Campus Currents

October 3, 2019
Artist reception: 4:30 p.m., Mazmanian Gallery
Artist’s talk: 5:30 p.m., Forum, McCarthy Center

Exhibit on display Oct. 3-25.

The Mazmanian Gallery presents a mixed-media installation inspired by Esteban del Valle’s ongoing series Worst Day Ever, which subjects a conquistador to a relentless barrage of minor, yet annoying, first world inconveniences in contemporary Brooklyn. The work explores gentrification, displacement, identity and assimilation in relationship to del Valle’s lived experience. Following the reception, del Valle will give an artist’s talk.

By Mackenzie Berube, publications intern

London, Paris, or maybe even Japan – there are numerous opportunities for Framingham State University students to study abroad.

On September 24 in the McCarthy Forum, Framingham State University (FSU) held its annual Study Abroad Fair for students interested in taking the leap to another country. Dozens of different school programs from across the world attend in order to recruit students for a possible journey of a lifetime.

Jane Decatur, Executive Director of International Education at FSU, helps coordinate the event each year. She says around 300 students attend the fair, making it quite successful. One reason Decatur encourages students to study abroad are the “soft skills” they gain from the experience.

“Trying new things, gaining problem solving skills, learning a new language are all skills employees are looking for,” said Decatur.

Her main focus for students going abroad is to be prepared for the future, gaining experience through the real world, rather than just being in the United States their entire lives.

“It can be really influential in landing your first job. If you can talk about this [study abroad experience] versus someone who hasn’t, then you show you could make a good employee,” said Decatur.

Edge Hill University (EHU) is one of the many places that come each year to the study abroad fair, encouraging students who may be nervous about going abroad, to consider them.  Jason keeling, Head of North American Study Abroad Operations for EHU, lists a few of their perks being, “a personalized program with a guaranteed dorm on campus and a flat rate including most meals.”

Christopher Gibbons, a freshman at FSU, is considering going abroad to Japan sometime this year.

“I enjoy the art and also anime” said Gibbons when asked about why he is considering Japan.

Hannah Murrin, a sophomore at FSU, went abroad to Ireland over the summer.

“It was the best experience of my life,” she recalled, discussing the Cliffs of Moore and other sites. “I went because it sounded cool and was the same price as attending here.”

October 7, 2019 at 1:30 p.m., Forum, McCarthy Center

Keisha Greaves is an alumna of Framingham State and the founder of Girls Chronically Rock. She offers inspired fashion celebrating those with chronic illnesses. Greaves, who has a form of Muscular Dystrophy (MD), states that her goal is to motivate "people who may have a chronic illness like myself or may be battling anything in their life, to let them know that they rock no matter what.”

October 10, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., Forum, McCarthy Center

Across the globe, the spoken word movement has reignited poetry as a force for artistic expression, social justice, and community-building. Join two-time National Poetry Slam champion Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre for an evening of performance, dialogue, and possibility.

Developing Culturally Responsive, Social-Emotional, and Behavioral Support Systems

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1:30 p.m., Alumni Room, McCarthy Center
Light refreshments will be served

This multi-year case study, conducted in a two-way bilingual elementary school, illustrates an interdisciplinary system of social and emotional learning(SEL), culturally responsive practice (CRP) and positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). Come learn about the collaborative work of teachers, administrators, psychologists, counselors, and social workers as they explore alternative ways to support their students at school. 

October 9, 2019, 1:30 p.m., Alumni Room, McCarthy Center

How to Change the World: World Teachers’ Day with Dr. Angela M. Salas

Dr. Angela Salas was hired as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Framingham State University in June 2019. Prior to that, she was the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Indiana University Southeast, as well as Director of the Honors Program and Professor of English.

Dr. Salas was elected Faculty Senate President at two colleges and was a recipient of the Indiana University Southeast’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2012. Over time, Dr. Salas has grown to understand the many factors influencing student attainment, and has experience serving on academic status review committees, academic policies committees, and enrollment management and scholarship teams.

In addition to her faculty and administrative leadership roles, Dr. Salas has conducted various scholarship projects over the years. She is the author of Flashback Through the Heart: the Poetry of Yusef Komunyakaa, the only book-length study of the works of Pulitzer Prize-winner poet Yusef Komunyakaa. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Ursinus College, an MEd in English from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and a PhD in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

This event is sponsored by the Education Club.

