Friday, May 20, 2011

CDC Staff Excited About New Facility 4-26-2011

    by Jeff Fox
   
    It seems these days that it is harder and harder to feel like a kid again. The moment of wonder and excitement of a new idea seen in an adult’s eye? Talk to Bobbie Henderson about the new Child Development Center and one can find that look.
    With construction slated to begin this summer on the new childcare facility, CDC Director Bobbie Mendenhall is excited to talk about the move to the state-of-the-art facility.  The current CDC is approximately 800 square feet, and the new center will be a spacious 5,000 square feet.  At the present facility all of the different age groups share the same room. 
    “One thing that you will notice is that you’ll see children that are eight years old all the way down to two years old, which is really a hard mixture. They just don’t belong together,” Mendenhall said. The new CDC will allow for the children to be divided into age appropriate groups and classrooms.
    Several other highly anticipated features will be allotted by the spaciousness of the new CDC. “We will have a big piazza, so we will be able to have a lot of gross motor play,” Mendenhall says. Presently the CDC utilizes the multipurpose room or the aerobics room, but those rooms aren’t always available. Each group will also have their own play area adjacent to their classrooms. Add to this a large fenced outdoor play area, and the new facility should make nap time a welcome treat.
    The new facility will also allow the CDC to serve more children. At present, CDC staff, student workers and education students help take care of the responsibilities at the center. “When we get to the new facility we will be able to enroll between 42 and 46 children at one time, so we may need some more staff, but that will come with enrollment,” Mendenhall said. Quite simply, as demand for childcare services increases, the CDC will provide the staff as required by state law.
    Parents will also enjoy the conveniences, which will come with the new CDC. The new center will have a more accessible area for dropping off and signing in their children. At present parents must find a place to park, walk to the building, and come inside the CDC room to sign in their children.
    The CDC provides breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and an evening snack to the children. Tentative plans include keeping the working relationship with AVI to provide the food for the children. Due to its new location, the CDC may need warming units for the food during transport. Details are still being worked out on the logistics of getting the food from the cafeteria area to the new CDC.
    Plans are still being discussed to provide infant care at some time in the future. The original plans called for infant care, however, the area for infant care was removed from the CDC when the size of the new building was reduced. At present the CDC will serve children two and up, but if funding increases the CDC is designed for future expansion, which could provide room for infant care.
    “The infant ratio in WV is one teacher for four infants … each teacher can watch eight two year olds,” Mendenhall said. Plus extra room is necessary for cribs and diaper changing stations.
    “It is more expensive, but it is something that is needed, plus another good thing about having infants is that you have added stability,” Mendenhall added. This stability would come from being able to enroll the child as an infant, and allowing them to stay with one childcare program.
    Mrs. Mendenhall also noted that many area day-care centers have extensive waiting lists. She was on 15 waiting lists, while she was looking for infant care. The rates at the CDC are extremely rare in the fact that they allow the parents to pay an hourly rate for their services. “Many other childcare centers in the area do not offer hourly rates, they say you pay for a weekly slot, whether the child is there or not,” Mendenhall said. Not only is the CDC affordable, but parents enrolled in college also have access to the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant, which helps pay for childcare for parents attending college. Several other state and local grants are available for parents, and the CDC can provide assistance to parents regarding the funding information.
    The new CDC will also provide greater learning opportunities for students who are enrolled in the Early Childhood and the Elementary Education programs. This field experience helps with their pre-kindergarten certifications.
    One thing is for certain; the new CDC will make the staff, students, and the children all a little bit more joyful and bring some wide eyes, when the doors open next year.

