September 4, 2014

When I thought, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Psalm 94:18-19 (NRSV)

News

The office of the provost is pleased to announce the faculty fellows for the new teaching and learning initiative. The Messiah College Strategic Plan calls for the teaching and learning initiative to give particular attention to diversity, instructional technology and experiential learning. The fellow for inclusive excellence is Jenell Paris. The fellow for instructional technology is Brian Swartz. These two fellows will work alongside a fellow from the experiential learning initiative, the director of teaching and learning and the Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee to provide support for excellent teaching and student learning at Messiah College.  

Congratulations to Daniel Finch and the painting studio in Climenhaga Fine Arts Center. The studio is now 100 percent free of mineral spirits! They have made the switch to using vegetable oil for cleaning brushes. No flammable chemicals, no fumes and the vegetable oil actually conditions the brushes. Not only is the studio now a safer environment for students, but Daniel has provided students with the knowledge to make their home studios safer, too. Better process…better stewardship…continuous improvement.

Associate Professor of Marketing David Hagenbuch recently had an op-ed article about “Purpose Beyond Profit” published on PennLive.

Abaz Kryemadhi and Don Murk, along with Lecturer Ariela Vader, have been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Whitaker Foundation Regional Math and Science Program to host three science camps on the college’s campus in Summer 2015. This joint project between the Schools of Business, Education and Social Science and School of Science, Engineering and Health will serve students in the Harrisburg area schools. Messiah students pursuing science teaching certification will plan and facilitate camp activities.

We would like to welcome Pete Ramsey as our new grounds manager. Pete comes to Messiah College with over 22 years of experience in grounds management. Pete holds a degree from the University of Maryland in turf grass management. Pete and his family currently live in Mechanicsburg. Pete will begin his employment at Messiah College as the grounds manager in mid-September.

The office of the provost is pleased to welcome Kerrie Taylor as the administrative assistant to the assistant dean of general education, common learning and advising and the director of teaching and learning and assessment. Kerrie is not new to Messiah College. She has worked with the Agapè Center for Service Learning and the office of multicultural programs Martin’s Scholars. She brings her administrative experience and enthusiasm for students and their learning to this new position. Kerrie will be working in Boyer 104. Please take time to welcome her and to introduce yourself as she begins this new position.

The U.S. State Department asked Mike True, senior associate for talent development and marketing in the career and professional development center, to speak to employers in Riga, Latvia about best practices in internships.  He presented virtually to small and mid-size employers who are looking to benefit their businesses while also helping to resolve high youth unemployment.

Messiah 411

Newly formed Career and Professional Development Center to host open house Sept. 9

Please join us on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 3-5 p.m. for an open house at the newly formed Career and Professional Development Center, located in Eisenhower Campus Center. The Career Center and Internship Center have officially become one unit. This change will allow us to provide new and enhanced services, including personal career coaching, professional development programs, internship and job opportunities, graduate school assistance, academic partnerships and student-alumni engagement programs. Come see our new space, enjoy refreshments and learn more about the exciting opportunities we have to offer. We hope you can join us!
Kris Hansen-Kieffer, vice-provost and dean of students

September wellness workshop announced

The first wellness workshop of the year will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 12-12:45 p.m. in Parmer Cinema.  Dr. Amy Meoli, medical director at Penn State Hershey Sleep Center, will  present “If You Don’t Snooze You Lose- The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation.” You won’t want to miss this presentation on one of the most important health topics of our day. Employees receive 15 wellness points for attending the workshop.

Save the date for Movie on the Green Sept. 19

The office of human resources is once again partnering with the Agapé Center and student involvement and leadership programs to host an outdoor movie event.  DreamWork’s “How to Train Your Dragon 2” will be showing on a 40-foot tall screen on Friday, Sept. 19 on the Eisenhower Lawn at 7:30 p.m.  Coinciding with Family Weekend, this event is open to all employees and their families as well as students and their families. More information to follow in next week’s Intercom. Mark your calendar!

