy project,
he's on an intramural volleyball team, he's
been elected president of the campus chapter
of Amnesty International, and he's formed
a calculus study group. He also needs his
20-hour-a-week job at a local dry cleaner
l . Which of Sergio's commitments could be
eliminated? Which could be altered?
Which could be postponed?
2. What would happen if Sergio held on to
all of his commitments? If everything is
equally important to him, why shouldn't he
hold on to all of them?
3. What motivates people to take on more
responsibilities than they can handle? Is it
possible to have good reasons for making
bad decisions? Are you doing people a
favor by saying yes when it means you will
probably do a poor job?
Instructors should keep a low profile
during the discussion phase: When the 20
minutes are up, the class meets in plenary
session and the reporters briefly summarize
their group's discussion: Did the group
reach agreement on the best solution? If
not, what were the most prominent areas of
disagreement?
Meeting as a whole and guided by the
instructor, the class then probes the case
more deeply. If the discussion stagnates, the
instructor can deliberately complicate the
case by asking "What if?" questions, for
example:
• What if Sergio told his boss he was
quitting and the boss offered him a $3/hour
raise if he stayed on?
• What if Sergio believes that his romantic
-relationship could be long-term, but he
discovers that his roommate is also in love
with this person and would be devastated i(
the relationship continued?
• What if the calculus study 'group meets at
the same time as Sergio's scheduled work
hours, which are inflexible? •
• What if the Amnesty International chapter
is just delving into a cause that is extremely
important to Sergio, but the time commit
ment would interfere with both the literacy
project and the calculus study group?
If the discussion is inconclusive or espe
cially controversial, students may be asked
to write a journal entry about the case or a
related topic, for example:
WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Pretend you are Sergio and make a list of
your commitments. Then establish at least
three criteria for prioritizing your commit
ments. (Remember that duty and pleasure
are both legitimate criteria, though they may
not always be applied in equal measure.)
Now arrange your commitments in priority
order (#1 = most important, etc.). The
criteria you established should dictate the
priorities you assigned to your commit
ments.
Once'students become comfortable with
each other and their instructor, they may
enjoy role-playing the case. Here is a role
playing exercise based on the case above:
.
Learning Outcomes
While engaging in an enjoyable exercise,
students are learning valuable college
survival skills:
• thinking creatively and critically about a
complex problem
• communicating effectively with individu
als and groups
• mobilizing support for an idea
• working toward consensus as a member of
a team
• speaking forcefully and persuasively
about real issues.
Cast of Characters
Student A Sergio
Student B Sergio's calculus instructor
Student C Sergio's Figure Drawing
instructor
Student D Sergio's
literacy student, a migrant
worker and father of seven Case learning is a good way to get students
to think, talk, and write about factors
Student E The Director of
that influence success in college.
Intramurals
Student F Sergio's boss at
Asking groups to try to reach consensus
the dry cleaners
on a case solution, within a limited time
Student G Sergio's girlfriend
frame and despite the differing value
All others Fellow members of Amnesty
systems present in any group, provides a
International
good opportunity to teach small-group
communication and leadership skills.
The Plot
Students must ask and answer questions
Sergio, who has fallen asleep while
like: "When should I give in?" and "When
studying calculus, is having a nightmare.
should I stick to my guns?"
One by one, the other characters appear as
Case learning is also an opportunity for
figures in a dream. Sergio explains to each
students to develop skills in conflict
of them that he has decided he can 110 longer
keep his commitment to them. They attempt management - helping others to resolve
their differences, learning to respect people
to change his mind, using all of their
even when they hold opposing views,
persuasive powers. At a prearranged signal
learning to disagree and still be friends.
from the facilitator, they withdraw. The
Finally, casework teaches students to
next person enters and the plot is repeated
listen and respect the opinions of their
until all have made their case. The scene
ends when Sergio wakes up and announces a classmates. Achieving consensus on a
problematic case in twenty minutes is a
new, manageable set of priorities.
major leadership challenge. Students
playing the role of group leader will learn
Role-playing allows students to develop
more quickly than others that it is useless to
strong communication skills and to express,
try to lead people in a direction they do not
empathize with, and respond to differing
want to go. Students whose "leadership
viewpoints. A useful role-playing exercise
skills" consist of nothing more than a loud
is to ask students to switch roles during the
voice and a domineering manner soon
role-play: an actor who has been playing a
discover the ineffectiveness of these traits in
student being disciplined by the dean may
case discussion.
be asked to switch roles and play the dean.
