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News Archive
August 2009
(08/28/09)
MUM Hosts Campus Visit on September 15Miami University Middletown will host a Campus Visit Program focused on "Making Undergraduates Magnificent" at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15 in the Campus Community Center.
The evening will feature presentations on admission, financial aid/scholarships, information on college majors at Miami and an overview of the application process. Current Miami Middletown students will host a question and answer session and will serve as tour guides for those wishing to take a brief tour of the campus.
Anyone wishing to apply for admission for Spring 2010 may do so at this program by bringing a high school transcript, GED or current college transcript and the $35 application fee.
Campus Visit Programs for the remainder of 2009 are scheduled at 5 p.m. on Oct. 20, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8.
Check in will begin at 4:45 p.m. followed by light refreshments. All are welcome at this event and reservations are encouraged. For more information or to register, call the admission office at (513) 727-3216 or 1-86-MIAMI-MID (toll free) or email: mumadmission@muohio.edu. Miami University Middletown is located at 4200 E. University Blvd.
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(08/27/09)
Flu Prevention and Care — Update (8/27/09)Dear Miami Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents,
By now you know that flu can be spread easily from person to person. While global health officials are predicting high incidence of flu with the return of students to schools and campuses, at Miami we are taking steps to slow the spread. We need your help to accomplish this.
We are working closely across campus and with the Butler County health department to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution. In all decisions, Miami is following guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control http://www.flu.gov. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.
For now, we are doing everything we can to keep the university operating as usual. Here are a few things you can do to help:
Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective. Hand sanitizer stations have been distributed at the entrances to residence and dining halls.
Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). The flu may last up to 7 days. Don't go to class or work if you're ill. Ask a friend to bring meals to your room.
Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm .
Miami will provide vaccinations according to health department guidelines, based on availability. We strongly urge those for whom vaccines will be provided, to take them.
It is important for students who have temperatures of at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius with a cough and/or sore throat to call the Student Health Service for an appointment (529-3000) to see a clinician. Students who have flu symptoms but also have chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, or heart problems also should call for an appointment.
For those who do become ill, the CDC has specific recommendations regarding the use of anti-viral medication. These recommendations also can change, according to the biology of the virus as well as other factors. Miami will dispense anti-viral medication based on these recommendations and the clinician's assessment.
Again, the university will monitor this closely and making pertinent information available as we receive it. We strongly recommend that students and parents monitor the student health service Web site, www.muohio.edu/health. A Frequently Asked Questions document is among information you can click on for details.
If this year's flu season becomes more severe, we may take the following additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus:
Allow students, faculty, and staff at higher risk for complications to stay home. These students, faculty, and staff should make this decision in consultation with their health care provider.
Find ways to increase social distances (the space between people) in classrooms such as moving desks farther apart, leaving empty seats between students, holding outdoor classes, and using distance learning methods.
Extend the time sick students, faculty, or staff stay home or in their residence. During severe flu conditions sick people should stay home for at least 7 days, even if they feel better sooner. Those who are still sick after 7 days should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Suspend classes. This decision will be made together with local and state public health officials. The length of time classes should be suspended will depend on the goal of suspending classes as well as the severity and extent of illness.
Students who are studying abroad should follow recommendations from the university at which they are studying and should visit www.cdc.gov/travel for further health information while studying abroad.
For the most up-to-date information on flu, visit http://www.flu.gov , or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
We will notify you of any additional changes to Miami's strategy to prevent the spread of flu on our campus.
Sincerely,
Gail Walenga
Assistant Vice President, student health and wellness
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(08/26/09)
Flu Prevention and Care — Update (8/25/09)At Miami University, as elsewhere, the H1N1 infection and other flu viruses are expected to spread more quickly with groups of students reuniting at all levels of schooling. Already, the university has learned of three student cases of Type A flu, that are presumed to be H1N1. They are receiving care.
Miami's health services Web site has specific details on symptoms, care and, very importantly, preventive measures. Click on "Flu Prevention and Care."
The best way to prevent spread of disease is by common practices such as frequent hand washing, covering your cough (with an elbow or tissue - not the hand), and getting enough rest.
