Month: October 2018

Today (Oct. 31) is your last day to make select changes to your state insurance package for next year. All open enrollment changes take effect January 1, 2019.

Resources:

• Comprehensive Open Enrollment Guidebook
• In a hurry? Don’t forget anything by using the Checklist.
• Benefits counselors – Available until 4:30 p.m. today. Call 864-656-2000 or visit Tiger Walk.
• Make changes online – visit your PEBA MyBenefits Profile until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31.

Special Notes:

Make any elections or changes, including enrolling/re-enrolling in flexible spending accounts (medical spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts and health savings accounts) online through your PEBA MyBenefits profile.

• If you are satisfied with your current coverage and do not want to contribute to a flexible spending account in 2019, no action is necessary.
• If you are satisfied with your current coverage but would like to contribute to a flexible spending account in 2019, you must enroll/re-enroll in the account(s) online. (Annual re-enrollment is a requirement for the continued use of flexible spending account programs.)

State insurance package: See what’s new for 2019.

Dr. Carl S. Rudisill, of Anderson, died Oct 27, 2018. He was a mechanical engineering professor who retired in 1988 with 23 years of service.

Rudisill is survived by his two children and a brother.

The memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Nov 1, 2018 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Special Olympics, 1133 19^th Street NW, 12^th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3604.

Share your memories here.

By Cloe Michaud, Class of 2020

Clemson Emeritus College honored for helping international students

Clemson University’s Emeritus College of retired Clemson faculty will be honored with a national award for its work helping improve the English language skills and cultural awareness of international students who are seeking assistantships through their departments.

The Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE) chose the Emeritus College’s Language Skills Program as one of three programs nationally to receive its Innovation Award.

The language programs include the Clemson English-Speaking Proficiency test and its follow-up, the Conversations with International Students program. The pair of programs received accolades from AROHE for benefitting students, improving instruction and enhancing campus diversity.

The language programs are a campus-wide initiative involving volunteer emeriti English-Speaking Proficiency test interviewers, volunteer emeriti Conversations with International Students mentors, student participants, graduate coordinators, student-service coordinators, active faculty, department chairs and college and university administrators. Also contributing are faculty and staff from the Pearce Center for Professional Communication, the Graduate School and the Office of Global Engagement.

Amod Ogale named fellow of SAMPE

Amod Ogale is the Dow Chemical Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Director of the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films. He was inducted as a Fellow by the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering. Ogale was one of three Fellows inducted and the only faculty member. David Bruce, chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, congratulated Ogale and noted, “The Fellow Award confirms that Dr. Ogale is a leading scholar in his field and that he brings world-class excellence to the department.”

Clemson alumnus Kevin Yon named Southeast’s top farmer

On Oct 16, Clemson alumnus Kevin Yon was named the overall winner of the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award for 2018. This award recognizes excellence in agricultural production and farm management, along with leadership in farm and community organizations. Yon was nominated by Travis Mitchell who was their Clemson University Extension agent, making it extra special for this family of Clemson alumni.

S.C. Botanical Garden to host Day of the Dead: A vibrant celebration of life

The South Carolina Botanical Garden is hosting its first-ever Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, celebration on Friday, Nov 2. The Day of the Dead Festival is a traditional Latin American holiday when people celebrate loved ones who have passed away. There will be several activities Friday including a special outdoor screening of the Disney Pixar movie “Coco,” a keynote address by Mexican Consul General Remedios Gómex Arnau, and an exhibition of Hispanic artists. For more information about the event, click here.

To address additional issues associated with a main campus electrical breaker, Facilities has moved the scheduled main campus power outage from 6 a.m. Nov. 5 to 5 a.m., Friday Nov. 2.

That means Clemson’s main campus will experience a campus-wide electrical power outage from 5 a.m. until 6:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 2 as workers replace a primary feed switch.

Officials say this date, will allow staff to restore any systems that may be adversely affected by the 90-minute power outage.

Officials recommend that faculty and staff properly shut down all office computers before leaving for day before the outage to prevent data loss. Verify all power is restored to equipment in your area after the outage is complete, especially refrigerators and freezers. Report any power issues to your maintenance department.

CAUTION: During an electrical outage, no one should attempt to service or repair electrically powered equipment without first contacting University Facilities at 656-2186. Proper lock-out-tag-out procedures must be utilized to avoid the potential for serious injury if the equipment is suddenly re-energized as power will be restored as soon as work is complete.

Contact Bret McCarley at bmccarl@clemson.edu with any questions.

By Kelly McKeon, Class of 2021

United Way is sponsoring a free Lunch ‘n Learn event for faculty and staff members who want to learn more about how their donations benefit local communities. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7  in Meeting Room A of the Hendrix Student Center.

