SEPTEMBER 2011 l 1

With some new projects beginning and a number projects scheduled to be completed before graduation, many improvements are being made to campus. Following is the current schedule of construction progress.

Upper playing fields

Beginning October 3, playing fields near the intersection of 1st West and 7th South will be excavated to prepare for a future housing project. The excavation is scheduled to continue until the middle of December.

Heat plant

The location of coal storage for the university Heat Plant has changed from the Service Area on 1st West to the lot directly south of the plant. The move gives plant operators easier access to coal stores. Grease traps have been installed at the new site to ensure the area’s runoff water is protected.

fleet services

To prepare to vacate the 1st West Service Area, university vehicles are being moved to the parking lot located south of the Heat Plant and west of Biddulph Hall.

Manwaring center

Landscaping located beneath the skybridge between the MC and McKay Library will be completed by Sept. 15.

central QUad/aMpHitHeatre

As the semester begins, landscaping and sidewalk work continues on the Central Quad. Finishing work around the site will continue through the end of October.

taylor QUad

With the installation of underground conduit and the foundation of the new footbridge complete, foundation work continues around the area. Finishing pavers to be used throughout the

landscaped paths have been delivered in preparation for groundwork.

continued on pg. 6

Campus construction update» Stephen Henderson

EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2011

TOP LEFT: Central Quad/Amphitheatre; TOP RIGHT: New Testing Center in the MC; BOTTOM RIGHT: Hart pedestrian bridge; ABOVE: Taylor Quad

2 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES SEPTEMBER 2011 l 3

University partners with car-sharing service

BYU-Idaho is now in cooperation with WeCar, a low-cost car-sharing program allowing students and employees to rent a vehicle for as little as an hour, or as long as a day.

Costs include a $35 annual membership fee, which is then converted to $35 in driving credits. Members can then choose between an hourly rate that includes miles, an hourly rate with an extra per-mile charge, or a daily rate.

What makes this program especially lucrative is that the rental vehicles are available to any student over age 18 with a valid driver’s license, whereas traditional car rental programs require users to be at least 25.

To learn more or to join WeCar, visit www.wecar.com.

News & Notes gets a makeover

Notice a change in this issue of News & Notes? With a new look and expanded content, the BYU-Idaho employee newsletter is poised to be an even more effective means of internal communication.

A few of the most prominent changes to News & Notes are 1) a new, fresh design; 2) an increase from four pages to eight; and 3) a change is distribution from every week to once per month.

University Communications welcomes your feedback regarding the changes. Send comments to newsdesk@byui.edu.

sustainability committee hosts

recycled Bottle regatta

The BYU-Idaho Energy and Sustainability Committee will release plastic bottles down a man-made river at the first-ever Recycling Bottle Regatta, Sept. 16, at 12:30 p.m. on West Campus Drive. All interested may enter the race by placing empty plastic bottles with their name and phone number inside any of the cardboard totes found around campus before noon on Sept. 16. The bottles will be released down the river at 12:30 p.m., and the first 12 bottles to reach the finish could win up to $100 at the University Bookstore.

employees give back

to students

For decades, BYU-Idaho employees have helped thousands of students gain their education by donating to the employee philanthropic program Together for Greatness. Currently, over 700 faculty and staff give to the program, donating funds directly to projects ranging from the President’s Fund to chemistry scholarships.

“When I’ve met students who are struggling to make their education a reality, I’ve realized that I could give more,” said Craig Forbush, the university mechanical operations supervisor and a Together for Greatness donor. “It’s not the amount that matters, but the ability to bless the lives of others in a small way.”

Sports Coordinator Trent Shippen has worked at the school since 1992.

“My supervisors during the Ricks College days, Don Rydalch and Glen Dalling, encouraged all of the coaches to give a little back to the students. Their example and willingness to contribute have left such an imprint on my mind.” Rydalch, Dalling, and many others, have realized the vision of helping make others’ burdens light.

Those interested in donating to the program on a one-time or monthly basis may contact LDS Philanthropies at 496-3514.

