Week of November 17

Week of November 17 - 23, 2008

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:

Western's Developmental Math Program a Model for Others

Western Ambassadors Hold Luncheon

Troop H Hosts University Alliance Program

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Student Editor:
Jennifer Kohler

Staff Adviser:
Kent Heier

Remington Hall Construction

Students in CET 358 Structural Steel and Wood Design visited the Remington Hall construction site Nov. 13. Jim Madden and Steve Voltmer of Lawhon Construction, general contractor on the project, showed the students various aspects of the construction and answered their questions. Dr. Virenda Varma, professor and chair of the engineering technology department, said Remington Hall has all the elements of a structure that students are expected to learn. “Since the construction site is next door to our classroom, it has provided students the opportunity to learn from the foundation up,” Dr. Varma said. Despite uncooperative weather that set the project back significantly earlier this fall, construction is only a few days behind schedule.

Western's Developmental Math Program a Model for Others

Math educators from other institutions are visiting Western to learn more about the success the university is having with its developmental mathematics program.

Western uses a computer instructional program called ALEKS, according to R.E. Moore, director of developmental mathematics. The use of ALEKS is fairly widespread, but Western’s use is different from virtually anyone else’s.

“Teaching is nearly all one-on-one,” Moore said. “The course is individualized, and students can go as fast or as slow as they want.”
Students take an initial assessment through ALEKS, which identifies concepts they have mastered and others they need to work on. The program then provides instruction on the topics students are ready to learn. It is a mastery program, so students must demonstrate that they have learned a concept before being allowed to move on to the next one. Students receive instant feedback, they can do coursework from virtually any computer and they can request additional help if necessary. Instructors are able to look at the students’ records to check their progress and evaluate how much work students are actually putting into the class.

Western began using ALEKS in 2003, and it has paid dividends in student outcomes.

“The pass rate for developmental math programs is around 40 to 50 percent nationally,” Moore said. “Ours is 80 percent or higher, and for those students who genuinely put forth the effort, the pass rate is about 96 percent.”

Western’s success has gotten national recognition. Moore and others from Western have made presentations at national conferences recently, and instructors from Southeast Missouri State University, Friends University, Washburn University, Missouri State University and others have visited or will soon visit campus to learn more about the program.

Dr. Joanne Peeples, professor of mathematics at El Paso Community College in Texas, visited Moore and his developmental math colleagues earlier this month. Close to 90% of her school’s 24,000 students are in developmental math, Dr. Peeples said.

“I’m curious to see what ALEKS does for our students,” Dr. Peeples said. “I’m especially excited about the one-on-one approach and the personal interaction with each student.”

Currently, the school uses a more traditional lecture-based instructional model, Dr. Peeples said. That approach can be difficult in developmental math, because the skill level of students varies widely. Dr. Peeples also appreciates the fact that students can work at their own pace.

“Motivated students can get through faster,” Dr. Peeples said. “I like the fact that we’ll be able to give them two semesters of work in one, if that’s what they want.”

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Chili Cook-Off

Physical Plant held their first chili cook-off Nov. 12. The six entries were judged by Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian, Western's president; Beth Wheeler, director of external relations; and Jerry Pickman, director of development. After intense deliberation, the judges selected "Griffon Maintenance Blend," the entry submitted by Bruce Whitsell, grounds supervisor.

Western Ambassadors Hold Luncheon

The Western Ambassadors will hold a luncheon Nov. 21 in Leah Spratt Hall, room 214. A social begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a “Thanksgiving Feast” lunch at noon. Cost is $8.50 per person. The luncheon is open to the community; make reservations by calling Ellen Kisker at4280 by Nov. 19.

Guest speaker will be John Manyok, Western student and one of the Lost Boys of Sudan.

The Western Ambassadors are a group of women who provide a bridge between the campus and the community. The group raises money to provide scholarships for nontraditional students. To become a Western Ambassador contact Kisker for more information.

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University Alliance Program
	Eleven students at Western participated in the University Alliance Program. Students included: (back row) Ryan Wallace, Weston Baker, Nolan Stark, Jordan Infranca, Chris McCann; (front row) Lease Dowden, Cody Dysart, Tommy Ervie, Adam Carmichael, and Josh Morgan. (Unavailable for picture: Danielle Hunt.)

Troop H Hosts University Alliance Program

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop H hosted its first University Alliance Program this fall for 11 Western criminal justice majors. The goal of the program was two-fold. The first goal was to familiarize the students with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and its mission. The second is to use the program as a recruiting tool to reach potential employees.

Each week, the students were offered hands-on programs designed to involve each person with an experience. At the end of the five-week program, none of the students wanted it to be over. All 11 of them have requested a ride along in Troop H, and one of the students has applied to become a trooper.

“We’re pleased we were able to work with the Highway Patrol to offer this experience to our students,” said Larry Andrews, professor of criminal justice. “They were able to see and experience what they might be doing as law enforcement professionals after graduation. We’re glad the Patrol chose to partner with us.”

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2008 Phonothon

Tara Johnson, development officer and coordinator of the Phonathon, and her student employees have called alumni and employees to ask for donations for this year's Phonothon.

Tower Sports

Football

Dec. 6 vs. Augustana College at Mineral Water Bowl in Excelsior Springs, Mo., at 1 p.m.

Men's Basketball

Win vs. Livin' the Dream - Exhibition, 100-80, Nov. 11

Nov. 21 vs. Arkansas Tech in the Hillyard Classic at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 22 vs. Rockhurst in the Hillyard Classic at 7:30 p.m.

