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SHSU Update For Week Of March 20, 2011
- Fulbright Scholar To Discuss Death Penalty Issues
- Biology Seminar To Feature BYU Fellow
- A&M Prof To Serve As Grassroots Speaker
- Graduate Studies To Showcase Programs During Fair
- Lecture, Meditation To Introduce Buddhist Beliefs
- Theatre To Visit Lapin Agile With Picasso
- Teacher Job Fair Attracts 77 Schools
- Comic To Help Shake Up Annual ‘Mayhem’
- Campus To Open For Potential Students
- Benefit Fair To Provide Fun For Area Children
- Music Groups To Drum Up Two Concerts
- Special Ed Conference Seeks To ‘Meet The Needs’
- ‘Excellent’ Staff Member Nominations Sought
- Religious Group To Host Salsa Night
- Send Update Items Here
Fulbright Scholar To Discuss Death Penalty Issues
Liling Yue, a Fulbright Scholar at the University of California—Davis, will give a 45-minute presentation on "Issues in the Contemporary Application of Capital Punishment" on Tuesday (March 22) at 10 a.m. in the Criminal Justice Center’s Kerper Courtroom.
Yue is part of an international exchange program with the China University of Police Science and Law, where she is a professor of law and also where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
She has served as a visiting professor at UC Davis and Cambridge University’s Criminology Institute and as a visiting scholar at institutions around the world, including the Danish Institute of Human Rights, the Max-Planck-Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law, the University of British Columbia and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Institute.
Yue is the author of several books on criminal justice and civil and political rights, and she has written many articles published in Chinese journals.
Her areas of interest include comparative criminal justice, criminal procedural law, international human rights law and evidence law.
She also has delivered lectures to foreign universities and courts in Belgium, Germany, South Korea, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.
Yue has served as leader of several research projects, such as effective criminal defense, criminal trial, and human rights protection and participated in legislative projects, such as criminal procedure law reform.
Her discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
Yue also will meet with graduate students for coffee and discussion at 4 p.m. in the Bluebonnet Room.
For more information, contact Beth Kuhles, College of Criminal Justice public relations officer, at 936.294.4425.
Biology Seminar To Feature BYU Fellow
Jeff Wesner, a post-doctoral research fellow in Brigham Young University’s biology department, will talk about his research on "Streams feeding forests: terrestrial effects of aquatic food webs" on Thursday (March 24).
The Biological Science Department Seminar Series presentation will begin at 4 p.m. in Lee Drain Building Room 214.
“Jeff studies the role of species diversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems,” said Chad Hargrave, SHSU assistant professor of community ecology and lecture host. “The work he is going to focus on shows that fish in an aquatic environment can influence the behavior and densities of prey, which ultimately affects the predators (i.e., spiders) in the terrestrial ecosystem.”
Wesner earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Oklahoma, his master’s degree in biology from Western Carolina University and completed his doctorate last year from the University of Oklahoma.
The lecture is open to the public.
For more information, contact Madhu Choudhary, assistant professor of biological sciences, at 936.294.4850.
A&M Prof To Serve As Grassroots Speaker
Leroy G. Dorsey, an associate professor of communication at Texas A&M University, will answer questions about his life and career on Wednesday (March 23) during the Student Advising and Mentoring Center’s Grassroots speaker series presentation.
The discussion will begin at 5 p.m. in College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building Room C070.
Dorsey has been on the Texas A&M University faculty since 1993. He currently serves as the associate head of Texas A&M’s communication department.
His areas of interest include presidential rhetoric, American public addresses and myth and popular culture.
Dorsey earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at California State University, Hayward, and his doctorate from Indiana University.
A meet-and-greet with refreshments will follow the discussion in the Student Advising and Mentoring Center, located in CHSS Building Suite 170.
“Grassroots: A Series of Conversations on Leadership in a Diverse Community” was created in April 2003 to promote career aspirations and academic achievements of SHSU’s minority students.
The lecture is sponsored by the SAM Center’s academic support programs; the Elliott T. Bowers Honors Program; the International Hispanic Association; Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.; the NAACP; the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program; Student Success Initiatives Office; and Women United.
For more information, contact Bernice Strauss, SAM Center director of academic support programs, at 936.294.4455 or sam_bss@shsu.edu.
