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Growth ................... P.2DSG ....................... P.2Innovative Ecosystem P.3Is It Worth It? ........... P.3Staff Connection ...... P.4Employee Week ....... P.4Library Services ....... P.5Leo’s Little Learners ... P.6Lion’s Spirit .............. P.6The Den .................. P.7Honor’s Program ...... P.7Science Labs ........... P.8Phi Theta Kappa ...... P.8Find Us Online......... P.8
LoneStar.edu/UP281.290.2600
Lone Star College-University Park has gained national recognition for and leads the way in creating a culture of innovation by having the vision and the will to explore new possibilities in delivering education, creating partnerships and serving the community.
Despite our exceptional growth, our faculty and staff work extremely hard to maintain and even improve our commitment to exceeding student expectations and ensuring access to quality education. To support our phenomenal growth we are introducing new programs, exploring new partnerships, building more instructional and support space, hiring additional faculty and advisors and increasing other resources.
The innovative idea of our faculty senate president, Dr. Daria Willis, to create the Doctoral Support Group (DSG) was a great success but she did it the UP Way and took it to a whole new level by championing and initiating the first-ever Chancellor’s Dissertation Research Grant (CDRG) for Lone Star College faculty, staff and administrators.
One of the major pillars of i2i relates to education delivery and we continue to advance a passion for competency-based education. The concept is for our faculty to use their skills and expertise in helping students with a different pathway to completion while saving them time and money.
Our new chief strategist for innovation and research, Christina Robinson Grochett, is coordinating the implementation of our award-wining Education and Career Positioning System (ECPS). Christina will also serve as a nucleus for communicating and responding to new and creative ideas from students, faculty, staff and the community at-large.
In addition to face-to-face meetings, I plan a monthly WebEx meeting with all University Park employees. These will be about 10 minutes and every faculty and staff will be able to participate from any computer with Internet access. We are also excited about our upcoming Employee Appreciation Week!
Thank you for all you do. It shows pride, commands respect and exemplifies teamwork. Together, you make a tremendous difference in the lives of many students. I look forward to hearing from you as we build a culture of innovation at LSC-University Park.
Regards,
Shah ArdalanPresident
A Culture of Innovation
Shah Ardalan
Upcoming Events
Oct. 18DSG GraduateSchool Expo
Oct. 24Disability Awareness Day
Oct. 28 - Nov. 1Employee Appreciation Week
Invitation 2 Innovatei2i
Trust Collaborate Educate
Phenomenal enrollment growth and special initiatives have been the focus of Instruction and Student Services at LSC-University Park this semester.
With implementation of the Texas Success Initiative legislated Early Alert System, we are delighted to facilitate success for the more than 7,200 students enrolled at LSC-University Park. Students assessed for readiness requirements in reading, writing and mathematics receive academic skills, resources and mentoring.
LSC-University Park has experienced an increase of 31 percent in enrollment and 35 percent in credit hours from Fall 2012. Highly visible student activity in the now operational Den has also demonstrated how much growth we’ve experienced with nine student organizations registering this year. We have been charged with developing competency-based education programs in response to student needs. In partnership with Western Governors University (WGU) and as part of a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, plans are to offer an Information Technology Core Certificate in Spring of 2014. We continue to offer a quality education that is accessible and affordable, while expanding opportunities from education to career. I’m honored to be leading these initiatives at the model community college of the 21st century. Thank you, Dr. Lawrence BrandyburgVice President of Instruction and Student Services
The Lone Star College System Doctoral Support Group will be hosting a Grad School Expo at the LSC-University Park Conference Center October 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Grad School Expo was created as a way to assist LSCS employees who are interested in learning more about continuing their education in a master’s or doctoral program. The general public is also invited to attend.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for those interested in furthering their education to learn more about the process,” said Dr. Daria J. Willis, DSG leader. “We are also pleased that the Chancellor has recently approved our new grant initiative for Lone Star College faculty, staff and administrators.” Slated for a January 2014 pilot, the Chancellor’s Dissertation Research Grant (CDRG) will offer recipients a one-time award of $5,000 to cover the costs associated with researching and writing a scholarly dissertation.
For additional information, contact Dr. Daria Willis at [email protected] or visit LoneStar.edu/DSG.
