Sue McDaniel, Tech Topics student writer, 906-487-2343

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SENATE APPROVES TWO NEW SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION DEGREE PROGRAMS

The University Senate gave unanimous approval to two new degree programs Sept. 25.

With minimal debate, it passed both a BS program in Computer Systems Science, presented by the Department of Computer Science, and a BS program in Computer Network and System Administration, from the School of Technology.

The network and system administration degree program is expected to enroll 50 majors a year, for an overall enrollment of 200 after four years, according to the School of Technology. The computer science department estimates that 25 students would enroll in their new program annually, and that it will eventually have 150 majors.

The BS in Computer Network and System Administration, which includes some MIS and business courses, would prepare graduates for employment as system administrators.

The BS in Computer Systems Science graduates would be educated “to pursue careers in system and network administration, computing environment engineering and information technology management.” The computer science program also has a greater emphasis on programming. “It’s like the difference between electrical engineering and electrical engineering technology,” said computer science department chair Linda Ott. As envisioned, graduates of the computer systems science program could become chief information officers, she said.

Both the Curricular Policy Committee and the Finance Committee backed the programs. Though a few new faculty members would be needed, Senator Jim Pickens (SFWP), chair of the Finance Committee, reported that the programs should result in a net revenue gain, with his committee estimating $155,000 compared to the administration’s $182,000. The difference in the two figures is negligible, Pickens noted.

Despite the drop in employment for some information technology professionals, system administrators remain in high demand, with an average salary of about $64,000, the School of Technology reported.

Senator Bill Gregg (GMES) said the new programs would benefit the University. “Michigan Tech really needs new degree programs,” he said, noting the MTU has the fewest programs of all of Michigan’s public universities.

If approved by the Board of Control, the programs could begin as soon as 2003-04.

If the University changes to a 14-week-semester calendar, it probably won’t happen next year. Among the faculty who voted in a recent senate referendum on the issue, 73 percent supported 14-week semesters. However, they comprised only about 45 percent of the entire University faculty. Without a majority casting a ballot in favor of shorter semesters, senate president Robert Keen said, it was unlikely that the Board of Control would be willing to approve a 14-week calendar at this point. In addition, a number of University events, such as Winter Carnival and commencement, must be scheduled well in advance. To delay setting those dates while a 14-week calendar is developed would cause significant hardship, he said.

However, the Calendar Task Force will work to develop a 14-week calendar for consideration by the senate and its constituents, he added.

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SANDU GETS A MAJOR NSF  GRANT

GOAL IS TO BUILD BETTER AIR POLLUTION MODELS

Tracking air pollution can be a tricky business. Scientists measure it on the ground and in balloons; they run complicated computer programs to predict where it will go and what it will do.

Despite all the modeling and measuring, determining the true state of the polluted atmosphere remains an elusive goal. So, as part of a $2.3-million National Science Foundation project, Adrian Sandu will be devising ways to bring it closer.

"The big problem is simulating pollution in the atmosphere," said Sandu, an assistant professor of computer science. Computer simulations provide estimates of the state of the atmosphere, but they have their limitations. "At the same time, pollution is measured on the ground, on airplanes and from satellites. But no measurement is perfect, either."

"The question is how to integrate the information from these two sources," Sandu said.

With the highly competitive NSF Information Technology Research Award, scientists from the Universities of Iowa, Washington and Minnesota, as well as CalTech and Michigan Tech, will be combining their talents in an effort to develop the concepts and tools to integrate these two views and get the best possible estimate of the state of the Earth's atmosphere. Michigan Tech's share of the $2.3-million, four-and-a-half-year grant is $450,000.

Sandu will be developing new algorithmic and computational tools, as well as new software, to make the integration of these measurements and models possible.

"The models are already extremely complex," he noted. They have to take into account emissions such as ozone, nitrates and particulates, as well as the chemical reactions in the atmosphere (sunshine is a catalyst for smog, for example) and cleansing processes, such as rain.

"This research will bring the models to a completely new level," Sandu predicted. "We are looking at an order-of-magnitude increase in their complexity."

He envisions the project as a springboard for other research that capitalizes on MTU's strengths in computational disciplines and computer science.

"I hope that this funding will contribute to the success of the new Computational Sciences Research Institute and will help us develop more synergy among the computationally oriented groups on campus," he said.

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ANDERSON NAMED DIVERSITY OFFICER

Provost Kent Wray has announced that Chris Anderson is now the executive director of the department of educational opportunity and the special assistant to the provost for institutional diversity. Anderson's title change reflects the additional responsibilities her area has assumed over the last several years.

