News from December 2008
Tuesday, Dec. 23
State budget crisis affects hiring at BU
Six of seven vacant management positions will not be filled at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania during the current fiscal year as part of belt-tightening efforts related to the continuing economic crisis in the commonwealth. This fiscal year runs from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009.
John Cavanaugh, chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), announced on Friday (Dec. 19) that a total of 128 positions at the chancellor's office and the 14 PASSHE universities, including BU, will not be filled during the next six months. The salaries of approximately 1,500 managers, administrators and other non-union employees across the System also will be frozen for at least six months.
BU President David Soltz said positions affected by the hiatus in hiring include the new dean of the College of Business, a position vacant since September.
Jamie Vanartsdalen to be featured in CBS Show
The 2008 Division II national field hockey player of the year, Jamie Vanartsdalen from Bloomsburg University, will be one of the student-athletes featured on the national TV broadcast of "CBS Sports Presents Championships of the NCAA" that will air at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, Saturday, December 27, on CBS (in the Bloomsburg area on WYOU-TV).
Vanartsdalen will be featured for her outstanding career that took her from walk-on four years ago to the all-time scoring leader in division II field hockey history and one of the most prolific scorers ever in all divisions of collegiate field hockey.
Also, highlights and stories from cross country, soccer and volleyball will be featured in the program. For the 2008-09 academic year, CBS Sports will feature over 40 of the NCAA's 88 championships in the three seasonal shows. For the sixth consecutive year, all 88 National Collegiate Athletic Association championships will receive television exposure, including 10 fall sports to be featured in a one-hour special.
Food drive aids 16 families, 20 individuals, and food pantry
BU's Holiday Food Drive provided a box of food to 16 families submitted by BU employees and area schools, a box of food for 20 people submitted by the Columbia/Montour Aging Office and made a donation to the Catawissa First United Methodist Church Food Pantry. The Office of Human Resources and Labor Relations fulfilled a request by an area school for clothing for 12 children in need. The Susquehanna Valley Detachment for Toys for Tots also provided toys for 48 children from the families submitted. Shown from left are, standing, drive volunteers and organizers: Kate Bauman, Toni Barrile, Susan Hayes, Becky Musselman, Georgia Ortman, Audra Halye, Karen Hicks, Kathy Hunsinger and Bob Wislock. Kneeling: Becky Dean (student), Lang LaBelle and JoAnn Kreisher.
Testing lunar soil
Michael Shepard, professor of geography and geosciences, was selected to test the light reflection properties of lunar soil. Shepard received the 30 gram sample (a small bowl full) of the material and spent all day Saturday testing the sample. Shepard's tests are part of a research project for NASA's next lunar orbiter mission. The samples were tested with a goniometer that Shepard constructed 10 years ago to measure the way light reflects off of planetary soils. He has used it to measure analogs (look-alikes) of Martian and Lunar soils, as well as calibrate targets that were used on the Mars Exploration Rovers. This is the first time Shepard had a real extraterrestrial sample to work with. This sample was flown in by a colleague from UCLA with the sample on Friday night, tested all day Saturday, then flown out Sunday morning.
Top: Bashia Jones gets a congratulatory hug at Saturday's afternoon commencement. Above: Friends (from left) Scott Jabbour, Ashley Sansing and James Sanders prepare to march in the ceremony.
See the list of Honor Graduates.
College of Business Graduates.
College of Liberal Arts Graduates.
College of Professional Studies Graduates.
Final Instructions
Dick Baker, professor of accounting, gives marching instructions to graduates before the afternoon commencement ceremony Saturday in Haas Center for the Arts. Baker has served as a marshal at commencement ceremonies for many years. At the two Saturday ceremonies, 404 bachelor's degrees were conferred.
P. James Moser was the commencement speaker at the morning ceremony for the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Technology. He served as a faculty member in BU's physics and engineering technology department for 27 years, including 12 years as chair. Laura Marini Davis was the speaker at the afternoon ceremony for the College of Professional Studies and the College of Business. An associate professor in BU's finance and legal studies department, she has been a faculty member at BU for a decade and serves as adviser to the Legal Studies Association, which helps BU students prepare and apply to law school.
On Friday evening, 95 students received master's degrees during graduate commencement ceremony.
Giving Tree brings gifts to 200 children
Nearly 200 children in the region will receive holiday gifts this year through BU's annual giving tree project. In addition to gifts donated for children named on ornaments hanging from a tree in the Warren Student Services Center Lobby, the Student Art Association contributed $50 and the Secretarial Roundtable contributed $100. Shown from left are, standing: students Kristin Szwajkowski, Jaime Rivera and Laurie Frazer and SOLVE office secretary Christine Gay. Seated is Tarah Henrie, BU's civic engagement coordinator and a graduate student.