Students Build Solar Collectors to Conserve Enviroment 4-26-2011


Roy Caplinger explaining the Drainback System.

by Jeff Bell
   
    The ability to cut household utility costs and conserve the planet is the desire and need of most homes nationwide. Solar thermal installation designs and ideas allow nature to handle a large portion of household heating needs; some of which are being learned at WVU Parkersburg.
    Solar Thermal Installation (Set155) students are developing a thorough knowledge of the solar water heating systems, which they have designed.  Ordered parts are arriving daily while the fabrication of various other parts is beginning in the campus fabrication class.  Whereas the basic knowledge of how each system works is crucial, the entire project from energy analysis to unit installation can be extensive.
    The installation of the collectors is very crucial in determining the efficiency of the heating system. If the solar collectors are hooked up in a series, simply one hooked up directly in line with another, the heating capabilities are greatly improved, according to Gary Thompson, class instructor. The proper angle and southerly direction of the collector will determine the heating efficiency as well.
    The collectors themselves are relatively cheap at approximately $180 each, but the rest of the material and supplies needed, depending on the setup, can quickly elevate the costs. Pumps, heat exchangers, thermal couplers and more are relatively numerous to the system and can be expensive; however, the overall savings will eventually pay for the costs.
    With the new solar collectors and other parts now physically available to them, the students have begun to perform temporary set-ups: explaining how their system will hook up to the collectors, circulate and heat the household water. “Next week, we will start mounting the hardware to the white-boards, the students will need to practice their soldering techniques and create a list of tools and expendable materials,” Thompson said.
    The finished products, the carts, will be used as trainer models. “We are creating carts that will be used by other classes to help them learn,” Ruth Wagoner, drainback team leader, said. The satisfaction of a job well done is coupled with a well-rounded training experience.
    The class also instructs students on the importance of energy conservation and the ability to perform energy consumption analysis or site surveys on a building. A site survey includes the knowledge of customization and energy needs of an individual system, the documentation needed and the ability to determine the permits required in the area. The energy conservation aspect is of growing importance to the environmentally minded.
    The damage being created by the use of fossil fuels is not irreversible, but steps need to be taken soon, according to environmentalists. “This class will make one aware of the damage that the use of non-renewable energy sources can cause,” Wagoner said. “It teaches us other ways of using energy wisely,” Wagoner continued. This skill is yet another form of marketable knowledge learned in the duration of this class.
    The sales, marketing and distribution of these new systems appear to be leading motivating factors to these students. “I want to design and build one of these for my own house, so when I begin to sell them, I will be able to show one in working condition,” John Shreve, drainback team member, said. “I have been in sales almost my entire life; I hope to use this knowledge to sell these systems,” Charlotte Fittro, drainback team member, said. The economic downsizing that has affected this area is yet another factor motivating the students.
    “With all of the plants shutting down around here, we are going to have to use our new knowledge to make it,” Fittro said. The future for solar technology is bright, relatively cheap and very environmentally friendly.

The new sizzlin' place to be in town is Hot Braza 4-26-2011


Hot Braza-The Brazilian Bar can be part of your meal.

    by Olivia Hefner
   
    The atmosphere within The Hot Braza leaves something to be desired at the least. The walls are plain and fake potted plants line the walls along with large televisions. It doesn’t exactly scream, “Fabulous Brazilian food sold here!”  However, they certainly do have some of the best food in town.
One of the most interesting things about The Hot Braza, which is located on Avery Street, is the fact that they have a Brazilian buffet. The buffet is served daily and it includes a full salad bar, soup of the day and a traditional all-you-can-eat Brazilian meal. The buffet is only served from 11 a.m – 2 p.m., but it only costs $7.95.
The salad bar is just a typical bar with several dressings and a vegetable plate. Be sure to try the vegetable dip – it’s fabulous. Immediately after the salad bar is the hot bar. Keep in mind that the plates for the hot bar are actually on the right side of the bar, on the other side are more salad plates, which are significantly smaller.
    Spicy smelling foods seem to be the staple at the bar, try everything. The rice and black beans, a traditional Brazilian staple, are always on the bar. They are probably the best beans and rice in the area too. The meatballs have sort of a kick to them as well and compliment the noodles perfectly.
    The bar also offers something uncommonly found in the area – fried bananas. Fried bananas are amazing. It’s half of a banana that has been fried in a sweet breading.  They turn out crunchy on the outside, while the warm banana-inside is practically melting – so delicious.
    Other than the bar, customers can order off of the full menu, which includes a variety of traditional dishes. The menu prices are a little steeper than the bar, but the portions are equal to the price.
    Finally, The Hot Braza pulls out all the stops for dessert. They offer a great caramel flan that has a really thick consistency. They also offer a passion fruit mousse and chocolate cake. However, the one dessert that cannot be missed is the blueberry cheesecake. The cake is massive and covered in perfectly tart blueberries. The reason that it is so delicious is that is doesn’t taste like a complete block of cream cheese like most restaurant cheesecakes. The cheesecake was wonderful and a perfect end to a really great, traditional meal.