October 11, 2019 at 5 p.m. Forum, McCarthy Center

Join FSU and BayPath Elder Services on National Coming Out Day for our 3rd annual intergenerational banquet celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising! Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner along with presentations reflecting upon that pivotal night in 1969 and all the progress made since then! Complimentary tickets available at: www.tinyurl.com/PAGtix

Hosted by President Cevallos, Dr. Constanza Cabello, and Dr. Angela Salas:

Friday, Oct. 11, 12:30 p.m., Center for Inclusive Excellence
Friday, Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m., Center for Inclusive Excellence
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 12:30 p.m., Center for Inclusive Excellence

Join members of the Executive Team to share your thoughts, feedback, and insights on topics related to diversity and inclusion on campus. These brown bags are meant to be informal, open, and with no set agenda. No RSVP required.

We believe in creating a living, learning, and working environment that speaks to our University Mission: “that diversity in its many forms is essential to the educational experience.” As such, we capitalize on the collective knowledge of our community to offer opportunities for employees to learn and grow together. Please see our menu of workshops below. FSU employees are encouraged to attend these workshops. Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/o1SBrAGmaDmb3zZbA

Supporting Students Series

Out on Campus: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
Description: This session will begin with understanding the language, terms, and acronyms pertaining to the LGBTQ+ communities. We will explore LGBTQ+ culture, issues, and experiences, particularly as they impact students on campus, and provide tools and resources to help you grow as an advocate for LGBTQ+ students.
Facilitator: Kimberly R. Dexter, Director of Equal Opportunity, Title IX, and ADA Compliance
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, October 3rd, 1-2pm. Location: Moynihan Room.

The Language of Inclusion: Working with First-Generation Students
Description: With more than 50 percent of our students first in their family to attend college, the knowledge of how college works is not as known as it is for students whose parents earned bachelor’s degrees. Sense of belonging for these students is often at risk. Understanding how to communicate with our first-generation students is key to creating a welcoming campus for all. This session will explore college knowledge and language choices staff may use to help students navigate this new world of higher education.
Facilitator: LaDonna Bridges, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Academic Success/ Director, Center for Academic Success and Achievement
Date, Time, Location: Monday, November 4th, 10-11am. Location: Moynihan Room.

Supporting our Students with Food, Financial & Housing Insecurities
Description: With a growing number of college students across the country experiencing food, financial, and housing insecurities, students’ abilities to complete their programs and thrive academically is increasingly at risk. The effects of food, financial, and housing insecurity can hamper academic progress and have long-lasting psychological effects. Understanding how to recognize the signs of students experiencing these challenges is key to early intervention and ultimately student success. This session will explore methods for communicating with students and referring them to the Dean of Students Office for assistance. It is also intended to make you aware of the available resources on campus and in the community.
Facilitator: Kay Kastner, Student Support Initiatives Coordinator, Dean of Students Office
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, November 21st, 2-3pm. Location: Moynihan Room.

Awareness & Skill Building Series

To be or not to be: Implicit Bias and You
Description: This session will explore ways in which implicit bias is explicit in our everyday interactions. We will define implicit bias, discuss why it matters, and ways to create a different narrative.
Facilitator: Patty Birch, Director of Inclusive Excellence Initiatives
Date, Time, Location: Monday, October 21st, 11am-12pm. Location: Moynihan Room.

Keeping it Real: Engaging in Dialogue About Race
Description: Talking about race can be difficult. However, in order to work towards racial justice and liberation, we must engage in dialogue that centers race and racism. During this introductory session participant will reflect on feelings, thoughts, and fears regarding race dialogue. As a group, we will explore helpful and harmful behaviors when engaging in race dialogue. Tools, strategies, and language will be shared so that participants can thoughtfully and authentically engage in discussion and action. Come prepared to share with your colleagues.
Facilitator: Constanza Cabello, VP of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, November 7th, 9-10am. Location: Center for Inclusive Excellence (O’Connor Hall)

FSU Cooks is back in the kitchen for the Fall 2019 semester!

