Everything Nac

Although the university is not hosting any on-campus events for the foreseeable future due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, students at Stephen F. Austin State University will still be presenting their research — but this time, in a virtual format.

Each year, SFA hosts two student-centered research conferences: the Undergraduate Research Conference and the Graduate Research Conference. During these events, students present their papers and posters.

One research project from each of SFA’s six colleges and one from a regional college is chosen for the Undergraduate Research Conference as Top Scholar and receives $500. Top Scholars present their work in an oral presentation or performance. This year’s URC winners are Karina Weathers, Nelson Rusche College of Business; Lauren Pate, James I. Perkins College of Education; Charlie Davis, College of Liberal and Applied Arts; Samantha Altamirano, College of Fine Arts; Xander Haynes, College of Sciences and Mathematics; Kasey Jobe, Krista Ward and Nick Schiwitz, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture; and Morgan Gray, representing Tyler Junior College.

In addition, seven additional outstanding student research projects are selected by each college and designated as finalists. Finalists present a research poster during the conference.

Dr. Michael Tkacik, director of SFA’s School of Honors and professor in the Department of Government, who also serves on the URC’s executive committee, commended this year’s winners on their innovation and creativity.

“I’m impressed with not just the hard work and intellectual mastery the students’ research shows, but I’m also impressed with the creativity the students demonstrated,” Tkacik said. “It is exciting to see students tackle problems in new and dynamic ways. There is something invigorating about discovering new knowledge.”

To view posters submitted for the Undergraduate Research Conference, visit sfasu.edu/urc.

Thirty-five individuals are presenting their research during the Graduate Research Conference, which may be viewed online at grc.sfasu.edu.

All graduate students are encouraged to submit their research for conference inclusion. A committee of university faculty members reviews the submissions and decides on those that will move forward to present.

Dr. Sarah Savoy, associate professor of psychology and co-facilitator of the GRC, said she was impressed with how quickly the students were able to transition their work to an online platform.

“This conference has always been about celebrating graduate student research and creative activity and giving students an opportunity to practice presenting in a professional setting,” Savoy said. “This year, students are getting a little added practice by using technology.”

Robin Johnson, a GRC presenter representing the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, was able to transition her crisis communication plan presentation to an online format. While adjusting to a Zoom presentation involved some tweaks, she is excited to share her work with a larger audience.

“One positive about the conference being offered online is that people who would not have been able to travel and see our work now have the opportunity to view it,” Johnson said.

At the end of the semester, judges for the Graduate Research Conference will select two award winners — best poster and best paper — with each student receiving $300.

By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.

SFA professor shares his insight regarding economics, effects of COVID-19

In higher education, much emphasis is placed on transformative learning experiences. In fact, when administrators at Stephen F. Austin State University were drafting the university’s 2015-23 strategic plan, they assigned providing students with transformative learning experiences as the institution’s overarching goal.

Generally, these types of experiences are gained through internships, work study and study abroad activities in which students voluntarily participate. They provide the types of hands-on learning opportunities that help students acclimate to the world and their careers after graduation.

Recently, just about every college student worldwide has become actively engaged in a transformative learning experience as a result of the effects of COVID-19. Though there are many lessons to be learned from this pandemic, the lessons involving economics will be especially far reaching.

“Every person on the planet is making adjustments,” said Dr. Mikhail Kouliavtsev, department chair and professor of economics at SFA. “The uncertainty created by the virus is having a cross-cut influence on all sectors of the economy, affecting households, businesses and financial markets.”

With an estimated 67 million Americans working in jobs that are labeled as “high risk” for layoffs, Kouliavtsev offered some insight into several aspects of the world crisis, especially as it relates to economics.

Layoffs

Kouliavtsev recommends doing four things if you’ve been laid off.

Immediately file for unemployment. Most state unemployment offices are overwhelmed and understaffed, so delays are likely. The sooner you act, the faster you can get in the queue.
Talk to your landlord, mortgage lender, utility provider and/or credit card issuer. Many are offering some sort of bill “holiday” to help customers. If not, ask if they will be flexible. You won’t be the only one asking.
Focus on keeping everyone in your household healthy. Other expenses can be postponed.
Resist the urge to liquidate your retirement account. The penalty for early withdrawal added to the tax liability will eat a substantial chunk of your funds, which will be difficult to rebuild.

Stock market

Kouliavtsev believes the stock market will continue to bounce around as long as there is uncertainty about the pandemic or until we have hit the peak of new infections and deaths from COVID-19, and the health care system can manage the flow of the sick. When we know there are treatments and a vaccine in development, we will have a better idea of the timeline of this crisis, and then the market can begin to stabilize.

