Events and Announcements

SCAA Launches Art Start For Preschoolers This Fall

Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy (SCAA) will launch Art Start this fall for children ages 3 1/2 to 6 years. The 32-week program features a flexible two- or three-day option, and classes meet from 9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the academic year.

Created by SCAA’s own Montessori-certified teacher, Abby Johnson, Art Start is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) program drawing on Johnson’s extensive background in youth education, pedagogy, Montessori and the arts. Building upon a child’s inherent creativity, Art Start engages students at every sensory level. Through the use of hands-on lessons and interactive manipulatives, children will move, explore, build and invent.

Families are invited to attend a free Art Start Open House from 5-7 p.m. today, or from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, July 27, at the John Kerr Building (203 S. Cameron St., Winchester) to learn more about SCAA’s newest program. Prior to the July open house, you may set up a private visit and tour of the classroom with the instructor. Bring your little ones to participate in a fun activity, enjoy a story and meet Ms. Abby!

Shenandoah University employees are eligible for a 10% discount. Classes begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Visit scartsacademy.org to learn more and register. Questions? Contact the SCAA office at scaa@su.edu or 540-665-4602 for more information.

Tune In To Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Presentations

Join the Division of Occupational Therapy on Monday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom for a series of capstone presentations from doctoral students in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Post-Professional (OTD-PP) program. All are invited to attend the following virtual presentations: 

• “The Importance of Occupational Therapists Assessing and Addressing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in the Home Health Setting” by Grace Fahham, from 6:30-6:50 p.m.
• “Occupation-Based Approaches to Introductory Hand Conditions: A Continuing Education Course” by Corey Raper, from 6:50-7:10 p.m.
• “Teacher Perceptions of Fidget Utilization in the Classroom: Experiences of Middle School Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” by Sarah Mugavero, from 7:10-7:30 p.m.
• “Emotional Dysregulation in the Classroom” by Fiona Mains, from 7:30-7:50 p.m.
• “Engage. Empower. Evolve. – A Mental Health Evidence-Based Program” by Mollie Kamerrow, from 7:50-8:10 p.m.
• “The Lived Experience of Occupational Therapists Working in Skilled Nursing Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic” by Nikki Ail, from 8:10-8:30 p.m.
• “Trauma-Informed Care as Perceived and Practiced by School-Based Occupational Therapists” by Katrina (Kit) Christopher, from 8:30-8:50 p.m.

For more information, please contact Alysha Skuthan at askuthan@su.edu.

Global Virtual Learning Introduces Barzinji Service Delegates

Global Virtual Learning has announced the Barzinji Service delegates who will participate in the Barzinji Institute’s “Zero Hunger” service project. Shenandoah’s service team consists of faculty, staff and students and includes:

• Service Project Coordinator Scott McClure, Ph.D., assistant professor of public health
• Rebecca Gibson, M.S., director of civic engagement
• Marguerite Landenburger, director of the office of grants and research
• Hanaa Unus, chaplain and Muslim community coordinator
• Joshua Brooks ’25
• Josephine Saikali ’25
• Faith Jones ’25

SU team members will collect data relating to the problem of food insecurity in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, and will use that data to provide the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its partner agencies with actionable guidance on addressing specific community needs. Shenandoah will coordinate virtually with Yarmouk University in Jordan and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) as each perform their own localized Zero Hunger project. Service project teams will also have the opportunity to travel to one or more of the participating universities to learn more about the service work of the partner institutions.

Questions? Contact Leann Curley at lcurley@su.edu.

OMC Has Revised Its Project Request Form

The Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC) has a revised Project Request Form at su.edu/request. The shortened form should be used by all schools and departments for new project requests, including photo/video, website, design, social media, and news or event communication. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance of the event or program; more complex requests will need additional lead time. Please keep in mind that OMC must prioritize requests based on the current workload. Questions? Contact OMC Project Manager Amanda Tintaya at atintaya@su.edu.

Feedback On SU Employer Health Plans Requested

As we approach the end of June, SU Health Care Navigator Lisa Darsch, MSN, RN, is checking in with the participants in Shenandoah’s various health plans to see how their first half of the year has gone. Darsch is looking to hear your stories, good or bad, so she can gauge your level of satisfaction with SU’s four health plans. Summer is when the university starts the planning for the next year of product selection and your feedback would be very helpful. Please reach out to Darsch via email at ldarsch@su.edu and, if you prefer a phone call, let her know a good number at which to reach you when you write. Enjoy your summer!