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(08/25/09)
Flu Prevention and Care
On Miami University's campus, as elsewhere, it is likely that with the return of students there will be an increase in influenza cases in the near future. The H1N1 infection spread (slowly) worldwide during the summer months, and it is expected to spread more quickly with groups of students reuniting at all levels of schooling.
It is important to be aware of what you can do to prevent yourself from becoming ill and what to do if you think you are sick with the flu. The following information is also valid for any type of influenza-like illness, but health officials are certain that most cases in the United States are H1N1 influenza.
Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to reduce risk are:
1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not your hands.
3. Plan to be vaccinated for seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu. Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination can be found at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination. Information about seasonal flu vaccine can be found at: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Miami Student Health Services strongly recommends that as many students as possible get vaccinated.
4. Avoid close contact with sick individuals as much as possible. Roommates are considered close contacts more than are classmates.
5. Plan to monitor your health by checking for fever and other symptoms of flu.
Also important in a university setting:
Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.
Talk with your family physician or come to the Student Health Service if you are at higher risk for complications from flu.
If You Become Ill
Most people will recover without needing medical care.
Probable symptoms: Several days of fever and respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, congestion, etc.). Other symptoms include headaches, muscle and joint aches.
If you are sick, stay home or at your place of residence for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) without the use of fever-reducing medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) or signs of a fever (chills, a very warm feeling, a flushed appearance or sweating). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
Prescription antiviral drugs may be given to treat those who become severely ill with influenza.
Take medications for symptom relief as needed for fever and pain such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), and cough medicine. These medicines do not need to be taken regularly if your symptoms improve.
Persons under 18 years of age should not take any aspirin products when they are ill, especially with flu.
Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
All campus individuals should continue to monitor the Miami Student Health Web site at: www.muohio.edu/health as well as the CDC H1N1 influenza Web sites at: http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
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(08/25/09)
Miami Middletown Golf Outing Set for Sept. 12Miami University Middletown will hold its third annual golf outing on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Weatherwax Golf Course located at 5401 Mosiman Road in Madison Township. Proceeds from the golf outing will benefit Miami University Middletown's athletics program. Tee time is 1 p.m.
The golf fee of $75 includes 18 holes of golf, golf cart and a grill out dinner.
Deadline for registration is Friday, Sept. 4. For more information or to register, call (513) 727-3317.
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(08/25/09)
Sign-up for the Miami Emergency Text Messaging SystemLast winter, extreme weather caused some class delays and closures on the regional campuses. Students, faculty and staff who signed-up for the Miami emergency text messaging system were the first to learn of the weather-related changes to their schedules—some of them even got to stay cosy in bed and catch a few zzzzzs instead of driving to campus fighting the elements all the way.
Now is the time to get connected and be ready for the unexpected; sign up for the Miami emergency text messaging system service at www.units.muohio.edu/psf/police/emergencytextmessaging. Remember, you must sign up in order to participate in this service.
Note: If you signed up last year, you may have received an email requiring you to renew your subscription.
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(08/21/09)
Blood Drive Set for Sept. 10Miami University Middletown will host a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 10 in Johnston Hall. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh 110 pounds, be in good general health and must bring a photo I.D. that includes their full name. Those who donate will be entered into a drawing to win an HP Compaq laptop computer.
For information on donor eligibility, visit www.cbccts.org, call (800) 388-4483 or email canidonate@cbccts.org.
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(08/17/09)
Entertainment Activities Scheduled for Start of Fall SemesterAgain it is time to the hit the books, but let us find the time to have a bit of fun too. Come join us for MUM-A-PALOOZA, our way of welcoming you to MUM or welcoming you back for another academic year.
Monday August 24:
"Do Nut" Miss Out on the Fun!
Enjoy a free donut and a warm welcome to MUM from your MMSG (Miami Middletown Student Government).
8:00 am - 12:00 pm (while supplies last), Hallway, Johnston Hall
Tuesday, August 25:
What's the Scoop?
Enjoy an ice cream treat and meet the Deans and a few of your professors.
12 - 1 pm, Performance Area, Campus Community Center
Wednesday, August 26:
Palooza Picnic—Anything Goes!
