eInside Briefs

Mark Polatajko Selected as Kent State’s New Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration

CFO and COO from Wright State to lead Kent State’s Division of Business and Finance

Kent State University has selected Mark
M. Polatajko, Ph.D., CPA, as its new senior
vice president for finance and administration.

Following a national search, Kent State University has selected Mark M. Polatajko, Ph.D., CPA, as its new senior vice president for finance and administration. Polatajko comes to Kent State from Wright State University, where he has served as vice president for business and finance/chief financial officer and chief operating officer. He joins Kent State on Jan. 1, 2016.

Polatajko will lead Kent State’s Division of Business and Finance that includes budget, financial reporting, facilities planning and operations, business and administration services, public safety, internal audit, as well as compliance/risk management and real estate. In addition, the Division of Human Resources and its vice president will report to Polatajko to enhance and strengthen a seamless coordination of services to faculty, staff and students at Kent State. The senior vice president for finance and administration reports directly to Kent State President Beverly Warren and is a cabinet-level position.

“We are delighted that Mark will be joining our executive leadership team and look forward to his contributions as a strategic and innovative leader in finance and administration,” Warren says. “He joins Kent State at a time of great momentum and will be instrumental in advancing our vision as a transformative, dynamic and distinctive university.

“I want to thank Gregg Floyd, who has served in this position since 2008 and announced this past March his plans for retirement,” Warren continues. “I am deeply grateful to Gregg for his dedication to the university and the many contributions he has made, such as executing the historic Foundations of Excellence: Building the Future initiative, working with trustees to strengthen investment strategies, continuing the university’s leadership in campus safety and emergency preparedness, and most of all, advancing the town-gown relations and developments including the revitalization of downtown Kent. We wouldn’t be where we are without his leadership.”

Floyd will facilitate an effective transition with his successor and will assist the president on special projects until his retirement on June 30, 2016.

“This is such an exciting time to join Kent State,” Polatajko says. “A strategic vision is forming that will drive innovation and positive change not only within the university, but in the community, region and beyond. I am deeply honored that I was invited to be a part of that. I look forward to joining President Warren and my new colleagues in driving progress and success at Kent State University.”

Polatajko has more than 17 years of senior fiscal management experience in both government and not-for-profit organizations. In his role as vice president for business and finance at Wright State, he provides strategic, proactive and innovative leadership to enhance, evaluate, develop and implement customer-driven financial system policies, procedures and processes for the efficient and effective delivery of services to students, customers, faculty, staff and administration. Through his recently added chief operating officer role, Polatajko provides consistent leadership across the university enterprise ensuring a focus on people, learning, partnerships, relationships, sustainability and stewardship.

Prior to joining Wright State on Jan. 1, 2012, Polatajko served as the vice president of Cuyahoga Community College’s Administration and Finance Division. He also held a variety of positions with the Ohio Lottery Commission in Cleveland, eventually becoming the lottery’s deputy director of finance, and has five years of public accounting experience with Ciuni & Panichi in Beachwood, Ohio.

A certified public accountant, Polatajko is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. He formerly served as chairperson of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges Fiscal Officers in 2009-2010 and has chaired the Fiscal Officers Committee of the Inter-University Council of Ohio since 2013.

A native of Parma, Ohio, Polatajko graduated from the University of Akron with his Bachelor of Science in accountancy degree and earned his Master of Business Administration with a specialization in finance from Ashland University. He received his Ph.D. in urban education from Cleveland State University, specializing in leadership and lifelong learning. Polatajko’s research focuses on topics in public university finance, specifically performance funding of state public higher education.

Polatajko, his wife and three children will be moving back to Northeast Ohio from the Dayton area.

For more information about Kent State’s Division of Business and Finance, visit www.kent.edu/business-finance.

FlashPac Provides Comparison Shopping for Best Ground Shipping Rates

FlashPac is a new program created by Kent State
University's Mail Services for Kent Campus departments
that use ground shipping to send packages. 

Kent State University Mail Services is introducing a new program for Kent Campus departments that use ground shipping to send packages. FlashPac is accessible to employees through their desktop computer, tablet or mobile device.

