News for Ball State Faculty and Staff
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Stories of Gratitude
September 15, 2020
I write to express my gratitude for our colleagues in Facilities Planning and Management. I appreciate the dedicated women and men who, every day, no matter the weather, keep our campus and facilities clean and beautiful. I am also grateful for the people who work on all of the design, construction, and supervision of our building projects.
Thanks to their planning, diligence, and hard work, we are experiencing the largest concentrated five-year period of construction in the history of our University, funded in significant part by capital appropriations from the State of Indiana and philanthropic contributions from generous donors.
In this short period, we have built the Health Professions Building, are constructing the Foundational Sciences Building, and will soon begin the extensive renovation of Cooper Science Complex. By 2023, these three facilities, which represent an extraordinary investment by the State of Indiana, will provide premier spaces and technology for students pursuing careers in science and health.
In addition, we are demolishing the outdated LaFollette Complex and replacing it with the North Residential Neighborhood, providing our students with first-rate places to live and eat, and enhance what they learn in class. The construction of a new dining hall and first new residence hall are complete, and the second residence hall will be completed in 2021.
We are also making progress on the new East Mall, a pathway that runs north from The Village to the Gora Student Recreation and Wellness Center on Neely Avenue. A significant step was to build the New York Avenue Parking Structure, demolish the Emens Parking Structure, and replace that space with the Grand Lawn. Just to the west of the new lawn, we are constructing our new Multicultural Center, which will allow us to expand programming for all of our students.
These projects are visible examples of our University’s bright future. I appreciate our colleagues’ efforts to make it a reality.
Sincerely,
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Ball State's COVID-19 Website
For the latest updates, and complete information about Ball State’s array of safety protocols, please visit bsu.edu/coronavirus. Our COVID-19 dashboard provides additional, relevant information to the Ball State community and to the public.
University leadership will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis for multiple indicators that have a significant impact on the COVID-19 environment. Some of the indicators include: the number of new and existing cases, availability of testing, availability of health care for those who need it, contract tracing capacity, availability of quarantine and isolation space, personal protective equipment inventory, and state and federal mandates and guidelines.
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Strategic Plan Update
On Friday, President Mearns sent an email about the 2019-20 Annual Strategic Plan Report. This annual report provides highlights of our progress over the past year in accomplishing the 2040 goals and 2024 strategic imperatives. To develop this report, we gathered data by using our strategic planning software, Cascade, as well as the Cabinet-level strategic imperative reporting matrixes. We hope that you find this report useful in your continued work moving our strategic plan forward. For more information on Destination 2040: Our Flight Path and the annual report, please visit the Strategic Plan website.
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For Your Benefit
Employee Relations/Affirmative Action
Ball State protocols call for the University Health Center to provide and/or direct all medical care for employees injured on the job. As you may recall, the Health Center is not accepting walk-in appointments. Please call 765-285-8431 for an appointment to ensure pre-screening protocols are followed.
Employees injured on the job will be worked in as quickly as possible. The Health Center staff appreciate your patience, and they truly deserve our support and gratitude during this challenging time.
Professional Development Resources
To help you excel in all you do, the Division of Human Resources is committed to employee professional development. Partnerships with professional development organizations provide access to resources at your fingertips, at no charge to you. The three resources below provide multifaceted learning opportunities covering a wide range of topics, with varied delivery methods.
Online resource LinkedIn Learning provides nuts and bolts training for using software and online tools.
Academic Impressions is focused on the unique professional development needs within higher education through online learning and development resources (such as webinars, online conferences, and white papers). You can access the site anytime with Single Sign On using your bsu.edu email. Register for a half-hour information session with Roshaon Tytar, account manager, on Thursday, September 17, at 10 a.m., to learn more.
Shafer Leadership Academy offers a personalized view toward leadership development. Shafer Leadership’s public programs will be delivered virtually for the remainder of 2020. Its unlimited free courses include coffee talks, lunch and learns, and workshops. You can sign up with your bsu.edu email address.
