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Here are some stories of interest to the Ohio University-Chillicothe campus community:
The full stories are below. EMERGING SCHOLARS PROGRAM UTILIZES PEER MENTORING APPROACH
Ohio University-Chillicothe has launched the Emerging Scholars Program as a pilot program during winter quarter to help new students become well adjusted members of the campus community.
The peer-mentoring program relies on the insights and counsel of fellow students to help incoming students navigate the early part of their college careers. Advanced students act as mentors for freshmen, providing academic and social support, with the goal of improving students’ academic performances and retention rates.
The program, which is designed by a committee consisting of OU-C faculty, staff, administrators and former students, is supervised by Assistant Professor of Psychology Ann Rumble, with graduate assistant Joe Barker on the point for seeing through its implementation. Much of its focus is on easing the transition of first-generation college students.
“College can be daunting, especially to first-generation students. While they may be hesitant to contact a faculty member with concerns, fellow students are much more approachable and speak the same language,” Rumble said. “OU-C’s student population is very diverse, and it is helpful if new students have someone who can understand their unique concerns, whether it be a students straight out of high school or a spouse with family responsibilities.”
“An anticipated outcome of this program is to create an even greater sense of community on campus and improve the overall college experience for everyone involved including the students serving as mentors,” Rumble said. “In these types of programs, the mentors reap several benefits, including preparation for careers and graduate school.”
Efforts are made to pair mentors with incoming students of the same gender, age range and academic discipline.
The program’s effectiveness will be measured in terms of retention rate, academic improvement and the students’ perceptions of OU-C.
“It is important to ensure as best we can that new students have a positive experience at OU-C and form a favorable impression of the campus,” Rumble said. “These new students can be some of the campus’ best ambassadors and assist with recruiting efforts when they talk with their friends and family members.”
The program initially has 10 mentors helping 15 new students. The mentors, who are all junior and senior students, were chosen based on faculty and staff recommendations. The new students expressed an interest in being involved in the mentoring program. The program is contained in size initially so that the wrinkles can be worked out and adjustments made.
Mentors spend 1 to 2 hours a week with their protégés. Mentors must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0 and have completed at least 40 hours of coursework. They go through a training program before beginning the program.
While a pilot program this quarter, it is hopeful that the program will expand and continue.
The program furthers OU-C’s implementation of goals and values outlined in the Vision OHIO strategic plan. Vision OHIO lists mentoring as a key value to enhancing the educational experience and notes that learning comes from the total college experience, not just learning in the classroom.
INFORMATIONAL SESSION TO ADDRESS BACHELOR’S DEGREE OFFERINGS
An informational meeting will be held at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in Bennett Hall room 134 to explore bachelor’s degree offerings at Ohio University-Chillicothe. The meeting is free and open to all OU-C students and potential students.
“This session is designed to offer details of what is involved in pursuing each major and the career paths that are available upon graduation,” Coordinator of Student Support Diane Diekroger said. “It should be particularly helpful for current students who are uncertain of their choice of academic major and for potential students who are considering an undergraduate degree and want more information on what is involved in obtaining this degree.”
Among topics to be covered are degree requirements, curricula and marketability of students with these bachelor’s degrees.
At the Feb. 22 event, OU-C’s bachelor’s degree offerings of Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Specialized Studies, Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies will be highlighted.
Besides Diekroger, other presenters will include OU-C faculty and staff members Michael Lafreniere, Tom Thomas, Dennis Bothel, Christi Simmons and Lisa Wallace.
1804 FUNDS APPLICATION DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE
Faculty and staff members who wish to apply for Ohio University 1804 Funds money can find information on the fund, including examples of research and educational initiatives that are supported by the fund, deadlines and application procedures online at www.ohiou.edu/research/1804.html.
The 1804 Fund focuses its support on student and faculty learning through the two fund categories of undergraduate learning, and faculty research and graduate studies. The awards seek to foster a superior undergraduate experience; integrating students in the mission of the university; distinctiveness in graduate education; excellence in research and scholarship; competitiveness for external funding; linking service and learning; and attracting students.
WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS UNIVERSITY HARASSMENT POLICIES
A Harassment Awareness and Reporting Training workshop will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in the Bennett Hall Auditorium to discuss Ohio University’s harassment policies. Associate Director of Legal Affairs Nicolette Dioguardi will be holding the in-service workshop. This training program will provide you with knowledge of what is considered to be harassing behavior and/or conduct, what you must and should do about it, and what the university's administrative response is likely to be when a report is made. This is to be considered a priority training program and required for all to attend. The session is intended to educate the campus community on the requirements of the new Harassment Policy and Procedure. Given the variety of schedules and conflicts that may arise, we are also videotaping this training for secure web broadcast. Our intention is to provide a secure method of logging in and validating this information is received by all who work on our Chillicothe campus. More information will come available as this technology is deployed. The university’s harassment policy is available online at http://www.ohiou.edu/policy/03-004.html
VICE PRESIDENT CHARLES BIRD TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING
Members of the Ohio University-Chillicothe community are invited to attend a town hall meeting with Ohio University Vice President of University Outreach and Regional Campuses Charles Bird at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in Shoemaker Center rooms 215 and 217. Dr. Bird will give an update on activities of the campuses and UORC.
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The oldest of five regional campuses, Ohio University-Chillicothe is located 45 miles south of Columbus in the Appalachian foothills. This non-residential campus has an enrollment of over 1900 students; historic Chillicothe, the first capital of Ohio, has a population of 26,000. The campus offers 13 associate's degrees, 7 bachelor's degrees and 3 master's degrees with over 30 full time faculty members, supplemented by over 70 adjunct faculty.
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Ohio University-Chillicothe |
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