EMPLOYEE N EWS L E TTE R
AU GU ST 2016
Faculty member digitizes local cemeteries Imagine finding the exact location of the graves of your ancestors, from your own home, on your own computer. Today, this is a growing possibility thanks to Eric Smith, an adjunct faculty member in the Department of History, Geography and Political Science. Smith uses his skills in GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and his love for family history to create maps of cemeteries for the local community of southeast Idaho. “I’ve always enjoyed family history research, and I found a way to tie two interests together, GIS and family history,” Smith said.
I’ve always enjoyed family history research, and I found a way to tie two interests together, GIS and family history. —ERIC SMITH, DEPT. OF HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
It started about ten years ago for Smith, while he worked for the city of Rexburg in their GIS/Mapping Department. He began by asking local cemeteries for a map of its graves and would then digitize them at his desk. At first, Smith mapped the cemeteries with just the blocks and plots where people were buried. He now has partnered with cemeteries to get the names of those buried there and link their names to the maps. “The idea is to get a web map that you can zoom in right on the grave, not just the cemeteries,” Smith said. “I have streamlined the process. I just CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
BYU-Idaho Dance Alliance tours Midwest Thirty-five students in BYU-Idaho’s Dance Alliance visited 15 cities throughout the Midwest this summer and performed for more than 6,500 people. The team performed in the following cities: Lyman, Wyo.; Boulder, Colo.; Salina, Kans.; Kansas City, Mo.; Springfield, Mo.; Rogers, Ark.; Tulsa, Okla.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Weatherford, Tex.; and Tyler, Tex. In each city, they stayed with local families, giving them a chance to experience the unique culture of each community. One of the main purposes of the tour is to share the gospel through the medium of dance. Each of the students who went on the tour came away with many experiences to reflect on. “The past two weeks were some of the hardest, most physically and spiritually
Members of Dance Alliance visited the Dallas, Texas Temple during their tour of the Midwest.
demanding weeks I have ever endured. But it was worth it. Every single second was worth it,” said dancer Tristan Hunter. “It was worth it to hear the life changing stories of people wanting to take the missionary discussions... It was worth it for the spirit I was able to feel.
During the Dance Alliance tour, many students and faculty saw the hand of the Lord directly bless their efforts to share the gospel with others. “We saw miracles while we were out there. One of the greatest miracles we CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 AU G U S T 2 0 1 6
l
1
President’s update: graduation rates start with first-year retention By President Clark G. Gilbert
BYU-Idaho has a very strong graduation rate of 60 percent, well above the national average of 43 percent. When compared to other universities in the western United States, BYU-Idaho is near the top of the list. However, BYU-Idaho’s freshman retention rate just barely exceeds the national average of 67 percent. Student Ambassadors are already doing an amazing job of reaching out to all first-year students before they arrive on campus. The university has a high participation rate in Get Connected. Our Tutoring Center helps students take advantage of free, high-quality tutoring. BYU-Idaho has a high student-engagement rate in Student Life activities. Moreover, our Financial Aid Office works very hard to get the right financial aid to students in need. All of these factors have been shown
to increase freshman persistence, but there is still more we can do. Amy LaBaugh, in the Academic Discovery Center, and her student development team are also exploring and implementing new programs to increase our first-year persistence rate. This fall, all first-semester students will have a personalized, online checklist with tracking capability to help ensure they effectively prepare
We hope these new efforts will help more students persist beyond their freshman year and toward their goal of graduation. —CLARK G. GILBER T, PRESIDENT
to start as students at BYU-Idaho. In addition, Get Connected leaders will serve as mentors for the entire first semester. These experienced students will not only orient new students to campus, but also be friends and resources to answer new students’ questions throughout the semester. It is estimated over 350 students will serve as mentors this fall. A new student success course also will be piloted this fall. The student- and faculty-designed course will familiarize new students with the BYU-Idaho Learning Model, disciple-leadership, life skills, and career preparation. We hope these new efforts will help more students persist beyond their freshman year and toward their goal of graduation. As students find success at BYU-Idaho, we will increasingly achieve the university’s mission to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities. &
% of Students Who Graduate
Graduation Rates
National Average- 43%
BYU
2
l
BY U - I DA H O N E W S & N O T E S
UC Boulder
BYUI
U of U
U of I
Utah State
Weber State
ISU
Boise State
UVU
Advocating for advocacy One BYU-Idaho communication instructor is advocating that students take advantage of a course to help them understand and utilize effective communication tools. Andra Hansen, faculty member in the Communication Department, hopes to make more students aware of a recently developed course she teaches entitled “Advocacy and Social Change,” COMM 470.