The new title reflects MTU's commitment to increase the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff and to provide all of our students with a richer, more inclusive learning environment, Anderson said.

Specifying Anderson as the University's primary officer on diversity issues will also help Michigan Tech's corporate clients, as well as our other partners, when they seek out information and assistance in that area, Wray said.

"In addition, Educational Opportunity is a much larger, more complex organization than in the past," he said. "It's appropriate that Chris's title reflect that growth."

"One of the goals of the ACTION AGENDA 2010, the University's strategic plan, calls for developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body," Wray said. "Creating this position and having it report directly to the provost is part of an ongoing effort to promote diversity at Michigan Tech."

Educational Opportunity serves as a resource for the University and as a catalyst for a growing number of diversity and outreach activities, Anderson said.

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DURFEE STUDYING GEN ED, ASSESSMENT

Associate Professor Mary Durfee (Social Sciences) has assumed her responsibilities as special assistant to the provost.

Durfee attended the Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration, held on the campus of Bryn Mawr College. After completing the institute, attendees are expected to be given a temporary appointment in which they can learn the nuts and bolts of University administration.

During her one-year appointment, Durfee will have two principal assignments: coordinating the University's general education program and developing a University-wide assessment program, which includes assessment of general education.

"In addition, she'll be reviewing the proposed new degree programs, so she can see what's involved in that process," Provost Kent Wray said. "And I will give her some special assignments from time to time so that she can get a broader administrative experience."

 "As I've gotten into the work, I've become more and more impressed by what we accomplished in creating the gen ed curriculum and how far we have come in the past few years on assessment," Durfee said. "When I spoke recently with staffers at NCA, they would say we should do something in assessment, and I found myself able to reply that it was already in place. Faculty and staff have invested many hours and developed expertise in these matters, and it shows."

If you need to reach Durfee, her new phone number is 487-2537.

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MICHIGAN TECH WELCOMES STUDENTS, FAMILIES TO OPEN HOUSE

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in an open house to welcome interested high school students and their families to campus Saturday, Oct. 19.

Visitors will have the chance to learn about the business end of college life--financial aid and scholarships--as well as the ins and outs of living on campus.

But, there are many interesting demonstrations planned, too. Participants can witness an aluminum casting demonstration during a visit to the campus foundry and see multimedia presentations done by scientific and technical communication students.

Many academic departments will host a variety of hands-on demonstrations. You can get a view of your heart through an EKG, make your own biomaterials, witness "Gummi Bear death" by chlorate oxidation and learn about parallel computing with playing cards.

Think math is boring? The mathematical sciences department will give short lessons on the mathematics of pocket billiards and unfair bets that look fair.

Or visit with the Army ROTC department to see some of the tools used during military ski and snowshoe training.

The open house takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 19. For more information, visit http://www.mtu.edu/open house or contact admissions staff at 487-2335.

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CAMPUS CAMPAIGN GETS UNDER WAY

The annual Campus Campaign got under way on Monday, Sept. 23, providing all faculty and staff an opportunity to invest in any program or activity at Michigan Tech.

Gifts to the campaign can be designated for almost anything: a specific department or scholarship fund, the Friends of the Rozsa program, the Huskies Club, or any other campus project or program that you feel deserves an extra measure of support.

Last year, 461 employees contributed $206,222 for a participation rate of 35.3 percent. "We hope to increase our overall participation again this year," said Paula Nutini, director of annual giving. "Corporations and foundations consider the level of employee participation when they are allocating their gifts, and new employee donations of even $10 or $25 will help us."

MTU employees should have received a Campus Campaign packet, including pledge/payroll deduction forms. Tax deductible gifts may be made by check, credit card, payroll deduction, or through the Tech Fund web site (http://www.mtf.mtu.edu). For more information, contact Nutini (487-3324 or pjnutini@mtu.edu) at the Michigan Tech Fund. The Fund sponsors the annual Campus Campaign to benefit the University.

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TIME TO SUBMIT YOUR FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP GRANT APPLICATIONS

Applications for the 2002-03 Faculty Scholarship Grant (FSG) are being solicited from all eligible faculty members.

The Contents of Application and FSG Application may be accessed on the web at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/research/fsgrant/.

Submit the original and eight copies of your application to the Vice President for Research office no later than Dec. 13.

