Former Hilltopper Football Coach Jack Harbaugh was at WKU on the weekend of Sept. 22 to be a part of the celebration of his 2002 National Championship Team and his 1992 team that survived the threat of suspension and kept the sport alive. During that visit, he sat down in the WKYU-PBS studios with former WKU Sports Information Director Paul Just to reminisce about his days on The Hill. Live from the WKYU-PBS studios, Barbara Deeb and Wes Strader will host a broadcast of that discussion at 8 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 28). A Conversation with Jack Harbaugh will replay on Dec. 1 after the Hilltoppers at Troy basketball game, and again on Dec. 2 at 9 p.m.

Harbaugh came to WKU as head coach of Hilltopper football in 1989 and directed the fortunes of WKU athletes on the gridiron for 14 seasons.  He retired from coaching following the 2002 season after leading his last Topper team to a 12-3 record and winning the school’s first-ever NCAA National Championship.  He completed his career on the Hill trailing only legendary football coach Jimmy Feix in years coached (14), games coached (159) and victories (91).  And, following the 2002 team’s march to the NCAA I-AA National Championship, he became the only coach in WKU history to be honored as National Coach of the Year (by the American Football Coaches Association).

But perhaps his most notable accomplishment was his involvement in the 1992 struggle to keep Hilltopper football alive after University budget problems resulted in a recommendation that the sport be suspended.  A concerted effort by Harbaugh, the WKU athletic administration, former athletes and coaches, alumni, students and fans saved the program and, a decade later, Hilltopper football reigned as National Champions.

Contact: WKYU-PBS, (270) 745-2400.

(Source: WKU News, Nov 20, 2012)

A team of entrepreneurial journalists from WKU launched a $19,500 Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign this week to help underwrite a unique editorial exploration of the Chinese government-funded Confucius Institute.

Titled “Inside Confucius,” the project has 30 days to generate audience interest and reach its funding goal through Kickstarter.com.

Meanwhile, the 11 journalists of Western iMedia are already busy producing their multifaceted print-digital narrative through a series of sophisticated poster infographics and augmented reality video.

Western iMedia is an entrepreneurial editorial startup operated out of WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting. It is an exclusive and non-traditional capstone experience involving an elite team of the school’s media professionals-in-training.

The team is producing a multifaceted and detailed look inside the Confucius Institute through a series of more than a dozen visually enticing, intuitively explanatory infographic banners/posters digitally overlaid with mobile-accessed video articles providing increased depth of explanation and emotional context. The augmented-reality overlay technology is accessed through a camera-linked smartphone or tablet that will also allow interactive features promoting dynamic audience engagement.

The Kickstarter campaign was launched to help fund the project and to generate an appropriate audience. The project requires significant travel to examine Confucius Institute activities throughout the United States and in several other countries through the end of 2012 and in early 2013. Donations are being sought to help fund equipment, travel and production.

Details and opportunities to back the project are available through www.kickstarter.com/projects/westernimedia/inside-confucius.

“We’ve got an important story to tell and an innovative way to tell it,” said iMedia Fusion Journalist Gavin Ezell. “Our goal is to be more effective, to engage people on a level that traditional media can’t or don’t.”

For more information on the project or to schedule an interview with Mckenzi Loid (iMedia audience lead) or Kerry Northrup (iMedia coordinator), please call 1-803-474-3385 or email imedia@wku.edu.

Members of the Western iMedia staff are: Jake Boswell of Owensboro, Ky.; Gavin Ezell of Bowling Green, Ky.; Whitney Harper of Russellville, Ky.; McKenzi Loid of Bowling Green, Ky.; Lauren Lorance of Jeffersonville, Ind.; T.J.  Parker of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Jacqui Powell of Elizabethtown, Ky.; Ethan Pugh of Brentwood, Tenn.; Ryan Vennell of Chatham, Ill.; and Scott Vennell of Chatham, Ill.

Contact: Mckenzi Loid, (270) 791-9522.

(Source: WKU News, Nov 20, 2012)

Great article suggested by Dr. Craig Cobane

By Lewis Howes

The ability to network successfully can be one of the greatest assets in business. It allows some people to find incredible opportunities, while others just watch from the sidelines.

Effective networking isn’t a result of luck — it requires hard work and persistence. What does it take to be a super networker? Here are seven of the most important habits to develop:

1. Ask insightful questions.
Before attending networking events, get the names of the people who are expected to attend and search social media sites like LinkedIn to figure out which topics they’re probably most interested in. For people who are already in your network, don’t assume you know everything they’re up to. Find out what they’re currently working on — or perhaps struggling with. This attention to detail can go a long way at your next one-on-one lunch or dinner meeting.