Working Well
Did you know that Ball State is invested in creating a culture of wellbeing that helps you lead a meaningful and engaged life? One way we accomplish this is through our Working Well programs and its participation incentives. Qualifying employees are able to collect a financial incentive along with wellness vouchers that can be redeemed for on-campus programs, campus event tickets, and more.
- The BeWell program provides you cash back in your December paycheck just for completing your annual physical with your primary care doctor and registering for the Engage App.
- The LiveWell program provides you with Ball State vouchers for participating in a variety of wellbeing activities.
You are welcome to participate in both the BeWell and LiveWell programs every year. You have until October 31, 2020, to submit your documentation. For more detailed information, along with accessibility to forms, visit our Working Well website or call 765-285-9355.
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New Arts and Cultural Events Webpage
The health and safety of the University community and campus visitors are top priorities. Ball State’s commitment to safety means that some events will be conducted virtually, some will occur outdoors, and some in-person events will be limited in attendance to comply with proper physical distancing guidelines.
Ball State will remain diligent in prioritizing health and safety when planning events so that we can still celebrate the arts on our campus during these challenging times.
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R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning
Architecture
J.P. Hall, assistant professor in historic preservation, in collaboration with Brian Blackford and Beth Neu with the Indiana Communities Institute, developed a pilot project to support Main Street economic vitality in nine communities throughout Indiana. CAP graduate assistants and staff from the Center for Business and Economic Research provided data collection and design support. The IMPACT Main Street pilot program is funded by USDA Rural Development and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Landscape Architecture
Natalie Yates, assistant professor of landscape architecture, has been awarded a University Design Research Fellowship with Exhibit Columbus. Her scholarly work is situated at the intersection of representation and analysis of landscape systems. Her research focuses on dynamic landscape illustration and simulation, using sensing methods in the design process, including geographic information systems (GIS) and UAVs (drones), in responsive design and post-industrial urban landscapes.
IDIA Lab
IDIA Lab has created a virtual gallery design system in partnership with Sinespace, a multiuser virtual world platform based in the United Kingdom. Sinespace asked IDIA to design this system for its new virtual environment. The Gallery Designer is an easy-to-use system to dynamically create gallery and museum exhibitions on the fly with any web hosted images. Learn more on the IDIA Lab website.
Miller College of Business
New Award for Campus Staff
This year, the Miller College of Business created Helping Hands to show its gratitude for exceptional support provided by campus staff. These two new service awards recognize contributions of staff (professional and nonexempt) from outside the college who have gone beyond what might expected in helping Miller College fulfill its mission. 2020 Helping Hands Award winners are Monica Roberts of the Office of the Registrar (professional) and John Knox of the Career Center (nonexempt).
Notable Research
Assistant Professor of Management Dr. Brian Webster’s research was recently featured in Harvard Business Review. “How to Inoculate Your Team Against Conspiracy Theories,” co-authored by Dr. Webster and several colleagues, involves conspiracy perceptions related to COVID-19. While it may be easy to dismiss those who believe in these theories as a minority fringe, the authors’ research suggests feeling a lack of control makes people more susceptible. The article suggests action steps individuals and leaders can take to reduce uncertainty.
Events
The Entrepreneurial Experience Lecture Series kicked off in early September with Dee Parson, an award-nominated cartoonist and animator based in Indiana, and Chris Cammack, the founder and CEO of Cammack Estates, one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Indiana. You can attend the remaining lectures in the series live on Facebook.
College of Communication, Information, and Media
Cardinal Compass: Campus and Community Conversations will return to Indiana Public Radio and WIPB-TV at 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 18. Each month, the 30-minute program featuring President Mearns and his guests will explore the connections between Muncie and Ball State. CCIM students produce, host, and edit the show as part of an immersive learning project. This month, President Mearns and Provost Susana Rivera-Mills will discuss “Ball State’s Response to COVID-19.”
