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Employee Vaccination Drawing Week 4 Winners:

Week four winners of the �鶹ӰԺ employee vaccination drawing have been announced. Congratulations to the lucky winners!

Name	Title	Prize
John DiAlesandro	Associate Lecturer	$100
Thomas Schindler	Sr Mgr, IT	$100
Lauren Whitten	Lab Assistant-INR	$100
Lynn Berk	Senior Lecturer	$100
Laurie Wagner	Associate Professor	$100
Kristen DeBois	Project Coord-NE	$100
Jennifer Abate	Research & Eval Proj Mgr	$100
Sheila Johnson	Receptionist	$100
Gerald Eveleth	Asst Dir, Arch & Engineering	$100
Donna Taylor	Sr Asst Dir, Admissions Ops	$100
Wilson Chung	Associate Professor	$100
Angela Ridgel	Professor	$100
Mary Hodakievic	Faculty Part-Time -Semester	$100
Jenna Litz	Maintenance Repair Worker, RC	$100
John Rose	Associate Lecturer	$100
Christopher Woolverton	Professor	$100
Justin Cornelius	Financial Aid Coord	$100
Jonathan Mills	Head Golf Coach	$100
Cheryl Walker	Financial Aid Rep, RC	$100
Barbara Verlezza	Associate Professor	$100
Serena Loftus	Assistant Professor	$250
Eric Mintz	Assoc Dean, Arts & Sci	$250
Neil Wells	Professor	$250
Madalynne Stanic Fitzgerald	Mktg, Comm & PR Mgr, CPM	$250
Gary Bateman	Security & Safety Manager, RC	$250
Marianne Warzinski	CCI Commons Director	$250
Lauren Vachon	Assistant Professor	$250
Emily Vincent	Dir, Univ Media Relations	$250
Marissa Lough	Academic Advisor I	$500
Donald Vana	Marketing Coordinator	$500
Amy Barr	Special Assistant	$500
Paula Konz	Asst Dir, Academic Advising	$500
Theresa Yogi	Honors Coordinator II	$1,000
Janet Cash	Business Mgr, Sr	$1,000

There is still plenty of time to get vaccinated and enter to win. Visit the Corona Virus Updates website to register your vaccine information and be eligible for upcoming drawings. Good luck!

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Outstanding Teaching Award Finalists Announced

The Outstanding Teaching Award Committee announces the 2020 and 2021 Outstanding Teaching Award Finalists! Each year, �鶹ӰԺ honors full-time, nontenure-track and part-time faculty members who are nominated by their students for being among the most dedicated, highly effective, and motivated professors at �鶹ӰԺ. The Outstanding Teaching Award is presented by the University Teaching Council. The committee received many excellent nominations for 2020 and 2021. It is wonderful to see how our faculty make an impact on the education and future of our students and community at �鶹ӰԺ. 

The following ten faculty were selected as finalists for the 2020 and 2021 Outstanding Teaching Awards: 

Aaron Bacue
Communication Studies, �鶹ӰԺ Campus
One might think the proudest moments of my 25-year teaching career might be when the shy, anxious sophomore from my basic public speaking class went on to win second place at the National Forensic Association’s National Speech Tournament under my coaching, or when the inquisitive junior in my relational communication class went on to become one of the most prolific new scholars in the communication discipline. But they are not. I see myself and my work in the classroom as the catalyst for improving students’ personal and professional lives. So, it is the visits, emails, and phone calls from former students thanking me for what they learned in my classes, and how much they have benefited from it that make me proudest.

Kim Carey
Pan-African Studies, �鶹ӰԺ Campus

Elizabeth Carr
Fashion Design and Merchandising, �鶹ӰԺ Campus
When asked to describe my most ‘noteworthy teaching accomplishments’ I have found it difficult to ascertain what they are. This has puzzled me as I am never at a loss for words or without an opinion on any given subject. Finally, I realized why I have been unable to satisfy this request. There simply is no single significant or noteworthy experience to describe. Truthfully, every day that I walk into my classroom or lab there are daily trials and triumphs. My noteworthy accomplishments are when one of my students grasps a new concept or skill for the first time, or when another student - after experiencing an all-nighter - achieves his or her desired goal and tackles the assigned project with complete success. It’s not about me, but rather about them: my students. Owning the opportunity to help someone succeed is a ‘noteworthy opportunity’ that I enjoy every day in the Fashion School at �鶹ӰԺ.

