Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Serdar Celik, PhD, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering in the School of Engineering, was invited to the World Energy Outlook 2017 in Istanbul in December 2017.

International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol shared the WEO 2017 release with world energy leaders, government officials and academics from all around the world. Just last Tuesday, Jan. 23, Birol testified before the United States Senate on the agency’s global market outlook.

Celik was privileged to attend the event. “It was an ‘invitation only’ event that brought a select number of individuals in the field of energy from around the world,” he said. “I had a chance to meet a number of individuals including government officials, non-profit energy organization leaders, representatives from the private sector and academics. This was one of the best events I have attended in the past few years, in terms of networking and learning first-hand about what is going on in the energy sector globally.”

Celik sees benefits from the networking. “Last May, I organized the Ilgaz Energy Symposium in Turkey which turned out to be a bigger success than I had anticipated,” he said. “The attendees made comments that I should do another one in the coming year. I have already started working on the second Ilgaz Energy Symposium scheduled for May 11-13 on Mt. Ilgaz.

“The networking opportunity I had at the World Energy Outlook meeting yielded some new ideas for this year’s symposium, and some important individuals will be invited to our event. The symposium benefits SIUE as well, because it appeared in both national and local news media, and many energy professionals in the area are now familiar with SIUE.” 

Celik’s students also will benefit from his experience. “I have already shared some of my take-aways in my classes so far, and I plan to elaborate on others as I see fit during lectures,” he said. “Our students enjoy the lectures more when they hear about not only the real-life projects and field tours, but also global meetings about the politics, investments and technological developments on the field as they learn theory. I think “theory-project-field tour-global views” are extremely strong components for learning.”

Celik also soaked up the latest information on energy politics and policies, and technology enhancement on renewables. His main take-aways were:

• Both the oil and shale gas boom in the U.S. has changed the global game significantly. This will have remarkable impacts on the energy markets, international trade flows and investments.
• China has been investing in clean energy technologies that are beyond expectations. As one of the major buyers, China’s energy politics can have notable effects on international energy resource trade.
• Although the countries around the globe seem to be trying to achieve the goals set at the COP 21 Paris Meeting, more efforts need to be put into reaching those goals.
• Digitalization in the energy field is becoming more popular. It comes with many benefits for both the utility providers and the consumers. It also brings new job opportunities. One potential drawback is energy security, as these systems can be vulnerable to potential cyber attacks if sufficient precautions are not taken.

Photo: Serdar Celik, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering in SIUE’s School of Engineering.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Maithili Deshpande, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacy practice in the School of Pharmacy, is working with SIU School of Medicine (SOM) and University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS) researchers studying Sangamon County neighborhoods to identify those with the highest levels of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Sangamon County is reported to have among the highest number of emergency room visits in Illinois related to those specific breathing issues. The project is funded by the Caryl Towsley Moy PhD Endowed Fund for Collaborative Research. The project focuses on data involving more than 3,000 asthma and COPD patient visits in 2016 in Sangamon Country emergency rooms. Asthma and COPD cases are rising in the U.S. and internationally.

“We want to determine which factors were responsible for these emergency department (ED) visits in Sangamon County,” Deshpande said. “ED visits may be a product of both ‘who you are’ – individual biology – as well as ‘where you are’ – location. Therefore, our study aims to identify how patient and neighborhood characteristics, such as air quality, crime rates, poverty, demographic mix and access to care affect asthma and COPD ED visits in Sangamon County.”

Deshpande leads the project along with Dr. Wiley Jenkins, an epidemiologist in the Office of Population Science and Policy at the SIU SOM, Amanda Fogelman, a senior research development coordinator at the SOM, and Dr. Egbe Egiebor, a toxicologist and UIS assistant professor of public health.

The research team will confidentially analyze patients’ home location, demographic and environmental information, and their neighborhoods. Healthcare providers could use the results to target neighborhoods for educational efforts and give doctors more strategies for reducing health complications from asthma and COPD. They hope to have preliminary findings by March.

Within the SOP, Deshpande has a focus on outcomes research. Her practice site is the SIU SOM Center for Clinical Research.

