Division of Academic Affairs
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Lakers Ready is sent by the Office of the Provost
to faculty and staff within the Division of Academic Affairs
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In this issue of Lakers Ready
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- Laker to Laker
- Empowered Education
- Engaged Scholarship
- Events
- Important Dates and Links
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Dear Colleagues,
Last week we held commencement ceremonies for 3194 students, 2696 with a bachelor’s degree, and 498 with a graduate degree. It is always a privilege to share in the joy and sense of accomplishments in the students and their families and friends. It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the investment and commitment it takes from our faculty and staff to take each of these learners from their first day of orientation to the day of commencement. This is why we are here. This is what you all do so well and with so much passion. My deep gratitude to each one of you for your role in changing 3194 lives and life trajectories. Thank you and congratulations! Several faculty, staff, and administrators had a child, close relative or colleague walk across the stage. Congratulations!
Thank you as well to all of you who were there as part of the faculty procession, who served as marshals, as volunteers, and as organizers behind the scenes. Your presence, your time, and your work are much appreciated.
Last week, I shared one of the books in my reading queue, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout, by Cal Newport. I offered to send a copy to the first 50 who requested it. We were thrilled by the response. Fifty copies were requested within the first two hours. We removed the cap and reopened the link on Tuesday. So far 58 copies have been requested. We will process and send you the book soon.
Encouraged by your response, I am sharing a second title. Daniel Dennett, philosopher and cognitive scientist died 10 days ago. You may know him from his most popular book From Bacteria to Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds. Here is his presentation at Google about this book. His writing and thinking about neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, the Mind, and Consciousness takes a unique approach and combines ideas and methods from the theories of evolution, mathematics, engineering and design, computer science, anthropology, and philosophy while posing questions that we are only now beginning to raise with the advent of ChatGPT and the like. Last year he published I’ve Been Thinking: a book described as “a memoir by one of the greatest minds of our age, preeminent philosopher and cognitive scientist”. So, this is my second book suggestion and offer to those interested in reading this instead or in addition. Here is the link to request this title by Dennett.
In addition, through the summer months, I would love to set aside regular times to discuss the books: coffee, or a walk, or anything you have in mind. You are free to invite me to visit your lab, your space, your building, and you are welcome to sign up as individuals or small groups. Please use this link to sign up.
With much gratitude,
Fatma
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Lakers Ready - Spring/Summer Distribution |
This is a reminder that Lakers Ready will continue to be distributed throughout the Spring/Summer semester. Publication dates are: May 6, May 20, June 3, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12; weekly distribution will return with the start of Fall classes on August 26. Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit events or updates that are of interest to others within the Division of Academic Affairs. Please complete the Submission Form to have your announcement in Lakers Ready.
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Exploring Study Away at GVSU |
Whether a week- or semester-long trip, faculty-led learning within the U.S. are often referred to as "study away" opportunities. Whether you are already engaged in study away (or study abroad) programs or have an exploratory interest, please consider joining a group of faculty and staff for a Zoom conversation about planning, implementing and assessing study away programs. Share experiences and lessons learned, brainstorm ideas, discuss potential collaborations and funding opportunities. This virtual session will take place on May 16, 10:00-12:00 p.m., RVSP on the FTLC website.
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Congratulations to Chelsea Duball of Biology for receiving an award of $201,577 from the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, via Kansas State University, for her project, "Redox Feature Dynamics: Does Time-Since-Excavation Change Soil Morphology?" Results from this study will inform best practices for sampling and describing soils used by soil scientists and wetland delineators, towards improving wetland conservation and management nationwide.
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ACSM's Introduction to Exercise Science |
Jeffrey Potteiger, Associate Vice Provost of The Graduate School and Professor of Movement Science, published American College of Sports Medicine's: Introduction to Exercise Science. This book provides an overview of the components important to developing a solid foundation of athletic training and sports medicine, clinical/sport biomechanics, clinical exercise physiology, exercise/sport nutrition, exercise physiology, exercise/sport psychology, and motor behavior. Click here to learn more about this book.
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Authentic Assessment Workshop with FTLC & eLearning |
Join FTLC and eLearning Technologies for an interactive in-person workshop where we will discuss what makes an assessment "authentic" and how to design it so that students can demonstrate their understanding in relevant and meaningful ways. This workshop will also give educators valuable insights into their students' progress, areas for improvement, and technologies that can support authentic learning. This workshop will take place on May 8, 10:00-12:00 p.m., 3068 Zumberge Hall, Allendale Campus. Registration encouraged.
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| Important Dates and Links
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1 Campus Drive
3090 JHZ
Allendale, MI 49401
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