Police chief gives end of semester advice
Town of Bloomsburg Police Chief Leo Sokoloski shares these tips with students who are planning to leave town over winter break:
- Take all valuable electronics, computers, cameras and related expensive property home. With the end of the semester, many off-campus student residents and apartments may be vacant for extended periods.
- Have a neighbor collect mail and provide neighbors with an emergency contact number.
- Turning the heat down is okay but remember it is winter time and pipes may freeze and break if the temperature drops to low inside of their residence.
- Placing a light on a timer is also recommended to thwart off any would be attempts to break into the residence.
- Students may also contact the Bloomsburg Police Department and complete a residence check form. Police will regularly check the residence to assure it is secure. For more information call Bloomsburg Police at 784-6779.
New apartments to open for next fall
The new apartment complex will open on upper campus for fall 2009. The furnished apartments will consist of: four single bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a living room (typical floor plan shown at right). Campus network data jacks, cable TV service and air conditioning is provided. There will be laundry areas on each floor, parking for each resident on site, and shuttle service to and from lower campus.
The community building includes a fitness room, office, mailboxes and study space. Current on-campus students are eligible to apply. A $200 deposit is required and must be paid by Dec. 19. (Pay deposit online.)
Students must apply in groups of four. Cost will be approximately $2,435 plus $150 for utilities per student per semester. (These fees need to be approved for the 2009-2010 academic year.).One hundred thirty-six apartments will be available. Apartments will be offered based on the total number of credits each group of four applicants has earned to date. Students who do not receive an apartment will have other housing options at the Montgomery Place Apartments and the Mount Olympus Apartments. Students who do not pay the $200 housing deposit will not receive on-campus housing for fall 2009-spring 2010.
Check out the Residence Life webpage for updated pictures and apartment layout diagrams.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Alumni participate in career exchange
Five BU alumni returned to campus for the Alumni Career Exchange (ACE) program this November. Additional information is listed below. Over 50 juniors and seniors who are Board of Governor's (BOG) scholars and/or members of the A-Club participated in this year's program. The program is coordinated by the offices of Career Development, Retention and Diversity Initiatives, and Alumni Affairs. Shown from left are alumni Monica Walker '07, a liability adjuster with Nationwide Insurance; Judy Harry '07, a graduate student at BU; Brad Hestor '96, a financial analyst for General Mills; Jennifer (Bedosky) Hestor '95, an elementary school counselor from Berwick; and Shawn Munford '04, a faculty member at East Stroudsburg University.
Forensics takes fifth place
The BU Forensic (Speech and Debate) Team won the Fifth Place Trophy at the Collegiate Forensics Association's Annual Holiday Tournament held at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va., Dec. 5-6. BU fielded fifteen student competitors, including Chaz Britton, Miles Cole, Jomyra Crespo, Brian Farrell, Ashley Fuoco, Scott Kenyon, Emily Kinkead, Dan Lavelle, Kylene McClarren, Michael McGee, Kaitlin O'Brien, Joshua Trusty, Victoria Wood, Joseph Wright, and John Zaginaylo. Team adviser Neil Strine served as a judge at the tournament. The following students won individual speaking awards:
- Ashley Fuoco - 1st Place Poetry and 4th Place Single Dramatic Interpretation
- Joe Wright - 4th Place, Best Speaker Award in Parliamentary Debate
- Joshua Trusty and Joe Wright - 3rd Place, Parliamentary Debate
- Michael McGee - 1st Place, After Dinner Speaking
- Chaz Britton - 2nd Place, After Dinner Speaking
- John Zaginaylo - 6th Place, Communication Analysis
The Forensics Team will travel next to Montreal, Canada for the Collegiate Forensics Association's Winter Tournament, January 29, 2009 - February 1, 2009. Anyone interested in joining the BU Forensic team should contact Neil Strine, director of forensics at hstrin2@bloomu.edu or at 389-4252.
U. Store program bags $200 for recycling
The University Store's "Bag the Bag" program has reduced the number of plastic bags used by more than 4,000 and resulted in a $207 contribution to the Town of Bloomsburg's recycling program. Students who chose not to use a bag were presented with a wooden nickel that could be deposited in a jar to contribute five cents to the recycling program. According to store manager Beth Christian, many students have opted to keep the nickels as souvenirs and the number of bags saved is actually closer to 10,000. Shown from left are Community Government Association President Gia Adornetto presented Bloomsburg's environmental services director Charles Fritz with the contribution.