Photo: Maithili Deshpande, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacy practice in the SIUE School of Pharmacy.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville online master’s in healthcare informatics has been ranked 16^th nationally by the Center for Online Education.  

Healthcare informatics professionals integrate the worlds of medicine and technology by combining their expertise in data management, patient care and information technology systems. The master’s in healthcare informatics emphasizes the application of state-of-the-art computing technologies to healthcare.

“The success of our fully online master of science in healthcare informatics program is the result of a combined effort involving the faculty, administration, information technology personnel and community healthcare partners,” said Frank Lyerla, PhD, RN, director of SIUE’s master’s of healthcare informatics program. “Our collaborative approach ensures the program is producing marketable graduates ready to meet industry needs and fill healthcare informatics positions.”

SIUE developed the program in a corporate partnership with BJC Health Care in 2010 to ensure their workforce would be well-trained to meet demands related to implementing electronic health records and securing patient data across the system. The program has evolved in format to accommodate the demands of working adults.

For more information, visit siue.edu/healthcare-informatics or contact Lyerla at flyerla@siue.edu.

OnlineColleges.net has refined its approach to evaluating schools and their respective programs. Every ranking utilizes a basic formula: Academic Quality + Online Offerings + Cost and Student Aid = Final Score.

At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Black Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people, and for the University to recommit to challenges ahead, according to SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. 

Pembrook gave remarks Thursday, Feb. 1 at the SIUE Black Heritage Month Opening Ceremony in the Morris University Center’s Goshen Lounge. The SIUE Campus Activities Board (CAB) is sponsoring the 18^th annual observation, which has theme of “A Different World.” 

“We use Black Heritage instead of Black History Month, because when you speak of history, you are talking about things in the past,” said Marissa Williams, Black Heritage Month chair. “But in addition to history, heritage is something we embrace every day. It is something we can learn from, teach others and pass along to the future.” 

SIUE continues to work towards a better future in light of recent diversity developments, said the chancellor. Pembrook enumerated a few new initiatives and projects at SIUE: 

• The establishment of the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT), whose “primary focus is to outline a set of responses that will provide assistance and support for individuals who are the victims of a bias incident.
• Biweekly Dialogues on Diversity, to support critical conversations and understanding around issues of campus climate for black students, faculty and staff, social justice, and the University’s collective responsibility to build a sustainable campus environment
• Sustained Dialogue (SD) conversations, a social action model encouraging dialogue across differences, as a curricular and co-curricular program
• Expansion of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to provide more space, more programming options and more visibility 

Following the opening ceremony, the episode “Mammy Dearest” of the television series A Different World was shown. 

“The episode deals with black art and culture and the stereotypical views and perspectives of black people,” Williams said. “At tonight’s art showcase, we will show that black art comes in many different forms and faces, and we want to celebrate black art in every way.” 

“All people should be celebrated,” said Kimberly Pope, graduate assistant for the SIUE Black Heritage Month committee. “However, African Americans are often marginalized and viewed as negative images in the media. All Black people are not illiterate, gang bangers, criminals, lazy or immoral people. We work hard to attain our goals and accomplishments, which is why Black Heritage month is so important.” 

 Also in the Goshen, the following black student groups were on display to provide information about their organizations: Collegiate 100, National Association of Colored Women's Club, Intervarsity's Black Campus Ministries, My Curlfriends, Black Girls Rock, Black Student Union, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Emperial Dance. 

“I love my black heritage because of its uniqueness, culture and history,” said Kaesha Booth, a junior majoring in sociology.

“I love my heritage, too,” said Moriliat Ibrahim, a senior majoring in biology. “My father is Nigerian and my mother was born in Ghana, and I was raised in America. “It’s good to see African Americans embracing their African culture. I love being black.” 

Photo:
Marissa Williams, SIUE Black Heritage Month chair, welcomes SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook to the SIUE Black Heritage Month Opening Ceremony.

For anyone who has played softball at SIUE, they know it is synonymous with a family atmosphere. The SIUE softball family grew by one person Thursday when the Cougars signed 6-year-old Karlie Maine to a National Letter of Intent.

