Week of Jan. 16-21

Welcome to the Tower Topics E-newsletter for faculty, staff and students at Western. 

Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507, 816-271- 4200

Click any link for these stories:

Now Students Can Pay Their Bill Online!

Students Aid Nonprofit Organizations

Financial Aid Reminders - Don't Be Late!

Western Offers Crime Scene Class

Tower Sports

News Briefs

Calendar

Ads

Archives

The deadline for all entries is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, for the next week's issue. Tower Topics will be online weekly during the fall and spring semester.  For more information call 271-5651.

Now Students Can Pay Their Bill Online!

The business office can now accept student credit card payments online. The university accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover Card. Students can also use their debit card provided the card has a MasterCard or Visa logo. In order to make a payment online, students must enter the secure shell of Banner through ‘My Banner,’ just as they would if they were checking grades or registering for a class. Once students have successfully entered into the system, follow these steps:

1. Select “Student & Financial Aid information.”
2. Select “Student Account.” 
3. Select “Account Summary.”  Your student account will now appear.
4. In the upper right side of the page there is an option to make a credit card payment; click on the option.
5. Enter the required information.

After the payment is submitted, you will need to wait for a minute while your payment processes. You will be notified within a short time if the payment successfully processed.  After your credit card payment has processed you may return to the menu and select your account summary again and the payment will be reflected. 

If anyone has questions or experiences any difficulty with the process please contact the business office at 4324.   

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Students Aid Nonprofit Organizations

Seven area nonprofit organizations were assisted last semester when students in Dr. Diane Gorcyca’s Public Relations course participated in applied learning. The students selected a nonprofit organization, and in cooperation with that organization, developed a public relations campaign proposal.

Dr. Gorcyca, professor of speech, said students assessed the current situation, developed long- and short- term objectives; conducted research on the organization’s target audiences, and developed implementation strategies to accomplish the short-term objectives.

The organizations were Special Olympics, CASA, Albrecht-Kemper Museum, Patee House Museum, St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce and United Cerebral Palsy, all of Saint Joseph; and C3 Missions of Kansas City, Mo.

For the final assignment, students delivered an oral presentation of the proposal to the organization, and Dr. Gorcyca said the organizations were very excited about the student proposals.

This spring, the students will take the proposals into the Public Relations Writing class taught by Dr. Ken Rosenauer, professor of journalism. There they will produce the tactics proposed, and the final package will be delivered to the organization at the end of the semester.

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Financial Aid Reminders - Don't Be Late!

NOW is the time to start thinking about financial aid for next year, and there are many deadlines to remember.

The first deadline to consider is March 1. That is the deadline to complete your FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – for the fall 2007 and spring 2008 terms, and to apply for Western scholarships.

You must complete your FAFSA by March 1 to be considered for all sources of financial assistance that you may qualify for, including the Federal Stafford Loans.

March 1 is also the deadline to apply for Western scholarships. Last year, a new application was created, and applying for all scholarship you may be eligible for is easier than ever. Apply at https://www-sec.missouriwestern.edu/admissions/app/curstu/Login.asp .

If you miss the March 1 FAFSA deadline, there are “$1,000 reasons” to complete your

FAFSA by April 1, according to the financial aid office. A proposal in the Missouri Legislature could mean more than 2,000 more Western students could receive state aid next academic year if it passes.

Last For the past eighteen months, the Missouri State Student Financial Aid Committee has worked on a proposal to develop a new need-based student financial assistance program to confront affordability challenges faced by the state’s growing population of college students.  Ocotber, Tthe Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education endorsedadopted a new need-based student financial assistance program, designed to make college more affordable for students. The General Assembly and Governor will now consider and make decisions on the proposed new program and will allocate money for distribution to students. the committee’s recommendation at its October 12, 2006 meeting.

What does this mean for Western students?

Under the proposed model, with a funding allocation of approximately $51 million, students who complete their FAFSA by the state deadline of April 1, and who have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) under $12,000 would qualify for state financial assistance for the fall 2007 semester. The minimum award for students attending Western would be $1,000 and the maximum award would be $2,150. This grant would be renewable for eight semesters as long as the student maintains full-time enrollment and a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Currently, Oonly 177 Western students currently receive money qualify for Missouri State financial assistance through the existing Missouri state financial assistance programs. under If the proposed programmodel becomes law during the next legislative cycle along with at least $51 million in funds, more than 2,800 Western students are expected to be may become  eligible  (2,826 students enrolled for Fall 2006 had expected family contributions below $12,000.  Many more students may qualify if they complete the FAFSA application by the deadline). . . but the FAFSA deadline and the EFC requirements must be met.