Diversity Conference brings 160 to BU
Approximately 160 students, teachers and administrators from 10 area high schools recently attended the sixth annual Diversity Conference at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. High schools included Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Central Columbia, Columbia Montour Vo-Tech, Danville, Mount Carmel, Selinsgrove, Shikellamy and Southern Columbia. Details.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Time to signup for Relay for Life
Signups for teams participating in the the American Cancer Society Relay for Life (April 3-4, 2009) begin this week and continue through Dec. 14. Sign up your team at www.relayforlife.org/pabloomsburguniversity. For additional information, contact For more information contact Erin Hazen by e-mail
The BU President Dr. David Soltz met the students who received presentation awards in the student colloquium of "Building An Understanding Bridge Across the Pacific Ocean: A Student Colloquium on the U.S.-China Relations in the 21st Century." These students are, from left to right, Zachary L. Graybill, history; Austin S. Brunson, political science; Daniel C. Brown, anthropology; and Jan Schwabe, political science; with president David Soltz and political science faculty member Sheng Ding. Stasia Rudiman, criminal justice, is not shown in the photo.
Scholarship and Recognition
Dianne Mark, dean of professional studies, and Nicole Defenbaugh, communication studies and theatre arts, have recently made presentations, while Michael Collins, communication studies and theatre arts, appears in a play in New York. Details.
BU offers travel programs as part of PASSHE program
BU, as part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), invites System alumni and the community to take part in PASSHE's travel programs during 2009-2010. Details.
Retirements announced
The following BU faculty members have announced their retirement:
- Elaine Pongratz intends to retire as an assistant professor in the Department of Exceptionality Programs effective June 26, 2009.
- Shelley Randall intends to retire as a professor in the Department of Educational Studies and Secondary Education effective January 2, 2009.
- Emeric Schultz intends to retire as a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry effective January 2, 2009.
- Gordon Snow intends to retire as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education effective the beginning of Fall 2009 semester.
- Cheryl John retired as an Administrative Assistant 1 in the Department of Facilities Management effective September 12, 2008.
Monday, Dec. 8
Trustees recommend OK of master's in speech language pathology
BU's Council of Trustees endorsed a program designed to meet an urgent need for school-based speech language pathologists during the quarterly meeting Wednesday, Dec. 3. BU Provost James Mackin said the master of education in school-based speech language pathology program was developed in response to a request from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). It will be offered through the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg after receiving final approval from the PASSHE Board of Governors. Details.
Anthropology students present research
Anthropology seniors presented their research at the 107th American Anthropological Association Annual Meetings in San Francisco on Nov. 22. Matthew Roth displayed his research "All by Myself": An Ethnography of How College Students Spend Alone-Time and Aleksandra Fedunchak presented Exercise and Healthy Lifestyles in the United States: Applying Fitness Anthropology in a University Setting. The two students conducted the research in Faith Warner's ethnographic methods course in spring 2008.
Scholarship and Recognition
Faith Warner, anthropology, Michael Hickey, history, and English department faculty Jerry Wemple, Richard Kahn and Kevin Clark have all recently presented or published their work. Details.
Accounting major awarded scholarship
Natalie Page, 20, of Bloomsburg, has been awarded the Robbins/Shuman Scholarship for the current academic year. Page, a junior, has been presented this scholarship two years in a row for a total of $6,500. She is an accounting major with a concentration in Fraud Examination. At B.U., she is a member of the Competition Dance Team, Dance Ensemble, Delta Epsilon Beta Sorority and works in the athletics department.
EET Program Receives Support from L³ Communications
The Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) program recently received a monetary gift from L³ Communications, Williamsport, in support of establishing a student chapter of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers). The gift covered the fees for students to become IEEE members. Professional growth of EET students will now be supported by the Industrial Electronics Society of IEEE under the supervision of Prof. Ghassan Ibrahim, serving as advisor to the newly formed chapter. Biswajit Ray, EET Program Coordinator, Buzz Miklos, Director of Engineering, L³ Communications, and Ghassan Ibrahim, associate professor.
Students exhibit photos in Centennial
BU students in classes taught by Vera Viditz-Ward will exhibit color photographs through Jan. 30 in the second floor of Centennial Hall.