Come join the 'palooza' fun with airbrush T-shirts, caricatures, music, dunking booth, corn hole, food, and more!
10:30 am, airbrush T-Shirts on the Quad;
11:30 am - 2 pm, food will be served, Quad Area, Johnston Hall, $3
Thursday August 27:
Come See What's Poppin' with MMSG
Grab some popcorn, tour the MMSG Office and the Student Org bullpen and keep the cup compliments of your MMSG!
11 am - 2 pm, RM 128, Campus Community Center
For more information about MUM-A-PALOOZA please call the MMSG Office at 727-3458 or the Office of Student Affairs at 727-3233.
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(08/11/09)
Enroll for Fall Classes at Miami MiddletownThe admission office at Miami University Middletown is encouraging continuing students to register now for classes that begin on August 24, 2009.
New students planning to attend this fall semester should apply no later than August 19 to insure enough time for processing.
"We are offering more Saturday, evening and online classes to meet the needs of our students," said Stacey Adams, Director of Enrollment Services and Admission. "The new Bachelor of Integrative Studies program is also attracting lots of interest this year."
The admission, records and registration, financial aid and cashiers offices have adopted extended hours in advance of the start of fall classes. Beginning August 17, offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday. Bookstore hours will be 9:00 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Friday. The bookstore, records and registration, business services and cashiers offices will also be open from 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 22.
For more information on registering or applying to Miami Middletown, call (513) 727-3216.
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(08/11/09)
Miami Middletown Downtown to Hold Book Discussion on August 19Miami Middletown Downtown's Booking It! Non-Fiction Book Conversations group will meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19 to discuss Conquering Gotham: Building Penn Station and Its Tunnels by Jill Jonnes.
Set in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., Conquering Gotham is the history of a political and engineering battle that forever changed New York's physical and psychological geography. Learn how the Pennsylvania Railroad secretly assembled land for a terminal in the Tenderloin vice district, taking on J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, Teddy Roosevelt and Boss William Croker.
Miami Middletown Downtown is a multipurpose activity center designed to bring the campus and community together by providing flexible space for workshops, lectures, seminars, meetings, cultural events and more. For more information on any of these events or other upcoming events at Miami Middletown Downtown call (513) 727-3200.
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(08/04/09)
Welcome!  | Dr. Kelly Cowan
Dean, Miami University Middletown |
Welcome to the first edition of eNews @ MUM. We want to provide information both entertaining and educational in a format that is convenient and cost-effective. Each quarter we will update you with information on what is happening around campus, including news about our students, faculty and staff and other interesting tidbits.
This is an exciting time for Miami University's Regional Campuses. Lauren Harlow graduated in May as the first student to complete a degree from the new Bachelors of Integrative Studies (BIS) program. Our collaboration with the Greentree Academy is poised to begin providing seamless pathways for those interested in high-demand health care careers.
Miami Middletown also remains committed to the community that has supported our campus since its inception. Miami Middletown Downtown takes MUM to the heart of downtown Middletown to provide entertainment and educational opportunities. Fantastic Free Fridays, the Casper Memorial Lecture Series and our Artist and Lecture Series have allowed us to bring the community to our campus for a variety of cultural and educational events.
I hope you like eNews @ MUM. Thanks for your support of and interest in our campus. Let us know if there is a story you'd like to see us cover. We're interested in "MUM" students, family connections, faculty past and present, alumni, donors, supporters, athletes, reminiscences — anything and everything that relates to this special place called Miami University Middletown.
Kelly Cowan
Dean, Miami University Middletown
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(08/04/09)
New BIS Degree Gets Its First Grad  | | Lauren Harlow, Miami's first BIS grad, participates in graducation cermonies at Oxford. |
Miami's regional campuses at Middletown, Hamilton and the Voice of America Learning Center began offering the degree in fall 2009. Currently 229 students are working toward a BIS degree. Lauren Harlow, a 22-year-old from West Chester Township, saw the new program as a perfect fit for her situation.
"I was able to create my own program with a focus on organizational communication and understanding media and visual culture," said Harlow, After completing an internship in human resources, she hopes to work in recruitment.
