News for Ball State Faculty and Staff
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Stories of Gratitude
July 15, 2020
As we enter the third year of our historic partnership between a public university and public school system, I write to express my gratitude to the Joint Muncie Community Schools (MCS)-Ball State Academic Innovation Council.
This team of more than 30 representatives from Ball State and MCS recently submitted a plan to the State of Indiana to guide MCS into a bright future. The Academic Innovation and Financial Viability Plan, which is aligned with the MCS Strategic Plan, outlines a compelling, cradle-to-career, community-based approach. The team gathered ideas from more than 500 MCS students, families, teachers, and Muncie residents. The team consulted leading researchers and reviewed best practices to serve MCS students and their families, and the team sought guidance from local, state, and national experts.
We are rightfully proud of what our partnership has already accomplished, including millions of dollars in philanthropic support, a small army of volunteers, and the first Community Engagement Council. I appreciate the hard work, dedication, and creativity of our colleagues at Ball State and MCS. This partnership reaffirms our University’s commitment to our community. I am confident our collective efforts will transform our local schools into a national model of innovative, rigorous, and holistic education.
Sincerely,
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Updates on Ball State’s Response to COVID-19
Ball State continues to post and update plans to ensure a safe campus at bsu.edu/coronavirus, a website specifically created to inform faculty, staff, students, and the public about our University's response to the pandemic.
Recent updates include:
You may also be interested in:
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Strategic Plan Update
In his June 29 email, President Mearns provided an update on the Strategic Imperative Fund proposals. Given the current budget environment, and in an effort to stay more fiscally prudent, he has decided not to award the full amount of funding that was originally designated. But, because of higher-than-expected earnings on our University’s cash and investments related to the investment policy the Board of Trustees put in place several years ago, there are some one-time financial resources that the Board has authorized us to use to continue the important work of investing in our strategic plan.
These one-time resources allow us to fund the proposals that are most timely and compelling and that best advance the mission of our University and our 2040 goals.
President Mearns has also allocated $300,000 from the Strategic Imperative Fund to enable Provost Susana Rivera-Mills to facilitate the application and review process of developing new and innovative academic programs.
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For Your Benefit
Wellbeing Resources for You
In the past few months, we have experienced a variety of emotions that extend to the safety and wellbeing of our family and our community. Many of us wonder where we can turn for help. Through Ball State’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you can receive guidance, resources, and support from LifeWork’s caring, professional consultants. Immediate and confidential EAP services are accessible 24/7/365 by contacting LifeWorks at 888-456-1324 or visiting bsu.lifeworks.com (log in using your Ball State credentials).
Toolkit for the New Normal: “Normal” will not look exactly like life before COVID-19. The resources in this toolkit will offer you guidance and support as you navigate the changes that the pandemic has brought.
COVID-19 Toolkit: Access a variety of resources to learn more about grief and loss, social isolation, maintaining your wellbeing, and much more.
Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit: Everyone has a right to work in a safe, inclusive environment where they are valued for their skills, creativity, and work ethic, regardless of their race, religion, sex, sexuality, gender identity, age, or physical or cognitive ability. Access these resources to help you learn and understand these concerns.
LiveHealth Online
A great convenience during this pandemic is the ability to visit with a board-certified doctor online any time of the day or night through LiveHealth Online on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It’s a great option for care when your own physician isn’t available. Doctors and other healthcare providers using LiveHealth Online can provide medical care for common conditions such as the flu, colds, pink eye, and more. They will even send prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice, if needed. A LiveHealth Online visit typically costs $59 prior to satisfying your medical deductible, but currently the cost for all telehealth visits through LiveHealth Online or your own physician are being paid by the University’s health plan through September 30, 2020.
You can also make an appointment to see a licensed therapist or psychologist. In most cases, you can make an appointment to see a therapist online in four or less days (appointments subject to availability of a therapist). Psychologists and therapists using LiveHealth Online Psychology do not prescribe medications.
It’s quick and easy to sign up and get started. Just go to livehealthonline.com or download the mobile app.
Phased Retirement Program
Are you nearing retirement but uncertain about taking the leap? The Phased Retirement Program helps facilitate a transition to retirement. The program, which was originally created as a faculty benefit, is now available to qualifying professional and staff personnel as of July 1, 2020.
Qualifying faculty, professional, or staff personnel can make a smoother transition to retirement by reducing their schedule by 50-75% and phasing into retirement over a three-year period, once an employee is at least three years from retirement eligibility. This program provides greater flexibility for qualified employees and facilitates succession planning for our University.
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R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning
Department of Architecture
Emile Dixon, an instructor of architecture and an associate at RG Collaborative of Indianapolis, helped in the design and planning of Ball State’s new Multicultural Center. Read more at ballstatedaily.com.