Growth and New Initiatives
DSG Sponsors First Grad School Expo
Dr. Lawrence Brandyburg
Creating an innovative ecosystem is part of a two-fold strategy at Lone Star College-University Park. Christina Robinson Grochett serves as the new chief strategist for innovation & research and is ready to listen to ideas from students, faculty, staff and alumni. “Is it new? Is it creative? Is it fresh? Does it support our mission?” said Grochett. “We want to be the first to take on initiatives others might not be bold enough to try.” The second part of Grochett’s strategy for leading Innovation &
Research is to coordinate the new office as an innovation incubator, while communicating and responding to ideas. “How do we encourage and share a philosophy of entrepreneurship within the organization and the communities we serve?” she said. The focus of Grochett’s background is higher education in the private sector. Previously at Apollo Group, she was instrumental in launching a student satisfaction program that presented surveys to students throughout their learning careers. With a commitment to children’s literacy, she started the “Read. Play. Win!” program. This program partnered with the Houston Rockets to donate more than 10,000 books to Houston Boys & Girls Clubs and Houston A+ Challenge schools. One of her focus areas as head of innovation & research is to implement a program that will connect the learning experience of students at LSC-University Park from classroom to career. “The Education and Career Positioning System (ECPS) is the first of its kind,” Grochett said. “We are targeted to have 1,000 students participating in the pilot program prior to February 2014 and the information we receive will help us to determine what we need to make students even more successful both inside and outside the classroom.”
Leading an Innovative Ecosystem
Dream Create Innovate
Picture the speed limit signs in the parking garage at LSC-University Park.
Do you slow down? Like most cautious drivers, you should be aware that the speed limit posted in the parking garage is 10 mph.
Speeding can make maneuvering a larger vehicle more difficult in the low clearance and tight spaces of the parking garage.
Speeding can certainly impede a driver’s ability to react to a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
The time that might be saved is not worth the risks posed to others’ safety.
Is It Worth It?
Christina Robinson Grochett
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Instruct Inspire Excel
The Professional and Support Staff Association is the group that fosters and facilitates communication on issues deemed critical between the Association’s members and LSC-University Park administration. Their goal is to create a climate of trust for discussion of problems, to pursue solutions to staff issues, to advance the professional growth of its members, to promote training and activities that provide a positive working environment beneficial to the college as a whole and to create a culture of innovation and excellence.
This year PSSA also plans to offer a new way to reward innovation on campus. The “Leo Lion Award” will be given out this year by PSSA to the most innovative staff members at UP. Any professional and support staff member can be nominated. So keep your eye out for innovation and nominate your peers by emailing your submission to [email protected]. You can also contact the new council at the same address with any suggestions or to get more information on how you can be a part of this great group.
Staff Connection
The Professional and Support Staff Association has a new Council! (Top Row, Left to Right) Veronica Sanches - Committee Chair, Nathan Lynn - Treasurer, Joy Aman - Social Coordinator, Su-Sun Reza - Secretary (Bottom Row, Left to Right) Sidra Tiraq - Historian, John Fisher - President, and Tina Dealy - Vice President
As an expression of gratitude for the remarkable dedication and effort of every employee, LSC-University Park is celebrating! Employee Appreciation Week is slated for October 28 to November 1. Events include a breakfast, a faculty presentation, socializing over nachos, costume contest and massages.
Employee Appreciation Week
Faculty members at LSC-University Park are encouraged to utilize the resources available in reference library and tutoring services at the Student Learning Resource Center (SLRC). According to director Shannon Hausinger, librarians are collections experts and also facilitate research and learning needs. “SLRC services provide another layer of instructional support for the classroom,” she said. Reference librarian Betty Rugh asks faculty to complete a request form or consult with an SLRC professional to customize
a classroom research guide or schedule a library instruction session. The SLRC’s Instruction Lab contains 24 computers that can be reserved to allow students in-class research time. “We’re seeing an increase in demand for services, especially math and writing,” said tutoring center manager Rosemary Carter. “It’s a safe place for students to fill in the gaps in their knowledge with nobody grading them.” Faculty can offer extra credit or require student attendance in the SLRC Tutoring Center for math, economics, sciences, accounting and writing. All tutoring labs are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended Writing Lab hours on Friday are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LSC-University Park Library Services
Plan Prepare achieve
Monday, October 289 - 10 a.m.Breakfast in East CommonsAll employees are invited. Tuesday, October 295:30 p.m.“Dessert Before Dinner: Active Learning in the Classroom.”B13.425Faculty only.
Wednesday, October 30 3 - 4 p.m.Nachos at the Sky Lounge B13.8All employees are invited.
Thursday, October 3111 a.m.Costume Contest at the Sky Lounge B13.8All employees are encouraged to dress up!
Friday, November 110 a.m. - 2 p.m.MassagesB13.834 All LSC-University Park Building 13 employees are invited.
Mon - Thurs. 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Sun. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
SLRC Hours of Operation
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There is a new Student Government Association Executive Council representing LSC-University Park students.
As elected representatives of the student body, SGA is committed to pursuing the interests of all students. “Our vision is to enhance the student community, create campus spirit and be a conduit for student suggestions so they are heard,” said SGA president Ayse Balta. “Our ultimate goal is to encourage active student participation and cultivate strong student leadership by building connections between students, faculty and administration.”
