eInside Briefs

Kent State’s Institutional Review Board Thanks Hawks for Many Years of Service

John Hawks

On June 10, Dr. Deborah Barnbaum, chair of the Kent State University Institutional Review Board (IRB), staff members of the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs and members of the Speech Pathology and Audiology program made a surprise drop-in to Professor John Hawks’ “Industry and Community Noise” class to thank him for his many years of service (1992-2010) on the IRB and present him with a crystal plaque.

Hawks, an associate professor of audiology, has worked for Kent State since 1991. He teaches courses in instrumentation, psychoacoustics, clinical audiology and the effects of noise, and he has research interests in speech perception.
 
The IRB, a 23-member board, meets monthly to formally review and monitor university research involving humans with the aim to protect the rights and welfare of the research subjects. IRB members are appointed for three-year terms, although some choose to serve longer.  

“Having the expertise of a member who has served 18 years, such as Dr. Hawks, is exceptional,” Barnbaum said.  “His knowledge of the federal regulations, Kent State institutional memory, as well as his professional judgment is extraordinary. The value of the expertise of a member like Dr. Hawks cannot be overstated. The knowledge base and professional judgment are not easily acquired. Furthermore, John has a wonderful sense of humor and gracious professional demeanor. He will be missed.”

As a condition of receiving federal funds for research, Kent State is bound by the “Common Rule” – the federal regulations that govern the responsible use of human research subjects. The Common Rule sets out the guidelines for IRBs, including the requirement that every research project that involves human beings must be approved by the IRB.  

Barnbaum explains, “The IRB is one of the few committees at Kent State whose rules and regulations are not merely a product of the university, but are a function of federal laws. Thus, IRB members must be acquainted with extensive regulations to fulfill their responsibilities, and grant funds are contingent on the IRB doing its job well. It is a significant responsibility, making Dr. Hawks’ voluntary contributions over nearly two decades all the more impressive.”

Employee Discount for Kent State Football Season Tickets

Golden Flashes take to the field

Kent State Football 2011 season tickets are now available, and university employees can purchase tickets at a $10 discount.  

Season ticket holders enjoy a number of great benefits, including reduced prices, free stadium parking, access to the Pre-Game Fan Experience, tailgating, Homecoming tickets and access to tickets to the Kent State - Alabama game. Payroll deduction is available.

Kent State faculty and staff may order tickets by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at 330-672-2244, online at www.kentstatesports.com, or in person at the MAC Center ticket office.

Kent State Football Home Schedule

• Sept. 10    Louisiana-Lafayette
• Sept. 24    South Alabama
• Oct. 15      Miami (Homecoming)
• Oct. 29      Bowling Green
• Nov. 4        Central Michigan
• Nov. 19      Eastern Michigan

Kent State Student Recreation and Wellness Center Helps Swim for Diabetes Effort

The leisure pool at Kent State's Student Recreation and
Wellness Center

More than 1,000 swimmers and volunteers of all ages gathered at 45 swimming pools around Northeast Ohio on April 8, 9 and 10 and raised more than $160,000 for the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland’s (DAGC) Swim for Diabetes event. The Kent State University Student Recreation and Wellness Center was one of locations for the fundraising effort, with proceeds totaling $1,737.

“We appreciate the tremendous support from the community and would like to thank everyone involved in this year’s Swim for Diabetes,” says DAGC President and CEO Helen Dumski. “It would not have been possible without the dedication of the 775 swimmers and divers, as well as the 250 volunteers who participated in this event.”

The Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland, founded in 1954, is a local and independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the 1 in 10 people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in Northeast Ohio. Core services include patient education and support programs and Camp Ho Mita Koda for children with diabetes. One hundred percent of funds raised from the Swim for Diabetes remain in the local community and enable DAGC to continue to empower Greater Clevelanders to live well with diabetes.  

For more information, please visit www.dagc.org or call 216-521-0800.

Become a School Librarian - Find Out How at June 29 Online Open House

Do you know someone who is interested in becoming a school librarian? If so, please invite them to an interactive, virtual open house where they can learn about the school library media specialist option in the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State University.

The School of Library and Information Science now offers multiple pathways for students to obtain the K-12 school library media specialist licensure. And all courses can be completed online.

Assistant Professor Meghan Harper, Ph.D., and Academic Program Coordinator Rhonda Filipan, M.A., M.L.S.,  from the School of Library and Information Science will explain all aspects of the program including how to apply, what courses are offered, what kinds of jobs are available and more. They also will answer any questions from the online audience.

The open house takes place Wednesday, June 29, at noon. For information on how to participate, email ksuslis@gmail.com. JavaScript must be enabled on computers to view the instructions.

For more information about the school library media specialist program at Kent State, visit http://www.slis.kent.edu/content/view/59/93/.