Spring semester kicks off at Edinboro University

Classes began today for the spring 2019 semester at EU. The University is excited to welcome our first-year, graduate and transfer students, and wishes all returning students, as well as our dedicated faculty and staff, a fantastic semester!

A few start-of-semester dates for students to keep in mind:

• Monday, Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No classes.
• Tuesday, Jan. 22: Last day to drop or add a class in person by 4:30 p.m. in Hamilton Hall.
• Tuesday, Jan. 22: Last day to drop or add a class by 11:59 p.m. using S.C.O.T.S.
• Friday, March 29: Last day to withdraw from a class by 11:59 p.m. using S.C.O.T.S.

View the Detailed Academic Calendar for more information.

For the latest updates, University news and information on campus events and activities, be sure to "like" Edinboro University on Facebook and follow EU on Twitter at @edinboro and Instagram at @edinborou.

Important first-day attendance, E-REG reminders

Terrence Mitchell joins Edinboro University

Terrence A. Mitchell, an experienced higher education administrator, joined Edinboro University as chief diversity and inclusion officer on Jan. 7.

In this newly created position, Mitchell is responsible for working across campus to increase employee and student diversity, implement initiatives to close achievement gaps in retention and graduation rates for underrepresented student groups, provide leadership over the university’s diversity commissions and foster an environment supporting the University’s commitment to inclusivity for all of students and employees.

Mitchell has held a number of leadership roles throughout his extensive higher education career. Most recently, he was chief diversity officer at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oneonta, where he led development of the college’s first strategic diversity and inclusion plan and helped to increase participation in the annual Student Diversity and Leadership Conference.

During Mitchell’s tenure, SUNY Oneonta was twice awarded the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award – a national honor bestowed upon institutions that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Prior to joining SUNY Oneonta, Mitchell spent 12 years at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., where he served in various roles, including director of diversity affairs, associate dean of students and assistant to the president for institutional diversity. Earlier in his career, he served as director of San Francisco State University’s Student Activities Office and as associate director of Student Support Services at the University of Oklahoma.

He earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Education at the University of Central Oklahoma. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Administration and Leadership Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where his doctoral research focuses on engagement of professionals who work in diversity-related roles in higher education.

Mitchell is also executive director and founder of CREED, a college readiness program launched in 2010 to help students achieve their higher education goals. The organization offers consultation services to students and parents in Northwest Pennsylvania and Western New York during the college selection and matriculation process.

Chacona, Sissem recognized for community outreach

Every day, our exceptionally dedicated faculty and staff demonstrate an absolute commitment to the success of Edinboro students. They excel, not only in their duties at the University, but as contributing members of the community. They are strivers, and they are difference-makers. Here are just a couple examples:

Julie Chacona, director of Development, was selected as one of 12 “Women Making History” through the Mercy Center for Women. She will be recognized at a reception later this spring for her volunteer work and commitment to women’s issues.

At the University, Chacona is the fundraising liaison for all departments within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Chacona empowers female students as the co-leader of the ATHENA Connections College Leadership Program, which was launched at Edinboro University in 2017, and she also manages all aspects of the Edinboro University Women’s Philanthropy Council, including fundraising, community outreach and student mentoring.

Amanda Brown Sissem, who joined EU as the director of Alumni Engagement on June 11, will be recognized on Saturday by Bayfront Nato, Inc. The award “recognizes a selfless individual who diligently works to improve our community without seeking the limelight for their efforts.”

Sissem has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership with expertise in organizational development, program management, fundraising, grantmaking and advocacy. She currently serves on the boards of Erie’s Blues & Jazz Festival, Emerge 2040, the Foundation for Erie’s Public Schools and Citizens for the Arts Pennsylvania. She is a past board member of VisitErie, the Erie Downtown Partnership, Erie County Signing Trust, Erie County Poet Laureate Initiative, Erie County Drug and Alcohol Task Force and the Junior League of Erie.

Do you know an employee who deserves to be recognized? Email the information to communications@edinboro.edu.

Let Edinboro help promote your event

Are you a part of an Edinboro University club or organization that is holding an event on campus or in the community? Let the Edinboro University Marketing & Communications team help you promote your event at no cost.

If your organization creates an event on Facebook, invite Edinboro University of Pennsylvania to become a co-host of the event. That way, the event will be promoted on the University's official Facebook page in front of an audience of more than 22,000 users.

If you have any questions about this process, email Christopher LaFuria or call (814) 732-1793.

You'll also want to add your event to the University events calendar via the submission form. For assistance with the events calendar or to submit your event for inclusion in the Boro Weekly, contact Kristin Brockett.

Edinboro Movie Series kicks off with 'Venom'

Edinboro seeks nominations for 2019 MLK, Laythe awards

Edinboro University is accepting nominations for an individual whose contributions to society reflect the spirit, philosophy and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Additionally, Edinboro seeks nominations for a student who strongly believes in equality and social justice – in remembrance of the late Edinboro professor Dr. Joseph Laythe.

Edinboro is once again collecting submissions for the 23rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Award and the third annual Dr. Joseph Laythe Award. Both awards will be presented during the annual awards luncheon on Feb. 28 at 11:30 a.m.

To be eligible for consideration, all nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Candidate nominations for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award (non-student) and/or the Dr. Joseph Laythe Award (current Edinboro University student) must contain a narrative description of the candidate’s achievements and contributions to society with specific examples listed. Nominations will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• How has the nominee challenged systems that were designed to deny access to basic rights and privileges?
• How has the nominee’s life and work emulated the work of Dr. King or Dr. Laythe?
• How has the nominee made a significant impact on society beyond that which may typically be associated with the person’s primary vocation/professional responsibilities?
• How has the nominee made contributions to the community through a history of service and involvement?
• In what ways has the nominee demonstrated a commitment to education?

