t-notes - September 7, 2016

Thiel Happenings

Color Dash 5K to kick start Thiel’s sesquicentennial Homecoming celebration

Thiel College’s sesquicentennial Homecoming 2016 celebration kicks off with a Color Dash 5K on Sunday, Sept. 25.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

First Thiel Forum of academic year features staff and student travel experiences

The 2016-2017 Thiel Forums schedule begins Sept. 15 with presentations from faculty members, staff and students regarding their off-campus study and service experiences.

+ Read the full story in the newsroom

Enjoy a look back at first-year student move-in and Opening Convocation

Members of the Class of 2020 moved in and got settled during first-year student move-in and Opening Convocation on Aug. 26.

Flickr View photos from move-in and Opening Convocation on Flickr.

Disability Resource Center Minute

Director of the Disability Resource Center Tami Micsky discusses important issues regarding her office in the “Disability Resource Center Minute” in the first T-Notes of each month during the academic year. If you have any questions, contact Micsky at ext. 2063.

Disability in Education: High School versus Higher Education

When transitioning from high school to higher education, it is important for students and parents to note that there are key differences in the services provided and the laws that govern accommodations.

Below are a few of these important differences:

High school

The school district is responsible for identifying a student’s disability, including providing testing, evaluation, etc.
The curriculum may be modified and assignments altered.
Test format and grading may be changed.
Personal services are required.
Guidance counselors or other staff schedule support services for students.

Higher education

Students must self-identify to the Disability Resource Center and provide documentation of disability. Testing and evaluation to identify a disability are the student’s responsibility.
Fundamental alterations to the curriculum are not made. Academic accommodations and modifications are available based on individual student’s documented disability.
Grading and format changes are generally not available. However, accommodations in how tests are given (extended time, quiet space, verbal testing) are available when supported by documentation.
Personal services—such as tutoring, personal aides or assistants—are not provided by the college. Students can seek out tutoring.
Students must self-disclose and connect with the DRC to coordinate and arrange all services and accommodations. Students have the responsibility for self-advocacy.

The New York Times hosting informational session on campus

Laura Hardesty Reino ’08, education manager of The New York Times, is hosting an informal collaborative session from 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday in the Rudisill Room of the Howard Miller Student Center. No formal presentation is scheduled, and faculty members are encouraged to drop in between classes. Reino will answer questions about The Times’ classroom content. In the evening, student leaders will also have an opportunity to attend a session with Reino.

The College is evaluating the purchase of a program that would allow the campus to have access to NYTimes.com. Faculty members who attend can email Associate Academic Dean and Professor of English Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D., their feedback.

Tomcat Tributes

Tomcat Tributes recognize the teamwork Thiel College employees exhibit each day. Employees nominate co-workers for recognition in four categories (Random Act of Kindness, Going the Extra Mile, Had a Great Idea, Just Because).

To nominate a fellow employee, visit the Campus Resources link on the Thiel Hub.

Going the Extra Mile
Nominee: Dominick DiRienzo
Comment: Dominick works tirelessly on behalf of the entire Thiel College community to promote and celebrate the many accomplishments of our administration, students, faculty and staff. He is willing to work with all departments, and listen, advise, and support his colleagues on all levels.

Student News

Special Notes

Washington National Insurance meetings

Representatives from Washington National Insurance company will be on campus to meet with employees from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 13-16 in the Sawhill-Georgian Room of the Howard Miller Student Center.

Events

Campus Events

Worship on Wednesdays
Today at 4 p.m.
David Johnson Memorial Chapel

All are welcome for hymns, prayers, a message and Holy Communion during this weekly service.

For more information, contact Pastor Jayne Thompson at ext. 2130.

Aikido classes
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m.
Johnson Community Center lobby

Aikido classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings during the academic year except on holidays and college breaks.

For more information, contact Pastor Jayne Thompson at ext. 2130.

Greenville Neuromodulation Center Faculty/Student Research Institute Plenary Session
Friday at 1 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Students and faculty involved with the institute will present talks on their research topics.

For more information, contact Delbert Abi Abdallah, Ph.D., at ext. 2067.

Popcorn Fridays
Friday at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rotunda Bistro, Howard Miller Student Center

Enjoy free popcorn and the Thiel Tomcat Marching Pride in the Bistro.

Thiel Fortnightly Annual Breakfast
Saturday at 10 a.m.
Kathy Thompson's home, 19 Shady Avenue, Greenville, Pa.

The women of Thiel College (female faculty, staff, spouses and partners) are invited to a continental breakfast hosted by the Fortnightly Club. The breakfast provides a chance to celebrate the new school year, visit with friends and welcome new women to Thiel.

Download more information.

Thiel Forum
Sept. 15 at 4 p.m.
Stamm Lecture Hall, James Pedas Communication Center

James Pedas Professor of Communication and Chair of the Department of Media, Communication and Public Relations Dane Claussen, Ph.D. (Working, Living and Traveling in China); Jennifer Shelley ’17 (Teaching in Thailand); Nicholas McNutt ’17, Vince Vahaly ’17, Fred Kiser ’11 and Associate Dean of Career Development Martin Black (Cycling trip to Maine) are scheduled to present.

For more information, contact Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D., at ext. 2154.

September Equine Speaker Series
Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.
Sawhill-Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center

Dr. Chelsey Giardina will discuss the benefits of acupuncture for horses for this installment of the series.

For more information, contact Jenna Malnar.

SGA Blood Drive
Sept. 22 from noon to 6 p.m.
Lutheran Heritage Room, Howard Miller Student Center

The Student Government Association will host the American Red Cross for its fall blood drive.

Vira I. Heinz Scholarship Recruitment Dinner
Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Sawhill-Georgian Room, Howard Miller Student Center

The dinner is a presentation and dinner to recruit the summer 2017 cohort of Vira I. Heinz Scholarship in Women’s Leadership applicants. The event begins with presentations by the summer 2016 recipients.

T-Notes Publishing Schedule

The next issue of T-Notes will be out Wednesday, Sept. 14.

Send your submissions by noon Monday, Sept. 12 to tnotes@thiel.edu.