Happy holidays!

American Sign Language classes
American Sign Language classes begin Monday, Jan. 24, 2005. Level I classes are at 5:30 p.m. Level II classes are at 7 p.m. Classes will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 410 W. 5th St. Cost for the eight-week course is $45. Registration forms are available in the college relations lobby. For more information, call the Deaf Action Center at (515) 266-5105 or go to www.deafactioncenteriowa.org.

Candlelight concert to air
The 2000 Central College Candlelight Concert will air on Iowa Public Television Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 9 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 25, at 1 p.m. This concert features the A Cappella Choir, flute choir, handbell choir, brass ensemble and chamber singers.

Alumni events
Traveling around the country? Check out upcoming alumni events in Cedar Grove, Wis., Jan. 23, and Mesa, Ariz., Jan. 25, at http://www.central.edu/alumni/events.html.

Kuyper Athletic Complex hours for winter break Dec. 18-Jan. 16
Daily hours:
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 1-6 p.m.
The complex will be CLOSED Dec. 18-26, 31 and Jan. 1-2.

Safety Committee suggestion winners
Congratulations to winners of $25 massage gift certificates from the Central College Safety Committee. Winners include Mark Hartman (music), Lisa Hetzel (student life), Marilyn Vrban (academic affairs) and Evelyn Rozendaal (dining services). Thank you to everyone who submitted a suggestion. The committee will review all suggestions. Committee members include Sue Cerwinske (music), Greg Gilmore (athletics), ShirleyGoemaat (dining services), Sharon Haning (human resources), Sheryl Kamerick (controller’s office), Gwendolyn Krueger (science center), Gerald Pleima (facilities management), Deb Randol (facilities management), John Ritsema (facilities management), Terri VanderMolen (campus services), Marti Van Walbeek (information technology services) and MargeZondervan (health services). Contact any of these individuals if there is a safety issue on campus to be addressed.

Grant from Humanities Iowa
Central College received a $5,000 grant from Humanities Iowa to fund the Geisler Writers Reading Series for the spring semester. A significant portion of the funding will go towards a visit to campus and reading by Billy Collins, U.S. Poet Laureate in June 2001 (2001-03). Collins’ visit on April 22 will be in conjunction with the Des Moines Poetry Festival and is funded by the festival, Central, Pella Community Schools and this grant. The project was deemed particularly meritorious by the select Humanities Iowa committee of Iowans, who are charged with the responsibility of promoting and enhancing an understanding of culture throughout the state. The proposal was prepared by Robin Martin, director of the Geisler Library, and Susan Canfield, director of grants and special projects of the advancement office.

Central Fund update
The Central Fund has a goal to raise $1,575,000 this fiscal year (July 1-June 30) helping underwrite our budgets, which enables us to meet our mission of helping students discover and reach their highest potential.

Did You Know …

• as of Nov. 30, we have raised more than $491,000? This represents 31 percent of our goal as well as a 22 percent increase over the same period a year ago.

Did You Know …

• on Friday, Dec. 3, we launched our secure online giving site and first ever e-mail appeal? Click here http://www.central.edu/development/GiftCard.html to view the e-mail appeal, and then click the secure online giving link within the card to take a look at our online giving page.

Did You Know …

• the student ambassador phonathon program has made over 10,000 phone calls this fall and raised more than $112,000 in gifts and pledges?
  As a key priority in The Campaign for Central, we thank you for your ongoing support of the Central Fund. The personal gifts you have made and the relationships you have with our alumni, parents and friends make the difference.

Book by Bowles
The Day Our World Changed : December 7, 1941. Punahou ’52 Remembers Pearl Harbor, edited by John B. Bowles and Eric C. Gross, was published in June 2004 by Ice Cube Press in North Liberty, Iowa. Bowles, a former Central professor, co-edited the anthology of 84 stories written by classmates in the Punahou class of 1952 in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he grew up. Go to www.icecubepress.com/html/catalog.html for more information.