This Nissan Cube is one of three vehicles students can choose to rent on campus through the WeCar program.

University news Briefs

COLLEGE LEADERSHIP

Over the summer, several changes were

made to college leadership positions.

RUDY PUZEYNew chair of the Department of Construction Management, Architecture, & Interior Design

LES MANNERNew chair of the Department of Chemistry

GREG ROACHNew chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering

RICHARD CLUFFNew associate dean of theCollege of Education & Human Development

JULIE WILLISNew assistant chair of theDepartment of Geology

2 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES SEPTEMBER 2011 l 3

Men’s on-campus housing expanded

In an effort to better accommodate students’ on-campus housing needs, the office of Housing and Student Living has converted Chapman Hall from women’s to men’s housing beginning this fall. By Fall 2012, Chapman, Lamprecht, and Ricks Halls will house male students, while Perkins, Kerr, and Barnes Halls will remain as women’s on-campus housing. Biddulph Hall will remain a men’s dorm until the end of next spring semester, when it will be converted to needed office space for online learning, Pathway, and curriculum development

“This move opens up on-campus housing options for men, providing them with a wholesome living environment in a convenient location,” said Marc Sunderland, Housing and Student Living office assistant. “We’re making preparations now for future housing projects on campus.”

society of physics students wows kids

The BYU-Idaho chapter of the Society of Physics Students continues to teach and entertain schoolchildren around the region with their science presentations. From elementary school classes to Cub Scout troops, these physics majors are bringing to life many of the principles that are usually seen only in textbooks.

“The kids love when we demonstrate the things that liquid nitrogen or microwaves are capable of doing, or when we show them how the Bernoulli effect works using ordinary things,” said Karl Decker, the SPS outreach officer. “One of the elementary school students managed to send a beach ball through a basketball hoop using the airstream of a leaf blower.”

For Decker and other SPS members, their involvement in the community presentations has helped them prepare to become teachers as well as qualify for and receive the society’s Outstanding Leadership Award, a $2,000 scholarship.

ByU-idaho in the news

Interested in the headlines BYU-Idaho is making locally, regionally, and even nationally? Check out the Newsroom’s “BYU-Idaho in the News” page at www.byui.edu/NewsCenter/inthenews.htm.

From coverage about the Pathway program in the Church News, to a plug about Concurrent Enrollment on Channel 8, to an article featuring President Clark in the Bloomberg Press — BYU-Idaho and its employees are in the news, helping to build the university and its programs.

In addition to “In the News,” browse BYU-Idaho’s new Newsroom in the beta site: beta.byui.edu/newsroom. New features include photos to accompany news stories, social media sharing options, and links to other university publications.

J.D. GRIFFITHManaging Director,Pathway & Online Programs

RANDY HAYESFaculty,Religious Education

DAVID SOLOMONCarpenter,Carpenter Shop

CRAIG JOHNSONFaculty,Mathematics

BRIAN WRIGHTAccounting Services Manager, Bursar’s Office

BRIAN PYPERFaculty,Physics

4 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES SEPTEMBER 2011 l 5

BUILDing a better campus» Scott Haycock

In a world filled with selfishness and self-centeredness, BYU-Idaho is differentiating its students from the world through The BUILD Program.

BUILD is one of Academic Student Connections’ initiatives and provides students opportunities to help other students in one of four academic areas: mentoring, tutoring, academic advising, and teacher assisting. Within each of these areas, programs and opportunities are being created that allow students to lift and build others in their academic pursuits.

For example, the Academic Support Center has created volunteer Class Review Leaders (CRL) for one of the most difficult classes on campus: Chemistry 105. Students who have done extremely well in the course are invited to be CRLs for students presently taking the class. Review sessions occur twice per week and anywhere from seven to 40 students come to the sessions to ask questions, receive explanations about difficult concepts and equations, and teach one another.

“We see a tremendous amount of potential for students to assist others in their academic pursuits. Hundreds of students are

currently participating in the program and we are hoping to have thousands,” said Guy Hollingsworth, associate academic vice president over Student Connections.

