Technology and the Human Spirit
Students, faculty and staff came together for a common purpose one day this spring, setting
aside the normal schedule of classes and meetings to focus on a single theme.
Called Common Dialogue Day, the March 21 event on the main campus featured lectures,
discussions and seminars, all exploring “Technology and the Human
Spirit.”
From the
Heights
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“This was an opportunity for the whole community to come together to
hear and think about the same idea,” said Mark Schersten, associate
professor of philosophy and chairperson of the humanities division. “We
know the ideal education for students isn’t many discreet units, but one
holistic unit. That’s the spirit behind Common Dialogue Day.”
The day included opening remarks from Brother Frank Rotsaert, assistant professor of English; a keynote address on “Technology and the
Future of Work” by University of Michigan philosopher Frithjof Bergmann;
break-out sessions on contemporary technology issues in music, history,
biology, mathematics, business, art, spirituality, communication, philosophy and athletics; and a closing student panel discussion. Evaluations
of the program were overwhelmingly positive, according to Academic Dean Sharon Weber,
OP, and campus leaders plan to make Common Dialogue Day an annual event.
New opportunities for degree
completion
The Community Services bachelor’s degree major, previously offered at Siena’s Lansing and Metro Detroit locations, has been added
to the offerings at our Benton Harbor site. Promotional efforts with
the Family Independence Agency have brought new students into
the Community Services
program at all sites.
Students interested in
teacher education may
soon be able to complete
part of the program at
our Monroe center. The
University is exploring a partnership with
Monroe County Community College to offer a portion of the
education curriculum at the Monroe center, with completion of the
degree on the Adrian campus.
SHU will have a presence in Port Huron this fall, as the first group
of students begins the completion program for the Bachelor of Applied Science degree. SHU at St. Clair County Community College
will start with a single cohort group of undergraduates; long-term
continuation of the partnership with St. Clair CCC will depend on
an evaluation of local need for the program.
New faculty development project
A new three-year $257,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation will
support teaching and learning at both Siena Heights University and
Adrian College. The funding supports a joint project to train three
faculty members from each campus as resident experts in instructional technology. After sharpening their skills at determining the
kinds of technological applications that will support learning objectives and outcomes in different areas, these faculty will be available
as mentors and resident advisers for their colleagues.
Mathematics to offer B.S. degree
The Board of Trustees this spring approved changes to the mathematics program including offering two separate degree options:
a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (with options for elementary
education, secondary education and pure mathematics) and a new
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics (with options in computer science, engineering and business).
All programs, regardless of degree option, will include a common
mathematics core curriculum. The B.A. options are designed for
students seeking teacher certification and those preparing to enter
gradua є