VCAA Newletter

Colleagues,

The other day on NPR the question was posed, “Where do we go to find peace.” After hearing several responses, I thought reflectively about where I would go to find peace. My mind traveled quickly to the National Redwood Forests of Northern California, to the majestic cathedrals of Europe, to the wide and empty expanses of the Moroccan dunes, or simply to any place in America near a running brook where the only sounds are those of the water, the wind, and the singing birds. During this holiday of peace, we have an opportune time, as academics, to reflect upon the peaceful moments of the past semester – the joy of learning that daily radiated in the faces of our students, the infectious humor shared with a colleague, the moment of discovery as we pored over manuscripts and test tubes in search of knowledge, that instance when a conversation with a student truly made a difference.

Our academic year began with great promise and hope. A transformation is slowly taking root. Faculty and staff are actively engaged in dialogue about the campus’ future. We are anticipating changes that will further enhance the beauty of our campus, from construction of a bridge over the St. Joseph River to extensive renovation and rehabilitation of campus facilities. The Campus Directions Committee, the University Assessment Committee, the University Curriculum Committee, the Senate Budget Committee, the General Education Committee, the Academic Cabinet, the Chancellor’s Cabinet, and many other groups of faculty, staff and students, are strategically planning, with renewed energy, a solid foundation for IUSB’s future. The university’s administrative structure, essential to effective management, is slowly being re-established. Recent hires among faculty promises continuous academic excellence in teaching and research. Diversity in ethnicity and gender among the faculty strengthens us as an academic community.

When we think about where to go to find peace, perhaps we do not have to venture far. It is all around us at IUSB and can be easily found among our students, our staff, our faculty, our alumni, and our community friends. IUSB is a special place. Best wishes to each of you and to your families during the holiday season. May you enjoy a prosperous New Year.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS: In response to recent changes in institutional requirements by the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), we have made changes within the administrative structure of International Programs. Julie Williams, the former director of International Students Services, has been hired in a temporary assignment, to oversee and direct the immigration and visa functionalities of International Programs. Beginning January 1, 2003, INS will require new standards in the admission and retention of international students. By January 30^th, the university must be in compliance. Ms. Williams is assisting us in meeting these requirements and has been working since August with the Office of International Affairs at Bloomington in assuring that IU university-wide is in compliance with the new regulations, SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System).

To ensure better integration with student services functions, Julie’s office will be temporarily located in the old alumni office (A102). There is no change in the telephone number, extension 4591. Her secretary, Sheila Pinda is located in the Admissions area (A169). She will report to Sr. Associate Vice Chancellor Jacquie Caul through the Dean of Enrollment Management, Lisa Shaffer. Professor Gabrielle Robinson, Director of International Programs, will remain in the Jordan House and will be primarily responsible for academic administration of International Programs – curriculum development, faculty/student exchanges, study abroad programs, international grant opportunities for study and travel, etc. In the spring semester, I will convene a group of faculty to discuss and make recommendations about the future of International Programs at IUSB.

The IU Office of International Programs is offering a few new grant competitions.

Latin American Fellowship
This fellowship is jointly funded by IU and the Indiana federation of Clubs to support graduate research and study in Latin America. The award is $1,500 and the deadline is March 1, 2003. More information can be found at http://www.indiana.edu/~intlprog/grants/

International Exchange Affiliations Grants
To encourage the expansion of exchange partnerships between IU and foreign institutions of higher education and strengthen teaching and research skills among IU faculty. The awards are up to$6,000, with a maximum allocation of $3,000 in any one budget year and the deadline is February 3, 2003. More information can be found at http://www.indiana.edu/~intlprog/grants/

The members of the Campus Assessment Committee are pleased to announce that they received a number of excellent applications for Assessment Grants. The Committee has awarded grants to the following departments:

Criminal Justice – This proposal, submitted by Melchor de Guzman, will fund the analysis and evaluation of the new Criminal Justice student advising scheme.

Criminal Justice – Another grant awarded to the Criminal Justice program, submitted by Barbara Peat, will allow the program to continue its collection and analysis of data from employer surveys, alumni surveys and senior exit surveys.

Communication Arts – The Communication proposal, submitted by Alec Hosterman, will fund research and development of an improved Capstone course.

General Studies – This grant proposal, submitted by Paul Joray, will allow the General Studies program to develop and administer an alumni questionnaire.

Mathematics – The Mathematics proposal, submitted by Michael Darnel, will fund a program to evaluate and improve the math service courses offered as part of other courses of study at IUSB.

Political Science – The Political Science grant, submitted by Elizabeth Bennion, will be used for a comprehensive survey of assessment techniques used at IUSB and in similar programs in the IU system. They will also survey graduates of the program.

Social Work – This grant proposal, submitted by Paul Newcomb, will fund an alumni and graduating senior survey.

UCET – The UCET grant proposal, submitted by Terri Demmon, will fund the development of an online course survey instrument which can be used to provide midcourse and summative assessment data.

Congratulations to all of the successful applicants. These projects should help in the important work of assessment of student learning. The Assessment Committee hopes to offer Assessment Grants in future years when funds are available.