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Progress Report on General Education Revision at UMKC

8 May 2012, 1:34 pm

On April 17, 2012, the UMKC Faculty Senate voted to approve the following motion:

That the Faculty Senate endorse and adopt the model proposed by the General Education Oversight Committee, which incorporates a 30-hour block of classes and various details as outlined in the documents “General Education Model 2” and addendum.

[For more information, see the General Education Review Process Presentation to the Faculty Senate in Feb - 2012 on the General Education website .]

On May 1, 2012 the Faculty Senate discussed the next steps in general education revision, and passed two motions on implementation of the general education model and curriculum.  The first motion was to create an ad hoc committee to implement the new general education model; the second motion was to empower a standing committee to oversee the university-wide general education curriculum.  These two committees will be composed of elected faculty members from all academic units that have undergraduate programs, a representative from the university libraries, elected members from the Faculty Senate, a liaison from the University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and two members from the Provost’s office (including the chief assessment officer).  In addition, the Provost will select two to four faculty members from the General Education Oversight Committee to serve on the ad hoc implementation team in order to facilitate continuity of purpose during the implementation phase, and the registrar will serve as a non-voting member of the University General Education Committee.  The complete texts of the two motions are as follows: Continue reading ‘Progress Report on General Education Revision at UMKC’ »

Filed under academic tools, committees, faculty, faculty senate, general education.
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UMSAEP (The University of Missouri South African Education Program)

1 May 2012, 2:02 pm

For the past 26 years, The University of Missouri/South Africa Education Program (UMSAEP) has made possible a remarkable array of academic relationships between the four UM campuses and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa.  One such partnership is the Western Cape Linkage Program, which provides UM faculty members with an opportunity for researching, teaching, or service at UWC.

The linkage program will support (in order of priority): collaborative projects involving partners from both UM and UWC – especially those focusing on joint research and publication, curriculum development or distance learning; long-term (1-6 months) visits, including research or teaching all or part of regular courses at UWC; and short-term (2 weeks-1 month) visits expected to lead to collaborative projects.

Another opportunity open to UM faculty members is the South African Partnerships Program, which seeks proposals focused on collaborative projects with appropriate organizations and institutions in South Africa. Priority will be given to projects initiated in collaboration with historically disadvantaged tertiary education institutions (including UWC), South African government agencies, nongovernmental organizations in South Africa, or other appropriate South African partners.

The UM UMSAEP website contains applications forms for both programs. The site also contains information on the history of the program, eligibility requirements, and sample proposals. Please visit http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/aa/southafrica/request.

UMSAEP is now accepting proposals for joint projects for 2012-13.   Each proposal must specify the faculty or staff member at UWC with whom the applicant would be collaborating, and ideally should build upon some previous contact with that colleague.  Proposals from UMKC faculty members should be submitted to Dr. Linna Place (placel@umkc.edu) on or before the July 15 deadline.

We strongly urge you to consider applying for these outstanding opportunities.

-Provided by Claire McMurray, Ph.D., Executive Staff Assistant, International Academic Programs

Filed under faculty, fellowships, international academic programs, research, teaching, travel.
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Assistance for Commencement

27 April 2012, 1:56 pm

With commencement  approaching, we thought it would be helpful to re-post an article from the Provost Blog the first year it started – 2008.  The post is appropriately titled “Hooding Help for You” and we hope the linked video and website will assist those of you that are new and those of you who may have forgotten . . .

Hooding Help for You

10 December 2008, 8:55 am

Do we need to remind you that Commencement is coming soon (see the Spring 2012 schedule)? Are you feeling nervous about your part in the ceremony? We in the Provost Office are delighted to share with you a little video that may ease your anxiety. Thanks to the Technology Learning Lab and the School of Education you too can learn how to properly hood your PhD candidate.

Now we know that you are an established professional in your field of expertise. But does mean that you were ever trained or have done the research on how to hood a PhD candidate? Just because you were recently or in the last half century hooded by your advisor does not mean that you know how to hood the next generation of hoodees.

How embarrassed will you be when you’ve mentored your advisee for years upon torturous years and at the very pinnacle of sending your masterpiece off into the great blue yonder you fail to follow the proper protocol?

See the website. Watch the video. The best defense for awkwardness is the pursuit of knowledge.

-Written by Julie Kohlhart, Graduate Assistant in the Provost Office and hopeful that her advisor will know the proper hooding procedure when that fateful graduation day someday finally arrives – next May, 2013!