Laine presents at conference
Linda Laine (communication studies) presented a paper titled “Professing and Feeling in Higher Education” at the 90th annual meeting of the National Communication Association in Chicago, Ill., Nov 11-14. Dennis Doyle (communication studies) also attended the conference.

Reece at National Council on Family Relations
Dawn Reece (sociology) attended the National Council on Family Relations’ annual conference titled “Inequalities and Families: Culture, Gender, Race and Economy” Nov. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla.

Prothero attends school board convention
Joy Prothero (education) attended the Iowa Association of School Boards’ convention Nov. 17-19 in Des Moines. She is a member of the board of directors for Southern Prairie Area Educational Agency and is on the state board for all of the Area Educational Agencies in Iowa.

Prothero recently attended an advisory board meeting for Heartland Area Educational Agency. The board is responsible for the delivery system for staff development programs available through the Heartland Area Educational Agency.

Weare attends workshops
William Weare, Jr. , (library) attended Internet Librarian 2004 in Monterey, Calif., Nov. 15-17. He attended sessions in information discovery and search, learning and search engines. Weare also attended Searchers Academy, an all-day pre-conference workshop Nov. 14.

Freed speaks about becoming sages
Jann Freed (economics/accounting/management) spoke to the Des Moines alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta about becoming sages. She also gave a lecture to the Women’s Studies students at Iowa State University where “Daring to Be,” a photography exhibit by Freed and George Ann Huck, was on display at the College of Design from Nov. 15-Dec. 3.

Roberts gives lecture, exibit
Brian Roberts (art) had a solo exhibition of drawings and sculpture and gave an artist’s lecture at Talley Gallery at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minn. The exhibition, “Culture/Agriculture,” ran Oct. 20-Nov. 19.

Attend at NAFSA conference
Miranda Gasow (international education) and Jamie Wilson (modern language) attended the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) Region IV Conference in Sioux Falls, S.D., Nov. 15-17. Gasow and Wilson attended the all-day pre-conference Study Abroad 201 Workshop which explored issues related to the creation of mission statements, strategic planning in establishing institutional direction, program development (traditional and experiential), finances and curriculum integration. Gasow and Wilson also attended conference sessions on enhancing study abroad through new and improved assessment efforts.

Carlyn Wei (international education) attended the F-1 Visa Regulations Second Step. This all-day pre-conference workshop is designed for school officials with 18 months or more experience in international student advising.

Barbara Pieroni (international education), Jennifer Erickson ’05 and Sarah Presley ’05 also attended the conference.

Finken and George attend middle school conference
Teresa Finken (education) and Phil George (education) attended the National Middle School Association’s annual conference in Minneapolis, Minn., Nov. 4-6.

DeWild attends criminology conference
On Nov. 11, Dale DeWild (sociology) attended the American Society of Criminology conference in Nashville, Tenn., where he presented a paper titled “Toward a Theory of Character Formation.”

Congratulations to Steve Sanchez (registrar) and his wife Ann on the birth of twin daughters. Jane Cecilia (5 1bs. 6 oz. and 19 in. long) and Theresa Colleen (5 lbs. 1/2 oz. and 18 inches long) were born Nov. 26.

Norma Meuzelaar (controller) and her family wish to thank the college for the bouquet of flowers sent to them after the passing of Norma’s father-in-law, Ike Meuzelaar.

Jake Hurley joined the dining services staff as storeroom/delivery coordinator.

Each of the three AQIP action projects submitted an annual update in September. Feedback was received from the Higher Learning Commission. The reviewers commended the teams for:

• making excellent progress toward year-two stretch targets in each initiative
• involving a broad cross-section of the campus community
• integrating AQIP projects in institutional and academic strategic plans
• providing a clear and compelling vision for the future in their efforts to strengthen distinctive programs that set Central apart from other institutions
• enhancing communication between academic and administrative departments

Those interested in viewing the project updates or who want to learn more about AQIP can visit the Web site at www.aqip.org. Projects for all participants can be found under the Action Project Directory on the left-hand menu.

