August 29, 2024

     As new Ball State University students started classes on our beautiful campus earlier this month, I remain grateful to our Undergraduate Admissions and Office of Orientation staffs for holding another successful series of Fall Freshman Orientation sessions.

     Orientation is key to assisting our freshmen and their families in the transition into their Ball State experience. Nearly 3,500 freshmen and almost 4,400 family members attended this year’s orientation sessions, which were held in June and July.

     Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to all University staff who had supporting roles in this year’s orientation. I am certain that the hard work put forth has positively impacted our newest Cardinals, who are starting their college journeys with Ball State. A good start helps set the stage for future success.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University

Third Annual Student Success Summit Set for Sept. 17-18; Registration Opens Sept. 3
The 2024 Student Success Summit, a free event, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 8 a.m.-noon on Sept. 18. Some events will be held at Emens Auditorium, and others will be held in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. The registration period begins Sept. 3.

The theme for this year’s summit is “Leveraging Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Student Success.” Attendees can learn more about how colleagues use innovative tools, techniques, and technologies that have led to curricular innovations, pedagogical enhancements, and engaged learning—resulting in greater student outcomes. This is an opportunity for campus partners to discuss strategies to foster student success and wellbeing, and to help students achieve academic success in today’s technologically advanced world.

The summit’s opening speaker will be Dr. Leonard Taylor, director of the National Survey on Student Engagement and associate faculty member at Indiana University-Bloomington. The closing speaker will be Suzanne Carbonaro, director of higher education programs at 1EdTech Consortium.

To learn more about this year’s summit, email StudentSuccessSummit@bsu.edu.

MyBallState is Your New Campus Portal; Here’s How to Get Started
MyBallState is live and ready for all individuals with a Ball State login credential. The portal launched on June 3, and refinements were made over the Summer by the Division of Marketing and Communications and the Office of Information Technology. Capable of being personalized by each individual with a Ball State login credential, MyBallState will eventually—but not immediately—replace my.bsu.edu. Both sites will be available concurrently for a designated period, allowing ample time for users to become familiar with MyBallState. The sunset date for my.bsu.edu has yet to be determined.

Users can log in at MyBallState.bsu.edu or download the app from the Apple Store or on Google Play.

New Lifetime Learning Courses for Graduate Students and Mid-Career Professionals
Lifetime Learning collaborates with Ball State faculty and community experts to develop new skills courses to fill marketplace needs and support the academic community. Two new courses will be launched and listed in the Summer/Fall catalog:

First-ever Canvas Design Jam Competition and Learning Event Offers Chance to Win $200 in RIA funds
Faculty can participate in the inaugural Canvas Design Jam, an interactive competition and learning event that will challenge instructors to create the best Canvas designs within 90 minutes. It will feature activities and support to help faculty create innovative content in Canvas, no matter their expertise level. Creators of the top three designs will be awarded a Canvas Innovator Award and a $200 RIA contribution.

The event is set for 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 in a hybrid format. In-person attendees can enjoy snacks, activities, and door prizes. Zoom attendees will have a remote facilitator, activities designed for virtual engagement, and door prizes. Learn more and register online.

Participants can create anything from an assignment prompt to a syllabus scavenger hunt. The Jam is led by the Teaching Innovation Team, part of the Division of Online and Strategic Learning.

Discover Programs, Resources Available for Faculty
Visit Faculty Development Offerings for details regarding the many Fall 2024 programs and resources provided to all instructors teaching all modalities. From certificate courses to learning communities, the Teaching Innovation Team has programs to enhance the effectiveness of faculty members’ teaching practice.

Learning and Development Opportunities Available This Fall
There are numerous Learning and Development programming opportunities for the Fall 2024 semester. Here are just a few sample offerings:

These sessions are open to all employees on campus. To view upcoming sessions and register, visit the Learning and Development calendar page. When logging in to register, use your Ball State University username without the “@bsu.edu.” If there are questions or problems logging in, contact Charity Coffman, assistant director of organizational development and learning, at ccoffman@bsu.edu or 765-285-1819.

More sessions are being added regularly. Check the Learning and Development calendar page frequently or follow Ball State Learning and Development on LinkedIn to learn about updates on upcoming sessions.