Related: Can’t Spare the Time to Network? Can You Afford Not To?

2. Add value.
One of the most powerful networking practices is to provide immediate value to a new connection. This means the moment you identify a way to help someone, take action. If, for instance, you know someone in your network who can help a new connection with a problem, drop what you’re doing and introduce the two individuals.

3. Learn their ‘story.’
Ask successful entrepreneurs to tell you how they got where they are. Most people think of this as an exercise in rapport building, but hearing these stories can tell you a lot about a person’s approach to business. The more you understand your networking partner’s mentality, the better you can add and extract value from your relationship.

For example, some entrepreneurs pride themselves on working 16-hour days and doing whatever it takes, while others focus on being strategic and waiting for the right opportunities to open up. These are clues that can not only allow you to see what people value, but also what working with them might be like.

4. Share a memorable fact.
When someone asks, “What do you do?” don’t give a canned elevator speech about your company and career. Mention something personal that defines who you really are. Maybe you have a passion for playing an instrument or an obsession with collecting antiques. These are also “things you do,” so make it a point to share them. Such personal details can help lighten the mood and get people talking.

Related: 7 Tips For Building a ‘Power Network’ on LinkedIn

5. Keep a list.
What’s your routine after attending a networking event or meal? If your answer is, “I go home,” you’re probably going to miss out on opportunities. Write down important topics that came up at the event. This habit can help prevent opportunities from falling through the cracks and give you something to reference in conversation the next time you meet. You can also develop a reputation as someone who’s on top of things.

6. Make small promises and keep them.
No matter how small a promise you make — such as sending an email or returning a phone call — delivering on that promise reflects on your character. By following through on your word, you start building a reputation for trustworthiness, which is exactly how every great networker wants to be perceived.

7. Reward your ‘power’ contacts.
Keep a list of your top five to 10 networking partners and do something each week to add value to one person’s life or business. You might send them a book or set up a lunch to introduce them to one of your other contacts. This habit can help you be proactive about staying in touch with your most powerful contacts. Just as with fitness or investing, the most successful people are the ones who choose to be consistent in their actions.

Related: 5 Ways to Use Your Network to Grow Your Business

Copyright © 2012 Entrepreneur Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

(Source: Entrepreneur, Nov 1, 2012)

An upcoming episode of the popular television series Ghost Hunters will feature WKU. The Ghost Hunters crew shot the episode over the summer, and it will premiere on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. CST on the Syfy channel. Check your local listings for channel number. The show will be online soon after it airs.

(Source: WKU News, Nov 13, 2012)

Also see this post on paranormal activity at WKU

Photo by J S Robinson WKU AMR

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — WKU takes a break from the road on Saturday for a game against Brescia (Ky.) at E.A. Diddle Arena, before resuming a stretch of four of five away from home next week with the start of Sun Belt Conference play at ULM and Troy.

The Hilltoppers finished up their four games in the 2012 Cancun Challenge with a split of games against Iowa and DePaul in Mexico this week, picking up third place in the Riviera Division of the tournament. WKU went 3-1 overall in the challenge.

The Hilltoppers are looking to make it eight-straight home wins and 11 of 14 overall Saturday night against the Bearcats.

The game will be broadcast on the radio on the Hilltopper IMG Sports Network with Randy Lee and Hal Schmitt on the call. There is no television for Saturday’s game, and live stats, live video and live audio are available on WKUSports.com.

It is Faculty/Staff Night at E.A. Diddle Arena, where WKU faculty and staff can receive free admission with a valid WKU ID.

Tickets for the 2012-13 WKU men’s basketball season are available online at WKUSports.com or by visiting the WKU Ticket Office in E.A. Diddle Arena. Fans can also call the ticket office at 1-800-5-BIG RED or 745-5222 locally.

