Dean's Blog
Welcome to the blog of the Dean and Associate Dean of the College of Sciences. This is where they share their thoughts on a variety of subjects and give you a window into the inner workings of the college.
You can read the Dean's Blog here or check us out on Blogger to leave comments or subscribe to our Atom feed.
Reaping the Benefits of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research has been a high priority in the College of Sciences for most of the last 15 years. The number of undergraduates involved in research has increased every year. Many departments showcase their student research in departmental forums, the College celebrates at ScienceFest and the University recognizes these works at the EIU Showcase.
In the CUR Quarterly, Brakke, Crowe, & Karukstis (2009) reported that students who complete undergraduate research
• Gain self-confidence
• Are more likely to complete their undergraduate education
• Are more likely to enter graduate school or professional school
Further, 29% of those completing undergraduate research developed new expectations for themselves about obtaining a Ph.D.
They reported another survey that concluded that undergraduate research is the best preparation for graduate school. This survey stated that medical schools and industry are paying attention to applicants whose resumes show that they have undergraduate research experience. Some corporations such as DuPont and Pfizer (who employ many individuals with science degrees) use undergraduate research as a screening tool for some positions.
Undergraduate research is an affirmation of creativity, initiative, organization, and accomplishment.
In the College of Sciences at EIU, we recommend that our students determine how to become involved in research while they are undergraduates. The experience will reap benefits as they seek admission to graduate and professional schools, seek their first job, and enhance their careers!
Posted on 29 October 2009 | 2:45 pm
Our COS Student Advisory Board is Back!
The 2009 College of Sciences Student Advisory Board (SAB) held their first meeting on Monday, September 21, 2009. The SAB is comprised of 12 student representative from the academic departments of the College and the Student Dean appointed by the EIU Student Senate.
The SAB is an important communication link between the Dean’s office and the students in the College. The student representatives bring news and concerns from their departments to the Dean’s office and the Dean’s office can also communicate with the students of the College through the SAB representatives.
The SAB is also charged to administer the Outstanding Faculty Award and the Student Assistance Award. The Board also designs and conducts a service project for the College.
The 2009 Student Dean is Bill Wolf, a senior with a double major in Physics and Mathematics from Erie IL. Stephanie Niemeyer, senior Sociology/Anthropology major from Teutopolis, was elected as Associate Student Dean; Carrie Larsen, a senior Communication Disorders and Sciences major from Towanda, was elected as Secretary, and Michael Chastain, a senior Physics major from Champaign, was elected to the COS Grade Appeals Committee.
The remaining members of the 2009 Student Advisory Board are:
Emily Boersma, senior Biological Sciences major from Belvidere; Stacy Fortin, senior Chemistry major form Kankakee; Eric Calvert, a sophomore Economics major from Newton; Anna Larkin, a senior Geography major from Towanda; Hannah Anderson Dukeman, a senior Nursing major from Mattoon; Jacob Griffin, a senior Political Science major from Paris; Stefan Aydt, a senior Mathematics and Computer Science and Mathematics with Teacher Certification major from Paris; Karla Atchison, a senior Psychology major from Glen Carbon.
It is our honor to work with these student leaders in the College of Sciences!
Posted on 22 September 2009 | 1:06 pm
Panther Prowlers meet the Deans
Dean Obia and I met our newest students last Friday at Panther Prowl. We had a 45 minute session with new transfer students and 45 minutes with the new freshmen. We provided an overview of the College, gave them some tips for staying organized and managing their academic plans, and we introduced them to our 2009-2010 Student Dean, Bill Wolf. Bill spoke about the COS Student Advisory Board and their important purpose of providing a communication link for students to the Dean's Office.
We invited students to ask questions at the end of the session. For those that we did not get to, we promised to post the questions and answers on the Dean's Blog.
Here are the questions we did not get to on Friday. If students reading this have additional questions, please place them as a comment on the blog.
Question #1: Are we allowed to double major as well as having a minor?
Answer: Yes! You can complete a double major. Consult with your advisor and the undergraduate catalog to map out the courses needed and the best sequence for completing all the requirements for both majors and your minor. The number of hours in majors and minors varies. You need 120 hours to graduate with a single degree even if you have a a double major and a minor.
Question #2: How can you work towards 2 degrees at one time?
