eInside Briefs

Kent State University Summary of Board Actions from Sept. 14

At its Sept. 14 meeting, the Kent State University Board of Trustees took action on the following items:

Approval of FY 2012 University Budget

The Board approved a balanced operating budget that reflects Kent State University’s record enrollment and continues a universitywide commitment to academic excellence and student success. The budget, which totals $574.1 million ($574,165,859) for Kent State’s eight-campus system, spans Fiscal Year 2011-12 (July 1, 2011–June 30, 2012). Because the state’s Fiscal Year 2012 appropriation for higher education was not finalized when the Board met last June, Trustees enacted a continuation operating budget that took effect July 1, 2011, and ends with the Sept. 14 action.

Priorities identified for the new budget are investments in academic programs and new faulty; student scholarships; library collections; international programs; and facility costs associated with the Kent State University Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg that is under construction. A 1-percent salary increase pool was reserved for employees.

The budget reflects a 13.1 percent decrease in state funding for fiscal year 2012. Trustees noted that in anticipation of decreased state funding, Kent State identified and enacted efficiencies and cost savings in a number of areas and was able to reallocate savings from its early-separation program. Despite these cost savings, the university had to enact a 3.5 percent tuition increase to help offset the state funding cut, as well as increases in health insurance costs for full-time employees and increased costs for software licenses and maintenance agreements.

Kent State Fashion School Designated Ohio Center of Excellence

The Board joined Ohio Board of Regents Jim Petro at a press conference to announce the selection of Kent State’s School of Fashion Design and Merchandising as an Ohio Center of Excellence in Cultural and Societal Transformation. The designation recognizes programs that are making a significant impact on the study of the human condition as they contribute to the social and economic prosperity of individuals and communities. Kent State’s Fashion School is ranked as the third best fashion school in the nation and 13th in the world. For details visit http://www.kent.edu/news/announcements/success/fashion-excellence.cfm.

In other actions:

• The Board received a comprehensive report about Kent State’s record enrollment for the current semester following the release of official 15-day enrollment statistics yesterday. The report included the achievement of the largest freshman class in university history; a 35-percent increase in international student enrollment; a 6.45-percent increase in student diversity; and a 3.09-percent increase in graduate student enrollment. The full fall enrollment report is available at http://www.kent.edu/rpie/enrollment.
• The Board revised the name of the College of Technology to the College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology, effective summer 2012. The change reflects the creation of the college’s applied engineering major; its growing focus on sustainability, including two certificate programs; and the development of a minor in innovation, which incorporates sustainability, applied engineering and technology.
• The Board passed a resolution of appreciation acknowledging the accomplishments and contributions of Ravenna native Robert “Yank” Heisler, who will complete his term as dean of Kent State’s College of Business Administration on Oct. 1, 2011. Heisler, who holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Kent State, was lauded for his many contributions to the College of Business Administration, which include “supporting growth of its foci on entrepreneurship, enhancing linkages with the business community and ensuring the quality and relevance of its academic programs, reflected in its designation as one of the best business schools in the nation by The Princeton Review.”
• The Board appointed Dr. Paul L. Gaston to a second and final five-year term as Trustees Professor, effective July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2017. The appointment recognizes his service as provost from 1999-2007 and his outstanding scholarship in higher education, public policy and the humanities.
• The Board granted emeritus status to the following recently retired faculty members: Dr. Robert E. Carlson professor of biological sciences; James E. Dalton, professor of architecture and environmental design; Edward J. Murray, psychology, Kent State University at Ashtabula; Dr. Michael A. Pearson, accounting; Carol A. Puthoff-Murray, Regional College, Kent State University at Ashtabula; and Joseph M. Zingaro, English, Kent State University at Ashtabula. Emeritus status is a distinguished title that honors a faculty member’s contributions by allowing him or her continued access to university resources after retirement from the university.
• The Board authorized a $1.435 million project to restore the deteriorating roof, masonry, windows and door systems of the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, which was constructed in 1950 and last underwent various renovations in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The project is scheduled for completion during the summer 2012 recess.
• The Board authorized the use of $1.7 million in state capital funds for a project to upgrade the power plant and cooling tower that serves the university’s flagship Kent Campus. The upgrades will maximize the plant’s chilled water production capabilities and meet growing campus cooling demands.
• In keeping with Kent State’s commitment to sustainability, the Board authorized a $1.7 million renewable energy project at the Kent Campus Field House that will yield significant savings in power production through the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the facility’s roof. The project will take advantage of federal and electric utility provider incentive programs and is expected to be self-funded within 15 years through low-cost financing through the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and a third-party developer.
• The Board authorized the expenditure of utility infrastructure replacement funds totaling $1.625 million to replace a gas turbine engine at the power plant on the Kent Campus with a rebuilt engine. The engine, which produces steam that is used to heat and cool campus buildings, has operated for more than 25,000 hours and has come to the end of its lifespan.
• The Board authorized a $2 million ($2,040,000) project to restore the aging masonry and roof on the Kent Student Center on the Kent Campus, as well as other exterior ceiling, soffit and glazing systems. The project to restore the exterior of the 39-year-old facility is scheduled for completion during the summer 2012 recess.
• The Board authorized the senior vice president for finance and administration to restructure or refinance the 2008B Series bond issue when market conditions are favorable. The bond issue, which has a principal value of $60 million, was issued to finance a number of small campus maintenance and renovation projects.
• The Board authorized the purchase of the following properties in the city of Kent:
• • Property located alongside the State Route 261 corridor adjacent to the university’s baseball diamond and owned by the Gaffey family was purchased for $22,500.
  • Properties owned by Dorothy V. Meyer and located at 428-430 E. College Ave. were purchased for their appraised value of $230,000, with an option to buy Meyer’s property at 308 S. Lincoln St. for $200,000.
  • Seven parcels surrounding the Kent State University Esplanade were purchased from individual and corporate owners for a total of $2.218 million. The purchases will position the university for future expansions and enhancements. The properties are: 408 E. Main St. and 424 E. Main St., purchased from Christopher and Deborah Smeiles for $375,000 and $610,000, respectively; 116 S. Lincoln St., purchased from Kent Campus Rentals LLC for $338,500; 129 S. Willow St., 117 S. Willow St. and 123 S. Willow St., purchased from Kent Willow Street Rentals LLC for $259,000, $150,000 and $145,000, respectively; and 402 E. Main St., purchased from RHS Development Inc. for $367,000.
    
    
• The Board elected its officers for fiscal year 2011-2012. Jacqueline F. Woods was elected to a second term as Board chairperson; Jane Murphy Timken was elected to a second term as Board vice chair; and Dennis Eckart was elected to a second term as Board secretary.

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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Kent State Dedicates New Math Emporium

Members of the Kent State University community celebrated the opening of the new Kent State Math Emporium on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The Math Emporium, a state-of-the-art computerized learning center, is located on the second floor of the University Library and is designed to help students learn math.

“The university has developed a specialized learning experience to equip students with the mathematical knowledge they will need on their path to graduation,” says Robert G. Frank, Kent State provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “The students will learn math by interacting with a team of instructors and the Web-based math software called ALEKS. The Math Emporium promises to make a significant impact on our first-year retention. For some students, it will give them confidence in their math skills to pursue careers that require math, such as nursing and finance.”

At the Math Emporium, students will learn through an innovative, engaging and easy-to-use program designed to help them become comfortable and proficient in basic mathematics. The Math Emporium serves as the classroom for four classes: Basic Algebra 1, 2, 3 and 4. Prior to the beginning of school, students take a placement assessment to determine which math courses they need. Students who need additional math preparation to succeed in college will be matched with the appropriate course of study in the Math Emporium.

“Students will focus on learning exactly what they need to know at their own pace while their instructional team provides individualized coaching,” says Andrew Tonge, chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. “The Math Emporium uses an adaptive software program, ALEKS, to determine what students already know. It then offers each student an individualized choice of paths forward. This enables them to complete the curriculum efficiently by always studying only material they are ready to learn. All students can then manage their study time to focus on actively learning precisely the information they need, with the aid of online help tools and an interactive e-book, together with one-on-one assistance from an instructional team.”