Graduate Studies To Showcase Programs During Fair
Students who are considering furthering their education beyond a bachelor’s degree can explore all that SHSU has to offer during the Graduate Studies Spring Fair on Wednesday (March 23).
Hosted by the Office of Graduate Studies, the fair will provide “an easy assess platform for students to speak with academic advisers, department chairs, and current SHSU graduate students about program opportunities” from all areas of campus, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Bearkat Plaza, according to Christopher O'Brine, graduate admissions coordinator.
All of SHSU’s colleges will have a designated area at the fair to display their graduate program information and provide the students with one-on-one access to advisers, as well as current master’s and doctoral students. Graduate Studies staff will also be present to answer questions about the application process and give away prizes.
“The aim of the event is to increase students’ awareness of the ever-growing graduate program offerings at both our home campus and our distance learning sites in Tomball and The Woodlands, as well as online through Ecollege,” O’Brine said.
SHSU currently offers more than 70 graduate programs including certificate and doctoral programs, among which many are offered completely online. The university also offers hybrid programs, as well as face-to-face classes.
The new University Park campus in Tomball offers six graduate degrees.
“Because of the number of programs utilizing the satellite campuses, students have the flexibility to take courses at all three campuses,” O’Brine said.
Enrollment for graduate studies at SHSU has increased 18 percent this past school year.
“With the ever-growing population of individuals obtaining a bachelor’s degree and the current state of the economy, it is advantageous for students to pursue graduate studies,” O’Brine said. “Additionally, with an advanced degree students have the ability to earn more.
“It is safe to assume that there is a need and a desire for advanced degrees,” he said.
For more information, contact O'Brine at 936.294.2797.
Lecture, Meditation To Introduce Buddhist Beliefs
Buddhist Teacher Jeffrey Su will visit SHSU to give a lecture on the religion and its beliefs as part of his U.S. lecture tour on Monday (March 21).
“Freedom in Everyday Life” is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building Room 140.
“Dr. Su will present an in-depth introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, focusing on its application in every day life,” said Andrea Pikas, president of SHSU’s Diamond Way Meditation Group.
The Diamond Way Meditation Group of SHSU is a registered student group that has been active since on campus since 2009.
The group also hosts a “Food, Film and Meditation” event on the first Tuesday of each month, during which students hear lectures on various Buddhist topics by Lama Ole Nydahl.
Each session, which begins at 6:30 p.m., includes a 20-minute video, meditation, and dinner.
All film engagements will be held at 2424 Montgomery No. 30 in Huntsville.
The lecture is free and open to the public.
Su will also be available to speak to classes while he is in Huntsville.
Those interested in the monthly meetings should reserve a spot at shsu@diamondway.org.
For more information, or for those interested in having Su speak to their classes, contact Pikas at 832.451.0467 or shsu@diamondway.org or visit www.diamondway.org/huntsville.
Theatre To Visit Lapin Agile With Picasso
The Sam Houston State University theatre department will provide audiences with “a lively evening” featuring “a battle of wits” through its presentation of Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” Wednesday through Saturday (March 23-26).
Show times are at 8 p.m. each evening, with a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee.
Directed by senior theatre major Erik Holm, the absurdist comedy visits a 1904 Parisian bar where Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso are discussing physics, art and all things relative.
Soon they are joined by a future pop culture icon and the trio embarks on a lively evening in a battle of wits.
The cast includes theatre majors Josef C. Anderson, Raven Garcia, Carlos Salinas, Bennett Schmidt, James Smith, Cody Swiger, and Sam Weeks, as well as musical theatre majors Melissa Molano, Garret Storms, and Audrey Wilson.
Senior technical theatre major Shelina Widner is the stage manager.
Designers include junior technical theatre major Seth Bales, set; sophomore theatre major Hannah Huerta, lighting; senior theatre major Jeremy Brown, costumes; and sophomore technical theatre major Ryan Brazil, sound.
Tickets are $10 for general admission. Group rates are available.
Children under the age of three will not be admitted.
For more information, call the University Theatre Center box office at 936.294.1339.
Teacher Job Fair Attracts 77 Schools
Approximately 77 schools and school districts will be talking to potential educators during the Spring Teacher Job Fair on Wednesday (March 23).
The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
Representatives from districts from districts across the state, as well as a few private schools, will visit with students or alumni who may be interested in a position.
