Week 6 Vaccination Winners
Week six winners of the Kent State University employee vaccination drawing have been announced. Congratulations to the lucky winners!
| Gregory A. Smith | $100 | Associate Professor |
| Shannon L. Helfinstine | $100 | Assoc Dir, Assessment |
| Lisa R. O'Connell | $100 | Univ Events & Ceremonies Dir |
| Carol A. Dutton | $100 | Group Exercise Instructor-INR |
| Kara L. Robinson | $100 | Assoc Dean, Univ Libraries |
| Christina R. Tartabini | $100 | Faculty Part-Time Semester |
| Mary S. Himmelstein | $100 | Assistant Professor |
| Sujeewani K. Ekanayake | $100 | Associate Professor |
| Donald A. Boland | $100 | Accounting Specialist |
| Jason S. Raymer | $100 | Faculty Part-Time -Semester |
| Emilie L. Fetheroff | $100 | Sr Research Spec, DPAE |
| Ruben Luevano | $100 | AV Support Specialist |
| Shelly Casto | $100 | Proj Mgmt Analyst, IS |
| Katherine J. Durrell | $100 | Tutor-INR |
| Carrie L. Berta | $100 | Asst Dir, Clinical Services |
| E R. Smith | $100 | Faculty Part-Time -Semester |
| Danielle Baker-Rose | $100 | Disabilities Specialist - NE |
| Elizabeth Kenyon | $100 | Associate Professor |
| Tsung-Heng Tsai | $100 | Assistant Professor |
| Christopher Cunningham | $100 | Faculty Part-Time |
| Karen I. MacDonald | $250 | Associate Professor |
| Bradley J. Halverson | $250 | Asst Dir, Staffing & Training |
| Blaine M. Vesely | $250 | Piano Technician |
| Charles K. Kingzett | $250 | Public Safety Manager, CPM |
| Feng-Ru Sheu | $250 | Associate Professor |
| Nicole M. Losi | $250 | Dir, Digital Content |
| Jeanne B. Tan | $250 | Project Director-NE |
| Henry Shepard | $250 | Delivery Worker |
| Robert D. Sturr | $500 | Asst Dean, RC |
| Kortney A. Cole | $500 | Faculty Part-Time -Semester |
| Heather J. Ribelin | $500 | X Ray Technologist |
| Daniel C. Morsillo | $500 | HVAC Supervisor |
| Holly A. Talbott | $1,000 | Electronic Resources Librarian |
| Viveka Jenks | $1,000 | Ed Innov & Lrning Des Mgr, CPM |
The clock is ticking but there is still plenty of time to get vaccinated and win big bucks! Visit the COVID-19 Requirements and Guidelines to register your vaccine information and be eligible for upcoming drawings. Good luck!
Susan J. Stocker to Receive Frances Payne Bolton Distinguished Alumni Award
Ashtabula Dean ReceiveS Highest Alumni Honor from Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing
Kent State University at Ashtabula Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Susan J. Stocker, Ph.D., has been named the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award winner at Case Western Reserve University’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Stocker will receive the award at the school’s annual alumni celebration Friday, Oct. 22.
“Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing will be remembered as one of the highlights of my career,” said Stocker, who graduated from the school with a Master of Science in Nursing in 1992. “Although I have not been working directly in nursing for several years now, my passion will always be for the profession of nursing.
“While attending Frances Payne Bolton, I made many professional connections and I continue to network with other Nursing leaders who are also associated with the school.”
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated continuous, outstanding, creative and exemplary contributions to the disciplines of nursing and health care or have made noteworthy contributions in related fields throughout their careers.
It is the highest honor given to graduates of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.
“As an alum, Susan demonstrates the mission of Frances Payne Bolton,” said Rebecca M. Patton, DNP, RN, CNOR, FAAN, Lucy Jo Atkinson perioperative nursing professor at the school. “As an empowered nurse leader, she makes a difference in the health of individuals and communities. While others qualify for this honor, Susan’s lifelong commitment and accomplishment stand out about her passion, character and leadership. If anyone is deserving of this recognition, it is certainly her.”
In addition to her role on the Kent State Asthabula Campus, Stocker has been a leader in local, regional, state and national nursing efforts and provided service to many healthcare associated organizations. The senior dean in the Kent State system, she also serves as the chair of the Ohio Nurses Foundation Board of Directors and has a past tenure as president of the Ohio Nurses Association.
During her time as ONA president, Stocker oversaw the organization’s efforts to secure passage of several legislative initiatives to improve the work environment for nurses and the establishment of the Ohio Nurses Foundation.
“Amid the changes and challenges in healthcare and education the next generation of nurses, Susan has been a steady and strategic leader, guiding others to look beyond the obvious,” noted Patton. “Two things about her career are certain. First, her passion for nursing has remained consistent and obvious throughout her career and her leadership and service are at the core of all she does.”