This is an opportunity for United Way to demonstrate the merit of donating to the campaign and to thank those who have already donated.

Information on the actions and efforts of the Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens United Ways will be available. Come learn how your United Way donations are addressing the needs of people in your backyard while enjoying a free, light lunch.

To attend, RSVP by Nov. 2 to Leslie Doss at 656-4238 or ldoss@clemson.edu.

Lee’s #RockYourSocks4UW challenge

Monte Lee, Clemson’s head baseball coach and 2018 United Way campaign chair, has challenged first-time donors to donate $4 per paycheck and previous donors to add $4 per paycheck to their previous donation amounts. Faculty and staff members who match these donation amounts will receive a pair of Clemson-themed United Way socks and an invitation to a special event hosted by Lee. The event will take place at the baseball facility from 4 until 6 p.m. Dec. 5.

How to donate

Donations to United Way can be made through payroll deduction, check (made payable to United Way), cash, or online here.

Online donors should write Clemson University in the “Employer” line. Pledge forms are due Nov. 30 to Leslie Doss, 223 Brackett Hall or mailto:ldoss@clemson.edu. Payroll deductions will begin January 2019. Donors who want to continue their United Way deductions from previous years do not need to fill out a new pledge form.

All Clemson faculty and staff are required to complete the online Conflict of Interest training and Cybersecurity training by Nov. 12. Thanks to the 70 percent of staff and 46 percent of faculty who have already taken the required Conflict of Interest training and 67 percent of staff and 43 percent of faculty who have already taken the required Cybersecurity training.

Not Taken the Training? Your Next Steps!

1. Visit Tiger Training and log in.
2. Complete the required training listed specifically for you on or before Nov. 12.
3. Pay strict adherence to all training and disclosure deadlines. Remember! After Nov. 12, all faculty and staff who have not completed the online training will lose access to the Clemson University network until they complete the training.

Help Clemson reach 100 percent awareness through timely completion of all required training. For more details, visit the Conflict of Interest Knowledge Center or the Cybersecurity Knowledge Center. Employees with questions about their responsibilities with regards to University-required training are asked to see their supervisors.

By Cloe Michaud, Class of 2020

2018 Fred C. Davison Distinguished Scientist Award winner announced

Dr. Brian A. Powell, field professor of nuclear environmental engineering and earth science received the 2018 Fred C. Davidson Distinguished Scientist Award from the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA). Powell is a prolific author and researcher and is widely recognized in his field. He has published over 60 refereed journal publications, 16 research reports, and made over 100 technical presentations on these topical areas. The Distinguished Scientist Award is presented annually to recognize regional scientists and engineers who have made exceptional lifetime scientific achievements.

Seeking gently worn business attire for career clothing closet

The Center of Career and Professional Development has partnered with Clemson University Student Government (CUSG) to start a career clothing closet for Clemson students. Students will have access to business professional and business casual attire for those who may not be able to access it otherwise. They are searching for any gently worn business casual/professional clothing. Donation centers include: Alumni Center Drop-Box (located in the Alumni Center) and the Career Center (located on third floor of Hendrix Student Center). Email caren@clemson.edu with questions.

Jennifer Hein to participate in elite education policy fellowship program

Jennifer Hein, executive director of strategic planning, assessment and accreditation for Clemson’s College of Education has been selected to be a member of the South Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program for 2018-2019. The program aims to develop a diverse and collaborative community of strategic leaders for effective public policy.

CBSHS holding Research Lunch and Learn Series

The College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences is holding a Research Lunch and Learn Series throughout the fall semester. Sessions will be held October 26 in Brackett Hall and November 30 in Lehotsky Hall and will cover topics related to academic publishing and graduate student mentoring. Learn more here.

Pollinator garden added to South Carolina Botanical Garden

The Susan K. Barr Pollinator Garden was recently added to the South Carolina Botanical Garden to serve as a way for children to learn about plans and pollinators. The garden was created by Shannon Taylor Barrett, landscape architect for the Botanical Garden. Barrett also teaches sustainable garden design studios for the Horticulture department.

Participation in global engagement activities can expand the learning environment beyond the classroom into unique and often challenging cultural contexts, enriching students’ disciplinary training, professional development, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Since study abroad and other global engagement activities have such tremendous impacts on students, the Office of Global Engagement created the Clemson Abroad Champions program to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds and majors have equitable access to international education opportunities.

How you can help

All Clemson faculty and staff are invited to become Clemson Abroad Champions.

Champions serve as a study abroad resource for students. After completing the program requirements, participants will earn a Clemson Abroad Champion sticker and globe to display in their workspace to let students know they are open to discussing international education opportunities.

