Gearing up for the fall semester, I launched a new Facebook fan page to create another place connect with Towson University students, alumni, fan, friends, and supporters! Just click the “Like” button below to get my perspective (my updates) on what’s happening on campus.
Although the Summer Trimester starts soon, it is that time of year when the regular academic school year is coming to a close. Final exams are underway on campus and final grades will soon follow. This spring we are also concluding our campus strategic plan, Towson University 2010: Mapping the Future.
Over the last 6 years, the entire Towson University community committed to an ambitious strategic plan, TU 2010, to guide the institution’s growth and development for the future. The plan was our roadmap to improve and enhance the University under five themes: Enrollment Management, Growth and Mix; Student Experience and Success; Partnerships Philosophy; Resources for Success; and Telling and Selling the Story. In the last 6 years, it was not uncommon to hear faculty, staff and students refer to the “2010 plan” throughout campus, because it was not just a brochure we created and left on shelf. Instead we actively tracked and evaluated our progress through a tracking system and annual report cards. More than 71 of the 86 action items were completed in the strategic plan. The remaining action items will be reevaluated according to our mission and, if relevant, transitioned into a new plan that will debut this fall.
This week, I was pleased to reveal the final report card and the final overall grade for the 2010 plan to the campus. Using an average of all of the grades assigned to each of the 23 goals over the last five years, the final overall grade resulted in an A-. The grade fairly recognizes the tremendous strides we have made in a short amount of time, but also acknowledges that there is still more work to do.
We are concluding the strategic plan on a high note with the motivation and momentum to continue Towson on its path to excellence. Stay tuned to see what is in store as we move into the next decade of Towson University’s evolution.
In less than 90 days, on August 1, 2010, Towson University will become the first four-year institution in Maryland to become a smoke-free campus.
The development, communication, and implementation of the new smoke-free policy is the result of collaborative efforts of many groups and individuals across campus who are committed to ensuring that every visitor and member of our community has the right to clean air.
Check out Towson’s Smoke-Free website to see a map of affected areas on campus, frequently asked questions, and as well as cessation resources available to students, faculty, and staff. While the new policy will provide a noticeable change for our continuing students, faculty, and staff, this fall’s entering freshmen class will be the first to experience a completely smoke-free institution, and according to research be less likey to pick up the habit while at Towson. According to this report by the American Lung Association, a national study administered in 2007 found that 13% of students started smoking in college. According to this report by the American Cancer Society, 28% of college smokers began to smoke regularly at or after age 19, at which point most were already in college.
Over the past two years, the campus has been gradually moving toward the goal of becoming smoke-free, but ultimately this new policy cannot succeed without your participation and support. I look forward to embarking on this new era for Towson University with you.
For the second year, I am hosting another study break in Second Life for Towson University students. Please plan to join me on April 15th from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for an informal question and answer session moderated by Student Government Association President Jonathan Graf.
My virtual study breaks in Second Life are just like the ones I host with SGA in real life. You can ask me anything about Towson. We’ll meet in the same place we met last April at TU Innovation Lab Island’s media center.
If you have never used Second Life before, there is a rookie workshop scheduled Tuesday, April 13th in Cook Library (CK404) from 11 a.m. -12 noon.
OR, if you’d rather just tune in and watch the break on a big screen from the proxy theatre and ask your questions through an avatar moderator, report to Cook Library (CK404) on April 15th at 3:30 p.m.
For more details about the Second Life study break, look for the Daily Digest announcement. Looking forward to seeing you “in world.”
Through The Towerlight’s partnership with The Huffington Post, Towson University may get the opportunity to take the national stage in a live chat at the White House on education reform with the Secretary of Education and the Director of Domestic Policy.
The White House asked The Huffington Post to contact student journalists from more than 20 schools to find out what their readers want to know about education reform and the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. Towson University’s submission featuring TU sophomore Matt Sikorski, was chosen as one of the TOP 13 videos and is now being featured on The Huffington Post. Matt, who is currently paying for 80 percent of his education, asks an important question about student debt.
Vote the TU video as No. 1 NOW (and before 12 am Wednesday) to help get TU into the White House and the chance to interview White House officials in a live broadcast.
Today I appeared as guest blogger on the People.Partners.Projects blog to talk about social media and the gadgets I can’t live without. Check it out!