P.S. Save the date of Sept. 28, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for Shenandoah’s first Employee Health Fair in the Brandt Student Center. More information to come.

Role Expansion For Health Care Navigator

The Office of Administration and Finance is pleased to announce a role change for Lisa Darsch, MSN, RN. On Friday, July 1, she will return to her pre-pandemic role as Shenandoah’s health care navigator for all campuses, and concentrate her efforts on assisting Shenandoah staff and faculty with navigating health plans and local market health services. This role was created to ensure employees have access to an individual who could assist with a variety of health access questions and needs, such as finding and locating service providers in-network, accessing pharmacy discounts, troubleshooting claims issues or disputes, and answering questions related to health services available in SU’s plans. 

In addition to these duties, Darsch will work with Human Resources to develop LiveWellSU programming of interest to university employees. The easiest way to reach Darsch is via email at ldarsch@su.edu to schedule a virtual appointment. Her service hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m-4 p.m., and at other times by appointment. Darsch is maintaining a virtual office to provide more personalized services to university employees. 

Shenandoah welcomes her back to her role in keeping the university’s most valuable asset – its employees – as healthy and happy as possible. Feel free to reach out to Darsch with your comments, questions, concerns or feedback regarding anything and everything health care-related.

Watch Ed.D. Candidate Jerry Lee Putt’s Dissertation Defense

Jerry Lee Putt, candidate for the degree of Doctor of Education in Administrative Leadership, will defend his dissertation, “Using an Improvement Science Approach to Study WOOP in a Middle School,” at noon Friday, July 8. Putt’s dissertation defense takes place in front of a committee that includes Catherine Dunn Shiffman, Ph.D (chair); Sarah Daniel, Ph.D.; and Deran Whitney, Ed.D. Members of the Shenandoah University community can watch via Zoom. 

Questions? Contact Dr. Shiffman at cshiffma@su.edu.

Summer Dining Services Update

Allen Dining Hall is open to SU faculty and staff for lunch Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. throughout the summer. Visit su.sodexomyway.com for up-to-date dining hours. Questions? Contact dining services at dining@su.edu.

Be A Shenandoah Influencer!

Your words can influence students to choose Shenandoah! The university is in the process of updating the materials (print, website and social media) it uses to tell prospective students all about Shenandoah. If you’d like to share your experience (both current students and alumni are encouraged to do so), please fill out the Tell Us About Your Major form or the My Shenandoah Story form (both are available at su.edu). Once the Office of Marketing & Communications (OMC) hears from you, it will follow up with any additional questions or possibly start talking about a photo/video shoot. For more information, contact OMC at omc@su.edu.

Volunteer With Winchester Rescue Mission This Summer

The Winchester Rescue Mission, a residence for adults affected by poverty and homelessness, is in need of volunteers this summer in the following areas: community lunches (preparation and serving), data entry, and check-in monitors (4-6 p.m.).  You can volunteer for a few hours one day or weekly. Please contact Lauren Clouse at lclouse@winrescue.org if you would like to volunteer. The Winchester Rescue Mission is located at 435 N. Cameron St., Winchester.

Join The Battle Of Cool Spring Anniversary Commemoration Walking Tour

Join Jonathan Noyalas ’01, M.A., director of Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute, for a walking tour at SU’s River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield on Saturday, July 16, to commemorate the 158th anniversary of the battle. The tour will begin at the Lodge at 9:30 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. 

The tour, “With Heavy Hearts,” will explore the individual experiences of soldiers at Cool Spring and how the events that occurred there forever altered the lives of soldiers and loved ones. The tour also will highlight some recent discoveries about the property during the Civil War era, including the fate of freedom seekers in the mid-1850s and the property’s use prior to the Battle of Cool Spring. The exhibition about the Battle of Cool Spring and the recently installed interpretation about the property’s connections to enslavement in the Shenandoah Valley will be available for viewing in the Lodge. Questions? Contact Noyalas at jnoyalas01@su.edu.