Centennial Football Challenge Begins in September
Participate this Fall in the celebration of Ball State’s 100 years of football. The Office of Engagement, Wellbeing, and Culture is bringing back the six-week Fall activity challenge, starting on Sept. 9. Gather your team of six employees, and visit our Working Well website to register and find more information. Questions about the program can be directed to learndev@bsu.edu or call 765-285-1819.

Cardinal Day of Wellbeing Set for Oct. 29
The annual Cardinal Day of Wellbeing event will be held in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center on Oct. 29. All Ball State employees are invited and encouraged to attend. Programming related to the five pillars of wellbeing—financial, community, physical, social, and career—will be offered. Employees can also visit vendor booths, enjoy snacks, and register for prizes. More information about future sessions and registering for them will be available later on Ball State’s Communications Center.

Volunteers Needed to Help with Student Reading Program at MCS
Muncie Community Schools (MCS) is seeking volunteers to help with its reading program for second- and third-graders. Volunteers will help students improve their reading skills and boost their confidence to pass IREAD in Spring 2025. To volunteer, please complete the online form.

Cornhole Tournament Set for Sept. 7
Muncie Community Schools’ Community Engagement Council will have its first Cornhole Classic tournament on Sept. 7 at The Clubhouse in downtown Muncie. Registration is open now for two-player teams. The winning team will receive fabulous prizes, plus $500 donated to the winner’s MCS school of choice. Proceeds support Community Engagement Council initiatives at MCS. Register online.

2024 Outstanding Faculty Award Winners Announced at Ball State’s Fall Opening Convocation
Every year, Ball State presents awards to select faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the University community. The award winners are announced at Fall Opening Convocation, which was held on Aug. 16 this year.

The 2024 winners are:

Outstanding Junior Faculty Award
Dr. Douglas Roossien
Assistant Professor of Biology
College of Sciences and Humanities

Outstanding Administrator Award
Dr. Kristen McCauliff
Interim Dean / Associate Professor of Communications Studies
College of Communication, Information, and Media

Outstanding Advisor Award
Mr. Terry Heifetz
Senior Lecturer of Media
College of Communication, Information, and Media

Outstanding Faculty Service Award
Dr. Janay Sander
Professor of Educational Psychology
Teachers College

Outstanding Research Award
Dr. Sergiy Rosokha
Associate Professor of Chemistry
College of Sciences and Humanities

Outstanding Creative Endeavor Award
Mr. David Little
Associate Teaching Professor of Theatre / Directing
College of Fine Arts

Outstanding Teaching Award
Ms. Anne Beck
Associate Teaching Professor of Dance
College of Fine Arts

Outstanding Faculty Award
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed
Professor of Mathematical Sciences
College of Sciences and Humanities

Outstanding Diversity Advocate Award
Dr. Kiesha Warren-Gordon
Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology
College of Sciences and Humanities

Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Michael Prater
Associate Professor of Art Education
College of Fine Arts

Dr. Jason Ribblett
Assistant Teaching Professor of Chemistry
College of Sciences and Humanities

Lawhead Teaching Award
Ms. Mary Moore
Senior Lecturer of Communication Studies
College of Communication, Information, and Media

Ball State University Achieves Record-Breaking Fundraising Success for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
Ball State University achieved a fundraising milestone, securing more than $79 million in new gifts and commitments during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024.       

This record-breaking achievement highlights the unwavering support of the University’s graduates, friends, and partners, and significantly bolsters its mission of engaging students in experiences that empower them to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service.

Ball State’s $79 million in contributions during the 2023-24 fiscal year marks the sixth consecutive year of raising more than $30 million in new private, philanthropic gifts to the University. Prior to this streak, Ball State had not raised more than $30 million in two consecutive years.

One of the standout initiatives contributing to Ball State’s fundraising success is the University’s ongoing comprehensive campaign, Our Call to Beneficence, which is nearing the $300 million mark in secured gifts and commitments. Funds raised during Our Call to Beneficence will support initiatives to ensure student opportunity and success, enrich the academic experience, and expand Ball State’s campus and community impact. Read more in this Ball State press release.

Now Accepting Applications for Ball State’s Top 100 Student Awards
Applications for the annual Top 100 Student Awards can be submitted until Oct. 13, 2024. Nominations are not needed. New this year: All Top 100 students will be recognized at a celebration event on March 22, 2025.

Established in 2021 by the Ball State University Foundation, the Top 100 Student Awards honor 100 outstanding Ball State junior and senior students who excel in three categories: academic excellence, campus leadership, and community impact. This awards program is also an opportunity to educate students on the importance of staying connected to Ball State once they graduate while continuing to grow the culture of Beneficence. 