To become a Champion, faculty and staff will need to complete two required workshops: Clemson Abroad 101, which will be held in fall 2018 and Supporting Students, which will be held with Diversity Abroad in spring 2019. Upon completion of the workshops, Champions will be invited to attend an event at which they will be recognized and will have the opportunity to network with other Champions and students.

Time commitment
Clemson Abroad Champions should expect to spend 6-10 hours per academic year on program activities. These activities include: attending required workshops (2-3 hours), attending the final networking event (2-3 hours), and supporting students (variable).

Sign up today
Applications to become a Clemson Abroad Champion are now open. You can apply by visiting the program homepage and clicking Apply Now in the upper right-hand corner. The application deadline for the 2018-19 academic year is Nov. 1, 2018.

By Taylor Summey, Class of 2021

Homecoming is a time to celebrate traditions. Building floats, Tigerama, and defeating our opponents in football are all traditions that make Homecoming so special. On top of all of these widely-anticipated events, one newer tradition was also celebrated at the homecoming game on Saturday: the Professor of the Game and Staff Member of the Game program. In 2014, President Jim Clements initiated the program, which serves as a way to honor Clemson’s faculty and staff for their contributions to the university at each home football game.

The Professor of the Game was Anthony Bernarducci, Ph.D., an assistant professor of performing arts and director of choral activities in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. Originally from New Jersey, Bernarducci joined Clemson four years ago. He teaches music theory and composition and directs three major choral groups on campus: the Men’s Choir, the Clemson University Singers and Cantorei. This lover of music composes his own pieces, which have been performed around the world.  Bernaducci’s work has been performed from South Africa to Italy to South Korea, and even on the famed stage at Carnegie Hall. His wife, Breanna, accompanied him onto the field to receive his recognition.

Bernarducci said he felt “honored” to be included in the recognition. “This program is important because the whole experience fills you with appreciation and motivates you to work even harder,” he said.

Staff Member of the Game Ale Kennedy, Ph.D., is no stranger to Clemson. Kennedy is a Clemson alumna who returned to the university two years ago to take her current position as associate chief human resources (HR) officer. When she isn’t running in events like the Boston Marathon (which she ran in the wind and rain), she oversees the Human Resources Service Center, which assists faculty and staff with HR-related questions. Additionally, she is heading efforts to restructure Clemson’s human resources organization. On Saturday, Kennedy was accompanied onto the field by her husband, who she said was “proud of [her] and amazed by the level of support for the program and amount of appreciation given to the recipients.”

Like Bernaducci, Kennedy thinks the program is important.

“It gives the university a chance to show their appreciation to faculty and staff who make everything run smoothly,” she said.

By Melissa Lockhart, Learning Technology Manager
Clemson Online

Whether in the classroom, in the office or at home, video has become a mainstay of teaching, learning and communicating. A Pew Research Center survey indicates that YouTube and Facebook dominate the Social Media landscape. When comparing the two platforms, YouTube appears to have edged slightly ahead of Facebook, according to the study.

What’s the one thing that all of these platforms have in common? They use video to relay information. And participants respond better to video – especially short videos. Many people are “visual” and respond and retain visual stimuli. So whether you want to use video for the classroom, create a “how to,” or just gush at adorable puppies and kittens, video is the way to go.

Video doesn’t have to be hard to create. And that’s where Clemson Online is here to help. For free. Not a typo, it’s really free. Really.

Toward that end, Clemson Online is hosting a series of how-to classes to get you started.

Ever wondered how you can capture and edit video from your Mac computer or IOS devices? Join us on Oct. 30, 2018 for our video training classes, held in McAdams 142.

Register at this link.

Here’s the agenda:

9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Introduction to Camtasia 2018 for Mac Users
TechSmith’s ATD Master Trainer Jason Valade for a high-level look at Camtasia 2018 for Mac Users.

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Bring your own Lunch: Capturing and Editing Video with your Mac and IOS Devices
Apple’s Campus Representative Will Ruark for a high-level look at applications that come on Apple devices that can be used to create videos.

12:30 – 1:45 p.m. A Deeper Look at Camtasia 2018 for Mac Users
TechSmith’s ATD Master Trainer Jason Valade for A Deeper Dive into Camtasia for Mac Users.

2 – 3:30 p.m. Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro for Mac Users
CCIT’s Adobe Trainer Jan Lay will give participants a high-level overview of Adobe Premiere Pro for Mac users.

Visit Clemson Online’s Tools pages for additional resources regarding Camtasia. Visit CCIT’s Adobe Creative Cloud Training page to sign up for additional training on Adobe products. Email ITHELP@clemson.edu for assistance with any of these products.