DSA Post | Fall 2016

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FALL 2016 | NEWSLETTER

INSIDE T H IS IS S U E

MESSAGE FROM THE

VICE PRESIDENT

D R . S H AY D AV I S L I T T L E

IT IS GREAT TO BE IN THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS WORKING WITH YOU AND OUR STUDENTS!

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MISSION STATEMENT

I look forward to collaborating as we connect students with the many

Student Accessibility Services welcomed a new staff member, Jason

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LEADERSHIP

resources on campus to help them be successful. Whether you encounter

Piatt, who will champion an accessible electronic information

a student that you believe may need a referral to the Care Team, Health

technology structure that is inclusive for all students.

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FLASH TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Services, or a student who needs assistance connecting with the many

Conduct, Student Mediation Services, Adult and Veterans Services,

student organizations on campus, please do not hesitate to contact Jen

and University Bookstore, all advocate for students with the programs

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MUCH ADO' ABOUT VETERANS

Kulics (Care Team referrals), Julie Volcheck (Health Services) or Katie

and services they manage. Timeka Rashid is collaborating with our

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NOTABLE EMPLOYEES

Goldring (student organizations). I love supporting our students to be

colleagues on the regional campuses to better communicate and

their best selves and will assist in any way I can.

support student engagement across all campuses. It is an exciting

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DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

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REGIONAL CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT

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RECREATIONAL SERVICES NEWS

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FLASHPERKS AWARDS

Student

time to be at Kent State as we amplify our impact and tell our student This year, Student Affairs will lead the way in our development of Kent

engagement story. Cesquinn Curtis and Dyann Whaley will be sharing

State of Wellness, the healthy campus initiative. Look for opportunities

the goals of the Strategic Engagement Team (SET) shortly. This group

to get involved and participate in the open forums this fall while we

will highlight and assess our programs and services so everyone is

search for a full time director of the initiative. Also, Dining Services

aware of the successes of your work. My focus of the year is employee

is issuing an RFP to solicit interest for a strategic partner beyond our

engagement in the division priorities and university strategic roadmap.

existing contract while leading a broad stakeholder group to engage

Look for more information later this fall about a process to get your

our colleagues on all campuses in the process. Residence Services in

feedback and identify individuals to be involved in these exciting

partnership with Eron Memaj will lead the way to expand and elevate our

initiatives. If you have an interest or would like to talk further, contact

global living learning community in line with the strategic roadmap. The

Pat Dennison, 2-4050.Our students are ever changing and bring new

Center for Student Involvement partnered with the Alumni Association

expectations to college. So, take advantage of the resources in the

to amplify our Homecoming 2016 week events through the student

Division of Student Affairs as we partner to promote student success.

homecoming committee and expanded events calendar.

I look forward to working with you in this academic year to support or

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students being their best selves!

MISSION The Division of Student Affairs is committed to helping students become their very best self. From traditional to non-traditional, domestic to international, commuters to residents, the division provides efforts aimed towards enhancing the co-curricular lives of all Kent State students.

PRIORITIES Cultivate an intentionally designed, inclusive and engaging student experience that promotes the intellectual,emotional, physical, and spiritual development of all students. (University Priority 1: Students First) Enhance the academic mission of Kent State through comprehensive and collaborative practices that foster innovation and lead to nationally recognized co-curricular programs and services.(University Priority 2: Distinctive Kent State) Advance the integration of international students into the campus community and encourage domestic students to expand their worldview by engaging in cultural activities and programs. (University Priority 3: Global Competitiveness) Partner with local civic leaders to engage students in the community through area neighborhood activities and community service.(University Priority 4: Regional Impact) Sustain a culture of continuous improvement including professional standards review, promoting ongoing staff development and fiscal responsibility while recruiting and retaining talented professionals. (University Priority 5: Organizational Stewardship)

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SHAY DAVIS LITTLE, PHD Vice President, Division of Student Affairs