If you submit your application electronically, you can avoid having to make duplicate copies! Send as an attachment to an email to jpolzien@mtu.edu

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SENIOR DESIGN TEAM WINS COMPETITION

Senior project team members Kari Buckmaster, Jon Dziedzic, Mike Masters, Ben Poquette and Garth Tormoen (Materials Science and Engineering) won first prize in the TMS Materials Science and Engineering Undergraduate Student Design Competition for their project, "Intermetallic Growth in Lead Free Solders."

The IBM-sponsored team's faculty advisor is Doug Swenson (Materials Science and Engineering) and their industrial partners were Don Henderson and Karl Pullitz of IBM, Hopewell Junction, N.Y.

This competition is open to North American and international student teams in materials, cramic, metallurgical, polymer and related programs having an emphasis on engineering materials. The team will receive a cash award of $1,000 and $500 toward travel expenses to attend the TMS 132nd Annual Meeting in San Diego on March 4, where the award will be presented.

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FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDED FUNDS

Assistant Professor Richard Gertsch (GMES) has received $42,861 from U.S. Steel Corporation for his project, "Ore Characterization at Minntac."

Terry McNinch (Civil and Environmental Engineering) has received $72,503 from MDOT for his project, "MERL 2002-2003."

Research Engineer J. Murray Gillis (IMP) has received $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy for his two-year project, "Enabling Tool for Innovative Glass Applications."

Research Scientist John King (SFWP) has received $5,000 from the U.S. Forest Service for the first year of a five-year project totaling $250,000, "Using Stable Isotopes to Determine the Rate and Fate of Canopy CO2 Flux in the Aspen FACE Experiment."

Assistant Research Professor John Vucetich (SFWP) has received $37,500 from the National Park Service for the first year of a two-year project totaling $75,500, "Common Loon Population Monitoring and Viability Assessment, Isle Royale National Park."

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THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ARE LOOKING FOR BOARD MEMBERS

submitted by the Friends of the J. R. Van Pelt Library

If you are Interested in a volunteer activity that is rewarding and academic and centered right here on campus, why not consider board membership in the Friends of the Van Pelt Library? The Friends are looking for several new board members to help keep up their mission of supporting the library and running the annual spring book sale. Since its foundingin 1995, the Friends have donated over $60,000 to library improvements, including  the lounge area, group study rooms, the popular collection, and computer furniture .

The FVPL is a group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who understand that the J. Robert Van Pelt Library is Michigan Tech's most important resource. They are united in their determination to enrich the library and to help it to serve the University and the community.

Why does MTU's Van Pelt Library need Friends? The intellectual life of a university revolves around its library. The Van Pelt Library serves a dynamic student body, an active research and teaching faculty and a vibrant local community. The library is charged with providing access to information in whatever forms required to whoever needs it. Fulfilling these goals in these rapidly changing times is a great challenge which can only be met by the dedicated service of the library's staff and friends. The goal of the Friends of the Van Pelt Library is to bring about the continuous improvement of the library to the benefit of all of its clients.

What do the Friends do? There are many ways in which Library Friends contribute to the growth and development of the library. In addition to fundraising projects, the Friends sponsor cultural activities and the mounting of informational and artistic displays such as those in the Friends lounge on the first floor of the library. The Friends work on public outreach projects to strengthen library-community ties. Some of the specific projects include organizing book talks and other events to promote a sense of library community; organizing the Friends' Annual Book Sale held in April; promoting use of the library's unique resources such as the government documents collection and the Copper Country Historical Collection; conducting fundraising programs which help to generate resources for the Library; and sponsoring research travel grants to encourage use of the Van Pelt Library's unique resources

Interested students, faculty, staff, or community members should contact current chairman Dee Vincent (dee@mtu.edu) if they are interested. More information about the Friends may be found on line at http://www.lib.mtu.edu/friends/friends.htm.

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TEACHING AT TECH: MOVING BEYOND BRIGHTEST AND BEST

by William Kennedy, Director

Center for Teaching , Learning and Faculty Development

In the September 2002 issue of ASEE's Prism magazine, columnist Daryl Chubin puts forth the proposition that some  American high school students' declining interest in engineering programs may be the result of what he calls "an outmoded 'best and brightest' mentality." While waves of international students,the survivors of educational systems that sort and re-sort students through competitive testing, come to this country and thrive in our universities, more and more American students enter the same degree programs unable to survive the competitive demands of a "brightest and best" instructional worldview. Proponents of the "brightest and best" instructional mindset believe that a student's potential for success in college is predetermined by their high school grades and standardized test scores. In spite of the fact that less than a third of the variation observed in first-year college performance is accounted for by these data points, some university educators still explain the sobering rates of academic failure, attrition rates and deteriorating graduation percentages in some science, math and engineering programs as the consequences of lower admissions standards. The most cynical wax "garbage in, garbage out" as though such stoicisms absolve them of any responsibility.