During the last legislative session, the General Assembly agreed additional funds are required to address the shortcomings of the current state funded student aid programs as evidenced by the appropriation of  $10 million for a new scholarship program.  Discussions have been underway between legislative and executive leadership regarding the need to increase funding for state scholarship and grant programs by as much as $25 million.

To learn more about the State Student Financial Aid Committee and the status of this proposal, go to.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the financial aid office at 4362 or stop by in Eder Hall 103.

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During open registration on Jan. 11, prospective students waited in line to become part of Western. After registering, students moved on to speak with an advisor to register for classes.

Western Offers Crime Scene Class

Students will have the opportunity to learn about crime scenes in a class offered over spring break at Western. “Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation” will be held March 12-16. The sessions will last all day, and a test will be held on March 17.

The class will be taught through The Southern Institute of Forensic Science of Hattiesburg, Miss., and can be taken for three hours of college credit or 40 hours post-training for law enforcement officers. The instructor is Jan Johnson, CSCSA, forensic consultant and training specialist.

Kip Wilson, associate professor of criminal justice, said the class promises to be very “hands on.” In the past, Western has held classes taught by the Institute about blood spatter patterns at a crime scene, and search, recovery and identification of human remains.  

Johnson has been employed in the forensic identification field for over 35 years. She began her career in the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C. After 10 years, she joined the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and began her journey as a crime scene analyst. While there, she gained experience in multiple forensic disciplines and developed over the years a special expertise in the most advanced crime scene examination and crime scene reconstruction techniques. She spent the last three years of her government service employed with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office as supervisor of both the Crime Scene Unit and the Latent Print Unit.

Johnson has been widely accepted as an expert witness in literally hundreds of cases involving both blood stain interpretation and crime scene reconstruction. She is an active member of the International Association for Identification, having been a member
of the Crime Scene Certification Board, a member of the board of directors and most recently serving as its president. Johnson has provided professional instruction to hundreds of aspiring crime scene specialists throughout the United States, as well as South America and Africa.

For more information about the class or to enroll, contact the college of professional studies at 4207.

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Tower Sports

Western women have been dominant in all their games this season with the current record at an undefeated 15-0. One of Western's many star athletes was recently named MIAA's player of the week. Inga Buzoka, senior center, leads the team in several categories including three-point percentage, free throw percentage, points, rebounds, block shots and field goals.

Men's Basketball

• Loss vs. Central Missouri, 70-90, Jan. 10

• Loss vs. Fort Hays State, 80-94, Jan. 13

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• Jan. 17 at Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kan. at 7:30 p.m.

• Jan. 20 vs. Emporia State at 7:30 p.m.

Women's Basketball

• Win vs. Central Missouri, 68-54, Jan. 10

• Win vs. Fort Hays State, 74-62, Jan. 13

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• Jan. 17 at Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kan. at 5:30 p.m.

• Jan. 20 vs. Emporia State at 5:30 p.m.

London over Spring Break! Join us over spring break as we travel to London! Travel costs from Kansas City are $1,200 and include plane fare, bus transport from airport to and from the hotel, six nights at a four-star hotel just across from Kensington Palace (Princess Diana's home), a full English breakfast every day, two plays and admission to Shakespeare's Globe Theater and the British Museum. Register for ENG 361-93. The class has no prerequisites and will meet Mondays from 3-4:50 p.m. starting Jan. 22. There are a few spaces left. Scholarships for travel are available, but you must apply by Jan. 16 to Dr. Susan Hennessy. You will need a copy of your FAFSA form, a grade transcript, and a one-page statement of how this trip will relate to your studies and benefit you. If you are on financial aid, please check with the financial aid office first. For questions, contact Dr. Karen Fulton at fulton.