JENNIFER KULICS, PHD Associate Vice President, Division of Student Affairs

CESQUINN M CURTIS Executive Director, Administration, Division for Student Affairs

STUDENT

DIVISION

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Project Director, Data & System Support, Division of Student Affairs

AFFAIRS

RYAN MCNAUGHTON Associate Director of Advancement, Divison of Student Affairs

LISA ALBERS

PATRICK DUFF

General Manager, Kent State Bookstore, Barnes & Noble

General Manager, University Bookstores, Barnes & Nobles

PATRICIA DENNISON

TIMEKA RASHID PHD

GRETCHEN JULIEN

Operations & Strategic Communications Coordinator, Division of Student Affairs

Associate Dean of Students, Regional Campus Engagement

Director, Recreational Services & Interim Director Kent Student Center

AMY QUILLIN, PHD

JILL CHURCH

TODD KAMENASH

Student Ombuds

Executive Director, Residence Services

Dean of Students & Director, Office of Student Conduct

ERON MEMAJ

JOSHUA RIDER

RICHARD ROLDAN

Director, International Student Affairs

Director, Center for Adult and Veteran Services

Resident District Manager, University Dining Services/SODEXO

JULIE VOLCHECK Interim Director, University Health Services

BARB BOLTZ

TOM PARSONS

CHUCK BERRY

Sales Manager, Flash Technology Center

Sr. Associate Director, University Dining Services

LEADERSHIP

JULIE DIBIASO Interim Director, Student Accessibility Services

CO MP UT E R S A N D IPA D S SKU

PREVIOUS MODEL

APPLE RETAIL

STUDENT PRICE WAS

CURRENT PRICE

SAVINGS

ON HAND

MGLW2LL/A

WI-FI 16GB SILVER

$399

$379

$349

$40

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MGKM2LL/A

WI-FI 64GB SILVER

$499

$479

$429

$70

1

ME276LL/A

WI-FI 16GB SPACE GRAY

$279

$259

$239

$40

1

ME279LL/A

WI-FI 16GB SILVER

$279

$259

$239

$40

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MK6K2LL/A

WI-FI 16GB SILVER

$399

$379

$359

$40

1

MK9H2LL/A

WI-FI 64GB SILVER

$499

$479

$429

$70

2

MK6L2LL/A

4 WI-FI 16GB GOLD

$399

$379

$359

$40

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MK9J2LL/A

WI-FI 64GB GOLD

$499

$479

$429

$70

2

1.1GHz 8GB 256GB SILVER

$1,299

$1,249

$1,049

$250

2

MBP 13' I5 4GB 500GB

$1,099

$999

$899

$200

2

21.5' 2.8 16GB 1TB

$1,479

$1,429

$1,329

$150

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NANO 16GB SLATE

$1,479

$149

$149

$119

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IPAD AIR 2

IPAD MINI 2

KENT STATE EMPLOYEES Apple products are now easier to afford. Take advantage of Apple Education Pricing and spread out

IPAD MINI 4

payments using payroll deduction for your new Apple Computers, and Accessories. The Flash Technology Center is excited to introduce Employee Payroll Deduction! Kent State University fulltime employees are now able to purchase the latest Apple technology and have it deducted from their paycheck in easy to manage installments for all purchases over $500.

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Stop by the Flash Technology Center in the Student Center and select the Apple computer and accessories you would like to purchase.

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Fill out the Payroll Deduction Form.

If approved*, you can go home with your new Apple products that same day.

You only have to pay 10% down and the rest will be deducted from you paychecks over an agreed period of time.

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MACBOOK 12'

MF855LL/A

Only one payroll deduction enrollment is allowed at a time, so get everything you need at once.

A $500 minimum purchase is needed to participate with a $3,000 maximum ceiling.