Other programs being developed for BUILD include student mentors for Pathway students. A student mentor will be able to guide, teach, and help new students during the course of a semester, continually checking on them to ensure they are having a quality BYU-Idaho experience.

Another benefit of BUILD is that it allows students who serve in one of the programs to receive formal recognition through the BYU-Idaho Student Leadership Transcript. This official transcript is generated through the Registrar’s office upon graduation and lists the title of the service position, where service was rendered, and the time period served. The transcript comprises all formal leadership experiences across campus.

“This program is a great way for students to give of their talents and abilities to help others along the academic journey,” said Van Crawford, BUILD coordinator. “This is another way we can build Zion as students learn to love, serve, and teach one another.”

EMPLOYEE AWARDS

At the Sept. 6 All-Employee

Banquet, three employees

were given the Exemplary

Employee Award, and three

faculty members received

the Distinguished Faculty

Award. The university

thanks these individuals for

their valuable contributions

to BYU-Idaho and its

students.

4 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES SEPTEMBER 2011 l 5

Students work at an informational booth during Get Connected.

although other universities have programs in place to help students, the fact that all of our programs are student-run is pretty remarkable.nat h a n d o u t r e , s t u d e n t s u p p o rt o f f i c e m g r .

Department Spotlight: Student Support» Stephen Henderson

In the fall of 1999, the Office of Orientation was created and Allen Jones was hired as the part-time orientation and safety coordinator. Soon after, the first new-student orientation team was formed, operating out of a one-room office.

Twelve years later, Jones oversees Student Support, home to five individual student organizations including the Student Representative Council, Get Connected, Student Associations, Recruitment Council, and Student Ambassadors. To date, more than 8,000 students have volunteered over 175,000 hours .

volUnteerisM

“The fact that all of our programs are student-run is pretty remarkable,” says Nathan Doutre, Student Support’s student office manager. This fall, 340 students are volunteering five days to mentor incoming freshman.

leadersHip

Each Tuesday afternoon following devotional, the leaders of Student Support and its auxiliaries meet to review the devotional address, apply newly-learned principles to their own organizations, and study disciple-leadership. “Each group, from the SRC to individual student associations, is meant to be a place where disciple-leadership is cultivated. It’s happening from the Russian Association to

the Get Connected staff,” said Jones. “We hope there is a trickle-down effect from the group leadership to each organization.”

representation

Thanks to the new “Student Voice” initiative, the Student Representative Council is improving its knowledge of students’ opinions. Student Voice maintains a database of over 2,000 students who are willing to respond to campus surveys, giving the SRC quick, reliable feedback on issues facing the student body. “With this sample group, we can provide representative samples of student opinion to university administration on current issues, improving our decision making.”

connection

A new student ambassador program takes groups of 20-30 incoming freshman and transfer students and assigns them a student mentor who prepares them individually for their first semester. “The Student Ambassadors are the link between the university and the student body and their parents,” said Jones. “They elevate the level of communication we have, and are making a difference in preparing incoming students for university life.”

preparation

One of Student Support’s goals is to prepare students for lifelong service. Niccol Hahn, the student director of Get Connected,

says that getting involved in Student Support helped her prepare to serve as a full-time missionary. “Before joining the organization, I had no desire to serve a mission,” Hahn said. “But this atmosphere is the best mission prep there is. Eventually, serving a mission became an easy decision.”

Whether as directors, volunteers, or participants, those who get involved in Student Support come away feeling uplifted and inspired. “When we collect surveys after events like Get Connected, students will often says things such as, ‘This was a life-changing experience,’” said Jones. “That’s what this all comes down to.”

