2009 Spring Semester: Welcome Back
You know, I've always wondered why this semester is called "spring." It doesn't feel like spring to me this week, does it to you? We've had major ice and snow storms in the "spring" semester before so it's never made sense to me. By the time the semester is over, it's spring, so I get that. What if we called it "winter" semester? Would students and faculty not look forward to it as much, perhaps thinking, "Ugh, another winter semester. Who wants that?" So, perhaps we call it spring semester in order to give us something to look forward to...
It's now Friday of the first week of classes and it's about the time we all get into a routine with our classes. I hope you are enjoying your new schedule of classes and that faculty members have set out some exciting and challenging tasks for you this semester. The dean of the college of arts and letters, Dr. Carey Adams, also maintains a "dean's blog" and this week he talks about how as teachers we hope to inspire big ideas and big thinking in our students. Sometimes we also feel like we just have to get through the material to ensure that you've got the basic information. These days when faculty talk about effective teaching strategies, we are more likely to include "learning" in the same phrase. Teaching and learning should go together, right? You hope for inspiring teachers, and we hope for learning in our students. They go together also because faculty learn from their students, as well, excellent teachers should inspire learning for all in their classes. What helps you to learn, truly learn, and become inspired about a topic? Just a few thoughts as we embark on a new semester's worth of classes and experiences together.
In addition to posing some questions for you think about, I also post helpful information and opportunities for you to consider:
OPPORTUNITIES for PR Students
- Use this link SWMO PRSA Scholarship Criteria & Application (Fall '09).pdfk to download an application for a scholarship in public relations: Dr. Joe McAdoo Memorial Scholarship. SWMO PRSA recognizes the role of education in maintaining the integrity and creativity of the public relations profession. In order to promote opportunities for future PR practitioners, Public Relations Society of SW Missouri award an annual scholarship of $1,000 ($500/semester). Materials must be postmarked by April 9, 2009. If you have any questions about the scholarship application process, contact Jacob Day at jday@bkd.com \\
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New Web Registration System to come online
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You've probably heard it through the grapevine that for fall registration we are going to roll out a new web registration and advisement system. As more details includimg information sessions for students become available I will be sure to keep you posted with tips and hints for how to use the system effectively.
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One thing you need to know initially is that fall registration will occur in the new system but summer registration will occur in the current web registration system. This means you'll have to navigate both systems if you plan to register for summer and fall classes. You will register for summer classes first.
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As we've done in the past, I'll provide information on classes that will be offered this summer and fall so you can begin planning before registration begins. The schedules will be available from the Registrar near March 1. But as we get our schedules confirmed, I will post a schedule of COM classes sooner.
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If there are questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Will be in touch again soon. As always, I encourage your feedback and thoughts.
Kelly