Digital Commons Network^™

Prism #69, February 2013, Office Of The Provost

Prism: Western Michigan University's Newsletter for Academic Affairs

No abstract provided.

Haworthnews (02/2013), Western Michigan University

Haworth College of Business News

• Leadership and Passion
• Fit tips for business professionals
• Use your office as a gym
• Breakfast series to feature WMU school of medicine dean
• Advertising and promotion students take first in national challenge
• Racquel Ankney B.B.A.’07 – Representing the Consumer
• Food marketing + supply chain + sales = Sara Simic: a Stryker intern success story
• Success and Safe Water

Western News, Jan. 24, 2013, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: New LEED certifications boost total to seven; Trustees amend Dunn's contract, increase his 2012-13 salary; Joffrey ballet master directing students; On Campus with Helen Beck.

Ncaa Convention Scholarly Colloquium, John M. Dunn

WMU President John Dunn

No abstract provided.

Western News, Jan. 10, 2013, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Gov. appoints two to Board of Trustees; East Hall to be renovated, converted to alumni center; Numerous activities scheduled for annual MLK celebration; On Campus with Cara Lieurance.

Haworthnews (01/2013), Western Michigan University

Haworth College of Business News

• WMU Entrepreneurship Forum announces series sponsor and January speaker
• Sales students continue to take high honors in national competitions
• Kalamazoo College volleyball coach and author to speak at the Keystone Breakfast Speaker Series
• College Externship Program: Inspiration for Students, Employers and Other Universities
• Following WMU’s Lead
• Making Learning Easier for Local Students

2013-14 Series Brochure - Changing Climates, University Center For The Humanities

University Center for the Humanities Events

In our 2013-14 series, “Changing Climates,” the Center for the Humanities brings together scientists and humanists to consider how our climate is changing and what we need to know and do in response. Scientific research is defining issues that concern everybody, including the warming of the globe, the toxicity of our environment, and the fundamental changes we are making to the natural world. Scientists are giving us an opportunity, even a necessity, to talk across the usual boundaries within the University and throughout the community.

2012-13 Annual Report, University Center For The Humanities

University Center for the Humanities Events

The mission of the Center is to recognize and support the humanities at Western Michigan University. As a gathering place for dialogue, the Center acts an incubator for the exchange of ideas among faculty, emeriti, alumni, undergraduate and graduate students, and people in the wider community. Through the understanding of diverse cultural, professional, political, and intellectual landscapes, we nurture engaged and vital academic life.

Prism #68, January 2013, Office Of The Provost

Prism: Western Michigan University's Newsletter for Academic Affairs

No abstract provided.

Discovery: Research Annual Report 2013, Office Of Vice President For Research

Research Annual Reports

• BRCC spells return on investment
• MDOT Collaborates with WMU
• Starting Gate puts student entrepreneurs on the fast track
• 2013 Woodrow Wilson Michigan Teaching Fellows at WMU
• Faculty receive awards
• WMU research facility assists in rediscovery of rare mineral deposit

The Perfect Pitch 2013, Wmu School Of Music

School of Music News

The Perfect Pitch 2013:

• Director's Note
• Student Centered
• Discovery Driven
• Globally Engaged
• Celebrating 100
• Alumni Activities
• Student Achievements
• Faculty Activities
• Welcome New Faculty & Staff
• Retirement
• Honor Roll
• Guest Artists

Mark Hopkins At One End Of A (B)Log And A Student At The Other: Deconstructing Curriculum And Delivery, William Charland

Academic Leadership Academy

Referring to one of the foremost educators of the day, President James Garfield expressed his concept of an ideal university as “Mark Hopkins on one end of a log and a student on the other” (Kunitz & Hatcraft, 1964, p. 384). As unrealistic as this one-to-one faculty/student ratio might be, the image supports the idea that a student learns best when approached as an individual. Such accommodation to individual students’ needs is rarely the case, today, as the demands of fiscal accountability encourage institutions to maximize class sizes, and the perceived function of higher education is recast from a social …

2013 Complete Digest, Department Of English

Gleanings: Department of English Blog Archive

No abstract provided.