Candidate nominations for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award (non-student) and/or the Dr. Joseph Laythe Award (current Edinboro University student) must contain a narrative description of the candidate’s achievements and contributions to society with specific examples listed. Nominations will be reviewed using the following criteria:

Free Erie Phil tickets available to Edinboro students

Edinboro University students are invited to attend an upcoming concert from the Erie Philharmonic for free with their student ID. On Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. musicians will perform a collection of classical pieces with visiting pianist Yulianna Avdeeva, a Russian musician who earned first prize at the 16th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition.

Featuring Daniel Meyer as the Erie Philharmonic conductor, the concert will take you through pieces from three prolific and legendary composers including John Adams ("Short Ride in a Fast Machine"), Ludwig van Beethoven ("Piano Concerto No. 3") and Aaron Copland ("Symphony No. 3").

Ticket vouchers must be redeemed for tickets, either in person or over the phone. To receive your complimentary ticket voucher while supplies last, contact Edinboro's Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@edinboro.edu or (814) 732-1793 or call the Erie Philharmonic at (814) 455-1375. Remember to bring your Edinboro ID to the performance.

All Erie Philharmonics performances will be held at the Warner Theatre, located at 811 State Street in Erie.

Additionally, Edinboro University students can receive a complimentary ticket voucher to any Erie Philharmonic 2018-2019 Symphonic Concert Series event with their Edinboro student ID. The next concert on the schedule is "Symphonie Fantastique" on March 9. Complimentary vouchers are not redeemable for tickets to the Pops Series or special holiday events.

Here's another great offer from the Erie Philharmonic:

Ticket sales began today for the Erie Philharmonic's presentation of "The Music of Queen," featuring Erie's Jeans 'n Classics, on May 18 at 8 p.m. Discounted tickets are available to students with an Edinboro ID.

New semester brings new name to the Bursar's Office

Edinboro University's Bursar's Office is kicking off the spring semester with a new name: Student Accounts Office. The office will continue to help students and their families meet their financial responsibilities to the University in a way that is manageable and convenient.

The Student Accounts Office, which distributes tuition bills, collects and tracks bill payments and processes tuition and financial aid refunds, is located in Hamilton Hall. For billing questions, contact the Students Accounts Office at studentaccounts@edinboro.edu.

Art Therapy Studio provides creative environment for all

Located in Butterfield Hall, Room 200, EU's Open Art Therapy Studio provides a safe and welcoming community for all students, faculty, staff and community members to express themselves creatively and find support for their social, mental and emotional needs.

Open studio days are FREE, and all art supplies are included. Request an appointment or stop by during open studio Thursdays and Fridays from 2-7 p.m.

For more information, email Dr. Penny Orr or call (814) 732-1684.

Help those in need by donating gently used items

Edinboro University has launched a friendly competition to help those in need this holiday season. The Everyone Upcycles campaign runs through Friday. Teams of up to five individuals are encouraged to collect gently used items and drop them off at either Frank G. Pogue Student Center or Ghering Health and Wellness Center. The team with the most points at the end of the competition will receive a free luncheon.

Medical Equipment and Unexpired Diabetic Supplies – 20 points
Wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and other medical equipment are distributed by Chosen International Medical Assistance at no cost.

Blankets – 5 points
The Warming Center at the Mental Health Association is open from 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. for men, women and families who are homeless or otherwise unable to have shelter through the night when temperatures are 20 degrees or below.

Eyeglasses – 5 points
The Lions Eye Bank distributes eyeglasses to individuals who cannot afford to purchase their own.

Hearing Aids – 20 points
The Lions Eye Bank distributes hearing aids to individuals who cannot afford to purchase their own.

Coats – 10 points
The Erie City Mission collects gently used, clean winter coats to warm the bodies and hearts of those in need this winter season.

Hats and Gloves – 5 points
The Erie City Mission collects gently used, clean hats and gloves to warm the bodies and hearts of those in need this winter season.

New or Gently Used Shoes – 5 points
Ramps of Hope utilizes shoes to raise funds to support outreach services for those affected by homelessness and disability.

Non-perishable Food Items – 1 point
Edinboro University’s campus food pantry collects and distributes desirable food items for college students such as granola bars, cereal, peanut butter, soup and crackers. Expired food cannot be accepted.

Cell Phones – 10 points
Cell phones are provided to local domestic violence organizations and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients by HopeLine from Verizon.

Sandwich Bag of Pull Tabs – 5 points
Pull tabs are the little aluminum tabs from all kinds of cans. They are recycled in exchange for funds to support families that stay at the Ronald McDonald House.

For more information, contact Darla Elder at (814) 732-2743.

Pipes at Pogue: On-campus bagpipe recitals

Community Music School registration open

Registrations are being accepted for Edinboro University’s Community Music School, which kicks off its season the week of Jan. 22. Private instruction in all orchestral and band instruments, as well as voice, piano, guitar and bagpipe, is available. Scholarship assistance is available to those who qualify but is limited by availability of funds.

The Community Music School at Edinboro University is dedicated to teaching children and adults of all ages how to play, read and appreciate music. Lessons are available year-round and are a great way to begin or enhance your musical expertise.

Lessons are taught at both EU’s Porreco campus in Erie and at Dr. William P. Alexander Music Center on the Edinboro campus. Please check with the Community Music School office for specific offerings on each campus.

For additional registration, donation and scholarship information, contact LeAnne Wistrom at (814) 732-1357 or lwistrom@edinboro.edu, or visit the Community Music School website.

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