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Minutes
The minutes from the September 9, 2002 meeting were approved as written following Hugh’s move to approve and Dean’s second.
Introductions
The board welcomed three new members – Jerry Hartley, John Maher and Denise Wright. Jerry and John were unable to attend the meeting. Denise is a field representative for the Indiana Department of Health and she welcomed the opportunity to speak to classes and the Natural Resources Club.
Departmental Report
Hugh reported that the department is actively searching for a candidate for the water resource position. The applicants have been narrowed down to seven that Hugh will interview over the phone. From there, he will narrow down the pool to 3-4 candidates. Dr. Siewert is retiring from the department during the summer 2003 and Hugh would like to do something for him at the awards dinner. In other faculty news, several professors will be visiting with local high school science classes to recruit and talk about the natural resources department. Hugh still introduces Ball State students to the department with visits and fliers to the NREM 101 classes.
The Natural Resources Club is going on a toboggan run at Pokagan State Park on February 1. The Lilly Retention/Recruitment Fund will pay for one meal for the participants.
Dr. Badger secured a National Science Foundation Grant. The department will have two EdD candidates that will be funded at $21,500 each. The program is targeted towards teachers. More information will be available on the website - http://www.bsu.edu/nrem
Hibbs Scholarship. At a recent faculty retreat it was suggested that the annual Hibbs Scholarship be broken up into a $1000 academic/merit based scholarship, a $1500 graduate fellowship and a $1500 undergraduate fellowship. A fellowship offers a degree of prestige, could be awarded earlier in an academic career than an academic scholarship and is project focused. To be considered for the fellowship, applicants would write a proposal for something in the natural resources field or for the department that they would like to do. Proposals could include but are not limited to research, technology, outreach and anything else the student is interested in. Additionally, students would be provided with a faculty mentor to guide them through their project.
Funding for the scholarship and the fellowships will be provided up front through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. This means that money is deposited directly into the student’s university account and put towards academic expenses. Amanda asked if the department would be able to cover overhead costs that might be associated with a project (i.e., conference fees). Hugh said the department should be able to pick up overhead costs that might arise.
Emily asked if the project is done for credit. Hugh said no but he would consider the possibility. Terry and Emily stated that “fellowship” would be beneficial on a resume. Laura suggested that students present their results or project at the spring student awards.
The board liked the idea of a pilot program for the fellowship. Dean asked who would be selecting the fellows and Hugh said that the department as a whole would make the decisions.
Indiana Outdoors. Hugh would like to raise awareness of Indiana Outdoors. The program gives students experience with technology and media. Kristen and Nat Baker directed, produced and star in an upcoming episode on backpacking.
Internship Day
Terry thanked Sue and Danesa for their work on Internship Day. Hugh pointed out that the student turnout was good. In addition, a few students from other departments (i.e., landscape architecture, geography and geology) were also in attendance. Terry mentioned that the students seemed better prepared this year. Hugh will hand out an evaluation to the students who were in attendance and will summarize the results for the board at the next meeting. Hugh said that department was supportive of the event as 3 classes met at the Alumni Center during Internship Day and some classes offered extra credit to students who attended. The board agreed that the day would continue to grow as more departments are invited.
Next year, Amanda suggested that the room be organized by option. Sue agreed that it could be done if the department helped make the distinctions. John added that there could be a handout of the room layout as the students come in.
Career Day
Hugh said that the purpose of the day is to give students a better understanding of the options and encourage them to think about professional development and opportunities. He will give faculty the date of the event before they make their syllabus so that professors can offer extra credit or make attendance mandatory (if they would like to). Sue suggested that a press release be sent to the Daily News to increase visibility of the day. John recommended that roving teams of career opportunities visit classrooms. Hugh said that might not be the most efficient way to reach students given the diversity of interests in the classroom. Amanda suggested a panel discussion be given for each NREM option. Hugh said that it had been done before and could be done again.
E-mentoring
Hugh reported that he and Nat Baker matched alumni and students for the e-mentoring program. He added that they have a pretty good mesh but they could use more alumni in the rec area. The student will be told who their mentor is and vice versa. They must initiate contact with one another. Sue requested that if any issues come up for or with alumni regarding e-mentoring, that they be brought to her.
Miscellaneous
Terry mentioned that the NAI needs a place to archive a collection of documents in this area. He suggested that Amy and Hugh consider the department as a home base for this material.
Next Meeting
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at the Cool Creek Nature Center. Food and refreshments will be available at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. Thanks to Amanda for reserving the space and for submitting directions:
Coming from the North (Muncie)
Take I69 South to the Pendleton/Noblesville exit/SR 38
Turn right and take 38 for several miles to T in the road which is SR32
Turn left onto SR 32 and take it through Noblesville and Westfield to US 31 (Meridian St.)
Turn left (south) on US 31 and go through stoplight at 161st St
The next stoplight is 151st St. turn left onto 151st St. (Landmarks include a McDonalds and Shell Station)
Get in the left hand lane. Go through 1 stoplight. Then look for Cool Creek
Park on the left hand side of the road. (It is only about 100 yards east of US 31)
Turn left into the park. Follow the signs to the Cool Creek Nature Center.
Coming from the South (Indianapolis):
Take I465 to the US 31 (north)/Meridian St
Go North on Meridian for 7 to 10 miles until 151st. St. (stoplight)
Turn right onto 151st St. (Landmarks include a McDonalds and Shell Station)
Get in the left hand lane. Go through 1 stoplight. Then look for Cool Creek Park
on the left hand side of the road. (It is only about 100 yards east of US 31)
Turn left into the park. Follow the signs to the Cool Creek Nature Center.
For directions from another angle or for questions please call the center at 317-848-0576.