We all Scream for Scream 4 4-26-2011

by Sami Daggett
   

    It has been ten years since the ghost face killer has haunted Sidney Prescott and those around her.
    “Scream” fans everywhere have all been anticipating the release of the newest addition to the horror franchise, and they will not disappoint with “Scream 4.” The film, directed by Wes Craven, made over $18 million at the box office during opening weekend.
    Just like most “Scream” films, number four hosted several celebrities, including the inevitable return of Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courtney Cox. Along with the veterans, were newcomers Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettierre.
    There are many similarities in the newest film compared to the three previous Craven directed slashers. The story line is based around Sidney’s hometown of Woodsboro, which starts facing tragedy again after Prescott’s return home. The plot is comparative to other scary movies and often pokes jokes at the predictable scenes.
    With each new film comes at least one new killer. And with each new killer comes several murders. Sidney’s younger cousin, played by Emma Roberts, takes over the role of the high school girl struck by tragedy and made famous by Sidney in the first film.
    The rules of a horror film are broken because of the new decade. No longer are people safe because they’re a virgin or simply because they didn’t say, “I’ll be right back” when leaving the room.  Anyone and everyone is a target for “Scream 4.”
    It’s up to the viewers to decide if the newest movie matches up with or surpasses the others, in my opinion, it most certainly does. “Scream 4” is fantastically entertaining and at times, even a little scary.
      Viewers can catch “Scream 4” in theaters now, along with, “Rio The Movie 3D,” “Arthur,” “Hanna,” “Soul Surfer,” “Your Highness,” “Hop,” “Insidious,” “Source Code,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” and “Limitless.”

The Summer Cycle 4-26-2011

by Kurt Klettner

        Life is filled with cycles that come in many different forms and can bring about a variety of changes and challenges.  In both nature and college we are approaching the end of the spring semester and the beginning of the summer cycle; a time that often brings with it an opportunity to start anew. 
        Those of you who are preparing to take that long awaited walk of achievement that results in your receiving a degree or formal completion of an academic program are at the beginning of a new cycle in your life that will be marked by an accomplishment that is forever yours to take pride in.  Others who are preparing to take the summer off from college may be taking advantage of the opportunity to work so as to replenish bank accounts, spend time with children or possibly take some time to travel and have fun.  Still others are preparing to use this summer cycle to take classes and thus get a few more credits entered on their transcript.
        A change in life cycles can have a significant affect our emotional and mental wellbeing.  Depression, for example, can run in cycles.  In the case of those who may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the increase in sunshine found in the summer cycle can bring much desired relief from feelings of depressions.  Certain times of the year, such as holidays, can spark an emotional response.  Participating in summer related activities can allow for a diversion which may temporarily lesson feelings of depression; while other traditional summer activities such as family reunions and having the children at home all summer can add to the stress factor.   
        I hope that you have a joyful, relaxing, productive and safe summer; however in the event you find yourself desiring counseling support you may contact the Student Counseling Center during regular office hours throughout the summer semester and we will arrange for a time for you and I to talk.

Students at WVU Parkersburg Run Top-Simulated Business 4-26-2011


Pam Braden (center) talks to students about the Glo-Bus course during one of their simulated business meetings.

