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jjester wrote a new post on the site Tell School of Music News 1 week ago
Unlocking the World of Live Audio: Millersville University's Unique Music Industry Program
When pursuing a career in the music industry, there’s no doubt that Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. […]
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week ago
Millersville Parade Seeks Volunteers
The Millersville Parade Committee is seeking volunteers to assist with the Millersville Parade on Oct. 14. The parade is a joint venture between Millersville University and the Millersville community and there are a variety of positions available, including banner carriers, flag carriers, inflatable costume volunteers, parking greeters and many more. Volunteering at the parade provides an opportunity for community members to give back in a fun and memorable way, as this parade attracts more than 2,000 participants and over 17,000 spectators. Volunteers can include, but are not limited to, residents, businesses, church groups, Rotary groups, women’s clubs, high school students and Millersville University alumni. The only requirement is that volunteers must be 16 years or older for most positions. The parade route is two miles in length, beginning at Penn Manor High School and ending past the Student Memorial Center on James Street. Depending on the position, some volunteers may be required to walk these two miles. Start times vary between positions, but the total amount of time volunteering should not exceed four to five hours in the morning. Volunteers should meet at Penn Manor High School in the designated areas for their position unless otherwise specified. Each volunteer will receive a free T-shirt and can attend a free luncheon after the parade has concluded. The parade requires over 100 volunteers to run smoothly, so please consider this enjoyable opportunity to make a difference! Any questions about volunteering can be directed to parade@millersville.edu or call 717-871-7001. If interested, make sure to sign up by September 22. For a full list of available positions, click here. To volunteer, fill out the form here. More information can be found at h […] “Millersville Parade Seeks Volunteers”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week ago
Unique Cinematic VR Experience Comes to the Ware Center
The award-winning 360º cinematic virtual reality experience “Traveling While Black” is coming to the Ware Center on Sept. 27. The 20-minute immersive production examines racism in the United States and places the viewer in conversations exploring the ways we understand race in America and highlighting the urgent need to not only remember the past but to learn from it. The VR experience focuses on the “Green Book,” a travel guide published during the segregation era, which highlighted restaurants and other businesses that would serve African Americans. The “Green Book” was meant to combat uncertainty toward having access to food, lodging, fuel and other travel accommodations that others may take for granted. Academy Award-winning African American documentary director Roger Ross Williams filmed the piece at Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C., a restaurant first established in 1958 that historically has served as a safe haven for traveling African Americans. Assistant Director of Campus and Community Engagement Barry Kornhauser says that viewers should expect anything but a typical documentary. “Viewers will sit at the Ware Center in an installation recreating a portion of Ben’s Chili Bowl, where they will don Oculus Go headsets to virtually meet some of the diner’s patrons as they reflect on their personal experiences regarding race relations in the United States. Viewers can expect a truly unique, powerful and profound experience.” Tickets to the event are free, but online registration is required. There will be multiple showings a day from Sept. 27 through Oct. 25, and a total of 12 people can register for each show, or 24 in student groups. The experience is recommended for ages 12 and up. “Such events have something truly valuable to offer both students and the general public of Lancaster,” says Kornhauser. “The project will examine the safe spaces that exist in our communities and explore those that still need to be created. We felt this was important enough to have ‘Traveling While Black’ run for a full month, four times a day, six days a week, and to offer it free of charge to eliminate any financial barriers to participation.” “During the Green Book years, Lancaster hosted three welcoming sites, so there is a real historical community connection to this project,” says Kornhauser. “And though an official Welcoming City today, there is still much to be examined in regard to reducing and eliminating the barriers that invite people of all circumstances and backgrounds to become full participants in community life here in Lancaster and beyond.” Kornhauser has also organized a series of eight stand-alone Community Conversations that will cover different related topics, including “Traveling While Black & Queer,” “Traveling While Disabled,” “Traveling While Undocumented,” “Traveling While Black Through the Education System” and