Faculty Recognition
- Three CCIM faculty earned Ball State 2020 Outstanding Faculty Awards at the University’s Fall Opening Convocation: Dr. Dom Caristi (Outstanding Service), Dr. Peggy Fisher (Outstanding Teacher), and Dr. Carrie Shue (Outstanding Faculty). Read more about the awards.
- CCIM honored 10 faculty members at its 2020 Fall Assembly: Dr. Becky McDonald (Community Connections), Dr. Wes Gehring (Distinguished Researcher), Dr. Natalee Seely (Distinguished Researcher), Dr. Steve Jones (Extraordinary Service), Alex Kartman (High Technology), Brian Hayes (Professionalism), Mike Gerhard (Social Responsibility), Gary Graham (journalism alumnus, Steward’s Award), Dr. Kyle Heuett (Teaching), and Mary Moore (Dean’s Faculty Award). Read more about the awards.
Publications
- Salesforce VP Karen Mangia, an alumna of the Center for Information and Communication Sciences, published two books: Working From Home: Making the New Normal Work For You and Listen Up!: How to Tune in to Customers, and Turn Down the Noise. Learn about her formula for success on the CCIM blog.
- Communication studies alumnus and Emplify's Chief People Officer Adam Weber published his first book, titled Lead Like A Human: Practical Steps to Building Highly Engaged Teams.
- CCIM Dean Dr. Paaige Turner co-authored “Challenging the Discourse of Leadership as Knowledge: Knowing and Not Knowing" published in Management Communication Quarterly. Read the article’s abstract.
College of Fine Arts
David Owsley Museum of Art
DOMA presents a new Online Mindfulness in the Museum series this semester, offering anyone a chance to pause and be in the moment from your own computer. The series includes laughter yoga sessions and meditation videos for new and experienced practitioners alike. Visit bsu.edu/doma on September 18 for the first installment, and follow DOMA on Facebook and the Ball State calendar of events.
Department of Theatre and Dance
The Department of Theatre and Dance looks forward to sharing entertaining, thought-provoking, and educational works in a variety of modalities, including live theatrical and dance works, virtual performances, and filmed dances. A complete listing of Fall 2020 performances, as well as ticket information and safety precautions when attending a show, is at bsu.edu/theatredance/season.
School of Art
The School of Art has scheduled a Visiting Artist Talk with John Pomeroy, 5-6 p.m., Thursday, October 1.
Mr. Pomeroy is an American animator, producer, writer, storyboard artist, character designer, and painter who has worked for Walt Disney Studios and Don Bluth Studios. The location is TBD. Updates will be posted to the University calendar and School of Art Facebook page.
School of Music
The School of Music announces its Fall 2020 concerts and events, including its ninth Annual School of Music Showcase on Friday, September 25. The Showcase Concert presents a sampling of outstanding large ensembles, chamber groups, and soloists. This year’s concert will be presented in an entirely virtual format, with a mix of live and previously recorded material. Learn more at bsu.edu/music/events.
College of Health
Fifty-five COH students were trained by COH faculty mentors to serve as Cardinal Health Navigators for isolated and quarantined students residing on the Ball State campus. This is a collaborative effort between COH and the Office of the Dean of Students. As peer health mentors under the guidance of their faculty liaisons, they will provide additional support to isolated and quarantined students by communicating with them virtually, via Zoom or Webex, two or three times a week.
Faculty and Student News
- Dr. Lynn Bielski, assistant professor of audiology, was a featured expert in a recent New York Times article. Read the article.
- Governor Eric Holcomb has appointed Dr. Sharon Bowman—chairperson and professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology, and Counseling—to the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission.
- The Social Work Department has created a new Black Student Social Work Association led by CeCe Dumas, a bachelor of social work student.