“The Math Emporium’s potential effect on student success is very exciting,” Frank says. “In addition to this Math Emporium on our Kent Campus, we will have similar facilities on our Regional Campuses.”

The Math Emporium features state-of-the-art technology with 247 computer stations in an 11,154-square-foot space. The facility also features bright, vibrant colors and comfortable furniture, making it an attractive and appealing environment.

The Math Emporium is staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Students also can access the program from any Web browser.

For more information on the Math Emporium, visit www.kent.edu/mathemporium.

 

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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Help Crooked River Adventures Clean Up the Crooked River Sept. 24

The days of the Cuyahoga River catching on fire may be a thing of the past, but there is still a substantial amount of trash and debris lingering in the water. Crooked River Adventures, operated by the Department of Recreational Services at Kent State University, opened last year with a mission to be mindful of the environmental concerns of the local community. Keeping true to its promise, the livery will host the third annual "Clean Up the Cuyahoga" on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Three groups of volunteers will travel down the river during the clean up event, picking up garbage along the way. Group one will depart from Tannery Park in Kent and travel to Middlebury Road. Group two will depart from Middlebury Road and travel to Brust Park in Munroe Falls. Group three will depart from Brust Park and travel to Waterworks Park in Cuyahoga Falls. All groups will begin collecting trash at 8:30 a.m., with the event expected to last three to four hours.

Volunteers will be shuttled to and from locations, provided the equipment they need to collect trash and served lunch. Crooked River Adventures will have 20 kayaks and seven canoes on hand for volunteers to use. Previous paddling experience is recommended, but not required. Any volunteers that have their own boats are welcome to bring them, and return transportation will be provided.

The livery is also looking for volunteers to walk along the river bank, assist boaters and pick up debris along the shore.

To volunteer for the river clean up, contact Mike McFall at 330-672-2802 or mmcfall5@kent.edu by Sept. 20.

Crooked River Adventures will complete its second year of operation this October. The Department of Recreational Services oversees the facility, which rents canoes, kayaks and bicycles for use in and near the Cuyahoga River in Kent. The department has received statewide recognition for its award-winning boating programs from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.

For more information about Crooked River Adventures, call 330-541-7467 or visit www.kent.edu/crookedriver.

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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2011 Starner Distinguished Speaker Event Set for Sept. 27

Tom Cole, a former Kent State baseball athlete, will be the 2011 Starner Distinguished Speaker. The 2011 event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. at Cartwright Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

A 1972 graduate of Kent State, Cole participated in baseball as a freshman for the Golden Flashes. Cole is the chief administrative officer of Macy’s Inc., a position he has held since 2009, and has served the organization for 39 years in various positions and divisions. He currently oversees support and nonfinancial corporate functions, including credit, logistics, systems, property development, nonmerchandise purchasing, human resources, corporate communications and employee relations. He also has administrative responsibility for the company’s law and internal audit functions.

The Starner Distinguished Speaker Series began in 2001, thanks to the vision and support of Buzz (’67) and Marilyn (’71) Starner. Both former education majors, the Starners endowed the speaker series to showcase successful former athletes and to serve as a source of education and inspiration to current student-athletes.

For more information, contact Alicia Gaffney at alongst1@kent.edu or call 330-672-8399.

 

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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Save the Date for the Aviation Heritage Fair, Which Moves to Spring

The Aviation Heritage Fair held at the Kent State University Airport in Stow, Ohio, will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Normally a fall event, the Aviation Heritage Fair has been moved to spring to coincide with two other events presented by Kent State’s College of Technology and its Aeronautics Program. The new spring date allows Kent State alumni who will be attending the Richard Schwabe Golf Outing on April 20, 2012, and the Vision 21 Banquet on April 21, 2012, to join community members to enjoy an all-day event of aviation activities, a pancake breakfast, airplane rides, music and entertainment, as well as meet aviation scholars, enthusiasts and industry professionals.

A favorite Northeast Ohio event, the Aviation Heritage Fair features activities for both the flight enthusiast and casual fan. Event admission and parking are free. There is a cost for airplane rides.