New Faculty Aspire Internal Grant Programs Available for Fall 2024
There are two programs specifically designed to better serve current scholarship needs for junior and established tenure-line faculty. Full descriptions and expectations can be found on the Aspire Website.

The Proposal Enhancement Grant supports preliminary research or scholarly projects that enhance the expertise needed to seek funding from an external agency successfully. 

The Arts & Humanities Emerging Scholarship Grant supports the professional advancement of faculty engaged in scholarly and creative pursuits that use humanistic or any creative discipline.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Aspire program by email: aspire@bsu.edu.

Upcoming Deadlines for September 2024

Superyacht Capt. Kelly J. Gordon to Speak on Campus Sept. 10 at Excellence in Leadership Event
Ball State’s Fall 2024 Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series (EIL) event will feature Kelly J. Gordon, one of the world’s most accomplished superyacht captains—also known for her leadership skills and mental health advocacy. Capt. Gordon, a 2004 Ball State graduate, will deliver her inspiring talk on leadership—and a wide range of personal and professional growth topics—at 7:30 p.m. on Sept.10 at Pruis Hall. The event, sponsored by the Office of Student Life, is free and open to the public. Read more about the event in this Ball State press release.

An Indiana native, Capt. Gordon earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of Science and Humanities. Learn more about Capt. Gordon on her website.

Time Travelers Program Wins Award
Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning’s Historic Preservation Time Travelers program has won the Indiana Landmarks’ 2024 Sandi Servaas Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in historic preservation. The program, geared for children ages 9-12, fosters a deeper appreciation for history and community heritage through innovative, hands-on activities. As the youth-serving category winner, Time Travelers receives $1,000 and a sculpture, “No Doors to Lock Out the Past,” by the late Evansville artist John McNaughton.

With the goal of engaging children, the Time Travelers program uses creative methods, including sculpting building façades in clay, photographing architectural details, and building their landmarks. Activities such as scavenger hunts and walking tours help students discover local landmarks and architectural styles.

Indiana Landmarks is hosting a program on Sept. 7 that includes the presentation of the Sandi Servaas Memorial Award and other accolades.

Entrepreneurial Experience Lecture Series Scheduled for This Fall
This Fall, the Entrepreneurship Center will offer a speaker series featuring entrepreneurs sharing their experiences. The center hosts provocative entrepreneurs from all walks of life who are changing the world economically and socially.

Each lecture will be held at 11 a.m. in the Arts and Communications Building, Room 114, and will include a presentation on the entrepreneur’s story, lessons learned, and advice.

This Fall’s speaker series schedule is as follows:

Learn more online about the scheduled speakers.

Supply Chain Management Bachelors Program Ranks No. 19 in ‘Best-of” List
The Information Systems and Operations Management department’s online bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management ranked No. 19 out of the 25 schools in TechGuide’s 2024 Best-of-Program rankings. These rankings focus on programs that provide a solid foundation in supply chain principles. They highlight programs that combine academic excellence with practical skills.

Indy Shorts Film Festival Showcases Student Work
The first iteration of a collaborative project between the College of Communication, Information, and Media; the College of Fine Arts; and Indianapolis-based Heartland Film culminated in the premiere of the Indy Shorts International Film Festival’s Radiance Cinema block at the end of July. During this segment of the six-day festival, Ball State students who participated in Radiance Cinema—a year-long immersive approach to learning the art of filmmaking—were able to watch their work on the big screen alongside alumni, faculty, staff, and other festival-goers in a packed theater. Premiering the student-created films at the film festival also opens the door for Academy Award qualification. Read more in this Ball State blog.  

CCIM Welcomes Freshman Class with Jump Start Program
The College of Communication, Information, and Media held its Jump Start program Aug. 11-13, welcoming a select group of this year’s freshman class to campus before move-in officially started for all students. This transition-to-college program allowed students to acclimate to campus, meet faculty and staff, interact with other first-year students, and explore the plethora of clubs, organizations, and activities within the college and across campus. Participating students also went on a field trip to Indianapolis-area strategic communication, production, news, and sports-related businesses and organizations.

Assistant Professor Uses Costume Design Talents
Kathryn Rohe, associate professor of theatre and dance, designed the costumes for Sense and Sensibility at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. The production ran June 28-Aug. 2.

