EMPLOYEE N EWS L E TTE R
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Earth as seen by a specialized helium balloon designed for high altitude flight, which was launched by BYU-Idaho students in preparation for capturing the eclipse August 21.
Students to launch high altitude balloon during eclipse While millions of individuals plan to capture the Great American Solar Eclipse from the ground, one team of BYU-Idaho students will see the event from a different perspective—the edge of space. Students in the Department of Physics, in collaboration with Dr. John Sohl and his students from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, will launch a specialized helium balloon, designed for high altitude flight, rigged with six GoPro cameras to capture the solar eclipse. Ryan Nielson, faculty member in Department of Physics, says this opportunity offers a unique experience for BYU-Idaho students. “We looked at it and thought the opportunities to get students flying stuff up that high really imitates the experience they might have working for someone like NASA,” Nielson said. “We also thought it would really give our students better qualifications
for positions and opportunities for internships and graduate schools.” Students participating in the project also recognize the uniqueness of an opportunity such as this. “Most of the work we do here at BYU-Idaho is coding and computational,” said Aileen Godfrey, a senior from Loomis, California. Godfrey is also the team leader for the balloon project. “This project intrigued me because it is hands-on, and I think that is what interested other students as well.” While many projects in the Department of Physics only allow upperclassmen to participate because of the level of work required, projects such as these invite all students to learn and enjoy physics. From data analysis to figuring out how much gas the balloon needs, each student involved plays a role, no matter his or her experience level. “It has been great to work with an array
of students. It’s been especially helpful because there are so many small things that need to be done across all knowledge levels,” Godfrey said. “It has been great to have so many people to give jobs to. We have a few upperclassmen helping with some of the larger or more intensive projects, but even then they help the other students learn what they need to do so we can all be successful.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
IN THIS ISSUE ECLIPSE INFORMATION........................2-3 PRESIDENT AND SISTER EYRING HOLD STUDENT Q&A..........................................4 PRESIDENT ’S ADVANCEMENT COUNCIL RE VIE W......................................................5
I-LEARN UPDATE.......................................6
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Department of Physics projects to shine light on eclipse To take full advantage of the first total solar eclipse in Rexburg since 1889, the Department of Physics is participating in seven projects, many of which involve collaboration with other organizations. Stephen McNeil, Department of Physics chair, says the projects are a major benefit to physics students at BYU-Idaho. “It has been a great opportunity for our students to work and cooperate with other schools. Through the projects, we have been able to work together to make something bigger,” McNeil said. “We have more students involved in projects this semester than ever before. These projects have been nice in that freshmen and sophomores have been able to be involved, where normally we only have juniors or seniors involved in research. It has been a nice steppingstone for mentored student research.” Some of the projects include: Sound Scapes Faculty member Jon Johnson will oversee an acoustical experiment that involves setting up microphones at several areas within the path of totality to record how the sounds in nature change during the eclipse (day animals get quiet, night animals start to awaken, etc). This will be done in collaboration with HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Citizen CATE Students involved in the Citizen Continental-America Telescopic Eclipse experiment will film the solar corona during totality. This video will then be submitted to the National Solar Observatory that will use several clips and make a full-length, 90-minute film looking at changes in the inner solar corona. Sky-polarization Measurements Dr. Joseph Shaw from Montana State University and students from BYU-Idaho will be conducting an experiment near campus where they will measure the polarization of the sky during the eclipse. NASA Aeronet Project Brother Todd Lines is actively engaged with students working on the NASA Aeronet project. The AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) program is a federation of ground-based remote sensing aerosol networks established by NASA. The program provides a long-term, continuous public domain database of aerosol optical, microphysical and radiative properties for aerosol research and characterization.
