eInside Briefs

Stay Informed With Flash ALERTS

Stay up-to-date on critical campus information, such as weather and other emergency campus closings, by subscribing to Flash ALERTS.

Flash ALERTSis Kent State's official emergency text notification system to alert subscribers of critical information no matter what time it is or where they are in the world. Flash ALERTS expands the university's ability to send critical news and information to the university community during campus emergencies.

The subscriber-only service allows students, faculty and staff to sign up to receive urgent notification on a text-enabled mobile phone or device. Sign up is simple - just use your FlashLine username and password. Begin the step-by-step subscription process. You are able to access the system anytime to update your mobile number or add a parent to receive the alerts. Each subscriber can include up to five contact numbers as a Flash ALERTS recipient.

During a campus emergency situation, Flash ALERTS will send subscribers a message delivering critical information. Flash ALERTS will be an enhancement to the several existing communications tools used by the university to reach students, faculty and staff, including the Kent State home page, alert monitor system, broadcast e-mail alerts, broadcast voice-mail messages and public media outlets.

In the event of a university closing or emergency, Flash ALERTS will be sent to all subscribers. The message will include information about the specific situation, as well as an indication of which Kent State campus is impacted. 

Go to www.kent.edu/flashalerts to learn more about or subscribe to Flash ALERTS text messages.

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Darrell Hazell Named Kent State Head Football Coach

Kent State University Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen introduced Darrell Hazell as the Golden Flashes' 20th head football coach at a December news conference.

 

The first minority head coach in the 90-year history of the program, Hazell replaces Doug Martin, who resigned last month following a seven-year stint at the helm of the Flashes.

 

"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Darrell to the Kent State family," Nielsen says. "When you're looking for a head football coach, it's not just a matter of if they can coach - it's important to make sure they are a fit for this program, this campus and this community. I have no doubt in my mind that Darrell is that person."

 

Hazell's base salary will be $300,000.

 

"I'm proud and excited to be named Kent State's head football coach," Hazell says. "I believe this is a tremendous opportunity, and I can't wait to give the Golden Flashes' fans the winning program they deserve. Many of the pieces are in place to be successful, and I'm confident that with a lot of hard work, we'll get it done."

 

Hazell, 46, spent the past seven seasons as a member of The Ohio State University coaching staff and boasts 25 years of experience as a coach on the collegiate level. He served as assistant head coach and also coached the Buckeyes' wide receivers. During his time in Columbus, Hazell developed a number of All-Big Ten players, including six of whom currently play in the NFL.

 

A native of Cinnaminson, N.J., Hazell joined the Ohio State staff in February 2004 following a three-year stay at Rutgers. He has also coached at West Virginia, Army, Western Michigan, Penn, Eastern Illinois and Oberlin.

 

After a standout high school career in New Jersey, Hazell enrolled at Muskingum College in the fall of 1982. He moved into the starting lineup at wide receiver as a sophomore and was a regular his last three years, winning all-conference honors all three of those seasons. As a senior, he also earned All-America honors and was selected by his teammates as team captain.

 

Hazell graduated from Muskingum in 1986 and began his coaching career the following fall as running backs coach at Oberlin College. He was inducted into the Muskingum Hall of Fame in 1993.

 

For more information about Kent State Athletics, visit www.kentstatesports.com.

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Summary of Kent State University Board of Trustees Actions

At its Dec. 15 meeting, the Kent State University Board of Trustees took action on the following items:

Establishment of Center for Nutrition Outreach

Recognizing the important role of a Kent State nutrition outreach program that serves the university community and thousands of others across Portage, Summit and Stark counties, the Board established the Center for Nutrition Outreach in the College of Education, Health and Human Services, effective Spring Semester 2011.

Trustees explained that upgrading the program to a center is warranted because of the important and growing role of the program's work in providing free nutrition education and wellness services. It is expected that the change will increase the visibility of these services and lead to external funding for the center, which serves the tri-county area in partnership with the Portage County Health Department and the Ohio Department of Health.