MACBOOK PRO

All payroll deduction orders are subject to review and approval by store management prior to completion of the

MD101LL/A

transaction. Terms and Conditions apply. See Deduction form for details. iMAC

KENT STATE DEPARTMENTS Departmental purchases of Apple products for your division or office can now be completed as an

Z0RR0004S

Interdepartmental Charge (IDC) transaction. Apple special orders and customized orders can now be drvop shipped directly to your department. Do to the to the Flash Technology Center be- ing a department

iPOD NANO

of the University, department credit cards can no longer be used to purchase Apple products. The Flash Technology Center is the Apple Authorized Campus Store of Kent State University. The store is now Kent State owned and operated, working to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and departments. The

MD481LL/A

Flash Technology Center is located inside the Kent State University Bookstore. For additional information, contact the Flash Technology Center at 330-672-1595.

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The months of October and November were very busy in the world of our student, faculty and staff veterans and service members. The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and The Center for Adult and Veteran Services (CAVS) teamed up with both on and off campus partners to bring high impact speakers, programs and events to campus that both honored and encapsulated the experiences of the veteran on our campuses and in the community. Many thanks to those of you who joined us in honoring our veterans and service members!

SPEAKER, TIMOTHY JONES On October 18th DSA, CAVS, LGBTQ Student Center, The Office of Sexual & Relationship Violence Support Services and the Student Multicultural Center partnered to bring Timothy Jones to speak in the KIVA. In 1999, while serving on active duty, Jones was stalked, raped, and hazed. These traumatic events altered the next twenty years of his life. Jones endured a ten-year journey of struggle, hitting his rock bottom.

After receiving assistance from the Department of Veteran Affairs, Jones navigated past each adversity, reclaiming his voice. Today, Jones’s purpose and mission is to inspire hope and empower healing of those who have had encounters with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and sexual assault. His testimony was powerful and impactful for all who attended.

HOMELESS VETERANS ART EXHIBIT The month of November was packed with exciting happenings! Specifically, the week of November 7-10.

Over the course of the entire week, we will welcomed the artistic works of homeless veterans from both Valor and Freedom Houses with an exhibit of over 30 pieces.

VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATION On the 9th of November, DSA, CAVS and Human Resources partnered to present the annual Veterans Day Commemoration in Risman Plaza which was followed by a brief reception. That same day, CAVS and Alumni Relations sponsored a luncheon for student, staff and alumni veterans and service members. Later that evening in the KIVA, the Wounded Warrior Project sponsored a showing of the powerful documentary Restrepo.

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OCTOBER EMPLOYEE OF EXCELLENCE The October Employee Excellence Award was awarded to Cathy Kurtz, Senior Manager, University Dining Services. Cathy has worked in Dining Services for over 28 years. “Cathy is a very caring and conscientious manager. She demonstrates dedication and sets a high standard of excellence for her unit at Eastway. Cathy’s management style puts students first, helping students to gain critical job skills in her training and teaching them the importance of executing quality customer service,” shares, Chuck Berry, Senior Associate Director, University Dining Services. Chuck continues to explain that Cathy’s tireless effort and commitment to students, employees and customers helps illustrate her hardworking, dedicated leadership style which is contagious to others.

“The things that I enjoy the most about working here,” states Cathy, “is being able to work with all the

Debbie McFrederick. She is a Housekeeping Supervisor who celebrated 25 years in the Department of Residence Services last month.

students from difference cultures and backgrounds, having an active role in all the different events that we do, and having the opportunity to learn new things each and every day.” And beyond her Kent State family, she loves spending time with her own family, which includes six grandchildren which she is a dedicated fan in

Debbie is one of our shining stars! She knows our halls, our staff, and our students. As the longstanding supervisor she is an asset to the department as well as the University community in immeasurable ways. Currently she serves as the Housekeeping Supervisor Eastway, Twin, Van Campen area.

a variety of different sporting events. Her and her husband enjoy gardening and canning. And if that isn’t enough, she still finds time to spend with friends, golfing, traveling, dining in new restaurants, and always trying to

CATHY KURTZ Senior Manager, University Dining Services

experience new things.