assets will be stitched together to create an expanded and continuous view of the total eclipse as it crosses the United States. Modern Eddington Experiment BYU-Idaho students will be collaborating with several organizations by taking highpowered images of the star field around the eclipsed sun, and will use their own data to test whether Einstein’s prediction of gravitational bending of light is true. If you are interested in being involved in any of these projects, or would like to know any more about them, visit bit.ly/BYUIEclipse17. Events on the Saturday before the eclipse can be found at www.byui.edu/eclipse-2017.&
For a complete list of projects, and additional resources, scan this QR code or visit bit.ly/BYUIEclipse17
Eclipse Megamovie Project Brother Jon Johnson is leading the Eclipse Megamovie Project which will gather images of the 2017 total solar eclipse from over 1,000 volunteer photographers and amateur astronomers. These media
Solar Eclipse 2017: What you need to know Work Information • August 21 will be a regular work day. • On that day, “A” parking will continue to be restricted to faculty and employees only. Other lots on campus have been reserved for visitors, RV’s, and campers. • Employees are encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool to campus that day in the anticipation of heavy traffic. • Classes that day are left to faculty discretion, whether or not to excuse students to view the eclipse.
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Helpful Advice • Employees are reminded not to rely on cell phone service or internet service on and around August 21, as service towers could be overloaded at times. • Employees are also encouraged to get necessities like gas and groceries before August 18. • Viewing safety during the eclipse is paramount. The university will provide employees with safety viewing glasses, with additional
glasses available for purchase at the Univeristy Store. To ensure safety during the eclipse, please make sure friends and family familiarize themselves with the safety tips found at eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety. Additional Resources • www.rexburgeclipse.com • www.byui.edu/eclipse-2017 • www.eclipse2017.org
Eclipse facts Date: August 21, 2017 Eclipse Shadow: 10:15 a.m. – 12:58 p.m.
Students fill the specialized helium balloon for a test flight.
Totality: 11:33 – 11:35 a.m. Rexburg lies in the central “path of totality.” The City of Rexburg estimates hosting 65,000 visitors during the eclipse.
Participants in the launch project from left to right: Andrew Durham, Victoria Varney, Timothy Steele, Cassie Beaumont, Ryan Nielson, Emily Smith, Hannah Chesley, Aileen Godfrey, Nonnie Woodruff, Adam Worden, Tyler Miller, Eli Harris, Brenna Carbno, Will King, and Keaton Tate.
Continued: Helium balloon launch While collaborating with Weber State, the team has been able to observe how the launch should take place, and even practice it themselves. “During our first experience with high altitude balloon launching, we attached our camera rig onto Weber State’s balloon and watched the process,” Godfrey said. “We tried to absorb as much as we can, because our next flight was just us. Our flight a few days later was encouraging because although we ran into some problems, we got to see students step up, even some of the newer students.” During the eclipse, the team of students, along with Nielson, are expecting a busy day. Their plan—which depends on the weather and wind conditions that day—is to have two teams on either side
of the eclipse, one to launch the balloon and one downwind to receive it. During the flight, they hope to get their balloon up to or over 100,000 feet, or 19 miles above the ground. This will allow them to not only get video of the eclipse from a unique perspective, but also to collect data that can later be compared with other organizations like NASA. With the eclipse quickly approaching, and anticipation of the project growing, Godfrey reflected on her experience learning and working alongside other students from Weber State and BYU-Idaho. “This is a great project with so many opportunities for students and I am really grateful to be a part of building it,” Godfrey said. &
BYU-Idaho will host 6,000 visitors during the eclipse from all over the world, including tourists, universities, and scientific organizations. Sixteen green spaces around campus have been reserved for visitors to view the eclipse. Tune to BYU-Idaho Radio (94.3) for helpful information, updates, news, and emergency information.