Friday, Dec. 5
The first class in BU's SHARP (Sexual Harassment Assault and Rape Prevention) has finished their eight-hour course. Class participants were: Jessica Mest, Sara Heim, Lindsay Homont, Julie Fufla, Emma Jean Grabowski, Kate Zimmerman, Dana Tavares, Lauren Truesdell, Kelly Pease, Jenna Donmoyer, Amber Chernewski, Chika Amadi, Brittany Martin, Amanda Williams, Terri Sauder, and Taryn Leary. The course presents students with information and tools needed for self-defense management. The course consists of three units: prevention psychology, managing social or professional physical harassment and sexual assault counter measures. The six sessions were led by Matt Phelan and Belinda DeLeon of the University Safety and Police.
Renovations focus of CGA meeting
Eric Milner, assistant vice president of administration, opened the Monday, Dec. 1, CGA meeting with a presentation about the upcoming construction planned for BU. Details.
Campus Lawyer for students
The Campus Lawyer will be available next Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6-8 in the Kehr Union.
Graduating art students exhibiting in Kehr
Art students graduating this December are exhibiting their work through December 12 in the Kehr Union, Multicultural Center. A reception for the artists will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Senior artists are: Lindsay Bosch, Samuel Martin, Lauren Mihalko, Lisa Neese and Cortney Sandore. For more information contact Jason Godeke or 389-4187.
Faculty, staff recognized for their years of service
More than 100 faculty and staff were recognized for their years of service at the annual Employee Recognition Day. Details.
Spring Parking decals for resident students
Students: It's time to get your vehicle decals for spring semester parking. If you're a resident student (one who lives in the dorms, upper campus, or the Penn Street or Catherine Street Apartments), you must register via STINF for a parking decal this December. Starting on Monday, Dec. 1, STINF will be available for resident students to register their vehicles. Go to the STINF homepage under "Parking Decal," enter your vehicle information, choose the spring semester option, and click "Apply for Decal." After you have registered your vehicle online, please pick-up your decal on your scheduled day at the Scranton Commons. You must bring your vehicle registration and a valid driver's license. Those students who will be parking in the green, yellow, maroon, or tan parking lots (those students who live in MOA, MPA, Kile Apartments, or dorms with 60+ credits) may pick-up their decal at the Scranton Commons on Wednesday, Dec. 3, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those students who will be parking in the Blue Lot (dorm students with 59- credits) may pick-up their decal at the Scranton Commons on Thursday, Dec. 4, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Ticketing will begin on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009 at 2 a.m. There will be no make-up day to register your vehicle. Therefore, it is imperative that you obtain your decal on your designated day.
Students: Check out BU scholarships
BU students are encouraged to investigate scholarships that may be available to them for the coming academic year. A complete list of BU scholarships is available at www.bloomu.edu/aid. BU scholarships are generally designated for undergraduate students who have been enrolled full-time at Bloomsburg University during fall semester 2008 and who will continue full-time enrollment at BU in the 2009-10 academic year.
Unlike other aid programs, grades and extracurricular activities are considered foremost. Most scholarships range in value from $100 to $1,500 per year, with awards available for students in many academic programs of study, as well as in music or athletics. Awards are also offered to students who reside in certain communities or who meet other special criteria. Applications are available now and must be completed and returned by 4:30 p.m., Feb. 6, 2009, for the 2009-10 academic year.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Reminder: Housing deposits due Dec. 19
Students: If you are planning to again live anywhere on-campus for Fall 2009/Spring 2010, you must pay a $200 non-refundable deposit by Friday, Dec. 19.Payment can be made by credit card or e-check on the Business Office website.
As long as you pay your $200 deposit and complete your ApplyOnline and MyHousing profile before Dec. 19, you will receive information in January 2009 with the dates and procedures for applying for an apartment or signing up for limited residence hall spaces during the process in February 2009. If you have any questions or concerns about paying your $200 housing deposit, please contact Amy Cunningham or Michele Stout in the residence life office as soon as possible (before Dec. 19). For details go to reslife.bloomu.edu
Exceptionality programs faculty, graduate students, present papers
Faculty and graduate students from the Department of Exceptionality Programs presented at two conferences. The Northeastern Educational Research Association (NERA) 39th Annual Conference, was held October 22-24, 2008 in Rocky Hill, Connecticut and the Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children Annual Convention, held November 5-7, 2008 in Harrisburg. Details.
Health Center Tip
Fun in the Summer Sun...continued!
The SPF rating mainly indicates the protection against UVB rays. There is no real rating for UVA rays. Sunscreens labeled "full" or "broad spectrum" don't guarantee adequate UVA protection. In fact, many products claiming UVA protection are not stable in the sun and tend to break down quickly, leaving the skin vulnerable to UVA rays. The FDAhas said that they will be coming out with a better rating system soon so consumers will understand appropriate coverage claims for both UVA and UVB rays. For now though, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) just launched its "AAD Seal of Recognition" and recognized the first two Consumer Reports' top picks for UBA and UVB protection, which include Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF45 and No-Ad Sunblock Lotion Maximum SPF 45.
