Thursday, October 26, 2006

A Collegiate Conversation

Battelle Hall in the Convention Center was filled to capacity with Columbus State employees October 25, as Autumn Quarter In-Service Day became "Conversation Day," an eight-hour opportunity to talk about our new method of accreditation, the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP).

More than 800 faculty, staff and administrators, divided equally among more than 100 tables in the hall, discussed the results of the September "constellation survey," then engaged in three conversations in small and large groups.   First, the small groups discussed "what matters now," or what ways of thinking and working together are important for the continued success of the college.

The second conversation revolved around what is done well at the college presently. Members of the audience took turns reporting on the unique strengths of the employees, and the best practices of the college, which were recorded on overhead screens for all to see.

Finally, the whole group divided into smaller groups along lines of "Process Groups," or the types of projects each individual thought might make an immediate difference to the college, if instituted immediately.  The processes included such areas as "helping students learn," "valuing people," "leading and communicating," and more.

The process groups then brainstormed on ideas for action, and reported on a "Quick Fix"strategy they might follow to make a change in the future of the college. Each step was guided by Stephen Hill and Dr. Jim Daniels, from Urbana University and Dr. Sally Winship, from Johnson County Community College, Kan., who are expert facilitators in AQIP from the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association (NCA).

 

First day of winter quarter enrollment goes well

On the first day of Winter Quarter enrollment October 23, registrations were up almost eight percent over last winter, with 6,442 signed up for classes that begin January 2.   Over 1,000 new applications were also taken.   "The Colleague system is running very smoothly and we haven't had any complaints about the system not being available," said Nina Reese, supervisor of the Telephone Information Center. "Students are being taken care of in a more efficient manner both on the phone and on the Web," added Reese.


Discovery Exchange bookstore opens new convenience store

The Discovery Exchange (DX) now offers the "On-the-Go" convenience store with a wide variety of items including soft drinks, dairy items, snacks, microwaveable lunch items and a large selection of household items.   The DX On-the-Go features many new products and services including; Smith's Dairy products, Deli Express sandwiches, Hostess and Wonder products, Frito Lay products, Folgers coffee, frozen treats, baby care and personal products, and fountain drinks. The DX will also be running various coupons in the student newspaper "Cougar News" published each Wednesday.  

 

Columbus International Festival holds 51st annual gala

Approximately 200 exhibitors representing over eighty countries and service organizations will prepare ethnic food, share their crafts and provide educational materials at the 51 st annual Columbus International Festival, "We Are All Family," Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. -10 p.m. and Sunday, November 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Veterans Memorial, 300 West Broad Street.

Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 students and seniors, $2.00 for children ages 6-12, and ages 5 and under are free.

Attendees can learn about our heritage and culture as a nation of immigrants, watch participants in dazzling native costumes march in the parade of nations, see roving entertainers, mimes, and animated characters.   There will also be a g lobal marketplace with authentic crafts, continuous dance lessons in two venues, and a children's global activity area with hands-on projects for children and their families.

For more information on the Columbus International Festival, visit www.unacol.org

 

Volunteer for wetland planting project

The Columbus Audubon Center is hosting a volunteer planting on the Whittier Peninsula Saturday, October 28 from 9a.m.-noon for "Make A Difference Day Ohio."   The Center will be planting over 500 plants in the newly created wetlands in the Metro Park and volunteers are being asked to help out. All the materials are included and refreshments will be provided.   To volunteer, contact Heather Starck, director of the Columbus Audubon Center, at (614) 224-3303, or email hstarck@audubon.org

 

 

Columbus State gets $5K grant for redesigned civilization class

 As part of a project to revamp existing courses to enhance learning, Columbus State will receive $5,000 from the Ohio Learning Network (OLN) for the successful outcomes achieved in History of Western Civilization classes.   The awards were made based on the progress, innovations and increased enrollments during the allotted time.   Nine initial institutions were included in the study. OLN will grant an additional $5,000 to those institutions that maintain or improve enrollment in the classes through 2007. Other institutions involved in the grant-funded study included Central Ohio Technical College, Cleveland State, Lorain County Community College and Ohio University.