Department of Education Monday Minutes

Here are your Monday Minutes for August 31 - September 4, 2020

From the Department Head 

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, 

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind with the start of the fall semester and continued unrest in our country. I acknowledge the continued race and social issues that have sadly become part of our daily news feed. As department head, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and employees is my number one priority. Our college diversity and inclusion plan is not just a document—we “walk the talk.” 

This weekend I read a blog post that got me thinking. We all now know that masks can feel uncomfortable, and some folks wear a different kind of mask—one that cannot be removed. The author states, “Until every student can bring all of their identities, characteristics, and struggles freely and openly to the classroom, the residence hall, the student center, and the sports field, they will put on masks to feel a bit safer.”  Let’s listen, really listen, learn, and grow. As I’ve said before, growth can be uncomfortable, but we must embrace that discomfort if we are to change our thinking and behavior. As future and current educators, this is our responsibility. 

We are so glad that you have chosen MSU for your education or career! For additional resources on how to learn more about diversity and inclusion please visit the MSU resource guide.

Take good care,

 Ann Dutton Ewbank's signature 

Dr. Ann Ewbank

Micki's Desk

Two very important Deadlines below…

Do you plan to Graduate at the end of this semester?  If so, your Graduation Application form is due September 6 th.  Please send your completed form (attached) to edgrad@montana.edu and I will get your advisor’s signature and send it on to the Grad School.  Please meet this deadline as a late Graduation Application will require a letter from the student as well as their advisor explaining the reason for a late application. This Graduate School form is used for those in their last semester of classes and students must be enrolled in at least three credits.   This form must be complete for all degree programs in the Department, including LIBRARY MEDIA CERTIFICATE and COLLEGE TEACHING CERTIFICATE students. 

ZAP LIST – If you have not CONFIRMED/PAID your MSU Bill for this semester you are on the ZAP LIST. An email has been sent to you if you are on this list.  Receiving an email means that your classes will be dropped by the Registrar if you have not CONFIRMED and PAID your tuition & fees by 4:30 pm Friday, September 4th. Don’t be ZAPPED from your classes.  The 20-21 Bill Confirmation and Fee Schedule pdf is attached for your instruction.  Please contact  studentaccounts@montana.edu for more options.  If you have a Graduate Assistantship, Tuition Waiver  or a situation out of your control, please contact me today at edgrad@montana.edu.

News and Announcements

  • The Department of Education is sponsoring a free, online Reading Clinic for children in grades 5-8 from 10/5-11/9. Please see the attached flyer and share with interested parents. 
  • This semester, the Graduate School is allowing video conferencing for comprehensive exams, Master’s and Dissertation defenses. No prior authorization is needed. Micki MacGregor can assist with public notices for online defenses. 
  • The department has a variety of technology for classroom use, such as Swivl robots and OWL cameras. Contact Becky Stanton to learn more and check out equipment. 
  • Make sure to check the MSU COVID-19 webpage frequently as university and system-wide updates are available all in one place.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

  • Congratulations to PhD candidate Dallas Dallman for her daughter Dakota’s artwork featured in First Lady Melania Trump's "Building the Movement" art exhibit at the White House in celebrating the 100thanniversary of women's suffrage! 

Professional Development & Engagement Opportunities

  • The Montana Board of Public Education meets virtually on Wednesday, September 2, 10am-12pm to vote on the adoption of K-12 content standards in Social Studies, Career & Technical Education, Computer Science, Library Media/Information Literacy, and Technology Integration. Public comment is encouraged. 
  • Deborah Rinio, Assistant Teaching Professor, invites all students and faculty to a webinar series on school librarianship. Any educator can benefit from information on these topics. Webinars are at 6pm MST on September 1, October 6, and November 10, and February 2.  The September topic is Adapting School Librarianship in a Pandemic. Registration is required. Please see the attached flyer. 
  • The MSU Renne Library and Data Science Group invites participants to five trainings this semester on the R statistical application. Registration is required. Please see the attached flyer.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources

  • The Office of Public Instruction’s Indian Education for All Unit invites educators and administrators to a free six-session webinar series facilitated by IEFA instructional coaches Wednesdays 4-5pm MST in September, October, and November. The webinars will explore the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians. OPI renewal units are provided. 
  • Don’t forget to register to vote for the upcoming general election! Election Day is a university holiday. Civic participation is the foundation of equity, diversity, and inclusion.