Eastern Michigan University
February 21, 2024
Academic and Student Affairs
Provost Briefing
Institutional Priority #1
Promote Student Engagement and Success
Enlighten U Podcast Episode 6 released
This month’s episode of Enlighten U focuses on the importance of compassionate classrooms and how they are being cultivated at Eastern Michigan University. Watch as EMU graduate student Emerson Storlie personally shares his insight and learn expert advice from Ron Flowers, Ed.D, an EMU leadership and counseling professor, who recently was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Flinn Foundation to spearhead the effort. Read more about the episode on EMU Today or watch below!
“Enlighten U” is an Eastern Michigan University-produced podcast for college students as they experience unique stressors, including academic pressures, personal growth, social challenges, and more. EMU executive director of media relations and social media Melissa Thrasher and EMU public relations professor Lolita Cummings serve as co-hosts. Each episode is released each month and welcomes a student or alum and a subject-matter professional. Episodes of “Enlighten U” address mental health topics like imposter syndrome, financial strain, grading anxiety, adjustment to campus life, social media harms, social justice, and more.
For more information about “Enlighten U,” contact Lolita Cummings at lcummin2@emich.edu and Melissa Thrasher at mthrashe@emich.edu. Email messages with guest and topic suggestions can also be sent to Enlighten_U@emich.edu. “Enlighten U" is available on all major podcast streaming services and EMU's YouTube Channel.
Institutional Priority #2
High Performing Academic Programs & Quality Research
Naomi Barbour a Finalist in Harry S. Truman Scholarship competition
Naomi Barbour
Honors student and junior political science major Naomi Barbour has been named a finalist in the highly prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship competition. Naomi will interview for the scholarship in Chicago on Friday, March 22, 2024. Faculty, administrators, and alumni who are willing to help Naomi prepare with mock interviews are encouraged to contact Ann Eisenberg, Dean of The Honors College and EMU's Truman Faculty Representative.
The Truman Scholarship is meant to celebrate and prepare the nation's next generation of public service leaders. Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate school as well as access to extensive Scholar programming, priority admission and financial support from public service graduate programs, advising and mentoring from other public service leaders, and preferred hiring with the federal government.
EMU Choir releases new recording
The elite vocal ensemble of the School of Music and Dance, the EMU Choir, recently released its second album this academic year.
Hear their recording, The Road Home, on Spotify.
Read more stories on the CAS Newsletter.
Institutional Priority #3
Service and Engagement
An Alumni Report from Japanese Language Graduate Jessica Yamamoto
Jessica Yamamoto on the job as an inflight Japanese translator
EMU alum Jessica Yamamoto, an inflight Japanese translator, speaks about how her experiences at EMU have propelled her into her current career and offers some advice to future students. Watch her video below!
Transcript:
Hello there EMU community, and prospective community members alike. My name is Jessica Yamamoto and I am a fellow Eagle as well, having completed my undergraduate degree at Eastern just a few short years ago. My time at Eastern, particularly as a dual major in Japanese Language and Culture department and English linguistics, was nothing short of extraordinary. And I can say with confidence that my experience at Eastern has shaped both my personal and professional life and I have a feeling in a few short years, you will be saying the same thing.
I want to take a few moments to reflect upon my experiences and share them with you, I can't help but feel extreme gratitude for the skills gained and the lasting friendships that I formed at Eastern. Today, I find myself in a fulfilling position as an inflight Japanese translator, purser, brand ambassador where I am afforded the opportunity to travel the world on a nearly weekly basis. If you have traveled recently, you may have seen me in an in flight video representing one of the major US airline carriers. It is also my pleasure to work as an adjunct faculty at a university in Washington DC. I owe a significant part of this journey to the exceptional education and support I received at EMU.
Again speaking a little bit more to the Japanese Language department specifically, I want to share that their masterful leadership provided me with a profound cultural understanding, emphasizing the intricate connection between language and culture. This insight has been instrumental in my role as an inflight Japanese translator, where communication goes beyond words and it encompasses culturally sensitive service which is so important. It has also helped me enhance my ability to connect with others through having a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances that drive individuals- their thoughts, their actions as well as their feelings. As we shift away from our own communities and begin to enter the world as an adult such an understanding and appreciation is incredibly paramount, right?
Also, one thing that truly stands out is the culture of service fostered by the department. See, the instructors weren't just educators; they were mentors genuinely invested in the success of their students. This sense of mutual respect and motivation to see students thrive has been a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy as an Adjunct Faculty here in Washington DC.
