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Week of March 12 - 25, 2010
Welcome to the Tower Topics E-newsletter for faculty, staff and students at Western. |
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Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507, 816-271- 4200 |
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Click any link for these stories: Western Hosts Regional Psych Convention Western to Host Women's Summit Griffon Alert Will be Used for Campus Closings Education Expo Provides Career Opportunities Lost & Found: If you have lost any items, please come to SU 228 to claim them. You may be required to describe the item. Click on
Guidelines for Tower Topics: Tower Topics submissions should state time, date, place, sponsor, title of event, name of speaker's and admission fees. Send complete information to the Public Relations and Marketing office (Leah Spratt Hall, Room 207). 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 271-4124. Student Editor:
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Western Hosts Regional Psych Convention Western will be the site of the 30th annual Great Plains Student Psychology Convention March 26-27. “We’re excited about hosting the convention again,” said Dr. Brian Cronk, interim dean of graduate studies, professor of psychology and convention coordinator. “Almost 300 students from dozens of universities will make more than 200 presentations of their research, plus we have two great keynote speakers.” Western also hosted the convention in its 10th year (1990) and 20th year (2000). Convention activities will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 26 and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 27. The convention includes 17 poster presentations of research, 22 oral presentations and two keynote speakers. Dr. Ron Shapiro will speak at 2:15 p.m. Friday in the Kemper Recital Hall, inside Leah Spratt Hall. Dr. Shapiro’s presentation is titled “Games to Explain Human Factors.” Human factors is a specialization of engineering and a branch of applied psychology in which systems such as computers, medical devices and airplanes are designed, built and assessed based on how safe and easy they are for people to use. Dr. Shapiro is a Fellow in the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and the American Psychology Association and a Certified Human Factors Professional. Dr. James B. Maas will speak at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Fulkerson Center. His keynote is titled “Everything you need to know about sleep, but are too tired to ask!” Dr. Maas is the Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow, professor and past chairman of the psychology department as well as a professor in the graduate fields of education and communication at Cornell University. He is one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers for corporate, medical, association, education and professional athletic team audiences, and his book “Power Sleep” is a New York Times best-seller. The convention is sponsored by the Missouri Western State University Foundation; Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology; and about 20 participating colleges and universities. Attendees must register. More information is available at www.greatplainspsychology.com. |
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Western to Host Women's Summit The Center for Multicultural Education (CME) at Western will present the fourth annual Global Women’s Leadership Summit “Girl, Woman, Lady: A Trilogy of Self-Worth,” April 9-11 on the Western campus. “Our theme this year, self-worth, was chosen out of a need to address social issues women face that also have a large impact on our self-value, esteem and development,” said Tay Triggs, CME director. “We offer ‘Girl, Woman, Lady’ as a start to dialogue and solution building for some of these issues.” The conference cost is $20 for high school and college students and $30 for all others. Registrations are being taken at the Center for Student Engagement, Blum Union 207, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday. Prizes will be given to the first 50 people to register and pay for the conference. The deadline to register for the conference is Friday, April 2. Keynote speakers include LaVell Rucker, social worker with the St. Joseph School District and a 2003 graduate of Western, during the opening banquet at 6 p.m. Friday, April 9; Triggs, during the continental breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 10; and Alexis Jones, former teen model and reality television star who founded the empowerment company “i am that girl,” during the luncheon at noon on April 10. There will be three separate tracks for women: one for high school students, one for college students and one for professional women. There will also be a special men-only workshop led by Stan Pearson, a 2003 graduate of Western and a professional speaker on diversity and leadership, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 10. Two charity events as part of the conference: “Women Throughout Art” at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 10, and “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” promoting men’s support in stopping rape, sexual assault and gender violence, at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 11. For more information, contact the CME at 816-271-4150. |