Department of Construction Management and Interior Design
Dr. Shireen Kanakri, associate professor of interior design, received a Provost Immersive Learning Pilot Grant for her project, TherAplay Design Evaluation—Post Occupancy. This award provides nearly $30,000 to continue the wonderful work that Dr. Kanakri and her students have done with the TherAplay organization. TherAplay Foundation provides physical and occupational therapies on horseback for children with diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and developmental delay. Dr. Kanakri is also featured in the book The Great Indoors: The Surprising Science of How Buildings Shape Our Behavior, Health, and Happiness.
Department of Urban Planning
Indiana's first eviction mediation program will begin this Summer in Delaware County, thanks to work by students in the Department of Urban Planning. The voluntary program aims keep at-risk families in stable housing, something Judge Kimberly Dowling says is critical to success in both employment and education. Dr. John West, assistant professor of urban planning, hopes three more proposals from his students will be adopted. Read more on CAP’s blog.
Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts
John Fillwalk, director of the Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA Lab), and staff members created a 3D rendering of Beneficence. Read more in Ball State Magazine.
Miller College of Business
The Economist magazine reported on a paper about the hot hand hypothesis in basketball by Dr. Robert Lantis, assistant professor of economics, and Dr. Erik Nesson, associate professor of economics. The paper addresses the age-old adage that success begets success. There may be a slight edge in some circumstances for basketball, but overall, Drs. Lantis and Nesson say, not so fast. Read more about their working paper.
College of Communication, Information, and Media
Diversity and Inclusion
- Black Lives Matter: In this blog post, you will find a variety of books, podcasts, videos, and web resources that CCIM faculty and staff have found useful to deepen their understanding of racism and the Black experience in America.
- Top 10 Ways You Can Become a Better LGBTQ Ally: Jonathan Scott, a 2005 journalism alumnus and chair of the Lilly Pride employee resource group, shares simple and practical suggestions to help those who identify as straight and cisgender become better LGBTQ allies.
News
- This Fall, CCIM will offer a new seminar, Discussing Race and Empowerment in Society. The class, taught by Assistant Professor of Journalism Dr. Gabriel Tait, is open to all Ball State students and will be offered via a HyFlex learning model (in person and online).
- Our faculty, students, and alumni brought home two regional Emmy® Awards and seven NATAS Student Production Awards from the 51st Emmy Awards, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Lower Great Lakes Chapter.
- Ball State created its official varsity esports team. Hosted within CCIM, Ball State Esports will compete in the newly created Esports Collegiate Conference. The initiative, spearheaded by Lecturer of Telecommunications Alex Kartman, will significantly expand Ball State’s presence in competitive video gaming.
College of Fine Arts
David Owsley Museum of Art
DOMA is hosting an online workshop July 20-24 for educators to learn museum teaching strategies, improve comfort teaching with works of art, and provide inspiration and motivation for museum-based learning. Teachers of all subjects and grades, including faculty who teach pre-service teachers, are welcome. The workshop will be one hour each day with one hour of preparation per day for 10 continuing education units (CEUs) upon completion of the requirements. Contact Tania Said at tsaid@bsu.edu for more information.
Department of Theatre and Dance
Theatre and Dance faculty and staff adopted a statement of action on June 18 that reflects the department’s mission to foster compassionate, inclusive, and empathetic human beings and its values of character, inclusivity, collaboration, critical thinking, empowerment, innovation, and professional excellence. Read the full statement.
School of Art
Art education students have started Chirp Chirp Creations, a free online summer art program for families interested in fun, easy experiences, using materials at home. Visit the Facebook page.
School of Music
- Pianist Dr. Michael Seregow, a faculty member in the School of Music and Department of Theatre and Dance, and his duo collaborator Bob Eason won this year’s The American Prize in Chamber Music Performance.
- Bassoons Filling Bellies is a group of Ball State bassoonists leading a campaign to assist people facing food insecurity as a result of COVID-19. They have created several videos to support Feeding America. Learn more.
College of Health
New Professor
The Department of Social Work welcomes new faculty member Dr. Jerry Reynolds, who specializes in sport social work and will serve as an assistant professor.
