eInside Briefs

Design Architects of Kent State’s New Architecture Building Present Update on Jan. 16

Pictured is a rendering of the new facility for Kent State
University's College of Architecture and Environmental
Design. The design architects will present an update on
the design evolution of the building on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
in University Auditorium at Cartwright Hall.

Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi of WEISS/MANFREDI, the design architects of Kent State University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design new facility, will be on the Kent Campus to present an update on the design evolution of the building. The presentation takes place Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. in University Auditorium at Cartwright Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

The original building design was selected through a competition conducted in 2013 which resulted in the architect selection – WEISS/MANFREDI, lead designer, and Richard L. Bowen & Associates, architect of record – and the determination of the building concept to be located along the Lester A. Lefton Esplanade between South Lincoln and Willow streets. The building will physically and metaphorically represent the connection between the city of Kent and the university campus.

The focus of the presentation will outline the evolution of a design, detailing how multiple sources of input, including programmatic, community context, financial parameters and reviews by numerous oversight groups, actually evolved the facility to be more functional, efficient, sustainable and economical without losing the original concept. Participants will include representatives of the design architect, the architect of record, the university architect, the user and the construction manager.

“The design architects at WEISS/MANFREDI have listened to many inputs from the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, the Office of the University Architect, the university's Joint Project Oversight Committee, which is a joint board-administration committee, the construction manager and the community,” says Douglas Steidl, dean of Kent State’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design. “They have reviewed all program requirements, including the addition of the spaces to be used by the Construction Management program. Through their creative design process, they have been able to reduce the size of the building through efficiencies in circulation, reduced the height by a story, and amazingly did not lose the character or concept of the initial competition design. This developed schematic design improves upon the initial competition building.

“This is an ongoing design process which does not end until the construction is complete, therefore revisions and enhancements should be expected as we all strive to construct the best facility possible,” Steidl adds.

“We continue to be impressed with the WEISS/MANFREDI team,” says Michael Bruder, executive director of facilities planning and design in Kent State’s Office of the University Architect. “They continually work to satisfy our programmatic needs while providing an iconic gateway building for the campus.”

The new architecture and environmental design building is part of the university’s campus transformation, called “Foundations of Excellence: Building the Future,” which involves the construction of new buildings, facility upgrades and establishment of dynamic, new spaces. The goal of this initiative is to create the most outstanding academic experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater community enriched by the university.

Currently, these signature programs are housed in three separate structures. The new building will unite the college under one roof. The university plans to break ground for the building this fall.

For more information about WEISS/MANFREDI of New York, visit www.weissmanfredi.com.

For more information about Kent State’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design, visit www.kent.edu/caed.

For more information about Kent State’s “Foundations of Excellence” initiative, visit www.kent.edu/foundations.

New Undergraduate Student Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity

Kent State University will hold its first Undergraduate
Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity
that is open to students in all majors and at all Kent State
campuses.

Research, scholarly work and creative activities are an integral part of a student’s college experience, and Kent State University wants to give our students an opportunity to showcase and be recognized for this work. On April 2, the university will hold its first Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. Students in all majors and at all campuses are encouraged to participate.

Faculty members who engage students in research, either independently or through course-based projects, should encourage students to participate.

Students who take part in the Undergraduate Symposium can:

• Compete for cash awards.
• Develop research and presentation skills.
• Prepare for graduate school or professional opportunities.
• Share the topic they explored with the Kent State community.
  

Students can begin the process by submitting a brief abstract about their research projects, scholarly initiatives or creative activities between Jan. 13 and Feb. 17. Details about the symposium can be found at www.kent.edu/undergradstudies/ugresearch. If you have any questions about the symposium, contact Eboni Pringle at epringle@kent.edu.

The symposium is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Honors College, Research and Sponsored Programs, Undergraduate Studies and University Libraries.

Kent State’s Porthouse Theatre Earns Cleveland Critics Circle Awards

George Roth plays patriarch Tevye in
Porthouse Theatre's production of Fiddler
on the Roof. The production was honored
with awards in six categories by the
Cleveland Critics Circle.

Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University’s outdoor, summer theater on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, was recently honored by the Cleveland Critics Circle with several awards for accomplishments during the 2013 season. The Cleveland Critics Circle Awards recognize outstanding Cleveland-area productions, performers, directors and designers who contribute to the professional theatre scene.