However, Chubin suggests that "brightest and best" attitudes lead to educational policies and procedures that fail to take into account the true causes of student failure and frustration. Subscribers to the "brightest and best" mentality typically adopt teaching, testing and grading practices that weed out the weak (for their own good) rather than employ other methods to maximize the success of the students who place themselves in our care. The "survival of the fittest" practices that are associated with "brightest and best" ideologies also encourage large class sizes (the strong will survive almost anything), devalue and demean mentoring and tutoring (after all, what's the point?), and regard anything that smacks of remediation as a waste of time and energy.

Choruses of critics bemoan the fact that test scores and college GPAs say nothing about a graduate's capacity to lead, to get along with other people or to possess integrity and strength of character; all attributes in short supply. In an article entitled "Grades: One More Tilt at the Windmill," noted educational researcher Arthur W. Chickering concludes that "evidence--massive evidence from hundreds of studies--does not support the assumption that high grades mean successful graduates."* Ohmer Milton, Howard R. Pollio and James A. Eison, in their 1986 book "Making Sense of Grades," observed that "numerous studies going back at least 75 years reveal that there is little or no relationship between grades and any measures of adult accomplishment."** Ignoring such findings, the dismal, deterministic "brightest and best" mindset flies in the face of the growing body of research that suggests such characterizations are not only gross oversimplifications but also are destructive.

According to Mel Levine, director of the Center for Development and Learning at the University of North Carolina, all learning, especially the kind measure with tests and papers, involves a delicate and complex symphony of countless neurodevelopmental functions working at just the right time in just the right ways. Levine's extensive clinical experience has led him to believe that every individual has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning.

"Brightest and best" proponents can't be bothered with such subtleties and complications. "It's just this simple. Not everyone is cut out to be an engineer, or scientist, or mathematician," they say. Educators are not alone in producing simplistic labels for the myriad of complex learning variations that affect everyone's success in school. Levine points out that just one of the eight mental systems that we  employ in learning, the attention control system, involves a complex interweaving of input and output controls. Dozens of variations in these controls affect a student's capacity to pay attention in class or to complete homework or study assignments. Categorical diagnoses, offered by pediatricians or psychologists (e.g., ADD/ADHD) fail to address the complex processes giving rise to a student's learning difficulties. "One-pill-fits-all" solutions may temporarily mask the problems associated with academic failure, but isuch palliatives have little or no effect on lasting learning. Levine calls each of us to work with students to help them to arrive at a better understanding of their own neurodevelopmental strengths and weaknesses. The goal of such careful scrutiny is to find ways to compensate for their areas of neurodevelopmental dysfunction.

If you haven't already skipped to the next article, you may be asking yourself, "So practically speaking, what can I do to better address the diverse learning needs of all of my students?" The answer is to keep abreast of the rapidly emerging literature on learning; most particularly the work of Dr. Levine and his colleagues. His most recent book, "A Mind at a Time" might change your view of college teaching, as it has mine. It may also cause you to reevaluate the importance of helping students isucceed in your classes, and may encourage you to provide multiple ways for your students to demonstrate course mastery; pathways that just might encourage them to use their strengths to overcome their weaknesses.

* (The Chronicle of Higher Education, November 5, 1983, p. 72).

** p. 22

YOU'RE INVITED TO CELEBRATE A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN

Faculty and staff are invited to celebrate the conclusion of "Leaders for Innovation: The Campaign for Michigan Tech" on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Rozsa Center. The free program begins at 8 p.m. and will include performances by the Michigan Tech Dance Company, Echoes from Heaven Gospel Choir, Kristin Ducheteau, JazzTech, the MTU Concert Choir and the Pep Band.

President Curt Tompkins, Campaign Chair Dick Robbins and Tech Fund President Gary Anderson will deliver a report on the success of the campaign. More than $146 million was contributed and pledged by nearly 22,000 donors.

A dessert reception will be held in the Rozsa lobby following the program.

If you plan to attend, please contact Mary Miller at 482-7707 or mcmiller@mtu.edu by Tuesday, Oct. 1.