Combination insect repellent/sunscreen preparations should not be used. Sunscreen usually needs to be reapplied more often than repellents. Plus, sunscreens might increase skin absorption of DEET (the active ingredients in many bug repellents). If both products are needed, apply the sunscreen first and let it dry - then apply the repellent.
Possibly the most common mistake people make with sunscreen is simply not using enough. For the full effect, you need about one full ounce per person. It should be applied to all exposed areas of your body. Also, you need to reapply that amount every 2 to 3 hours if you are swimming or perspiring heavily. Economically, if you have sunscreen left over at the end of the summer, save it for next year. The FDA requires that all sunscreens last for 3 years.
Common Sense Protection from the Sun
COVER UP!
Clothing is a more reliable way to protect your skin than sunscreen. And, don't forget a hat! However, the value of covering up depends on the weave, color and type of fabric. A typical white T-shirt has an SPF rating of only 5, and if the T-shirt is wet, the SPF protection is much less. Not surprisingly, the looser the weave, the less protection, because sunlight gets through the tiny holes of many fabric weaves. Dark colors are better than light ones because they absorb more sunlight. You can buy clothing that is marketed as sun protective. Some clothing companies use the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating system developed in Australia, which has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. The UPF rating indicates how much ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the fabric. Any classification of 15 or over is considered good. There are also colorless dye preparations that can be added to clothing, during laundering, that increases the UPF.
When is the Sun the Most Dangerous?
Time of day: When the sun is directly overhead, ultraviolet radiation has less atmosphere to travel through, so more of it reaches the earth's surface. That's why you should avoid extended sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM during daylight savings time.
Cloud cover: On lightly overcast days, ultraviolet radiation levels can be similar to those on clear days. A heavily overcast day blocks some ultraviolet radiation, but there is still enough to warrant wearing sunscreen.
Shade: Of course, you're more protected in the shade than in the sun. But ultraviolet radiation bounces off molecules and particles in the air. Even if you're in the shade, if you can see blue sky, a lot of ultraviolet radiation is still hitting your skin. This is especially true if you're on the beach or near the water and other reflective surfaces such as snow when skiing.
Altitude: The intensity of ultraviolet radiation increases by about 4% every 1,000 feet in altitude.
Self Care Treatment for Sunburn
For the burning and pain:
- During the first 24 hours of sustaining a sunburn, take aspirin (two tablets every 4 to 6 hours) as needed for discomfort and/or fever. If aspirin is not tolerated, ibuprofen can be substituted, or if there is an allergy, take acetaminophen.
- Apply cold compresses several times a day for 10 to 15. Witch hazel applied to cool cloths is also very soothing.
- Take lukewarm (tepid) baths (only soak for 15 to 20 minutes) with 1/2 cup of baking soda. Do not towel dry afterward, allow your body to air dry. Baking soda will help your body maintain moisture, and the tepid water will help cool. Or, another soothing bath is tepid water with one cup of apple cider vinegar.
- Apply soothing lotions to the sunburned skin. Avoid perfumed lotions. Lotions such as Eucerin or lotions containing Aloe Vera work well. There are also over the counter burn creams specifically marketed for sunburns. Avoid preparations with a Vaseline type of consistency.
- Application of 1% hydrocortisone cream up to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days, will help decrease burning ,discomfort and redness.
- If the skin itches, take Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 25 to 50 mg. orally. Be careful for Benadryl may cause drowsiness.
- For large areas of sunburn, increase your oral intake to maintain hydration.
If blisters develop:
- Do not "pop" the blisters and drain the fluid. If blisters are large, you should seek medical evaluation.
- If blisters do break, cover with bandages to prevent infection.
- Do not apply lotion(s) to blisters until after they have healed/dried.
- Do NOT apply products that contain Benzocaine or use Vaseline or other greasy ointments that don't allow the skin to breathe.
- Wash affected areas gently with soap and water and blot dry with a clean towel.
Seek medical care if:
- You are experiencing severe pain from the burn
- You develop fever, rash, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, or visual problems, such as eye pain or sensitivity to light.
- You develop a rapid pulse or rapid breathing, increased thirst, pale skin that is clammy or cool
- You have large areas of second degree burns (as noted by many large blisters).
Learn more about the Student Heath Center's services