(photo credit: Patrick Smith, The Towerlight)
When they enter the Super Bowl on February 7, for the first time in history, the New Orleans Saints will be led by a pair of former Towson Tigers. Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers Joe Vitt and left tackle Jermon Bushrod have helped propel the Saints to the top.
Vitt played four years at linebacker for Towson, where he was part of a squad that went undefeated in 1974. Today, in his fourth season with the Saints, Vitt has been coaching a defensive unit that ranks near the top of the NFL in turnovers generated.
A four-year starter at Towson, Bushrod’07 was drafted by the Saints in 2007. In his first season as a starting left tackle, Bushrod has helped the Saints in their most memorable season. As part of the Saints offensive line, Bushrod has contributed to the most prolific offense in the NFL.
Towson salutes our two Tigers as they enter the Super Bowl on February 7!
While we always instill the importance of helping others year-round, the holidays are a special time when we strive to do more.
Once again this year Towson University held the “Stuff-A-Bus” campaign to benefit the MD Food Bank and Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Last year students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members collected 850 pounds of food and 2,000 toys for these great causes. This year’s goal was 25,000 items for distribution in the local community and judging from these pictures, I think we did pretty well.
And just for fun, the Towson University Student Ambassadors filmed a fun little holiday message with the help of many divisions across campus, including some of the staff from my office. Check out the video to see how the holiday spirit is catching on all over campus.
Towson University has yet another reason to celebrate. The Towson University TIGER Marching Band is the only university marching band in the nation to claim one of 11 coveted spots to perform in the nationally televised 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Be sure to tune in on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 9 a.m. (specifically around 11:43 a.m.) to see our talented, spirited students perform live in New York City before 50 million viewers on NBC and more than 3 million parade spectators.
Our Tiger Marching Band keeps us energized and motivated during countless games and events throughout the year , and now it is our turn to cheer them on as they represent the university on this prestigious stage.
Don’t miss the TU Marching Band Send-Off Celebration on Monday, November 23 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Johnny Unitas Stadium. Please join students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends as we celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our marching band.
There will be free popcorn, drinks, and giveaways including a Wii, iPod touch, portable DVD player, and a 32″ flat screen. Plus the first 100 people will receive a gift card to local retailers.
Admission and parking is free in stadium Lots 20 and 21.
To make a gift or support the band call 410-704-3375 or go to www.tigertracks.com/band.
Looking forward to seeing you there! Go Tigers!
Did you know it’s International Education Week?
A joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week, which runs this year from November 16-20, aims to promote s and celebrate multiculturalism and international education.
Towson University’s Study Abroad Office sponsors several International Education Week activities, including foreign film screenings, a cultural quiz, chalking flags outside of Cook Library, and international bingo. Check out this year’s schedule at www.towson.edu/studyabroad/iew2009.asp for more information.
Did you know that you can study abroad at any time during your academic career at TU?
Here are some quick facts about Towson University Study Abroad.
Take some time this week to stop by the study abroad office in the Administration building to get more information about enhancing and expanding your student experience to an international destination!
Join us for Homecoming Week at Towson University! Capping the week’s activities are the Alumni Homecoming Festival and the Towson Tigers vs. Delaware Blue Hens football game. Kick-off is at 3:30pm at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Come join your fellow alums, celebrate Homecoming and reconnect with Towson University. Reunion Row has become a popular part of the homecoming experience. With nearly 2,500 attending from over 50 alumni groups – made up of Greek alumni, many historically Black fraternity and sororities, independent groups of friends and former classmates, and even some academic alumni groups – Reunion Row offers something for alumni of every background!
Pairing Reunion Row with the Alumni Homecoming Festival gives an opportunity for all alumni to feel welcome and bring their families. This year the festival will have a variety of games and entertainment for all ages, including the TU Dance Team and TU Marching Band! The Alumni Association will be offering walking tours of campus at their Welcome Tent and plenty of free food and giveaways will be available at the GEICO Hospitality Tent!
At game time, hop on the free shuttles provided by the Alumni Association and enjoy a quick ride to the stadium or relax on Burdick Field and enjoy radio feed of the game as the Towson Tigers take on rival University of Delaware.