more, with accompanying opening and closing receptions on September 28 and October 25. “For these Conversations, we have been blessed with a veritable ‘who’s who’ of Lancaster – individuals who serve and/or represent segments of our diverse marginalized local communities,” says Kornhauser. “These complementary Conversations are intended to encourage dialogue and thought about both past and current-day barriers to ‘traveling’ through everyday life faced by the BIPOC community, but also the LGBTQ+, undocumented and disability communities, exploring complications encountered not just in movement, but in civic life, education, business, the arts and more.” Some of those guests include State Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El, Lancaster NAACP President Blanding Watson, CEO of Alliance for Health Equity Kevin Ressler, CEO of the African American Historical Society of South-Central PA Dr. Leroy Hopkins, President and CEO of Bright Side Opportunities Center Willonda McCloud, Lancaster Poet Laureate Evita Colon, Executive Director of the Disability Empowerment Center Jacklyn Nagle, President and CEO of LancasterHistory Dr. Tom Ryan and many more, including MU’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Carlos Wiley in conversation with Gretchel Hathaway, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Franklin & Marshall, and Kesha Morant Williams, Senior Advisor of Diversity, Equity & Belonging at Elizabethtown College. Moderating these Conversations will be Lenwood Sloan and Marquis Lupton. “By engaging in this cinematic virtual reality experience, you can expect to hear from Black people about the long history of the travel restrictions they experienced in the United States and how this impacted Black growth,” says Carlos Wiley, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Millersville. “You will also get a better understanding of how the ‘Green Book’ work aided in the creation of safe spaces for Black people to travel across the country in order to experience freedom.” Wiley explains that hosting events like this is important to encouraging unity and upholding the University’s EPPIIC values. “Hosting ‘Traveling While Black’ shows our commitment to build understanding, knowledge and moving the University towards inclusive excellence. All who take advantage of this opportunity will be able to gain respect for the struggle of Black Americans.” “Having experiences like this at MU is important so we can help to build understanding of experiences of different groups of people so we can better relate to others,” he concludes. “I hope that many people from MU and the Lancaster community will take advantage of this opportunity to have a new and exciting experience.” For a full list of showtimes and for registration, visit https:// […] “Unique Cinematic VR Experience Comes to the Ware Center”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week ago
2023 Marauder Family Weekend
Family Weekend is an opportunity for Marauder parents to connect with their student(s) on campus, learn more about ways to get involved and enjoy family fun. Marauder Family Weekend will occur on Friday, Sep. 22 and Saturday, Sep. 23. “One of the things we wanted to focus on this year is thinking about engaging events that would get all different types of participants out,” says J. Whitlow, director of Campus Life. Especially since it falls on a weekend, we still wanted to engage our students who are on campus and may not have their parents or families coming in.” Highlights include free tethered hot air balloon rides and a comedy show from MU alumnus Jonathan Burns. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the hospitality suite for a full schedule, offers and deals from campus partners and resources about local restaurants and activities nearby! Events will occur around the clock on Friday and Saturday. Some of the main events from the weekend include: 9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Discover Lancaster Bolger Conference Center-Lehr Room – This presentation will be led by an MU alum to talk about all the great things Lancaster offers, including some hot spots to visit with your students over the weekend. 10:00 a.m. – 12 (noon) Ville Cornhole Tournament Student Memorial Center – Yards | If there is inclement weather, the event will be canceled. Sign up for this tournament to show us your best double deuce and compete for some great prizes. 12 (noon) Football vs. West Chester University Chryst Field @ Biemesderfer Stadium. Come cheer on the Marauders as they take on West Chester University. Tickets available. 1:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs East Stroudsburg Pucillo Field. Millersville Women’s Soccer takes on East Stroudsburg University. Admission is free. 6:00 p.m. Field Hockey vs. (Indiana) PA Chryst Field @ Biemesderfer Stadium. Field Hockey takes on Indiana (PA). Admission is free. Information regarding the 2023 Marauder Family Weekend can be found by clicking here. […] “2023 Marauder Family Weekend”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 1 day ago
CHEP’s Resources for Mental Health Awareness