educational, and juvenile justice settings, then formulated questions designed to open informed, fair-minded dialogue.
The course encourages students to use non-partisan, solution-oriented communication strategies as they engage in community advocacy projects. Because COMM 470 partners with local organizations to design each semester’s advocacy project, their work has more legitimacy and relevance within the community. Last semester, Hansen’s students accepted an invitation from Rehabilitative Health Services to design and organize a community conversation on adolescent mental health. In an effort to bring relevant groups together for this conversation, advocacy students invited professionals across various service sectors to come share their insights and experiences. Students researched ways in which mental health issues play out within counseling, family,
“We put together what we call a ‘community conversation’ that is based on the value of dialogue and deliberation in problem solving,” Hansen said. “The goal of a community conversation of this type is to enable organizations to collaborate, share insights, identify gaps in services, and build ongoing relationships.”
Scan QR code to watch a video about COMM 470 or visit www.bit.ly/BYUIadvocacy
Teaming up with the community in this way strengthened students’ abilities to communicate tough issues and solve problems without pushing personal opinions.
Hansen recently traveled to more than 15 states to understand more about the issues facing different communities. She found concerns about creating common ground and generating open, understanding-oriented dialogue echoed throughout her visits with members of various advocacy organizations across the southern United States. “The skills we are teaching are relevant,” Hansen said. “Identifying natural partners and coalition building is part of what is very challenging for many organizations, but advocacy students should be able to assist in that effort. We are on the right track.” This course also teaches students how to communicate emphasizing how to do so respectfully and constructively with people who have different experiences and beliefs than many BYU-Idaho students. They discover the satisfaction of working together to solve shared problems. “In real life, you want to hold on to what is important to you, but you have to work well with others who don’t prioritize the same way,” Hansen said. “Advocacy involves multiple players, finding common ground, understanding, and dealing with differences.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
DEVOTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Follow @byuidaho for live tweeting of #BYUIDevotional AU G U S T 2 0 1 6
l
3
BYU-Idaho holds annual Education Week BYU-Idaho saw its biggest turnout yet during this year’s Education Week, held July 28-30. More than 2,000 people from across the country gathered to strengthen their testimonies and commitment to lifelong learning. Adult classes ranged from financial responsibility to an in depth look at the life of the reformer Martin Luther. Youth classes and activities were also available and filled up
4
l
before the week even started. Speakers from on and off campus delivered daily devotionals on topics ranging from the joy of the temple and gaining peace within our families. Participants also took advantage of the many activities offered on campus. Family and youth activities utilized the Ropes Course, swimming pool, bowling alley, planetarium, and much more. & In the opening session of Education Week, S. Michael Wilcox compares sports to the joy of the temple.
Participants listen to a teacher during one of more than 140 classes at BYU-Idaho’s 18th annual Education Week.
Jon Linford delivers Thursday’s devotional address about allowing God’s light to permeate us.
The Cahoon Family takes on the climbing tower at BYU-Idaho’s Ropes Course.
Susan Grant gives Friday’s devotional address about gaining peace individually and within our families.
Youth participants lead one another in one of Education Week’s activities.
Chris Williams, author of the book “Let It Go,” closes Education Week with a devotional entitled “The Healer’s Heart.”