Stocker has been the recipient of numerous honors recognizing her leadership. She was awarded the ONA Gingy Harshey Meade Leadership Award in 2019; the Excellence in Leadership Award from Leadership Ashtabula County in 2018; the President’s Award from Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County – an organization for which she was the first woman to serve as president; and, in 2016, was the first honoree of the Kent State Ashtabula Associate Degree in Nursing program Distinguished Alumni Award. She is also a past recipient of the Kent State Ashtabula Roger T. Beitler Distinguished Former Student Award and was the first member of the Ashtabula faculty to win the prestigious Kent State Distinguished Teaching Award.
The first nurse to sit on the board of Ashtabula County Medical Center, Stocker served as chair of that board and is a longtime member of the American Heart Association® Ashtabula County Heart Walk leadership team.
Stocker earned her associate degree in nursing from Kent State Ashtabula in 1984 and joined the campus faculty in 1990 as an instructor, eventually rising to the rank of associate professor. She served as the director of nursing at Kent State Ashtabula from 1999 to 2001 before being appointed dean in 2001. After earning her MSN in psychiatric and mental health from Frances Payne Bolton, she went on to complete her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Kent State in 2007.
During several years in the late 1990s, she was a clinical instructor for Frances Payne Bolton, serving as a preceptor for MSN students, several of whom were graduates from Kent State Ashtabula.
“Along the way, Susan has stayed true to her FPB roots. In some cases, guiding or mentoring students that continued their education at FPB,” said Patton.
“I am so proud that many of our Associate Degree in Nursing graduates have, like I did, go on to earn an advanced degree at Frances Payne Bolton,” Stocker said. Pam Hetrick, is the assistant director of Nurse Midwifery for University Hospitals; Erin Long is director of Advanced Practice Nursing for UH; Loretta Jacob, is an adult nurse practitioner; and current Kent State Ashtabula faculty member Stacy Rose.”
Stocker has also been called upon to serve in leadership roles at Kent State including interim dean of the College of Nursing (2013-2014); interim dean of the Geauga Campus (2016-2018); and two stints as the interim dean of the Regional College, now named the College of Applied and Technical Studies (2015-2016, 2019-2021).
Portage County United Way Campaign Commences
The traditional season of giving is fast approaching, but a valuable partnership between Kent State and the United Way is already underway. There is no denying that the past 20 months have been unlike anything we have seen before, with COVID-19 and the Delta variant posing unprecedented threats to people everywhere.
Closer to home, spikes for services in our community have reached a breaking point, and the needs for food, shelter, individual and family services have increased 10-fold.
As the largest employer in Portage County, Kent State is asking everyone to reflect on the community's needs and where we spend most of our waking hours. The United Way of Portage County funds a remarkable 42 programs, contributing positively to continue to make our community strong, resilient, and full of resources for those in need.
Education is just one of three pillars that are truly essential to us at Kent State, in addition to health and financial stability. Community partners include:
- One-on-One Mentoring at F&CS Big Brothers, Big Sisters One
- Youth Program at F&CS King Kennedy Community Center
- Youth Program at F&CS Skeels Mathews Community Center
- Junior Achievement at Inspiring Portage County
In addition, the United Way has their own educational programming that includes Literary Kits, Reading Role Model, Big Red Bookshelf, Born Learning Train, school supply drives, as well as grants for school programming, Girls on the Run, and playgrounds.
When you donate to United Way, you enable the incredible programming to continue, as well as providing local folks access to essentials, education, financial stability, and health care.
The United Way of Portage County, with its staff of 5, can do its work only by the hundreds of volunteers.
Kent State employees and students are critical to the success of the programs of the United Way and of the community partners they fund. Hundreds of hours go into the production of the videos from Teleproductions, the creation of Literacy kits for close to 1400 children last year alone, our interns, board and committee members, volunteers, and Days of Service. For more information on these initiatives, visit the United Way of Portage County website for more details. View the United Way videos to understand the impact of United Way funding.
Please, take a few moments to view a message from your co-worker, Jessica Vargo. Then, commit to making a difference. If you are renewing your pledge, thank you so much. But, if you have never given before, start with as simple as $2 per pay.
To pledge online:
- Log into FlashLine
- Select University Resources
- Select Giving Back
- Select United Way
- Follow the prompts
Or download and complete a United Way pledge form and return it to your department's campaign lead.
Your generosity makes a significant difference to those in need, and by doing so, you are also strengthening the community in the process.
To learn more about the partnership between Kent State and United Way, and for detailed instructions and a paper pledge, visit www.kent.edu/unitedway.
Thank you for caring!
Kent State University Opens Nominations for First Generation Awards
Each November, during Kent State University’s I AM FIRST celebration, members of the Kent State University community will be recognized and receive an I AM FIRST award. Awards categories include First Gen Alumni (Undergraduate & Graduate), First Gen Advocates (Faculty & Staff), and First Gen Students (Undergraduate & Graduate). Learn more.
Next Mindful Mondays Session is November 1
Join one of the most skillful and down to earth mindfulness coaches, Daron Larson, for Mindful Monday on November 1 to learn doable, challenging, and liberating ways to practice mindfulness. Daron helps people develop attentional skills that lead to feeling more at home in the messiness of real life -- to savor pleasant moments more and fight less with the unpleasant ones.
