Volume I, Issue 2 October 13, 2015

Exciting Changes Coming for Zahnow Library

As universities evolve in the technology era, so does the interaction between users and information. At the center of this evolution is the library, an integrated space where information, technology, and knowledge intersect. The integrated world -- a learning commons -- where both faculty and students working with library staff are in command of knowledge management and physical space. Donald Beagle (2006) defines the learning commons as what happens when the resources of the information commons are "organized in collaboration with learning initiatives sponsored by other academic units, or aligned with learning outcomes defined through a cooperative process" (p. xviii).

Over the past several months, SVSU has undertaken a project to expand the physical and virtual spaces in Zahnow Library, to include social learning commons and study zones, open flexible space and furniture based on learning styles of users, space for student events and activities, multiple technology platforms and maker spaces, and peer assistance professional support. Working collaboratively with the architects since summer, Jim Maher, Executive Director of Information Technology, Anita Dey, Director of the Library. and Steve Hocquard, Assistant Vice President Facilities Planning & Construction have begun to meet with dining services staff, faculty and student focus groups to gather information on the needs and wants of SVSU students and faculty.

Included in this integrated world is a space where research services and the library collection will become more dynamic for users. Working with her staff, Anita Dey has been creating evolving collections that will include 145,000 physical volumes, 150,000 Electronic Books as well as a multi-library book share initiative that will give access for up to 3 million additional volumes for SVSU faculty and students. Included in this expansive collection is also access to a multitude of multi-disciplinary databases with 45,000 titles.

Additionally, the space that makes up Zahnow is one of the busiest thoroughfares on campus. This academic Main Street will not only include the rich resources of the Library Commons but will also provide users with access to dining services that will be anchored by Albert E's and Starbucks. The access to dining and flexible seating that make up the space creates an inviting atmosphere for students to eat, interact, and create in a comfortable and inviting space. Within this space, the new Library areas will include IT Design in the library-supporting innovative spaces, printing, computers and training, the Center for Academic Innovation, Center for Academic Achievement, Math and Physics Center, Biology and Chemistry Tutoring Services, the Diane Boehm Writing Center and the Cardinal Testing Center.

Services provide a unique learning support environment that will also comprise over 15 flex rooms for group work that will have a multitude of collaborative technology, 5 large learning spaces for classes and training of faculty, several specialized rooms for listening, recording, and archives, as well as dedicated spaces for math and writing. Last, but certainly not least will be an upgraded archive space and a gallery concept in collaboration with SVSU's art department that will bring student art to the entire building after construction begins in May 2016.

The integrated space that features common and private spaces for collaboration, studying, and connecting will provide the kind of structure that will enhance the learning experience of SVSU students.

Dr. David Callejo Pérez

Associate Provost

References

Beagle, D., D. Bailey & B. Tierney (2006). The Information Commons Handbook (New York: Neal Schuman).

Library Renovation Rendering

A Message from International Studies

The Office of International and Advanced Studies is committed to supporting our culturally and linguistically diverse learners and the faculty that teach them. While we were happy to welcome so many new international students to SVSU this fall, the rapid increase did not come without its unique set of challenges. The housing shortage we experienced was quickly handled, the lack of transportation, however, was more complex. Thanks to the great work of our colleagues in Business Affairs, we are happy to report that the new Regional Education Express Line will begin service on Monday, October 12th! This new line from STARS transportation will make 10 runs during the day between Baypointe and Waterside Apartments and campus. These two locations were chosen because of the large number of SVSU students residing at each.

To help students make the transition to SVSU, we run a week-long orientation program prior to the start of classes. We take students to the Center for Academic Achievement, the Writing Center and the Academic Advisement Center and they hear presentations from various offices such as Student Conduct and the Campus Police. However, we understand that it being their first week in the US, they are probably not retaining a lot of this information. Because of this, we also offer workshops on Fridays that cover academic skill building and overall university transition support. The dates and times of these workshops are emailed to students as well as to all faculty so that students can be encouraged to attend. The next workshop will be October 16th, and will cover how to use Canvas and V-space. That workshop will be followed by an overview of Student Life and campus opportunities on October 30th.