Although we have emphasized critical
thinking, communication, and leadership
The Instructor's Role
skills, there are other valuable learning
As they guide students through a case,
outcomes in case discussion, especially for
instructors will quickly acquire new skills in
the group leader and reporter: finding the
basic case-facilitation techniques: asking
courage to express an unpopular point of
discovery questions, shifting viewpoints,
view, or to admit in public that one was
encouraging disagreement, dealing with
wrong; the humility to take responsibility
unpla1:med silences, moving from solution to
for a mundane but necessary chore that no
application, and introducing overlooked
one else is willing to take on; compassion
topics. Their challenge is to help students
and sensitivity to group members who are
solve problems, make decisions, assign
being ignored or feeling left out.
priorities, resolve conflicts, build consensus,
By working through a case, students gain
and think intensely and systematically.
Ultimately, they are responsible for stimulat confidence in their ability to think critically
and creatively, to ask the right questions and
ing, redirecting, and enriching the case
reject easy answers, and to interact easily
discussion, while avoiding the temptation to
and effectively with people whose perspec
control it.
tives are often radically different from their
own.
Developing Cases
The best cases are drawn from reality an actual situation from the instructor's own
experience - but the narrative need not be
This article appeared in the fall 1995
slavishly faithful to reality. The event
issue of The Keystone Newsletter of
should be realistic even if not real. We
the Wadsworlh College Success
ought to be able to say of a good case, "It
Serles.
may not have happened exactly this way, but
Holkeboer (with Dr. Thomas
it could have happened this way." In this
Hoeksema of New Mexico State
respect cases resemble good fiction: they
University) has developed two
create a universe that is plausible and
casebooks (A Casebook for Student
recognizable by college students.
Leaders and The College Success
Good cases can be constructed around
Casebook), both of which are await
ing a publication date.
most of the topics commonly addressed in
the college--success course: study skills,
Two more casebooks (communica
friendships and committed relationships,
tion and composition) are planned.
roommate conflicts, alcohol abuse, commut
Many of the cases have been class
ing, multicultural sensitivity, or around any
room-tested at EMU and NMSU, in
of the moral and legal issues that continually
AAD 179 and in Interpersonal commu
arise on today's college campus.
nication courses.
Students themselves may be encouraged
Holkeboer and Hoeksema also have
to develop their own cases and to conduct
developed a Facilitator's Manual to
background research by identifying and
accompany the text, with extensive
locating primary-source materials and
case discussions and teaching tips.
interviewing experts.
� � �� � --���
FOCUS EMU
Tuesday, March 19, 1996
7
3arriers, from page 1
ys, "because we know that there's a strong .:.:orrelation
tween academic advising and student reten_ion and
ccess, it is imperative that the University provide an
fective advising system. Helping students i elect the
propriate classes for basic studies and their majors and
inors," says Williams, "is only a small part of the role of
adviser. We must be accessible and provide accurate
formation about institutional policies, proci;dures,
rograms and resources."
an we do what we do more efficiently,
ore effectively and literally make it easier
r students, faculty and staff to do the
ings they're supposed to do here?"
- William E. Shelton
To ensure that students taking advantage of advising
ncounter as few barriers as possible, Academic Advising,
long with Public Safety and Financial Aid, fil participating
n a pilot program focused on service. Some of the employ
es in each of the three departments will become service
pecialists, able to handle the more difficult questions and
roblems that arise.
Accessibility also was an issue for Career Services, as
as getting information to students. The staff there
eveloped a newsletter distributed on campu, providing
areer information and detailing upcoming 'Aorkshops and
ob fairs. They've also developed a pilot pr(iect on service
Jans and are working directly with nine acallemic depart
ents to meet their students' career service r eeds.
But it's a couple of initiatives still in the ,..,orks that are
enerating substantial interest. Not only wiI: prospective
nd current students be able to tap into EMU-provided
areer information through the World Wide ·Neb, an
nteractive career horiz6ns program will allo.v the students
nd their advisers to set up career plans and :ointly track
rogress toward career goals. Career Services Center
irector J. Mic�ael Erwin says, "We'll be al::le to prescribe
hat students should do based on the information they
rovide about themselves and the faculty and staff knowl
dge of what students should be doing at tha. point" in their
cademic careers. Career Services also will be able to note
nconsistencies between the major a student ,elects and the
areer goal identified and notify the student.
