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SHSU Update For Week Of Feb. 26
- ‘Perfect Citizens’ To Visit SHSU
- Office To Host Two Study Abroad Informational Events
- Week To Celebrate Black Achievement
- Real Talk To Give Interview, Resume Tips
- Spanish Comedy To Be Presented For Film Series
- Music Performances To Fill Week
- Education Methods Registration Begins March 1
- Grad Students Win, Professors Present At Conference
- CJ Prof Examines Race, Sentencing
- Submit Update Items Here
‘Perfect Citizens’ To Visit SHSU
The works of nine artists that invoke the “rebel spirit” will be on display Monday (Feb. 27) through March 29 in the SHSU Art Department’s Gaddis Geeslin Gallery.
“Perfect Citizen” will feature a range of materials from installation to silkscreen prints, embroidery to photographs, video and more, according to exhibit curator and artist Debbie Reichard.
“Even though the materials might sound traditional, their use or presentation is often not,” she said.
“Perfect Citizen,” she said, positions the artist as an observer, “subversive and trickster with a practiced ability to access, and act on intuition.
“While spotlighting the artist as being a citizen with a unique vision, ‘Perfect Citizen’ exemplifies universal human inventiveness, optimism and drive to create and see things anew,” she said.
“We take so many situations for granted because it would require extra energy to really examine—and manipulate—our world minute by minute. “But these artists have chosen to examine, and the rest of us can live vicariously through their actions, knowing, ‘I could have thought of that,’” she said. “The encouraging aspect of this kind of work is twofold—fortunately someone is picking up the slack, and taking notice of the details in their world. But they are also showing us, ‘this creative, round-a-bout, happily mischievous way of thinking is not beyond my abilities’ and can become a daily exercise.”
Named for the U.S. government program that monitors cyber attacks, “Perfect Citizen” is someone who misbehaves, not in a destructive way, but redirecting people’s attention, playing around with the social rules,” Reichard said in a previous interview.
“The prevailing attitude is that, while these artists have devoted time to an art career, the viewer, too, has the ability to see their world in a new way, and thus turn it around,” she said.
Reichard, a sculptor and ceramic artist who works a range of materials, has taught ceramics and sculpture at Herron School of Art, Indianapolis; The University of Southern Maine; and the University of Colorado.
An exhibit reception will be held on March 1 from 6-7 p.m. in the Gaddis Geeslin Gallery, located in Art Building F Room 101.
For more information, contact Debbie Harper, audio/visual librarian for the art department, at 936.294.1317.
Office To Host Two Study Abroad Informational Events
The Office of International Programs will introduce students to all the necessary information for considering a study abroad trip over the summer with two events beginning on Wednesday (Feb. 29).
Study abroad coordinator Jesse Starkey will provide the estimated costs for a semester abroad, passports, visas and how to start saving, as well as scholarship options, for the “Finances and Study Abroad” presentation.
The event, part of Financial Literacy Week, will be from 2-3 p.m. in Lowman Student Center Room 315.
On Thursday (March 1), representatives from the numerous faculty-led programs offered through SHSU each summer, as well as the university’s third-party program affiliates, will be on hand to discuss their study abroad programs. The Study Abroad Fair will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the LSC Mall Area.
The come-and-go event will also include returned study abroad students and visiting exchange students from SHSU’s international partners, who will discuss their experiences and field questions.
SHSU offers 19 study abroad trips to 10 countries, with more than 30 courses. In addition, the Office of International Programs is launching its “Cultural Ambassador” program, which pairs domestic students with internationals to facilitate cross-cultural communication, according to Starkey.
“Study abroad is a way for students to become aware of the impact of our global society, and to become global citizens,” Starkey said. “Specifically, international experience is important for individuals who want to work in fields that require high levels of flexibility and critical thinking: being in a foreign country for an extended period of time prepares students to be better participants in an ever-changing workplace.
“In addition, for those that are seeking to become fluent in another language, it has been proven over and over that immersion is the absolute best method,” she said.
For more information, contact the OIP at 936.294.3892.
Week To Celebrate Black Achievement
Sam Houston State University’s National Pan Hellenic Council will pay homage to Black History Month with four activities beginning Monday (Feb. 27).
Black Achievement Week will kick off with a candle light vigil honoring historic African American figures who have made major contributions to society beginning at 7 p.m. in Farrington Pit.
