Left Column
To all faculty participating in Commencement:
The May Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. on the quadrangle rain or shine (bring rain gear). In case of severe weather, the ceremony will be held in the G.B. Hodge Center Gymnasium.
IMPORTANT!!! Please note new processional time and process: Due to the large volume of students and the time it takes to process in, the student processional will begin promptly at 6:40 p.m. following the announcing of the Class of 2007. The faculty will then be announced at 6:50 p.m. for the faculty processional. Once the faculty are in place, the platform party will be announced at 6:55 p.m. with the ceremony beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Please be dressed in full academic regalia, including hats, and gather in the lobby of the Media Building no later than 6:30 p.m.
Purses and other valuables should not be brought to the ceremony as there is no place to lock them up. Traffic approaching campus will be very heavy during the hours prior to commencement. Please arrive early to avoid any delays.
New This Week
USC Upstate Alumni’s Company To Be Featured On HGTV
This spring, drivers on Interstate 26 just west of Spartanburg near Campobello, S.C., have been watching the earth moving equipment and pre-construction activity occurring next to Blue Ridge Log Cabins, manufacturer of factory-built, modular, log cabin homes. The company, owned by Milton A. “Chip” Smith, a 1978 USC Upstate graduate, has also caught the attention of Home and Garden Television (HGTV).
“Amazing Log Homes,” a special HGTV presentation, will air on Sunday, April 29 at 9:00 p.m. and Monday, April 30 at 1:00 a.m. and focuses on alternative log home construction companies that produce high quality, affordably-priced homes in half the time as traditional site-built log homes which typically take a year to build. The full media release is here …
Carolinian Staff Attends Associated Collegiate Press Convention
Dr. Chioma Ugochukwu, Journalism and Mass Communications, attended the National College Newspaper Convention with eight student staff members of The Carolinian. The convention, which was organized by the Associated Collegiate Press, took place in Portland, Oregon from March 8-11. Students who went on the trip included Amanda Gentry, editor; Jennifer Burgess, managing editor; Lindsey Sebastian, staff writer; Chris Coia, features editor; Craig Huffstetler, Web designer; Ashley Armour, sports editor; Ashley Mylers, advertising director; Paul Schenkel, sports writer; and Seth Rubenstein photo editor. The staff attended several sessions on a variety of topics aimed at helping student writers and editors with professional skills needed for print and online journalism, while Dr. Ugochukwu attended sessions organized for advisers including those on effective strategies for training and managing a student publication. The students also participated in a field reporting experience organized for conference participants.
During the down time after sessions, Dr. Ugochukwu and the staff took time to enjoy views of Mt. Hood, the Williamette River, visit some unique restaurants and Portland landmarks, including Powell Bookstore, the largest bookstore in the world, occupying an entire city block.
You can read the blogs written by the students on The Carolinian website at www.UpstateCarolinian.com.
Upstate wins NIRSA National Tournament
Six players representing USC Upstate participated in the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association national basketball tournament this past weekend and walked away with the top prize in the women’s division. The tournament took place April 12 – 15 in Columbus, Ohio on the campus of Ohio State University and featured state intramural champions from across the U.S.
“George’s Crew” from Upstate was made up of staff and students that earned their berth in the nationals by winning the S.C. state intramural tournament held March 2 – 4 in Columbia. Upstate competed against twenty-one other teams in the women’s division in Columbus and walked away champions at the end of the weekend. Players for “George’s Crew” were Tami Matheny (Associate Athletic Director), Tammy George (Women’s Basketball Coach), Kiki Glass (Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach), Katie Easler (Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach), Katie Downey (student), and Chalecia Miles (student). Katie Downey was named to the all tournament team and Tammy George was named the tournament most valuable player.
USC Upstate Announces Student Government Association Officers
USC Upstate recently announced the results of its Student Government Association election for the 2007-2008 academic year. Xavier Pearson, a rising senior from Woodruff majoring in political science and Spanish, has been elected president. Brenton Pringle, a rising senior from Manning majoring in interdisciplinary studies, has been elected vice president. Miranda Dorsey, a rising sophomore from Hemingway majoring in accounting, has been elected treasurer. Shakia Bouknight, a rising sophomore from Columbia majoring in interdisciplinary studies, has been elected secretary. Read the press release.