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Center for Health Education and Promotion at Millersville University is committed to spreading mental health awareness and resources. “I wholeheartedly believe suicide prevention is an important and critical topic that should be addressed on college campuses,” says Margaret Thorwart, director of CHEP. “The work we do day in and day out is centered around student wellbeing.” Below is a full list of events organized by CHEP and other MU offices to provide students with the resources they need to stay mindful and healthy: Past Events All 11 of CHEP’s peer educators undertook suicide prevention training through the Counseling Center. Student Affairs brought Wes Woodson to campus during EPPIIC Arrival Weekend to speak on anxiety, mental health and seeking support. The first week of classes, CHEP brought queer educator Mx. Jacob Kelley to campus for an interactive sexual health workshop and a healing from sexual violence keynote speech. Many of the points Kelley touched on were related to mental health and how to seek help, overcome and not give up. So far this semester, CHEP has completed four Green Dot training sessions, reaching over 100 students. These trainings address noticing changed behaviors and mental health of friends and peers, encouraging students to be active bystanders who check in with their friends and can help share resources. There will be one more student training and an employee training session this semester. Present Events “Wellness Wednesday” tabling this week, organized by the peer educators, focuses on gender identity and gender dysphoria, specifically addressing mental health challenges surrounding that topic. The current “Shatter the Red Zone” campaign addresses mental health and specifically directs students to supportive services including the Counseling Center. CHEP is working with public relations classes to bring about a social norms campaign based on data collected last spring. Part of the campaign will discuss mental health and the loneliness Millersville students are experiencing on campus, with the goal of informing students where they can go for support and how to cope in healthy ways. Future and Ongoing Events Students and staff with CHEP, Student Access and Support services, the Counseling Center and Health Services will attend the Mental Health America of Lancaster County Suicide Prevention Conference. The “Fall into Wellness Fair” on Wednesday, Sept. 27 will have tables representing all nine dimensions of wellness, including emotional and intellectual wellness. The fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SMC Promenade. A “Lunch & Learn” event focusing on group wellness coaching will take place Thursday, Nov. 2 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in SMC 118. This session will mainly focus on mental health, healthy coping strategies and stress reduction. New this semester is Wellness Coaching, a free service provided through CHEP to MU students. Wellness Coaching is an individualized process for helping students achieve a higher level of well-being and performance in their academic pursuits, as well as life in general, when change is desired yet feels difficult to achieve. The service aims to empower students to explore health topics of stress, sleep, social support and substance use. Students can choose what they want to discuss and which health behaviors they want to set goals around. There are many resources available to all Millersville University students who may find themselves struggling with their mental health and wellness. CHEP and the Counseling Center encourage students to make use of these services. For more resources from CHEP, visit https://www.millersville.edu/chep/resources.php 24-hour Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or T […] “CHEP’s Resources for Mental Health Awareness”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 2 days ago
COVID Monitoring Team May 2023May 12, 2023 Dear Campus Community, Our Cabinet was guided by input from different committees and task forces that were established since the beginning of the pandemic. For this academic year, the COVID Monitoring Team (CMT) provided advice on our operations. As we come to the end of the academic year, the CMT has recommended to me, and I have agreed, that we cease all COVID protocols and related policies at Millersville University. As you may know, May 11, 2023, marked the end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration. That follows the end of the U.S. national emergency to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic on April 10, 2023. Over the past three years, I have marveled at our campus community’s unwavering commitment to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have shown resilience, compassion, and professionalism as we tackled each new phase of the pandemic and responded to the federal and state mandates. We have also experienced the pain and loss of colleagues and loved ones. After three long years, we now find ourselves at a different point in the pandemic, with more tools and resources to better protect ourselves and our communities. Together, we have risen to the challenge and persevered. The CDC has been working for many months to fold the agency’s COVID-19 emergency response activities into its existing structure and programs, as part