News
University Police To Conduct Active Shooter Training Session
University Police at the University of South Carolina Upstate will conduct an active shooter training session on campus on Monday, October 19 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of this session is to promote ongoing safety and security measures in the interest of students and the campus community. The training session will appear to be a real active shooter situation, but is actually a carefully staged scenario that will provide university employees with the training required to properly manage a similar situation, if needed. The mock scenario will take place in the P. Kathryn Hicks Visual Arts Building, which requires portions of Gramling Drive and the Smith Farmhouse parking lot to be closed. Additionally, the Support Services parking lot will be fully utilized by participant parking for all the emergency vehicles. Approximately 30 students are participating in this exercise along with University Police, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, North Spartanburg Fire Department, Emergency Management Office, and Regional One. The campus community is free to observe the training session from a safe distance and must respect the safety perimeter established by University Police. If you have any questions, please contact Chief of Police Klay Peterson at 503-5254 or kpeterson@uscupstate.edu
USC Upstate Professor of Art to Display Encaustic Works at Turchin Center
Jane Allen Nodine, professor of art at the University of South Carolina Upstate, will have 20 works from her body of work called the trace series included in the 225˚ F Encaustic Encounters, a national exhibition to be held at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. The show will run from November 6, 2009 through February 6, 2010. 225˚ F Encaustic Encounters is the first exhibition focused entirely on encaustic paintings to be featured in Turchin’s galleries. All fourteen artists, who hail from across the country, will display works that demonstrate the many different techniques of encaustic painting. Nodine was selected for the exhibition by Turchin’s curators based on research she has been conducting in encaustic painting. After receiving the invitation to exhibit in 2008, Nodine spent much of the summer of 2009 producing over 30 works for consideration by the curatorial selection team. They chose 20 for the exhibit, ranging in size from 12 to 48 inches. Nodine is the only artist from South Carolina to be included in the exhibit. There are more details in this media release. Also, here is an invitation to the exhibit.
Kadane Lifts Upstate Over Mercer: Freshman notches the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute
Macon, Ga. - John Kadane pounded a grounded shot into the back of the net in the 83rd minute to lead USC Upstate to a 2-1 victory over A-Sun leader Mercer Saturday night in men's soccer action at Bear Field. Mercer entered the game with a 3-0-0 record in the conference and sat atop the A-Sun standings. Upstate was 0-1-1 in the league, but was 3-2-1 in the last six matches. In the end, Kadane's goal spelled the difference as Upstate improved to 4-5-1 overall and 1-1-1 with four points in the A-Sun. The four wins also sets a new season record for Upstate as members of Division I. Mercer fell to 4-5-2 overall and 3-1-0 with nine points in the league. "We certainly give credit where it's due, we hung on to win," said Upstate head coach Greg Hooks. "Mercer has won some games in the league and it was nice to see us fight back to get the win. From the way the season has gone so far, we have to defend well, work hard and fight to get wins. We did that tonight. It seems like the harder we work the more things seem to go our way." Here's more ...
Water Festival At USC Upstate Offers Free Family Fun Along With Miss America Mutt Pageant and Pet Trick Contest
The Watershed Ecology Center at the University of South Carolina Upstate, along with the Spartanburg Water System and City of Spartanburg, will host the “Water Matters” Water Festival on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the USC Upstate campus. “This day-long celebration is filled with activities of family fun events where a truly irreplaceable resource – water-- is at the forefront,” said Carol J.D. Broadus, program coordinator of the Watershed Ecology Center. “Many other activities and educational booths taking place throughout the day. Free train rides and bouncies, pizza, games and prizes are planned.” Other participating entities include Spartanburg Humane Society, Hatcher Gardens, Hollywild Animal Park, League of Women Voters, Lost Acres, Palmetto Conservation, Sierra Club, SPACE, Spartanburg County Library, Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation, Upstate Forever and Spartanburg Soil and Water. Families are also encouraged to include their dogs in the celebration. At 11:00 a.m., a “Miss America” Mutt Pageant will be held, followed by a Pet Trick Contest at 2:00 p.m. For more details, contact Carol J.D. Broadus at (864) 503-5728 or cbroadus@uscupstate.edu
Early Intervention Program Reporting
The Student Success Center would like to announce the 5 winners of the early deadline for EIP (Early Intervention Program) reporting. The winners are: Jim Griffis, Reid Toth, David Damrel, Lisa Lever and Alice Henderson. The winners may come by the Student Success Center and collect their $100 prize Monday thru Friday in Library 225. There’s still time to participate in the EIP drawing…The second drawing will be Friday, Oct 16 at noon. Ten more names will be drawn and these winners will receive $50. Many thanks to all of you who took the time to participate in the very important intervention program. The link is http://webapp.uscupstate.edu/eip/.