The first event is scheduled for October 5th in Boston. FSU Cooks is on the road and ready to volunteer and visit Community Servings and Boston Public Market! Join us to learn about Community Servings an amazing organization that prepares and delivers made-from-scratch meals that are tailored to meet specialized diets. During our visit, we will pull up our sleeves, wash our hands, and get to work helping to prepare some meals. We will also have the chance to sit down and enjoy a meal. Then it's off to the Boston Public Market for a tour of this indoor, year-round market. Be sure to bring your reusable bags so you can purchase and take home some goodies.

Space is limited for this event and sign up is required. You may signup for both the Community Servings and the Boston Public Market but each visit must be signed up for individually. Also, please note that we will be working in a kitchen and tank tops or open-toed shoes are not permitted.

Where & When: We will meet at Community Servings at 9:00 am. We will meet at Boston Public Market at 1:30 pm. It may be possible to carpool.

Sign Up: Click on Community Servings and or Boston Public Market to sign up. Remember if you would like to go to both sites you must register for each visit.

Cost: Free but donations to Community Servings are encouraged

If you have questions about this FSU Cooks on the Road event reach out to Megan Lehnerd (mlehnerd@framingham.edu) or Cathy Wickham (cwickham@framingham.edu).

MORE EVENTS:

Friday, October 18th – Fill the Nooks and Crannies: English Muffin Toasting Bread and Quick Apple Butter!

Friday, December 6th - Roll up some Cinnamon Goodness: Lower Fat Cinnamon Rolls!

October 15, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. Heineman Ecumenical Center

Dr. Joseph Adelman (History) will discuss his new book, Revolutionary Networks: The Business and Politics of Printing the News, 1763-1789, and Dr. David Blair (English) will read selections from Walk Around: Essays on Poetry & Place.

Wednesday, October 16, 7 p.m.
McCarthy Center Forum
Register Here

The Space Age made clear the consequences of living in an interdependent world and gave us new perspectives on planet Earth. One was to address the legacy of colonialism as decolonization. The other was the role of human activity in changing the physical system of the Earth, altering our climate.

Dr. Martin Collins from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum invites us to examine how we might make choices as individuals, communities, and nations to resolve the issues before us.

This event is part of the Moon Landing in Context Series.

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Alumni House, 42 Adams Road
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-and-conversations-tickets-73027851269

The Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA) will be hosting a series of Coffee and Conversations.

The Coffee and Conversations monthly Tuesday morning series will create a forum for fellowship among FSU alumni, showcasing the accomplishments of one FSU alumni who will provide an overview of their work since graduating.

This series will commence on October 15th, when Dr. Anita Danker will join us to discuss Framingham and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage Movement. Come join us to engage in this timely discussion as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

Coffee/tea and pastries will be provided.

Thursday, October 17, 2019 - Alumni Room, 5-7pm

Be Like Water (就像水一样): Inside Stories from Fulbright Scholars in China

Shin Freedman, a Fulbright Scholar to China, examines how she balanced her teaching responsibilities with students, time with fellow Chinese colleagues, and cultural expectations in daily life in China. She analyzes and reflects her expectations against her actual experiences to offer insights for scholars, higher education administrators and students of study abroad programming. Her 2019 book, Narrative Inquiries from Fulbright Lecturers in China: Cross-Cultural Connections to Higher Education, is a road map for negotiating China's higher education network and cross-cultural education environment.

Save the Date: Professional Development Days

Pre-Event BAKE-OFF, Wednesday, January 8, 2020 , 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Two Full days: Thursday, January 9 and Friday, January 10, 2020.

Wednesday Employer Showcase Series, McCarthy Campus Center Lobby, 9:00AM – 5:45PM:
Employers showcase their organization every Wednesday in the McCarthy Center lobby by the
Welcome Desk. Their goal is to network with FSU students and recruit students for full time or internship opportunities. Stop by their table in order to learn about new internships and job opportunities!