Block Two teaching at Monroe
Block Two students enrolled in Teaching Social Studies and Science, Teaching Language Arts/Reading and Literature for Children taught Nov. 29 through Dec. 6 at Monroe Elementary. Teams of students taught from units on topics dealing with science. Each lesson had a selection from literature included. Central students gained valuable experience how to teach lessons and manage classrooms in an elementary setting. Students involved include Nora Allison ’05, Abby Carrick ’06, Heather Chase ’06, Katie Davey ’06, Nick DePenning ’06, Chelsea Fuller ’06, Becky Gustafson ’06, Kacey Hays ’06, Jodi Jarrett , Jenna Kenkel ’07, Emily Knouf ’06, Shannon Kriegel ’06, Farrah Lancaster ’06, Angela Laven ’06, Malissa Penning ’06, Katherine Pugh ’07, Ann Rankin ’05, Teresa Reineke ’06, CarrieRoll ’05, Meggan Samuelson ’06, Tiffany Sifford ’06, Cass Stubbs ’06, Molly Thomas ’06, Sarah Van Utrecht ’06 and Crissa Vander Zyl ’06. Students are being supervised by Joy Prothero (education), Kris Kilibarda (education) and Milly Vande Kieft (English).

Mock Trial update
Mock Trial participants Jessica Zachary ’08 and Jenn Gardner ’06 won Outstanding Witness Award and Outstanding Attorney Award, respectively, at the LaCrosse Invitational Tournament. Central’s Red Squad of Steve Cooper ’06, Derek Klopfenstein ’07, Meagan McColloch ’08, Brittney Peterson ’08 and Zachary placed sixth overall.

Iowa College Media Association nominees
The Ray and Centralmania.com have won eight awards from the Iowa College Media Association Journalism Contest the past two years. Nominees for the 2003-04 best news story include: SamanthaPorras ’05, “Trailer encourages recycling;” Jeremy Huss ’03, “Joseph Neto;” Kristen Siert ’06, “Mascot story;” Melissa Miller ’05, “Intersections story.” Those nominated for best feature story are: Kerri Salow ’07, “Put on a happy face;” Lisa Kirby ’07, “Geisler sculpture;” Anne Thompson ’07, “Move over;” Carissa Sampson ’05, “Musings from London;” Jesse Linn ’05, “The Bridge;” Val Miller ’05, “Leaving the land of corn and soybeans.” Up for best photo are: Joni Carroll ’05, “Gothic Redux;” An Le ’07, “Tulip Mania;” Allison Miller ’06, “The Bridge.” Mat Willey ’05 is nominated for “The Sangers,” best sports story. Willey took first in this category in 2002 and was third last year. Huss is nominated for best columnist for “Mental Kung-Fu.” Thompson, Lindsey Yuska ’05, Jeffrey Faust ’07, Siert and Kirby are nominated for best television news feature segment for “The Bridge.” Winners will be announced Feb. 5, 2005.

Methods of social research
Dawn Reece’s (sociology) students in methods of social research presented semester-long projects last week. Those who presented on birth order and behavior included Stephanie Bearden ’05, Brian Boltz ’05, Jason Crews ’06 and Jamie Michels ’07. Johnny Cross ’06, Josh Houston ’06, Kari Hunerdosse ’05, Erin Molenaar ’06 and Lindsey Tygart ’06 presented on risky behaviors and the effects of alcohol and other substances connected with behavior. Shauna Dyjak ’05, ElizaHershey ’06, Katie Pederson ’06 and Andrea Rich ’05 did research and a presentation on grieving.

