Department of Education Monday Minutes

Here are your Monday Minutes for March 29 - April 2, 2021. 

From the Department Head 

The events of the past two weeks have highlighted the need to stand againstanti-Asian microagressions, racism/xenophobia, and violence. One of the ways that you can stand in solidarity with Asians and Asian-Americans here at MSU and beyond is by learning about the amazing contributions of Asians and Asian-Americans in Montana. Did you know:

Watch this YouTube lecture about Chinese pioneers in Montana. The A.S.I.A Student Organization at MSU, also has a resource page.

Take good care,

 Ann Dutton Ewbank's signature 

Dr. Ann Ewbank

Micki's Desk

Online Writing Studios. The MSU Writing Center will again offer online writing groups for graduate students who want to learn more about writing and improve their own writing at the same time. The goal of a writing studio is to create a supportive writing community of fellow graduate students who give feedback on written work, regardless of how complete the draft is. Writing studios are collaborative, non-evaluative spaces. Studios will be facilitated by a Writing Center tutor using Microsoft Teams and will consist of an asynchronous component where group members post, read and comment on each other’s work, followed by a synchronous, one-hour video meeting. To sign up for a graduate writing studio, please fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/miF3YnncW96e9ipdA

Focus Friday is an opportunity for graduate writers to participate in an online writing community and to connect with other graduate students working on major writing projects. Every Friday this semester (excluding university-sanctioned holidays), check in with each other and then write between the hours of 9 am and noon. You decide how much time you will dedicate to writing and set an achievable goal for yourself. During the check-ins, you can ask the group for feedback or simply share your successes and frustrations. Join every Friday or as your schedule allows:  Follow this link to join the Focus Friday Team. Focus Fridays are open to all graduate students, all disciplines, and all stages and comfort levels with writing.

News and Announcements

  • MSU has new processes for students to add or drop a class. Add-drop request forms will longer be used except in special cases. More information can be found on the Office of the Registrar website. View
  • Final Spring 2021 Curriculum & Instruction program meetings are March 30, and April 13 (12:15-1:30) in Nick’s WebEx room

It's advisor appreciation week. Send a note of thanks to your academic advisor.

Please encourage students to send a note of thanks using this link!  Notes will be collected and shared with your undergraduate or graduate advisor.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Opportunities

  • Graduation is right around the corner. This year, the Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons is honoring MSU Graduates with three separate Multicultural Graduation Ceremonies! Please share this information with any graduate you think may be interested.
    • The Lavender Celebration If you are graduating in the Spring or Fall of 2021 and identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally, we invite you to be an honored graduate.
    • Kente Cloth Graduation Celebration Graduating students in the Spring or Fall of 2021 who identify as Black, African-American, or from African-descent are invited to register to be honored in the Kente Cloth Graduation.
    • Latinx Graduation Celebration Any graduate in the Spring or Fall of 2021 who identifies as Hispanic or Latino/a/x is invited to register to be an honored graduate in the Latinx Graduation Celebration.
    • Graduates will have the option to be recognized virtually and will receive a Lavender Honor Cord, Kente, or Serape. All graduates will be honored the week of April 26th - May 1st. The deadline to apply for the graduation ceremonies is April 9th at 5pm. Please email diversity@montana.edu with any questions.
  • Please join us for our last EHHD Diversity Dialogue and final workshop. Kayte Kaminski has sent a link to each:
    • Friday, April 2nd, 11am-12pm: Equity-Minded Classrooms: Using an International Approach and Inclusive Teaching Strategies. Shihua Brazill and Marie Bathelot will share how to create equity-minded classrooms using an international approach and inclusive teaching strategies. There is no suggested material review for this session, instead just come ready to learn and chat!
    • Wednesday, April 14th, 1-3pm: Strategies for Inclusive Teaching and Course Design. During this session we will review tools, resources, and strategies for integrating DEI into course content.  Participants who attend the session will be able to return to their programs and facilitate discussion and planning for the development of scaffolding of DEI content across their program. 

Professional Development & Engagement Opportunities

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

  • DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE!!!!! Congratulations to Dr. Joe Hicks, who defended his dissertation last week! The below photo was taken in Practicum class.

Students holding letters D R period H I C K S around Dr. Joe Hicks.

 

  • Marilyn Lockhart presented Conducting Research: Before and After the Pandemic at the Adult Higher Education Alliance National Virtual Conference on March 11. Marilyn’s co-presenter was Dr. Elyse Lovell of Montana Tech and a doctoral graduate of the Adult and Higher Education Program. Congratulations!
  • K-12 Art Education graduate Ned Bardsley’s work is an exhibit in the SUB Exit Gallery. Check it out!
  • Congratulations to Journey Herbeck, M.Ed., Northern Plains Transition to Teaching, whose book, The Front is available for pre-order from the University of Nebraska Press.
  • Our department’s success is determined by our collective accomplishments. Share your own accomplishments with pride! Or if you hear of a colleague or student’s accomplishment, please share. Please send accomplishments and kudos to ann.ewbank@montana.edu. 

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