Keith Daye Receives Eb and Maggie Barnes Scholarship
Keith Daye, a non-traditional student majoring in computer information systems at the University of South Carolina Upstate, Greenville Campus, was selected as the recipient of the 2009-2010 Eb and Maggie Barnes Scholarship. Daye lives in Simpsonville. The Eb and Maggie Barnes Scholarship is awarded annually to a student enrolled part-time who is working toward a degree and combining college attendance with full-time work and family responsibilities. The scholarship was established to honor the late Eb Barnes and his wife, Maggie. Until his death, Dr. Barnes served as coordinator of programs for the University of South Carolina Upstate at the University Center of Greenville. Daye was selected for the value places on education and his understanding that as a non-traditional student he is serving as a role model for his children, for members of his extended family, and for co-workers. Learn more about Daye's inspiring story in this media release.
The Week in Photos
On Thursday, a small group gathered for the second Lunch and Learn of the fall semester, sponsored by Staff Council. The topic was photography, and the session was led by Les Duggins, photographer for University Communications.
Art Education Students At USC Upstate Put Their Teaching Skills to Work
Eight art education majors from the University of South Carolina Upstate participated in a Career Fair for fourth and fifth graders at Anderson Mill Elementary School on October 2. The elementary school students spent the day exploring various career opportunities. The eight USC Upstate students were part of the Dr. Mary Lou Hightower’s SAED 429 course Art Education for the Elementary and Middle School. During the University course, the art education students researched possible careers where art skills are needed to be successful in the specific job. Career exploration is one component of the state mandated law of Education Economic Development Act (EEDA).
“All teachers must include career explorations during their teaching,” said Hightower. “My art education students selected an art career to showcase and created a backdrop with information as well as an interactive activity for the elementary school students to participate while visiting the art room. Each backdrop included information about salary, education requirement, necessary skills and visuals.” This media release has a list of all the participating students as well as the careers they showcased.
UCG Senior Nursing Students Preventing H1N1 in the Elementary Schools
University Center Greenville senior nursing students from the Mary Black School of Nursing have spent a portion of their Community and Public Health Nursing Clinical teaching children in local elementary schools about H1N1 and its prevention through hand-washing. Schools visited were Crestview Elementary in Greer and Hollis Academy in Greenville. Students in both schools were taught to properly cover their coughs and sneezes by using the inside of their elbow, instead of using their hands. The school children were also taught to wash their hands while practicing the ABC song. “Magic Soap” (hand sanitizer) was introduced along with the encouragement for the children to eat fruits and vegetables and to get adequate rest. Photo on left: Jodi Coy, Ashley Hall, and Lanette Lewis at Crestview. Photo on right: Jonathan Crosby and Pat McCallion
Campus Calendar
Nurse Recruitment Fall 2009
Monday, October 12 … 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. … HEC Gym
The USC Upstate Career Center and the School of Nursing are again partnering to offer the Fall 2009 Nurse Recruitment Event. Starting at noon in the HEC GYM, recruiters from North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia will be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to speak with students regarding open positions within their facilities. For more information contact 503-5392.
Distance and online Faculty Community of Practice
Monday, October 12 … 11:00 a.m. … Admin. 116
Mark your calendars for regular meetings of the Distance and Online Faculty Community of Practice Monday, October 12 at 11:00 and Tuesday, December 1 at 3:30, both in Admin. 116. These informal conversations are open to all who interested in teaching online - both those who have much experience with designing and teaching in online courses; and most especially for those who are just beginning or who might be interested in sharing ideas and new approaches. Contact Cindy Jennings for further information.