“The vigil will include poetry and musical acts that will conclude with a prayer and the blowing out of a candle after making a promise to make a positive contribution to society,” said NPHC president Julian Williams.
On Tuesday (Feb. 28), students can compete for prizes during Black History Trivia at 11 a.m. in the Lowman Student Center Mall Area.
Attorney Rashad Ali Cromwell will explore the “Miseducation of the Black Greek” on Wednesday (Feb. 29), presenting a seminar on the history of black Greek letter organizations and some of the misconceptions associated with them at 7 p.m. in the LSC Theater.
Cromwell, who is the chief executive officer and founder of the Harbor Institute in Washington, D.C., is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The presentation is also sponsored by Student Activities’ Multicultural Student Services.
Finally, on Thursday (March 1), the National Pan Hellenic Council will formally recognize African American students for their positive contributions and achievements at SHSU during the inaugural Legacy Gala.
The free, black-tie event will begin at 7 p.m. in the LSC Ballroom and will include a seated, full-course dinner.
Throughout the week, a Black History Exhibit will be on display in the LSC Art Gallery to showcase some of the history-making artwork created by African American artists.
“We encourage everyone who is willing and able to attend and support these events because this week was designed to be both educational and entertaining,” Williams said. “These events are open to the entire campus of Sam Houston. Race, gender or religious background is not a factor in who can attend these events.”
For more information, contact Williams at julian_williams13@shsu.edu.
Real Talk To Give Interview, Resume Tips
With jobs opening up in local law enforcement agencies, the College of Criminal Justice will hold a workshop to help graduates write resumes and prepare for interviews to get those positions on Monday (Feb. 27).
Led by College of Criminal Justice internship coordinator Jim Dozier and Michelle Meers, a SHSU Career Services career counselor, the resumes and interviewing skills Real Talk w/CJ will begin at 3 p.m. in CJava Café.
“Local agencies are starting to hire again,” Dozier said. “There is no longer a hiring freeze in Harris County. There is an increased interest in obtaining interns from the College. They like the quality of the interns they get, and it allows them to vet them in a fairly safe manner for future jobs.”
Meers, who worked in juvenile services for 13 years, also will discuss emerging trends in the employment field, including online applications, applicant tracking software and social media reviews. Many jobs now require online applications, which should be filled out with as much care and accuracy as a resume.
“Employers want to make sure that it is done accurately,” said Meers. “They don’t want you as an employee if it is done incorrectly, not complete or you didn’t follow directions.”
Many employers also are using application tracking software, which scans resumes for keyword. To ensure your resume is selected, use the keywords listed in the advertisement or job descriptions, Meers said.
Dozier, an associate professor at the College of Criminal Justice, had a 38 year career in local, state and federal law enforcement. Dozier’s career has included serving as a Houston police officer, a special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration, as the Montgomery County attorney, and as assistant district attorney for the 9th Judicial District. He also was executive director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.
Meers joined SHSU Career Services in September, where she provides career counseling, interprets career assessments, conducts mock interviews and critiques resumes for students.
Meers worked as a juvenile probation officer and an associate staff psychologist with Brazos County Juvenile Services and served as an associate clinical psychologist with the Texas Youth Commission. She also taught courses in criminal justice and human services and trained TYC employees in in crisis intervention and interpersonal skills at Blinn College.
Meers received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from SHSU.
Students can put the workshop to use at the Criminal Justice Career Fair on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.
Spanish Comedy To Be Presented For Film Series
The story of a boy who arrives at his grandparents’ mansion in Spain will be the second shared through the Newton Gresham Library’s Spanish Film Series on Tuesday (Feb. 28).
“El palomo cojo,” a 1995 Spanish comedy, will be presented at 3:30 p.m. in NGL Room 155.
Based on the book by Eduardo Mendicutti, the film details a series of unexpected events that unfold when the boy discovers that his grandparents’ house is visited by curious characters that disturb the apparently austere regimen with eccentric and mysterious goings-on.
The unexpected events reveal to the boy not only the tragicomic complexity of adult relationships, but also the authentically peculiar nature of his own personality, according to Erin Cassidy, assistant professor and web services librarian.
It stars María Barranco, Francisco Rabal and Carmen Maura.