Another aspect of EMU's Japanese language program is the fact that it is so personal, their personalized pedagogy, their sharing snippets of their own lives and interests, created a classroom atmosphere that felt not only intimate but really engaging as well. I've carried this approach into my own classroom, understanding the significance of building personal connections with students to enhance the learning experience.
To future students, I encourage you to embrace your curiosity, explore your interests, and continually, continually seek answers to the questions that you have. The Japanese language department at EMU instilled in me the importance of questioning and seeking, these are qualities essential for any successful scholar no matter your field of practice.
I also recommend proactively setting up informational interviews and job-shadowing opportunities. These experiences not only provide valuable insights and also can serve as powerful networking opportunities that can shape your future."
To wrap up, I just want to share that my gratitude to the EMU Japanese language department. This gratitude knows no bounds. The education I received has not only led to a fulfilling career but has also shaped me into a compassionate and dedicated educator. I am proud to be an alum of a department that continues to inspire and empower students.
Thank you for taking the time to hear about my journey. Here's to EMU, and you and the and the incredible adventures that you have in store... Good luck!
Institutional Priority #4
Institutional Effectiveness
Faculty Development Center Receives SAPAA Promising Practices Award
NASPA's Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs (SAPAA) Knowledge Community has named Jeff Bernstein and the EMU Faculty Development Center as one of the SAPAA Promising Practices Award recipients for 2024. This recognition is most incredibly deserved regarding the incredible and impactful work done in the Faculty Development Center at Eastern Michigan University focused around building solid and sustainable partnerships between Academic and Student Affairs.
The Student Affairs Partnering With Academic Affairs (SAPAA) Knowledge Community provides a forum for interaction among student affairs professionals serving in an academic unit within their institutions and/or those who are interested in the collaboration between student and academic affairs and how this collaboration can continue and thrive in the future. It also promotes the presentation of programs and workshops at regional and national conferences on issues related to the connection between student affairs and academic affairs.
As a recipient of the Promising Practices Award, EMU's FDC will be recognized at the 2024 NASPA Annual Conference, specifically during the SAPAA Knowledge Community Business Meeting on March 11th.
Congratulations to Jeff and the stellar EMU FDC team!
Housing and Residence Life (HRL) Update on the Student Experience
HRL began a residential curriculum in the Fall of 2022, a co-curricular model designed to support students who live on campus. The core of the residential curriculum is a set of pillars with aligned learning outcomes. The four pillars are academic success, sense of belonging, inclusive excellence, and wellness. Student learning outcomes are attached to designed activities such as intentional interactions by Resident Advisors, programming, and conduct or case management meetings with students. These activities have guided lesson plans for staff. Here is a fall snapshot of the student experience.
Department Approval for Transfer Credit Equivalencies Made Easier Through TES
TES (the Transfer Evaluation System) is a CollegeSource product that is an all-in-one solution for researching transfer credit. The TES system provides over 100 million course descriptions, tracks evaluations, manages equivalencies, and serves a tool for effective communication.
Faculty who have been designated to review course materials for transfer equivalencies will be granted access to the TES system by the Registrar’s Office.
Records and Registration will be launching the use of TES during the month of March. TES Zoom training sessions will be held on the following dates and times:
3/5 Tuesday @ 3 PM - 4 PM
3/13 Wednesday @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Not sure if you should attend? Contact Chris Shell for more details.
Week of Excellence Events
Distinguished Staff Achievement Recognition Awards Celebration
Thursday, March 21, 2024
9:00-11:00
Student Center Ballroom
Student Gold Medallion Awards
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
3:00-5:00
Student Center Ballroom
Distinguished Faculty & Lecturer Recognition Celebration
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
9:00-11:00
Student Center Ballroom
Graduate Research Conference
Friday, March 15, 2024
9:00-4:30
Student Center 3rd Floor
44th Annual Undergraduate Symposium
Friday, March 22, 2024
9:00-4:00
Student Center
Staff & Faculty Highlights
Dr. Aaron Liepman with his mosaic, "Walk to Freedom."
"Walk to Freedom" Mosaic by Biology Professor Aaron Liepman Unveiled
A LEGO mosaic made by Biology Professor Aaron Liepman was unveiled during EMU’s MLK Day celebration on January 15. The mosaic, "Walk to Freedom", depicts the June 1963 march for civil rights led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Detroit.
Read the full story on the CAS Newsletter.
Office of the Provost
Academic and Student Affairs
Prepared by: Andi Pontiff & Karen Peacock
734.487.3200