NOVEMBER EMPLOYEE OF EXCELLENCE SEPTEMBER EMPLOYEE OF EXCELLENCE

The November Employee Excellence Award was awarded to Nikki Dech, Trade Book Manager for the Kent State

In September, the Employee Excellence Award was given to David Taylor, Ph., Associate Director, Residence

University Bookstore. Nikki has worked at the Kent State University Bookstore for nearly ten years.

Services. (Photo attached) Dave began his career at Kent State University in the spring of 2000 as an undergrad and as a resident assistant. He was also a graduate assistant for Residence Services prior to

“During the past year and half that I have worked with Nikki, she has proven that she is committed to providing

beginning his professional employment with Residence Services in 2007. Dave manages the housing

great customer service and excitement to our Kent State University Community as well as our local surrounding

applications and assignments process. “He has a team to assist him, but he is the forecaster, the manager,

areas,” shares, Lisa Albers, General Manager, Kent State University Bookstore, in her nomination. “Nikki is a

and often the heavy during the very demanding process,” shares Jill Church, Director, Residence Services

valued member of our Bookstore Management team. She leads by example by modelling Wow! customer service

in her nomination. Dave has a way of balancing a delicate role of coordinating with Admissions to reach

and enforcing consistent standards and performance by our booksellers. She helps to create an environment

enrollment goals and ensuring Kent State has a room for each student. Jill adds, “Dave is one of our

that is welcoming and exciting for our guests.”

department’s unsung heroes....He does an amazing job that is often taken for granted.”

Nikki has organized and executed numerous events at the University Bookstore: The Dr. Seuss events, Annual When asked what he likes most about KSU, Dave replied, “The campus is beautiful and a relaxing place

Book Festivals, May 4th events, the downtown Kent Harry Potterfest (in partnerships with Main Street Kent),

to walk and explore. I’ve made so many friends and experienced many wonderful moments of my life while

Welcome Weekend, De-Stress Fest... just to name a few. Nikki was also responsible for establishing the annual

here.” Dave emphasizes that what he wants to accomplish with is job is to make a difference, however that

holiday giving tree in the bookstore to support families in transitional housing here in Portage County.

happens and that Kent State offers every employee the ability to do so in diverse ways.

Dave enjoys the outdoors and has a special passion for geology and learning about trees. In addition to his defined role, Dave serves as the unofficial historian for Residence Services and in his spare time architects awesome campus scavenger hunts. Some additional enjoyments are reading and spending time with his

DAVID TAYLOR, PHD Associate Director, Residence Services

Originally from Massachusetts, Nikki moved to northeastern Ohio in 2007. She met her husband (a Kent alum) here in Kent. She shares that she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her daughter, Lily, who is three years old. In addition to her role as book manager, wife and mom, Nikki still finds time to enjoy reading, games, vegetable gardening and the outdoors.

wife and pets.

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NIKKI DECH, Trade Book Manager, Kent State Bookstore

DISBILITY AWARENESS MONTH Student Accessibility Services, the KSU Museum along with the Fashion School has partnered to offer an exhibition celebrating an all-inclusive beauty and a deconstruction of the stigmatization of those living with Various physical disabilities.

The rare, design-focused exhibit of assistive and adaptive devices, “(dis)ABLED BEAUTY: The Evolution of Beauty, Disability and Ability” will run through March 12, 2017 at the Kent State University Museum Stager and Blum Galleries.

REGIONAL CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT

With a mission to visualize rather than conceal, the exhibition features items

DIFFERENT KINDS OF MINDS CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY

including prostheses, hearing devices, and mobility devices designed to be

A highlight to this year’s disAbility Awareness Month here at Kent State

fashionable, while allowing for ability and to be “shown-off”. Visit the Kent State

University was the featured speaker, Temple Grandin, Ph.D. Dr. Grandin is

University Museum for more information.

known as one of the first individuals to publicly share her personal experience

Regional campus engagement in two words is: Students First. Our university

with autism. As the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism

system consists of eight campuses( including the Twinsburg Regional Academic

in the world, Dr. Grandin is a speaker who inspires and motivates others

Center- RAC). With the introduction of the 1 University Commission last year

through her story. She didn't talk until she was three-and-a-half years old,

and most recently the arrival of our first Vice President for System Integration

communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping, and humming.