Porthouse’s production of Fiddler on the Roof was honored with awards in six categories, and South Pacific was recognized in one category: 

George Roth was recognized as Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

Porthouse Theatre’s production of Fiddler on the Roof received Superior Achievement recognition in Musical Production.

Eric Van Baars, assistant artistic director for Porthouse Theatre, received Superior Achievement recognition for Direction of a Musical for Fiddler on the Roof.

John Crawford, dean of Kent State’s College of the Arts, received Superior Achievement recognition for Choreography for Fiddler on the Roof.

Mary Ann Black received Superior Achievement recognition for Choreography for South Pacific.

Jennifer Korecki, assistant professor of theatre, received Superior Achievement recognition for Musical Direction for Fiddler on the Roof.

Shane Cutlip received Superior Achievement recognition for Sound Design for Fiddler on the Roof.

For more information about Porthouse Theatre, visit www.porthousetheatre.com.

Resources to Support Tech Prototyping Now Available at Blackstone LaunchPad

Server space and small-scale hardware available for lending

The Blackstone LaunchPad program at Kent State University
now has equipment, including Arduinos and Raspberry Pi’s,
to help clients prototype their ideas.

In an effort to nurture a climate of making at Kent State University and increase the number of tech-based startups, Blackstone LaunchPad recently developed a technology strategy that includes the ability for clients to check out equipment, including Arduinos and Raspberry Pi’s, to prototype their ideas. 

“We have found a great demand from students to explore new technologies that are increasingly becoming popular due to the rise of the maker culture,” says Zach Mikrut, marketing manager of Blackstone LaunchPad at Kent State. “Our program is all about supporting making and idea generation, and having the proper tools and equipment for clients to experiment is just another extension of how we can support our entrepreneurs.”

Arduinos and Raspberry Pi’s are available for lending to clients. The new tech equipment will compliment the program’s existing MakerBot 3D-printer that has been available for clients to use since the summer. Clients can be assisted on how to use the technology from a dedicated student-employee trained on the equipment. For a complete list of technological resources available, visit www.kent.edu/blackstonelaunchpad/tools/index.cfm.

Additionally, the Blackstone LaunchPad program has entered into a partnership with Kent State’s Division of Information Services to provide clients AWS server space, for a limited time, to beta-test their website. This arrangement will allow technology-focused businesses the full ability to build out and test their platforms without incurring immediate financial barriers. Currently, one client is using this new service and will launch a new business later this spring.

The Blackstone LaunchPad program promotes entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Through meetings, mentoring, workshops and events, Blackstone LaunchPad assists Kent State students, faculty, staff and alumni to create new businesses or grow existing businesses in Northeast Ohio.  For more information, visit www.kent.edu/blackstonelaunchpad.

Kent State’s Department of Recreational Services Receives Grant Money for Stand Up Paddleboards

Kent State University’s Department of Recreational Services received a 2014 Boating and Safety Education Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft. The grant will enable the department to implement a variety of new courses and programs through the Adventure Center at Kent State.

The grant provides $17,594 toward the institution of a Stand Up Paddleboard Safety and Education program. The funding will furnish the purchase of 12 stand up paddleboards, as well as additional equipment and different educational materials. The grant also covers the required certifications for instructors.

“The Outdoor Industry Association identifies stand up paddleboards as the most popular new outdoor activity,” says Jared Skaggs, Outdoor Adventure program officer for Kent State’s Department of Recreational Services. “More participants tried stand up paddling than any other outdoor sport in 2012.”

Interested participants are encouraged to take advantage of the following paddleboarding programs, debuting late spring 2014: Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboarding, Essentials of Stand Up Paddleboarding, River Stand Up Paddleboarding and Surf Stand Up Paddleboarding. The paddleboard courses will provide a new way for the Department of Recreational Services to serve the paddle sports community while offering an educational experience. 

The new courses will be facilitated by the Department of Recreational Services’ Adventure Center. The first course will be held on May 4 and will continue through the summer months. More information regarding the courses is available on the Recreational Services website at www.kent.edu/recservices.

The Department of Recreational Services previously received the Boating and Safety Education Grant in 2008, 2009 and 2012. The money from previous grants was vital to the success of the current kayaking and paddle programs.
 
The Department of Recreational Services at Kent State provides exceptional recreational facilities, programs and services to a diverse university community. Recreational Services employs more than 200 students in an effort to foster professional development and provide real-world experience. A variety of specialized program areas are offered such as the Adventure Center, Aquatics, Fitness and Wellness, the Kent State Ice Arena along with Intramural and Club Sports. The Department’s cutting-edge facilities include the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, the Kent State Ice Arena, the Allerton Sports Complex, the Student Recreation Fields and Crooked River Adventures. For more information about the Department of Recreational Services, visit www.kent.edu/recservices.