Maine, of Alhambra, has battled myriad medical issues and now joins SIUE softball as part of Team IMPACT. Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 1,300 children facing serious or chronic illnesses with more than 500 colleges and universities in 47 states, reaching more than 35,000 participating student-athletes.

“Any time you have an opportunity for your team to participate in the enrichment of another person’s life, that’s really important,” said SIUE Head Coach Sandy Montgomery.

With the official signing Thursday, Maine and her family gain an SIUE softball team full of partners ready to provide emotional support. Throughout this journey, the goal is to give Maine camaraderie, strength and support. For the SIUE softball team, it’s an opportunity to bond with someone who already has lived day-to-day courageously and with resilience.

Jill Niehaus, Alana Cobb-Adams, Zoe Schafer and Reagan Curtis stepped up to be “team captains” for Team IMPACT and their interactions with Maine.

“We’re excited to have an impact on Karlie’s life,” said Niehaus, a freshman from Mt. Olive. “It will allow her to step out of all of her medical concerns, get to have fun and just be a kid.”

“I love being around kids, and I have two younger siblings, so being around her is like having my little sister around me,” said Cobb-Adams, a freshman from Kapolei, Hawaii.

Maine already has visited Cougar Field and spent some time with the softball team at SIUE’s Fulginiti Indoor facility.

“She is the happiest and so outgoing,” said Schafer, a redshirt sophomore from Noblesville, Indiana. “I’m super excited to be able to work with her and have this opportunity.”

“She is very active and loves to run around,” added Curtis, a sophomore from Helena, Alabama. “She’s very energetic, and I love that about her.”

Thursday’s signing event is just the start for Maine.

“We’ve extended the invitation for Karlie and her family to be at as many events as she wants, whether it be practices, games or team meals,” said Montgomery. “We expect her to be a fixture around our clubhouse and around our team for the next two years. At that time, she will get to experience ‘Senior Day’ with her teammates.”

If you know a child who may be interested in Team IMPACT, visit www.goteamimpact.org for more information.

Outstanding research and creative activities are featured annually during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Undergraduate Scholars Showcase. The public is invited to attend this year’s event being held from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, April 26 in the Morris University Center.

More than 100 students, representing nearly 25 different programs, will present the University’s top senior projects through live performances and displays, readings, and multimedia and poster presentations.

“This event offers a great opportunity for these talented students to showcase the projects they’ve been working on through the semester, year, and in many instances, for several years,” said Erin Behnen, assistant provost for academic innovation and effectiveness. “We hope people will be inspired by the high level of research and creative work our students are capable of producing.

“The University welcomes ideas for community collaborations that may provide learning experiences for our students while offering a high-impact return for local organizations and companies who could benefit from such research and creative assistance.”

SIUE’s Senior Assignment and URCA programs are high-impact practices that allow students to use their foundational academic knowledge to conduct active, applicable research projects and engage in creative activities.

For more information, contact Behnen at etimpe@siue.edu or 618-650-3639.

Photo: Nicholas Carter, of St. Charles, Mo., and Dan Ashbaugh, of Altamont, demonstrate the usability of their team’s LED Learning Guitar.

Sarah O’Brien, of Flora, holds one of her metalsmithing creations on which she used the inlay technique of marriage of metals.

U.S. News and World Report has ranked the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SIUE SON) among the top 100 in its 2018 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs list released earlier in January. The SIUE SON improved ten spots from a year ago to #84 among 159 schools nationwide and is the top rated public institution in Illinois.

The SON offers online master’s degrees in healthcare nursing administration (HCNA) and nurse educator (NE).

According to Dr. Laura Bernaix, dean of the School of Nursing, the U.S. News rankings reflect the School’s continued commitment to providing excellent academic experiences.

“It is an honor to be nationally recognized, and we expect the School’s online graduate programs to continue to excel in program delivery and student satisfaction,” Bernaix said. “Our online learning opportunities provide students with a high quality education through the use of small class sizes, strong faculty mentoring and support, and robust program content.”