Abbey Eng
Epidemiology and Biostatistics, �鶹ӰԺ Campus
I teach biostatistics at the undergraduate and graduate level in the College of Public Health, and have designed in-person and online versions of the courses. These are the courses that the students are usually the most nervous about taking, so I have tried to offer as much support as I can in the types of learning materials I have created. I participated in the Innovation Intersession Flipped Classroom Workshop to learn about ways to increase engagement in my classes and received a UTC Summer Teaching Grant to create a resource for Public Health students on using Excel. I have integrated technology in a variety of ways to help support students, such as creating tutorials to explain difficult concepts. For the undergraduates, I created an interactive textbook and use an online question platform to increase engagement in the classroom. Both platforms have helped to increase student success.

Timothy Fritz
Engineering Technology, Tuscarawas Campus
Students from our program have participated in the �鶹ӰԺ State Film Festival, Undergraduate Research Colloquium, displayed their games in the 2019 “Open World Arcade” event at Akron Art Museum, built a Virtual Gallery for the Akron Art Museum’s 2020 Gamefest, and participated in the 2021 Smithsonian American Art Museum Arcade Game Jam. We have also hosted a Global Game Jam site each year since 2019. Global Game Jam is an international game jam occurring at more than 800 sites around the world over a weekend. Finally, I have helped to host a computer designed art exhibition that includes student and alumni works since 2005. These are all examples of motivating students to take their learning, and work, beyond the classroom.

Jamie McCartney
Lifespan Development and Education Sciences, �鶹ӰԺ Campus
I have had many great accomplishments as a teacher: seeing the light come on for students, engaging in captivating, scholarly discussions with them, and becoming friends as they graduate and move on. I've even had the opportunity to work with previous graduates, and it is a fun and proud experience to see them when they come into their own and engage with them more as a colleague. Once, when the class went to a place of employment that hires interpreters, there were pictures on the wall of all the employees. Many of them had gone to �鶹ӰԺ State and it was very humbling. My biggest accomplishment, though, is knowing that I, along with other teachers and the deaf community, have been a part of students getting their degree, and making it possible for them to earn a respectable living and make an impact on the deaf and non-deaf communities. 

William Perrine
Fashion Design and Merchandising, �鶹ӰԺ Campus
William's academic interests include social justice in the apparel industry, fair trade and the international aspects of the fashion industry. He currently teaches Computer Applications for Retailing, leads a fashion study tour to Germany. He is the faculty advisor for the �鶹ӰԺ Fashion Student's Organization, one of the largest student groups and the largest and oldest fashion group on the �鶹ӰԺ Campus. Additionally, William has been involved with the Fashion/Tech Hack-a-thon, the Fashion School's Stoll industrial knitting machines and TechStyleLab. Before coming to �鶹ӰԺ State, William taught at Western Michigan University, Iowa State University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the Izmir University of Economics in Izmir, Turkey. He has done retail consulting, managed several Limited Inc. stores, worked as a bridal sales representative, and has held district and national level visual merchandising and management positions with Sears.

Joan Steidl
Human Services Technology, Ashtabula Campus
My most noteworthy accomplishment is that I have been able to create an environment where students can learn, grow, and embark upon the lifelong journey of becoming their best selves.

Gregory Tinkler
Biological Sciences, �鶹ӰԺ Campus
I joined the Department of Biological Sciences in 2013 and have taught first year Biology and Pre-Nursing students ever since. My professional achievements include the Teaching Scholars Program at �鶹ӰԺ State in 2014. I have been named a National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences in 2015, and received the University Teaching Council’s Summer Course Redesign Grant in 2020. My favorite moments are when past students follow up long after their introductory coursework to thank me for preparing them for a biology career, and tell me about being admitted to professional schools or programs, or obtaining advanced degrees, or landing a good job. Me and my family are routinely cared for by �鶹ӰԺ State graduates at local health care centers and I could not be prouder of their successes. 

Ana Wetzl
Department of English, Trumbull Campus
Ana Wetzl, Ph.D., is associate professor of English at �鶹ӰԺ at Trumbull where she teaches composition and applied linguistics courses. Originally from Romania, Wetzl started teaching at �鶹ӰԺ State at Trumbull in 2006, where she was also the English Coordinator in the campus Learning Center. She is currently the advisor for the English Club and is involved with diversity initiatives on campus. Her research has been published in Computers and Composition, Research in the Teaching of Writing, Composition Forum, and Praxis. In 2018, her teaching was recognized by �鶹ӰԺ with the Undeniably Accessible Award. 

The Outstanding Teaching Award Selection Committee will be meeting to select three winners of the 2020 Outstanding Teaching Award and three winners of the 2021 Outstanding Teaching Award. The awards will be presented to recipients on October 22. Congratulations to the 2020 and 2021 finalists!