of an ongoing transition to sustainable public health practice. It is time for Millersville University to do the same. We will no longer ask students to inform health services if they have COVID-19. Employees will not be asked to let their supervisor and human resources know if they contract the disease. Most tools, like vaccines, treatments, and testing, will remain available and I encourage everyone to stay up to date with their vaccinations. The COVID-19 vaccine will remain free to faculty and staff because it has been added to Highmark’s preventive schedule. In addition, the University will offer a free clinic in September for vaccinations and boosters. On the behalf of my Cabinet and the MU Council of Trustees, I would like to thank the members of the CMT, led by Dr. Duane Hagelgans, for their efforts throughout the pandemic. We are fortunate to have faculty and staff who stepped up to lead us as we navigated the challenges that the pandemic brought to our doorsteps. I also want to especially thank every member of our community who served on one of the pandemic committees and task forces; your work was instrumental in getting us to where we are today. Thank you. Enjoy the summer. With warm regards, Daniel A. Wubah University Presid […] “COVID Monitoring Team May 2023”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 2 days ago
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jjester wrote a new post on the site Tell School of Music News 1 week, 3 days ago
Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Barry Atticks Receives Millersville University's EPPIIC Value Award
In higher education, guiding principles are the compass that helps institutions navigate toward their mission, vision, and goals. At […]
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 3 days ago
New Director of Intercultural Center
Denice Velez was recently named the director of the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Intercultural Center at Millersville University. She previously served as the associate director for the Dowdy Multicultural Center at West Chester University. Velez has extensive experience, including a position at the Cross-Cultural Center and Latinx Resource Center in Southern California. “In these roles, I have enjoyed empowering students to understand their role in social justice and affirming their diverse identities,” says Velez. “I look forward to bringing these experiences to working with students with their talents, skills and passions to address similar topics.” Velez received a bachelor’s in Ethnic Studies and Chicanx Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s of public policy and a master’s in Higher Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. “My educational experience does not only encompass my time in formal educational institutions, but my interactions with various cultural communities from whom I have learned a lot,” says Velez. “Having Ethnic Studies as part of my background has provided me a lens to begin understanding the importance of centering people whose experiences have been excluded in institutions like higher education.” With the fall semester underway, Velez has begun preparations for upcoming activities and events. “We had welcoming events for returning and new students, including activities for EPPIIC weekend, an LGBTQ+ Welcoming Reception, and a Students of Color Cookout,” says Velez. “Additionally, I am excited to be in the process of hiring student staff that will continue to bring life into the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Intercultural Center, where students are also able to connect with one another and learn about cultural and social justice topics.” Velez is positively adapting to the Millersville campus and has high praise for the Millersville students. “In my time at Millersville, it has been exciting to meet student leaders who care deeply about making sure that marginalized students are supported and cared for,” says Velez. “They understand the importance of creating an environment where everyone is included and can truly live the EPPIIC values.” Velez set goals for her new role. “I will strive to increase the support for marginalized students while at MU,” says Velez. “Also, I seek to educate and challenge our campus community to learn about social justice issues and about topics impacting diverse communities. This work can only be done in collaboration with students, staff and faculty, while centering and empowering those in the margins.” “We need to continue to strive more to not only be accepting of diverse communities but to truly show appreciation and care,” says Velez. “I think we have great opportunities at Millersville given the resources that we have on campus, such as the talents of students, faculty, and staff, and also the experiences that the surrounding community can offer.” For more information on the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Intercultural Center, click here. […] “New Director of Intercultural Center”
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Becca Betty wrote a new post on the site Millersville University Department of English & World Languages 1 week, 6 days ago
George Street Press wants YOU to submit your creative projects!