On November 11th, Dr. Marc Peretz and Jenna Briggs will be leading a teaching round table offering best practices for communicating with and engaging international students in the classroom. If a faculty or staff member has any specific questions or comments prior to this, please direct them to Jenna Briggs at jbbriggs@svsu.edu or extension 2180.

Jenna B. Briggs
Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Upcoming Events

(For more information on campus events, access the campus calendar here)

Event	Date & Time	Location & Notes
Cardinal Talks	Every Friday @ 11:45 am	Unity Room
Using the Foundation Directory Learn to use a database of more than 108,000 foundations, corporate donors, and grant making public charities in the US.	Tues, Oct. 13 from 2-3 pm Weds, Oct. 14 from 10-11 am	Wickes 314 Click here to register
Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta	Weds, Oct. 14 @5:30 pm	Leaping Gazelle Fountain Area, Bell Tower, Zahnow Amphitheater
Family Friendly Tailgate	Sat, Oct. 17 from 3-6 pm	Across from stadium
Homecoming Parade	Sat, Oct. 17 @ 5 pm	Near Ryder & Stadium
Coffee with the Provost	Tues, Oct. 20 @ 8:30 am	Brown Hall 310
Introduction to the Curriculum Management Process Using Curriculog	Tues, Oct. 20 @ 2:30 pm	SE 127 Click here to register
Alumni Author Showcase	Weds, Oct. 21 @ 4 pm	Rhea Miller Recital Hall
Introduction to the Curriculum Management Process Using Curriculog	Fri, Oct. 30 @ 10 am	C 227A Click here to register

What We're Reading

(BOOK) Glass, C., & Wongtrirat, R. (2014). International student engagement: Strategies for creating inclusive, connected, and purposeful campus environments. Stylus Publishing. ISBN: 1620361485
Recommended by: Jenna Briggs

(ARTICLE) Slavich, G.G., & Zimbardo, P. (2012). Transformational Teaching: Theoretical Underpinnings, Basic Principles, and Core Methods. Educational Psychology Review, 24(4), 569-608. Link to Article
Recommended by: Deb Huntley

(ARTICLE) Quinn, D., & Cooc, N. (2015). Science Achievement Gaps by Gender and Race/Ethnicity in Elementary and Middle School: Trends and Predictors. Educational Researcher, 336-346.
Link to Article
Recommended by: David Callejo Pérez

Staff Profiles

Kori Burlager,
Resident Director, University Village West

Kori came to SVSU in June, 2015. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in History and Social Studies for Secondary Education. She taught sixth grade in Detroit for four years. She wanted to make the leap to higher education and found a new home at SVSU. She feels privileged to work with her Resident Assistants and enjoys helping all residents learn and grow. She and her husband Greg are proud to call SVSU home and are both pursuing further education. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with Greg, swimming, spending time outdoors in the best state (Michigan), cooking, and reading.

Deb Rickert,

Office Coordinator,
Academic Programs Support

Debbie joined the SVSU family in 1993 as a part-time cashier at the bookstore. She transitioned to a full-time Senior Accounting Clerk for the next several years after which she spent 13 years as the Office Coordinator with International Programs. The highlight of her Career was serving as the International Student Club Advisor for 6 of those years. In 2012 she began her position in the Academic Support Programs office. While SVSU has been a huge part of her life, she also finds time for her family. Her son Bryce is starting the Welding Program at Delta College and her daughter Madison is a Junior here at SVSU. Along with her husband John, a musician, they have a spoiled rotten, fur baby, Lucy. They both love classic films, music, theater, traveling and family time.

Jason Schoenmeyer,

Associate Director,

Student Life

Jason graduated from Michigan State University in 1996 with a degree in Recreation Program Management with a focus on Event Planning. He worked for 3 years as Director of the Cadillac Area Teen Center, 10 years as the Girl Scouts of Mitten Bay Director of Programs and Adult Training, and for 4 years as the Girls Scout Heart of Michigan Vice President of Programs and Facilities. He accepted a position at SVSU in 2012 serving in Student Life as Associate Director of Student Life, with a primary focus on volunteer services. He graduated in May 2015 with an MAS degree from SVSU.

To submit a staff profile to be featured in an upcoming edition: Click Here

To submit articles or readings for consideration, email to asa@svsu.edu