Oakes Museum Curator Club registration now open

Registration is open for Curator Club (grades 3-5) and CC2 (grades 6-8). These programs provide science education on a variety of topics in a fun learning environment. Topics include “Fish of the Yellow Breeches,” “Deciduous Trees,” “Archeology,” “Big Cats,” “Simple Machines” and “Animal Survival in Winter.” See flyer for more information.  Please visit our website, email merickson@messiah.edu or contact the museum office at ext. 2431 with any questions.

Applications are now being accepted for the fall Into the City trip to Charlotte

Applications are now being accepted for the fall Into the City trip to Charlotte, N.C. This career immersion program will take place Oct. 8-11 and promises students a high-impact, hands-on educational experience. They will receive first-hand exposure to living, working and connecting in the greater Charlotte area by interacting with Messiah alumni and parents through company site visits and tours, panel presentations and a networking reception.

Organizations represented include: (Listed with our alumni contact and their major while at Messiah)

Charlotte Eagles (Luke Helmuth ‘13/Christian Ministries)

Ella B Candles (Chris Tassy ‘97/Biology)

Hunton & Williams LLP (Ryan Rich ‘02/Politics)

Kimco Realty Corporation (Nate Mitten ‘05/Engineering)

Michael Waltrip Racing (Matt Turman ‘13/Marketing)

Pepsi (Rosette Luko ‘12/International Business & French)

S&D Coffee (Kyle Newkirk, not an alum)

Soccer Shots (Jeremy Sorzano ‘97/HDFS)

Time Warner Cable (Ed Lawton ‘89/Accounting)

US Airways (Stephen Monserrate ‘97/Business Administration)

YMCA Charlotte (Estella Walker ‘91/Communication)

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5 P.M. ON SEPT. 26. Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so please encourage students from all majors and academic years to apply for this educational opportunity. For an application and for more information, visit the Into the City website.

**An INFORMATION SESSION will be offered Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 12 p.m. in the Eisenhower Board Room. Students must RSVP to attend here. Pizza will be provided.  Educators are also welcome!

ITC is collaboratively sponsored by the Career and Professional Development Center, office of alumni and parent relations and the development office.

Wellness Program offers Zumba and Pilates classes

The Wellness Program will be sponsoring Zumba and Pilates classes this fall. Zumba will be open to students and employees and will meet in Hitchcock Arena during the following times: Sundays: 4-5 p.m.; Mondays: 10-11 p.m.; Wednesdays: 7-8 p.m.; Thursdays: 7-8 p.m. The one-time semester fee of $20 allows participants to attend any or all of the classes throughout the semester. Payment must be made at the front desk in the fitness center (upper level of Sollenberger Sports Center) prior to attending class. Classes will begin on Sunday, Sept. 14.

The Pilates class will be offered on six consecutive Tuesdays from 12:30-1:15 p.m., beginning Sept. 16. The class will be taught by certified instructor and HHP adjunct professor Mindy Smith. Space is limited and employees are being given the first opportunity to register. The $20 registration fee for Pilates must be paid at the front desk in the fitness center prior to attending class. On Sept. 7, registration will be opened up to students if spaces are still available. Classes will be held in the basement lounge of the Sollenberger Residence Hall.

Messiah Team Triathlon moved to the fall

The 7th annual Messiah Team Triathlon will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. Teams must be comprised of any combination of three Messiah students, alumni or staff (or family members).  Each person does one leg (800-yd. swim, 12-mile ride, or 5K run) of the triathlon. Start putting your team together now and let the training begin.  Every team must complete the online registration form (one form per team) by Tuesday, Sept. 30. Join us for this on-campus fun, free fitness event. Employees participating receive 15 wellness points.

Reminders for use of college-owned vehicles

A reminder to all who drive a college-owned vehicle and for those employees who have student drivers:

  • If students received their approved driver status BETWEEN April 1 and Aug. 1, they do not need to be approved again for this school year.
  • If students received their approved driver status BEFORE April 1, they must re-apply, completing the application in full, including proof of insurance, the MVR check and if required, take the 15-passenger van test and/or truck test. (If you’ve taken the van test already, it’s not necessary to re-take; however, if you drive a truck and have not had the truck test, you must register for that test.).
  • Students should not delay in applying; no one will be permitted to drive unless all requirements have been successfully fulfilled.
  • Employees are required to re-apply every two years; if you forget when you were approved, please click on the website link below and then click on the approved driver list to find the date you were approved.
  • Change in the Vehicle Management Policy: any student or employee who will be driving one of the college-owned trucks must now take a behind-the-wheel training in a truck.
  • Gator/Club Cart: departments having a gator or golf-cart type vehicle assigned to them must provide training to students on how to operate the gator/cart and remind all operators that “pedestrians have the right-of-way.” This training is in the process of being created and will be available through the department of safety.

