Education

College Announcements: March 28, 2018

Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

DCEC seeks nominations for new chair

The Diversity and Community Enhancement Committee (DCEC) is taking nominations for a new chair to take leadership for the next academic year. DCEC is a college-wide, volunteer group comprised of faculty, staff and students who work together to create change and encourage conversations within the college pertaining to diversity.

The group actively sponsors multiple events each year and has an expansive reach. This year's activities have included a student-organized Diversity in Education conference; bias-based bullying workshops; an all-day staff retreat; and a musical celebration of Violeta Parra, the Chilean folk singer and activist. The committee also led the development of a Social Justice in Education minor.

DCEC meets monthly and has the support of a graduate student assistant. Both faculty and staff are eligible to be nominated for the position of chair. The chair is tasked with leading DCEC and meets informally with Dean David H. Monk to craft a vision and consult on the committee’s work.

To nominate a colleague or oneself, email Elizabeth Smolcic, current chair, at eas260@psu.edu. If nominating a colleague, be sure to check with that person before submitting the nomination. Active members of DCEC will vote to select the next chair.

For additional information about DCEC, contact Carlos Zalaquett (cpz1@psu.edu), Ashley Patterson (apatterson@psu.edu) or Amity Maines (aum16@psu.edu).

DCEC partners with United Way for book drive

The College of Education's Diversity and Community Enhancement Committee (DCEC), in partnership with Centre County United Way, is collecting books with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion for children ages 5 and younger. Books will be distributed to families in need throughout the county. The drive will continue throughout the month of March.

Age-appropriate books must be new or gently used and may be dropped off in one of the designated drop boxes located in Chambers Building. Those interested in donating also may visit https://goo.gl/tmua1w and order a recommended book. The book may then be shipped directly to 270A Chambers Building, University Park, PA, 16802.

For more information about the drive, contact Elizabeth Smolcic, DCEC chair, at eas260@psu.edu.

USAC accepting membership applications

The application period for 2018-19 membership in the University Staff Advisory Council has begun. The University Staff Advisory Council is a way for staff at all Penn State campuses to get involved and serve fellow staff members. Appointed USAC members have voting responsibilities and serve three-year terms, beginning July 1. Monthly council meetings typically occur during normal University hours, last approximately two hours, and are considered University business. Full-time staff employees (not in a bargaining unit) are eligible to apply. To apply, visit https://hr.psu.edu/university-staff-advisory-council/get-involved and download the application form. Applications must be received by March 31. For questions about the application or membership, contact the membership committee chair, John Ilie, at iri100@psu.edu.

Penn State Powwow seeks volunteers for two-day event

The Penn State Powwow, a two-day event recognized as one of the finest of its kind, is seeking volunteers for the event scheduled for April 14-15 at Mount Nittany Middle School in State College.

Organizers of the family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public, are looking for volunteers to assist with the logistical aspects of the event. That includes setup, work in the American Indian kitchen, errands/supplies/facilities, take-down efforts, and various other duties. Organizers are asking volunteers to spend four-hour blocks of time helping out at the powwow.

Those interested may contact volunteer coordinator Bruce Teeple at mongopawn44@hotmail.com for more information. For additional information about the powwow, visit http://bit.ly/2InATmk.

Libraries surveying faculty on digital technologies’ impact

Penn State University Libraries is conducting a survey of all Penn State faculty about the impact of digital technologies on research, teaching and publishing.

The survey will be conducted through Tuesday, April 10, in partnership with national research organization Ithaka S+R, and distributed to a University-wide faculty sample via Penn State email invitation on behalf of Barbara I. Dewey, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications.

For more information about the survey, visit http://bit.ly/2Dl6gKc.

If you have an announcement you would like to share with the College of Education, send it via email to edrelations@psu.edu. Submissions must include a contact name and telephone number so that Connections can verify the information.

Last Updated March 28, 2018