Authors @ Upstate Welcomes Ely Shipley
Monday, October 12 … 4:00 p.m. … Administration Building Lobby
On behalf of the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies and the Authors @ Upstate series, you are cordially invited to hear Ely Shipley, award-winning poet, read and talk about his work on Monday, Oct. 12 at 4 pm in the Administration Building lobby. Light refreshments will be served and the author will sign books. The event is free and open to the public. This flyer has details. Ely Shipley’s first book, Boy with Flowers, won the 2007 Barrow Street Press book prize judged by Carl Phillips and the Thom Gunn Award. His poems also won the Western Humanities Review Award in Poetry judged by Edward Hirsch and the Virginia Faulkner Award from Prairie Schooner. His poems appear in Willow Springs, Florida Review, Phoebe, Greensboro Review, Painted Bride Quarterly, Hayden’s Ferry Review, Diagram, Gulf Coast, Barrow Street, Third Coast, LTTR and Bloom. He currently teaches literature, creative writing, and gender studies at the University of Utah where he received his PhD in Literature and Creative Writing/Poetry. Questions? Contact Dr. Lisa Johnson.
Roundtable Discussions
Monday, October 12 ... 7:00 pm ... CLC Ballroom
First-year students will join USC Upstate faculty and staff, student leaders from Upstate colleges, and community leaders from throughout South Carolina for dessert and roundtable discussions concerning topics related to Nickel and Dimed. This event brings together good food, good company, and good ideas to promote global thinking and foster new friendships across campus. No lectures, no quizzes, just great ideas shared around the dinner table. Seating is limited to 200. Pick up free tickets for the event in HPAC 222. Dr. George Williams, assistant professor of English, will lead this interactive event. Sponsored by Student Life.
Panel Discussion On Finding A Job During A Recession
Tuesday, October 13 ...11:00 a.m. ... Health Education Complex, Room 2001
The Department of Informatics at the University of South Carolina Upstate will host a panel discussion entitled “Facing The Challenges Of Finding A Job During A Recession.” The one-hour event features panel guests Amy Walters, information systems consultant at MetLife; Chris Brown, director of teaching and technology services at University of South Carolina; and William (Bill) Kirkpatrick, senior director and site director for the Greenville Office at UnitedHealth Care. College students and recent alumni who are interested in hearing experts in the information management and systems healthcare industry discuss the trends and issues of weathering a tough economy. The panel guests will also take questions from the audience. For additional details, contact Dr. Tyrone Toland, assistant professor of informatics, at (864) 503-5310.
Spartan Special Announcement
Wednesday, October 14 … 1:00 p.m. … Hodge Gym
Join USC Upstate and the Athletics Department for a special ceremony and press conference on October 14 at 1:00 pm in the Hodge Center. The University will make a major announcement which will change and improve the Athletics Department and enhance the image of the University.
Facebook on Campus
Wednesday, October 14 ... 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ... CLC Ballroom
The Division of Student Affairs invites you to attend an enlightening webinar entitled: Facebook on Campus: Applications, Tools and Tips for Your College.
Using Facebook fan pages and profiles at your University can create many opportunities to expand communication with current and prospective students-and those beyond your campus network. What are the specific applications and techniques working on college campuses today, and how can you enhance your
University's image and communication strategies using Facebook? Join us for a live, 60-minute webinar where you will learn:
• Facebook Fan Pages & University Profiles: What's Working Now
• Facebook Applications that Promote a Strong Image for Your University
• Specific Strategies to Create a Facebook Page that Meets Your Needs
• Networking on Facebook: How to Best Connect with Today's Students
Program highlights include:
Facebook Fan Pages & Applications: How to Get Your College Connected and much more…..
• Tips for creating university facebook pages, department groups and profiles
• Facebook fan pages: How to expand university communication efforts
• What applications should your university be most concerned with?
Live question and answer session. Have your Facebook questions answered!