Filed under commencement, faculty, graduation, Hooding, School of Education, video.
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The Assessable Roo – UMKC’s Outcomes Assessment Newsletter

20 April 2012, 1:47 pm

Dr. Nathan Lindsay, the Assistant Vice Provost for Assessment, presents the first issue of the Assessable Roo – UMKC’s quarterly newsletter highlighting assessment principles and best practices.

The March issue focuses on the Scholarship of Assessment, the redesign and assessment of College Algebra, assessment in the Foreign Languages, and assessment in Library Instruction. Also highlighted are the upcoming assessment workshops for the 2012-2013 academic year along with a timeline of goals and initiatives.

Between now and October 1st, many of you will be collecting data, analyzing your findings, and developing action steps for academic assessment. Dr. Lindsay is happy to speak, train, facilitate, listen, answer your questions, and help you to address the comments and feedback you received from the University Assessment Committee.

To learn more, read the Assessable Roo and visit the Academic Assessment website.

Filed under academic tools, assessment, committees, faculty, general education, newsletter, teaching, umkc faculty center for excellence in teaching (FaCET), vice provost.
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Groundbreaking of the Miller Nichols Library Learning Center

10 April 2012, 2:20 pm

Thursday, April 12, 2012 marks the groundbreaking of the new Miller Nichols Library Learning Center.  The Learning Center will include a 350-seat auditorium, two 200-seat lecture halls, and two 100-seat classrooms along with an expansive lobby for gathering and collaborative learning.  This marks Phase II of the Miller Nichols Library Classroom Building Addition, which was approved by the Board of Curators in 2010 and funded via an $18 million UMSystem bond.

The Learning Center will provide an expanded space for classroom learning, and meets the ongoing UMKC Strategic Plan goal of providing an optimal learning environment for all students. The project will accommodate a 23 percent increase in enrollment without adding classrooms elsewhere on the main campus, and simultaneously serves as cost-effective financial strategy for UMKC’s growth.

Join Chancellor Leo E. Morton and Provost Gail Hackett for the Groundbreaking Ceremony at 2 pm, Thursday, April 12th at the University Playhouse, 51st & Holmes, just west of the Miller Nichols Library.

See the UMKC Master Plan for more details and pictures of the Miller Nichols Library classroom building additions. See the Miller Nichols Library website for more details about the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

Filed under board of curators, classes, construction, Events, libraries, master plan, strategic planning, student success, teaching.
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University College Prepares to Open in Fall 2012

3 April 2012, 12:08 pm

Why create a University College at UMKC?  The persistence rates of undeclared first-time, full-time students averages 55%, as compared to 74% for all UMKC first-time, full-time freshmen, and falls significantly below the 80-85% UMKC goal for first-time, full-time freshmen (Fall 2008, Fall 2009 and Fall 2010).  Similarly, the persistence rates of undecided-transfer students average 63% compared to 76% for entering transfer students with declared majors over the same period.  The establishment of a University College located in the new Student Success Center (set to open in August of 2012) will provide targeted resources to this currently significant (estimated between 400-500 students), yet under-served population of students.

Does faculty engagement with first-year students significantly affect student persistence, academic performance and likely graduation?  YES!

  • Student engagement with faculty sharing the excitement and insight regarding their specific disciplines, in a variety of settings from introductory courses to mentoring interactions, is key to student success and the success of the University College.
  • The UC Seminar Series will provide an opportunity for faculty to engage with exploratory students at a critical time in their academic careers.   Faculty with special interests in early retention, critical thinking and problem-solving development, first-generation and/or under-represented minor students should contact Kim McNeley regarding team teaching a UC seminar (please email: mcneleyk@umkc.edu).

If you are interested in learning more about and/or getting involved with the University College, two town-hall meetings are scheduled for:

  • Wednesday, April 18th at 11:00 in the Gillham Park conference room in the Administrative Center.
  • Thursday, April 19th at 8:30 in the Hyde Park conference room in the Administrative Center.

Additional information is available at:  http://info.umkc.edu/universitycollege/documents/

-Post provided by Kim McNeley, Associate Vice Provost for University College

Filed under academic tools, faculty, strategic planning, student engagement, student goals, student success, teaching, university college.
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Department of Public Affairs at Top of the List for Nonprofit Management

23 March 2012, 11:51 am

Dr. David Renz and his faculty are doing world class work in the “non-profit management” area in the Department of Public Affairs at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management.  The department has been ranked by the US News and World report as the top 15 in the country next to elite schools such as NYU, Harvard, and John’s Hopkins.  Credit goes to the department for their many years of outstanding work in research, outreach and leadership in the non-profit area of public affairs at the Bloch School and through the Midwest Center for Non-Profit Management. See the USNews list of the top schools for Nonprofit Management.