The BIS builds on an associate's degree, or on the first two years of most college programs. It offers seven primary concentrations -- of five courses each -- in applied and liberal studies. Concentrations include: Applied Sociology; Contemporary American Experience; Environmental Studies; Families, Gender, and Society; Information Technology; Organizational Leadership, and Understanding Media and Visual Culture.
Program requirements include courses with intercultural perspectives and 21st Century literacies. The BIS is tied together by interactive seminars that guide students in linking different areas of study and different patterns of thinking.
Offering the BIS at Miami Hamilton and Miami Middletown is in line with a statewide initiative to provide more convenient and affordable access to higher education for all citizens of Ohio, according to Dr. Kelly Cowan, Miami Middletown campus dean.
"Ohio ranks 39th in the nation for the percentage of adults holding bachelor's degrees," said Cowan. "It's time to do all we can to change that statistic, first by removing barriers to higher education.
"Many of our students are place-bound, with jobs and families. They can't move just to be closer to classes. We think this new BIS degree will open doors for many residents of our region."
For more information on the Bachelor of Integrative Studies program, visit
www.regionals.muohio.edu/bis/.
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(08/04/09)
Thousands Attend Alumni WeekendThousands of Miami alumni descended upon the Oxford campus to celebrate Miami University's Bicentennial Alumni Weekend. Miami's regional campuses (Middletown, Hamilton and Voice of America Learning Center) joined in the celebration as well by providing a unique opportunity for Alumni Weekend attendees. Guests stopping by the Miami Regionals table not only received information about the exciting programs and opportunities at the regional locations, but they also had the opportunity to be photographed with President and Mrs. Hodge.
"This bicentennial event has been a great way for the regional campuses to come together with the Oxford campus to celebrate our mutual beginning" said Susan Armacost, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations for the Middletown Campus. "Alumni Weekend is a time for ALL Miami Alumni to celebrate their shared experiences no matter which campus they attended. It is my hope that the regional campuses will continue to be a part of this event each year."
 | | Miami alumni, both present and future stopped by the regional campus booth during Alumni Weekend. |
Link to Flikr page with more AW pictures.
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(08/04/09)
Ballard is Last Original MUM Professor  | | David L. Ballard |
David L. Ballard, senior instructor of communication at Miami University Middletown, gave a retirement lecture recently titled "The End of the Beginning."
A 1957 graduate of Middletown High School, Ballard received B.A. and M.A. degrees in speech communication and theatre from Miami University. He taught at Miami University Middletown when the campus opened in 1966 and is the last of the original faculty group to retire. He estimates that he has taught more than 10,000 students in his classes over the past 43 years at Miami Middletown. He is a former chair of the Middletown Campus Senate.
Ballard was a member and past president of the Middletown City Schools Board of Education. He is the founding director of the Campus Community Players, directing numerous plays for community and campus groups. He was named an Ambassador of Goodwill by the Middletown City Commission and received their Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Ballard's lecture can be viewed online at www.tvmiddletown.blip.tv.
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(08/04/09)
Scholars and Donors Come Together to CelebrateEach year Miami University Middletown invites student scholarship recipients and the donors who made those scholarships possible to come together for an evening of celebration. More than 100 attended this year's event.
"This is the one time each year that we can help donors experience the impact their contributions have made on an individual student," says Susan Armacost, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations. "Often when we contribute money, we don't get to hear from, much less meet, the recipient of our gifts. We want our scholarship donors to know how much their gifts mean to the students who receive them.
"The current economic times have impacted the endowed scholarships at Miami in much the same way as it has effected personal investments. The loss on endowments coupled with the increased demand for scholarship dollars for new and returning students creates a serious situation at MUM. This is a great time for us to recognize those who have created scholarships and encourage others to do likewise."