Volunteer For Camp Follow The Leader

Camp Follow the Leader is a unique summer day camp for children ages 6-10 with physical, emotional, cognitive, social, sensory, and/or developmental challenges. Valley Health is looking for “buddy” volunteers who are high school and college aged to assist and support campers with participation in arts and crafts, sports, music, games, field trips, and playing with peers. This volunteer opportunity is a weeklong commitment from July 25-29, from 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. each day. Volunteers are required to attend a one-hour training session the week before camp with the date and time to be determined. Additionally, buddies will have the chance to work with occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers, and special education professionals.

Visit valleyhealthlink.com for the volunteer application and guidelines. Questions? Contact Molly Connor-Hall at MConnor@valleyhealthlink.com.

New Link Available For SU’s Work Order Software

Physical Plant has completed the update to SU’s work order software. Make sure to update your bookmarks with the new link: https://v1-identity.dudesolutions.io/app/login/username. The work order form also can be found online at su.edu under “Taking Care of Business” at the bottom of the webpage. Questions? Contact Physical Plant at (540) 665-4527.

Take Note Of The SUN-e’s Summer Schedule

Starting next week, the SUN-e will run once weekly every Wednesday throughout the summer. The regular Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule will resume in August to coincide with the start of the 2022-23 academic year. Questions? Contact the Office of Marketing & Communications at omc@su.edu. Have a great summer!

Cash In On A Faculty/Staff Discount For The Red Hornets Basketball Camp

New head men’s basketball coach Nick Doyle is excited to offer all faculty and staff members the discount code for the Red Hornets Basketball Camp on July 25-29. When registering via suhornetsmbbcamps.com, please use the following code: suhornets25. The men’s basketball program is excited for a great week of summer camp! Questions? Contact Coach Doyle at nicholas.doyle@su.edu. Go Hornets!

Receive Support When It’s A Time To Mourn

Grieving the loss of a loved one? You are not alone! Grief and loss can affect various areas of our lives, including in personal, academic, social and spiritual aspects. Sometimes it helps to simply get together with others who are mourning to talk – or just color a picture – in good company. The Counseling Center has teamed up with the Office of Spiritual Life to offer opportunities for students to meet members of each staff for support in a low-pressure, informal atmosphere. The next meeting is Thursday, May 12, from 12:30-2 p.m. Space is limited, so please fill out this Google Form to reserve your spot. The location for the event on main campus will be sent to all who sign up using the form. Questions? Contact spirituallife@su.edu

REMINDER: Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing For Local Phone Calls In 540 Area Code

To ensure there are enough phone numbers for customers in the northern and western portions of Virginia, a new 826 area code will soon go into effect and will overlap the state’s existing 540 area code. Because of that overlap, beginning Saturday, May 14, customers in the 540 area code are required to dial full 10-digit phone numbers when making local calls. Existing 540 phone numbers will remain unchanged, as the 826 area code will only be applied to new phone numbers in the region as the inventory for new 540 phone numbers runs out.

Staff Council Leadership Election Results

Shenandoah University staff members have elected new leadership to the Staff Council. Please join in congratulating the following staff members on their new roles:

• Cory Nelson, president
• Malik Henry, vice president
• Kaitlynne Dennis, secretary

Questions? Contact staffcouncil@su.edu.

Your Story Is Shenandoah’s Story!

Shenandoah University’s Office of Marketing & Communications is always trying to find the best ways to share Shenandoah’s story, which, at heart, is your story. Each individual member of the Shenandoah community helps compose the story we tell that allows the world to better understand the university. OMC would love to hear from you as it crafts materials that authentically reflect the Shenandoah experience. 

You can share anything you like: that class that absolutely blew your mind; the moment you knew you had opened up a new world of understanding for a student; or how you felt in the midst of a performance, during a clinical rotation, as you participated in a club, or when you helped a fellow member of the university community. 

Whatever your story or your moment is, OMC would love to hear what you have to say! Just email omc@su.edu to start the conversation!

COIL Fall Fellows Application Form Now Available

The Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning is now accepting applications for its Fall Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) training.

Benefits of participation include:

• Professional learning in designing virtual international exchanges.
• Professional community of international faculty colleagues.
• Opportunities to present at the Shenandoah Global Virtual Learning Colloquium.
• Travel support to present research related to the virtual exchange/collaborations at an international conference.
• Ideas to reimagine your course content in a global context.
• Experience with IDE concepts.
• Global learning for all students and faculty.
• Certificate in Collaborative Online International learning (COIL).
• $500 stipend upon completion of workshop and a $500 stipend for the implementation of the project.