GAME 6
WKU (3-2) vs. Brescia (Ky.) (2-5)
November 24, 2012 // 7:30 PM (CT)
Bowling Green, Ky. // E.A. Diddle Arena (7,326)

QUICK SHOTS
• WKU leads the Sun Belt Conference in rebounding and three-point field goal defense and is second in scoring margin in 2012-13.
• Brandon Harris is the first WKU guard to have double-digit rebounds in back-to-back games since Derrick Gordon had 10 against FIU in the 2012 Sun Belt Conference Tournament and then 15 the next night against UALR.
• Jamal Crook has led WKU in scoring in four of the first five games of the season.
• WKU has won seven-straight home games after losing four-in-a-row before that.
• WKU’s current seven-game home winning streak matches its longest since winning seven-in-a-row at E.A. Diddle Arena from December 6, 2009 to January 16, 2010.
• The Hilltoppers’ last eight-game home winning streak spanned the end of the 2007-08 season, the entire 2008-09 season and the start of the 2009-10 campaign, when they won 15-straight at E.A. Diddle Arena.
• WKU is 9-2 under head coach Ray Harper when leading a game with 5:00 remaining.
• The Hilltoppers are 11-1 under head coach Ray Harper when outrebounding their opponent and 11-3 when attempting more free throws than their opponent.
• WKU is 11-5 under head coach Ray Harper when allowing fewer than 70 points in a game.

THE LAST TIME OUT
Less than 24 hours after a tough loss to Iowa, WKU bounced back to defeat DePaul Wednesday night, 70-61, to take third place in the Riviera Division in the 2012 Cancun Challenge. The Hilltoppers saw 30 of their points come from the reserves, and WKU forced 15 Blue Demon turnovers and held DePaul to just one three-point field goal. Jamal Crook led WKU with 16 points, and T.J. Price had 13, five rebounds and five assists. Kevin Kaspar added nine points, and Stephon Drane added a career high six points and three rebounds in 17 quality minutes off the bench. DePaul was led by Cleveland Melvin’s 22 points and 13 rebounds. WKU shot 41.8 percent from the field as a team in the game (28-for-67) and outrebounded DePaul, 42-39, after having a rebounding deficit for much of the game.

HILLTOPPER INDIVIDUAL TRENDS
• Teeng Akol is four blocked shots away from tying Lee Lampley (1997-2000) for 10th place on WKU’s career blocked shots list.
• Jamal Crook has had 17 double digit scoring games in 40 games since the start of his junior season after having just one in 63 games in his freshman and sophomore seasons.
• George Fant has had at least 10 points in eight of the last 11 games.
• T.J. Price has hit multiple three-pointers in 15 of the last 20 games.
• Caden Dickerson has made 55 of his last 66 free throw attempts (.833).

HILLTOPPER TEAM TRENDS
• WKU has won 10 of its last 13 games.
• WKU has won its first two home games of the season for the first time since 2008-09.
• In the last 21 games, WKU is holding opponents to 65.8 points per game and is 14-7 in that stretch.
• WKU has come back to win seven of the last 11 times it has trailed at halftime, compared to losing 12-straight in that situation before that.
• WKU has committed 14 or fewer turnovers in 15 of the last 23 games.
• WKU has faced a double-digit deficit at one point in 30 of its last 37 losses dating back to the start of the 2010-11 season.
• In 72 games since the start of the 2010-11 season, WKU has trailed at halftime 42 times (11-31 in those games).
• The Hilltoppers have advanced to the semifinals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament eight-straight times and in 21 instances in 30 years as a member of the league dating to 1983.
• WKU has won at least one game in each of its last three NCAA Tournament appearances (2008, 2009, 2012).
• Since 1993 WKU has seven NCAA Tournament wins to its credit, and the rest of the Sun Belt Conference is a combined 0-14.

(Source: WKU Athletics, Nov 23, 2012)

(For more information, click here)

Cody Hutchins, a junior from Louisville in the Honors College at WKU, has been selected as a recipient of the C.Y. Tung Scholarship that will support his Semester at Sea Voyage in the spring of 2013.

A member of the Chinese Flagship Program and a student of international business, Hutchins was chosen by the review committee for his scholarly achievements and commitment to global education. Hutchins is one of two American students selected for this award.

“The C.Y. Tung Program is no doubt the opportunity of lifetime and it will help me make some amazing connections that will benefit me for the rest of my life,” Hutchins said.

Named after the founder of the Institute for Shipboard Education, the C.Y. Tung Scholars program recognizes students who are poised to be future Chinese and American leaders. Hutchins will receive $20,000 toward the cost of his voyage and will be a representative of the Tung family aboard the ship and at its many ports of call.

Dr. Craig T. Cobane, Chief International Officer and the Executive Director of the Honors College at WKU, said that Hutchins’ receipt of the award marks the first time that a student from WKU has received this honor.