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Celebration of Life for Richard Worthing

A Celebration of Life for Richard D. Worthing (1943-2020) will be held on Saturday, October 16,  at 1 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall in The Glauser School of Music on the �鶹ӰԺ Campus. University COVID protocols will be followed.

Richard was born in Castalia, Ohio, and received degrees from �鶹ӰԺ and Michigan State University. He came to �鶹ӰԺ State in 1971, teaching music theory, analysis and orchestration, and serving as the Coordinator of �鶹ӰԺ/Blossom Music Festival.

In 1979, he became the assistant dean of the College of Fine and Professional Arts, retiring as dean emeritus of that college. Richard received The President’s Medal in 2004, and served on the board of numerous organizations. An accomplished pianist, his music is published by Ludwig Music. Richard created beautiful furniture as a hobby.

Donations in his memory can be made to The Richard D. Worthing Scholarship at �鶹ӰԺ/Blossom Music or The Xavier Atienza Dance Scholarship at �鶹ӰԺ State. Contributions can be sent to the �鶹ӰԺ Foundation, P.O. Box 5190, �鶹ӰԺ, Ohio, 44240. Donations can also be made to XaLights at 1 Lake Park Court, # 986, Germantown, MD, 20874. Established in memory of Dick’s grandson, Xavier, XaLights is an organization making night lights for children in need. 

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Geauga/TAC Offers Virtual COVID Q&A

Join �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center on Thursday, October 14, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. for a conversation about COVID-19 with Sanhita Gupta, Ph.D., associate professor of Biological Sciences at �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga and the Twinsburg Academic Center.

Before working at �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga, she earned her doctorate in Molecular Virology from Case Western Reserve University. Additionally, Gupta was employed as a research scientist at the State of Louisiana Public Health Lab. She is the campus’s resident virologist who aims to educate our community about the COVID-19 virus and its variants, how to stay safe, and how vaccines work.

for this webinar. Attendees are welcome to ask questions and learn more about the scientific perspectives regarding COVID and its impact on their lives.

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Farmer's Market at Student Green

The next �鶹ӰԺ State Farmers' Market will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 4 - 7 p.m. at Risman Plaza on the �鶹ӰԺ Campus.

�鶹ӰԺ has partnered with Haymaker Farmers' Market to bring a farmer's market to the �鶹ӰԺ campus. The �鶹ӰԺ State Farmers' Market provides students with opportunities to learn about the local farming community, select fresh produce and connect with the broader �鶹ӰԺ community in addition to creating a community around food with a warm, friendly and fun environment. The market will include selling crafts (photography, prints, glass, fiber) and educational workshops related to food as well as performances (music, dance, theater). 

Additional information is available at the �鶹ӰԺ State of Well-being website.

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Open enrollment Kickoff, Tues., Oct 12

Open Enrollment begins Mon., Oct. 18, and runs through Fri., Nov. 5, 2021

The Open Enrollment Employee Benefits and Wellness Kickoff Forum will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 9 – 11 a.m. To connect simply go to www.kent.edu/zoomopenenrollment. Topics covered during the session include:

• Medical plan updates for 2022 and optimizing your choices
• Tools for decision-making and first-hand testimonials from fellow Flashes
• Need-to-know information related to flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare as well as your do’s, don’ts and deadlines for 2021-22
• How HSAs are paired with HDHPs to allow you to maximize healthcare dollars today and prepare for the future
• Learn more about supplemental life and long-term disability insurance benefits for you and your family through Securian Life and UNUM
• Employee Wellness Program highlights for 2022; $200 Flash Your Arm Wellness Reward details

Presenters for this session will be Jack Witt, vice president for Human Resources and Kim Hauge, executive director for Employee Benefits, Wellness and Health Promotion. This session will also be videotaped so employees who are unable to attend the live Zoom can view the recorded edition from our Employee Benefits webpage beginning the week of Oct. 18. The video will be available throughout the Open Enrollment period.

There will be time allotted during our live presentation to submit questions to the presenters. We look forward to seeing you Oct. 12, 9 – 11 a.m., for your . As a reminder, the Open Enrollment period will begin Monday, Oct. 18, and will end at 4:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. All changes are effective Jan. 1, 2022. 

Faculty and staff with questions regarding benefit choices for 2022 may contact the Employee Benefits Office at 330-672-3107, or benefits@kent.edu. For questions related to employee wellness programming or rewards, call 330-672-0392, or wellness@kent.edu.