In addition, agencies such as Harris County Dept. of Education, Kidventure Camps, Windham School District, YES Prep Public Schools, the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston Catholic Schools Office and Education Service Center Regions 3, 6 and 20 are scheduled to be available to discuss other employment possibilities.
Students who are registered on Jobs 4 Kats can get a jumpstart on finding a job or internship by logging on, at https://www.myinterfase.com/shsu/student/, to find a complete list of participating agencies, as well as descriptions of positions being sought, according to Paige Loft, job fair and special events coordinator.
Participants are encouraged to bring copies of résumés and dress professionally.
For more information, contact Career Services at 936.294.1713 or careerservices@shsu.edu.
Comic To Help Shake Up Annual ‘Mayhem’
Sam Houston State University Recreational Sports department will create mayhem, with a new twist, in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on Wednesday (March 23) from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Midnight Mayhem, traditionally held in the Health and Kinesiology Center, will be further transformed this year with a new headlining event, comedian Ty Barnett, according to Tina DeAses, senior assistant director for Rec Sports.
Barnett, the runner up on the Emmy-nominated season four of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” will provide a “hilarious, thought-provoking, and even edgy” stand-up routine beginning at 11 p.m.
Prior to that, students can enjoy a “night full of fun, activities, laughter and a chance to win some great prizes including gift cards and T-shirts,” DeAses said.
“In keeping with Midnight Mayhem tradition, the mechanical bull will be making an appearance, along with a number of new activities ranging from a fast pitch booth to “:60 Sports,” a number of fun, challenging activities that can be played against your friends,” she said.
Barnett is also known for his appearances on late-night talk shows “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “Comics Unleashed,” in addition to his own “Comedy Central Presents” special and HBO’s “P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy.”
His acting credits include work on the FOX sitcoms “Til Death” and ABC’s “Samantha Who.”
For more information, call 936.294.1985 or visit www.shsu.edu/recsports or www.facebook.com/SHSURecSports.
Campus To Open For Potential Students
Prospective students and parents will have the opportunity to visit the Sam Houston State University campus to see what the university has to offer on Saturday (March 26).
Saturdays @ Sam, sponsored by the SHSU Visitor Center, will begin with check-in and a parent coffee from 8-9 a.m. in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, followed by a 30-minute opening session at 9 a.m.
Throughout the day, students and their parents can meet with academic advisers at the university’s Student Advising and Mentoring Center, have academic sessions with colleges of potential majors, visit the Go Kats Go Center and apply online for free, tour residence halls and the campus, attend an organizations fair, and get information from various departments on campus.
Breakfast and lunch items will be available for purchase from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Johnson Coliseum concession stands, from 8-10 a.m. in Café Belvin and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Einstein Bros. Bagels. Lunch will also be available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Café Belvin for $6.50, as well as at the Paw Print from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The next Saturdays @ Sam will be held on Nov. 19.
Registration forms, online registration, directions to the university and more information is available online at http://www.shsu.edu/~visitor/saturday.html.
For more information on Saturdays @ Sam, call 936.294.1844 or e-mail visitsam@shsu.edu.
Benefit Fair To Provide Fun For Area Children
The Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum will be transformed into a carnival with horse rides, games and other special events during the first Fun with Friends Fair on Sunday (March 27).
Hosted by the College of Education and other campus departments and student organizations, the fair will be from 1-5 p.m. and include food, arts and fun for children from the Huntsville and surrounding areas.
It will include 15 craft activities, 22 games, eight special events, bouncy houses and horse rides. Huntsville’s KSAM radio will also have a remote broadcast.
“SHSU students will provide a safe and fun atmosphere where families can enjoy one another's company without being barraged with merchants trying to sell them something,” said Miki Henderson, assistant professor of early childhood education. “Parents and children can just come and play together.”
Admission is $5 per person, which will include food.
All proceeds will benefit CASA of Walker County, which serves children in the foster care system.
“CASA of Walker County provides a voice to children in our own community who cannot speak for themselves,” Henderson said. “These are the children that we see every day in our own neighborhoods and are our future students.”
Henderson and Sonia Dial, an adjunct instructor for bilingual education, are Court Appointed Special Advocates for CASA of Walker County.
“We wanted to share our passions for volunteering with the students in our classes,” Henderson said.
Their students will earn nine hours of Academic Civic Engagement credit by participating in the event.
For more information, contact Henderson at 936.294.4638.