Answer: You can work on 2 degrees by taking courses for both degrees. It is likely that some of the courses are required for both degrees and you can "double count" those courses. Consult with your advisor and the undergraduate catalog. If you complete a double degree, you must complete 150 hours to graduate with both degrees.
Question #3: Will a Biology degree provide me with the background in studying plants and crops or will I have to transfer in a few years?
Answer: The Biological Sciences Department at EIU has many talented faculty who study plants and some study plants used in agriculture. Please check with the chair of the Biological Sciences Department, Dr. Gary Bulla, to learn who those faculty are so that you can get in touch with them. I think we have just what you want here!
We welcome your questions and comments on the Dean's Blog. Dean Obia and I send our most sincere best wishes to all EIU students as they begin the Fall Semester.
Posted on 24 August 2009 | 2:55 pm
Welcome (Back) To EIU!
What a great day this is! While some students have been drifting in day by day since the first of August, today is MOVE IN DAY for the residence halls. The campus is buzzing and energy abounds! Smiling EIU volunteers are ready to assist students and parents unload cars, carry belongings into the dorm rooms, and just put their minds at ease with timely advice. A fleet of golf carts are whizzing up and down the sidewalks from Carmen to the Textbook Rental Service on the North Quad to give the students (and sometimes their parents too) a lift after they pick up that bag full of books! Late this afternoon, the parents will leave their children/our students with us. We are ready to help them expand their world, to contemplate their futures, and to become productive citizens in this global society. There is just no better place for them to be than at EIU!
Posted on 20 August 2009 | 3:57 pm
August Means...
At EIU, August means...
Summer Sessions are over and student sightings on campus are few and far between!
But the number of students in town increases each day that off-campus students take advantage of their newly leased apartments.
Faculty are working to complete research and writings that have occupied their summer days.
Administrators are working to ensure that the campus is ready for students and faculty as we get closer to that opening day.
We are ready to greet our new freshmen and transfer students with our orientation programs and Convocation.
The quiet days that mark the end of summer at EIU are certainly good for catching up on paperwork and reading that tends to pile up on the Dean's desk.
But...I must admit...I am ready to begin the new year. I am ready for the energy that comes with "Move In Day", "EIU Reads!" and "Panther Prowl". I am ready to put on my "I AM EIU" t-shirt and get the fall semester started!
Posted on 3 August 2009 | 2:41 pm
Old Chairs, New Chairs, All Great Chairs
This summer the College is experiencing several changes in department leadership. I want to take this opportunity to thank the COS department chairs who have stepped down and to thank all the new chairs for their commitment to the College.
Dr. Andrew Methven is returning to a faculty position in Biological Sciences. He will also be serving as the coordinator for the Master of Science in Natural Science graduate program. Andy is a talented professor and great researcher. Dr. Gary Bulla will be serving as the chair of Biological Sciences in FY10 while we search for a permanent chair. Dr. Stephen Mullin will be serving as interim associate chair in BIO during FY10.
Dr. Leonard Storm is making a brief return to faculty (June 1 through December 31) and then he is retiring from EIU. Len will be continuing to coordinate the pre-engineering program through December. Dr. Steve Daniels began serving as chair of Physics on June 1. He is enthusiastic about his new role as chair.
Dr. Gary Foster is also making an even more brief return to faculty, just for the remainder of the summer. He is retiring from EIU in August. We are almost certain that his three "grandgirls" will be occupying much of his retirement time. Dr. Craig Eckert will begin as department chair in Sociology and Anthropology on July 1.
Dr. Doug Klarup is returning to his position as Professor of Chemistry on July 1. Doug has many academic interests and we and our students are fortunate that he will be spending more time in the classroom and lab with them. Dr. Mark McGuire will serve as interim chair of Chemistry during Fall Semester and Dr. Dan Sheeran will begin as chair of Chemistry on January 1 after completing a research sabbatical during the Fall Semester of 2009.
Dr. Dianne Nelson, program director of Nursing, is leaving EIU on August 1 to join her husband at North Georgia College and State University. Dianne successfully launched the Nursing Program at EIU. Ms. Rebecca Merten will serve as interim director of Nursing while we do a search for the permanent director.
