ChatGPT and AI talks continue among faculty and students
From 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 in Gannett 316, the Center for Faculty Excellence will host its second session of small group discussions on artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT. The first session was from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feb. 21 in Gannett 316. The small group discussions will focus on AI tools as part of learning and teaching methods. Although the discussions are targeted at faculty, the session is open to anybody in the campus community who is interested in joining. RSVPs on IC Engage are not required, but it is encouraged for participants to RSVP. People who cannot make the session in person can join online in Microsoft Teams’s IC Teach Team. Participants will guide the discussion, as there is no set agenda. For questions or to request accommodations contact cfe@ithaca.edu or 607-274-3647.
Professor publishes African art article on Namibian genocide
Paul Wilson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Art, Art History and Architecture, published an article about genocide in Namibia in the early 20th century. The article, titled “Remembering the Herero-Nama Genocide in Namibia,” was published in the journal African Arts, which studies African art history. The article focuses on the genocide of the Herero people and the Nama people by German colonizers from 1904 to 1908, as examined through the lens of the Namibian art during that time period. It also focuses on the impact of the art of that time period on the politics and history that gets remembered today. Wilson completed a Fulbright Fellowship in 2018 at the University of Namibia, and based the research for this article on research done during that fellowship.
Sigma Xi honor society open for student and faculty nominations
Faculty members can now nominate students or other faculty members to be inducted into Sigma Xi, a national honor society for science research. Nominations are due March 6. Members are elected based on their research in the fields of science and engineering, and nominations must come from faculty members. Faculty members can nominate students who have exemplified research either by publishing their research or presenting it. Students must also demonstrate a desire to continue in the field of scientific research in addition to a high GPA. Faculty members who are nominated by other faculty should have examples of research. For more guidelines, visit the Sigma Xi website at sigmaxi.org. There are two forms to fill out if nominating someone: a local form and a national form. The local Sigma Xi committee will review the local form and forward the national form to the national organization. Faculty nominators do not need to be members of the organization themselves. Forms need to be submitted to asmith@ithaca.edu.
IC library installs Bloomberg terminal for finance information
A Bloomberg terminal was installed on the Ithaca College library’s second floor. All students, faculty and staff can use the financial services tool. Bloomberg terminals provide updates on market reports, economic industry changes, finance industry news and more. For more information on the function of a Bloomberg terminal, visit bloomberg.com. Instructions on how to use the terminal are also available on the library’s finance subject guide website. This project at the college was started and maintained by Mejda Bahlous-Boldi, associate professor in the Department of Finance and International Business and director of the Investment Program; Matthew Fox, trading room manager; Jim Bondra, business reference librarian; Ben Hogben, library access services manager; and Chris Ivy, applications administrator in Information Technology.
College Board of Trustees award 15 faculty tenure promotions
The Ithaca College Board of Trustees announced 15 faculty promotions to tenure at its February meetings. The faculty members were promoted from assistant to associate professor. The promoted faculty are: Kari Smoker, associate professor in the Department of Accounting and Business Law; John Vongas, associate professor in the Department of Management; Lauren Steele and Maria Mejia Yepes, associate professors in the Department of Media Arts, Sciences and Studies; Jen Huemmer, associate professor in the Department of Strategic Communication; Shannon Scott, associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy; David Hajjar and Carly Jo Hosbach-Cannon, associate professors in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; Patricia Capaldi, associate professor in the Department of Art; Andrew Torelli, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry; Daniel Visscher, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics; Raul Palma, associate professor in the Department of Writing; Mat Fournier, associate professor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Sean Linfors, associate professor in the Department of Music Education; and Kyle Armbrust, associate professor in the Department of Performance Studies.
Positions available on Student Activities Board executive board
There are new e-board and committee positions available on the Student Activities Board. SAB is a student organization that is responsible for organizing Ithaca College’s events and programs. There are many different positions open that have different skill requirements, including treasurer, communications executive and events co-chair. Students who are interested in applying can apply on IC Engage, using the form on SAB’s page. After submitting the form, applicants will receive more information and instructions via email. The application window closes March 1. Decisions will be sent March 3. For questions, contact SAB President junior Annalese Winegard at awinegard@ithaca.edu.
Exploratory Program to host Destress Fest before midterms
From 7 to 9 p.m. March 1 in the Exploratory Lounge, the Ithaca College Exploratory Program will host a Destress Fest for some relaxation before midterms. The Exploratory Lounge is located on the second floor of Muller Faculty Center. Snacks and coloring pages will be provided at the event. For those requiring accommodations, contact Ellen Chapman at exploratory@ithaca.edu or 716-342-4632. All applications due for Peggy Ryan Williams leadership award Peggy Ryan Williams Award for Academic and Community Leadership applications are due Feb. 23. Juniors and seniors can view more information about the award and apply on the Office of Student Engagement’s website. For questions, contact the Office of Student Engagement at ose@ithaca.edu.