The establishment of the center was previously approved by the university's Educational Policies Council and Faculty Senate, and was endorsed by the president and provost.

Naming of the George Jenkins and Jim Phelan Hall of Fame Plaza at Dix Stadium

The Board named the Hall of Fame Plaza at Kent State's Dix Stadium in honor of alumni and former student-athletes George Jenkins and Jim Phelan. The plaza, located in the south end zone of the football stadium, will recognize Kent State football players who have retired jerseys, have played in the NFL or have been inducted into the university's Varsity "K" Hall of Fame.

Trustees expressed gratitude to Jenkins and Phelan, who made lead gifts of $250,000 and $150,000, respectively, in support of the university's Football Enhancement Plan. As part of the plan, the George Jenkins and Jim Phelan Hall of Fame Plaza will play a key role in cultivating ties between former student-athletes and alumni with the university, and attracting additional support for intercollegiate athletics.

In other actions:

•  The Board authorized the purchase of three properties in the city of Kent as part of a planned expansion to enhance academic, athletic, recreational and residential programs, and to extend the University Esplanade pedestrian pathway into downtown Kent:

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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New Hours For Library

The hours for the Library beginning on Jan. 10, through the beginning of spring break are as follows:

Monday, Jan. 10, through Thursday, Jan. 13: 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day
Friday, Jan. 14: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 15: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 16: noon to 2 a.m.
    
During the week of spring break, the Library will operate on the following schedule:

Saturday, March 19:  9 a.m.  to 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 20:  noon to 8 p.m.
Monday - Thursday, March 21 - 24: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, March 25: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 26: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 27: noon to 8 p.m.

On March 28, the Library will resume its normal schedule through finals week.  Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Important Message Regarding Student Registration for 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 2011 courses.

According to university policy, only officially registered students are permitted to attend courses. The link to official class rosters is found in FlashFAST, under the "Faculty Advisor 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.

The schedule adjustment period for students to add full-term courses ends Sunday, Jan. 23. Students are able to withdraw from any or all full-term courses through Sunday, March 20. Deadlines for courses that meet outside the full part of term can be found on the Detailed Class Search. To access the Detailed Class Search, visit the Registrar's website at http://www.kent.edu/registrar/, click the Schedule of Classes quicklink, and select "spring 2011."

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 Registrar in situations where students have fully complied with their responsibilities.

The deadline for submitting midterm grades (for freshmen only) and final grades can be found on the Registrar's website at http://www.kent.edu/registrar/calendars/index.cfm.

For additional information, please contact Jeff Gardner, associate registrar, at jgardn11@kent.edu.

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Mary Ann Stephens Named New Dean of Graduate Studies

Dr. Mary Ann Stephens, psychology professor who has been serving as interim dean of the Division of Graduate Studies, has been officially named the university's new Graduate Studies dean. She had been serving in the interim position since August 2009. The announcement was made in December by Robert G. Frank, Kent State's provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

"I believe we have been fortunate to have strong leadership with Interim Dean Dr. Mary Ann Stephens," Frank says. "Her concern for transparency and accountability, and the willingness to tackle the most significant challenges, even while in an interim role, have created a level of confidence, cooperation and respect in the division that can only serve to promote further growth and excellence. Therefore, I have asked her to assume the role of dean of Graduate Studies and continue to lead the division down the path of a single integrated graduate college."

Stephens joined Kent State in 1980. Prior to serving as interim dean of Graduate Studies, she served as chair of the Department of Psychology. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, master's degrees in counseling psychology and social psychology, and a doctorate in social psychology from the University of Houston.

Her research interests focus on the effects of family interactions on adjustment to illness, as well as the effects of illness on family caregivers. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health. She has authored or co-authored three books, 14 book chapters and more than 80 journal articles.

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Electronic Approval of Grant Proposal Submissions Now Available

The Division of Sponsored Programs would like to alert you to the fact that implementation of electronic grant proposal routing and approval is now complete. Effective Jan. 10, 2011, the paper transmittal form will be replaced by an electronic routing process in Coeus whereby proposals will be routed to department/college administrators for approval prior to submission.