BY THE NUMBERS

12: Years the department has been in existence 11: Years students have served in the program 17: Current student associations 8,000+: Students volunteers over the past 12 years 175,000+: Volunteer hours contributed by council members and volunteers

6 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES SEPTEMBER 2011 l 7

Sylvia Turley counsels with a student about financial aid

BY THE NUMBERS

100,000+: Personal contacts made by the Financial Aid Office each year 17,500: Number of students who receive financial aid each year $90 million: Federal aid disbursed to students during 2010-2011 year 75%: Number of students who receive financial aid 7%: National default rate .6%: BYU-Idaho default rate

a day in the life of … sylvia turley» Stephen Henderson

Sylvia Turley clearly recalls the day when an international student came to her office seeking financial help. “His family had just become the victims of a tsunami in their home country and the bottom had just fallen out from his life,” Turley said. “As I worked with this student, it was humbling to see him so resilient and cheerful despite the dire circumstances he suddenly found himself in.”

As a financial aid advisor in the Student Financial Aid Office, Turley has helped students from all walks of life receive the aid they need. On average, the office makes personal contact with around 350 students every day — whether they be

walk-ins, emails, or phone calls. And that number jumps during the initial weeks of each semester, where 1,400 contacts are often made in a single workday.

“We try to see personally to each student’s requests, and ascertain the best way to get them the help they need,” said Turley.

“Some students are fearful or embarrassed because of their personal or family situation — a parent loses a job, or the student is battling an illness. I try to let the Spirit guide me to ask the right questions so I’m aware of key information in their lives.”

To keep up with the expanding need for aid, the office employs 17 full-time employees, including six full-time financial aid advisors as well as 20 part-time students. “Our students are amazing,” said Turley. “’Simply put, they make running this office possible.” In her three years at BYU-Idaho, Turley has seen

changes in computer systems, seen the number of financial aid advisors double, and watched federal guidelines on funds undergo major changes.

“Last fall was a challenging time for our department; funds weren’t available to some students until October. At the same time, we were moving to a new computer system,” said Turley. “On one particularly rough day, President Clark visited our office and offered a blessing of encouragement to the staff. It gave us the courage to keep going even though it was such a stressful time. We appreciated it so much.”

As deadlines approach and long lines stretch into the foyer of the Kimball, Turley herself has been on the receiving end of students’ appreciation. “On those days when I feel extra drained, I’ll listen to a thank-you voicemail I have saved. It keeps me positive.”

construction (continued from page 1)

Hart pedestrian Bridge

The Hart pedestrian bridge is now complete. It replaces an older bridge, which had begun to deteriorate.

KiMBall windows

Beginning Sept. 26, approximately half of the exterior windows on the Kimball Building will be replaced. A number of existing windows present air and water leaks. The replacement is expected to be complete before the end of October.

steaM line

A rupture in a section of steam line located east of the Smith Building has been repaired, and sidewalks around the site are currently being replaced.

BYU-Idaho will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible during a two-day seminar Sept. 15 and 16. Robert Millett, professor of ancient scripture and emeritus dean of Religious Education at BYU, will present a forum address entitled “Latter-day Saints and the King James Version: A Match Made In Heaven” in the Taylor Chapel, on Sept. 15, at 2 p.m. BYU-Idaho instructors from the departments of English, Music, and Religion will follow with individual presentations. The celebration will show the powerful effect the King James Bible has had on these areas in society since its publication in 1611.

“For 400 years we have seen the Bible’s impact on so many aspects of our lives — the English language, our music, our law, and our personal spiritual lives,” said Boyd Baggett of the Department of Religious Education. “We hope the community will join us in taking a moment to ponder the enormous impact

the King James Bible’s witness of Jesus Christ has had on each of us.”

In addition to the forum and speaker sessions, guided tours of the McKay Library exhibit “400 Years Young” will be available both days from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in McKay 220. The exhibit consists of 29 complete Bibles, 18 leaves depicting the history of the Bible in English, and an original first-edition (1611) King James Bible. Visitors will also be able to print a copy of the title page from the King James Bible on the replica Grandin Press in McKay 249.