Another innovative program is being implemented
eginning with students who were incoming freshmen
· n the 1995 fall semester. Career Services v.ill check those
tudents' grades and if they are below a specific point the
tudents will be contacted with recommend�ions about
hat 1hey can do. "The assumption is stude1ts will take
ppropriate action if they are aware there is l problem,".
ays Erwin.
Hermon says two projects were undertalcn before the
Barriers to Leaming initiative was formalize-cl, when
resident Shelton first discussed his ideas. Both of those, in
tudent Business Services and Financial Aid and the
Lifespan Learning
in March
• Making Money and Keeping lt
Tuesday. March 19
6 to 9 p.m.- $10
• Bright Lights, Big City: The Golden Age
of Urban Blues
Wednesday, March 20
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.- $10
• Graphology: The Ha11.dwriti11g on the
Wall
Thursday, March 21
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. · $10
• Taking a Look at the Year 2005: Future
Communication Technology
Monday, March 25
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - $10
• Workplace Violence: Causes and
Solutions
Tuesday, March 26
7 to 9 p.m. - $10
• The Blues Never Die: Roots Music
Revival
Wednesday, March 27
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - $ 1 0
• The Mental Side of Golf: The Other
Game
Thursday, March 28
7 to 9 p.m. - $10
For more information, call Continuing
Education at 7-0407.
Graduate School, have been included i n the current
project.
Acting Directo� of Admissions Judy Tatum (then
- director of Financial Aid) and Controller Ed Jolley
teamed up with their staffs to improve coordination
between Financial Aid and Student Accounting. The
result? Cross training for those departments plus
employees in all of the other offices in Pierce Hall.
According to Hermon, "It was a good opportunity for
the various departments to understand what some of the
issues are that people need to be aware of in order to
serve students better."
The 1995 winter semester marked the first time
students' federal financial aid loans were delivered via
electronic funds transfer. The University now applies
loan funds directly to students' accounts rather than .
The
manually processing checks. This has the double benefit
of speeding the delivery of refund checks to students and
expediting the payment of tuition to the University.
The long lines of people waiting in Pierce Hall also are
on the way out. Students no longer have to physically pick
up refund checks. Instead, checks are mailed to them as
quickly as possible.
In the Graduate School attention focused on admissions
and recruitment. For example, were admission deadlines
creating a barrier for students? Do potential and new
students have sufficient information on policies and
procedures for graduate study? As a result, non-degree
admission deadlines have been eliminated and priority
enrollment periods for degree admission have been estab
lished. The revised policy allows applications to be
accepted after priority enrollment. The Graduate School
also modified its admissions packet and developed a
j1andbook on various topics for its students.
"In all parts of the University, people are
trained to be problem solvers and they're
trained in critical thinking . . . .What we're
doing is building on those various
approaches and skills."
- Mary Vielhaber Hermon
Currently, the University is preparing for a major
realignment of its offices and departments, also aimed at
removing barriers impeding students' ability to utilize fully
their educational opportunities. Initiated by the president,
the restructuring of the divisions within the University will
enhance the delivery of services to students through the
creation of a new division. Enrollment Services will house
the departments of Graduate and Undergraduate Admis
sions, Financial Aid, Equity Programs, Registration,
Records and Academic Advising.
One of the goals of everyone involved is to continue
eliminating barriers to learning. Students' primary needs
and concerns are not always obvious, however. Because this
effort is student-focused, the Barriers to Leaming Advisory
Barriers to Learning Advisory Committee
Committee turns to the student population to learn what's
working well and what barriers they encounter that are
interfering with their academic careers. The focus groups
are run by graduate student Jill Masserant, '91. She says a
number of student populations were targeted, including non
traditional students, transfer students, those living in
residence halls and freshmen. "The first-year experience is
vital to the retention of students," says Masserant. "We
want their input as to the positive experiences they are
having as well as barriers they may be encountering in terms
of programs and services and in the classroom."'