Please see the department of safety website where all information regarding the approved driver program can be found, including the self-study course, approved driver list, the policy, application, MVR form and general information.

New after-hours policy for Travel Time Travel Leaders

Beginning Sept.1, the college travel agent, Travel Time Travel Leaders, will charge a $20 fee for each call made to the after-hours emergency line.  This fee will be charged back to the departmental budget of the employee making the call.  The after-hours emergency line is available to employees and should be used for urgent needs such as cancelled flights, emergency flights and hotel or rental car reservation issues. It should not be used for making standard reservations or asking questions that can wait until the next business day. Travel Time’s business hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please make every effort to call during these times. Contact Daisy Anderson at ext. 2100 with questions.

Accounts payable reminders about the College’s PA sales tax exemption

If you are empowered to make purchases on behalf of Messiah College, a Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemption Certificate or your Messiah College P-card should be presented to the vendor prior to checking out. The PA Sales Tax Exemption certificate is not for personal use; it is only for purchases made on behalf of Messiah College. The form can be found here. Print the form and complete the top portion with the vendor/supplier name and address and present it to them prior to your purchases. Please note that we will not reimburse for PA sales tax charged on purchases when filing for personal reimbursement, that amount will be deducted from the total purchase.

Hewlett-Packard and Compaq recalls notebook computer AC power cords

The recall involves HP’s LS-15 AC power cord. The power cords were distributed with HP and Compaq notebook and mini notebook computers and with AC adapter-powered accessories such as docking stations from Sept. 2010 through June 2012. The power cords are black in color and have an “LS-15” molded mark on the AC adapter end of the power cord. The cords have the potential to overheat causing a burn and fire hazard. Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled power cords and contact HP to order a free replacement at  877-219-6676 or www.hp.com.

Classified

Position available:

The School of the Arts has an immediate opening for the part-time position of Performing Arts Coordinator. For more information and to apply, please visit: http://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/4671. Job-related questions may be directed to Richard Roberson, Dean of the School of the Arts, at RRoberso@messiah.edu.

Free:

Binders — Used binders various sizes; plastic periodical bins. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

For rent:

Apartment — Beautiful, basement apartment with one full bath, laundry room, kitchen, eating area, family room with fireplace, storage area, separate entrance, outdoor patio and deck, garage and off- street parking available. Available Oct. 1. Utilities included in rental fee. Call 717-608-0797 or e-mail cpulis@messiah.edu.

For sale:

2010 Mazda 5 minivan — Five- speed manual transmission, Seats six. Includes Thule roof rack and roof cargo box.  Excellent condition, economical and fun to drive. Asking $11,800; Antique 1963 Magnavox stereophonic hi-fidelity floor unit — Unit includes FM/AM radio, automatic record player, high fidelity internal speaker system (original), terminals for external speaker and stereo amplifier. Record player needs a new needle.  All original operating instructions, factory inspection card, warranty registration and instrument installation record cards included.  Asking price $195 or best offer.  For more information or photos, email lowens@messiah.edu.

HP laser jet toner — 61X (C8061X) unopened, $60; Unopened Canon PIXMA ink tanks – Yellow (CLI-8Y), cyan (CLI-8C), magenta (CLI-8M), black (3) (CLI-8BK) and one Innovera black ink cartridge (IVR-PGI5BK), all $5 each; Olympus 50mm standard film camera — Best offer. Contact baumen@messiah.edu.

Two twin XL sheet sets — Used one year, $10 for both.  Email Shines@messiah.edu.

Trumpet – Yamaha student trumpet (Bb), lacquered brass finish, model YTR-2320. Includes hard case, mute and cleaning accessories, $200; Keyboard – Casio 61-key electronic keyboard, model CTK-611 (released in 1998), with stand, $20. Contact Jason at jlong@messiah.edu or ext. 7109.