The expectations and commitment required are as follows:

• Participate in six professional learning sessions via Zoom that last for 1½ hours each at 9 a.m. on Sept. 30, Oct. 14, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18 and Dec. 2.
• Collaborate with your international faculty partner to design and plan a virtual exchange unit or module. In addition to the six sessions, fellows will complete interim assignments between each session with their partners on their own.
• Implement the virtual exchange unit or module during J Term 2023, Spring 2023, Summer 2023 or Fall 2023, with your international faculty partner.
• Assist in collecting data/information about the collaboration and the virtual exchange unit or module.

Apply using this Google Form; the deadline for applications is Sept. 5. Questions? Contact Younus Mirza, Ph.D., director of Global Virtual Learning, at ymirza@su.edu.

Raising Disability Awareness And Reducing Barriers For Persons With Disabilities

As Shenandoah University celebrates the 45th anniversary of the end of the historic sit-ins that protested for the rights of people with disabilities and ushered in the signing of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, here are some sensitivity and awareness tips for disability allies:

• Always ask before you help
• Appreciate and respect everyone’s independence
• Use a microphone
• Treat assistive devices as part of someone’s personal space
• Never make assumptions
• Speak directly to a person, in normal tones; do not direct conversation to an interpreter
• Recognize that an accommodation is not a complaint
• Understand that they are the expert on their disability and their needs

Additionally, here are some ways that you can reduce barriers for those with disabilities:

• Ensure that all pathways are clear and wide enough for assistive devices to pass
• Keep railings and other supports clear of signs, foliage and other obstructions
• Make introductions when new people come into your group
• Do not place people in the hot seat or spotlight unless they choose to be there
• Design events and activities with disabilities in mind
• Speak up in advocacy, but don’t speak over the voice of those who deserve to be heard

Questions? Contact Holli Phillips, director of Student Support Services, at hphillip@su.edu.

Introducing Waste Stream 2

This Earth Day marks the official launch of Waste Stream 2, an initiative of the new Institute for Business, Sustainability & Society (IBSS) at Shenandoah University. Inspired by Elvis & Kresse, a British luxury brand best known for belts, bags and wallets made from decommissioned fire hose and that donates half of its profits to charity, Waste Stream 2 is working with regional manufacturers to rescue materials from the landfill and identify new and productive uses. The project is managed by two business students, Conor Bailey and Tim Dean, who recently pitched to the Business School’s Advisory Board. Questions? Contact Giles Jackson at gjackson@su.edu.

Summer Lifeguards Needed

Are you going to be around Winchester this summer? Do you need a summer job? Campus Recreation & Wellness is looking for summer lifeguards to work at the South Campus Commons pool. If you are already certified, great! If you’re not certified but are confident in your abilities in a pool, please contact Matt Levy at mlevy@su.edu for information. Lifeguard pay rate is $11 per hour, and the hours are flexible.

Check Out The Warrington Science Symposium

The Warrington Science Symposium returns after a two-year hiatus and takes place on Friday, April 22, at 7 p.m. in Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Auditorium. Please note the change from the previously announced date. Guest speaker Veronica G. Martinez Acosta, Ph.D., professor of biology at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, will present “It Cuts Both Ways: An Annelid Model for the Study of Regeneration.” Poster presentations by biology, chemistry and mathematics students will follow. The event is free and open to all members of the Shenandoah University. Questions? Contact Beth Cantwell at ecantwell@su.edu.

An Update On Reporting COVID-19 Symptoms

If community levels remain low, Shenandoah University expects to suspend its Personal Conduct and COVID-19 Preventative Measures Policy and discontinue its COVID-19 Dashboard on May 1.

In the meantime, Shenandoah is eliminating the policy requirement that students and employees report signs or symptoms of COVID-19 — or an exposure to a person with COVID-19 or positive COVID-19 test — via the Shenandoah Go app or otherwise. However, if you experience signs or symptoms of COVID-19:

• Stay in your room (or at home) and wear a mask if/when you need to be around others
• See a health care provider (students may visit the Wilkins Wellness Center) to be diagnosed and/or tested
• Faculty and staff: Let your supervisor know that you are not feeling well and that you will not be working in person until symptoms improve; contact the Office of Human Resources with questions

To view the full message sent to the SU community on Monday, April 18, visit su.edu.