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Griffon Alert Will be Used for Campus Closings The Emergency Notification Committee this week announced a significant change to the Griffon Alert system: text messages and e-mails will be sent through the system to announce campus closings. Decisions to close campus and cancel classes will continue to be distributed through local media outlets and on Western's home page. But using the Griffon Alert system gives officials another option to more directly communicate with the campus community by e-mail and text message. The system will not be used for event cancellations or department-specific announcements. For example, messages like the cancellation of a FAFSA Frenzy event and the closing of the MWSU Library on because of a snowstorm on Feb. 21 will NOT be broadcast on the Griffon Alert system. In addition to campus closings, Griffon Alert will continue to be used to broadcast emergency information such as tornado warnings, bomb threats or other emergency evacuations, an active shooter on campus, shelter-in-place due to outdoor hazards like a hazardous material spill, an all clear declaration, and testing of the system. It will not be used for daily minor emergencies, fire evacuations (because fire alarm systems already exist in all public buildings), advertising, promotions or personal messaging. To sign up for Griffon Alert text messaging and e-mail services, visit http://www.missouriwestern.edu/griffonalert/textalert.asp. You may register up to two mobile phone numbers and two e-mail addresses per account. Also, the Griffon Alert system will be tested at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16. Watch your e-mail for further details. |
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Education Expo Offers Career Opportunities The career development office will hold its annual Education Expo from 1 – 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 in the Fulkerson Center on the Western campus. Anyone seeking a job in education is welcome to attend at no charge. Bring your resumes. About 60 school districts, private schools and other education agencies will have representatives on hand to talk to prospective employees about career opportunities. Schools in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska will be represented. Park University in Parkville, Mo., and Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., also participate in the Expo, and education students from both schools will attend. For more information, contact the career development office at 4205. |
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Going to the Dance The men's basketball team qualified for the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament for the first time since 2003. The Griffons' first round opponent is a familiar one: they will take on 4th-ranked Central Missouri for the third time this season at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Western split with the Mules in the regular season, losing 82-75 in Warrensburg on Jan. 16 but knocking off Central 55-49 at home. Western has an 18-11 record, while the Mules are 25-3. Western and UCM have played 50 games all-time, with each school winning 25 times. This is the eleventh trip for the Griffons to the NCAA tournament under Coach Tom Smith. MIAA Tournament The Griffon men went 1-1 in the MIAA Basketball Championships at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium March 5 and 6. Western beat Southwest Baptist in the first round of the tournament for the second year in a row, beating the Bearcats 82-72. In the semifinals, the Griffons fell to the No. 8 seed, Washburn, 56-43. The Ichabods' were the third straight eight seed to advance to the men's final. They lost to Nebraska-Omaha, 69-67, allowing Western to make the NCAA tournament as an at-large team. Griffon Marcus Rhodes was named to the all-tournament team for the second straight year. Baseball The Western baseball team beat Missouri-St. Louis in non-conference action 13-3 on March 10. The win was the fifth in a row for the Griffons, as they swept a four-game series at Southwest Baptist March 5-6. They now sit at 7-4 overall, and are scheduled to play at home for the first time this season, facing Missouri Southern in doubleheaders beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13 and at noon Sunday, March 14. The Griffons will also host Washburn University on March 20 and 21, and Northwest Missouri State on March 26 and 27. Softball The Griffons dropped four of their five games at the Missouri Southern Tournament in Joplin, Mo. March 6 and 7. Softball now stands at 7-9 on the season. The Drury Inn Softball Classic scheduled for March 13 and 14 has been canceled due to poor field conditions at Heritage Park. Western's home opener is now scheduled for March 16, when they'll host Drury University for a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m. The Griffons will take part in the MIAA Crossover at Warrensburg, Mo., March 19 and 20, with games against Nebraska-Omaha, Washburn, Fort Hays State, Northwest Missouri State and Truman State. They'll return home for league doubleheaders against Washburn on March 26 and Emporia State on March 27. Tennis Western tennis won a match over Johnson County Community College on March 5. The Griffons have home matches scheduled against Missouri-St. Louis at 3 p.m. Friday, March 12 and Nebraska-Kearney at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 13. Women's Elite Eight The field is also set for the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship in which the Elite Eight will be contested right in St. Joseph March 23, 24 & 26 at Civic Arena. Purchase the all-session pass which includes all seven games of the championship for only $35. Single session tickets are also available. Get yours now by calling the Civic Arena Box Office at 816-271-4717 or log on to www.ncaa.com/tickets. |
