News from Connect Partnership

CONNECT CHRONICLE

November 1, 2011

CONNECT Sustainability Conference December 2: Register Now!

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Join colleagues from the CONNECT campuses for a day-long discussion of pedagogy and the greening of higher education. "Sustainability and Engaged Student Learning" will bring faculty and administrators together at the Plymouth Radisson Hotel (note venue change) to exchange information about best practices they have developed, to brainstorm solutions to problems they have encountered, and to learn more about integrating sustainability into the curriculum. The keynote address will be given by Debra Rowe, Ph.D., president of the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development and professor of energy management, renewable energy technology and psychology at Oakland Community College.

This phase of registration is open only to CONNECT faculty, staff, and instructors; those new to sustainability concepts and interested in learning more are especially welcome. Community members who wish to attend should contact Executive Director Kathleen Kirby to be placed on a wait list.

Click here to see the draft agenda and to register.

In This Issue

Economic Summit Resources Available

IN EVERY ISSUE: Campus News and Events

Economic Summit - List of Resources Now Available Massasoit Grad

In November 2010, CONNECT organized a Southeastern Massachusetts Economic Development Summit to discuss the role higher education could play in bolstering our region's economy, and to solicit input about the needs of area employers.

Summit attendees made a number of requests and recommendations about programs that the six CONNECT colleges and universities could offer to meet workforce needs. We have compiled information (in some cases starting new programs) responding to these recommendations. Visit the CONNECT website to access this list of resources and contacts.

Campus News & Events

UMASS Dartmouth Receives $3.5 Million Grant to Improve Math and Science Teaching

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has received $3.5 million from the National Science Foundation to help develop local science, technology, and mathematics education in schools. The grant will provide training for teachers, as well as creating more effective means of teaching in the classrooms. $2.86 million over six years will go to UMass's School for Education, Public Policy and Civic Engagement, and the Ocean Explorium in New Bedford. Smaller portions of the grant will fund studies regarding the development of middle school math teaching. "Creating first-rate science and math learning opportunities in high-need school districts is both an economic and moral imperative," Chancellor Jean MacCormack stated. Click here to read more about the grant.

Three CONNECT Colleges Share in $20 Million Grant to Massachusetts Community Colleges

Bristol, Cape Cod, and Massasoit Community College will each receive nearly $800,000 over three years as a part of a $20 million award from the U.S. Department of Labor. According to Gov. Deval Patrick, the project is designed to transform how Massachusetts' 15 community colleges work with each other and with the adult education and workforce development systems. The funding will enable the colleges to implement new and innovative workforce training programs while also expanding existing programs for several targeted industries - Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Information Technology, Health Care, Advanced Manufacturing, Financial Services & Entrepreneurship and Clean Energy - all of which are high-need and high-growth industries in Massachusetts. Click here to read more about the grant.

Massasoit Community College - Scituate Marine Technology Series

November 1 - 22, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

During the fourth annual Scituate Marine Technology Series, marine life enthusiasts will be treated to a series of presentations focused on the work being done on and near the water. MCC and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary are partnering to bring the public these lectures running from November 1 to November 22. Experts from Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary will provide an overview of marine careers related to sanctuary operations and offer perspectives on present trends and future directions in marine research, monitoring, resource protection and exploration. To register, go to www.massasoit.mass.edu , in the "What's New" column, or call 508.588.9100 x1509.

Bristol Community College - Artists Who Work in Wood - Opening Reception

November 3, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wood can be manipulated in extraordinary ways - so much so that results can often disguise the material's origins. The November show of the Grimshaw-Gudewicz Gallery features three artists working in wood: Bradley Fesmire who graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Providence, RI; Japan-born Yuri Kobayashi of Westport, MA who moved to the U.S. to pursue an MFA degree in woodworking and furniture design at San Diego State University; and David Richardson of New Bedford, MA, who founded Northeast Studio Co, an antique furniture restoration and hand-made furniture company. The show runs from November 3 to December 15, 2011. Admission is free and open to the public. Click here for more information or call 508.678.2811 x2631.

Cape Cod Community College - Othello

Opening Night - November 3, 7:00 p.m.

This Shakespeare classic is updated with contemporary themes. In casting a woman as Othello, the production explores how same-sex marriage has displaced inter-racial marriage in today's social discourse. Additional performances take place November 4,5,10,11,12 18 & 19 at 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. with matinees on November 6,13, and 20. Tickets ($10 general admission; $5 for CCCC faculty/staff/students) may be reserved by calling the College Box Office at 508.375.4044. Click here for additional information.

Bridgewater State University - Discussion with Author John Shors

November 8, 7:30 p.m.

0.8760330578512396 Author John Shors will be talking to the community about his novel "Dragon House." Set in modern-day Vietnam, "Dragon House" tells the tale of Iris and Noah - two Americans who, as a way of healing their own painful pasts, open a center to house and educate Vietnamese street children and find themselves reborn in an exotic land filled with corruption and chaos, sacrifice and beauty.

John's first five novels, "Beneath a Marble Sky," "Beside a Burning Sea," "Dragon House," "The Wishing Trees," and "Cross Currents," have won multiple awards and have been translated into twenty-five languages. The novel was selected as part of the "One Book, One Community" program bringing together college students, faculty, and staff with Bridgewater area residents. After the lecture, there will be a book signing and opportunity to purchase John's new book, "Cross Currents." Click here for additional information.

To suggest future articles or calendar notices to appear in the CONNECT Chronicle, please email Kim Williams, CONNECT Staff Assistant, at kim.williams@connectsemass.org. All events to be included must be open to participants from all CONNECT member institutions.