The new software allows departments to comparison shop shipping services, costs and deliveries for university ground packages with several different carriers including FedEx, UPS, USPS and DHL. At this time, the service is not available for overnight mail.

FlashPac is accessible online at www.kent.edu/mailservices/flashpac. Users log in and follow the prompts to enter the shipping address and estimated weight of the package, and then select the shipping vendor desired or Best Way to comparison shop. When the shipping vendor has been selected and submitted, the user prints the barcoded “traveler slip” and attaches it to the package. Mail Services will receive electronic notification that a package is waiting for pick up.

Mail Services will pick up the package, verify the weight and prepare it for shipping. When the package has shipped, Mail Services will notify the department of the exact rate and the tracking number.

Steve Finley, manager of Kent State’s Mail Services, says FlashPac will help Mail Services meet the changing postal needs on campus and be positioned to grow for the future.

“In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the volume of outbound packages,” Finley says. “Centralizing the ground shipping process will allow for more competitive rates, decreased campus traffic, and more efficient and timely processing.” 

More information on FlashPac and how it works, including a user guide, is available on the website. Questions should be directed to Finley at 330-672-8703 or sfinley7@kent.edu.

Singaporean Chef Visits Kent State for Global Chef Event

Chef Norman Leow of Singapore will visit
the Kent Campus from Oct. 19-20 as part
of the Global Chef program. Leow will
demonstrate meal preparations and share
samples with the Kent State community.

(Photo credit: Sodexo.com)

Kent State University’s Dining Services is pleased to welcome Chef Norman Leow of Singapore to Kent State for the third annual two-day Global Chef event

The Global Chef program is a monthlong international residency provided to top chefs around the world. This gives chefs the opportunity to share the taste of their country to an audience across various dining teams and campuses. Leow will introduce the taste of Singapore to the Kent State community on Monday, Oct. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 20.

On Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kent Market 2, Leow will demonstrate meal preparations and provide students, faculty and staff with authentic entrées to brighten up their taste buds. Shortly after, Leow will share samples at Prentice Cafe at 2 p.m. On Tuesday, Leow will begin the global event with samplings in the Kent Student Center lobby from noon-1 p.m., and conclude his visit to the university with dinner at 5 p.m.­-7 p.m. in Eastway Cafe.

Bringing Leow to campus will offer a firsthand experience of a different cultural background and encourage students to broaden their horizons.

“The introduction to international food preparation and cuisine to students, faculty, staff and the community creates a diverse dining experience of a region we may never have a chance to visit,” says Rita Mugford, marketing coordinator for Dining Services.

For more information about Kent State’s Dining Services, visit www.kent.edu/dining.

Call for Kent State Alumni Award Nominations

Kent State University President Beverly Warren (middle)
poses for a photo with the 2015 recipients of the Kent State
Alumni Awards.

The Kent State University Alumni Association invites faculty and staff to nominate deserving alumni for the Kent State Alumni Awards. Sponsored by the alumni association, the Alumni Awards recognize graduates in the area of leadership, service, character and professional development.

One student award – the Golden Flash award – also will be given to a student who promotes Kent State spirit, pride and tradition.

Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 31, and award recipients will be honored at the Alumni Awards Ceremony in the fall of 2016. To nominate an individual, visit www.ksualumni.org/alumniawards.

Kent State’s School of Communication Studies Now Accepting Nominations for 2016 Centennial Award Celebration

Kent State University’s School of Communication Studies is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Centennial Award Celebration. The Centennial Award Celebration began in 2010 and has honored three outstanding individuals each year for their success and contribution to the field of communication. This celebration takes place during Kent State’s Homecoming and honors recipients with a reception and an award acknowledgement.

All nominations can be submitted on the School of Communication Studies website at www.kent.edu/comm/centennial-award-celebration-nominations by Dec. 31. Self-nominations are accepted.