The fair, which was conceived by a Kent State student aviation club, has been through several iterations over the years. It is now run by the faculty, staff and students of the university’s Aeronautics Program with help from the Stow-Munroe Falls Kiwanis Club.

For more information on Kent State’s College of Technology, visit www.kent.edu/technology.

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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Change in University Libraries Services

The staff at Kent State University Libraries continues to refine the vision of how their services can benefit users through comprehensive and efficient services.  Most Audio Visual Services operations have moved from the third floor to the first floor Circulation Desk.  The new first floor location provides extended service hours for audiovisual materials, including reserve and booking services.  

Media and equipment such as DVDs, spoken-word CDs and camera equipment are now available at the Circulation Desk.  VHS tapes are in an on-site storage that is not available on-demand.  When requesting VHS tapes, locate the item on KentLINK and select the request button.  Circulating materials, including VHS tapes, can be delivered to departmental offices and dorms.

To book VHS tapes and DVDs for classroom use, complete the online form at www.library.kent.edu/bookings.  When requesting equipment for classroom use, complete the online form www.library.kent.edu/equipmentrequest or call 330-672-6315. Preview room services have moved to the second floor, Speak Easy area.

For more information, contact Cindy Kristof at ckristof@kent.edu or visit www.library.kent.edu.

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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Statistical and Qualitative Software and Training Support Changes

Statistical and qualitative software purchase and installation services will now be available through Information Services.  Software tutorials and training support will remain in University Libraries.

This fall, SPSS and SAS will be available, and NVivo, EQS and LISREL will follow at a later date.

Faculty can submit a Helpdesk ticket for assistance from their local Academic Federated Services member for their university-owned computer, lab or classroom needs.  For more information on faculty home use and access to the Helpdesk ticket system, visit www.kent.edu/is/helpdesk/checklistforfac-staff.cfm.

For statistical and qualitative software available to students, visit www.kent.edu/is/helpdesk/checklistforstudents.cfm.

For more information about statistical and qualitative software tutorials and training support, visit www.library.kent.edu/statsoftware or contact Tina Ughrin at cughrin@kent.edu.

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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New Policy Revisions for Business Meals and Hospitality Expenses

Revisions to administrative policy 3342-7-02.5 regarding business meals and hospitality expenses payable or reimbursable from university funds took effect Sept. 1. The changes provide more detailed guidance regarding expenses associated with business meals and hospitality activities.

The policy is available on the Kent State Policy Register as of Sept. 5 (in Chapter 7). Areas that the policy addresses include:

• Related expenses associated with sponsored programs;
• The use of university funds for tickets to university events;
• Allowances for gatherings of students or employees for work-related recognition or retirement;
• The acceptable payment methods for authorized expenses;
• The use of university funds to pay for social club memberships (not allowed);
• The use of university funds for office parties, decorations and paper products used by office staff for consumption of food or beverages (not allowed); and
• Details the process for requesting an exception to the policy.
  

Questions should be directed to Anne Brown, associate vice president, Business and Administration Services, at 330-672-0984 or abrow116@kent.edu.

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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FlashLine Outage Sept. 23-25

Due to a FlashLine upgrade, FlashLine’s self-service options (also known as SSB or FlashFAST) will be unavailable from Friday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m.  Affected services include course registration, class schedules, financial aid, human resources materials, grades and leave reporting.  For a full list of affected services, please visit http://www.kent.edu/outage/.

Kent State email, Google Docs and Flash ALERTS will not be affected.

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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Volunteers Needed for Kent State’s Income Tax Assistance Program

Kent State University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is in need of volunteer tax return preparers for 2012. Beginning in November, volunteers will undergo free training with flexible hours and minimal time commitment, and will help prepare tax returns for students and other community members.

Kent State VITA is the only IRS volunteer tax assistance program in Portage County, and provides tax preparation services to low-to moderate-income taxpayers, including nonresidents of the United States.

Interested parties should send their names and contact information to tax@kent.edu or call 330-672-8622. For more information, visit www.kent.edu/tax/kent-state-vita.cfm.

Posted Sept. 19, 2011

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