Based on those findings, says Hermon, "We're going to
work with Admissions and Financial Aid this year. There's .
also a project supported by a grant from the Kellogg
Foundation focused on helping new college faculty members
improve teaching effectiveness. Deborah DeZure, director
of the Faculty Center for Instructional Excellence, is taking
the lead on developing a videotape and supportmaterials for
faculty."
The next stage is to pilot a training program on facilitat
ing team problem-solving. "What we're trying to do," says
Hermon, "is take advantage of external perspectives. You
can look at your problem over and over, and not see
possibilities that maybe [someone with] an external view
point could bring. We would like to bring t�ained volunteers
into a work group and together examine barriers that may
exist."
What the University is asking, according to Shelton, is
"can we do what we do more 'efficiently, more effectively
and literally make it easier for students, faculty and staff to
do the things they're supposed to do here?"
The danger of launching any widespread reformation
is similar to the "too many cooks" theory; that is, despite
the best intentions, people could end up lobbying for
their own agendas and lose sight of the big picture. But
that is unlikely to happen here, simply because everyone
agrees on who the beneficiaries must be. "This is a
very student-focused process," says Hermon. "Our goal
is to improve a student's ability to access an education,
to become involved in that experience and to attain his
or her goals."
MAGS, from page 1
School Improvement Program for more
than 15 years. She also has worked with
the Michigan Department of Education's
Office of Special Education
on a strategic planning
project designed to improve
the delivery of special
education within the state.
She advises and assists at
least 125 students each year
in f"eaching their educational
Lake
goals.
Gwaltney, an EMU faculty member since
1964, received EMU's Distinguished
Faculty Award for service in 1985. He
earned a bachelor's degree
in education from Southeast
Missouri State University in
1957, a second bachelor's
degree from EMU in 1979
and a master's degree and
doctorate from Southern
lllinois University in 1959
and 1963. He was awarded Gwaltney
a 1993 Excellence in
Teaching Award from the EMU Alumni
Association and Kappa Delta Pi's Honor
Key in 1992. He helped develop the
curriculum for several courses in the
Department of Teacher Education and was a
senior Fulbright lecturer at La Universidad
Aut6noma Metropolitana in Mexico in
1990-91.
Harper is a senior majoring in profes
sional biochemistry. A Presidential
Scholar at EMU, she
recently earned national
recognition with an
honorable mention in USA
Today 's All USA College
Academic Team. She is a
two-time recipient of an
Harper
honors undergraduate
research assistantship and
the Society of Women Engineers Certificate
of Merit. She also has been presid.ent of the
Honors Student Association and co
president of the EMU chapter of Beta Beta
Beta Biological Honor Society. Her
volunteer work includes service for St.
Joseph's Hospital and Students Against
Hunger and Homelessness.
White is a senior majoring in health
administration. A two-time recipient of the
EMU Recognition of Excellence Award and
Campus Leader Award winner, she is a
student associate for American Health Care
Executives and a student representative to
the Marketing and Student Affairs Commit
tee of the EMU Board of Regents. She also
is a resident advisor, Golden Key National
Honor Society member and Campus Life
Council member. She has volunteered with
the SOS Crisis Center, Students Against
Hunger and Homelessness and the HIVAIDS Resource Center.
For more information, call the MAGB at
(517) 774-6758.
*
not pictured: Christina White
Past MAGB EMU
faculty recipients
1995
Dr. Kate lVlehuron
Dr. Stewait D. Work
1994
Dr. Richard Henry Abbott
Dr. Leroy W. Watts
1993
Dr. Ellene T. Contis
Dr. William A� Miller
- 1992
Dr. Richard Douglass
Dr. Carla Tayeh
1991
Dr. Nora Martin
Dr. Krishnaswamy Rengan
1990
Dr. Anne G. Nerenz
Dr. Marshall B. Tymn
1989
Dr. Carl F. Ojala
Dr. Reinhard Wittke
1988
Alethea K. Helbig
Dr. Georgea M. Sparks
__,
8 Tuesday, March 19, 1996
FOCUS EMU
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
......-------41�1Ll.'�•arch 1 9
,.
2�
-------.ii
Tuesday 19
WORKSHOP - Career Services will sponsor a workshop on the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Introversion. For more
information, call 7-0400.
425 Goodison,
2 to 3:30 p.m.
PROGRAM - EMU Continuing Education will sponsor a
program on "Making Money and Keeping It." For more informa
tion, call 7-0407.