“SON faculty and administrators work extremely hard to ensure our online programs continue to offer excellence in education, while maximizing student flexibility,” said Dr. Andy Griffin, assistant dean of graduate programs. “We are seeing positive results in student enrollment and outcomes. It’s rewarding to see that others are noticing as well.”

U.S. News utilized five categories in the rankings:

• Student engagement (30 percent): In a quality program, aspiring advanced practice nurses can readily collaborate with fellow students in their classes and clinical settings. In turn, instructors are not only accessible and responsive, but they also are tasked with helping to create an experience rewarding enough for students to stay enrolled and complete their degrees in a reasonable amount of time.
• Faculty credentials and training (20 percent): Strong online nursing programs employ instructors with academic credentials that mirror those of instructors for campus-based programs, and they have the resources to train these instructors to teach distance learners.
• Peer reputation (20 percent): A survey of high-ranking academic officials in nursing helps account for intangible factors affecting program quality that statistics do not capture. Also, employers may hold in high regard degrees from programs that academics respect.
• Admissions selectivity (15 percent): Student bodies entering with proven aptitudes, ambitions and accomplishments can handle the demands of rigorous coursework. Furthermore, online degrees that schools award judiciously will have greater legitimacy in the job market.
• Student services and technology (15 percent): Programs that incorporate diverse online learning technologies allow greater flexibility for students to take classes from a distance. Outside of classes, strong support structures provide learning assistance, career guidance and financial aid resources commensurate with quality campus-based programs.

The full rankings are available at usnews.com.

Photo: Dr. Laura Bernaix, dean of the SIUE School of Nursing.

SIUE alumnus Donald Flack has joined Armstrong Teasdale as a litigation partner. Flack earned a bachelor’s in business economics from the SIUE School of Business in 1993.

Flack’s new position was detailed in an article posted Thursday, Feb. 1 in AdvantageNEWS.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Digital East St. Louis project, funded by a National Science Foundation ITEST grant, was featured in PUBLIC: A Journal of Imagining America’s latest issue, entitled Digital Engagements; Or, the Virtual Gets Real.

Digital East St. Louis is a collaboration between SIUE’s STEM Center and IRIS Center for the Digital Humanities. The feature post can be found on public.imaginingamerica.org.

The public is invited to engage in exciting, educational and authentic science activities that benefit the local environment by participating in the new community-based collaborative program, DANCES (Day and Night Citizen Environmental Science).

DANCES is hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Center and the Watershed Nature Center, and is partially funded by the SIUE Meridian Society. Throughout the coming year, three citizen science programs will build community awareness and understanding of the critical relationship between humans and their environment.

Registration is now open for the first program, Globe at Night, which will be held from 6-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Watershed Nature Center. The event is for all ages and is open to the first 25 individuals who register. The cost is $5 for adults and $2 for kids, ages 12 and under. Register online at watershednaturecenter.org/calendar/.

“During Globe at Night, individuals and families will become citizen scientists as they learn about and monitor the amount of light pollution in the night sky,” said Georgia Bracey, senior researcher in the SIUE STEM Center. “Participants will learn about winter constellations, and then go outside to view them, using the stars they see to gauge the darkness of the night sky.”

After collecting and sharing their data, the participants will have time to look through telescopes provided by the River Bend Astronomy Club.

“Participants will also learn how to continue the activities at home and school,” said Sarah Palermo, executive director of the Nature Preserve Foundation, which operates the Watershed Nature Center. “They will be inspired to make a difference in our community and in the local environment by helping scientists with their research.”

“We are excited for local community members to leave this event with a better appreciation of the awe-inspiring beauty of a dark night sky, and its importance to the well-being of humans and wildlife,” Bracey added. “These individuals will also become part of a world-wide community of citizen scientists, working to increase awareness about light pollution and its impacts.”

In the event of cloudy weather, Globe at Night will continue as scheduled with planned indoor activities.

The next two DANCES programs will be The Great Backyard Bird Count on Saturday, Feb. 17 and FrogWatch on Friday, March 30.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance will begin its spring 2018 season with Molière’s classical comedy, “Tartuffe,” opening at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 in Katherine Dunham Hall. 