USC Upstate Faculty Member Invited To Contribute To American Psychiatric Nurses Association
William Koehler , an instructor at the Mary Black School of Nursing at the University of South Carolina Upstate, has been invited to contribute as a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) Restraint and Seclusion Task Force. Koehler currently teaches introduction to professional nursing and psychiatric and mental health nursing and facilitates in-patient and out-patient clinical experiences for nursing students in the area of mental health nursing. Read the full media release here …
Advisor Needed
WritersINC, our student literary magazine, is in need of an advisor. The Media Board would like to invite all full-time faculty and staff to apply. The position is a three year term. The responsibilities include:
- advising and assisting the student editor concerning staffing, budgets, publication specifications and appropriateness of materials for publication.
- serving as an ex-officio member of the USC Upstate Student Media Board.
Compensation is negotiable (release time in the spring semester or an equivalent stipend in monthly supplements are options). If interested, please send a letter of intent to Astrid Rosario in Smith 405 by Friday, April 27.The Media Board will interview candidates on Tuesday, May 1 (Reading Day).
Week in Pictures
The International Soccer Tournament was held Sunday, April 15. Here is a photo of the game in action and the winning team which calls itself the “ Soviet Union” since they represent several former Soviet countries.
The Spartanburg Chamber’s monthly business social gathering, Business After Hours, was held Thursday in the Campus Life Center.
The fountain was installed and tested Friday in the Rotary Peace Park.
Activities and Events
Final Monday Night Feminism for spring semester: Erica Horne's project, "The Personal is Political at Upstate!"
Monday, April 23 … 4:30 p.m. … Hodge 155
Please join us to discuss “Is the Personal Still Political? In an effort to raise consciousness on the Upstate campus about the many “silences used to keep us isolated from one another, and most of all, to keep us from realizing the political issues at the root of our travails,” the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies invited students, faculty and staff to anonymously break their personal silences on postcards throughout the spring semester. Now . . . We’re asking you to read them and join Monday Night Feminism's discussion of whether or not the personal is still political. Here’s what the postcards revealed:
More than 30% revealed some form of personal sexual violence
More than 30% revealed an inability to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships
More than 25% revealed anxiety about their sexual orientation
More than 12% revealed anxiety and/or shame about their personal sexual activity
More than 3% revealed issues surrounding body image
Director of Instructional Technology Candidates to Visit Upstate
As you may remember from last fall, USC Upstate is trying to hire a person for a new position on campus. The title is “Director of Instructional Technology.” The current Department of Instructional Technology will report to this person, as will several other people and perhaps units. The idea behind the position is that it will assist faculty members with their instructional technology needs – new curriculum ideas, integration of technology into the classroom, training for new platforms, grants related to learning technology, etc. The position will report directly to the Vice Chancellor for Information Technology, and all questions about the parameters of the position should be addressed to her. Two outstanding candidates will visit campus during the next two weeks. They are:
Dr. Rebecca Andre , who, since 2005, has served as the “eLearning Manager for Faculty Development” at Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio. Her position is in the Technology Enhanced Learning and Research Center on campus. Dr. Andre will be on our campus this Monday, April 23. She will give a presentation to faculty from 2:45 – 3:45 in Media 124.
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Ms. Jeanne Myers , who since, 2002, has served as the Coordinator of Technology Services at WNY Regional Information Center in Hamburg, New York. Ms. Myers will be on our campus Monday, April 30. She will give a presentation to faculty from 2:45 – 3:45 in Media 124.
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University Singers Present Spring Concert
Friday, April 27 … 7:30 p.m. … HPAC Theater
University Singers and the Chamber Choir of USC Upstate will perform Songs of the Soul. This presentation will feature numerous choral and instrumental pieces representing several styles including spirituals, folk hymns, folk songs and others. Several guest artists will be featured performing on the harp, flute, oboe and various percussion instruments. The concert will be conducted by David C. Guthrie, director of the University Singers and the Chamber Choir, and will be accompanied by Jennifer Bell. An instrumental prelude will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the program starting at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free. Here is the event flyer to print out, post or distribute.