“With students like Cody who continue to set the bar of excellence higher and higher for the Honors College, we are successfully competing with prestigious universities in many different ways,” Cobane said. “Cody’s previous international experiences, Chinese language skills, and interest in global business make him an ideal choice for this award.”

This shipboard program brings together students, scholars and public leaders from both sides of the globe to explore the history and cultures of China and the United States. In addition to financial support, Hutchins will enroll in a special upper-level course that is team-taught by a Chinese and an American professor. A discussion-based course, key topics include varying worldviews, economic indicators, and political independence.

“During the program I will have classes on Chinese-U.S. relations, travel throughout China, and receive lectures from both Chinese and American leaders,” Hutchins said. “I’m so excited.”

About the Honors College at WKU: WKU is home to the only Honors College in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Created in 2007, the Honors College at WKU provides an intimate, highly selective learning environment where college-age gifted and high-achieving students can develop the skills to prepare them for success in the nation’s top academic and career opportunities. For information about the Honors College at WKU, contact Caelin Smith, (270) 745-2796. For information about Semester at Sea, contact Abby Leake with Study Abroad & Global Learning, (270) 745-6146. For information about the Chinese Flagship Program, contact Melinda Edgerton, (270) 745-2763.

Contact: Honors College, (270) 745-2081.

(Source: WKU News, Nov 26, 2012)

Vote here!

Have you seen Downing University Center lately?  It’s literally been gutted over the past several months and is now being put back together.
In this week’s View from the Hill, Amy Bingham takes us inside for a tour of the transformation in progress.

(Source: WKU News, Nov 26, 2012)

Arete contribution submitted by Abby Ponder

The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) is one of many resources for students at Western Kentucky University – particularly those interested in studying abroad. It is a service that provides assistance for students looking to fund their travels but aren’t sure where to begin.

According to their mission statement, they are “committed to helping students on all campuses and in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience, and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. . . [encouraging] research and creative activities and [helping] WKU students achieve locally, nationally, and internationally.” OSD works to assist students throughout the scholarship process. Student worker, Drew Mitchell, says about OSD, “From first-hand experience, these services make the national scholarship applications process much more bearable. Instead of tackling a huge project all on your own, it is much nicer to know that there are some other people on your side who will support you.” The scholarships provided can range from the Fulbright Scholarship, the Mitchell Scholarship, and the Goldwater Scholarship – to a variety of other options.

The first step in contacting OSD is to schedule an appointment with one of their advisers. OSD can be found in the Honors Annex (located behind the Honors College building) and reached at (270) 745-5043 or, by email, at osd@wku.edu to schedule an appointment and should come prepared with a general idea of what they hope to accomplish at the meeting.

For students interested in studying abroad in the near future, do not hesitate to contact OSD as soon as possible. There are a variety of scholarship opportunities available; however there are constant deadlines that must be met. The sooner you are able to meet with them, the better. It is an asset, especially within the Honors College, that students should explore to its fullest potential.

(Source: Honors Headlines, Nov 26, 2012)

This is just a quick follow-up on the two prep sessions we had this and last week for those of you going to Harlaxton in spring 2013. I think they were very effective and a lot of fun. Almost everybody showed up and they answered lots of questions in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps most importantly, it gave students a sense of just how special the Harlaxton experience is.

Here is the FAQ that resulted from those two preparatory meetings. Please post additional answers and questions in the comment section below it.

Thanks so much to all of you who did such a great job answering questions: Abby Leake, Beth Truax & Leslie Ford from Study Abroad & Global Learning, and those of you who have been to Harlaxton in spring 2012: Sharon Leone, Justin Wellum, Jennifer Grothe, Emily Gott, Ryan & Scott Vennell, and Katie Meek.

Here is Katie Meek’s (’15 Photojournalism) wonderful blog with lots of great pictures of Harlaxton and Europe, and a very useful list of her ‘Harlaxton Do’s and Don’ts,’ which I am re-printing below for your convenience:

1. DO be brave. Do things that scare you. Try something you wouldn’t do everyday at home. Never get too comfortable to where you stop having exciting new experiences.  You’ll regret the things you didn’t do or were too nervous to try.  I can’t count how many times we said “you’re only in England once!”
2. DO be friendly.  If you’re nice to people, generally, they’ll be nice in return.  Make good friends and build genuine friendships that have potential of lasting longer than the semester. Invest in meaningful new relationships and you won’t regret it.
3. DO be smart.  It’s still school, people! This may come as a surprise after the first week of making new friends, exploring and traveling about London; but the rude realization that it’s not just all fun & games soon becomes a reality.  Don’t lose sight of the big picture and remember that GPA!
4. DO be independent.  Figure things out for yourself and do things that YOU want to do.  Don’t miss out on something because a group of people aren’t on board with you.  Be yourself and do things that make you happy, even if that means going solo sometimes & making new friends along the way.
5. DO be a person people want to be friends with. Harlaxton Manor is just a building; the people inside give it the personality and character that make it a home. The trips you take and memories you make while traveling are very dependent upon the people that surround you. Be a person people want to travel with. Be a person who makes Harlaxton the lovely place it is!
6. DO apply for a family.  The Meet-a-Family program is an awesome experience and is beneficial in many aspects of your Harlaxton experience.  Not only is your family a way to experience British culture, but they can also serve as a nice escape for school and travel.  (And maybe even cook you some exceptionally yummy food if you’re lucky!)
7. DON’T be snobby.  Americans already have a semi-unfortunate reputation of thinking everything we do is the “right” way; so don’t further prove that idea. We all love the USA and are proud Americans, but there’s no need to exclaim it or rub people the wrong way.  Respect the different people you meet and don’t assume you are better than they are because you’re American.
8. DON’T be close-minded.  Other countries don’t necessarily do things in a better or worse way than America; it’s just a different way.  Be open and willing to try new things and participate in other cultures. Don’t be naïve.  Experience and observe the ways of life in the different countries you visit and accept the difference and embrace what you’ve learned.
9. DON’T complain. You’re so, so lucky! Be so grateful for every minute of everyday, especially when it’s in the English countryside or anywhere else in the world for that matter! Why waste time whining about the food, homework or missing home when you so clearly have it made.
10. DON’T over pack.  Take it from the girl who tried to bring her whole wardrobe, naturally. YOU DON’T NEED IT ALL! Be smart, pack light & buy fun, new things when get tired of the same ole’ stuff.  But honestly, you may not get to wear everything you pack if you’re like me. I would encourage you to pack a pair of slippers though; you’ll thank me later!
11. DON’T make plans.  I can almost bet that every time something interesting happened on a trip or we ended up at a fun place, it was somewhere that was just happened upon.  Never feel like you have to make an itinerary and stick to it.  Yes, it’s nice to have an idea of what you want to see so you’re not wasting time wandering aimlessly, but don’t be so uptight that you miss out on fun opportunities because they’re not on your schedule for the day.
12. DON’T wish it away.  You only have 16 precious weeks.  Make the most of all your time in your new home.  Yes, you may be homesick at times, but that is no reason to forget what a PERFECT place you are in and how so many people would give anything to trade places with you for a day.  It all flies by faster than you can imagine, so cherish it all and take in every bit you can!

Free event featuring

• BIG RED
• Inflatables
• Laser Tag
• Refreshments
• Fun, Games, and much much MORE!!!
• More information: wkucab@wku.edu

Bring toys!

• Big Red Loves Presents!!! So Make Sure You Bring One!
• All Toys Will be Donated to Toys for Tots
• Attendees bringing a toy will receive a 33% Off Coupon for the WKU Store, Courtesy of the WKU Store

(Source: WKU CAB Facebook event page, Nov 29, 2012)

Course Description

This seminar will introduce students to historical and contemporary American foreign policy issues.  We will examine theories and controversial debates related to America’s dealings with the world and its rise as a superpower.  Major topics to be discussed in the course include race and empire, humanitarianism, American exceptionalism, nuclear weaponry, the Cold War, and post 9/11 diplomatic relations.

• Dr. Sanderfer welcomes augmentations, which allow you to earn HON credit for non-HON courses

You are cordially invited to join us for this special event which is scheduled for:

Friday, December 7 (Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day)
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jones-Jaggers Hall (Room 129)
Western Kentucky University
 
Help us celebrate two decades of serving the veterans of southcentral Kentucky while operating as the state’s only Veterans Upward Bound program.

Everyone is welcome to attend this FREE event. Food, drinks and lots of good company will be provided. We’ll see you there!

For more information, please contact Rick Wright at (270) 745-5008 or rick.wright@wku.edu.

Parking: Off-campus guests should park in the Jones-Jaggers lot which is located on University Boulevard directly across from Pierce-Ford Tower. You must enter the lot from Creason Street. Temporary parking permits are required. They can be obtained from any VUB staff member.