“Tartuffe” will run from 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 14-17 through 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. 

Peter Cocuzza, professor in the Department of Theater and Dance, directs the production. 

General admission is $12 for adults ages 18 and up, $10 for seniors ages 65 and up, and $10 for SIUE faculty, staff, retirees and non-SIUE students. Admission is free for SIUE students with valid identification. 

To purchase tickets, visit the Theater and Dance Box Office in Dunham Hall, room 1042b. Tickets can also be obtained by calling 618-650-2774 or toll free at 1-888-328-5168, extension 2774. 

For more information, email theater-tickets@siue.edu. For directions and parking, visit siue.edu\maps. 

The story takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon, where Tartuffe—a fraud and a pious imposter—has insinuated himself. He succeeds magnificently in winning the respect and devotion of the head of the house. Tartuffe then tries to marry Orgon’s daughter, seduce his wife and scrounge the deed to the property. 

An emissary from King Louis XIV arrives in time to recover the property, free Monsieur Orgon, and haul Tartuffe off to jail. His duplicity is finally exposed and punished, but not before the author, Molière, has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor, and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary. 

Because of Molière's comedy, contemporary French and English peoples use the word “Tartuffe” to designate a hypocrite who exaggeratedly feigns virtue, especially religious virtue. 

SIUE’s Department of Theater and Dance presents four plays and one dance concert during its October through April season.  All productions are open to the community at large. The Department of Theater and Dance is part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Photo Courtesy by Valerie Goldston:
Shown left to right are Oliver Bacus (Tartuffe), Hannah Warntjes (Elmire) and (under the table) Trey Ball (Orgon).

Pfund Construction, owned by SIUE alumni Matt and Kristen Pfund, was named the 2017 Business of the Year at the 2018 Business Forecast Breakfast held Tuesday, Feb. 6 in Edwardsville.

Matt Pfund earned a bachelor’s in construction management from the SIUE School of Engineering in 1996. Kristen Pfund graduated from SIUE that same year with a bachelor’s in speech communication from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Details on Pfund Construction’s award and the Business Forecast Breakfast are available in The Edwardsville Intelligencer.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) has named Southern Illinois University Edwardsville among 112 colleges and universities to its 2018 Transfer Honor Roll, which identifies the top four-year colleges and universities creating dynamic pathways to support transfer students.

Open to all regionally accredited baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, PTK’s Transfer Honor Roll recognizes excellence and success in community college transfer pathway development. Institutions are evaluated in the areas of scholarship and financial aid, admissions outreach, student support services, and student engagement opportunities.

“This honor is a reflection of the efforts of many, because we are so blessed to have a team of professionals across campus that are quite passionate and committed to our transfer students,” said Jennifer Harbaugh, SIUE associate director of admissions. “It has allowed us to provide quality service and develop programs that not only are in need, but also ensure the success of our students. I am fortunate to be part of such an extraordinary team.”

Transfer Honor Roll colleges will be recognized at PTK Catalyst 2018, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, in Kansas City, April 19-21.

PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said the recognition program reflects the growing importance of recognizing and responding to the needs of community college transfers, and promoting and sharing best practices for transfer success. She also noted that colleges and universities that provide high-quality programs and services to community college transfers benefit from the rich perspective and diversity these students bring to the student body, and ultimately to the nation’s workforce.

“These students are scholars, leaders, and global citizens, and it has been shown over and over that they do as well as students beginning college at a four-year college or university,” Tincher-Ladner said. “In order to ensure their continued success, the Transfer Honor Roll Program identifies colleges and universities that understand the unique needs of transfer students and applauds the dynamic pathways these colleges have created to continue fostering student success among transfer students at the four-year college.”

PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society consists of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations. Learn more at ptk.org.

Photo: Jennifer Harbaugh, SIUE associate director of admissions.

For those who may be struggling with homework, help is just a phone call away thanks to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Homework Hotline.

In partnership with the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, and run through the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB), the program has successfully assisted students and parents, with student tutors fielding nearly 1,350 calls since 2014.