Your Blood is Needed
Monday, April 30 … 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. … CLC
The bloodmobile will be parked at the top of CLC parking lot between the nursing parking lot and campus life parking. Blood donations are at a critical level! Consider donating blood to help save a life.
USC Upstate Student Piano Recital
Tuesday, May 1 … 6:00 p.m. … Humanities and Performing Arts Center Theater
With 18 students in her group piano classes, Susan Davis, adjunct music instructor, will showcase performances by her beginner to advanced repertoire students. Tickets for this event are free and may be obtained through the USC Upstate Theater Box Office by calling 503-5695. For further information contact Susan Davis at the Fine Arts and Communication Studies Department at USC Upstate at ext. 5603.
Late Night Breakfast
Tuesday, May 1 … 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. … CLC Dining Hall
The Residence Hall Association would like to invite all faculty and staff to volunteer as food servers for the Late Night Breakfast. We’re looking for servers who are willing to provide service with a smile! Come out and support your students as they prepare for their spring exams. To volunteer, please contact Clint Neill. This late night study breaker is for all USC Upstate students. It is free for students with a meal plan and $5 for students without. Students will be able to come relax with friends, listen to music, win some t-shirts, and of course, eat as much breakfast food as they can!
May Day Picnic
Thursday, May 10 … 12:00 p.m. …Tent on the Quad
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Our annual May Day Picnic for faculty and staff is coming up soon. During the picnic our retirees and State Service Award recipients who reached a 10, 20, 30 and 40-year milestone in 2006 with the University and/or the State of South Carolina will be recognized.
- Retirees to be recognized are: Jim Anderson, Nancy Bailey, Jerry Bennett, Steve Berry, Cecilia Cogdell, Jackie Goode, Carolyn Jamison, Jerry Lehman, Josephine McBeth, Carol Mitchell, Linda Randolph, Glenda Sims, Barbara Sprague, Bobby Welborn, and Joyce Wiley.
- State Service Award Recipients are:
- 30 years: Judith Kizer, Gillian Newberry, Catherine Talley, Lyle Campbell
- 20 years: Linda Gilbert, James Griffis, Janice Janiec, Linda Cooke, Nancy Lambert, James Charles, Clementine Geter, Hester Sloan, Lisa Lever, Daniel Cooke, Donette Stewart
- 10 years: Jack Stafford, Patricia Wood, Joyce Kiensler, Brigitte Neary, Jeanette Reeves, Becky Taylor, Cenek Alcena, Robert Thomas.
Community Events
March of Dimes
USC Upstate is partnering this year with the March of Dimes in the “Walk America” event on Saturday, April 28 at Barnet Park at 9:00 a.m. Click on the link provided to make a financial contribution and to sign up to be on the Upstate “Spartan” walk team. Our campus goal is $1000……please become a part of our team and walk for March of Dimes and USC Upstate.
What Women Put Up With
Tuesday, May 1 … 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. … Wachovia Bank ( 101 North Pine Street) BesideSpartanburg Chamber of Commerce; enter from Oakland Avenue.
Investing in Your Future - Money and Mobility: Take the necessary steps now to protect your bones and future financial stability. Debbie Cone, registered Physical therapist, will discuss the necessary steps we all need to take to protect our bone health. Later, Roslyn Gilstrap, Financial Planning Specialist with Wachovia Bank, will outline what you can do to ensure your future financial freedom. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and great door prizes! To register for What Women Put Up With, please visit regionalwomenshealth.com<http://www.srhs.com/default.aspx?pageid=6 or call 864-560-2229. Brought to you by Spartanburg Regional and Spirit of Women. For a complete listing of our events, visit the events page http://www.srhs.com/default.aspx?pageid=181 at SpartanburgRegional.com.