RSVP to Frances Jarratt-Hortis at ext. 5195 or fjarratt-hortis@uscupstate.edu
South Carolina Theatre Association Secondary Festival
Friday & Saturday, October 16 & 17 … HPAC Mainstage Theatre, Studio Theatre and HPAC 101,120, 121, 122, 123
The South Carolina Theatre Association Secondary Festival will be held on campus in the Humanities and Performing Arts Complex on October 16 and 17. There will be 20 state high schools competing for the best one-act production that goes to the South Eastern Theatre Conference in March of 2010. Contact Rich Robinson for additional details or read this media release.
College Republicans Meeting
Monday, October 19 … 2:30-3:30 p.m. … Media 220
Christina Jeffrey, candidate for South Carolina's 4th District congressional seat, will be speaking to the USC Upstate Republicans. Everyone is welcome. Contact Jim Griffis with questions.
Midnight Madness
Tuesday, October 19 ... 10:00 p.m. ... Hodge Center
Come on down for some Midnight Madness!! There will be free admission to everyone, free food and drinks, 500 free t-shirts, and the Air Elite Acrobatic Dunk Team performance. Questions? Contact Andy Brooks. Here's a poster to share.
Internship Fair
Tuesday, October 20 … 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. … CLC Ballroom
This internship fair will feature academic departments and area employers who will be present to discuss internship opportunities in various disciplines and fields. Questions? Contact John Montemayor.
Graduate Programs in Education Open House
Tuesday, October 20 … 4:30 p.m. … HEC Room 2008 USC Upstate Campus, or
Tuesday, October 27 … 4:00 p.m. … Anderson Library Room 122 USC Sumter Campus
At this open house you will learn how convenient it is to earn your master’s degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or special education for the visually impaired. The School of Education will highlight the fast-track master’s degree programs available via a combination of face-to-face courses and distance delivery. Information will be provided on admissions requirements, financial aid and program framework. USC Upstate’s graduate faculty will provide details and be available to answer specific questions. For further information, contact Jessica Erickson at 503-5573 or soegradprog@uscupstate.edu.
Virtual Visiting Professor: Jim Groom
Friday, October 23 … 1:30 p.m. … Admin 116
The Department of Instructional Technology is pleased to present their fall Virtual Visiting Professor Series -- a virtual lecture series on using social media in teaching and learning. Join us in Room 116 in the Administration Building for a live Skype session with Jim Groom from the University of Mary Washington, Instructional Technology Specialist and Adjunct Professor. He will be speaking on “Finding Meaning and considering ethics, risks, and possibilities in open online teaching and learning.” His blog is: bavatuesdays. Contact Cindy Jennings for additional info.
1st Annual Water Festival
Saturday, October 24 … 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. … Campus Life Center Patio and Arboretum
The Watershed Ecology Center is hosting its first annual Water Festival. There will be fun for the entire family a well as many educational booths and games.
Carol Broadus has all the details.
Human Resources Benefits Updates
Don't Get Caught Without the Right Coverage: October is Open Enrollment Month
October is open enrollment month, which means that faculty and staff may add or drop dependents from their state health and dental plans or add the new vision plan. Also remember to complete your Tobacco Certification form so you will avoid the $25 per month surcharge on your health insurance.
Employees who are not enrolled in Optional Life can enroll for up to $50,000 of coverage without medical evidence of good health. Employees who are not covering their spouse under dependent life can enroll a spouse for up to $20,000 without medical evidence of good health. Also, those employees who are already enrolled can increase up to $50,000 on themselves and up to $20,000 on their spouses. The maximum amount of Optional Life coverage is $500,000. (Note: spouse coverage cannot exceed 50% of the employee’s coverage).
If you are enrolled in a Medical Spending Account or Dependent Day Care Account, you can re-enroll online at www.myFBMC.com. If this is your first time enrolling in Moneyplus you must complete a paper form and send to Human Resources office. http://www.eip.sc.gov/publications/2010_MoneyPlus_Enrollment_Form.pdf?ts=-1041408812
The South Carolina Employee Insurance Program offers open enrollment every other year. Open enrollment is the only opportunity to add or drop health or dependents coverage unless you are within 31 days of an eligible family status change. The next open enrollment opportunity will be October 2011.
