Video profiles of the 2009 Presidential Teaching Professors and Presidential Research Professors have been added to their biographies posted online at President John Peters’ Web site.
Additionally, the Board of Trustees Web site features biographies and videos of the BOT Professors.
NIU Media Services created the videos for the 2009 Faculty Awards Ceremony and Reception, held last month. They were produced by James Barker, Jennifer Howard, Len Lennergard, Kevin Meyer and Edward Pierce, with graphic assistance from Robert Banke and production assistance from graduate assistants Lora Duschene and Pam Wicks.
Northern Public Radio news station WNIJ (89.5 FM) has resumed broadcasting at full strength (50,000 watts) on an all-new antenna installed May 3.
When weather incidents destroyed the original equipment in December, the station began broadcasting at reduced power on a temporary antenna while a permanent replacement was custom-built, tested and installed. Both Northern Public Radio stations, WNIJ and WNIU (90.5 FM), remained off the air from sunrise to sunset May 3 to accommodate the work at the tower site.
Listeners, especially those north of Rockford and throughout Kane and McHenry counties, reported having difficulty tuning in the station during the months WNIJ broadcast at reduced power. With the recent antenna installation, those affected should now notice a marked improvement in reception.
WNIJ’s transmitter tower stands near Illinois 64 and Interstate 39. The broadcast studios are located in DeKalb.
NIU’s Avalon Quartet will present an evening of chamber music Tuesday, May 26, at DeKalb’s Ellwood House, 509 N. First St.
Guest artists Jan Boland (flute) and John Dowdall (guitar), both from Red Cedar Chamber Music, will join the string quartet for the 7:30 p.m. concert. The program includes music by Beethoven, Hugo Wolf, Mozart and Luigi Boccherini.
The concert is free and open to the public. The park and museum will remain open the evening of the concert.
NIU’s Civic Leadership Academy will present its next workshop Thursday, June 4.
“Leadership Lessons” is an active exploration of the “art” of leadership. Participants will study various leadership styles as well as the tools and techniques that are available for leading an organization. The interactive workshop uses video and written case studies, simulations and discussion to explore current issues, authors and developments in leadership theory and practice.
Participants will the leave energized and reflective on how they act and serve as leaders. Administrative leaders, elected officials, volunteer board members and supervisors all will benefit from this course. This workshop is one of two core sessions required to earn a certificate.
Presenter is Greg Kuhn, assistant director and senior associate for NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies.
Registration and more information about CLA and its upcoming workshops is available online.
Each alum and friend of the university who joins the NIU Alumni Association before June 30, 2009 will receive an exclusive members-only “Alumni. Employee. Huskie For Life” T-shirt.
The membership program launched last July is an excellent way to show support for NIU and pride in the university. Members enjoy many benefits on campus and in the community. Membership opportunities are available at two levels: Cardinal & Black and Legacy. Visit myniu.com for more information.
Maintenance on the steam distribution equipment will force two shutdowns in May.
Domestic-use hot water and steam/hot water heat will not be available. For more information, call Kevin Howard at (815) 753-6090.
Auditions for the 2009-2010 CSJazz Band and CSA Sinfonia are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30. Placement auditions for the summer String Chamber Music Camp also are scheduled on this day and time.
Call the office of the NIU Community School of the Arts at (815) 753-1450 for a time assignment and details. All rehearsals and performances are in the NIU Music Building.
CSJazz Band is a top regional high school jazz band that rehearses Sunday evenings throughout the school year. Players ages 14 to 20 of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, percussion, piano, bass and vocals are needed. Saxophonist Donnie Norton, NIU jazz alumni and experienced director, is the director.
CSA Sinfonia is a full orchestra that rehearses Wednesday evenings throughout the school year. Players ages 14 to 20 of strings, woodwinds, percussion and brass instruments are needed. Linc Smelser, conductor of the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra and cello teacher, is the director.