Filed under Bloch School of Management, congratulations, published article, rankings.
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‘New Letters on the Air’ Gains European Listeners

23 March 2012, 11:08 am

New Letters on the Air – the radio companion to New Letters-is now broadcast on Hamburger Lokalradio, a radio station based in Hamburg, Germany. Hamburger Lokalradio began airing the program last October as part of its weekly Tuesday broadcast to English-speaking audiences. “The fantastic show adds nicely to a couple other literature and culture-minded programs on the regular schedule,” said producer Thomas Völkner in Germany, and broadcasting internationally fits with the station’s slogan, “total lokal und weltoffen” (completely local as well as open to the world).

An independent production of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, New Letters on the Air can be heard in Kansas City on KCUR 89.3 FM on Sunday mornings at 6:00, and is also available via podcast or online at www.newletters.org/radio.

Filed under college of arts and sciences, community, KCUR.
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DAAD Recipients

14 March 2012, 2:25 pm

Our students are enjoying quite a year with the DAAD fellowships. The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)/ German Academic Exchange Service “promotes international academic relations and cooperation” by offering programs and funding for students, faculty, researchers, and others in higher education.  The aim of DAAD is “to enable young academic elites from around the world to become leaders in the fields of science, culture, economics, and politics – as well as friends and partners of Germany.”

Three UMKC students have just learned that they are awardees of this very prestigious program:

  • Elliott Goff, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was awarded a DAAD/RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) scholarship for study in Berlin this summer. He will be doing age-related bone formation research with a long-term goal of a career in bio-medical engineering.  Golf has already done significant undergraduate research with his mentor, Dr. Amber Stern, Assistant Professor in Civil and Mechanical Engineering.  The RISE grant is geared for students in the STEM fields, and Golf is UMKC’s first recipient of this particular award!
  • Kevin Baker, is a Master’s student in the Department of History who is studying with Professor Andrew Bergerson. Baker will be doing primary research on his thesis, which focuses on the experience of ordinary German soldiers stationed on the Eastern Front during World War I. His facility with the German language will make it possible for him to examine unpublished archival holdings such as letters and diaries.
  • Courtney Neaveill will spend two years at a university in Germany as she was awarded a full fellowship to earn her Master’s degree in History (with a Public History emphasis).  Neaveill will graduate this May with a major in History and Minor in German from UMKC.  Her mentors are Dr. Bergerson and Dr. Larson Powell, Associate Professor in the department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.  Neaveill has lived and worked in Germany, and is fluent in the language.

Congratulations all!

-Post provided by Linna Place, Ph.D, Director, International Academic Programs

Filed under awards, congratulations, fellowships, research, scholarship, student success.
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Wayne Vaught appointed Dean of College of Arts and Sciences

6 March 2012, 11:02 am

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Wayne Vaught as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Vaught, who has served as Interim Dean since July1, 2011, will begin his new role on March 1, 2012.

As Interim Dean, Dr. Vaught provided academic leadership for UMKC’s largest academic unit. Guiding the College through the current economic challenges which are widespread in higher education, he successfully worked to increase student enrollment, research productivity and strategic growth of academic programs.

Prior to his appointment as Interim Dean, Dr. Vaught was Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs (2009-2011); Associate Professor of Philosophy and Medicine (2004-2011); Director of the Center for Applied and Professional Ethics(2004-2011); and Chair of the Department of Philosophy (2005-2009). Dr. Vaught, who joined the UMKC faculty in 1998, holds a joint appointment between the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine.

Dr. Vaught’s area of research is biomedical and healthcare ethics. His research focuses on ethical issues in clinical care with an emphasis in pediatrics. Recent work includes ethical issues arising in cross-cultural decision-making, complementary and alternative medicine, covert surveillance in clinical care, and stem cell research. He has published several papers in leading ethics journals, including The Journal of Clinical Ethics and Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics.

Dr. Vaught has an active teaching role at UMKC. His responsibilities include teaching bioethics courses for undergraduate and medical students. In 2001, he was awarded the Alumni Good Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Sciences.
In addition to classroom teaching, he has assisted in ethics education for health professionals at Truman Medical Center (TMC), where he serves on the ethics committee. He crafted and implemented an ethics education program for ethics committee members at TMC.

Dr. Vaught received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, psychology and religion at Georgetown College, in Georgetown Kentucky. He earned an M.A. in philosophy at Baylor University and a Ph.D. in philosophy, with a concentration in Medical Ethics, from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Vaught on his new leadership role as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

-Gail Hackett, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Filed under college of arts and sciences, dean, faculty, health sciences, leadership, promotion, research, teaching.
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