by Susan Moore
   
    The Business Policy class at WVU Parkersburg is the “capstone” course for those seeking a bachelor’s degree in business. 
    The capstone experience is designed to both assess what students have learned during their academic program and to put the “icing on the cake” of students’ knowledge bases. 
    A major part of the Policy course is the online simulation called “Glo-Bus.”  This enables students to virtually “run” a camera manufacturing company.  Each week of the course is a year of the simulation.  The students make decisions about how many workers to employ, how much to pay them, how many cameras to make, what features are on the cameras and how much they want to charge for the cameras. 
    This semester there are 12 teams competing and they are broken into two competing industries.  It is noteworthy that five of the 12 teams scored in the top 100 globally over the past few weeks.  This is the first time the college has ever had that many teams scoring so successfully on the simulation. 
    Accounting major and member of Team E Southwest, Brian Allman, explains that it is the team’s responsibility to decide how to distribute their inventory to box stores, online companies and small independent retailers.
    “Since I enjoy numbers and research, this course follows my career and was a good fit,” Allman said.
    The analytic data that is available through the online software, provides information that helps students track their companies’ return on equity, revenues, and earnings per share, stock price, etc.  They are able to follow their progress and see where their company ranks among the other colleges that participate.
    Allman feels that experience is the key to his team’s success.
    Team Golf member, Jeremy Davis, feels that “being able to apply the knowledge gained during college,” has been the factor that has put his team on the Glo-Bus map.
    “It is all about accounting and where to apply your resources,” said Davis.
    Through the Glo-Bus simulation, students are able to put their education into practical application.
    “Trial and error has contributed to our success,” Davis said.
    Student Lora Zseidler member of Team A feels “it is good to work as a team when you have reliable people to count on.” 
    Zseilder is originally from the Ukraine and moved to the United States eight years ago.  She feels that this simulation has helped her gain an understanding for how businesses run in the U.S.
    Cassey Bell from Team Adidas added that this has been a very challenging experience for her. But due to her team’s hard work and dedication, Team A has made great improvements over the last few weeks, improvements that put her team 81st overall for team return on investment.
 WVU Parkersburg students are competing with teams from both domestically and internationally, including University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Clemson University, campuses of Penn State University and State University of New York. 

Donny Jones Shares His Love for Civil War 4-26-2011

by Jeff Bell
   
    A battle-hardened veteran of the Civil War walks the halls of WVU Parkersburg. Donny Jones, a current sophomore studying Political Sciences and History, faces the tiring schedule of student life and also spends several weekends portraying 1st Sergeant Jones of the 36th Virginia Infantry, Company A, also known as the Buffalo Guard.
    The Buffalo Guard was originally formed in Buffalo, West (ern) Virginia in 1859 and was accepted into the Confederate States service in July 1861 according to Jones.
    “The Buffalo Guard has battle honors including Carnifex Ferry, Kessler’s Cross Lanes, Fort Donnellson and Fayetteville. The Guard was disbanded in April 1865,” Jones said. Jones’ fascination with the Civil War started at a very young age.
    As a child, Jones would accompany his grandfather while hunting for Civil War relics in area encampments and other sites. “I saw my first reenactment when I was 12 and joined the 36th Infantry when I was 14, working my way up through the ranks,” Jones said. Jones was promoted to the rank of 1st Sergeant Sunday, Mar 27.  “As a re-enactor, my goal is to portray the average confederate soldier, recreate battles for the public to see, and live as the boys of 1865 lived for weekends at a time,” Jones said. The schedule keeps Jones busy, averaging one event a month between Mar and Nov.
    “We travel all over this somewhat local area of W.Va., VA., Tenn. and Ky.,” Jones said. This may sound exciting, but this hobby is not for the faint of heart.
    “You need to have a love of the Civil War or at least of US History,” Jones said.
    The Buffalo Guard has the proud honor of being the best Confederate impression in the state and maintains a very strict uniform regulation, but the complete uniform of the re-enactor can be compiled over time.
    With plenty of veteran re-enactors available, the uniform kit of a new recruit will quickly become authentic.
    “Achieving a good impression does take a little time,” Jones said.
            According to Jones, the regiment is always interested in meeting new Civil War re-enactors. Contact Jones via e-mail at JacksonCoRebel@aol.com or on facebook for more information