Holiday schedule
Campus offices will be closed Thursday-Tuesday, Dec. 23-28. Offices will be open Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 29-30, and closed on Friday, Dec. 31. This will amount to five paid holidays for all regular full-time and majority-time employees based on budgeted hours for the current fiscal year. Minority-time and temporary employees are not eligible for holiday pay. There are a few areas that will require minimal staffing during these days and the relevant supervisor will arrange the necessary coverage.

Support staff paycheck
Support staff – Your next paycheck will be during the winter break. It will be administered as follows:

• Direct deposits will go in Friday, Dec. 24.
• For those of you not on direct deposit, the checks will be mailed on Dec. 24 to the home address we have on file for you (if you have recently moved, please let Sharon Haning or Jana Sietstra know ASAP).

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact Jana at ext. 5161.

Flex spending
The 2005 Marsh Tax Saver Flexible Spendingforms will be available under “forms” on the Central College Web site after the first of the year. Please remember to submit all eligible flex spending expenses for 2004 to SISCO by Feb. 1, 2005, in order to meet the deadline of Feb. 28, 2005. Any expenses incurred on or after Jan. 1, 2005, should be submitted to Marsh.

W-4s
Certain circumstances require the filing of new W-4 forms. If the number of allowances an employee can claim decreases, a new W-4 must be filed within 10 days of the event. Such cases would be: divorce, death of a spouse or less dependents. A name change also requires a new W-4. An employee may, but is not required to, file a new W-4 if the number of allowances that he or she can claim increases. Also, if you have moved during 2004, please make sure the human resources office has your new mailing address for the W-4s. If you have questions, or wish to request a new W-4 form, please call the payroll office at ext. 5161.

Inclement Weather Policy
Since the college is basically a residential college, it is not possible to completely close the college in the case of inclement weather. Even if classes are not held, there are essential services that must be provided. Closing announcements will be made through mass voice mail, e-mail and local radio stations in Pella, Knoxville, Oskaloosa and Des Moines by the college relations office through direction of the president or a designated representative.

When the college is not officially closed, even though the weather may seem threatening, classes will be held at the discretion of the faculty member. Faculty members are urged to be sensitive to their own, as well as to, student safety in applying this policy. The policy is not intended to force people to take unwise risks, but rather to keep the academic program operating.

As is the case with faculty and students, members of the administrative and support staff will be permitted to exercise discretion with respect to the relative safety of travel to and from the work place. In this spirit, it is anticipated that staff members will make every effort consistent with their own safety to be at work. If the staff member is unable to get to work, notification to his/her immediate supervisor is required.

When the president of the college, or his/her designated representative, officially closes the college, staff members will be excused from work and will receive pay in the following circumstances:

• The staff member is at work when the closing is announced and is released and paid for their regularly scheduled hours.
• The staff member whose work schedule begins during a closing will not be required to work and will be paid for their normally scheduled hours.

Those staff members who work in areas that cannot close, such as dining services, security, critical maintenance and snow removal should follow the specific procedures established for their area of operation. Employees in these areas will receive equivalent time off during the same week for the hours worked during the official close down period, based on the decision of his/her immediate supervisor. Hours worked before and/or after the close down do not qualify for equivalent time off.

Staff members who do not come to work or leave the college at their own discretion due to inclement weather when the college is not officially closed down will be required to use vacation time, or forgo their pay for those hours not worked. The absence will be considered excused. Supervisors may require time lost from work be made up if the workload in their department makes this necessary.

New positions
Central College invites applications for a visiting assistant professor of English for the 2004-2005 academic year. The position is full time. Qualifications include a Ph.D. or Ph.D. with M.F.A and demonstrated ability to teach effectively. Application deadline is March 1, 2005. For a full position description access our Web site at www.central.edu. AA/EOE

If interested in the above positions, please send a completed employment application to: Human Resources, (located in the lower level of Central Hall, next to campus services) or by e-mail to employment@central.edu. If you have any questions, please call (641) 628-7681. For additional information on Central College or to print off an application, view our Web site www.central.edu/humanresources.