Electronic routing will allow unit administrators to review pertinent application information such as the detailed budget, narrative attachments and responses to budgetary and compliance questions. Administrators can choose to approve or decline each proposal application. Approval will allow the application to proceed along the approval path towards submission. Rejection will return the application to the principal investigator for required revisions necessary for approval prior to submission.

With the upcoming transition, it will be imperative to work with the Division of Sponsored Programs well in advance of any upcoming deadlines. Within five days of the submission deadline, the proposal details and budget must be complete so the proposal may be submitted for internal approval. Within two days of the deadline, all attachments must be complete and approval obtained so the application may be submitted to the sponsor. This will ensure timely submission of applications and a sufficient correction period in response to the elimination of NIH's correction window.

If you anticipate submitting a proposal in the next 60 days, please contact the Division of Sponsored Programs office at 330-672-2070 as soon as possible. Visit the website http://www.kent.edu/research/Coeus/ for more information about Coeus. 

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Nominations Sought for Summer Online Course Development Grants

The Office of Continuing and Distance Education welcomes nominations from Kent State University deans of faculty who wish to develop innovative and strategic online courses to be offered during summer 2011. The purpose of the Summer Online Course Development Grant is to provide financial support for faculty who during spring semester 2011 engage in the development of a new online course with the support of a course development team.

Enrollment trends at Kent State University and across the country show an increased demand for fully online courses and degree programs. Kent State achieved significant growth in online enrollment during summer 2010, and these grants are designed to encourage additional development of new online courses for summer 2011. The new online courses can be offered during 2011 Summer Sessions I, II and/or III.
 
The deadline for nominations for a Summer Online Course Development Grant is Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011.

The 2011 Summer Online Course Development Grants will provide awards of $3,000 for the development of each new online course during spring 2011. The grants are intended to serve as extra compensation to faculty, and recipients must agree to teach the online course during summer 2011. Grant recipients will also be paid their regular summer salary by their school/college/campus for teaching the course they develop during summer 2011. The grants are intended to fund the total cost of the online course development.

Eligibility
All full- and part-time faculty members at any of the eight Kent State University campuses are eligible for a Summer Online Course Development Grant. Funds will be awarded to faculty who are nominated by their dean and who meet the criteria noted below. Availability of funding may limit the number of nominees receiving grants. 

Criteria
The online course development process will exceed normal course preparation. Preference will be given to proposals that provide benefit to the largest number of Kent State University students and support the strategic plans of the individual schools, colleges or campuses.
 
Nomination Procedures
Please provide the following information: course title, course number, faculty member's name and contact information, name of campus, school/college, and department. Please append a copy of the faculty member's course syllabus and vitae along with each nomination. (No standard nomination form is required.)

Nominations must be submitted in electronic format to Deborah Huntsman at dhuntsm1@kent.edu by Thursday, Jan.  20, 2011. Proposals will be reviewed and awards will be announced in late January.

Deans' nominations must include the following:

• Briefly describe the anticipated impact of the new online course in terms of the potential number of students served and /or other significant impact on your academic plan for your school, college or campus.
• Identify the 2011 summer session term in which the new online course will be scheduled.

Grant Recipients

• Grant recipients will have the support of an online course development team during the spring and summer 2011.
• Grant recipients will be required to attend an orientation session to be held in early February 2011 where they will be introduced to the members of the distance learning team.
• Grant recipients will receive full payment for the $3,000 award once the course has been fully developed for online delivery in summer 2011. Taxes and STRS will be withheld from the stipend.
• Grant recipients understand that receipt of this grant for the development of an online course is a university-sponsored effort and they will enter into a written agreement that gives the university ownership of the intellectual property.

• Grant recipients will be asked to share their online course development and teaching experience by participating in a campus event during fall 2011.

If you have questions, please contact Huntsman, executive director, Office of Continuing and Distance Education, at dhuntsm1@kent.edu.