Music Groups To Drum Up Two Concerts
Beats from SHSU musicians will roll across campus during two percussion concerts on Thursday (March 24).
There will be “A Party Waiting to Happen” at noon in the Performing Arts Center Outdoor Performance Area that day when the Steel Drum Band plays a special lunchtime concert.
That evening, the University Percussion Ensemble and Sam Houston Percussion Group will feature music from the group's Panamanian tour, as well as the epic work "Threads," by Paul Lansky, according to assistant professor of percussion John Lane, who directs the Sam Houston Percussion Group.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center Concert Hall.
Both performances are free.
For more information, call the School of Music at 936.294.1360.
Special Ed Conference Seeks To ‘Meet The Needs’
The Sam Houston Council for Exceptional Children will teach College of Education students, current teachers or anyone interested in the field of special education how to meet “the needs of all learners” during the Annual SCEC Special Education Conference on (Friday) March 25.
The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Region 6 Education Service Center’s Professional Development Center in Huntsville.
The conference features locally- and nationally-recognized speakers and professors who will provide innovative, student-centered sessions regarding critical topics in the field of special education and educational assessment, according to SCEC co-adviser Cynthia Simpson.
Breakout sessions will include presentations on assistive technology, adaptive physical education, bullying of children with exceptional needs, inclusive classroom practices and other special education-related topics.
Michael Rosenberg, professor in the department of special education and associate dean for research at Johns Hopkins University, will highlight a number of strategies that beginning and veteran special educators can apply to take charge of their own growth and development during the event’s keynote address.
Participants will receive seven hours of professional development credit.
Registration is $75 or $40 for SHSU undergraduate students with an ID, which includes a light breakfast, a tote bag, door prizes and all conference materials.
Registration forms can be found at www.shsu.edu/~org_shcec/conference.html, and all proceeds benefit the SHSU SCEC.
The Region 6 Service Center is located at 3332 Montgomery Rd.
For more information, contact Simpson at 936.294.1238 or lls_cxs@shsu.edu.
‘Excellent’ Staff Member Nominations Sought
Nominations for the Staff Excellence Award and Recognition of Service Program are due by April 8.
The annual Staff Excellence Awards will honor four employees “who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in service,” including two exempt and two non-exempt staff employees, according to the nomination form. Non-exempt employees are those subject to overtime pay.
Recipients must be full-time, non-temporary staff members with a minimum of two years service at time of nomination; show meritorious performance; excel in his or her job; demonstrate outstanding abilities, innovative ideas, efficient operations, high level of motivation; and be respected by the university community.
Previous recipients are not eligible. A list of previous recipients can be found online at http://www.shsu.edu/~hrd_www/excellence/past.html.
Winners receive a financial stipend.
Any full-time SHSU faculty or staff member can nominate, and faculty and staff may nominate more than one person. Selections are made by the university’s eight-member staff excellence committee.
For more information, or to nominate, visit http://www.shsu.edu/~hrd_www/excellence/.
Religious Group To Host Salsa Night
Destino, a new interdenominational Christian ministry group, will host an evening of Salsa dancing on Tuesday (March 22).
The event, which will be from 7:30-10 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom, will include entertainment, refreshments and “lots and lots of dancing with a DJ being provided,” according to Marivelle Calderon, Destino vice president.
The evening provides an opportunity for the Hispanic/Latino group to share aspects of their culture in a fun atmosphere, Calderon said.
Destino is an interdenominational Christian ministry that helps college students to grow their relationship with God.
Salsa night is free and open to anyone interested in attending.
For more information, contact Calderon at 936.446.7735 or mxc021@shsu.edu.
Send Update Items Here
Information for the SHSU Update can be sent to the Office of Communications electronically at Today@Sam.edu or to any of the media contacts listed below.
Please include the date, location and time of the event, as well as a brief description and a contact person.
All information for news stories should be sent to the office at least a week in advance to give the staff ample time to make necessary contacts and write the story.
For electronic access to SHSU news see the Communications Web page Today@Sam.
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SHSU Media Contacts: Julia May, Jennifer Gauntt
March 11, 2011
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu
This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office
Director: Bruce Erickson
Assistant Director: Julia May
Writer: Jennifer Gauntt
Located in the 115 Administration Building
Telephone: 936.294.1836; Fax: 936.294.1834
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu.
