Scarborough to begin three-part series
on ‘critical questions about teaching, learning’
 Presidential Teaching Professor Jule Scarborough will begin a three-part seminar series Thursday on “Critical Questions about Our Teaching and Student Learning.”
Scarborough, a professor in the Department of Technology in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the Holmes Student Center.
The second and third installments take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, and Tuesday, April 13. All are invited, and no registration is necessary. Call 753-0595 for more information.
Scarborough’s presentation on “the exciting and courageous adventure of teaching” is part of the Presidential Teaching Professor Seminar Series sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Faculty Development and Instructional Technology Center.
“The goal, really, is to highlight the importance of teaching to the campus, and also to provide information to other teachers about effective teaching,” Vice Provost Earl “Gip” Seaver said. “These offer opportunities to faculty, staff and students to hear professors, whom have been identified by their peers as being among the best, talk about their interests, about teaching and about improving teaching.”
All PTP recipients agree to give lectures, Seaver said.
The NIU Presidential Teaching Professorships were established in 1991 to recognize and support faculty who excel in the practice of teaching. Recipients of this award have demonstrated over time their commitment to and success in the many activities associated with outstanding teaching.
Up to three such professorships are granted each year, providing budgetary support and release time for the enhancement of their teaching skills. Scarborough earned the distinction in 2002.
After four years, each is designated a Distinguished Teaching Professor.
“Teachers must be seekers of knowledge at heart, comfortable acknowledging what they do not know and seeking to engage in new initiatives that stretch their abilities,” said Scarborough, whose own willingness to do so keeps her excited about teaching. “I think every single class I’ve ever taught was a guinea pig class. I’m always trying new things; it keeps me motivated. If I’m learning along with my students, I stay challenged and interested.”
Scarborough began her career at NIU in 1981, teaching a variety of technical courses. She was the first to teach computer-aided design here and developed the automation lab at the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.
Her current work is in leadership, management and international business.
She also has worked to reform math science and technology education at the secondary level in Illinois, leading a team that has secured more than $8 million in grants over the last 20 years to introduce new teaching experiences to teachers throughout the state.
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Panelists to discuss
‘Being Black in DeKalb’
In honor of Black Heritage Month, the NIU Center for Black Studies and the DeKalb Interfaith Network for Peace & Justice are sponsoring “Being Black in DeKalb.” The program takes place at 7 p.m. today in the Heritage Room of the Holmes Student Center. It offers a unique opportunity to learn first-hand what it’s like to be a member of a minority group in DeKalb. Students, faculty and community members will describe their experiences living here, and later address questions from the audience.
Campus food drive
scheduled for Friday
Participate in the fourth annual campus food drive from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Friday. Simply bring canned goods on your way to work or class in the morning and drop them off in designated vans stationed in the following parking lots: Campus Life Building, Field House, Parking Deck (both entrances), Music/Art Building, Campus Child Care (drop off in lobby), Human Resource Services (drop off in lobby). Volunteers are needed. If you are willing to volunteer or have any questions about the food drive, please contact Michelle Bringas, University Programming and Activities Office, at 753-1421 or via e-mail at mbringas@niu.edu. -- MORE
Academic Book Fair offers
half-off savings on texts
University Bookstore will host an Academic Book Fair featuring 50 percent savings on more than 4,000 titles from academic publishers. The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the bookstore in the Holmes Student Center. No additional discounts will apply.
SPS employees can learn
how to prepare for evaluations
NIU’s Supportive Professional Staff employees can learn how to prepare for evaluations from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Room 306 of the Holmes Student Center. Presenters Deborah Haliczer of Human Resource Services and Debra Hopkins of CPA Review will provide the strategies and suggestions. Call 753-6000 to register. NIU Players Theatre
welcomes Southern hostility
An unlikely sort of evil finds its way Thursday, Feb. 19, into the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. “The Little Foxes” runs Feb. 19 through 22 and Feb. 25 through 29. Show times are 7:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Players Theatre is located on the second floor of the Stevens Building on the NIU campus. Call 753-1600 for tickets. -- MORE
Workshop to address
successful event planning
NIU employees who plan events or programs can find strategies for success at a workshop scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Room 306 of the Holmes Student Center. -- MORE
MCTI proposals sought
The Office of the Provost and the Provost’s Task Force on Multicultural Curriculum transformation are pleased to announce NIU’s 10th annual Multicultural Curriculum Transformation Institute held May 11 to 19 at NIU. -- MORE
NIU Wellness Fair
to teach stroke avoidance
NIU’s Employee Wellness and Assistance Program will host a wellness fair Wednesday, March 24, on the main floor of the Holmes Student Center. -- MORE
Printable abridged version
A printable abridged version of Northern Today is available.
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