Max Bus Trip to Emporia State As part of the Max Experience, Western athletics is once again putting together a bus trip, this time to the basketball doubleheader at Emporia State on Feb. 3. Students can register for the bus trip by logging on to www.gogriffons.com/maxexperience and filling out the registration form. If the first bus fills up, there will be another one made available. The trip includes transportation and a game ticket. For more information, contact athletics at 4481.

Leadership Lexicon Call for Programs The center for student engagement would like to invite Western faculty and staff to present at the second annual Leadership Lexicon. The Leadership Lexicon is a leadership conference for students of Western. Presenters are needed to help enlighten student leaders and educate them in leadership. The conference is  from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Feb. 3. Each session will be 45 minutes long. For questions or more information, contact the center for student engagement at 4159 or engagement.

New Scholarship for Online Class The city of Dearborn is offering book scholarships of $200 to students enrolling in CED 372-40 (CRN 21448) Introduction to City and Regional Planning. This is an online course covering the basic characteristics of the city and is ideal for student in pre-architecture, government, sociology, real estate business, geography and economics. This class will lead to an applied learning project for the city of Dearborn for those interested. Dr. Richard Anderson will be teaching the course. For more information, contact the Western Institute at 4100.

Student Research Opportunity The Medical College of Wisconsin is asking for assistance in identifying undergraduate, graduate and medical students who are interested in completing an intense research project with medical faculty at their institution for the 2007 Multicultural Summer Research Training Program. Those selected would receive a monthly stipend, housing, lab expenses, round-trip fare to Wisconsin and an opportunity to work within the field of science and technology through research. Interested students must have at least a 3.0 GPA in science and math, be a U.S. citizen, completed at least on year of undergraduate study and be from one of the following multicultural groups: African American, Alaskan native, Native American, Mexican American, mainland Puerto Rican, other Hispanic or Pacific Islander. The application deadline is March 1. For more information, contact Tay Triggs at 4150 or ttriggs.

New Lifeguarding Class Available Western is offering a lifeguarding class that allows students to be Red Cross certified in CPR, AED, first aid and lifeguarding. The class is on Mondays from 4-7:50 p.m. Jan. 22 to March 5. All classes will be held in the Western pool and room 212 in the Looney Complex. Cost is $206 for currently enrolled students and $236 for non-enrolled students. A text book may be purchased at the first class. There is a 15-person limit in the class. The class can be taken for one credit hour or for noncredit. Bring a swimsuit the first night for a pretest. To sign up for the class, visit the office of admissions in Eder hall. For more information regarding the class, please contact Dr. Nanette Wolford at 4491. 

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Tuesday, January 16

• Classes Resume

• Late Registration from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 17

• Late Registration from 1-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 18

• ACT Residual at 7:45 a.m. in Eder 208

• "Griffs on the Bayou" from 5:30-9 p.m. at Boudreaux's Louisiana Seafood and Steak, 224 N. 4th St. All alumni are invited.

• Late Registration from 1-4:30 p.m.

Friday, January 19

• Western Open House sponsored by Admissions, Spratt 214, 216 and Fulkerson Center

• Late Registration from 1-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 20

• Late Registration from 1-4:30 p.m.

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Lease apartment from Feb.1 until March 31. No deposit required. Only fish allowed. Three bedroom, two bath, cable ready. Close to Western. Rent $475 or negotiable for two months. Nice back yard and very quiet. Call Melissa 816-351-8353.

For Sale: 1992 Chrysler Lebaron, $700. If interested contact Eric at 816-364-5761.

Roommate wanted: two bedroom, one bath brand new apartment. Pay half the rent, $350, and half of the electric. Available now. Gym and exercise equipment onsite. Call Becky Cole at 785-741-4881 or email her at rlc9678 for more information.

Roommate Wanted: Mature roommate needed to share three-bedroom house, minutes from Western and Belt Hwy. $300/month + utilities. Available immediately.  Call 676-1545 or email rswope1.

For Rent: Three bedroom duplex, perfect for roommates, two-and-a-half bathrooms, huge kitchen, electric heat, new appliances, plenty of room for entertaining. Recently renovated with exposed brick walls, lots of charm, nice neighborhood. HALF OFF FIRST MONTH'S RENT! $700/month + utilities. Email skc6541 for more details.

For Sale: 1993 blue Jeep Cherokee, $2,000. If interested call 816-244-8009.

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