Dr. Rich Wandling of Political Science will return to faculty for the Fall Semester 2009 to resume his academic work in public administration. Rich is a great teacher and is looking forward to returning to his scholarly work. Dr. Jeff Ashley will assume the responsiblities as PLS department chair on August 1.
Posted on 26 June 2009 | 11:09 am
Commencement – What a Great Day!
On Saturday, May 9, degrees were undergraduates and graduate degrees were conferred for students from the College of Sciences. I love Commencement! As we prepare in the Lantz Fieldhouse, we see the graduates donning their EIU Blue gowns and mortar boards. COS alumnus Matt Piescinski’s voice is heard over the speakers, urging students to find their places. Classmates and roommates find one another and offer hugs and handshakes.
Soon it is time to file into Lantz Arena. The EIU Orchestra plays “Pomp and Circumstance”. Students lead the way, then faculty and then the President and members of the platform party. As soon as I step into the Arena and see all the family and friends, I get cold chills! What a celebration of hardwork and sacrifices and accomplishments! From the stage, I observe a “sea” of EIU Blue…a lovely sight!
The Commencement speakers reflect on the academic experiences. Some are humorous, some poignant but all offer some worthwhile advice. The 2009 COS Commencement speaker was Director Marc Miller of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, a 1993 Political Sciences graduate. Director Miller urged graduates to find success through service to their community which was the pathway to his appointment as the Director.
After the speeches, the degrees are conferred and each graduate walks across the stage as Matt says their name, receives a diploma cover (the diploma will arrive by mail in a few weeks!), and a handshake from President Perry. I have the pleasure of greeting each graduate as they approach the stage. What a joy it is to wish them well. As the graduates leave the stage, they are congratulated by the faculty who are very proud of the students and revel in the opportunity to celebrate this great day with them. After the last student leaves the stage, President Perry takes the podium. This spring he told the students that he wanted them to do three things. First, stand. Second, always tell the truth (in accordance with the EIU motto: Tell the truth and do not be afraid), and say “I AM EIU”. He then asked them to move their tassle to the right to signify that they are graduates. Lantz Arena was electric with excitement!
We sang the EIU Alma Mater and gave our final goodbyes as we walked past the newest EIU alumni. It was truly a great day! I look forward to December when we celebrate with the next group of graduates!
Posted on 15 May 2009 | 8:15 am
Successful Spring Semester!
Just as the rest of the world is enjoying the beginning of Spring, Spring is almost over at EIU. While Commencement is not until May 9, classes end on May 1 and most social activities will give way to preparation for final exams which begin on May 4.
Faculty and students in the College have had a successful Spring Semester. Nearly every week, we heard news about COS students and their faculty mentors traveling to state, regional and national meetings to present their research. COS students excel in the classroom and on the athletic fields and courts. Dean Hanner attended the Athlete Scholar Recognition Banquet a few weeks ago where many COS students were honored. Brian Morrell, a Biological Sciences major and a pitcher for the EIU Panthers, was one of the students who received recognition for his high academic achievement. Dean Obia and Dean Hanner attended many department recognition banquets where scholarship recipients and student leaders were honored.
The College of Sciences commencement will be held at 9:00 a.m. on May 9 in the Lantz Arena. Approximately 300 students will receive degrees at the COS ceremony. We are delighted that the commencement speaker will be Marc Miller, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Director Miller is a 1993 graduate of EIU with a degree in Political Science.
We wish the faculty and students well as they leave the campus at the end of the semester. Faculty often use the summer months for concentrated research and preparation for next year’s teaching. Some faculty will remain on campus to teach summer courses and some students will stay here to complete additional coursework. We wish our new graduates well as they leave us and ask that they stay in touch with their faculty mentors and campus friends and remember that “We are EIU”!
Posted on 27 April 2009 | 10:29 am
Successful ScienceFest!
ScienceFest 2009 was a great success! This year the theme was Environmental Sustainability: The Past, Present, and Future. The festivities began on Thursday, April 2 with the Sigma Xi dinner and lecture. Seven new members were inducted as members of Sigma Xi. Dr. Kimberly Gray from Northwestern University presented a lecture entitled Energy and the Environment: The Central Challenge of Sustainabilty.
On Friday, April 3, ScienceFest began with a browsing session with 38 displays of student research. Twelve undergraduates received SURE Awards (Student Undergraduate Research at Eastern) and ten graduate students received GSI Awards (Graduate Student Investigator). Students and faculty strolled through the room, reading the research posters and discussing the work with the student investigators.