The George Street Press is running again! Rising from the ashes, this student led literary and art magazine is seeking […]
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hlverani wrote a new post on the site Graduate Studies in English & World Languages 1 week, 6 days ago
How to Find Academic Conferences- Conference Series Part 1One way to expand your academic interests outside of the classroom is to find and join conferences that connect with your fields of […]
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 1 week, 6 days ago
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 weeks, 1 day ago
Mahogany L. Browne to Speak at the Hazel L. Jackson Lecture Series
A writer, playwright, organizer and educator who devotes her work to supporting criminal justice and community leaders is the keynote speaker at the annual Hazel L. Jackson Lecture Series. Mahogany L. Browne will speak on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Bolger Conference Center. Hazel L. Jackson was the first female African-American professor hired at Millersville University. In honor of her contributions to MU, the late Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El created the Hazel L. Jackson Lecture series. Each year, the University invites African-American literary artists to share their experiences with the campus and the Lancaster community. Browne has many accomplishments, including being selected as the Kennedy Center’s Next 50, the executive director of JustMedia and the artistic director of Urban Word. She has also written “Vinyl Moon,” “Chlorine Sky,” “Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice,” “Woke Baby” and “Black Girl Magic.” Dr. Caleb Corkery, an English professor at MU and faculty member of the African American studies minor, explains the importance of the series. “This lecture highlights the artistry of African American authors, bringing to campus their expression and perspective to enlighten us. It is also an opportunity to share what enriches us with our greater community.” In addition to Browne, Evita Colon and Sir Dominique Jordan, local spoken word artists, are also presenting their work. Before the event, they are hosting a poetry workshop on campus for 10th graders. Corkery notes that each speaker’s work aligns perfectly with Hazel L. Jackson’s values. “Browne, like Colon and Jordan, uses literary expression to inspire and uplift others. They are all devoted to cultivating Black voices, especially youth. This use of literary art is directly in line with Hazel Jackson’s career motivations, too.” Corkery hopes attendees take the importance of literacy and education home with them. “This is sure to be an inspiring event. All three of these artists are skilled at bringing out their experiences in ways that connect and excite audiences. The value of literacy and education will surely be a theme they all touch on.” In addition to the main event at 6 p.m., Browne will also host a Q&A session from 4-5 p.m. in the Stayer Hall MPR. All events are free. Learn more about […] “Mahogany L. Browne to Speak at the Hazel L. Jackson Lecture Series”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 weeks, 1 day ago
September 11th Memorial Ceremony
Millersville’s Duane Hagelgans will give the keynote address at this year’s September 11 Memorial Ceremony in Lancaster County. The Lancaster County Commissioners, alongside Lancaster County’s first responders, will hold a remembrance event for those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Additionally, the commissioners will recognize the 52 Lancaster County First Responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty with a wreath-laying ceremony. Hagelgans is part of the Center for Disaster Research & Education at Millersville and a professor of emergency management. He has over 40 years of emergency services experience and serves on the South-Central Pennsylvania Counter Terrorism Task Force. Lancaster County is one of the safest counties in the Commonwealth due, in part, to the thousands of first responders across Lancaster’s 69 fire companies, 21 police departments and 18 EMS services. The ceremony will be held on Monday, September 11th, at 9 a.m. at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center, 101 Champ Boulevard in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The public is welcome to attend. The bells on Millersville University’s campus will chime in memory of the people who lost their lives on 9/11. 8:46 a.m. – Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. 9:03 a.m. – Flight 175 crashed into the WTC’s South Tower. 9:37 a.m. – Flight 77 hit the Pentagon 10:07 a.m. – Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvani […] “September 11th Memorial Ceremony”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 weeks, 2 days ago
Allison Ross named new Student Trustee
Each university within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has a governing board called the Council of Trustees. The COT includes a student trustee who is approved by PASSHE’s chancellor and appointed by the governor. Millersville University’s student trustee is Allison Ross, a senior early childhood education major from Havertown, Pennsylvania. A student trustee is a voting member on the COT who works with the University President, cabinet, advisors, chancellor and PASSHE officials. Ross believes the role is important as it allows current college students to share their experiences with decision-makers. “It is greatly important for the Council of Trustees to have a student trustee as I am able to share a glimpse of my current student experience and my perspective on current issues within the University.” “Each PASSHE institution has a student trustee serve on the Council and we work together as a part of the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees. The Council of Trustees works on many items to support the University, from approving recommendations for charges for tuition