Right Column
Candlelight Vigil for Virginia Tech
USC Upstate to hold Candlelight Vigil to Remember Virginia Tech Community
A candlelight vigil will be held tonight (Monday) at 9:15 p.m. on the Upper Quad to honor and remember those affected by the tragic events on the Virginia Tech campus April 16. All Virginia Tech alumni in the Upstate area, including those in the Palmetto Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, are invited to attend. Additionally, all faculty, staff, students and friends of USC Upstate, and the public, are invited. Karl Frisch, president of the Palmetto Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, will deliver remarks at this vigil, as will Drs. Astrid Rosario and Jennifer Parker, both Virginia Tech alumnae and members of the USC Upstate faculty. Dr. John Stockwell, chancellor of USC Upstate, and Xavier Pearson, president of the USC Upstate Student Government Association, will also speak. USC Upstate students have made cards of condolence and support that will be available for others to sign at this event. Afterwards they will be mailed to Virginia Tech to show support for the university’s students, faculty, staff and community. Counselors will also be available throughout the evening. For further information, please contact April Moore, assistant director of student life at USC Upstate (864) 503-5196 or ajmoore@uscupstate.edu.
From ITS
1) If a member of your department or staff leaves the University for other employment/retires, etc., please notify the Help Desk at Information Technology Services at ext. 5257 or by email to helpdesk@uscupstate.edu. ITS will remove that person’s profile from the employee database.
2) In a continuing effort to improve our service to the University, the Client Services Department within Information Technology and Services is asking that you take the time to fill out the Client Survey located here.
The link will also be accessible from within the “Completed Work order” email message University faculty and staff receive from the Help Desk upon completion of a request. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey, we appreciate and value your input.
Alumni Spotlight
Keep in touch!
The Advancement Office maintains a database for alumni, friends and corporations of the University. If you have news about one of the constituent groups (employment changes, marriages, new addresses), please e-mail alumni@uscupstate.edu with information.
Athletics
Saturday Night Fever
USC Upstate Athletics will hold its 14 th Annual Athletics Benefit Auction – “Saturday Night Fever” – on Sat., April 28 in the Hodge Center. The retro 70’s theme will be topped off with disco lighting and your favorite 70’s music. Enjoy wonderful food and beverage, great music, and terrific auction items. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance. Please call ext. 5144 for more information.
Home Game this Week
Men’s Baseball v. North Greenville
Tuesday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Harley Park
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Faculty & Staff Briefs
Merri Lisa Johnson , director of the Center for Women’s Studies and Programs has published a book, Third Wave Feminism and Television: Jane Puts It in a Box. Check it out on Amazon.com or visit the publisher's publicity page on the publisher’s web site.
Denise Levereaux recently completed a three-week domestic violence and sexual assault hotline training course for SAFE Homes Rape Crisis Coalition. The 24-hour hotline provides resource information and support for victims in the Upstate.
Employment Opportunities
APPLICATION PROCESS: Visit www.uscupstate.edu/jobs for additional information and online application submission instructions.
STAFF/ADMINISTRATION POSITIONS:
There are no open positions at this time.
HUMAN RESOURCES REMINDERS
HR has two important memos regarding pay schedules during summer school: 2007 Summer School Pay Schedule
2007 Faculty Summer School Pay Schedule
New Employees
Please welcome Gwyneth Jones (Spearman), the new Student Services Coordinator in the Center for Student Success. Gwyneth is working part time for us until she gets married in May and will be full time starting May 30. Her name will change to Gwyneth Spearman when she starts full time. Please stop by Smith 103 to meet Gwyneth or welcome her via email at gjones@uscupstate.edu
Miscellaneous
The Tenure and Review Calendar for 2007-2008 is online here.
The Post Tenure and Review Calendar for 2007-2008 is online here.
If you have utilized Counseling Services, they would like your feedback through this survey. Complete the survey and return it by May 4 and you can be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift certificate.
2007 Faculty/Staff Telephone Directory The 2007 Faculty/Staff Telephone Directory is now available for you to download and/or obtain from Printing Services. Visit the Printing Services web site to place your order. Each directory costs $3.09 and will be charged to the ordering department. Please note that all information in the directory is available online, and the online information is updated continuously throughout the year. University Communications encourages the use of the online directory primarily to conserve paper and printing costs, but also to reduce the number of internal calls to the switchboard operator.
Download the directory here. This is a large file and will take several seconds to download. Please note that as updates are made online, the directory you download will reflect the changes.