Awards
- Dr. Mike Dalgety, assistant teaching professor of sport administration, School of Kinesiology Outstanding Instructor for 2020 Non-Tenure Line
- Dr. Khirey Walker, assistant professor of sport administration, School of Kinesiology Outstanding Instructor for 2020 Tenure Line
- Lisa Beck, associate lecturer of health science, Department of Nutrition and Health Science, 2020 Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award—Contract Faculty
- Dr. Christina Jones, assistant professor of health science, Department of Nutrition and Health Science, 2020 Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award—Tenure Track Faculty
College of Sciences and Humanities- Department of Biology alumnus and middle school science educator John “Jack” Hesser was named the 2021 Teacher of the Year for Indianapolis Public Schools. Mr. Hesser teaches science at Harshman Middle School. According to the press release from IPS, Mr. Hesser is popular with students in the classroom due to his high energy and ability to get students excited about science. It also says, “Hesser is a leader among colleagues, setting an example for how to cultivate strong learning partnerships with students from all backgrounds, ensuring racial equity. ‘Recognizing bias without action perpetuates a racist system. I have worked hard to create a positive classroom culture where my students feel seen and heard,’ he said.”
- Associate Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Management Dr. Joshua Gruver is helping Hoosiers in need by providing free food. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it hard for some Indiana farmers to sell their products. Dr. Gruver and the Muncie Food Hub have been helping by taking milk that would otherwise have been thrown out and giving it away for free. Watch his interview on Fox 59.
Teachers College
Dr. Anand R. Marri started his service July 1 as dean of Ball State’s Teachers College.
Dr. Marri recently served as dean and professor of the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development at the University of Rochester in New York. He started his career as a high school social studies teacher, and he has served on the faculty of Teachers College at Columbia University. While on Columbia’s faculty, he served for five years as the highest-ranking officer for education in the Federal Reserve System.
“Anand shares our University’s enduring values, and he embraces TC’s commitment to students, community engagement, and inclusive excellence,” President Mearns said. “I am confident he will lead the college with a collaborative vision.”
Immersive Learning
The Building Better Neighborhoods (BBN) initiative connects Ball State’s resources with neighborhood development efforts across Muncie and Delaware County. The Office of Immersive Learning is pleased to offer funding to faculty and undergraduate students who wish to collaborate with local organizations focused on neighborhood projects.
Past immersive classes have produced neighborhood action plans, park redevelopment designs, and visual identification initiatives, as well as community presentations and trainings. BBN Grants can cover supplies, minor equipment, printing, surveys, neighborhood planning sessions, and other project-related expenses. For project examples and application guidelines, visit the Building Better Neighborhoods Grant webpage. The deadline for Fall semester BBN Grants is August 3, 2020.
For more information, contact Heather Williams at hlwilliams@bsu.edu (Community Engagement and Building Better Neighborhoods) or Suzanne Plesha at splesha@bsu.edu (Immersive Learning).
University Libraries
The University Libraries will reopen by appointment only on July 20 for use by Ball State researchers (students, faculty, staff, and emeriti), providing essential access to physical collections and other services.
Whenever possible, the Libraries encourages continued use of a wide variety of remote/virtual and curbside checkout services during current operating hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). This includes research assistance, document delivery, and preparing for Fall classes with scheduling research instruction for classes, course reserves and reading lists, and one-on-one extended research assistance.
Not sure where to get started? Contact the University Libraries at 765-285-5143 or MAINCIRC@bsu.edu, and we’ll get you in touch with an expert to assist you. You can also browse the Libraries’ Staff Directory for direct contacts.
Athletics- Construction of the Scheumann Family Indoor Practice Facility is underway. Scheduled for completion in the Summer of 2021, the 84,000-square-foot facility will be used by the football, softball, baseball, and soccer teams during inclement weather. It will also provide additional opportunities for the entire campus and broader community. Learn more at ballstatesports.com and watch the progress live.
- Supported by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Ball State head coaches, Ball State Athletics has launched the Register, Chirp, Vote initiative. The initiative will provide education, direction, and time for student-athletes to register appropriately in advance of the 2020 general election, and Athletics will work to partner with campus, student, and community organizations to expand voter registration and voting awareness. Learn more at ballstatesports.com and watch a video about the initiative.
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Dr. Gabriel Tait has married his love for photojournalism with his passion for the fair and accurate representation of cultural identities. Dr. Tait, an assistant professor of diversity and media in the Department of Journalism in the College of Communication, Information, and Media, created Sight Beyond My Sight, a participatory form of research to study a community through the images its members produce.
“How we see other people is influenced by various aspects of media we consume. My focus is to engage students in the way we understand how communities are diverse and have diverse interactions. This will help them be better journalists and better public relations professionals. Different perspectives make us better citizens.
“I want students to leave this University understanding humanity better and caring about their neighbors, caring about their colleagues, and caring about themselves. We do that through diversity and inclusion in class. When students listen to each other, they find they are more similar than different.
“We Fly means we spread our wings but also help students grow to reach new possibilities. We Fly is an idea—a concept bigger than a brand. It’s purposeful engagement to reach goals yet to be known.”
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