SHSU Update for Week of June 20, 1999

• Victim Assistance Academy
• Holder Named Interim Director
• Debaters Invited to World Event
• Injured Student Makes Progress
• Visitation Dates Set
  

Victim Assistance Academy

At SHSU, 62 students and five faculty members from 18 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia will participate in the Monday-Friday sessions sponsored by the U. S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.

Additional sites for the academy will be the campuses of American University in Washington, California State University in Fresno, Calif., the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S. C., and Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.

Raymond Teske, director of victim studies at Sam Houston State University and academic coordinator for the academy, said that the 45-hour course emphasizes foundations in victimology and victims' rights and services, as well as new developments in the field of victim assistance.

In addition to general overviews of the scope of crime and impact of victimization, as well as the victims' rights movement, specific topics will include sexual assault, domestic violence, child victimization, drunk-driving victims, elderly crime victims, bank robbery victims, multi-cultural victim sensitivity, federal crimes, and needs of crime victims with disabilities.

Also, hate and bias crimes, stalking, workplace violence, juvenile justice, restorative justice, drugs and crime, gang violence, campus crime, restitution, international issues, funding for victim services, white collar/property/telemarketing fraud and managing stress and preventing burnout.

Holder Named Interim Director

David Payne, vice president for academic affairs, said in announcing Holder's appointment that a national search for a permanent director will be conducted with selection expected next summer.

"We are fortunate to have someone of Ann's strong qualifications and experience prepared to step in and fill the void created by Dr. Wood's departure," said Payne

Holder, a Tennessee native who earned bachelor's and master's degrees from George Peabody College for Teachers and a master's degree from Sam Houston State, has held six different positions in the SHSU library, beginning in 1979.

In addition to her primary duties, Holder has been active in university committee assignments, on professional committees, in community activities, and in professional publications.

Holder said she expects no disruption in library services.

"My expectation is that our library people will work together as a team and we will move forward," said Holder. "We have a number of things we're anxious to accomplish next year, and as always we're really interested in getting the opinions of faculty and students on what we need to do to meet their needs."

Wood was named director of library services at SHSU in 1990. His work has included strategic planning for computer services, distance education, participation in the Rural 2000 educational consortium for East Texas, development of Huntsville's PATHWAYS library consortium, development of a multimedia classroom and laboratory in the library, and creation of a university records management system.

Debaters Invited to World Event

Debbi Hatton, the debate team coach, said the team is working hard to find the necessary funding. Round-trip airline tickets are approximately $1,500 per person.

The debate competition is part of a Cultural Olympiad which will utilize facilities being prepared for the 2000 Summer Olympics. Opening and closing ceremonies will be conducted in the world famous Sydney Opera House, and competitors will be housed in the Olympic Village on the University of Sydney campus.

Hatton said the debate topic for the event will be "World Policy," including international aspects such as economic sanctions, military actions, and social situations such as the Serb/Kosovo conflict.

"Not only do the students improve their communications skills, but they also learn how to critically analyze world policy," said Hatton. "We are extremely excited and honored to have been invited to participate."

Injured Student Makes Progress

Stokes, 23, is an accounting senior at SHSU and a rookie Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association bulldogger. In addition to his part-time job in the fiscal office, he was involved in occasional day work for Bryan-area landowners and was not enrolled when the accident happened.

While digging post holes on April 15, Stokes somehow became tangled in the power digging equipment, suffering injuries that resulted in removal of one kidney, half of his pancreas and his spleen. In addition, he suffered five broken ribs and third-degree burns on his left arm, shoulder and lower back.

"We've made two collections for Matt since he's been in the hospital," said Charles Carlow, director of the business office at SHSU. "Each was over $700. We receive e-mails on his status at least daily and sometimes twice daily. He is getting better, and we're looking forward to him getting back to his studies and job.

"Everyone in the fiscal office knows Matt and cares for him and has been following his progress."

Visitation Dates Set

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has announced dates for its popular "Saturdays@Sam" visitation day for prospective students for the 1999-2000 academic year.

The dates are Nov. 6, 1999 and March 25, 2000.

At each of the sessions potential students will be given information by the departments of Residence Life and Undergraduate Admissions, and will have the opportunity to attend sessions in two academic areas of interest.

Lunch in Café Belvin, a financial aid session, an organizations fair, campus tours, and a residence halls open house will conclude the schedule. At the Nov. 6 event visitors are also invited to attend the SHSU/Nichols State football game at 2 p.m. For more information on Saturdays@Sam, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 409-294-1829.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
June 20, 1999
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