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'Tis the Season Stress Relief Challenge, Nov. 15 - Dec. 12

Stress is an unavoidable part of life that everyone experiences. However, there are steps we can take to manage stress more effectively. Unmanaged stress can impact your physical and emotional health and may lead you to engage in unhealthy behaviors. Some studies suggest there is a potential link between chronic stress and diabetes, elevated LDL cholesterol, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and tooth and gum disease.  

You can avoid the unwanted negative consequences of stress by finding alternative ways to respond to stressful events and circumstances. The 'Tis the Season Stress Relief Challenge is designed to help you pay attention to the stressors in your life and find healthy ways to cope with them. 

Tracking is completed on the Be Well Solutions portal, so this challenge is open to full-time, benefits-eligible employees only. Actively participate in all four weeks to be eligible for prize drawings and 20 Tier 2 points toward the 2022 wellness rewards program. 

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For questions related to wellness programming for �鶹ӰԺ State faculty and staff, contact the Employee Wellness office at 330-672-0392 or wellness@kent.edu. �į

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Resources to be Aware of During Depression Awareness Month 

October is Depression Awareness Month. If you or a loved one suffer from depression or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Join Employee Wellness on Oct. 20 from noon - 1 p.m. for the webinar, , during which Patrice Rancour, MS, RN, will provide a comprehensive review of holistic mental health strategies. 

It is a sign of strength to reach out for help. Impact Solutions, �鶹ӰԺ State's Employee Assistance Program, is here to support you and your family through all of life's challenges, big or small. Their services include, but are not limited to, mental health counseling, eldercare support, mindfulness coaching, financial counseling, legal consultation, and patient advocacy. Call Impact 24/7, 365 at 800-227-6007 or visit  to get connected with services.

Lastly, visit the Happiness Resources page, featuring articles, podcasts, free full-length courses, and games to help you cultivate more happiness in your life. 

For questions related to wellness programming for �鶹ӰԺ State faculty and staff, contact the Employee Wellness office at 330-672-0392 or wellness@kent.edu. �į 

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Memorias de Nuestra Tierra: A Retrospective (virtual event)

Wednesday, October 13, noon – 1 p.m.
Baca is a painter and muralist, community arts pioneer, and scholarly-educator who has been teaching in the UC system for more than 30 years. As founder of the first City of Los Angeles Mural Program in 1974, which evolved into the non-profit Social and Public Art Resource Center. Baca has been engaged in the creation of sites of public memory within historically disenfranchised communities since 1976. .

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Important Information Regarding Fall 2021 Midterm Grading for all Lower-division Undergraduate Courses

Online midterm grading for all Fall 2021 lower-division undergraduate courses (levels 00000, 10000, 20000) meeting in the full term (August 26, 2021 through December 12, 2021) begins September 16, 2021 via FlashFAST. Please remember that midterm grading applies ONLY to courses that meet for the full semester. Grading policies can be found in the .

The deadline for midterm grade submission is midnight on Wednesday, October 13. Midterm grades may not be reported after the deadline. The Grade Change workflow cannot be used to report or change midterm grades after the deadline, and the Registrar's Office will not accommodate other late submission requests.

Submit Midterm grades using Midterm Grades Roster
To submit midterm grades via the Midterm Grades roster, login to , then click Faculty and Advisors/Faculty Dashboard/Grading Resources. Locate Midterm Grades to submit grades.

Submit Midterm grades using Grade Push (Canvas/Blackboard Users)
If you use either Blackboard Learn or Canvas, there is a tool to make reporting your midterm grades easier—with a push of the button! The process is called Grade Push and it will allow you to “push” the midterm grades recorded in Blackboard or Canvas into our KSU Midterm Grade Roster, thus eliminating the time and effort spent manually entering them.

To access the Grade Push application, login to , then click Faculty and Advisors/Faculty Dashboard/Grading Resources. Canvas users will select Canvas Midterm Grade Push to submit grades. Blackboard users will select Blackboard Midterm Grade Push to submit grades.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the Grade Push applications, please direct them to support.kent.edu. Please Note: The Grade Push applications have been developed as an option to assist in streamlining the university grading process. The use of these applications is not mandatory, though it is encouraged.

Tips and Tricks:
Grades Processing Tips and FAQs may be found on the Registrar's website. Any faculty member needing personalized instruction on submitting their grades via the midterm grades roster should contact their campus Registrar's Office during normal business hours for assistance.

Troubleshooting TIP:
FlashLine is accessible from any Internet-capable computer that has the cookies function enabled. We recommend that you clean out your cookie and cache files regularly to help your computer run faster, and to potentially restore and/or improve your access to FlashLine by improving your connection to the server. Our Helpdesk is prepared to help with these issues. Please contact them at 330-672-HELP (4357) for one-on-one assistance and technical issues.