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Griffon Alert Accounts Expiring Some Griffon Alert e-mail and text messaging accounts are beginning to expire. Many of you who signed up shortly after the system went active two years ago have been receiving text messages and e-mails warning you your account is about to expire. To extend your account, visit www.missouriwestern.edu/griffonalert/textalert.asp and use the current user log-in window in the upper left corner of the page. Bowl-a-thon The Alpha Delta Alpha Honor Society will be hosting a bowl-a-thon/tournament on Wednesday, March 24 at Olympia Lanes. The cost is $9 per person (includes shoes). We need six-person teams. Interested persons should contact ADA at 383-1290 by no later than Saturday, March 20. WAC Spring Concert Tickets A third band has been added to the Western Activities Council Spring Concert scheduled on April 15 in the St. Joseph Civic Arena. Burn Halo will open for Puddle of Mudd and Saliva. Because of the additional band, the concert's start time has been moved up to 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Ticket distribution began Wednesday, March 3rd in the Center for Student Engagement, Blum 207. Western students get one free ticket with each ID. Western employees can purchase any number of tickets at the reduced price of $22 each, in the CSE office only. Please show your Western ID. We can accept payment by cash or check. All ticket distribution in the CSE will end on April 2nd. After that date tickets can be purchased through the Civic Arena or Ticketmaster at full price. CSE office hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Kindergarten Roundup and Parent Meeting Western students and employees who live in the St. Joseph School District and have children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall are invited to the annual Kindergarten Roundup and Parent Meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30 at every SJSD elementary school. Families will have a chance to familiarize themselves with the school, meet the principal, teachers and other staff, and learn about the rest of the registration process. For more information, call SJSD Parents as Teachers, 816-671-4300. Nominations for Student Philanthropy Awards Nominations are currently being accepted for the MWSU Foundation 2010 Excellence in Philanthropy Award. The award is open to all student organizations at Western. Nominations must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 31 to Spratt Hall 108. Nominations may be made by the organization, students, faculty, staff or alumni. The MWSU Foundation Excellence in Philanthropy Award recognizes service by a student organization which has demonstrated outstanding commitment to their community through direct financial contributions, development of charitable programs, volunteering and leadership in philanthropy. The award will be presented at the annual MWSU Foundation Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, April 14. Two representatives of the winning organization will be invited to attend the dinner to accept the award. Nominations will be considered for actions during the 2009-2010 academic year and will be based on the following criteria: description of project(s), description of the impact, long term (1-2 years) impact, and evidence that the project(s) can serve as a prototype. Nomination forms will be delivered to student organization mailboxes in the Center for Student Engagement or visit h ttp://www.missouriwestern.edu/development/Award.asp to obtain a nomination form. For more information, contact Tara Johnson, Spratt Hall 108, 271-5920, tjohnson17@missouriwestern.edu.Event Planner To everyone who ever wanted to schedule a big event on campus but wanted to make sure there were no major conflicts. There is now a new tool available to help you plan your big event. The "Event Planner" is now a prominent icon on the Western web site front page, right next to the Arts Calendar and Academic Calendar. When you click on the Event Planner, you will see the major local and area event links where you can check available dates on their calendars. There is even a link to Kansas City events if you are afraid of conflicts from KC. As with most tools, we are continuously working to improve the Event Planner so watch for further additions and improvements as we go forward. For Employees Spring Break Luau This year's Luau will is from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 on the 1st floor of Eder Hall. It will be a time of getting together with conversation and fun with everyone across campus. Everyone who will be working during Spring Break can come- this is not just limited to Staff! If you plan on eating, please plan on bring something to share! If you should have any questions contact Jill Johnson at 271-4266 or johnsonj@missouriwestern.edu. For Students FAFSA Frenzy The FAFSA Frenzy event at Missouri Western State University to help students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 21 in Leah Spratt Hall. For more information, contact the financial aid office at 816-271-4361. Study Away Travel to Cuernavaca, Mexico, May 12 - 31 through the office of study away and the foreign languages department. Combine education and fun, receive three credit hours and fulfill the LAS International/Intercultural requirement. Experience the "City of Eternal Springs," and improve your Spanish language skills in a beautiful, relaxed, tropical setting. You will visit fascinating locations and experience total cultural immersion, the best way to learn the language. If you are interested, contact Julie Ingwerson 271-5995, ingwerso@missouriwestern.edu, or stop by the office of study away in Popplewell 203 for information regarding this trip or other study abroad opportunities. Citizens for Integration and Accessibility (CIA) The CIA is a new student organization that is now forming on campus. The CIA is committed to creating a more accessible campus and community that is more welcoming for people with disabilities. If you are a student with a disability or, if you have a friend or family member with a disability, or if you simply want to make the world a better place for people with disabilities, you are encouraged to join the CIA. For more information, please contact Michael Ritter at mritter@missouriwestern.edu subject line "CIA". |
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