to representing the institution at official functions. The trustee’s role is to serve the University to the best of their ability,” she explains. Ross became a member of Millersville’s COT in December 2022 and will serve until May 2024. As the student trustee, Ross has many responsibilities, including monthly meetings with President Wubah to discuss the University’s successes and ways to improve MU, meetings with other student trustees from PASSHE schools, attending the quarterly Council of Trustees meetings, representing the University at events like State of ‘Ville and much more. To be selected as the Student Trustee, Ross went through a traditional application process, obtained multiple letters of recommendation and a round of interviews with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management. “Then, I was recommended by the interview committee and recommended by the President of the University to the Chancellor for the PASSHE. I was then interviewed by the Chancellor of PASSHE and was approved by the Chair of the Board of Governors. Once alerted that I was the student trustee-elect, I was grateful to have former student trustee Madison Whitcomb as my mentor before beginning my role.” The position means a lot to Ross, providing her with many opportunities to grow. “I was truly honored to be selected to serve on the Council of Trustees, as it gives me an opportunity to develop my leadership and professional skills, learn more about higher education and represent Millersville.” As the new student trustee, Ross hopes her input creates more positive experiences throughout the University. “As the student trustee, I hope to continue to serve Millersville alongside my fellow trustees to better the experience for all Millersville students and represent the University […] “Allison Ross named new Student Trustee”
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jjester wrote a new post on the site Tell School of Music News 2 weeks, 6 days ago
Tell School of Music faculty Dr. Jennifer A. Jester is a contributing author of the latest release from Oxford University Press
Tell School of Music faculty Dr. Jennifer A. Jester is a contributing chapter author of the latest release from Oxford University […]
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hlverani wrote a new post on the site Millersville University Department of English & World Languages 2 weeks, 6 days ago
Alumni Perspective: Why I Chose to Get My Master’s degree at MillersvilleAugust of 2021 was the beginning of the end of a certain chapter in my life. Like other students, I was happy to return to […]
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Becca Betty wrote a new post on the site Graduate Studies in English & World Languages 2 weeks, 6 days ago
On Loneliness in Grad School“Grad school is lonely” was the warning I received from an advisor shortly after being accepted to the Millersville Master’s Progr […]
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kmadas wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 2 weeks, 6 days ago
The Importance of Unions as WGA Strikes Continue
With Labor Day approaching while multiple on-going strikes are featured in the news, it can be beneficial to review and learn what the functions of a union are and why they may vote to strike. Dr. Kelly Banna, professor of psychology and past president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties Millersville University chapter, explains that one of the main functions of a union is collective bargaining. “Collective bargaining basically grants employees the ability to negotiate working terms and conditions, including salary and pay, at the group rather than at the individual level,” she says. “Employees elect people from their bargaining unit to negotiate with the organization on their behalf. By negotiating in concert, they wield greater power to effect changes that benefit workers, in part because the organization often cannot afford to lose all of its workforce, and in part because employees who work in a collective bargaining environment often negotiate for greater employment security,” Banna continues. One such union at Millersville University is APSCUF, which seeks to ensure fair working conditions for faculty employed within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Each PASSHE campus has its own local chapter, executive board and representatives. Last month, APSCUF announced that it stands in solidarity with the unions who are currently on strike, including the Writer’s Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The WGA has been on strike since May, with SAG-AFTRA joining in June. The strikes have been high-profile due to the big names involved and for the effects this could have on the film and television industry. “The work stoppage is affecting all aspects of entertainment,” says Dr. Stacey Irwin, professor in the media arts production program. “Historically, we can see from past strikes how the industry has changed. New shows and movies will not be coming out when we expect them. Any work not completed before the strike started is just sitting there in the queue.” “Even nonunion work is stopped or stalled. Freelance work is also affected, and that is a different side of the industry. I think that it will take years to recover.” While some independent films and film festivals can continue under the strike guidelines, movie theaters may begin to feel the effects of the strike as new movies stop releasing. “In most cases, independent films are lower in budget and are not large moneymakers for cast and crew,” Irwin explains. “Movie theatres where festivals are screened are also feeling the strikes, and the independently owned ones will begin to close their doors, because if there are no new movies, theatres are not making money.” “I’m guessing that the nature of entertainment could change quite a bit depending on how long the strikes last. Consumers want choice in their viewing, and