The Western Michigan University Magazine, Winter 2013, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Magazine (1997-present)

• Art and Environment Student exhibition depicts climate change
• King’s Speech: WMU marks historic year Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on campus
• ‘Best for Vets’: WMU serves those who have served
• Starting Gate: Business accelerator launches student companies
• In Print: A fictional meeting, military quotations and a story of triumph
• Soy Bilingüe: As globalization grows, researcher explores attitudes on bilingualism
• Our Noisy Planet: Can animals cope with humanity’s clamor?
• University News
• College News
• Classnotes
• In Memoriam
• Expert Insights
• Alumni Profile

Fact Book 2013-14, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Fact Books

• General Information
• Enrollment Information
• Institutional Comparison
• Student Information
• Faculty Information
• Budgets and Resources

Minutes Of The Faculty Senate Councils, 2013-14, Wmu Faculty Senate

Minutes of the WMU Faculty Senate Councils

No abstract provided.

Opening PandoraʼS Stream: Piping Music Into The Information Literacy Classroom, Kathleen Langan, Dianna E. Sachs

University Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications

Although it is well known that music can affect cognitive processes, little research has been conducted examining the influence of background music on students in information literacy classrooms. In 2010, librarians at Western Michigan University investigated the effect of background music on student engagement and retention of information literacy concepts. This article examines the theory and practical applications of background music to improve a classroom atmosphere and its impact on students’ learning. Results from this qualitative and quantitative study indicate positive correlations between background music and student comfort, confidence, and retention. DOI: 10.1080/15228959.2013.785876

Friendship Village Remarks, John M. Dunn

WMU President John Dunn

No abstract provided.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Sisira Kavuri

Best Midwestern High School Writing 2013 Winners

This essay is outstanding because it informs people about greenhouse gases and how much an impact we have on the Earth. It also informs people about how humans have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

The Evolution Of Brassiere In The 20th Century, Jolene Khor

Honors Theses

It is common knowledge that a brassiere, more widely known as a bra, is an important if not a vital part of a modern woman’s wardrobe today. In the 21^st century, a brassiere is no more worn for function as it is for fashion. In order to understand the evolution of function to fashion of a brassiere, it is necessary to account for its historical journey from the beginning to where it is today. This thesis paper, titled The Evolution of Brassiere in the 20^th Century will explore the history of brassiere in the last 100 years. While …

The Roof With No Ceiling: Couch Surfing And The New Vagabond's Trek Through Nation-States, Cyberspace, And Global Consciousness, Kathryn Giroux

Honors Theses

In an era of "stranger danger" where society indoctrinates fear of "the other," hospitality exchange and social networking website www.couchsurfing.org offers an alternative movement to these trends. Couchsurfing.org connects travelers with locals offering free accommodation in exchange for meaningful connection, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to "create inspiring experiences" within a rapidly growing, transnational community encompassing over 5 million members. This thesis takes a creative journalism approach to uncovering CouchSurfing's inner workings and impacts, understanding its historical context within globalization and the growth of hospitality exchange networks, and discovering its implications for the global community and global consciousness of vagabonds …

A Beginning Education In The Anatomy And Function Of The Human Visual Apparatus For Grades 2-4, Evan Andrews

Honors Theses

The human visual apparatus is a remarkable feat of evolution that is nearly a complete mystery to many in the general population. Introducing such a challenging topic is difficult, but, if done in an enjoyable and interactive way to a young audience, the eye can become exciting instead of confusing. The primary objective of this project was to create a short lesson for elementary school students that gave an understanding of the eye's basic anatomy and functions. A fast-paced, interactive format was decided on that included units on the major eye components; color vision and how it can be affected; …

Can Public Education Be Saved? An Argument For Educational Reform, Kathrine Hyatt

Honors Theses

Education, a key to later success, needs to be the number one priority. However, the American of public education has many systemic problems that are inhibiting children from reaching their full potential. This literature review first examines the colonial roots of American education and briefly tracks the development. Then, four major systemic problems are addressed: the over reliance on standardized testing, teaching methods and curriculum, lack of creativity, and how the cycle of poverty impacts learning. Finally solutions are discussed, with the ultimate recommendation being to adapt the Montessori Method.