To access your benefits information you may go to VIP at https://vip.sc.edu
To make any changes, faculty and staff may access the online system, MyBenefits, at www.eip.sc.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Ella Mae Bowers at 503-5320 or Shirley Parton at 503-5319 in the Human Resources office.
The video presentations, 2009 Open Enrollment and Retirement Presentation given by June Lewis, USC Assistant Director of Benefits, on September 23 are now online.
Reminders:
Employees have until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, October 31 to go to MyBenefits and complete the online open enrollment process. If you are a “first time user” you must register. Here is the MyBenefits Web site. We encourage all employees to complete the online open enrollment process. If an employee wants to complete a paper form, they must schedule an appointment with the human resources office by Friday, October 30. Since Friday, October 30 is the last day working day of the month paper forms must be dated this day. Employees can re-enroll in MoneyPlus Medical Spending and Dependent Day Care Accounts by going to the Fringe Benefits Web site. (New users to this Web site must register first.) If an employee is enrolling in a MoneyPlus Account for the first time, a paper form must be completed. Also, if an employee is enrolling or re-enrolling in the Limited-use Medical Spending Account, a paper form must be completed.
Community Events
JC Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation to Host Walk-A-Thon
Lace up your tennis shoes, and plan on joining families, friends, neighbors and businesses for the second annual JC Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation, 5K Walk-A-Thon. This year the J.C. Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation is being spotlighted as part of the Mayor’s Walk for Disabilities. The walkathon will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The walk itself will be from Barnett Park to Wofford College (Snyder Soccer Field). There will be door prizes, entertainment, and free food. Health professionals will be onsite offering eye examinations, blood pressure checks, screening for diabetes, and cholesterol levels.
In addition to the walkathon itself, the Foundation will have a Walk-A-Thon Kick Off party all day long on Wednesday, October 21 at the Beacon Drive-In with special guest George Rogers, former USC Heisman Trophy Winner. On Thursday October 22, there will be a Pre-Walk for The South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, Charles Lea Center and McCarthy-Teszler School at the Charles Lea track from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Those who are unable to walk in the event, can sponsor another person or make a tax- deductible contribution. The J.C. Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation is a component fund under The Spartanburg County Foundation. Checks should be made payable to The Spartanburg County Foundation /JCSGAF and mailed to: The J.C. Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation, P.O. Box 2202, Spartanburg, SC 29304.
The focus of the J.C. Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation is ultimately to decrease the number of people with undiagnosed glaucoma by promoting early detection, assisting patients in finding proper medical care for glaucoma, educating the public on glaucoma and other ocular conditions, and overcoming existing health disparities in our community.
More information about the J.C. Stroble Glaucoma Awareness Foundation and the walkathon is available on the organization’s web site at www.jcstroblefoundation.org.
written by Sheila Coates
Journalism 329
A Taste of Africa: A Bridge to the Upstate
A Taste of Africa will be held at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium on October 17 starting at 5:00 p.m. and will feature an exhibition of artifacts from Kenya and other African nations. Guest attractions will be internationally known Harambee drummers, Eternal Vision and more! There will be something for everyone! This flyer has all the details including pricing, food and contact information.
The Family Fund
We are off to a great start with the Family Fund Campaign. To date, 42 employees have made gifts and pledges to the USC Upstate Foundation for over $12,000! This year’s goal is to raise $125,000 with 40 percent participation rate. Again this year, we will offer several exciting prizes. To be eligible your gift must be a minimum of $25 and designated to the fund of your choice. Our first drawing will be held on October 22 for a weekend get-a-way to a White Oak Condo!
Listen to your colleagues explain why they give to the Family Fund in videos posted on the Family Fund Web site. Family Fund forms are also located on the Web site. The theme of this year's campaign is a Family Hoedown - watch the videos and you'll see why!