Now, the Homework Hotline has expanded its services to offer face-to-face tutoring at the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC). The enhanced initiative will allow SIUE student tutors to assist K-12 students in-person at the ESLC Monday through Thursday after school.

SIUE student tutors are also available by phone from 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to offer help to area students grades 5-8. The free service can be accessed by calling 618-650-3072.

“The SIUE Homework Hotline is an educational asset to local schools, students and parents,” said Liza Cummings, program coordinator and assistant professor in the SEHHB Department of Teaching and Learning. “SIUE students whose area of expertise is mathematics staff the Hotline. In addition, a number of tutors are students majoring in education, engineering, business and biomedical science.”

“The Hotline was launched for students in the southwestern Illinois region,” she added. “But, we have received calls from other states, including Arizona, New York, Texas, Wisconsin and more.”

“Research shows the power of near-peer mentoring in helping engage middle and high school students in learning,” said ESLC Executive Director Jesse Dixon. “We see this expansion of the Homework Hotline as a win-win, because SIUE students get to learn more about the ESLC and build relationships with the children we serve. Meanwhile, our students benefit from the expertise, knowledge and community interest of college students.”

Existing ESLC grants will support the addition of 15 tutors who will assist students in two existing programs, including Project Success and Upward Bound.

“At the ESLC, tutors will work one-on-one with students from grades K-12,” Cummings explained. “While mathematics will continue to be a focus area, tutors will also lend assistance to these students in the areas of science and language arts.”

The extended services further underscore the University’s commitment to public service and the sharing of knowledge.

“Expanding the Homework Hotline to provide tutoring for ESLC students is an excellent opportunity to build a stronger partnership between the University and school-age children in the Center’s programs,” Dixon said. “We are continuously looking for opportunities to assist and inspire our students. This program provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare students for higher education and successful careers.”

The SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior prepares students in a wide range of fields including public health, exercise science, nutrition, instructional technology, psychology, speech-language pathology and audiology, educational administration, and teaching. Faculty members engage in leading-edge research, which enhances teaching and enriches the educational experience. The School supports the community through on-campus clinics, outreach to children and families, and a focused commitment to enhancing individual lives across the region.

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region. The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts. 

The Show Me St. Louis studio smelled great on Wednesday, Feb. 7 as SIUE’s Kathy Mora, PhD, assistant professor of nutrition, shared three delicious slow cooker recipes. View the segment here.

Host Heidi Glaus highlighted the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s growing nutrition program. Senior nutrition major and URCA assistant Taylor Aarns went along to catch a behind the scenes look at a live cooking segment.

The Jersey County Business Association (JCBA) invites local business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the region to participate in one-on-one counseling sessions with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Small Business Development Center (SBDC) from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at First Presbyterian Church in Jerseyville.

Staff from the Illinois Metro East SBDC at SIUE will be available to speak confidentially with business owners and entrepreneurs on a range of topics including, but not limited to:

• Business financing
• Marketing assistance
• Social media strategy
• Business plans
• Expansion opportunities
• Buying and selling a business
• State and/or federal regulations
• Exporting and international trade

The entire SBDC Day runs until 2 p.m. with a one-hour “The Power of Marketing your Small Business” workshop beginning at noon and presented by Keith Thorn of Keith Thorn, LLC. Parking is available in the lot directly across from the church on Carpenter Street.

Red Bird Deli will cater lunch. For more information on Red Bird Deli, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/Redbird.deli/.

This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners to discover the valuable business resources that the SBDC offers. Attendees who desire to meet privately with an SBDC counselor are encouraged to request a 30-minute appointment by calling 618-650-2929.

Metro East SBDC Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May finds these open house events as an effective way to connect with local business community.

“We always enjoy SBDC Community Days, and appreciate Beth Bear and the JCBA serving as our host,” said Di Maggio May. “It truly takes a team effort to help small businesses to survive and thrive.”

Di Maggio May and her staff plan to hold at least 10 SBDC Days during 2018.

The Metro East SBDC assists entrepreneurs as well as existing business owners operating in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses.