ENERGY ABSORPTION/DISSIPATION SEMINAR OCT. 3

Ronald F. Gibson, director of the Composites Research Lab at Wayne State University, will present a seminar, "Studies of Energy Absorption/Dissipation in Composite Grid Structures," on Thursday, Oct. 3, 3-4 p.m. in MEEM 112

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WEIGHT WATCHERS TO MEET

Weight Watchers will hold their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 30, from noon to 1 p.m. in Memorial Union B2.

New members are always welcome.

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OCTOBER COMPUTER CLASSES

To register for classes, send an email to the Center for Professional Development and Quality Improvement at rwchrist@mtu.edu. Include the class(es) in which you want to enroll, your phone number, and account number to which the class(es) should be charged. The charge for 3 hour (half day) classes is $60 and the charge for six hour (full day) sessions is $120. Charges will be billed to your account the month following attendance. dL Education is located in the E.L. Wright Plaza, Suite 201A at 801 N. Lincoln Drive in Hancock. The Plaza is located on Quincy Hill, just below Pat's IGA. As you enter the building, the training center is just up the stairs and to the left.

*Access level 1, Tues., Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to noon

*Access level 2, Tues., Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to noon

*Access level 3, Tues., Oct. 22, 9 a.m. to noon

*Excel level 1, Tues., Oct. 1, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

*Excel level 2, Tues., Oct. 1, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

*Excel level 1, Thurs., Oct. 17, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

*Excel level 2, Thurs., Oct. 17, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

*PowerPoint, Thurs., Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

*Windows level, 1 Thurs., Oct. 3, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

*Windows level, 2 Thurs., Oct. 3, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

*Word level 1, Thurs., Oct. 10, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

* Word level 2, Thurs., Oct. 10, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

*Word level 1, Thurs., Oct. 29, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

*Word level 2, Thurs., Oct. 29, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

NEW STAFF

Kevin Destrampe has joined the KRC. He received certification from the NMU SKill Center as an auto body technician and was formerly employed with Moyle Construction as an operator and body man.

Destrampe lives in Hubbell with his wife, Kelly, and daughter, Karli, and enjoys camping.

Nancy Taglione has joined Counseling Services as a counselor. She received her BA in Psychology/Sociology from Olivet College and an MSW from Michigan State. She was previously employed as a staff therapist at Eastwood Clinics in Dearborn.

Taglione lives in Houghton with her husband, Richard, and children, Andrea, Richard and Valerie.

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IN THE NEWS

Associate Professor Robert Nemiroff (Physics) appeared on Next@CNN last weekend.

Nemiroff was tapped by CNN for his work on the Astronomy Picture of the Day, which garners millions of hits a year from star buffs around the world. The page, a service of NASA and Michigan Tech, is coauthored by Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell, of the Laboratory for High-Energy Astrophysics.

To read an excerpt from the show and view the current picture of the day you can go to http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/internet/09/19/nx.net.space.gallery/

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CALENDAR—SEPTEMBER

Hispanic Heritage Month

27        Friday

            3 p.m.--Women's Tennis, Findlay at MTU--Gates Tennis Center

            6/7:15 p.m.--Club Indigo: Dinner/"Show People"--Calumet Theatre

28        Saturday

            10 a.m.--Women's Tennis, Hillsdale at MTU--Gates Tennis Center

29        Sunday

            10 a.m.--Women's Tennis, Wayne State at MTU--Gates Tennis Center

30        Monday

            Noon-1 p.m.--Weight Watchers meeting--Memorial Union B2

            7 p.m.--Meeting, Eco-Lit Reading Group--Fisher 139

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MICHIGAN TECH POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Job descriptions will be available at 1 p.m. on Friday, or by e-mail at jobs@mtu.edu.

The following positions will be posted Friday, September 27, 2002, at 1 p.m. through noon, Friday, October 4, 2002, in the Human Resources Office.

Technical Director/Building Manager--Rozsa/Auxiliary Services

Outreach Coordinator--School of Business and Economics

Research Engineer/Scientist I--School of Forestry and Wood Products

Custodian--Residential Services (AFSCME internal posting only)

Custodian--Residential Services Facilities (Regular, part-time position, AFSCME internal posting only)

Office Assistant 5--Research and Sponsored Programs (UAW internal and external posting)

University employees are reminded to apply in writing prior to noon, Friday, October 4, 2002, to be considered as internal candidates for bargaining unit positions only. Applicants from the recall pool will be given first consideration for non-bargaining-unit positions only. Vacancy announcements are normally posted every Friday at 1 p.m. in the Human Resources Office. Complete job descriptions are available in the Human Resources Office or by calling 487-2280. More information regarding employment opportunities is available by calling the Job Line at 487-2895. Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer.

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