String Chamber Music Camp is a summer program for string players ages 12 to 19 interested in playing in small ensembles. The camp is scheduled for the afternoons of Monday, July 6, through Thursday, July 9. Campers enjoy rehearsals, music theory and history classes, a master class with the Avalon Quartet and a recital on Thursday. There is a sight-reading party scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 30. Violinist and chamber teacher Laurie Rodriguez directs the camp.
For more information about these NIU Community School of the Arts programs, as well as the many other ensembles, lessons and classes available for people of all ages, visit www.niu.edu/extprograms or call Renee Page at (815) 753-1450.
NIU’s University Writing Center (UWC) will be located in Founders 302 through Thursday, Aug. 6. The Stevenson South location will be closed for both intersession and summer school.
UWC is a place for all writers at NIU – undergraduates, graduates, staff and faculty – to talk one-on-one about their writing with trained consultants. Writers can discuss topics and ideas, clarify writing assignments and identify strategies for planning, organizing and developing drafts.
Center consultants help writers identify better ways to use language, learn appropriate methods for persuading readers, integrate critical reading and thinking skills into written form and discover ways to effectively use and document sources. Additionally, UWC consultants help writers recognize the different types of writing required for various disciplines as well as prepare résumés and applications for internships, scholarships or careers.
Many faculty have established relationships with the UWC by providing copies of assignments, notes about specific expectations and syllabi. Faculty also frequently ask UWC consultants to visit their classrooms for presentations on topics ranging from specific assignment strategies to general writing and documentation skills to an overview of UWC services and policies.
Consultants also can provide feedback for faculty on their syllabi, class assignments and/or rubrics.
For brochures that explain the hours and services or to arrange a class visit by UWC consultants, call (815) 753-6636 or visiting http://uwc.niu.edu.
The Fall 2009 Teaching Effectiveness Institute is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, and Friday, Aug. 14, in the Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center. The event is sponsored by the Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center.
Day One is designed to introduce faculty to basic principles of teaching, offer information about support resources related to teaching and discuss how faculty deal with students’ needs. It is geared toward an audience who is new to teaching and to those wanting to refresh their knowledge of teaching fundamentals.
Participants will have opportunities to network with both new and experienced faculty at NIU. This institute will include interactive presentations by NIU faculty and staff.
Among the day’s 10 topics: “Planning an Effective Syllabus,” “Strategies to Energize the Classroom Experience,” “Managing Academic Integrity,” “Students with Emotional and/or Behavioral Concerns,” “Accommodating the Needs of Students with Disabilities.”
Day Two – “Teaching Strategies to Help First-Year Students Do Their Best” – will feature speaker Constance Staley, professor of communication at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
According to recent reports, many new college students accept disengagement over engagement and less academic investment over more. When faced with a demanding course, the easiest solution is often to give up or change majors. What can those who value higher learning do to help students with lower expectations dig in and grapple with the challenge? How to raise the bar?
Some of the day’s six topics include “Understanding General Principles of Engagement and Disengagement,” “Introducing Initial Teaching Strategies that Generate Motivation and Engagement” and “Designing Specific Hands-on Teaching Strategies for Kisesthetic Learners.”
These workshops are open only to NIU faculty and staff.
Registered participants will receive workshop materials, lunch and refreshments and certificates of participation. Advanced registration is required by Friday, July 24, and early registration is encouraged. Register online for Day One and/or Day Two.
Call (815) 753-0595 for more information.
“Strengthening the First Year of College: Embracing Collaborative Partnerships,” a drive-in conference for the Midwest region, is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, at NIU.
The conference provides a forum for faculty, academic administrators and student affairs professionals to share ideas, resources and engaging pedagogy to enhance the learning of first-year students on two- and four-year campuses.
John Gardner, founder and senior fellow of the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, will deliver the keynote address. Plenary speaker is Betsy Barefoot, co-director and senior scholar for the Policy Center on the First Year of College.
A call for programs, registration and other conference information is available online. The deadline for proposals is Friday, July 31. Call (815) 753-1535 or e-mail firstconn@niu.edu for more information.