ROCK bytes Students give SRU ‘thumbs up’ More than 90 percent of first and senior-year Slippery Rock University students are pleased with their opportunities for campus involvement and overall SRU experience, according to the results of the biannual National Survey of Student Engagement. More than 500 full-time, first-year students participated in the survey, along with 550 seniors, 90 percent of them fulltime students. The NSSE survey obtains information from 600 colleges and universities nationwide about student participation in programs and activities that institutions provide for their learning and personal development. The results provide an estimate of how undergraduates spend their time and what they gain from attending college. “NSSE provides students with an opportunity to provide feedback about their undergraduate educational experiences both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Carrie Birckbichler, associate provost for institutional research and reporting. “Our students consistently report higher levels of participation and satisfaction with their SRU experience with 92 percent of firstyear and seniors reporting a good to excellent educational experience.”
Students embrace winter session Who says students hate winter? Many clearly appreciate SRU’s winter session. “We have seen enrollment skyrocket in the three years we have offered the winter session program. This year, we offered more than 100 online courses and internships in a variety of disciplines,” said Eliott Baker, executive director of academic records and summer school. His office handles winter session planning and registration. “We call the program ‘Get Ahead Stay Ahead,’” he said.
Nearly 500 graduate
Dance program earns national ranking
SRU conferred degrees on 480 graduates in December, enabling them to join the exclusive club of proud alumni. Cheryl Norton, SRU president, Robert Taylor, ’78, chair of the University Council of Trustees, and Don Huddart, ’87, treasurer of the alumni association, offered remarks.
SRU’s dance program has been ranked in the top 45 dance programs in the country and among the top 250 college programs in the U.S. for creative students by “Creative Colleges: A Guide for Student Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians and Writers.” Author Elaina Loveland reviewed hundreds of programs before selecting 250 art, theatre, dance, music and creative writing programs in arts conservatories and liberal arts colleges and universities to recommend to potential students. The book gives college-bound students information to pick the right school. “It is a great honor for Slippery Rock University and the department of dance,” said Ursula Payne, professor of dance and department chair. “It is a testament to how well we continue to fulfill the mission of our program. Our students are committed and talented creative thinkers, and the University has assembled a renowned faculty and staff of experts in the field,” she said.
MBA program launches SRU’s new masters in business administration launched in December with 25 students enrolled. “These students are starting a program that can lead to their MBA by next December,” said Larry McCarthy, assistant professor of professional studies and interdisciplinary programs, and coordinator of the MBA program. For more information about the program visit: www.sru.edu/academics/colleges/cbiss/business/mba/pages/ index.aspx 4
The ROCK
Winter 2014
Participants celebrate Native culture Students, faculty, staff and community residents experienced Native-American dance, art and storytelling during SRU’s Native American Celebration Day in the Smith Student Center. Local schoolchildren sat for story time and participated in a circle dance.