WSU Teaching Academy inducts two Vancouver members

Jerry Goodstein, professor of management, and Cassandra Gulam, instructor of Spanish language and culture, were inducted into the WSU Teaching Academy on Dec. 3. The Teaching Academy is a university-wide, permanent recognition of teaching excellence. Members volunteer in a variety of ways to advance the university’s teaching mission.

Established in 2004, the Teaching Academy has 48 members, including four others from Vancouver: Tom Tripp, professor of management; Claire Latham, associate professor of accounting; Renee Hoeksel, assistant dean, RN-BSN program; and Richard Sawyer, associate professor of education.

Chancellor's Office welcomes new team member

Holly Clarke has joined the Office of the Chancellor as principal assistant. Holly is responsible for a range of administrative assignments that support the Chancellor and the Office of the Chancellor. She is the first point of contact in the Office of the Chancellor.

Holly previously served as executive assistant/office administrator in the Oregon State University Foundation in downtown Portland. She brings with her more than 16 years of experience as an administrative professional. She is accustomed to working in fast-paced environments that require strong organizational, technical and interpersonal skills.

Holly can be reached at 6-9589 or by email.

New Web page features faculty research

The Office of Academic Affairs has introduced WSU Vancouver ResearchNow!, a Web page featuring faculty members and their research. Created to build awareness of discoveries, innovations and ongoing studies at WSU Vancouver, the Web page draws from all disciplines, with brief articles organized thematically to highlight perspectives from different disciplines. The first theme, professional leave, features six professors who were on leave during the 2013/2014 school year. New articles will be posted regularly.

ResearchNow! replaces the WSU Vancouver research newsletter. For more information, contact Christine Portfors, interim associate vice chancellor of research and graduate education.

Nominations for 2015/16 Student Ambassadors is now open

The 2015 Ambassador Selection Committee has opened nominations for the 2015/16 Student Ambassador Program. Nominations are welcome from faculty and staff members.

The Ambassadors fulfill several important roles on campus, their duties include:

• Representing WSU Vancouver at recruitment and department events
• Leading campus tours with prospective students, families and university guests
• Mentoring and guiding new students through orientation
• Developing opportunities to connect with the community through service projects

Ambassador nominees must:

• Anticipate a graduation date of May 2016 or later
• Be enthusiastic about WSU Vancouver
• Possess the skills and demeanor to serve as the face of the university

We encourage you to nominate students who represent varying age groups, ethnic backgrounds, interests and departments. Please send the nominee name(s) and major(s) to Phil Babcock by Dec. 16.

Help spread the word to students

WSU Vancouver scholarships

The WSU Vancouver scholarship application for 2015/16 is now open for both undergraduate and graduate students. With just one application, students are applying for more than 80 scholarships. Awards range from $500 – $10,000. The application consists of six short essay questions, no transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. The deadline to apply is March 31. Please encourage students to apply.

Study abroad in Cuba

María Lee-López, instructor in the department of foreign languages and cultures, is leading a trip to Cuba from June 24 – July 3. The program is open to all students with good academic standing on any campus; no Spanish language required. Please encourage students to attend one of this week’s informational meetings, 3 p.m. Dec. 9 or 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Library Building, Room 260. Interested students should also contact María to get on the mailing list: lee-lopez@vancouver.wsu.edu, and visit these websites for more information:  International Programs Page / Program Flyer / Facebook Group

Dengerink Administration Building gallery exhibit focuses on alternative communication

Through Feb. 13

The new exhibit in the Dengerink Administration Building gallery “com·mu·ni·ca·tion” by artist Mami Takahashi investigates the methods and meaning of alternative communication.

In her performative photographic works, Takahashi explores the boundaries between the public and private self, the differences in social norms between cultures and the expressiveness of the body. Her work also explores the ways we unintentionally give away personal information through our actions and expressions.

“The human body is a tool for communicating and often we have very little control over what our body tells others,” said Takahashi.

Need a new suit?

Help support the DECA club. Purchase $10 raffle tickets and be entered in a drawing to win a $1,500 suit by Tom James. To purchase tickets, stop by the front desk in the Office of Student Involvement or contact Ron Pimentel. Time is limited! Ticket sales end at noon Dec. 9.

Culture Café is back

11:30 a.m. through lunchtime Dec. 9
Dengerink Administration Building Café

Culture Café takes us to France on Tuesday. The menu features chicken francese over egg noodles with sautéed vegetables for $5.39. The soup du jour will be French onion with toasted croutons. The soup is sold separately for $1.89 a cup and $3.69 a bowl.

Get ready for Week of Welcome

Jan. 12 – 16

It’s that time again. Faculty, staff and student leaders are asked to don their blue Week of Welcome T-shirts or crimson “Ask Me” badges to help students transition into the new semester. From pointing new students in the right direction to answering questions about campus life, Week of Welcome volunteers help enhance student satisfaction, retention and increase campus unity. If you don’t know the answer to a question, simply direct the student to the “Ask Me” table Monday – Friday in front of the library. For more information, contact Helen Gregory at 6-9573.

Exhibit at the spring Involvement Fair

The spring Involvement Fair will be held 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21 and 22 in the Firstenburg Student Commons. The fair provides an opportunity for student organizations, colleges, departments and offices that offer students an opportunity to get involved with the campus community to exhibit. If you are looking for student volunteers, student workers or you advise a student club, consider participating. To reserve a table, contact Nikki Hinshaw, student activities advisor at 6-9465 by Jan. 16.

Happy holidays!

Jeanette Bergen, mailroom, has once again crafted a gorgeous holiday wreath that was hung on the Multimedia Classroom Building with the help of her friends in Facilities Operations. Each year the grounds crew forages for greens and Jeanette works her magic to create a wreath we can all enjoy through the season.