Retirement accounts

According to Kouliavtsev, those very near retirement likely already had most of their retirement funds out of the stock market and in something less volatile, like fixed-income bonds, before the crisis hit. For those who did not, postponement of retirement may be necessary to allow fund recovery. Kouliavtsev warns that panicking and selling investments now may have dire consequences, as those who have already lost due to the market plunge will miss the opportunity for fund recovery.

Stimulus package

“It will help, but it also will not be nearly enough,” Kouliavtsev said. “Hopefully, it is a down payment on a much larger investment the government will have to make to help the American people.” For individuals approved to receive the $1,200, Kouliavtsev believes it won’t go very far; especially when the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. is about $1,100, and many people have already been without income for more than a month. Another difficulty Kouliavtsev sees is making the stimulus package work in its intended fashion — to stimulate the economy — when stores, restaurants and service industries are closed, and people are instructed to stay home.

Paying for government spending

Significantly increasing government spending — as this stimulus package requires — without immediately raising taxes will mean running a large budget deficit. While this debt accumulation typically is a major concern for long-term growth, interest rates are at some of the lowest levels in history, practically zero. When taking inflation into account, rates are effectively negative, meaning the government can essentially borrow at no cost. In other words, if there was ever a time for the federal government to spend freely and not worry about the debt it accumulates it’s now. Because of the severity of the pandemic, it is important to focus on the “public” before we worry about “public debt.”

Investing

Kouliavtsev said typically, a significant plunge in the stock market is a good time to invest, if the investment is made with the long term in mind. As far as real estate, mortgage rates are low, and we are headed into summer, which generally signify a favorable time to buy. However, it is not easy to shop for a home due to the actual steps involved in buying — attending open houses, meeting with bankers and real estate professionals, etc., due to social distancing guidelines.

Job growth

Since many people have been in quarantine and isolated with only their computers and the internet to keep them company, Kouliavtsev believes the U.S. will see an increase in tech-related occupations, like coding and data science. He also said it will be interesting to see how health care will be affected. “It was already a sector that needed reforming before the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kouliavtsev said. “But it was primarily the cost of health care and insurance coverage that were the main issues. We are now seeing that having adequate hospital and ICU bed capacity may be just as important, as is staffing, including doctors, nurses and other health care workers. We may see a concerted effort to invest in health care more broadly, and that will expand the job opportunities in these careers.”

Impact on higher education

With most institutions switching to an online instruction format, students are not physically on campus, and therefore there is less revenue being generated from housing, meal plans and fees students pay for things like the use of on-campus computer labs, recreation facilities, library resources, etc. SFA will be refunding approximately $9 million to students for services like these for the 2020 spring semester. This type of revenue loss will hit higher education hard, especially private colleges. Kouliavtsev said there are some bright spots. We typically see higher enrollments in colleges and universities during recessions because scarce employment opportunities during economic downturns make people want to attain skills, certifications and degrees to help improve their employability. And, to the extent students and their families may want to stay close to home in these uncertain times, regional institutions, like SFA, may be in a good position to fulfill their missions — serving the region. SFA, for example, may be an excellent destination for students from the East Texas area who planned to attend college in Austin or College Station, but now want to stay closer to home.

Student adjustment

“I am quite impressed with how our students accepted foregoing their spring break, not being able to participate in study abroad trips in May and summer, and for some, not being able to attend their own commencement ceremony with their families,” Kouliavtsev said. “The transition to online classes is not easy — for students or professors — but it seems everyone understands the circumstances and is trying to make it work.”

Positive outlook

Eventually, things will return to normal — although our day-to-day lives may be forever altered. And as difficult as the past several weeks have been, Kouliavtsev said there are some positives to take away. First, we will have learned a great deal about how to manage a crisis. They don’t come around very often, but pandemics do happen, and we will be better equipped to handle the next public health crisis, know how much and what kinds of stimulus packages are needed, and have a better idea of the timeline involved. Second, some of the personal hygiene habits we have been encouraged to practice — regular and thorough handwashing, covering a cough, being mindful of face touching — may help us reduce the spread of other illnesses, including influenza. This could translate into substantial savings to employers from fewer people missing work, less strain on the health care system and fewer lives lost. Third, people quarantined to their homes are spending more time with their families, cooking and eating together, possibly learning new skills and taking online classes. “There is definite value in all of these activities,” Kouliavtsev said.

By Donna Parish, assistant director of creative and editorial services at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents will convene a two-day videoconferencing meeting April 17 – 18.