The NGL’s Spanish Film Series was planned as a result of a new service launched by the America Reads Spanish program and the American Library Association called the Dias de Cine Reading Club, which provides registered libraries with free online access to Spanish films based on Spanish literature, according to Cassidy.
“My primary goal is to offer students, as well as faculty and staff, a chance to experience a different cultural perspective in an engaging way, through movies,” she said. “I also want to promote an interest in the Spanish literature collection here at the library, so suggested reading lists will be available at each film.”
“El palomo cojo” runs for 114 minutes.
The remaining films scheduled to be presented include “Si te dicen que cai,” on March 27; “Nos miran,” on April 17; and “Amar y morir en Sevilla, or Don Juan Tenorio” on May 8.
For more information, contact Cassidy at ecassidy@shsu.edu or 936.294.4567.
Music Performances To Fill Week
The School of Music will feature student groups, with a few guests, during a series of concerts for the week beginning on Monday (Feb. 27).
Two Trumpet Studio recitals will be held that day, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively, in Gaertner Performing Arts Center Concert Hall.
“The early show features mostly freshmen and sophomores along two of our best underclassmen trumpet ensembles,” said Randy Adams, associate professor of trumpet. “The late show features our upperclassmen and grad student and our two top trumpet ensembles.”
Admission is free.
Other concerts for the week include a Stefan Karlsson and Eddie Gomez trio masterclass and performance on Tuesday (Feb. 28) at 2 p.m. in the center’s Recital Hall, followed by the Cristina Ballatori guest flute recital at 7:30 p.m. in the Gaertner Performing Art Center’s Recital Hall; the Joel Laviolette and Rattletree Marimba on Thursday (March 1) at noon in the Farrington Pit; and a Chorale Concert on Saturday (March 3) at 7:30 p.m. in the center’s Concert Hall.
For more information, call the School of Music at 936.294.1360.
Education Methods Registration Begins March 1
Methods registration for academic studies and secondary education students will be open from March 1-15.
During this time, students can go to Tk20, click on the “applications” tab, and click “create.” Interdisciplary studies majors choose application “3a,” while secondary education majors choose “3b.”
Students should then choose “certification” from the drop down menu, respond to the appropriate items, and then click “submit.”
After submitting an application, the department will check for placement eligibility, said curriculum and instruction department secretary Susan Hayes.
For more information, call Hayes at 936.294.3896.
Grad Students Win, Professors Present At Conference
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| Leah McAlister Shields (above) and Helen Jackson and Hilton LaSalle (below) were recognized for their research by the Southwest Educational Research Association. |
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Three doctoral students from the College of Education’s higher education administration program were recognized with the 2012 Southwest Educational Research Association’s “Dean's Award for Exceptional Graduate Student Research.”
Helen Jackson and Hilton LaSalle, were recognized for their work on “Hidden Curriculum in College Entrance Exams,” while Leah McAlister Shields was awarded for her research on “College Readiness: Factors Related to the Achievement of STEM Majors” during the SERA annual conference earlier this month.
The three were among nearly 50 faculty, current and past students who represented SHSU during the conference.
“The American Educational Research Association is the most prominent international professional organization, with the primary goal of advancing educational research and its practical application. The Southwest Educational Research Association Conference is a multi-state regional division of AERA that elicits through peer-review some of the most significant and timely research currently being done in education,” said Barbara Polnick, associate professor of educational leadership.
“The fact that so many of our graduate students had their papers accepted is a reflection of the quality of research currently going on in the COE graduate programs,” Polnick said. “Most of the presentations are faculty-student joint papers/studies that represent faculty members’ efforts to mentor our graduate students to do quality research.”
SHSU representatives gave 47 presentations made in such areas of research as mathematics, science, and technology; advanced placement, college readiness and college completion; teacher preparation and performance; online learning; college completion; gender and ethnicity differences; reading performance; school leadership; library science; psychology; and counseling.
Faculty presenters included Stacey Edmonson, Sheila Joyner, John Slate, Rebecca Bustamante, Julie Combs, Judith Nelson, Cynthia Martinez-Garcia, Linda Zientek, Susan Skidmore, Debra Price, Mary Robbins, Andrea Foster, Lawrence Kohn, William Jasper, Rebecca Robles-Pina, Barbara Polnick, Cynthia Simpson, Anthony Onwuegbuzie, and George Moore.