Miami University Middletown currently awards more than 150 scholarships each year. Thanks to several new scholarships that have been established in the past year, this number continues to increase. The following scholarships were established in the last year:
| Arthur B. Casper Bridge Scholarship | Est. by Arthur B. (Brandy) Casper |
| Fusako M. Gelwick Scholarship | Est. by Robert A. Gelwick Estate |
| Gates & Kathy Smith Multicultural Student Outreach Fund | Est. by Gates & Kathy Smith |
| Leo H. Munick, M.D. Scholarship in Nursing | Est. by Leo H. Munick, M.D. |
| Middletown General Student Scholarship | Est. by Miriam G. Knoll Foundation |
| Robert A. Gelwick Scholarship | Est. by Robert A. Gelwick Estate |
Scholarships remain increasingly vital to students at Miami University Middletown. Often a scholarship can mean the difference between a student being able to attend or not. For information on how you can establish a scholarship at MUM: (link to online giving page).
 | | David and Janet Sauter, founders of the David and Janet Sauter Scholarship, speak about their decision to establish a scholarship and what it has meant to them. |
To see our photo gallery from the Scholars and Donors event, visit www.mid.muohio.edu/news/albums/scholars09/index.htm.
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(08/04/09)
Urschel Credits Miami Middletown with Solid Start  | | Rick Urschul |
After graduating from Miami's School of Business in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in accounting, Rick Urschel began his career with Armco Steel, working for divisions in Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey and Uruguay. In 1994, he took over general business management for GS Technologies' operations in Italy, Australia, Canada, Mexico and the Philippines. Urschel joined Georgia-Pacific in 1998 as a general manager and was named president of the company's chemical division in 2005.
A native of Germantown, Ohio, and Valley View High School graduate, Urschel began his college career at Miami University Middletown and later earned a master's degree in organizational behavior from the University of Missouri in 1978. He credits Miami Middletown with his solid start.
"I chose Miami Middletown at the time for financial reasons," he said. "The goal was to go to college and Miami Middletown was the way to get there." Tuition at the time was an unbelievable $225 per quarter.
"I quickly found that the professors there were excellent. Don't ever think you are getting the "B-team" at Miami Middletown. Some of my accounting instructors taught at night while working, so I got a feel for the real business world as well as the classroom theory, which was excellent preparation for my first job.
"In fact, I got my first job at Armco from a connection with one of my MUM accounting instructors, who told me to give him a call when I finished at Oxford.
"I spent two years at Miami Middletown, taking enough English classes to have a double major in both English and accounting. By the time I relocated to the Oxford campus, I was very well prepared.
"You don't need to go to an Ivy League institution to get an excellent education that will give you a good start in a career and in life. All of Ohio's public universities — Miami, Ohio State, Bowling Green, Ohio University — will give you the tools to succeed. The rest is up to the individual and their own personal initiative."
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(08/04/09)
Casper Lecture Features "Green" EntrepreneurMore than 200 people came to Dave Finkelman Auditorium to hear Gary Hirshberg, President and "CE-Yo" of Stonyfield Farm, present the annual Alex and Lena Casper Memorial Lecture.
Hirshberg has been working at the forefront of movements for environmental and social transformation for 30 years. From his early days as an educator and activist to his current position, Hirshberg's positive outlook has inspired thousands of people to recognize their ability to make the world a better place.
He has overseen the growth of Stonyfield Farm from its infancy as a seven-cow organic farming school in 1983 to the world's largest organic yogurt company with $300 million in annual sales. This growth has been built with innovative marketing techniques that often combine the social, environmental and financial missions of the company.
"Gary Hirshberg was an appealing speaker on several levels," said Miami Middletown Dean Kelly Cowan. "As president of the world's largest organic yogurt company, with more than $340 million in sales, he was of interest to business and entrepreneurial types. His message of achieving success while remaining true to his environmentally friendly worldview was equally appealing. I also spoke to several people who just love his yogurt!"
The Casper Lectures were endowed by the late Isidor A. Casper, a Miami alumnus and prominent Middletown attorney, to honor the memory of his parents. Past Casper Lecturers have included Nobel laureates Linus Pauling and Oscar Arias, journalists Daniel Schorr and Robert Novak and Ambassadors Elliott Richardson and Edmund Muskie.
"As always, our thanks go to the Casper family for underwriting this wonderful event since 1973," said MUM Advancement Director Susan Armacost. "The Casper Lecture is a real feather in Middletown's cap."
 | | Brandy Casper (right) greets Gary Hirshberg at the 2009 Casper Lecture. |
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