Depot Town Center,
32 E. Cross St.
6 to 9 p.m.
CONCERT - The Music Department will sponsor a Symphonic
Band Invitational Concert. Special guests will be the Concord
High School Band and Music Department faculty members David
Woike and Gregory Wise. For more information, call 7-2255.
Pease Auditorium,
7:30 p.m.
MOVIE - The Big Picture movie series will present live comedy
broadcast from the Museum of Television Radio. For more
information, call 7-3045.
Roosevelt
Auditorium, 8 p.m.
Wednesday 20
PROGRAM - Career Services will sponsor a program to help
students learn more about "Discover." For more information, call
7-0400.
418 Goodison,
2 p.m.
SEMINAR - The Office of Foreign Affairs is sponsoring an
"Immigration/Employment Option Seminar," presented by
Attorney Lanphear III. For more information, call 7 3- 116.
Gallery II,
McKenny Union,
3 p.m.
BOOK TALK - The Women's Center will present a book talk
and signing with Beverly Jenkins, the author of'..the first Black
romance novel. For more information, call 7-4282.
Goodison, TBA
MEETING - The Faculty Council will meet. For more informa
tion, call 7-0196.
Alumni Room, .
McKenny, 3 to 5 p.m.
WORKSHOP - Career Services will sponsor a workshop on
"Mastering the Interview." For more information call 7-0400.
405 Goodison,
4:30 to 6 p.m.
WORKSHOP - Career Services will sponsor a workshop on
"Resume/ Letter Writing Preparation for Teachers Candidates."
For more information, call 7-0400.
405 Goodison,
5:15 p.m.
PROGRAM - EMU Continuing Education will sponsor a
program on "Bright Lights, Big City: The Golden Age of Urban
Blue." For more information, call 7-0407.
Depot Town Center,
32 E. Cross St.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday 21
PROGRAM - The Faculty Center for Instructional Excellence
will sponsor a program on "Roundtable OIJ Teaching Honors
Students," presented by William Miller, director of the University
Honors Program. To register or for more information, call
7-1386.
Gallery II,
McKenny Union,
9 to 10:30 a.m.
WORKSHOP - Career Services will sponsor a workshop on
"Major - Minor Finder." For more information, call 7-0400.
425 Goodison,
11 a.m.
·WORKSHOP - Career Services will sponsor a workshop on
·"Interviewing/Job Search Strategies for Teacher Candidates."
For more information, call 7-0400.
405 Goodison,
5:15 p.m.
PROGRAM - EMU Continuing Education will sponsor a
program on "Graphology: The Handwriting on the Wall." For
more information, call 7-0407.
Depot Town Center,
32 E. Cross St.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
MOVIE - The Big Picture movie series will present "Copy Cat."
For more information, call 7-3045.
Roosevelt
Auditorium, 8 p.m.
RECITAL - The Music Department will present a Wind
Percussion Honors Recital, sponsored by Kappa Kappa Psi. For
more information, call 7-2255.
Alexander Recital
Hall, 8 p.m.
Friday 22
PROGRAM - The Faculty Center for Instructional Excellence
will sponsor a program on "Assessment E'xpo." For more
infom1ation, call 7-1 386.
Guild Hall,
McKenny Union,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
RECITAL - The Music Department will sponsor a Graduate
Recital. For more information, call 7-2255.
Alexander Recital
Hall, 4 p.m.
BENEFIT CONCERT - The Music Department will sponsor a
Jazz Ensemble Benefit Concert. For more information, call 72255.
Pease ·Auditorium,
8 p.m.
Sunday 24
POETRY - Poet Maya Angelou will perform as part of the
President's Series. For more information, call 7-2255.
Monday 25
Pease Auditorium,
7 p.m.
PROGRAM - EMU Continuing Education will sponsor a
program on "Taking A Look At the Year 2005: Future Communi
cation Technology." For more information, call 7-0407.
"Depot Town Center,
32 E. 'cross Street,
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
WORKSHOP - Career Services will sponsor a workshop on
"Major - Minor Finder." For more information, call 7-0400.
425 Goodison,
2 p.m.