Current student presenters included Reni Abraham, Janis Fowler, Hilton LaSalle, Cedric Wilson, Jeanine Wilson, Sally Berkowitz, Corina Bullock, Lisa Rodriguez, Candace Cockrell, Christy Wilmore, Helen Jackson, Shirley Dickerson, Karen Saenz, Robert Young, Kimberly Koledoye, and Leah McAlister-Shields.
Also, Kim Fitzgerald, Teandra Gordon, Antoinette Canty, John Spangler, Crystal Morrison, Stacey Bumstead, Carolyn Davis, Cindy Benge, Maria Holmes, Benjamin Bostick, Christina Wehde-Roddiger, Pamela Anderson, Teresa Arrambide, Juana O’Conor, Rolando Trevino, Carolyn Davis
Finally, alumni presenters included Rebecca Frels, Lisa Wines, Elizabeth Kohler, Pam Wells, Jamie Bone, and Alex Pitre.
SHSU faculty members also serve as top leaders in the SERA, including Linda Zientek (College of Sciences), past president; Bill Jasper (College of Sciences), president; and Stacey Edmonson (College of Education), president-elect.
CJ Prof Examines Race, Sentencing
Travis Franklin, assistant professor of criminal justice, recently published a series of studies that examine the effects of race and ethnicity on state and federal sentencing outcomes, including the incarceration and sentence length decisions.
In his most recent research published online by Justice Quarterly, Franklin studied the sentencing of Native American offenders in federal courts, finding that Native Americans, especially young males, often are sentenced more harshly than whites, African Americans and Hispanics in the federal system.
The difference remained even after taking into consideration the important offender and case characteristics, he found when he examined the 2006-2008 data from the United States Sentencing Commission.
“Despite the significant attention afforded to the issue of race and sentencing, research that has accumulated over the last several decades has largely neglected to examine the punishment of Native American offenders, a shortcoming that is troubling in light of their unique position in contemporary American society,” Franklin wrote. “This study suggests that young Native American males may be more disadvantaged than young African-American and Hispanic males when examining the decision to imprison.”
Franklin and Noelle Fearn, from Saint Louis University, published a second study in Crime and Delinquency of Asian American offenders in state courts, another severely understudied population, he said.
The two discovered that group was the least likely to be incarcerated of any racial or ethnic group and received shorter sentences than African American or Hispanic offenders.
“Asians were treated with more leniency than whites, Blacks, and Hispanics during the incarceration decision, even after controlling for important offense, criminal history, and case characteristics,” Franklin said. “This represents an important finding in the literature and demonstrates that the leniency afforded Asian offenders during the incarceration decision generalizes beyond that of the federal courts.”
The study was based on a sample of 9,384 offenders from state courts in seven jurisdictions with significant Asian populations across the United States.
“In the end, both of these studies attempt to shine the spotlight on punishment practices directed toward offender populations that have been historically ignored,” Franklin said. “Native Americans and Asians may represent a relatively small subset of convicted offenders, but we should be no less concerned about how these groups are treated during the sentencing process as compared to Caucasians, African Americans, or Hispanics.”
Submit Update Items Here
In order to assist members of the Sam Houston State University community in publicizing events, the SHSU Communications Office (Today@Sam) is now requesting that students, faculty and staff submit information about events, accomplishments or ideas for feature stories online.
Submission criteria and guidelines, including deadlines, have now been placed online, at /guidelines.html. This information is also accessible through the “Submissions” link in the right-hand navigation on Today@Sam.
From there, those submitting ideas can access forms that will allow them to provide detailed information about their idea, as well as attach event calendars, vitas/resumes or photos, depending on the type of submission.
Ideas submitted to the SHSU Communications Office are directly utilized in several ways: as news stories, “slider” or SHSU home page stories, hometown releases, and on the Today@Sam calendar.
If your submission qualifies for distribution, we will either contact you for more detailed information, or we will edit the information using SHSU/journalistic style and forward the final release to the appropriate media.
All information is verified before release, so please provide complete, accurate and timely information. Please type all responses in appropriate upper and lower cases.
For more information, contact the Communications Office at 936.294.1836 or today@sam.edu.
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SHSU Media Contacts: Julia May, Jennifer Gauntt
Feb. 24, 2012
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu
This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office
Associate Director: Julia May
Manager: 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.