Prism #67, December 2012, Office Of The Provost

Prism: Western Michigan University's Newsletter for Academic Affairs

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Computer-Based Educational Technology On English As A Second Language (Esl) At University Level: Instructor Perceptions, Mohammed Mohammed

Masters Theses

This study used a quantitative descriptive survey research design to examine university-level English as a second language (ESL) instructors’ perceptions of computer-based educational technology, as well as their personal views on the value this technology adds to their instructions and teaching. The study is designed to reveal both general perceptions on how computer-based educational technology (CBET) can facilitate teaching and learning, and specific perceptions on how the technology can improve instructors’ and learners' performance in terms of meeting 21st century skills and needs. The target population of this survey research was all ESL instructors at the Center for English Language …

Power Transmission Line Fault Classification Using Support Vector Machines, Zhuokang Jia

Masters Theses

Electrical transmission lines are prone to faults and failures. When a fault occurs, it is impossible most of the times to fix it manually. Many methods have been adopted in the past in order to serve the purpose as fault diagnosing application. In this thesis, I discuss the method of Support Vector Machine (SVM) for fault diagnosis. SVM has the edge of good generalization over other fault diagnosing applications because it is based on pattern recognize algorithms. The aim is to classify the type of fault in the lines. Furthermore, in this work, the current and voltage of each phase …

Assessment Of The Discriminative Stimulus Effects And Time Courses Of Salvinorin A And Two Synthetic Salvinorin B Derivatives, Methoxylmethyl (Mom) And Ethoxymethyl (Eom), Ethers In Rats Trained To Discriminate U69,593, Lisa M. Bell

Masters Theses

Research regarding the psychopharmacology of salvinorin A, the main psychoactive ingredient in the hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum, has been motivated largely by a recent increase in its recreational use and widespread media attention focused on this plant and its extracts. In addition, there is considerable evidence that drugs acting on kappa opioid receptors (KOR) may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric conditions, including drug dependence and mood disorders. Although the neuropharmacological actions of salvinorin A are well established, only a few studies have explored the behavioral effects of this substance in comparison to the KOR agonist, …

Health And Relationship Variables Impacting Psychological And Social Well-Being Among Predominantly White Middle Class Adults 65 And Older Who Receive Assistance With Their Care From Family Members, Alyssa C. Ford

Dissertations

The majority of care to persons 65 and older in the United States is provided by family members. Previous research among older adults who receive assistance with their care from family or friends, while sparse, has identified variables that appear to impact the well-being of such persons. These variables include reciprocity, dignity, self-perceived burden, mental health status, and physical health or disability status. However, these variables have not been studied together. The purpose of this dissertation research was to examine these variables individually and collectively as they relate to well-being.

A sample of 71 adults, ages 68 to 97, who …

Personality And Religiosity: The Influence Of Normative Personality On Black Sunni Muslims' Religious Attitudes And Practices, Halim Khidher Naeem

Dissertations

There is a dearth of literature on Black Sunni Muslims in the field of psychology. More so, there is no literature specifically analyzing the influences upon Black religiosity. The literature has established that personality has significant influence upon religiosity. The literature also says that females are more religious than their male counterparts. The present study analyzed the influence of personality, gender and social class upon religiosity for Black Sunni Muslims. The following hypothesis was investigated: Personality, gender, and social class will affect religious attitudes and practices.

A canonical regression analysis using SPSS revealed that personality, gender and social class had …

Attitudes Toward Science And Stem Cell Research Based On Religious Worldview: Comparing The Views Of Theists, Naturalists, Skeptics, And Dualists Toward Science As An Institution, Method, And Application Of Knowledge, Jon Van Wieren

Dissertations

This dissertation is a study of attitudes toward science and stem cell research based on religious worldview. This study examines the relationship through General Social Survey data (2006).

Religious worldview is measured here through some of the most common measures of religiosity. This study differs from many other sociological studies of religiosity in that it includes the view of naturalism alongside other religious worldviews, including theism, dualism, and skepticism. Science is understood and measured here as multidimensional. Comparisons are made between attitudes toward science as a social institution, a research method, and as an application of knowledge - where attitudes …