Vancouver IT is pleased to announce a reorganization of existing personnel into a new team called Academic Services. This team will provide support for technologies, learning spaces, classrooms and services that enhance teaching, learning and research at WSU Vancouver. By turning faculty resources into a “one-stop shop” and collaborating with Academic Affairs, Vancouver IT hopes to significantly improve the faculty and student experience as well as better support the academic mission. The creation of
the Academic Services team is a direct result of faculty and student feedback on last year’s TechQual+ survey. For more information visit IT Academic Services.
Common Read book announced
WSU Vancouver is bringing back the Common Read program for fall 2016. A selection committee reviewed 27 books last fall and recommended three to Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Renny Christopher, who made the final selection.
The winner is “Integration Nation: Immigrants, Refugees, and America at Its Best,” by Susan E. Eaton.
It’s a collection of case studies that take us on a cross-country journey, introducing us to individuals challenging America’s prejudice against people from other countries by welcoming immigrants and collaborating with the foreign-born as they become integral members of their new communities.
Systemwide WSU’s Common Read in 2016 is adhering to the theme “social justice and leadership.” In light of the recent debate on immigration and the upcoming presidential election, “Integration Nation” is very current. It also highlights many types of leadership among a broad sector of people.
All first-year students will receive a copy of “Integration Nation” next fall. An array of Common Read events will take place throughout the 2016/17 academic year. Keep an eye on FYI Vancouver for more information. If you have any questions or great ideas related to the Common Read, contact Suzanne Smith, director of academic planning and special assistant to the vice chancellor of academic affairs, who is leading the Common Read program.
Donate to Dress-a-Coug
Through Jan. 29
Help students suit up for the Career & Internship Fair in February by donating new or used business clothing. Dress shirts, pants, skirts, suits, accessories, belts and ties in clean and wearable condition are all welcome. Collection bins are located in the Cougar Center, the Student Resource Center, Firstenburg Student Commons and
the Library.
Women of Distinction nominations open today
Women of Distinction celebrates Women’s History Month and honors women who inspire, mentor and empower others. Nominations for Distinguished Woman of the Year will be accepted online
through Feb. 20. Women will be honored in three categories: WSU Vancouver student, community member (WSU or non-WSU affiliated) and high school student. Nominees and recipients of the Distinguished Woman of the Year will be honored at an event on March 31.
Go see “300+ Tops” in the Library
Through March 25
“300+ Tops” by J.J. Harty is currently on display in the Library Building Gallery. It focuses on play as a medium for direct interpersonal communication. Play stimulates creative problem solving, relationships, cooperation, collaboration, competition and more. In this installation there are two open
pedestals inviting interaction with the tops—go ahead and play!
Harty is a 2014 WSU alumnus with a Master of Fine Arts. That same year he was selected by the International Sculpture Center for Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture and his work was featured in the October 2014 issue of Sculpture magazine.
You’re invited to participate in an Accommodation Strategies Workshop
Faculty, staff students and community members are invited to attend an open forum to discuss strategies to help college-level students with disabilities manage academic tasks, physical space in classrooms and coursework.
Michael Dunn, associate professor of special education and literacy, will open the discussion by sharing best practices. Rusty Wray, president of the Ability and Empowerment Club on campus, will offer strategies from a student perspective. Guests will be invited to share their best ideas
as well.
Discuss climate change from scientific and political points of view
The American Democracy Project is holding a discussion, “Climate Change: The Clash of Science and Politics.” Mark Stephan, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, will discuss politicians’ take on climate change. Michael Berger, senior instructor in the College of Arts and Sciences, will cover how scientists talk about climate change. Refreshments will be served in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 129. The event is free and open to all.
Faculty and instructors are invited to an open forum to discuss WSU’s Grand Challenges with Kris Keane, vice president of research.
Women’s Studies Lecture Series inspires women to explore science and technology
The Women’s Studies Lecture Series “The Politics of Science and Technology: Moving toward Gender Equity, Civic Responsibility and Social Justice,” kicks off Jan. 28 and runs through April. All lectures will be held from noon – 1:15 p.m. in the Multimedia Classroom Building, Room 6, and are free and open to the public.
Lisa Weasel, associate professor, department of women, gender, and sexuality studies, Portland State University
Feb. 25:
“Women and IT: Globally Located Perspective,” panel discussion
Sri Craven, assistant professor, department of women, gender, and sexuality studies, Portland State University, will moderate
Luz María Gordillo, associate professor and program leader, department of critical culture, gender, and race studies, WSU Vancouver
Professional Writers Series explores challenges of a writing career
The annual Professional Writers Series opens Jan. 28. Each lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the Multimedia Classroom Building, Room 6, and are free and open to the public. The writers will speak about the trajectory of their careers, their successes and challenges.
The 2016 Professional Writers Series features the
following:
Faculty, save the date for a service-learning panel discussion
Faculty are invited to engage with WSU Pullman’s Center for Civic Engagement to develop a more robust array of service-learning opportunities here in Vancouver. Save 4 – 6 p.m. Feb. 18 for a panel discussion on the topic. The event will be held in the Engineering and Computer Science Building, Room 125. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet and ask questions of Melanie Brown, CCE director, and the CCE staff. A reception will follow the panel discussion.
Get the VanCougar Burgerville special today
The Salmon Creek Burgerville at 13309 NE Hwy. 99 is offering a special to Cougs through the month of January. Get two cheeseburgers, fries and a soda for $5.49.
Bill Griesar, a Washington State University Vancouver neuroscientist and co-founder of the educational nonprofit NW NOGGIN, organized the Vancouver students’ participation.
Washington State University Vancouver invites veterans and their dependents to an event to learn about Veterans Affairs benefits and college financial aid ...
Members of the business community are invited to attend WSU Vancouver’s next Business Growth Alliance forum to learn how to employ W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne‘s Blue Ocean Strategy.
Chancellor Mel Netzhammer of Washington State University Vancouver spoke optimistically about the branch campus’s opportunities and challenges it faces in the coming year.
Washington State University Vancouver officials invite the community to participate in its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Mon., Jan. 18 in the Firstenburg Student Commons.