Important Information Regarding Student Registration into Classes

As we begin the new semester, the Office of the University Registrar asks for your assistance in making sure that all students are properly registered for their spring 2014 courses.

As per university policy, only officially registered students are permitted to attend courses. The link to official class rosters is found in FlashFAST, under the Faculty Toolbox within the Faculty and Advisor Tools tab. Students who are not officially registered within the appropriate time period WILL NOT receive a grade or earn credit for the course even if they attend the entire course and complete all required work.

Registration and schedule adjustment deadlines for courses can be found in the "Detailed Class Search.” To access the “Detailed Class Search,” visit the Registrar's website at www.kent.edu/registrar/, click the Schedule of Classes quicklink, and select Spring 2014 or click on the Registration Deadlines and Tuition Credit Search link under Calendars on your Faculty and Advisor Tools tab in FlashLine.

Instructors are asked to remind students that it is important to finalize and verify their registration within the proper timeframe. After the published deadlines, adjustments in registration will only be considered for review by the Office of the University Registrar in situations where students have fully complied with their responsibilities.

Grades Submission Information

The deadline for submitting final grades can be found on the Registrar's website at www.kent.edu/registrar/calendars/index.cfm.

Incomplete Mark and NF/SF Grades

The grade SF (Stopped Attending–Fail) denotes that the student stopped attending the course and did not formally withdraw and must be accompanied by a date of last attendance in the course.

The grade NF (Never Attended–Fail) denotes that the student neither attended one class session nor formally withdrew from the course.

The administrative mark of IN (Incomplete) may be given to students who are unable to complete the work due to extenuating circumstances. To be eligible, undergraduate students must be currently passing and have completed at least 12 weeks of the semester. The timeline shall be adjusted appropriately for flexibly scheduled courses. Graduate students must be currently earning a C or better grade and are unable to complete the required work between the course withdrawal deadline and the end of classes. Instructors are required to complete and submit an Incomplete Mark Form to the department chair when an incomplete mark is assigned. Access the form from your Faculty Toolbox in FlashLine.

For complete information on university grading policies, including Incomplete Mark and NF/SF grading policies, procedures and timelines, visit the Grading Policies and Procedures section in the university catalog at www.kent.edu/catalog. 

Inform Your Female Students About the Women’s Center Foundation Scholarship

The Women's Center at Kent State University has been a motivating force toward the advancement of women in higher education. An integral part of the center’s effort is to empower women with financial assistance in obtaining a college degree.

The Women’s Center endowed scholarship fund, established in 2003, enables the center to provide two Kent State University female students with a $500 scholarship. To date, 21 women have received scholarships.

Applications will be accepted for the 2014-2015 school year through Friday, Feb. 14, at 5 p.m.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

• Applicants must be a female sophomore, junior or senior enrolled at Kent State as a full-time student during the award period
• Strong academic performance
• Demonstrated contribution to social causes related to diversity and/or women’s issues
• Active involvement in campus and/or community groups and organizations (including holding positions and/or coordinating responsibilities)
• Unique life circumstance/challenges such as financial need or overcoming obstacles
  

To apply, encourage your female students to complete the application found at www.kent.edu/womenscenter/scholarships.cfm  and submit it to the Women’s Center by Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.

For more information, contact the Women’s Center at 330-672-9230.

Ohio International Consortium Awards Scholarship to Kent State Student

The Ohio International Consortium Donald N. Nelson Scholarship for Study Abroad for spring 2014 has been awarded to Kent State University student Robert McGuire of Strongsville, Ohio, in the amount of $1,500. The scholarship was established in 2005 to honor Donald N. Nelson and his many contributions to international education. It is now awarded for fall and spring study abroad in order to help students cover the costs of an international education experience.

McGuire is currently a junior at Kent State pursuing a bachelor’s degree in French and international relations with a minor in Chinese. He will spend a semester as a study-abroad student at Universidad de Palermo in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Ohio International Consortium was established in 1991. Its purpose is to identify, develop and expand beneficial international relationships that might contribute to the enhancement of Ohio’s global profile and the international expertise and activities of the state’s public four-year universities. The current chair of the Ohio International Consortium is Rita Haider, director in the Center for International Programs and Activities at Shawnee State University.