To view the videoconference live, go to http://www.sfasu.edu/about-sfa/board-of-regents/meeting-information.

FRIDAY, April 17

2 p.m. CALL TO ORDER IN OPEN SESSION

Welcome

University COVID-19 Update

EXECUTIVE SESSION – At approximately 3 p.m. or immediately following the update, the board will move to executive session for consideration of the following items:

Deliberations Regarding the Deployment, or Specific Occasions for Implementation, of Security Personnel or Devices (Texas Government Code, Section 551.076)

 Report from chief information officer

Deliberations Regarding Negotiated Contracts for Prospective Gifts or Donations (Texas Government Code, Section 551.073)

Consultation with Attorney Regarding Legal Advice or Pending and/or Contemplated Litigation or Settlement Offers, including but not limited to reported complaints, NCAA Compliance, Jane SFA-CM Doe v. SFASU; Ann Wilder, Ph.D v. SFASU; USOR Site PRP Group v. Railroad Commission, et al.; and Pamela Clasquin v. SFASU (Texas Government Code, Section 551.071)

Consideration of Individual Personnel Matters Relating to Appointment, Employment, Evaluation, Assignment, Duties, Discipline, or Dismissal of an Officer or Employee, including but not limited to the director of athletics, vice presidents and the president (Texas Government Code, Section 551.074)

Estimated adjournment: 6 p.m. The board will recess for the evening with no further action expected.

SATURDAY, April 18

9 a.m. RECONVENE BOARD MEETING IN OPEN SESSION

Call to Order

Welcome and Roll Call

Legislative Appropriations Request Review

MEETING OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

(Scheduled at approximately 10 a.m.)

Presentation and Committee Action on Agenda Items:

Report: Construction Report

13. Approval of Building and Grounds Policy Revisions

Firearms, Explosives and Ammunition 13.9

Training and Certification of University Vehicle Operators 13.23

Vehicle Repair and Maintenance 16.34

MEETING OF THE FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

(This meeting will convene at approximately 10:30 a.m. or following the previous committee.)

Presentation and Committee Action on Agenda Items:

14. Approval of Acknowledge Receipt of Audit Services Report

Report: Financial Status Update

Report: Contract Monitoring

15. Employee Tuition Assistance Program

16. Summer 2020 Budget

17. Grant Awards Update

18. Finance and Audit Policy Revisions

Best Value Procurement 17.1

Departmental Budgeting and Accounting Responsibility 3.9

Interagency and Interlocal Contracts 17.8

Lumberjack Education Assistance Program 12.5

Payment Card Acceptance and Security 14.8

Procurement Card 17.11

Professional and Consulting Services 17.12

Property Inventory and Management 17.14

Proprietary Purchases 17.15

Purchase of Demonstrator or Used Equipment 17.18 3

Returned Payments 3.27

The Board will recess at approximately noon for lunch. The videoconference meeting will reconvene at approximately 1 p.m.

RECONVENE AS MEETING OF THE ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Presentation and Committee Action on Agenda Items:

Report: Title IX Update

11. Curriculum Changes for 2020-21

12. Approval of Academic and Student Affairs Policy Revisions

At-Will Employment 11.2

Course Grades 5.5

Curriculum Reviews Modifications and Approvals 5.7

Drug and Alcohol Testing 11.6

Early Registration Priority 4.3

Electronic Signatures 2.17

Employee Enrolling for Courses 12.4

Employee Terminations and Transfers 11.10

Faculty Compensation 12.6

Graduate Admission 6.17

Graduate Assistantships 6.12

In-Residence Requirement 6.15

Longevity Pay and Hazardous Duty Pay 12.13

Out of State Course Delivery 5.15

Recombinant DNA and/or Infectious Biohazards in Teaching and Research 8.9

Research Enhancement Program 8.11

Selection of Vice Presidents, Athletic Director and Head Coaches 1.8

Selective Services Registration 11.26

University Website 15.10

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE IN OPEN SESSION will convene at approximately 2 p.m. or following the previous committee adjournment.