The nomination process includes providing answers to a series of questions about detailed background and career information. The three awards given out at the reception include the following:

• The Centennial Award is the highest honor given by the School of Communication Studies. It honors an individual associated with the school and who is nationally or internationally recognized for contributions to his or her profession that relates to the field of communication.
• The Distinguished Alumni Award honors a graduate from the School of Communication Studies with more than 15 years of professional experience who has made significant contributions to the field of communication and demonstrated success in his or her chosen career. 
• The Outstanding Young Professional Award honors a graduate from the School of Communication Studies with five to 15 years of professional experience who has demonstrated success in his or her chosen career.
  

The 2015 Centennial Award Celebration recipients were Jerry D. Feezel, Robin Clair and Anthony Limperos.

For more information about Kent State’s School of Communication Studies, visit www.kent.edu/comm.

Important Information Regarding Final Grading of Fall 2015 First 7 Weeks (W1) Classes

Online final grading for fall 2015 First 7 Weeks (W1) courses meeting from Aug. 31 through Oct. 18, 2015, began Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, via FlashFAST. Grading also is now available for any fall 2015 course section that was flexibly scheduled and has an end date no later than Oct. 18, 2015. The deadline for grading submission is midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. Any final grades for fall 2015 First 7 Weeks (W1) courses not reported in FlashFAST by the grades processing deadline will have to be submitted using the Grade Change Workflow.  These fall 2015 First 7 Weeks (W1) courses will be available in the Workflow on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015.

Incomplete Mark and NF/SF Grades

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 earning a D or better grade and are unable to complete the required work between the course withdrawal deadline and the end of classes. 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.

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.

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

Grades Processing Tips and FAQ may be found on the Office of the University Registrar's website at www.kent.edu/registrar/faculty-grades-processing. Any faculty member needing personalized instruction on submitting their grades via FlashFAST should contact their campus Registrar's Office during normal business hours for assistance.

To access FlashFAST to post your final grades, log in to FlashLine from www.kent.edu (click FlashLine Login from top right menu bar) then click the Faculty & Advisor Tools tab. Locate the Faculty Toolbox, and select Final under the Submit Grades heading.

Troubleshooting TIP: FlashFAST is accessible from any Internet-capable computer that has the cookies function enabled. We recommend that you clean out your cookie and cache files regularly to help your computer run faster, and to potentially restore and/or improve your access to FlashFAST and/or FlashLine by improving your connection to the server. Our Helpdesk is prepared to offer assistance with these issues. Please contact them at 330-672-HELP (4357) for one-on-one assistance and technical issues.

Important Information Regarding Final Grading of Fall 2015 First 7 1/2 Weeks (H1) Classes

Online final grading for fall 2015 First 7 1/2 Weeks (H1) courses meeting from Aug. 31 through Oct. 21, 2015, begins Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, via FlashFAST. Grading also is now available for any fall 2015 course section that was flexibly scheduled and has an end date no later than Oct. 21, 2015. The deadline for grading submission is midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. Any final grades for fall 2015 First 7 1/2 Weeks (H1) courses not reported in FlashFAST by the grades processing deadline will have to be submitted using the Grade Change Workflow.  These fall 2015 First 7 1/2 Weeks (H1) courses will be available in the Workflow on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015.

Incomplete Mark and NF/SF Grades

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 earning a D or better grade and are unable to complete the required work between the course withdrawal deadline and the end of classes. 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.

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.

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

Grades Processing Tips and FAQ may be found on the Office of the University Registrar's website at www.kent.edu/registrar/faculty-grades-processing. Any faculty member needing personalized instruction on submitting their grades via FlashFAST should contact their campus Registrar's Office during normal business hours for assistance.
   
To access FlashFAST to post your final grades, login to FlashLine from www.kent.edu (click FlashLine Login from top right menu bar) then click the Faculty & Advisor Tools tab. Locate the Faculty Toolbox, and select Final under the Submit Grades heading.

Troubleshooting TIP: FlashFAST is accessible from any Internet-capable computer that has the cookies function enabled. We recommend that you clean out your cookie and cache files regularly to help your computer run faster, and to potentially restore and/or improve your access to FlashFAST and/or FlashLine by improving your connection to the server. Our Helpdesk is prepared to offer assistance with these issues. Please contact them at 330-672-HELP (4357) for one-on-one assistance and technical issues.