BY U - I DA H O N E W S & N O T E S
Continued from page 1: Dance Alliance experienced was on our last day of the to be in Tyler, Texas, performing for those tour. We were in Tyler, Texas and we people,” said dancer Kendall Moore. were supposed to perform two shows in a venue to a predominately non-LDS Not only did the students get the chance crowds. There was a power outage at the to perform for communities and share venue the whole day. Right before our first the gospel, but they also got to visit some show started, however, the power came Church historical sites and strengthen on and our show went great. It went out their own testimonies along the way. again three seconds after we finished our second show. Heavenly Father needed us “We went to Liberty Jail, and that is where
it all started. I went through there with little knowledge about the events that had taken place, and came out with the desire to learn. I haven’t felt such a strong desire to learn about these events in a long time,” said dancer Alleigh Taylor. Overall, each student felt that the impact of this experience reached far beyond dancing, in their lives and the lives of those they met. “From being a part of this tour group I have learned more than just new steps, new history, or how to perform on a team. I have learned how to better serve. I have gained a deeper understanding of my divine identity,” said dancer Sophie Sandor. “My testimony grew in a way that would have only happened through the dancing I performed. I have worked through trials that brought me closer to my Heavenly Father.” &
Members of Dance Alliance performing at the Weatherford 9th Grade Center Auditorium.
My testimony grew in way that would have only happened through the dancing I performed. —SOPHIE SANDOR, STUDENT
In between performances Dance Alliance also visited Church historical sites like Liberty Jail.
Continued from page 3: Advocacy Hansen hopes faculty in other campus departments will encourage their students to be a part of this course. “I wish students from across campus would sign up for the class. How would a social worker, a psychologist, or therapist not benefit from being part of our community
conversation on adolescent mental health?” Hansen said. “Using data to ask intelligent questions rather than just choosing your own opinion—professionally those skills are very marketable.”
to collaborate with faculty across campus to create as many experiential learning opportunities as possible for all students at BYU-Idaho. &
Hansen is also facilitating a large number of internships and hopes AU G U S T 2 0 1 6
l
5
Continued from page 1: Digitizing cemeteries need to get a map of the cemetery and the database of names and marry the map with the database of names.” Many cemeteries are interested in mapping its graves because it helps organize their records. Patrons are able to find graves easier, there are less phone calls and questions, and it is a great tool for family history research. About a year ago, Pioneer Cemetery in Rigby asked Jefferson County commissioners if the county would host the website for their map because the cemetery itself did not have enough funds to cover the costs. According to Smith, it is quite expensive to host your own web map—around $10,000-$20,000. Fortunately, Jefferson County made the investment and is hosting a site for the
seven cemeteries within their county. Rather than having maps of many different cemeteries located in separate places on the Internet, Smith hopes he will be able to one day host a website where he will put all of the maps he creates for people to view and do research. He has created a non-profit organization to build and fund this project. “It could be a worldwide cemetery database. Once we get that framed, there is no limit,” Smith said. “I am driven by making a difference in the world through humanitarian causes.”
Scan this QR code to view Jefferson County cemeteries or visit www.bit.ly/BYUIcemeteries
If you are interested in helping this cause, you can contact Eric Smith by email at smithe@byui.edu or phone at 208-351-5472. &
Construction Updates The BYU-Idaho campus has seen a number of smaller construction projects take place over the summer in addition to the new Science and Technology Building, scheduled to open for classes at the start of fall semester. Top Right: A new mixed-use playing field with artificial grass will be finished in time for fall semester intramural sports programs. The new field is located on the
south end of campus near the ropes course. Bottom left: Four of the six former Pioneer Halls have been demolished. A new parking lot with 250 stalls is scheduled for completion by the end of October. Bottom right: The tennis courts between the Student Health Center and 2nd East have been torn out. Sod will be laid down before the start of the fall semester. &
News & Notes
University Relations
A monthly publication of University Relations A D V I S O R Brett Crandall W R I T E R S Dain Knudson & Phillip Price P H O T O G R A P H E R S Michael Lewis & Ryan Chase
6
l
BY U - I DA H O N E W S & N O T E S