A panel of experts discussed aspects of sustainability from the political, economic, management and architectural perspectives. Panelists included Dr. Doug Klarup, moderator; Mr. Mark Hartmann, a LEED architect from Harley Ellis Devereaux; Mr. Ryan Siegel, Coordinator for Campus Energy and Sustainability; Dr. Hui Li, Associate Professor of Economics; and Dr. Jeff Ashley, Associate Professor of Political Science.
Dean Hanner presented the State of the College address. She continued the theme of “sustainability” and posed questions about academic sustainability in the context of the core values of the College: excellence in teaching and learning, faculty/student research partnerships, and outreach to professionals and communities.
The COS Student Advisory Board presented the successful results of their service project. They collected nearly 2000 batteries and educated the campus about the environmental hazards of inappropriate disposal of batteries in landfills. The SAB presented the Student Assistance Award to Ms. Chelsea Puzey, a Communication Disorders and Sciences major and the Outstanding Faculty Award to Dr. Carl Dell, associate professor of Communication Disorders and Sciences. Dean Hanner recognized Student Dean Rebecca Grove for her leadership and service this year.
ScienceFest culminated with award presentations. Student researchers received SURE and GSI Awards. The Social Science Writing Awards were also presented. Professor Melinda Mueller of Political Science was awarded the COS Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Andrew Methven, Professor of Biological Sciences, received the Alan and Carlene Baharlou Service Award. COS’ most prestigious award is the Ringenberg Award which is given to a professor who has achieved excellence in teaching, research, and service. The 2009 Ringenberg Award was given to Dr. Janice Coons, Professor of Biological Sciences.
It was a great celebration honoring the accomplishments of our faculty and students!
Posted on 3 April 2009 | 2:39 pm
Make Plans to Attend ScienceFest
ScienceFest is coming to the College of Sciences next week! This is an annual event at which faculty and students achievements are celebrated, research is shared, and collegial discussions of critical issues ensue.
The theme of the 2009 ScienceFest is Environmental Sustainability: The Past, Present, and Future. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3 with poster presentations of student research. Following a welcome at 10:00, a panel of experts will discuss Environmental Sustainability at EIU. At 10:50, I will present the State of the College address. The morning will conclude with the presentation of student and faculty awards. The award presentations begin at 11:15.
A schedule of events is available at http://www.eiu.edu/~colsci/departments_sciencefest_schedule-of-events.php
I hope you can attend any or all of the ScienceFest events!
Posted on 25 March 2009 | 1:14 pm
Dean Hanner Goes to Washington!
I am honored to have been invited by the US Department of Education to serve on a team of higher education representatives who will be negotiating the rules for Accreditation for the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008.
Academic accreditation is important in ensuring quality in higher education institutions and programs. The Accreditation Team is meeting this week in Washington D.C. The issues to be discussed include distance education, correspondence education, due process for programs found not to be in compliance, the associated appeals process, growth monitoring, teach-out approval, and disclosure of transfer of credit policies.
It should be an interesting week!
Dean Hanner
Posted on 4 March 2009 | 9:36 am
Welcome to the New Web Site
Welcome to the new COS web site! The site is designed to keep our community up to date on the activities of the College and to provide information to students, faculty, alumni, and friends. This blog is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the College or EIU. If we can't answer your questions, we will direct you to someone on campus who can. So what do you need to know?
We are busy preparing for some of the COS events of the semester. The most significant activity of the spring semester is the ScienceFest on April 3, 2009. It is an event at which we celebrate the great work of students and faculty as well as discuss topics of interest to the sciences and social sciences.
The Spring 2009 Women in Sciences and Math (WiSM) event was held on February 17. The theme was "Pursuing a Career in Math and Sciences". Professional recruiters provided information about job opportunities and successful resumes. Librarians gave tutorials on preparation for professional exams such as the GRE and MCAT. Faculty gave tips on finding exciting internships.
On March 31, the Mentoring in Math and Sciences (M3S) program will feature Nadya Mason, a physicist from UIUC, who will talk about her career as a scientist and academic. We hope that you will join us at a COS event!
Dean Hanner
Posted on 17 February 2009 | 3:04 pm