Installation of Chair-Elect

Board Action on Agenda Items 1 and 2:

Approval of Minutes for January 26-28, 2020 (Meeting 333) and March 20, 2020 (Meeting 334)

Approval of Board of Rules Amendment

Presentation and Board Action on Personnel Items 3-10: 4

3. Approval of Staff Appointments

4. Approval of Faculty Appointments

5. Approval of Changes of Status

6. Approval of Faculty Promotions

7. Approval of Faculty Tenure

8. Approval of Faculty Development Leave for 2020-21

9. Approval of Regents Scholar

10. Approval of Retirements

Committee Reports and Board Action:

Academic and Student Affairs Committee (Report and Board Action on Agenda Items 11 and 12)

11. Approval of Curriculum Changes for 2020-21

12. Approval of Academic and Student Affairs Policy Revisions

At-Will Employment 11.2

Course Grades 5.5

Curriculum Reviews Modifications and Approvals 5.7

Drug and Alcohol Testing 11.6

Early Registration Priority 4.3

Electronic Signatures 2.17

Employee Enrolling for Courses 12.4

Employee Terminations and Transfers 11.10

Faculty Compensation 12.6

Graduate Admission 6.17

Graduate Assistantships 6.12

In-Residence Requirement 6.15

Longevity Pay and Hazardous Duty Pay 12.13

Out of State Course Delivery 5.15

Recombinant DNA and/or Infectious Biohazards in Teaching and Research 8.9

Research Enhancement Program 8.11

Selection of Vice Presidents, Athletic Director and Head Coaches 1.8

Selective Services Registration 11.26

University Website 15.10

Building and Grounds Committee (Report and Board Action on Agenda Items 13 and 19)

13. Approval of Building and Grounds Policy Revisions

Firearms, Explosives and Ammunition 13.9

Training and Certification of University Vehicle Operators 13.23

Vehicle Repair and Maintenance 16.34

19. Potential Naming Item (Pending Executive Session) 5

Finance and Audit Committee (Report and Board Action on Agenda Items 14-18):

14. Approval of Acknowledge Receipt of Audit Services Report

15. Approval of Employee Tuition Assistance Program

16. Approval of Summer 2020 Budget

17. Approval of Grant Awards

18. Approval of Financial Affairs Policy Revisions

Best Value Procurement 17.1

Departmental Budgeting and Accounting Responsibility 3.9

Interagency and Interlocal Contracts 17.8

Lumberjack Education Assistance Program 12.5

Payment Card Acceptance and Security 14.8

Procurement Card 17.11

Professional and Consulting Services 17.12

Property Inventory and Management 17.14

Proprietary Purchases 17.15

Purchase of Demonstrator or Used Equipment 17.18

Returned Payments 3.27

President Report

Faculty Senate Report

Student Government Association

Appointment of Board Committees for 2020-21

ESTIMATED ADJOURNMENT OF BOARD MEETING – approximately 4:30 p.m.

Where appropriate and permitted by law, executive sessions may be held for the above listed subjects (Section 551.071). Possible action may be taken in open session on matters considered in executive session. Further details regarding the posted agenda are available for public review in the Office of the Board of Regents, Austin Building 308, (936) 468-4048.

Art education students and faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University have created a series of YouTube videos designed to provide art instruction for students who are at home instead of in the classroom as a result of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

The tutorials, which range from lessons in drawing techniques and photography skills to the Raku firing process, were created to meet the needs of teachers and parents who are homeschooling art classes. The videos are accompanied by lesson plans that can be easily used by teachers/parents and students, according Dr. Maggie Leysath, professor of art education in the SFA School of Art.

“We decided to create this YouTube channel to help K-12 teachers who are now required to create video content for their classrooms,” Leysath said. “These videos can be used for sketchbook assignments or for unit artwork assignments. Really, these videos are great for parents to use as well, since the projects are relevant and so much fun.”

Creating the channel also helped to address the challenges art education students were facing due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, Leysath said.

“Since the curriculum for Spring 2020 included numerous opportunities for art education students to teach children in our local schools and at the Boys & Girls Club, which was no longer possible, it became clear that providing online instruction was now a necessary experience and skill for future art educators,” Leysath explained. “This channel and the content the art education students are creating is excellent experience for them in our ‘new normal’ world.”

The first two videos, portrait drawing basics and Raku firing, were created by Leysath as a way to get the channel up and running. The channel was viewed 708 minutes in the two weeks of March, when these videos were first available. And there’s more to come.

“The topics will be as varied as the art education students are themselves,” Leysath said. “Currently, there is a video for one-point perspective, one for creating dramatic photographs using your phone, and a really fun emoji lesson.” Videos will be added as students create them.

“We’ve discovered that quarantined and socially isolated people of all ages are thrilled with the opportunity to learn and grow,” Leysath said, adding she has received several self-portraits from her social media connections. “These videos offer a variety of ways to learn and try out art again.”

Art education students will continue to provide instructional videos during the month of June as an alternative to the two SFA art academy camps that were canceled due to concerns about COVID-19.

The art lessons are provided as a service and are not to be used for profit, according to Leysath.

The videos are at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtbqUvPzKL16lvAFzR788Zw/featured.