producers are not going to be able to deliver new content without WGA and SAG-AFTRA members.” “This absolutely has affected our alumni and faculty in the entertainment industry,” Irwin adds. “We have alumni working in a variety of entertainment industry positions who are looking at their future and wondering, what comes next?” Some of the key issues for both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes include fair pay and proper residuals for the duration that a media work is available to the audience – something that has changed significantly with the introduction of streaming. The use of AI in writing has also been called into question. “Many professional entertainment writers have practiced writing for many years,” says Irwin. “They started as young writers, were ‘brought up’ in a writer’s room mentorship environment and are still not making a living wage based on contemporary entertainment business models.” “Not everyone can write for entertainment. It is a craft,” she adds. “Writers want their role in the process rewarded. It takes many different kinds of labor to make good entertainment media. Writing is central to this process, and good writing is the gold standard.” Banna says that there are many ways to show support for a union, including refusing to engage in commerce with the relevant companies, walking picket lines or donating money to help fund supplies for striking employees. “When a union voices support during a strike, it carries the weight of the whole membership, and there is strength in numbers,” Banna says. “I cannot speak on behalf of State APSCUF, which has the prerogative to release official statements of support for other striking unions, but in my opinion it’s important to support other unions when they strike for two main reasons,” she concludes. “First, we sympathize with those workers and want to see them treated fairly and with respect, and to see their labor fairly valued. Second, each successful negotiation for one union strengthens the bargaining position of other unions—we want to see them succeed because it increases the likelihood that we will also be succe […] “The Importance of Unions as WGA Strikes Continue”
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Janet Kacskos wrote a new post on the site Millersville News 3 weeks ago
Faculty/Staff Activities
Emiyaril Alvarez, Director of Financial Aid, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., in her role on the Government Relations Committee for The Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. The group spoke to members of Congress to make their positions known on the issues that impact students, families and the institutions they serve. In addition to Alvarez, Alyssa Dobson of Slippery Rock University, Kenyan Cattell of Penn State World Campus, and Ryan Jensema of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary represented PASFAA. The Government Relations Committee narrowed its focus to three items: Student Loan Tax Elimination Act, FAFSA Simplification, and Return to Payment. Dr. Dennis Downey, professor of history emeritus recently won the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities’ 2023 Hervey B. Wilbur Historic Preservation Award. The award recognizes Downey’s guest editorship of the Summer 2022 Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies. The edition was devoted to “Exploring Disability History in Pennsylvania.” Dr. Duane Hagelgans, professor in Millersville’s Center for Disaster Research & Education, has been selected to speak at the GOSH Conference – Governor’s Occupational Safety & Health Conference from Oct. 22-24 in Hershey. Hagelgans will speak on “Disaster Preparedness for Safety Professionals.” He’ll discuss the various ways that Safety Professions can prepare their organization for potential disasters while also entertaining the concept of “Whole Community” into practice for organizational Health and Safety practices. Ethan Hulsey, Director of Athletic Communications, recently placed first in the District 2 2022-23 CSC Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest for College Sports Communicators for his feature story on alum, Chas McCormick, “From Millersville to the World Series, Chas McCormick makes a winning impact.” In addition to the first-place finish, he was also runner-up in the event category for “Resilient Marauders crowned PSAC Champs” and runner-up in the season recap/preview category for “Season Outlook: Marauders hope renewed focus and veteran bats lead the team back to Cary.” In addition, Hulsey pulled in a second-place finish for the number of visits to the athletics website during the month of June. Dr. Margaret Mbindyo, associate professor and advisement coordinator in the Center for Advisement & Student Support; Dr. William Himmele, professor in Early, Middle and Exceptional Education; Dr. Deborah Tamakloe, associate professor in Special Education, Dr. Persida Himmele, professor in Early, Middle and Exceptional Education, along with Caleb Himmele, ’23, took part in a training at Kabarak University during June. The training, “Intentional Teaching & Total Participation Techniques,” was well received and the group consistently had over 300 university faculty in attendance for all three days of this optional training. Faculty from all colleges attended, including the schools of Business, Medicine, Law, Education, Pharmacy, Languages etc. Here is a link to Kabarak University’s website highlighting the 3-day training: https://www.kabarak.ac.ke/news/updates/kabu-three-day-indispensable-staff-development-training Dr. Ying WuShanley, professor emeritus, Department of Wellness & Sport Sciences, recently competed at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. He placed 8th, 8th, & 9th in 50M, 200M, & 100M (all breaststroke), respectively. This is the first time that he broke into the top 10 internationall […] “Faculty/Staff Activities “
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