The Nov. 1 session will take place from 8:30 - 9 a.m. and is open to all full- and part-time employees. Register here.
Visit the Mindful Mondays page to learn more and access related resources, including Daron's FAQs with tips for practicing on your own between sessions.
Interested in one-on-one mindfulness coaching? Call the Impact Solutions Employee Assistance and Work/Life Program at 800-227-6007 to schedule a mindfulness coaching session. You can request Daron as your coach!
For questions related to health and wellness offerings for Kent State University faculty and staff, please contact the Employee Wellness office at 330-672-0392 or wellness@kent.edu.
In-Person Health Coaching at the Kent Campus, November 2
Are you striving for better health but not sure where to start? Perhaps you have a specific health goal but seek expertise and accountability. If either of these statements resonate with you, you may consider scheduling a health coaching session with Be Well Solutions. You get to choose the topic you want to discuss, and during an individualized session, your certified health coach will support you in setting short-term and long-term goals.
Onsite health coaching is available monthly at the Kent campus in addition to unlimited virtual/telephonic health coaching available year-round. The next available onsite health coaching date is Tuesday, November 2.
To schedule your coaching session:
- Login to your personal Be Well portal
- Click on "Worksite Health Coaching" under "My Appointments"
- Select a time that fits your schedule and follow the prompts to register
Be Well coaching is available to full-time employees only. All Kent State employees, as well as household members, dependents and parents and parents-in-law, can receive nutrition counseling through Impact Solutions. To schedule an appointment, call Impact at 800-227-6007.
For questions related to health and wellness offerings for Kent State University faculty and staff, please contact the Employee Wellness office at 330-672-0392 or wellness@kent.edu.
Important Information about Final Grading of Fall 2021 Second 5 Weeks Classes
Online final grading for Fall 2021 Second 5 Weeks (POT F2) begins Monday, November 1, via FlashFAST. Grading is also now available for any Fall 2021 course section that was flexibly scheduled. The deadline for grading submission is midnight on Sunday, November 7. Any final grades for Fall 2021 courses not reported in FlashFAST by the grades processing deadline will have to be submitted using the Grade Change Workflow. These Fall 2021 courses will be available in the Workflow on Tuesday, November 9.
To access Final Grades via FlashFAST, log into FlashLine and click on the Faculty & Advisors Category / Faculty Dashboard / Grading Resources Section.
Blackboard Grading Process:
The Grade Push application has been developed as an option to assist in streamlining the university grading process. The use of this application is not mandatory, though it is encouraged. Grade Push will allow you to “push” the final grades recorded in Blackboard into our KSU Final Grade Roster, thus eliminating the time and effort spent manually entering them.
To access Grade Push, log into FlashLine and click on the Faculty & Advisors/Faculty Dashboard/Grading Resources. If you have questions or concerns, please go to support.kent.edu and search “Grade Push.”
Incomplete Mark Workflow:
The instructor must create and submit an Incomplete Mark contract via the workflow. Instructors can no longer select the incomplete mark (IB+, IC+, IC-, etc.) from the final grade roster in FlashFAST (Self-Service Banner). The primary instructor must initiate and submit the contract using this new workflow process, which mimics the old paper process. Once the contract has been accepted by the student and approved by the department chair/campus dean, the student’s grade will be updated automatically. The primary instructor will be able to initiate and submit the contract for a student after the deadline to withdraw (10th week of a regularly scheduled section in fall and spring, or prorated for flexibly scheduled sections) through the end of final grading.
Access the Incomplete Mark workflow in FlashLine from the Faculty Dashboard under Grading Resources or Faculty Workflows.
NF/SF Administrative Marks:
The administrative mark NF (Never Attended–Fail) denotes that the student neither attended one class session nor formally withdrew from the course. If a student has never attended your course, mark the student as “Not Started” on the Academic Presence Verification Roster, and the NF will automatically populate to your Final Grades roster.
The administrative mark SF (Stopped Attending–Fail) denotes that the student stopped attending the course and did not formally withdraw and must be accompanied by a date of last attendance in the course. If a student has stopped attending your course the SF can be entered on the Final Grade Roster along with the student’s last date of attendance.
For complete information on university grading policies including Incomplete Mark and NF/SF grading policies, procedures and timelines, please visit the Grading Policies and Procedures section in the University Catalog.
Grades Processing Tips and FAQs may be found on the Registrar's website. Any faculty member needing personalized instruction on submitting their grades via FlashFAST should contact their campus Registrar's Office during normal business hours for assistance.
Troubleshooting Tip:
FlashFAST is accessible from any Internet-capable computer that has the cookies function enabled. We recommend that you clean out your cookie and cache files regularly to help your computer run faster, and to potentially restore and/or improve your access to FlashFAST and/or FlashLine by improving your connection to the server. Our Helpdesk is prepared to help with these issues. Please contact them at 330-672-HELP (4357) for one-on-one assistance and technical issues.