Recently, the Executive Council hosted an SGA mixer where students had the opportunity to meet their new representatives.
For more information, contact SGA [email protected]
A Lion’s Spirit for Students
(Left to Right) Ian-Bryan Sterba - VP of Internal Communications, Wahhaj Saleem Khan - VP of External Communications, Laleeen Bajwa - Secretary, Jonathan Baguley - Treasurer, Ayse Balta - President, Matthew Oseni - Student Activity Liaison
Participate Persevere Prosper
The YMCA has opened its full-service Children’s Academy at LSC–University Park. The facility will serve the students, faculty and staff associated with the campus along with employees from Noble Energy and other University Park partners.
As a community leader in child development, the YMCA has several programs and
facilities to assist its mission. The Children’s Academy provides an educational curriculum focusing on literacy, mathematics, art, technology and more. Enrichment programs in dance, music and language will also be offered to students.
“Children will learn through discovery and play in a nature based environment,” said Farralyn Brantner, YMCA youth development team leader. “We will teach the Creative Curriculum which is based on research and focuses on the key areas of the learning environment, content, child development and how children learn, as well as the role of the teacher and the family in the learning process.”
The academy will offer child care services for several age groups, such as a full-day infant care and pre-kindergarten program for ages 6 weeks - 5 years that is open to the community as well as drop in child care for Lone Star College-University Park students and staff for children ages 3 - 12 years for a nominal fee.
“Like everything else at LSC-University Park, this is not your average daycare but a true learning academy with advanced programs based on proven research,” said Shah Ardalan, president of LSC-University Park.
For more information on this program or for a full list of requirements and fees, call 281.517.3728 or visit www.ymcachildrensacademy.org.
Leo’s Little Learners
Focus Cooperate Strive
Fun at The Den
Director Kimberly Athans talks of two ways students can participate in the LSC-University ParkHonors Program.
In Fall 2014, highly motivated students can
become part of the honors cohort working toward an AA or AS degree.
Cohort candidates will be required to submit a completed application, three letters of recommendation, a copy of an official transcript, a writing sample and participate in an interview. Students must also meet the following admission requirements:
With completion of at least 0-8 hours of college level courses, students must meet at least one of the following:■■ GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.■■ 1100 or higher on the SAT.■■ 25 or higher combined score on the ACT.
Starting in Spring 2014, dedicated honors sections will be offered. Completion of at least 9 hours of college level courses with a GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required to take one or more honors courses.
For more information, please contact the director, Kimberly Athans at [email protected] or visit 13.825.
Student activity in the Den at LSC-University Park has been exuberant lately. According to Lisel Tucker, student life coordinator, there are plenty of reasons for the bustle as the Student Activity Board occupies their first year in the official new spot in B.13.253. A pool table has recently been a big new addition in the space set apart from the classroom where students unwind and socialize. “It has become the heart of student life on our campus,” said Tucker. “At LSC-University Park, our first priority is education,” said Dr. Zack Coapland, dean of student development. “The Den allows students the break they need to recharge and refocus.” The Den is open Monday through Thursday from 9 to 4 p.m. Registered student organizations can reserve the space beyond regular hours through the Office of Student Life.
Honors Program at LSC-University Park
Kimberly Athans
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Sounds of hammers, nail guns and sanders accompany the visible signs of growth at LSC-University Park. The completion of several projects has been made possible by LSCS support and construction budgets. New buildouts have allowed Student Services to expand operations and better assist students registering for classes at LSC-University Park. Students also now have access to a physics lab, an organic chemistry lab, a general chemistry lab and a microbiology lab with associated preparation and storage spaces. The Energy and Manufacturing Institute is taking shape along Compaq Center Drive south of Parking Garage 9.
The proposed EMI building will offer skilled workforce training for highly sought after energy and manufacturing workers and is scheduled to open at the end of spring. iSchool High is also growing. An increase in enrollment is being accommodated in the Nebula Room in Building 11 while expansions are completed in the location on Level 1 of Building 13.
LSC-University Park Expands
LSC-University Park20515 SH 249 (SH 249 and Louetta Road), Houston, TX 77070
281.290.2600
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More than 200 LSC-University Park students will receive invitations from President Shah Ardalan to participate in the Beta Upsilon Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year colleges.
According to Frank Rodriguez, chapter advisor, three orientations for invitees are scheduled in late October and a chartering and induction ceremony will be held in November.
Eligible students possess a minimum 3.5 GPA and completion of 12 academic hours to qualify for membership. Joining Phi Theta Kappa provides numerous benefits including scholarship and leadership opportunities, nomination for the National Dean’s List and attendance at regional and international conferences. For more information about Phi Theta Kappa, please contact Frank Rodriguez at 281.290.3770 or [email protected].
Phi Theta Kappa at LSC-University Park
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