McGovern's Leads to Pursuit of Hobbies 4-26-2011


Dr. McGovern

by Susan Moore
   
    All great things must come to an end, but for retiring WVU Parkersburg professor, Martha McGovern, great things have yet to come.
    Dr. McGovern is teaching her last classes during the spring semester at WVU Parkersburg campus.
    Dr. McGovern has touched the lives of many students, faculty and staff members of the college over the last ten and a half years. McGovern began her career at the college during the 2001 spring semester.  Many of her fellow faculty members gathered on April 20 to wish her a fond farewell and to express their gratitude and admiration for such a great teacher.
    Professor of Social Sciences, Robert Cordell said, “My dictionary has her picture beside the word lady.”  Many others added that Dr. McGovern is a profound and ethical person and all are proud to have been her colleague.
    “Your retirement has left a great mark on the college,” added Dr. Cindy Gissy, Education and Humanities division chair.
    Dr. David Lancaster said of the departing professor, "She will be sadly missed. Dr. McGovern is a credit to our profession."
    Dr. Gissy also praised McGovern for her teaching and the amount of her students that continue their education in graduate school.
    "All was due to the foundation she laid through her teaching," Gissy said.
    Life after retirement for Dr. McGovern will not be one of rest and relaxation.  She has many goals that she would like to accomplish.  Starting with cleaning out her office and organizing all the memories created over the years. 
    Another passion for the professor is writing poetry.  She developed a love for writing from her grandmother.
    “It is a way to know someone, to read their poetry,” McGovern said.
   McGovern does not write for the general public, she does so for her family.  Her poems are inspired by her family experiences and her poetry will help future generations to know her through reading her poetry. 
   Weaving will also play a major role in her retirement time.  Dr. McGovern recently purchased a large loom and wants to learn the craft.
   Retirement is “uncharted territory” for this busy teacher.  She began her career in 1966 in a newly integrated East Cleveland.
    “They were idealistic,” McGovern said, “They hoped to be a model integrated community.”
    After leaving Cleveland, she realized that teaching others how to teach reading was where she felt her interest laid McGovern started her university teaching career at Georgia Southern University.  Even though she loved the school, the heat was something she could stand. After attending a conference years prior in Marietta, Oh., McGovern decided that was where she wanted to live.
    McGovern reviewed The Chronicle of Higher Education, looking for a job away from the heat of Georgia and what lie in front of her, was the job of her dreams. The job she wanted was available at WVU Parkersburg mixing both reading development education and teacher education.  The rest is history.  McGovern moved to the area and made it her home.
    During her career, Dr. McGovern has worked with many students and thrived by empowering those she taught.
    “I was able to empower them to do what they wanted,” McGovern said. “I was able to empower them to be the best teachers they could be.”
    In advice given to her first year students, “Be reliable and do your assignments, have a good attitude by bettering yourself and have a sense of where you are.” McGovern said, “Time management is always an issue for new students, so be in control of your time.  Lastly, take initiative. Truly want to show what you know and truly learn what you can.”
    McGovern feels that not all students are able to learn in the form that material is presented and some should seek alternative methods.
    “Go the extra mile to make it your own,” McGovern said, “Success takes grit and you want to weave into yourself.”
    From all of the staff at The Chronicle, best wishes to Dr. Mcgovern.

Police Officer Recognized During Police Memorial Week 4-26-2011

by Rachel Terzo
   
    The United States recognizes heroism and bravery by the observance of Memorial Day on May 29. What a lot of citizens don’t know is that police officers have their own holiday dedicated to them as well.
    Police Memorial Week, celebrated May 15-21, is a federal holiday that was established for citizens to express their gratitude to those who serve. This holiday honors police officers all over the nation. Although this holiday isn’t as prevalent as Memorial Day, Police Memorial Week recognizes law enforcement agencies all over the nation for their hard work, long hours, and dedication to serving their communities.
    The holiday originated in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 as National Police Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week when May 15 starts as National Police Week. President Bill Clinton passed a law in 1994 that summons for the U.S. flag to fly at half-staff May 15.
    Captain of the Wood County Sheriff’s office, Mark King, says, “The most rewarding part of my job is being able to talk to and help children.” When asked the same question, WVU Parkersburg campus police officer Al Collins said, “keeping people safe.”
    Since there is currently not an event in Parkersburg scheduled in observance of the holiday, anyone can individually celebrate Police Week May 15-21 to show your appreciation for their local police officers. Police Memorial Day/Week doesn’t have to be celebrated strictly during the designated calendar times.
    In 1989, the first annual candlelight vigil was held at the site of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary   Square in Washington, DC.  In October 1991, President George Bush dedicated the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. To this day, the memorial contains the names of more than 16,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
    Promos On-Time has a small selection of gifts for people who have a policeman they want to thank. People may visit http://www.promosontime.com/d/264/national-police-week.htm to browse through different gift selections.
    A live candlelight vigil will be held May 13 in observance of Police Appreciation Week. Anyone who is interested in participating may sign up via