(Source: Email from Rick Wright, Nov 30, 2012)

Dr. Craig Cobane, Executive Director of the Honors College and Chief International Officer of WKU, engaging in Argentinian culture while on a trip to assess study abroad options in Argentina.

• call your fellow students to keep them engaged & excited about returning to WKU
• from Jan 7 – 22, 2013
• training will be provided
• earn $10 per hour
• if interested, email Joelle Carter by Fri, Dec 7, 2012

The Division of Enrollment Management is continuing to coordinate efforts to reach out to WKU undergraduate students regarding their college experiences over Winter term.  In an effort to learn more about students’ experiences during the fall, we will be making phone calls to their homes during the holiday break. From January 7, 2013 – January 22, 2013, we will contact students during designated time periods to discuss their academic goals and campus involvement.  We will also highlight campus resources that can assist them based on the individual conversations. Our goal is to keep them engaged and excited about returning to WKU over the break.

We believe that peer to peer interaction is the best way facilitate this project and invite student recommendations from you for participation. Our office will provide training, scripted information and support for the duration of this project. Further, students will be compensated for their time at a rate of $10 per hour.  The phone calls will be made from the WKU Office of Admissions teleconference center.  We will probably hire between 8-10 students for the duration of the project.

We are specifically interested in students who are performing well academically; involved in leadership organizations; and/or able to reflect about a challenge or success they have had as a WKU student and how they have utilized campus resources to overcome those challenges and achieve their successes.  If you have students in mind, please direct them to email me at joelle.carter@wku.edu by December 7th. I will provide more details about training and payroll.

Thanks so much!
Joelle

Joelle Davis Carter, Ph.D
Assistant Vice President for Retention and Student Services
Office of Academic Affairs
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11008
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1008
Phone: 270.745.6169
Fax: 270.745.5442
Email: Joelle.carter@wku.edu
Twitter: @joellecarter

(Source: Email from Joelle Carter, Nov 28, 2012)

Source:

Jennifer Wilson
Marketing Coordinator
WKU Libraries
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11067
Bowling Green, KY 42101
jennifer.wilson@wku.edu
270-745-6977

The Academic Advantage Series: Workshops for Success is a series of presentations designed to help students succeed academically. The presentations focus on skills that professors expect students to know but that might not have been learned over the course of a student’s academic career. Each session provides hands-on, expert instruction from professionals at WKU who are dedicated to student success and to seeing all WKU students graduate.

Day of Workshops provides an opportunity for students to quickly learn about different national scholarships programs and application processes with the Office of Scholar Development advisors: Dr. Audra Jennings, Ms. Cheryl Kirby-Stokes, and Dr. Melinda Grimsley-Smith.

On Thu, Sep 12, 9-4, in Helm 100, the following programs will be discussed:

• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (top of the hour)
• Summer research in STEM fields (quarter past the hour)
• Postgraduate international service fellowships (half past the hour)
• Critical language study abroad (quarter to the hour)

The Office of Scholar Development at WKU is sponsoring a “Day of Workshops” on Thursday (Sept. 12) to raise campus awareness of nationally competitive scholarships and other opportunities for research, creative work and professional development.

Held in Helm 100, within the Chinese Learning Center, “Day of Workshops” provides an opportunity for students to quickly learn about the programs and application processes while interacting with WKU’s fellowship advisors, Dr. Audra Jennings, director of the Office of Scholar Development; Dr. Melinda Grimsley-Smith, coordinator of international scholarships; and Cheryl Kirby-Stokes, coordinator of nationally competitive opportunities.

Rotating 15-minute workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship program – at the top of the hour,
• Summer research opportunities in the sciences – on the 15s,
• Postgraduate international service fellowships – at the halves, and
• Opportunities for Critical Language study abroad – at 45 minutes past.

“The Office of Scholar Development seeks to make nationally competitive scholarships accessible to students looking for opportunities to realize their big dreams,” Dr. Jennings said. “We are delighted to share what we do with the entire WKU community and to reach a greater number of students through these brief information sessions.”

The schedule of “Day of Workshops” was devised to address scholarships with upcoming deadlines and fit the schedules of the many successful students of the university who are taking numerous courses and are involved many extracurricular activities. It is not necessary to stay for the entire event; each 15-minute session provides a full discussion of the topic at hand.

For more information about “Day of Workshops” connect with OSD on Facebook and @WKU_OSD on Twitter.

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in national or international scholarships.

Contact: Cheryl Kirby-Stokes, (270) 745-5043.

(Source: WKU News, Sep 6, 2013)