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Students get to know President and Sister Eyring in student Q&A President Henry J. Eyring and Sister Kelly Eyring’s first student Q&A forum on July 6 brought the students and newly called president and his wife together in an informal setting to address common student concerns. Following the meeting, students interviewed, said the Eyrings created an atmosphere where they felt comfortable because of the couple’s ability to connect so well with the students. “It is interesting to see President and Sister Eyring—when they think about their responses and how they’re going to answer those questions—how well they can relate to the students because they’ve gone through the same stuff,” said Benjamin Craig, student curator of the event. “I think that’s what has made them very approachable, very warm and friendly. They have really meaningful and helpful insight because they’ve been in our shoes before, which I think is something you wouldn’t expect typically from a university president.” The president addressed one student who asked if her educational path was one he would consider to bring her success.
go with the intent of serving the Lord in that way, you will be successful. But the world’s definition of success has got to be looked at very carefully.” “Most of the education you’ll get in your life,” he continued, “even if you go to graduate school, will occur in your daily work. You will learn as much as a mother or a father or as a home teacher or as a Sunday school teacher, over the course of your life, as you’ll learn in institutions of higher education.”
“The spirit here on this campus has helped students to guide them to seek who they want to be in their lives.” —BENJAMIN CR AIG, STUDENT
This response comforted student attendees at the Q&A and gave them novel insight on where their focus should be in their educational and career pursuits, according to student Matthew Hale.
is on serving the Lord and what His plan is for you, not just how you can become the best in whatever field you choose.” According to Craig, the questions asked by students were maturely developed and contributed to the inspirational experience for student attendees. “I was impressed with the questions. It was refreshing to see how many students are thinking ahead. Honestly, that’s heartwarming that the spirit here on this campus has helped students to guide them to seek who they want to be in their lives,” Craig said. In his concluding remarks, the president shared how important it is to stay close to Heavenly Father. “Know that Heavenly Father is near you, don’t ever doubt that. Reach out and rely upon Him and He will guide your footsteps,” Eyring said. Student Johnny Iverson expressed his gratitude for the thoughts the president and his wife shared with students.
“I liked what he said about success,” Hale “The responses were not only satisfying said. “The world defines success by more for the question, but they were spiritually “What is success?” the president responded. money, more power. He said success is surrounded,” Iverson said. “They were “Success is getting your errand from the really getting your errand from the Lord and very focused on the gospel, where true joy Lord and pursuing it. And if that errand executing it effectively. That’s one reason actually comes from and where our true leads you to graduate school and you why I love BYU-Idaho, because the emphasis power is, and that’s with the Lord.” &
To view the student Q&A, scan this QR code or visit bit.ly/BYUIQA
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President’s Advancement Council meets with two presidents Each year, the president of Brigham Young University-Idaho holds a two-day conference during the first week of May called President’s Advancement Council (PAC). This council consists of friends of the university who are dedicated to help move the purposes of BYU-Idaho forward.
The purpose of PAC is threefold. The first is to provide advice. After presenting what the university has done, university administration seeks the guidance and input of those on the council. Second, when members of PAC understand what is happening at the university, they want to tell the
BYU-Idaho story to others. Third, the university seeks to advance its interests through philanthropic contributions. “The university benefits from the different perspectives PAC members bring to the table, as they advise us about pertinent issues and challenges for the university,” CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Presidents Henry J. Eyring and Clark G. Gilbert meet with other PAC members in between sessions.
Presidents Henry J. Eyring and Clark G. Gilbert present the new Student Focused campaign during PAC.
PAC 2017: What was discussed Freshmen Retention and College Success – Amy LaBaugh and Mark Orchard Ways in which BYU-Idaho is working to improve freshmen retention and the associated efforts through the new college success class and peer mentoring. Mentoring – Allen Jones with Student Leaders Student Support is building peer mentor programs to assist with freshmen retention and to help both everyday and at-risk students succeed during their time at the university. University Campaign: Telling the BYU-Idaho Story – Merv Brown, Kirk Rawlins, and Brett Sampson An insight to how the university is sharing the story of BYU-Idaho and how PAC members can participate in effective, authentic ways.
Team Fundraising – Chris Moore and Nick Greer Different ways of donating and fundraising were discussed with LDS Philanthropies to both help improve tactics and better educate donors. Creating fundraising teams and holding meetings with friends of the university were offered as ways to enhance their gifts to the university.