I'VE GOT TO KNOW ABOUT FIRE SAFETY 4-26-2011

by Rachel Terzo
   
    When being taught about fire safety, most people were taught the communal phrase “stop, drop, and roll.” The Wood County Fire Prevention and Safety Team believes that there is a lot more to fire safety that is imperative for people of all ages to know.
    The Team will be holding a safety fair at WVU Parkersburg on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair is free to the public, and all ages are welcomed and encouraged to attend. President and founder Chris Pedersen expects that around 3,500 residents will attend this year’s fair.
    Petersen said “We want to hold these fairs every year because we believe that safety education should be a continuous process and a way of life, and we have an unwavering devotion to educating everyone on the importance of practicing safe living.”
    The event will consist of over 25 different learning stations, ranging from fire safety to disaster and highway safety. A free, healthy lunch will also be served during the fair. This event is designed for people of all ages. The organization received a $100,000 FEMA grant for a real-life simulation trailer to demonstrate fire devastation and how to prevent it. “This is not meant to be a scare tactic by any means, just a reality check,” Petersen said.
    The Wood County Fire Prevention and Safety team is a non-profit; government funded 501 C-3 (which means volunteer, tax exempt organization) that formed in June 2010.Pedersen, who is also an EMT, firefighter, and Public Service trainer, believes that, “99% of fires can be prevented with education. People are more in control then they think, if they just take the time to learn. No one is too young or too old to know the importance of safety.”  The team focuses on educating residents of all ages on the importance of fire safety, and life safety in general. The organization also has a program geared towards college students called the “I’ve Got to Know” program, as well as a senior citizens program.  Residents may tune in to WLTP Talk Radio AM 910 for their radio show every Tuesday morning at 7:30a.m.
    The Fire Prevention and Safety Team works with local fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, health care providers and other state and local agencies to help provide a fun, informative, and focused  “hands-on” learning experience.
    “Our goal is that everyone who attended the fair leaves feeling confident that they are knowledgeable about what to do in an emergency situation,” Pedersen said.
    More information pertaining to the fair or organization may be obtained from their website

Campus is More Secure Than Thought 4-26-2011

by Rachel Terzo
  
    WVU Parkersburg campus police, teamed up with 20 professionals from different departments of the college, to create a sizeable safety team for students on campus.
   The Threat Assessment team of WVU Parkersburg consists of professors from the Social Justice and Social Sciences departments, wellness and psychology professors, safety officers, counselors, local law enforcement, and other members of the faculty. The team meets one time a semester in order to discuss any safety issues that have been brought to their attention, or that they have observed themselves while on campus.
   Issues are addressed and resolved by the Threat Assessment team. These include:  threatening text messages or threats within the classroom, vague or obvious threats to the building or people in the building, questionable dangerous behavior, and other triggers that make anyone on campus feel threatened. No safety issue is to inconsequential for the Threat Assessment team to scout out.
   The Threat Assessment team also deals with safety issues such as foundation cracks, wintertime parking lot dangers, and other building maintenance problems that are safety concerns.
   The members of the team have a commitment to safety. The campus police deal with any immediate dangers. In instances that are not emergencies, the team meets to determine how to deal with the issue at hand. The attorney general assigned to campus handles any legal issues that cannot be resolved by the team.
   Campus security and Threat Assessment team members aren’t the only ones who take action against risks on campus. Students are welcomed and encouraged to report anything that they feel could be a threat to their safety. “Threats or safety concerns may be reported anonymously, or not, whichever you choose,” head campus police officer Al Collins said. “Even if a student thinks that their concern is not important or maybe not even a threat, they should still report it anyway, you can’t be too sure.’’
   Tragic instances in recent history, such as the Virginia Tech disaster and the shooting in Tucson, have the Threat Assessment team on guard. Al Collins says, “After tragedies like 9/11 and Columbine, we can’t be too safe. We are constantly on the look out for warning signs when someone is in distress, or when any other threatening situation presents itself.’’ Some may find it comforting to know that WVU-Parkersburg has one of the safest campuses in the nation, according to the Cleary Report.
   Forms and contact information for the Threat Assessment team are located on the Campus Safety portion of WVU Parkersburg’s homepage.