Faculty & Staff
Laura Jennings (Sociology) whose poster titled, “Place Settings: Social Aspects of the Body Image / Eating Relationship," was accepted for presentation at the Carolina Women’s Health Research Forum, held at USC Columbia on October 30, 2009.
Leah Anderson has joined the staff of USC Upstate as the new Director of Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, and University Relations. Anderson is a native of Columbia, and a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she obtained a B.A. degree in public relations. She has most recently been a marketing consultant for the Savannah Morning News, creating and managing events through her own consulting company. She has also worked for Morris Communications in their corporate division, managing sales associates on specific marketing initiatives. Building upon the foundation laid by Bea Smith, Anderson will continue to grow the alumni association into an influential and valued partner to advance the university. You can reach her at ext. 5240 or email her at landerson2@uscupstate.edu or visit her in Admin. 207D in the Advancement office.
Laura Leary (Nursing) had an abstract accepted for a poster presentation at the 7th Annual Research Symposium on September 25, 2009 in Greenville, S.C. entitled “Pain in my Class – An Online Pain Management Course,” which highlighted the creative teaching strategies utilized for the course, student feedback, practical approach and application of relieving patients’ pain, dispelling myths regarding pain and its management, and acquisition and sharing of tools, Web sites, and resources to equip nursing students to assess pain and advocate with physicians for better pain management. Over 70 participants were in attendance.
Take A Stab At It!
USC Upstate's Staff Council is sponsoring a pumpkin carving contest on October 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Campus Life Center 2nd floor lobby. Details about the contest are on this flyer. Staff Council encourages anyone (faculty, staff or student) to participate. There will be prizes, too!
Little Goblin Extravaganza!
All the little ghosts and goblins and assorted creatures and characters from the Child Development Center are planning their annual Halloween “Trick or Treat” extravaganza all over campus on Friday morning October 30! They have a big bag of tricks up their sleeves, so you better be ready. If you would like us to come visit your office, please email Heidi From as we only go where invited! Please remember that we are very little and our legs are very short – which means we can’t make it everywhere on our great big campus. If offices could join together it would be helpful.
Mentoring Matters
The Psychology Department’s Mentoring Matters Program is active. If you want a mentor, download the mentee application form from the Psychology Department’s Web page. Return it to Beth Freeman or Yancy McDougal.
Employment Opportunities
APPLICATION PROCESS: Visit www.uscupstate.edu/jobs for additional information and online application submission instructions.
STAFF/ADMINISTRATION POSITIONS:
Custodian (2 positions)
(State Title: Building/Grounds Specialist II)
Facilities Management
Requisition No. 001629
Online applications accepted until position is filled.
Coordinator Weight & Fitness 10.5 months
(State Title: Program Coordinator I)
Student Affairs
Requisition No. 001719
Online applications accepted until position is filled.
Police Officer
(State Title: Law Enforcement Officer)
University Police
Requisition No. 001789
Online applications accepted until position is filled.
Laboratory Specialist
(State Title: Laboratory Specialist II)
Division of Natural Science and Engineering
Requisition No. 001854
Online applications accepted until position is filled
Landscape Technician
(State Title: Building/Grounds Specialist II)
Facilities Management
Requisition No. 001862
Online applications accepted until position is filled.
Director of Financial Aid
(State Title: Student Services Manager I)
Financial Aid
Requisition No. 001864
Online applications accepted until position is filled.
Academic Advisor
(State Title: Student Services Program Coordinator I)
School of Nursing
Requisition No. 001863
Online applications accepted until position is filled.
Financial Aid Counselor
(State Title: Student Services Program Coordinator I)
Financial Aid
Requisition No. 001903
Online applications accepted until position is filled.
United Way Campaign
The USC Upstate United Way campaign wants to share some success stories about some of the programs and people who have been helped through generous contributions made here in the Upstate. Over the next several weeks, each Register will cover a story about one of United Way's Community Impact Agenda Areas. Today's story focuses on neighbors helping neighbors. Pledge forms are available online or in the Human Resources Office on campus (All forms should be returned to the Office of Human Resources. For additional information, you may contact Tammy Cramer or Sarah Gurley at 503-5322. The campaign ends April 30, 2010.