Women's Basketball

Loss vs. Lincoln Memorial, 76-77, Nov. 15
Loss vs. Saginaw Valley/Quincy, 55-70, Nov. 16

Volleyball

Loss vs. Northwest Missouri State, 0-3, Nov. 12
Loss vs. Truman State, 0-3, Nov. 15

Nov. 19-22 at South Central Regionals - TBA

Intramural Deadlines The deadlines for Intramural sports is fast approaching. Volleyball games starts Nov. 17. Rosters for dodgeball are due by Nov. 17. Games start Nov. 19. Rosters for the 3-on-3 basketball round-robin are due Nov. 19. Games begin Dec. 1. Turn all rosters into the Intramural Office, Looney 147.

International Fair Travel the world without a passport. Find out what life is like in Iran or Korea. Learn about university life in Germany. See how to make Pulled Tea from Malaysia. Discover eight new ways to say “hello.” Attend the International Fair from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Commons Building. The fair is sponsored by the Global Wing of Vaselakos Hall.

Play Auditions The Nontraditional Student Association will be performing a medieval theme dinner theater in April. Auditions for the play will be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18 in the Nontraditional Student lounge, Eder 200. Selected actors will be posted in the Nontrad lounge Nov. 23. Main cast is 9 - five males and four females, with extras needed. For information contact Sarah Spiers - sspiers1@missouriwestern.edu, Ellen Kisker - kisker@missouriwestern.edu, or Amanda Gee - agee@missouriwestern.edu. You may also call 4280.

CJLS Poster Day The Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies would like to invite all faculty, staff and students to attend Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Poster Day from 12:30-2 p.m. Nov. 20 in Wilson Hall 184. Senior Research students will present their research projects through poster displays and answer questions regarding their chosen topics. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact David Tushaus at 5627 or Dr. Hyunseok Jang at 4434.

Toys for Tots Dr. DJ Champagne, adjunct instructor of sociology, is assisting the American Legion 359 of St. Joseph, Mo., in the ‘Toys for Tots’ donation drive. She is collecting donations of toys for all age groups, as well as monetary donations until Dec. 5. Take all donations to Popplewell Hall, room 212M. Students needing volunteer/service hours, are encouraged to help for the Tots Charity Tournament/Auction at the Legion hall on Frederick Avenue, Dec. 7. Call Missy Hickok at 816-752-0344 for sign-up schedules. For more information contact the department of government, social work and sociology 4340.

Considering College Are you considering college but are a nontraditional student? Do you have a lot of questions? Do you worry about balancing home, school and work? Are you apprehensive about taking notes and tests again? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, consider attending, “How to Be a Successful Nontraditional Student at Western,” from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 20 in Eder Hall, room 208. There will be discussions about enrolling, getting financial aid, finding resources on campus, finding a major and more. Also, there will be a short tour of the campus. For more information or to sign up for the program, call Ellen Kisker, director of nontraditional student services, at 4280.

Safe Zone Training The Center for Multicultural Education will present Safe Zone training at 4 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Blum Student Union, room 218-219. The Safe Zone Training will identify and train faculty, staff, students and community members who are sensitive and affirmative to the needs of sexual minorities. The ultimate goal is to reduce the incidence of heterosexism and homophobia and promote a campus and an office that is a safer place, regardless of sexual orientation. Certificates and stickers will be provided after the training for participants to display. Limited seating is available. For more information please call 4150.

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Monday, November 17

Senate meeting at 5 p.m. in Blum 220
Orchestra Rehearsal from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Griffon Luncheon from 12-1 p.m. in the upstairs banquet room at La Dolce Vita at 36th Street Restaurant
Intramural volleyball begins
Rosters for intramural dodgeball are due
Auditions for the Medieval-themed dinner theatre will be held at 5 p.m. in the Nontraditional Student lounge, Eder 200
National French Week: French cheese tasting at noon in Eder 211

Tuesday, November 18

Residence Council meeting at 7 p.m. in Commons Building
Auditions for the Medieval-themed dinner theatre will be held at 5 p.m. in the Nontraditional Student lounge, Eder 200
The Presidential Installation Ceremony will air on Cablevision Channel 39 at noon.
National French Week: Study in France at 3 p.m. in Murphy 110

Wednesday, November 19

WAC meeting at 4 p.m. in the Junior College Room
Intramural dodgeball begins
Rosters for the 3-on-3 basketball round-robin are due
International Fair from 5-7 p.m. in the Commons Building
Directors Showcase: "The Blue Room" at 8 p.m. in Potter Hall Black Box Theatre - free admission

Thursday, November 20

Last day for Senior Art Exhibits in Potter Hall Gallery
Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Poster Day from 12:30-2 p.m. in Wilson Hall 184
The Presidential Installation Ceremony will air on Cablevision Channel 39 at noon.
Directors Showcase: "The Blue Room" at 8 p.m. in Potter Hall Black Box Theatre - free admission
“How to Be a Successful Nontraditional Student at Western,” from 2-4 p.m. in Eder Hall, room 208
National French Week: "Persepolis" at 6:30 p.m. in Hearnes 102

Friday, November 21

Safe Zone training at 4 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Blum Student Union, room 218-219

Sunday, November 23

Medieval-themed dinner theatre audition results posted in Nontrad Student Lounge
The Presidential Installation Ceremony will air on Cablevision Channel 39 at 7:30 p.m.

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