Look for Evaluations on OLSIS 4-26-2011

by Susan Moore
   
    It is evaluation time for the WVU Parkersburg faculty. In the past, evaluations were mainly completed during class or through OLSIS for eCampus courses.  Starting this semester, all evaluations will be competed online in OLSIS.
    Evaluations became available through OLSIS Friday, April 15 and will be accessible through April 29.
    The Student Evaluation of Instruction Surveys is a valuable way for the college administration to gather student opinion in reference to the instruction received during a course.
    In the past, the percentage of students completing the surveys have been significantly lower than those provided during class. Student feedback is important for the review process at the college.
    Annual review files of faculty, of which student opinions are a part, are considered in contract renewal, promotion and tenure decisions.
    In addition, the evaluations help instructors assess their strengths and weaknesses and, in turn, improve their teaching. 
    If students do not complete an evaluation, no feedback is recorded.  Only when a student takes the time to fill out the evaluation, does the college administration see the impact an instructor has on the course and instruction.
        The process to complete the survey is simple.  Students need to log into OLSIS and once in their account, click on the link that says "Course Evaluations".
 Select the appropriate evaluation for the course students wish to complete.  Simply answer the multiple choices questions and submit once completed.
            All surveys are confidential. Neither StudentIDs nor any other identifying information will be recorded

Olivia's Outlook 4-26-2011


Olivia Hefner

        by Olivia Hefner

      Student A and Student B are freshmen in a 100-level class. Student A attends every class and develops proper study habits. Student B never shows up, but reads the book. Both students pass the class. Two years later Student A and B are in a 300-level class. Student A once again attends every class and devotes a large portion of time to the class. Student B shows up for the tests, reads the book and fails the class. 
        Students A and B attended a college without an attendance policy, and, in the end, they both got what they deserved. However, Student B did not waste the instructor’s time with ridiculous excuses of illnesses, “car trouble” and various other reasons because there was no reason to lie to skirt around a policy.
        Students are paying to attend college and, therefore, should not be subjected to a college-wide attendance policy past the freshman year. Students who wish to waste money and not attend upper-level classes are only hurting themselves in the long run. However, freshmen are often caught up in the newness of college and actually attending classes can be tough.
        In upper-level classes, having a student who shows up every other three classes and tries to make up their work compromises the education of those who do show up. Most colleges believe that having an attendance policy will prevent this, and all students will show up for classes. Not true. Students see an attendance policy as a loophole. If they can miss two classes, they’ll miss three and claim a deathly illness that kept them from class for three weeks. If the attendance policy were eliminated, these students would not need to make excuses and take advantage of the professors who are too kind to the students taking advantage of them. They simply would not show to class and would lose points for late work instead of being given extra time for “illness.”
        Illness does occur, but a responsible student can e-mail the professor in ample time to explain the illness, ask for the work and have it turned in on time without an issue.  The other problem is how awful these students are treating the teachers. The professors at the college are more than helpful to students who need help and offer their time and resources to make sure they succeed. When a student shows sporadically for class asking for help and time extensions, they are taking time away from the class and the professors’ time – which is not endless. They have lives, too.
        The only exceptions to a mandatory attendance policy are freshmen. Freshmen should be required to attend x amount of classes, based on x amount of hours in the class. Since freshman year is full of new experiences and is really the first taste of college life, they require a little more of a rigid structure. It builds good study habits and attendance habits. If freshmen learn attendance habits in the first year, there may be fewer students like Student B in the long run taking up time, taking advantage of the teacher and taking college like a hand out.