SBDCs in Illinois are funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. To learn how these no-cost services may help your business venture, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

Photo: Metro East SBDC Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved fee-related changes for the Edwardsville campus for the fall and spring terms of the 2018-19 academic year. The changes made during the board’s meeting on the Edwardsville campus involved instituting a less-confusing General Student Fee (GSF) to replace the past piecemeal individual fee structure.

The consolidated GSF will charge a consistent amount per credit hour for undergraduate, graduate and professional students whether enrolled in on-campus, off-campus, online or hybrid courses. Effective fall 2018, the GSF will be $100.30 per credit hour, representing an increase of $3.55 (3.7 percent) over the $96.75 adjusted rate per credit hour from the previous year.

Programmatic increases will impact facilities, Information Technology Services (ITS), student programming, student government, student publications, Counseling and Health Services, Career Development Center and Intercollegiate Athletics.

The facilities increase will address updating campus buildings and infrastructure as seven major campus buildings constructed between 1965-79 are in need of internal systems updates. Renovating classrooms and offices will be among the projects.

The ITS increase allows the University to continually expand and enhance computing resources and the campus network infrastructure to satisfy the increasing demand, as well as maintain and support ITS services for faculty, staff and students.

Increases in student programming, student government, student publications, Counseling and Health Services, and the Career Development Center will support various programs and positions to better serve SIUE’s students. The Intercollegiate Athletics increase supports the annual operating expenses associated with SIUE’s evolution as an NCAA Division I program.

University Housing rates were approved to increase 3.0 percent, effective May 2018, and will offset inflationary cost increases projected at 2-3 percent, fund debt service payments and maintain adequate fund balances in housing operations.

Dining Services received a 3.0 percent increase per semester in the meal plan charges for residents living in residence halls on the mandatory meal plan. The rates were developed for the academic year effective fall 2018 to offset inflationary cost increases in labor and food.

Visit siue.edu/paying-for-college for more information about tuition and fees.

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved a four percent tuition increase for all new undergraduate students at SIUE, effective fall 2018. The board met on the Edwardsville campus.

Tuition for the 2018-19 Academic Year will result in a $351 increase over last year for newly entering, undergraduates on the Edwardsville campus.

With the increase, the annual tuition rate will be $9,123 for new, full-time undergraduate students (15 hours per semester) entering fall 2018. Undergraduate students currently in a guaranteed tuition plan will see no increase in their annual tuition rate.

“We have traditionally been the lowest cost public, four-year higher education institution in Illinois, and we remain committed to offering our constituents the best educational experience at the most affordable price,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD.

In fall 2017, in-state tuition became available to all new and continuing domestic undergraduate students. Offering in-state tuition to out-of-state students streamlines tuition rates and produces less confusing rate structures, while broadening the institution’s recruiting opportunities.

Beginning fall 2018, all domestic graduate students will be charged the in-state graduate tuition rate of $7,917.60 (12 hours per semester). A $304.80 annual increase (4 percent) was approved for graduate students for the coming fall. This strategy positions the University to compete for outstanding graduate talent that supports mission critical faculty research and undergraduate instruction. It also allows the University’s online graduate programs to better compete for a critical share of this growing and evolving national market.

International students will continue to be assessed a 2.5 times surcharge on the in-state rate, unless they qualify for an alternate tuition rate.

School of Dental Medicine (SDM) tuition will remain the same. In-state SDM students will pay an annual tuition of $29,998.

The School of Pharmacy (SOP) will offer the in-state tuition rate to all new and continuing domestic pharmacy students beginning fall 2018. This addresses the declining number of pharmacy school applicants nationally and allows the SOP to recruit students on a national scale. With a $292 increase (1.2 percent), SOP students will pay an annual tuition of $23,740.

Visit siue.edu/paying-for-college for more information about tuition and fees.

Helmkamp Construction has hired three 2017 SIUE graduates who were longtime interns with the company during their studies in the School of Engineering. Matthew Sockoch, Brad Verdun and Cole Hagen all earned a bachelor’s in construction management, with a minor in business administration.

SIUE alumnus Rob Johnes recently assumed ownership of Helmkamp. He also began his career with the company as an intern while completing his bachelor’s at SIUE.