I’ll see you at the Alumni Festival and the football game!
Towson University Provost, Dr. Marcia G. Welsh
Many of you may have already met our new provost, Dr. Marcia G. Welsh, or seen her out and about campus. I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to your new chief academic officer with a quick and informal Q & A session so you can get to know her a little better.
Bob’s Blog: What excited you most about coming to Towson University?
Provost Welsh: I wanted to get back to a larger university and Towson is not only large, but the institution’s mission and vision really appeal to me. I like Towson’s classification as a metropolitan university that combines researched-based learning with practical application. I also like the emphasis that Towson has to serve those students who are disadvantaged because of socioeconomic issues, and I am passionate about the need for higher education to get back into the communities we serve. Universities were started in this country with the goal of educating the citizens in preparation for living and participating in a democracy, and I believe Towson’s mission serves to advance that goal.
BB: What are you looking forward to accomplishing in your first semester on campus?
PW: I want to learn all I can about the institution, and hopefully finish some initiatives that were started by my predecessors. The economy has proven challenging and I want to be sure the academic priorities and the mission of the institution are held as harmless as possible, so I will be working with the Deans to evaluate what we do and what we can do without. As 2010 comes to a close, it will be important to help lead the academic voice as we begin the next strategic planning process and determine what Towson should look like with 25,000 students.
BB: What do you do for fun in your free time?
PW: What free time? I find that most of what I do is in some way related to work, including many of my social events. I also love spending time with my family, although they now live quite a distance from me and we see each other primarily through Skype! My husband and I enjoy going to movies and plays, finding good restaurants, and I do love to shop and typically drag him along! Our vacations are always around water, as we both enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. And I’m addicted to Sudoku.
BB: Will you most likely be seen at a sports event, arts event, or film or lecture series?
PW: Great question. Fortunately, the timing of these events typically don’t overlap, so you will absolutely see me attending most types of events on campus, although I won’t make it to everything. I love to see students perform, either on the court or field, marching down the street (I’ll be at the Macy’s Parade), on stage or in a black box theatre, so you might say my priority will be at student events. I also enjoy indies, and have the list of films being shown this fall, so will try to get to some of those. We are quite privileged to have such quality visual arts programming at Towson, so I’ll see you there, too!
Welcome or welcome back to another academic year at Towson University. A busy summer has made way for many new changes and developments on campus this fall.
Construction improvements have been taking place all over campus. The first phase of the College of Liberal Arts building is open and occupied. The construction team is making quick progress on phase two of the building. Ground was broken on the new West Village Commons and pedestrian safety improvements are ongoing throughout campus.
This fall we are cheering for all of our teams with a new fight song, “Hail Towson.” Come to the first home football game on September 19th to show your support for the Tigers!
To hear more about what else is in store for Towson, please take a moment to listen to my annual Fall Address to students, faculty, and staff as delivered on Thursday, September 10th at 4 p.m. in Stephens Hall Auditorium by clicking the link to the podcast. Full text of the speech is also available here.
Check out my new widget on how Towson University uses all kinds of technology on our campus!
My latest podcast is up and ready for listening. This time I sat down with Kim Fabian, president of the Towson University Alumni Association and member of the class of 1988.
Be sure to tune in to find out:
-how you can get involved or continue your involvment at Towson University post-graduation through our alumni network
-how alumni giving plays a part in our national rankings
-little-known facts about Towson University that all alumni should know to help us “tell the Towson story”
-ways to show your Towson University pride!
After you listen, leave a comment here to tell me what you think and what you would like to hear on future podcasts.
Join me this week when I host my first virtual study break in Second Life!
Each semester I sit down with students to talk about your campus experience at Towson University. In an effort to find new and interesting ways to reach out to students, I decided to host a study break in Second Life this semester in addition to the traditional study breaks.
My hope is that we not only engage students already using Second Life, but also bring in new interest to those who have not yet discovered SL or my study breaks.
The best thing is, you don’t have to be a Second Life pro to join the discussion. There are several different ways to participate. Check out the TU Daily Digest announcement this week for more details.
So plan to join me for this exciting endeavor on the new Towson University Innovation Lab Island in Second Life.
Please let us know where you are logging on by submitting your RSVP here.