President Gilbert also shared key strategic priorities for BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Data and metrics on retention, curriculum options, and mentoring were also discussed by the council.
BYU-Pathway Worldwide – President Gilbert, Jon Linford, and JD Griffith As BYU-Pathway Worldwide transitions to its new headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, the counsel from President Henry B. Eyring was to:
1. Lead and manage 2. Reach the one 3. Meet outside reporting responsibilities such as accreditation.
1. Not get ahead of the Brethren 2. Stage growth 3. Stay close to BYU-Idaho and have them stay close to BYU-PW
University Outcomes and Dashboard – Rob Garrett BYU-Idaho wants to use data to:
BYU-Idaho uses the mission statement along with the core themes, objectives, educational emphasis, and the three imperatives to guide toward the desired outcome for students. The university must measure building testimonies.
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On the Blog Convocation Schedule Change Starting this fall, the university will now be holding convocation for some colleges prior to commencement in order to accommodate the growing number of graduates.
new look, new feel for I-Learn COMING JULY 30 TH
I-Learn to receive visual update
Human Resources will now be posting the names, job titles and start dates for all new and transfer full-time BYU-Idaho employees on the Employee Blog.
On July 30, 2017, I-Learn will undergo a visual update. The design and layout of Brightspace’s I-Learn will be simplified for a better visual organization of courses and course materials. While the look and feel of I-Learn will change, the functionality will be exactly the same, keeping the user experience familiar for instructors and students.
BYU-Idaho Catalog Available Earlier
“The changes are mostly aesthetic,” said Arlen Wilcock, the Academic Technology Manager. “Underneath the new look and feel, the workflow is basically the same.”
June 2017 New Hires and Transfer Employees
The start date for BYU-Idaho catalog will shift from the beginning of fall semester each year to the beginning of spring semester each year. More details on why the change was made can be found on the Employee Blog.
BYU-Idaho Amazon Business Account The Purchasing & Travel Department has set up a BYU-Idaho Amazon business account.
For these articles and more, scan this QR code or visit bit.ly/BYUIBlog
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I-LEARN UPDATE
means that as the size of the window decreases, the content on the page will rearrange itself to fit the window. There is no need to scroll sideways to view all of the content. With all of I-Learn’s content adjusting itself to smaller browser windows and screens, content can now be viewed successfully on mobile devices, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers for a consistent user experience. “Compared to the current look and feel of I-Learn, the mobile experience is much, much better,” said Colin Jensen, an applied mathematics student who also works in the Faculty Technology Center.
According to the I-Learn Update webpage, changes in this update “Compared to the current include faster Instructors have look and feel of I-Learn, quiz creation, the opportunity the mobile experience is notification to preview the much, much better.” of submitted update and see how assignments, their courses will —COLIN JENSEN, STUDENT and easier look before the management of switch on July 30. group graded Those interested discussion in previewing boards. In the gradebook, a “save” the update should contact the button will remain constant in the Faculty Technology Center. & lower left corner of the screen, even while scrolling through the gradebook. To improve visual aesthetics, icons representing the item type (Quiz, Assignment, Discussion Board, etc.) will be removed. It is highly recommended that instructors specify the title of the file type to indicate what the item is. With the update, students and instructors can access I-Learn with their mobile devices and tablets to keep an eye on due dates, upload homework, and even take quizzes. The I-Learn Update is developed to be mobile responsive, which
To learn more about the update, scan this QR code or visit bit.ly/BYUIlearn
Make Note BYU-Idaho employees share their experiences and ideas To inspire sharing and learning among employees at BYU-Idaho, employees will be asked a question in the Employee Advisory each month. A selection of your responses will be featured in this employee newsletter. If you have ideas to share, please respond to the Qualtrics survey link in the Employee Advisory. This month’s question: Describe one creative way you have implemented the Learning Model in the classroom/workplace.