Ms. Rohe also worked at the National Fiber Technology (NFT), located just north of Boston, through the Summer. NFT provides fur yardage made with synthetic and natural fiber to clients worldwide and produces costumes in the Costume Atelier wing of their business. Ms. Rohe is helping produce four pairs of themed costumes for the company’s owners to wear during the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions conference, which will be held in Orlando in October.

Additionally, Ms. Rohe helped organize the costumes for a production of Tangled, Disney’s story of Rapunzel, that will be produced for Camp Fatima—a Catholic camp that hosts disabled children—during its final week of the season.

Quintet Performs at Carmel Jazz Festival
The Ball State Jazz Quintet was a featured group at the Carmel Jazz Festival on Aug.10. The students selected to perform at the festival were Carter Brickler on guitar, Michael Santos on bass, Kyle Books on drums, Jason Frosch on trumpet, and Griffin McAtee on saxophone. The Carmel Jazz Festival was an excellent platform for these students to showcase their skills and gain exposure.

Leadership Team of College of Health Has New Members
The College of Health has new additions to its leadership team:

Learn more about these new members of the team in this College of Health blog.

CSH Launches Indiana’s First Comprehensive Forensic Science Program
The College of Sciences and Humanities recently announced its newest degree program: the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. This new offering—in line with the University’s mission of engaging students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives—will focus on the application of scientific knowledge and methods to investigate crimes, enforce government regulations, and resolve civil disputes. The forensic science program is specifically designed for those seeking broad knowledge of several scientific fields and their application to the justice system. It provides four specialized concentration areas: behavioral, biological, chemical, and digital. No other institution in Indiana offers a comprehensive undergraduate forensic science program with four unique tracks. Learn more in this Ball State press release.

Star Party Connects CSH Students to Opportunities
The College of Sciences and Humanities, in partnership with Living-Learning Communities, is hosting Star Party—an activities fair for humanities and social science majors and minors— from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the Studebaker West Complex. Representatives from more than 40 student organizations, immersive learning programs, projects, and study abroad trip programs will be present to help students find activities and get involved on campus.

Burris Students Honored for Their Work
Two Burris Laboratory School students were honored in June by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at the 25th Annual Central Great Lakes Student Production Awards. Lawson Sanchez was awarded Photographer of the Year, and Jesse Lee was awarded Talent of the Year in News or Sports.

Flight Path to Teaching Adventure Hosts Students
Teachers College hosted 37 rising high school juniors and seniors in June for the second annual Flight Path to Teaching Adventure, an innovative, free program made possible by a Lilly Endowment grant. During the program, participants served as apprentice teachers at Camp Adventure during the day, and enjoyed fun activities on the Ball State campus and in the Muncie community in the afternoons and evenings. This innovative program has resulted in early success, with 11 of last year’s participants out of the eligible 18 attending Ball State in the Fall as Teachers College majors. Learn more.

TC Graduate Becomes Director, CEO of MCS
Teachers College Outstanding Alumni Award winner and longtime Muncie Community Schools (MCS) administrator Chuck Reynolds took over as the director of public education and CEO of MCS on July 1. He succeeds former Director and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, who retired on June 30. 

Library Instruction Available for All Ball State Courses
University Libraries offers library instruction, in-person and online, for a wide range of information and digital literacy skills, which can increase student success. When faculty schedule an instruction session, librarians collaborate with them to identify the skills students need to succeed in their specific courses and then develop an instruction session designed to give students more competency in that area. Faculty can go online to schedule an instruction session for their courses this Fall semester.

Integrate On-Demand Information Literacy Tool into Canvas Course
University Libraries encourages faculty to integrate the University Libraries Canvas module into courses. This module has topics that can be included anywhere in a course to instruct students on how to get help from the library, identify good information sources, evaluate those sources, and use information ethically. To download this module into courses, log in to Canvas, search for “Ball State University Libraries” in Canvas Commons, click “Import/Download,” check the box for the course that you want to import the module into, and click “import into course.” Questions about this can be sent to libemail@bsu.edu.

Reduce the Cost of Course Materials Through Reading Lists
Faculty can contact Laura Suman, head of access services and open education, at lsuman@bsu.edu this Summer to discuss how to utilize Reading Lists to make courses more affordable and resources more accessible. Reading Lists is a system that gives students simple access to resources selected by their instructors.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with current campaigns, news and events