PENI NG�---------
To be considered for vacant positions, all Promotional Openings Application Fom1s MUST
BE SUBMITTED directly to the Compensation/ Employment Services Office and received
no later than 5 p.m. on the expiration date. NOTE: LATE OR INCOMPLETE FORMS
WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
The Compensation/Employment Services Office announces the following vacancies. The
expiration date for applying for these positions is Monday, March 25, 1996. Detailed
job descriptions may be reviewed in Room 310 King Hall. Posting Boards across campus
also highlight necessary and desired qualifications. Locations of these boards are main traffi
areas in: King Hall, McKenny Union, Roosevelt Hall, Business & Finance Building, Sill
Hall, Pray-Harrold, Rec/IM Building, Physical Plant, Mark-Jefferson, Hoyt Meeting Center,
DC #1, University Library, Pierce, and the College of Business - Owen Building.
Vacancy information may also be obtained by calling our 24-hour Jobs Line at 7 0- 016.
Compensation/Employment Services office hours.are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to
4:45 p.m.
CLERICAL/SECRETARIAL
(Minimum Bi-Weekly Salary)
CSSA96 l 3 CS-05
$798.46
FOOD/MAINTENANCE
(Minimum Hourly Salary)
FMBF9627 FM-06
$6.93
Account Specialist, University
Health Services
Custodial, Physical Plant-Pray Harrold Fall/
Winter Tues-Sat Hours 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Spring/Summer Mon-Fri flours 5 a.m.
to 1:30 p.m.
CAMPUS POLICE
(Minimum Bi-Weekly Salary)
CPBF9606 CP-01
$880.41
Officer, Campus Police, Public Safety.
ADMINISTRATIVE/PROFESSIONAL
(Minimum Semi-monthly salary)
APAA9609 AP13a
$2,859.54
FACULTY POSITIONS
F96i4
Department Head, Industrial Technology
Assistant Professor, Criminology
The pay rates stated above reflect the probationary minimum rate for a newly hired EMU
employee. The pay rate or salary for current employees will be established according to the
respective employee group union contract, and/or University salary administration policy
guidelines.
An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
EMU NEWSLINE
Call 487-2460 24 hours a day for late-breaking EMU news,
calendar updates and information on University
closings during extreme weather.
A service ofthe Office of Public 11lfonnatio11.
---.9 ESEARC:....:--�
Environmental Research
The National Science Foundation and the
Environmental Protection Agency are inviting
applications under the second joint competition for
environmental �esearch.
The three research areas targeted are water and
watersheds, technology for a sustainable environ
ment, and decision making and valuation for
environmental policy. The program requires
multidisciplinary collaboration.
The project period is op to three years with
awards ranging from $60,000 to $500,000 per year.
The deadline for submission is May 7, 1996.
For more information, contact Heather Aldridge
at 7-3090.
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
focuses grants on education global population,
conflict resolution, and the environment.
Education grants aim to improve elementary,
secondary, and higher education, with emphasis on
promoting long-term institutional development,
reform, and renewal. Population grants focus on
issues including family planning, reproductive
health and related education, and economic planning
issues and aim to bridge the gap between research,
policy formulation, and program implementation.
Conflict resolution grants encourage improvements
in the way conflict is mediated in society. Environ
mental grants aim to protect the fragile ecosystems
of the American West.
The foundation awarded $39. I million in 1994.
Proposal deadlines vary per project area.
For more information, contact Heather Aldridge
at 7-3090.
Focus EMU is published weekly
from September to April and
biweekly from May to August for the
faculty and staff at Eastern Michigan
University. The deadline to submit
copy for consideration is 5 p.m.
Tuesdays for the following week's
issue. The deadline for submissions
for "Events of the Week," which is
prepared monthly, is the 15th of the
month prior to the month the event
will occur. Please send all
submissions to: Editor, Focus EMU,
Office of Public- Information, 18
Welch Halt. Please direct any
questions to (313) 487-4400.
Submissions may be faxed to
(313) 483-2077.
Susan Bairley, director, Office of
Public Infonna1ion
Pat Mroczek, manager of news services,
Office of Public lnfonnation
Kirk Carman, Focus EMU editor
Dick Schwarze, University photographer
Jennifer Harrison, student intern
Jenny Fox & Mia Willis, student writers
Kelli Horne, student assistant/calendar
Kevin Phillips, studen1 photographer
Printed on recycledpaper by the
Tecumseh Herald. Tecumseh, Mich.
- Item sets
- Queering the Calendar
- Media
Focus EMU March 19 1996