“I make the lesson plan visible to all students and assign one student to lead the discussion. That student has the opportunity to come to my office during prep time and work with me on the lesson plan. Then he or she teaches the class, with my support.” -Bill Crawford, Business Management Faculty “One of the innovations in physics teaching, a structured form of guided Socratic inquiry, is very consistent with the “teach one another” portion of the model. Students work through some well-designed experiments and thought experiments as pairs, writing
their predictions, their observations, and their thinking. They interpret their experiences as groups of about four, and compare notes. Finally they sign up for a checkout, in which I interview them as a group. I ask what they have written in response to some of the questions. (They almost always lean back after reading and spend several minutes beginning with, “and by that I mean . . . .” I then ask them to consider how they might write their response so that they didn’t need to explain it.) I invite predictions for other future circumstances. I ask them to reflect on whether what they saw or did was consistent with what they thought or saw before. I avoid giving answers
by asking questions with a question. Now, I am simply following the model of the folks who developed the materials, but it is so dramatically different from anything I experienced as a student, that I think it is important to share.” -J. Ryan Nielson, Physics Faculty “Students annotate their text in a social media type of platform. I review the annotations before class and find students who might teach others the first 5-10 minutes of class of their experiences noted in their annotations of the text.” -Mike Sessions, Design & Construction Management Department Chair
DEVOTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
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Health & Wellness Did you know that getting enough sleep each night can lengthen your lifespan? Too much or too little sleep is actually associated with having a shorter lifespan. So how can you ensure that you’re getting enough sleep each night? The fourth challenge for DMBA’s Living Healthy Wellness Program starts this month and you could choose sleep to be your new wellness topic to focus on. Here are five ideas for methods and practices that you could try:* 1. Avoid electronic devices for at least one hour before you go to bed. This can help your body unwind and will give your eyes a break from staring at a screen all day.
4. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Doing this will help keep your body energized during the day, which in turn will help you be tired by the time you’re ready to go to sleep.
2. Set up a sleep schedule for yourself by trying to wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day.
5. Stay cool! Especially during this time of year as the temperatures are rising, it will help you to sleep better if you are not too hot when you go to bed.
3. If you drink caffeine regularly, try to cut back, especially before bedtime, to ensure you give your body proper time to relax.
*Information provided by Human Resources
Continued: President’s Advancement Council said University Public Affairs Director Brett Sampson. “They then go to their various homes across the country and become educated advocates for us. Some of them also choose to help us advance the established programs, like need-based scholarships and curriculum development, through financial contributions.” Sampson served as one of the PAC counsel session facilitators for the session on the university’s Student Focused by Design campaign, and said he benefited from the council members’ questions and feedback. “One thing we heard pretty clearly from the PAC members in our session about the university messaging campaign is that they think we need to be even more emphatic about getting our message out
there to inform potential students about how great this place is,” Sampson said. Because of the timing of the Pathway transition, and the tight-knit relationship between BYU-Idaho and BYU-Pathway
“The President’s Advancement Council has culminated in just a wonderful experience where we’ve been blessed with an outpouring of the spirit and, I think, great insights that will bless both BYU-Pathway Worldwide and BYU-Idaho.” —HENRY J. EYRING, PRESIDENT
Worldwide, this year’s conference was co-hosted by both presidents Clark G. Gilbert and Henry J. Eyring. The topics covered at this conference were of deep interest and benefit to both presidents. “The President’s Advancement Council has culminated in just a wonderful experience where we’ve been blessed with an outpouring of the Spirit and, I think, great insights that will bless both BYU-Pathway Worldwide and BYU-Idaho,” said President Eyring during his closing remarks. “We love having you on PAC,” President Gilbert told those in attendance. “We love having your advice and your counsel. We hope that this is a setting where you can bless us, and we also hope it’s a setting where the experience can bless you.”&
News & Notes 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, & Spencer Williams PH OTO G R A PHERS Michael Lewis, Emily Gottfredson, Courtney Thomas & Garrett Blanchard
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