Well the buzz about all of the great things happening and coming to Towson University is rising.
With all of the talk about the proposed construction in the athletic precinct of campus, much attention has been diverted from one of the largest campus construction projects in the history of our campus, the new College of Liberal Arts building (College of Liberal Arts Rendering PDF).
As the first new academic building on campus in 30 years and the University’s largest, nearly every student on campus (except for this spring’s graduating seniors) will have the chance to take at least one class in the College of Liberal Arts building, beginning this fall.
Even better, the building opening this fall is only the first phase and first third of the final product.
With the new building Towson will retain what gives our university its small campus feel, small class sizes. With more than 250,000 square feet, the LEED silver certified building includes office space for faculty and small classrooms that accommodate lTowson’s competitive 18:1 student teach ratio.
Last week Towson University celebrated the accomplishment of one of our alumni, musician Douglas Purviance, who won a Grammy Award with his group Vanguard Jazz Orchestra for best jazz ensemble album.
According to Dan Roddrick’s Baltimore Sun column , Mr. Purviance plays bass trombone and also serves as the group’s business manager.
After graduating Dundalk High School in 1970, Douglas came to then Towson State University as a music major. Today, Doug is an accomplished musician in New York City and has played for several Broadway shows.
Congratulations Doug, we’re proud to call you a Tiger. We’ll be calling you soon to come home and share your talents with Towson’s many other aspiring musicians.
To find out more about Doug visit the following websites http://www.douglaspurviance.com/ and http://www.vanguardjazzorchestra.com/index.htm .
Google searches turn up the most interesting things. Did you know that December is National Stress Free Family Holiday Month?
For most of you, when all of your final exams are finished, you will travel back home to your families. For some, it will be the first time you return home after living somewhat ‘on your own’ in college. Trust me, home may feel a little different.
Many of you will have to conform to your parents’ rules and curfew once again. You may have to get used to your old room or even pick up some household or sibling responsibilities you left behind when you came to school. This is all part of the college experience and the transition between college living and home can be a tricky one.
For those of you going home, I have some advice. Having been where you are, both excited to catch up with friends from home, but also a dad whose kids returned from college (but were often nowhere to be found during the holiday break), I’d like to remind you to take some time to spend some quality time with your family. Don’t forget about your siblings, either. They look up to you and your parents will appreciate you for spending time with them.
Here’s more to think about. Choose to enjoy yourself. Choose to not sweat the small stuff. Don’t worry about not being able to get your family the perfect gifts. From personal experience, I can tell you that parents are simply happy to hear that you are doing your best.
So during this holiday season and winter break try to indulge in stress-free holiday break, by helping out when you can, spending quality time with family and/ friends, and, my favorite, always making curfew.
Happy New Year and return to campus rejuvenated for an exciting spring semester!
As the holidays approach (including the biggest shopping weekend of the year) financial responsibility is just as important as making a solid academic finish this semester.
Towson University wants to help students practice financial responsibility and wants your help in naming a unique, comprehensive financial literacy program launching this year! Exclusively through my blog, students will be able to name this university-wide program. The student with the winning entry will receive a $25.00 University Bookstore Gift Certificate! The winner will be announced in a future blog post (early December).
Towson University’s financial literacy program will be geared toward helping you become financially literate and will provide support services on campus by partnering with local area experts and service providers who want to offer their services for free to students. In developing this unique program, Towson University wants to help students practice financial responsibility in every aspect of your life from managing your personal finances, to paying your college bills, and preparing you for post graduate financial security and success.
In today’s economy, now is an important time to develop good financial behavior in saving, investing, and spending. Did you know, for example, that the second largest group filing for bankruptcy are those between the ages of 25 and 34? This is a significant reality some of you may have to face, and we want to help prevent that.
In additional to a number of other services this “unnamed program,” can help you:
-Improve your credit score to obtain a top-level security clearance.
-Get debt counseling and debt management guidance.
-Learn how to avoid identity theft and fraud.
-Get help filing your taxes.
- Develop a spending plan.
- Understand the importance of savings.
What you would call a program that does all of that for students and more?
Get creative and give us all of your ideas! You may enter multiple times. (For Example: Common Cents, Dollars and Sense, etc). While you’re typing tell us what other kinds of services you may find helpful.