SGA Elections Online, Candidates Needed 4-12-2011

by Abbie Sweeney
   
    During the past two years the Student Government Association (SGA) has not had the chance to have their members officially fight for their position in SGA. Whether the position was for president, a vice president, a director, or a senator, no SGA member ran opposition. This year current president Teresa Wamer is hoping that elections will be needed in for members to claim their seats. “I always encourage people to run in opposition. I think it’s good for everyone if the person elected had to work for it,” Wamer said.
    Elections will take place the third week of April. In the past, voting was only in person at a table placed in the hallway. This year elections will be held online for the first time. “It is the first time we have tried this and we are hopeful that it will give all our students the ability to vote for their student leadership,” Wamer said. All students have to do is log in to their OLSIS accounts and fill out their election forms. As of right now, Wamer believes that the ballots will open Monday, April 18, and close Thursday, April 21, at noon.
    An email will be sent out a week before elections to remind students to vote. It is up to each candidate to decide if he or she wishes to campaign for the positions.
    Official candidates have not been announced. It is required that each candidate running for a position will have to officially announce his or her candidacy before the second week of April. Candidates wishing to run for positions are not considered official candidates until the Vice President of Academic Affairs office checks potential candidates' GPA and student statues. The main factor that allows a SGA member to run for a position is to have already been a member of SGA for at least a full semester.
    Currently SGA will be losing President Wamer, and Vice President of Finance, Alyssa Anderson.  “Organizations need change to survive, and I want to see SGA be amazing,” said Wamer.
    Even though Wamer is giving up her role as president, she is still planning on running for a senate position. Anderson is giving up her position in order to spend more time with her two children and concentrate more on her schoolwork.
            The positions that are open for running for the next election are: President, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Jackson County Center, five directors, and several senators. “I have the upmost confidence that whoever wins my seat will serve the students of WVU-P well,” Wamer said

JCC EXCLUSIVE: Students get Cultured at "International" Luncheon 4-12-2011

by Jeff Bell
   
    Students of the Jackson County Campus of WVU Parkersburg (JCC) displayed their knowledge during the International Luncheon activities on Wed Mar 30, from 11a.m. -1p.m.. Three instructors, Dean Fisher, Truman Long and Dianne Davis required students to study different cultures and create a presentation for the event; approximately 50-60 display boards were present.
    A luncheon of tacos-in-a-bag and drinks was sponsored by Student Services. Some of the other foods and refreshments were supplied by students of Dianne Davis’ class in which the students were required to bring in an ethnic dish from the country for which they presented.
    Dean Fisher involved two of his classes: WV History 250 and American History 152. The WV History students were required to develop a project centered on a hero or heroine who had connections with Appalachian heritage. Some of the presentations included General Patton, Charles Yeager and Hal Greer. “The connections to Appalachian heritage were loosely governed, I just required some sort of connection,” Fisher stated. American History students have been required to present a person who was connected to the history of the nation.
    Brad Warner was very excited to show his presentation covering Charles “Chuck” Yeager. “He had true West Virginia grit. He didn’t care what people thought or said. He just pushed on and done his job. He was the guy that actually trained the astronauts in supersonic flight, a guy from West Virginia,” Warner exclaimed. “Everyone knows that he broke the sound barrier, but most do not realize that he was also the first to go twice the speed of sound,” Warner continued.  Warner’s display included a hand-carved representation of Yeager’s supersonic plane.
    Truman Long’s sociology class looked at the importance and the impact of West Virginia immigrants. “Immigrants made very important contributions to West Virginia culture,” Long said. Students studied the important impacts made by Italians, Scottish, Irish and more within the West Virginian society.
    Dianne Davis had her online class, Professional Development, study the important contributions made by women in various countries. “I wanted the students to study the demographics of the countries,” Davis said. One presentation studied the country of Brazil.
    Students Tammy Babylon, Laura Armstrong and Melissa Sims discussed in detail, within their presentation, the work accomplished by women. “I’ve been to Brazil, it’s a fascinating place. It seemed almost natural to do the presentation on that,” Babylon said. “I was amazed to learn that the current President of Brazil is a woman,” Babylon said.
    The Luncheon had the entire lobby/multi-purpose area full of people and presentations. Several interesting displays and people made the event very successful and entertaining, according to one student in attendance of the event.