Oct 2
9am-12 pm: LYTX, Inc. & Social Services Network
12pm-3pm: eXp Realty & College Nannies + Sitters +Tutors
3pm - 6pm: Securitas & Nordstrom

Oct 9
9am-12pm: Kennedy-Donovan Center & Sierra Trading Co.
12pm-3pm: Staples & Mini Miracles Child Care
3pm-6pm: Wayside Youth and Family Support

Oct 16
9am-12pm: Essex County Sheriff’s Dept. & Centria Autism Services
12pm-3pm: EverQuote & Social Security Administration

Oct 23
9am – 12 pm: LYTX, Inc.
12pm-3pm: AAFCPA’s & The Moore Agencies

Oct 30
12pm-3pm: First Help Financial

Nov 6
Noon-3 pm: City Year

Nov 13
12pm-3pm: Leap School

Dec 4
12pm-3pm: The Learning Center For The Deaf

Majors Going Mobile, Every Tuesday, through December 10, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., MC Lobby
The Career Services office showcases different majors and minors every Tuesday in the McCarthy Center lobby by the Welcome Desk. The goal is to be available to FSU students who may have questions about their major and/or would like to have more information about which careers and internships might be available to them in their major. Stop by the table in order to learn about the many majors and minors available at FSU.

The Washington Center Internships Info Table, Tuesday, October 1, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., MC Lobby

The Washington Center Internships info Session, Tuesday, October 1, 4:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m., MC 1839 Room

How To Find An Internship Workshop, Wednesday, October 2, 1:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m., FH 102
This is an interactive workshop. Students will gain insight into the process of internship search strategies including: self-inventory, preparation process: resume reviews, professional attire, mock interviewing, professional references, the search process, Handshake, CSER events, networking, and how to apply.

Staples On Campus Interviews– Product Specialist position, Tuesday, October 8, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m., FH 102
Visit HANDSHAKE for job description and to schedule your 30 minute interview: https://framingham.joinhandshake.com/jobs/2958056

TJX Corporation Career Day and Tour, Friday, 10/18, 12:30 p.m.—3:00 p.m. ,TJX Corporate Headquarters- Pre-registration required—Call CSER at 508-626-46245

CHOICE Internship Info Table, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 12 p.m.—2:00 p.m., MC Lobby
IGNITE Professionalism Program, Monday, October 21, 7:30 p.m., MC Alumni Room
This is an interactive workshop where students will gain insight into soft skills that employers say are important for emerging professionals. This program is sponsored by the IGNITE Club, and is open to all majors and all classes. ( IGNITE is a chapter of college students who are ready and eager to support the next generation of female political leaders. IGNITE'S goal is to increase the political ambition, civic engagement and leadership skills of its members in order to build the next generation of women leaders).

The 14th Annual Major/Minor Fair, October 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., MC Forum
Having difficulty choosing a major or a minor? Learn more about which careers would correlate to your choice. Visit academic tables, Career Services, and International
Education (Study Abroad). Ask questions about classes and skills needed for the major/minor you are considering, and how graduate school and internships play a role.

IGNITE Professionalism Program, Thursday, October 24, 1:30 p.m., CIE
This is an interactive workshop where students will gain insight into soft skills that employers say are important for emerging professionals. This program is sponsored by the IGNITE Club, and is open to all majors and all classes. (IGNITE is a chapter of college students who are ready and eager to support the next generation of female political leaders. IGNITE'S goal is to increase the political ambition, civic engagement and leadership skills of its members in order to build the next generation of women leaders).

Careers, Technology and You, Friday, October 25, 9:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m. , DPAC
Panel of industry professionals share what is happening in their fields.

Avidia Bank Polished Professionals Workshop with MindsetGo, Tuesday, November 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., MC Forum
Participants will enhance their abilities to grow their professional network, acquire more business opportunities via referrals, and build their personal brand. During this workshop, attendees will get the tools to develop a personal elevator pitch. Please pre-register via HANDSHAKE.

Avidia Bank Site Visit and Career Day, 12:30 p.m. –2:30 p.m., Framingham Branch
All majors welcome. Pre-registration required. Transportation to Avidia Bank available. Call the CSER office at 508-626-4625 for details and to register.

Networking and Suitable Solutions Mocktail Mixer Graduation, December 5, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., MC Forum
Network with employer partners while learning about proper networking techniques and etiquette while enjoying food and “mock” tails!
Pre-registration is required. Register on HANDSHAKE. Contact the CSER office for more information at 508-626-4625.

On-Campus Interviews Week, December 9 – December 13, Foster 102, Employers and Times To Be Determined
Contact CSER at 508-626-4625 for more information.

-Professor Patricia Horvath’s essay, “Diligence,” has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Published in the Spring 2019 issue of F(r)iction, “Diligence" is from a series of linked essays on the seven deadly sins/seven cardinal virtues as they relate to issues of cancer and caretaking.