Details on the new hires are available in the Illinois Business Journal.

At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, faculty scholarship and student research opportunities are high priorities in the preparation of students who will shape a changing world.

A research project led by Sarah Conoyer, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Psychology, is hitting all of those marks, and when complete will positively impact teacher assessment of students with learning disabilities.

“We’re developing a technology-based formative assessment system for monitoring the science language acquisition of students with learning disabilities,” Conoyer explained. “Students who struggle with word knowledge may have a hard time engaging with science content and activities. This can hinder their learning and interest in science and potentially impact their access to STEM education and related careers.

“The Progress Assessment of Science and Academic Language (PASCAL) System we’re creating will provide teachers with regular feedback on their students’ performance in foundational science concept terminology and vocabulary,” she added.

The idea for the assessment tool was developed through Conoyer’s collaboration with Nathan Clemens, PhD at The University of Texas.

Several SIUE students are contributing to the project, with expected completion of initial software targeted for April. Additionally, Mark McKenney, PhD, associate professor of computer science, is a project consultant.

“As an SIUE alumna, involving undergraduate students in my research is a top priority, since I know firsthand how conducting research can make a high impact on student engagement in their area of study and future career,” Conoyer said. “This project has allowed me to implement the teacher-scholar model by sharing current research about formative assessment in my field to advance the knowledge and skills of my students.”

A team of three computer science students are working with Conoyer as their senior assignment under the supervision of Gary Mayer, PhD, assistant professor of computer science. Bradley Peradotto, of Pinckneyville, Tyler Simpson, of St. Louis, and Brendan Shelton, of Edwardsville, have assisted in software creation, including determining which tools, programming languages and platforms would be best for the project and developing the software.

“This project builds upon everything I have learned as a computer science major, and allows me to apply it to a real project,” Peradotto said. “Building a piece of software from the ground up is not easy and requires a strong plan for successful completion. Having a project or piece of software to show potential employers definitely improves your chances of being hired. When I graduate in May and go on to get a job as a software developer, I’ll be part of a team that will be applying the same skillset as I am for this project.”

Fellow undergraduates in psychology are working to develop science terms and definitions related to students’ grade level and the Next Generation Science Standards. Contributors include Shelbi Simmons, of Granite City, and Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) assistants Jennifer Robbins, of Bunker Hill, Gabrielle Ellis, of Hazelwood, Mo., Nicole Ties, of Elizabeth, and DeAnna Scully, of Belleville.

“Ultimately, this tool will help children succeed in their academic work,” Robbins said. “As an aspiring school psychologist, I’m excited about how PASCAL will benefit students who are struggling with science vocabulary.”

“I’m working on gathering and entering earth science and engineering vocabulary for seventh grade,” added Ellis, who is double majoring in psychology and sociology. “Working in a lab is a great opportunity for any student who wishes to go to graduate school or wants to gain experience before entering the job market.”

Graduate student Rachel Romano is also involved. Having earned a master’s in clinical child and school psychology from SIUE in December, she is now pursuing a specialist degree in school psychology.

“Formative assessment and curriculum-based measures are important tools used by school psychologists to help monitor students’ learning, identify strengths and weaknesses and recognize when a student is struggling in a subject area,” Romano said. “I am gaining a better understanding of these tools and how they are created through my work in this research lab.”

According to Conoyer, her receipt of an SIUE STEP grant totaling $15,996 for FY19 will further advance her scholarship and teaching by supporting the continued design, development and implementation of the PASCAL system.

“I most look forward to engaging my students in the community through implementing this tool with K-12 students, teachers and parents, while building partnerships with school districts,” she said. “The STEP funding will also allow me to develop collaborative relationships with other resources on campus, such as the STEM Center, and cultivate this interdisciplinary project beyond our campus alongside Dr. Clemens.”

Photo: SIUE’s Dr. Sarah Conoyer (far left) stands with student researchers (L-R) Shelbi Simmons, Brenden Shelton, Tyler Simpson, Jennifer Robbins, DeAnna Scully, Nicole Ties, Bradley Peradotto and Gabrielle Ellis.