- Dr. Lawrence Judge, professor of kinesiology, was presented the Rawlings Outstanding Distance Education Teaching Award at Fall Opening Convocation.
College of Sciences and Humanities- Dr. Emily Johnson, assistant professor of history, is developing an oral history project to preserve the queer history of Muncie through interviews with community members. Through this project, she has learned about the rich queer history of Muncie. She recently shared about her research on LGBTQ+ Muncie in Ball Bearings in advance of Muncie's first Pride Parade, which will happen virtually on September 19.
- Dr. Kelly Boyer Ontl, assistant professor of anthropology, and co-author Jill D. Pruetz, a Texas State University anthropology professor, recently published their findings on nursing mother chimpanzees. The study, “Mothers Frequent Caves: Lactation Affects Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) Cave Use in Southeastern Senegal,” provides evidence that reproductive states affects cave-use frequency in West African chimpanzees, which are critically endangered. Read the news release about their work.
Honors College
The Honors College Lecture Series continues with a special virtual event at 7 p.m. today (September 15): “Poetry for Black Lives: A Reading and Conversation” with presenters Sequoia Maner and darlene anita scott. Dr. Maner and Ms. scott are co-editors of a collection of critical essays and poems, Revisiting the Elegy in the Black Lives Matter Era (2020).
Dr. Maner is an assistant professor of English at Spelman College. Her poetry and scholarship have been published in The Feminist Wire, Meridians, Obsidian, The Langston Hughes Review, and elsewhere.
Ms. scott is a poet and visual artist whose research explores corporeal performances of trauma and the violence of silence. Her poetry appears in journals, including J Journal, Quiddity, and Baltimore Review. Her art is featured in venues, including Barren and The Journal, and at The Girl Museum, a virtual museum celebrating girls and girlhood. Ms. scott’s most recent project is Breathing Lessons, a multimedia exploration of the term “good girl” and its application to Black girls.
See a flyer about the event for more information, including how to attend via Zoom. The lecture is co-sponsored by African American Studies.
Immersive Learning
Do you have an idea for an immersive learning project, but don’t know where to start? Do you have questions on how to make immersion work in an existing class? Do you need more information on internal funding?
This Fall, Project Managers Stacey Alexander and Kara DuQuette are scheduling monthly virtual “open office hours” in each college to assist faculty in course planning, student recruitment, funding applications, and implementation challenges. They can also help you brainstorm on ways to connect with a community partner or adjust a project to meet new physical distancing guidelines during the pandemic.
Our current project management team works with the following colleges:
Stacey Alexander
- College of Communication, Information, and Media
- Miller College of Business
- R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning
- Honors College
Kara DuQuette
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Health
- College of Sciences and Humanities
- Teachers College
Watch upcoming Communications Center announcements for meeting dates and times, or contact Ms. Alexander and Ms. DuQuette directly to set up an appointment.
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Dr. Barb Stedman, winner of the 2020 Outstanding Advisor Award, works diligently to improve opportunities for students in the world beyond the Ball State campus.
She joined Ball State in 1991 and assumed her current role of director of national and international scholarships in 2007, helping Ball State’s top students find and apply for nationally competitive scholarships—for study abroad, graduate school, and other opportunities.
“More important than winning scholarships, however, is the personal growth and self-examination that students typically experience in the process of applying for a scholarship,” Dr. Stedman said. “Writing essays that force them to examine their values, dreams, and goals can be a truly life-changing experience.”
Dr. Stedman meets with about 500 students each year as an advisor, teacher, and coach. Over the years, she has mentored more than 200 students and alumni in winning nationally competitive scholarships. For the past 18 years, she has served on the Whitinger Scholarship Selection Committee, helping attract some of the nation’s most talented students to Ball State.
“Dr. Barbara Stedman is the kind of advisor we all wish we had had when doing our undergraduate degrees—thoughtful, kind, considerate, but always ready to challenge you to do your best work,” says Provost Emeritus C. Warren Vander Hill.
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