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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New Library Dean to Lead Further Into the Digital Age

The Kent State University Library has been a beacon of inspiration and education for generations of Kent State students. The Library represents a safe haven for students to learn, study and research, as well as a place for socialization and interaction. The Kent State Library has been an important environment for education for decades, and recently the new dean of University Libraries, Dr Jim Bracken, has taken the initiative to help propel change and renew a sense of unity between the Library and the Kent State community.

Bracken, who joined Kent State in August 2010, after working for more than 20 years at The Ohio State University, has a master's in English from the University of Toledo, as well as a doctorate in English and a Master of Librarianship from the University of South Carolina. During his time at Ohio State, he was the assistant director for collections, instruction and public services, among other titles, and hopes to transfer his knowledge of library services to his new position at Kent State.

Bracken has numerous reconstruction and renovation plans in store for the Library, most notably of which is the downsizing of the Library collection in order to increase space for studying and foot traffic.

"In the age of the Internet, it is no longer so much a matter of owning things," Bracken says regarding the book collection. "It's a matter of accessing things." 

By deliberately and systematically removing duplicate copies of seldom used titles, Bracken hopes to create sufficient space to support innovative uses of the Library. He would like to see millions of people per year physically visit the Library and aspires for the Library to become an even greater asset to the university.

Coincident with downsizing the Library collection, Bracken emphasizes the importance of preserving and making accessible content that is unique both to Kent State and the state of Ohio. "Managing our collection better also means that we preserve sufficient copies at Kent and in the State that are ready to use at a moment's notice," Bracken says. "'We deliver' ought to be our motto."  

To make this happen, Bracken hopes to take advantage of Kent State's great technology programs and improve the interlibrary loan system by making it faster and more efficient. Currently, interlibrary loan is a system which allows Ohio institutions of higher education to trade books between each other, and the program has been increasing in popularity over the past few years. Bracken says that he hopes that the need for interlibrary loans of common print materials will eventually be replaced by even greater access to electronic books and journals. 

 "We're not there yet, but we are getting closer. In order for us to make dramatic changes, we have to make bold moves," he says.

Bracken also hopes to raise sufficient funds to name the Library and to hold fundraising events to generate funds for building renovations.

Bracken is very thankful for the great reception he's received from Kent State and the community.

"This is the nicest place I've ever worked," he says, "and I want to do the best that I can for Kent State."

For more information regarding the Kent State Library, visit the website at www.library.kent.edu.

By Erin Dwinnells

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Ask Me! Button Campaign Continues to Welcome New Members to Campus Community

All Kent State employees hold a commitment to excellence and a willingness to share that commitment with the students that they serve. Whether you are giving a lost student directions to the Kent Student Center or helping someone find a classroom, the Ask Me! initiative is designed to support the successful launch of the new semester.

So wear or display your Ask Me! button to help get the semester off to a great start.

Thank you for wearing or displaying the button and for your continued commitment to excellence in all Kent State University does.

If you have questions about the Ask Me! button campaign or need a button, contact the office of your vice president. Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Call for Proposals: University Teaching Council Summer Teaching Development Grant

In support of excellence in education at Kent State University, the University Teaching Council calls for proposals to the Summer Teaching Development Grant  program. The program is intended to enhance student learning by engaging faculty to significantly improve teaching methods, develop curricula or create innovative course materials. The University Teaching Council seeks innovative proposals that address the university, college or departmental missions, including, but not limited to, proposals that address the LERs/Kent Core, distance learning, interdisciplinary courses and experiential learning. Proposals must address the Kent State Philosophy on Education that promotes knowledge, insight, engagement and responsibility. Preference will be given to projects that provide the greatest learning benefits to students.
 
Faculty may submit for Summer Teaching Development Grants in two amounts: $3,250 for a five-week period and $6,500 for a 10-week period. In addition, collaborative proposals may split a $6,500 award. The grants serve as faculty salary, and recipients must agree not to accept any other teaching projects for the duration of the grant.
 
The grants are intended to fund the total cost of the proposed project. In cases of exceptional expense, the University Teaching Council may consider additional funds under the Teaching Conference or the Teaching Development Grants.
 