Dr. Nate Ritchey, I am excited to help lead our Division in implementing new

In 1950, she was diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should

initiatives that expand our important work of putting students first throughout

be institutionalized. Even though she was considered "weird" in her young

our university system. The students interests at all of our campuses vary as

school years, she eventually found a mentor who recognized her interests

well as their experiences and backgrounds. On September 16th student life

and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed her talents into a successful career

professionals from across our university system gathered to exchange, gain

as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She

insight and an take steps in creating a new culture of connected student life

currently works as a professor of animal science at Colorado State University

engagement. The meeting served as just the start of identifying themes

and speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling.

and ideas of how to improve our work of appreciating the differences of our students from each of the campuses but making strides in improving their cocurricular experience.

More meetings for resource exchange and best practice development are planned for the spring. Efforts to share and exchange will remain consistent between these meeting through the new monthly Student Life exchange newsletter. I encourage you to plan to share information about your area each month. In doing so you are strengthening the connection and understanding of

If you would like to meet to discuss ways your unit can connect more with our regional partners please feel free to contact me.

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CUSTOM RAFTING TRIP FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Recreational Service’s

Outdoor Adventure provided a custom rafting trip to the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle, PA for 11 international students on October 2. It was every student’s first time to go white water rafting, and they enjoyed the day rafting, sliding down a natural waterfall slide, and sightseeing around the picturesque town of Ohiopyle. Ravi Teja Pampana, who is getting his Master's in Computer Science, reached out to our trip coordinator to organize a private trip for him and fellow international exchange students. “First of all I want to say a big thanks to you for planning this private white water rafting trip at Ohiopyle upon my request. I had a wonderful time during rafting and the journey there was also cool. I am asking you to plan some more awesome trips for students like us. I can give a 5 out 5 for this trip.” Outdoor Adventure not only coordinatesv approximately 12 adventure trips per semester open to the public, but offers selected private trips for student, staff and faculty groups as well. Trip selections include stand up paddle boarding, white water rafting and kayaking trips.

CLEANUP THE CUYAHOGA On Saturday, September 24, KSU Recreational Service’s Outdoor Adventure coordinated a Clean Up The Cuyahoga event in celebration of National Public Lands Day. This events was co-organized with the city of Cuyahoga Falls Public Utilities department. Kent State University had over 40 volunteers participate during the day focusing on the river from downtown Kent to Waterworks Park in and the city of Cuyahoga Falls had 30 volunteers to focus efforts on the sections downstream from Waterworks park towards the City of Akron. The total estimated amount of trash filled several pickups, and was estimated to be over 10 tons including many car tires.

IMMERSION EXCURSION Kent State University’s Immersion Excursion is a five day outdoor adventure and experiential learning orientation. It is designed for incoming first year students to the Kent campus to prepare them for life at Kent State, learn more about themselves, meet new friends, and have fun exploring the outdoors. This program occurs in the summer months before students begin fall semester classes and is provided by the Department of Recreational Services in conjunction with Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement (OEECE). This past August marked the inaugural Immersion Excursion in which nine first year students participated in activities such as camping, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking and stand up paddle boarding. Students also participated in non-adventure programming including volunteering with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, career introductions by CVNP professional staff, and nightly group discussions led by trip leaders to discuss the many aspects of successfully beginning university life at Kent State University.

R E C R E AT I O N A L S E RV I C E S

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FLASHPERK AWARDS The Best Poster Award, chosen on-site, was given to Kent State University for “FLASHperks Rewards Program,� a poster designed by Kristan Dolan and Katie Goldring. FLASHperks is a university-wide initiative to enhance student involvement on campus and increase retention rates.

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