There will be a proposal writing workshop onJan. 19 at 3:30 p.m., in Moulton Hall's 2nd floor lounge. This session is an opportunity to bring your questions and ideas to University Teaching Council members for group and individual consultations.

Proposal Deadline: Feb. 2, 2011

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Phased Closure of Allerton Apartments at Kent State to Begin in July 2011

Kent State University will begin a phased closure of the Allerton Apartment complex, starting this summer.

Located near Morris Road and Campus Center Drive, the Allerton Apartment complex was constructed in two phases, completed in 1962 and 1966. Two buildings were closed in July 2005 and demolished in July 2006. The remaining nine apartment buildings, consisting of 164 apartments, are rented to upper-division students and Kent State students with families. Occupancy of the complex is currently at 86 percent.

"The buildings are reaching the end of their life cycle," says Betsy Joseph, Kent State's director of the Department of Residence Services. "The buildings have regular problems, and it's not feasible to repair them. The buildings are safe now, but it will be cost-prohibitive to maintain them in the future."

The plan calls for the closure of two Allerton buildings - Building L and Building M - in July 2011. Thirty-eight units in those structures are currently occupied. Notification letters were recently mailed to residents in the affected buildings. Under the plan, Buildings F, J and K will close in July 2012. The remaining four, Buildings A, B, C and D, will close in July 2015.

Residents of Buildings L and M who sign a new lease and move into a new apartment within the Allerton complex will received a free month's credit ($750) of rent for the month of July 2011.

Kent State's Department of Residence Services has determined that the Kent area has sufficient housing to accommodate the affected residents. "Residence Services will be working to identify off-campus apartments to be included on a preferred provider list to assist students who are seeking those accommodations," Joseph said.

Demolition for the first five buildings being closed is slated for summer of 2012. The university does not have plans for the Allerton property at this time.

Residents with questions or concerns should contact the Allerton office at 330-672-2595.

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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Password System Upgrade Coming to Kent State in Spring 2011

Beginning February 2011, Kent State students, faculty and staff will notice improvements and changes to how they manage their online Kent State account and password.  As part of a Password System upgrade, a component of the Identity Management initiative from Information Services, the upgrade will reduce password support requests, make password resets easier through a streamlined FlashLine interface and utilize enhanced technology, bringing better account security to Kent State.

When the upgrade launches in February, users logging in to FlashLine will be prompted to reset their password, answer new password challenge questions and provide an alternate e-mail address.  Once the initial password reset is completed, a newly integrated FlashLine password management tool will serve as the primary way to manage and change their password from that point forward.

With these tools on hand, students, faculty and staff will be able to maintain their accounts at their own convenience, without having to call the Helpdesk for assistance.

The newly reset password will be used to access many university systems, including the FlashZone wireless network, FlashLine, Kent State e-mail, Banner and university-owned computers.  

Brendan Walsh, manager of Security and Access Management at Kent State, has helped lead the initiative since its inception.  "We've been working with many departments across campus as well as students, faculty and staff to ensure the upgrade goes as smoothly as possible this spring," Walsh says.

Walsh explains the requirement to enter an alternate e-mail address into the new system.   "We ask that all users enter an alternate e-mail address during their initial password reset.  This address will be utilized to help users regain access to their accounts in the event that they forget their password."

Walsh recommends that all students, faculty and staff have access to an alternate e-mail address in advance of the transition this spring.  Alternate e-mail addresses will only be used as a backup, in the event that a user is unable to access his or her account using his or her password and/or challenge questions.

Help for creating an alternate e-mail address is available at support.kent.edu.

Technology users at Kent State will receive more instructions and details on the Security and Access Management website, http://security.kent.edu, and via e-mail this spring.  As always, 24/7 account support is available from the Online Support Center, support.kent.edu, and by phone at 330-672-HELP (8324).  In-person support is also available through the Kent Library Information Services walk-up desk and through each campus area's end-user support professional.

By Chris Hallahan

Posted Jan. 10, 2011

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