“We hope students, employees, and the community will gather together to celebrate this extraordinary event,” said Lynne Squires, library assistant. “It is a remarkable opportunity for us to be able to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. There is an impressive amount of information available to viewers in this exhibit. We feel very honored to have such an exhibit on our campus.”

robert Millett headlines King James Bible celebration» Stephen Henderson

Beta: the transition continues» Stephen Henderson

With the beta.byui.edu progress bar now at 15%, the BYU-Idaho online experience continues to improve. “We’re anxious for every department and college to make the transfer to the new platform so our site can by fully-functioning by the beginning of 2012,” said Kirk Rawlins, Communication Strategy & Web Services manager.

Much like recent changes made to www.lds.org, the BYU-Idaho beta site will act as the main webpage while the old site remains as a back-up. By the end of 2011, every department will have been provided necessary training to make the transition, and the old site can be phased out in 2012.

Out of roughly 40 major groups, seven administrative offices and seven academic departments have switched to the new web platform.

“We’re excited for what the new site is doing for our students and faculty,” said Robyn

Bergstrom, dean of the College of Business and Communication. “Now, it’s easier for our departments to publish what they need to in a professional way.”

In the past, redundant pages and links have done more harm than good, clogging search engines and creating confusion across the site. With the guidance of the Web Services team, departments can feel confident in making the right information available to the right people.

As with any endeavor, effective feedback is key in the process of improvement.

“We want people to feel comfortable giving us their feedback on the site,” said Jeffrey Dunster, Web Services coordinator.

“We read every comment, and many of the tweaks we’ve made over the past few months have come as a result of outside ideas,” Dunster said.

BETA MIGRATION

The following departments/offices have migrated to the beta site:

acadeMic colleges/depts. • Business and Communication - Business Management • Language and Letters - Foreign Languages & Literatures • Performing and Visual Arts - Theatre & Dance (two sites) adMinistrative departMents • Academic Support Center • Academic Discovery Center • Activities • Center Stage • Continuing Education • Housing and Student Living • University Communications

6 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES SEPTEMBER 2011 l 7

8 l BYU- IDAHO NEWS & NOTES

From the moment you step into Kathy Jo Cook’s office you can tell that she loves her family. With pictures of her four children and three grandchildren lining the walls, many family memories are brought to life. In one photograph, a happy young toddler stands caked in mud. “One spring we were planting our apple trees and my son was trying his best to help. He ended up covered from head to toe in dirt and was soaking wet.” It’s moments like these that Cook cherishes the most.

When she’s not at school, Cook enjoys gardening in her yard and walking by a river near her house. “There is a peace you find while being at home,” said Cook. “It is a place where you can study and learn together as a family; that’s what I enjoy most about it.”

Although it was difficult at times, Cook worked hard to balance her family life while keeping her professional skills up-to-date. When her children were young she worked part-time consulting at small hospitals so she could spend most of her time at home. “Looking back, I have no regrets about cutting down on my career to spend more time with my children.”

As the lights flash and the stage goes dark, several men with painted blue faces walk out onto the stage. The high-energy combination of mime, percussion, and visual feats begins, leaving the entire audience in a blissful state. While the audience is focused on what is happening on the stage, they tend to forget about the men behind the scenes like Spencer Allen, who make sure that the audio and visual aspects of the show are going as planned.

Allen, an Idaho native, worked with the Blue Man Group for over five years while working on the Las Vegas strip. “It was a great experience to be able to work in Las Vegas, but I’m so happy to now be here at BYU-Idaho,” said Allen.

Before going to Las Vegas, he worked at Virginia Tech for 13 years where he was involved with the music group, “The New Virginians.” With them he was able to tour all over the east cost.

Allen has been married to his wife for 29 years and has four children. He loves to read science fiction and fantasy novels in his spare time and loves to travel, just as long as he doesn’t have to drive.

Kathy Jo CookHome & FamilyFaculty

Start Date: Fall 1993

Hometown: Bountiful, Utah

Spencer AllenA/V Production Services Audio Production Specialist

Start Date: August 2010

Hometown: Malad City, Idaho

News & NotesA monthly publication of University Communications

A D V I S O R / E D I T O R Andy Cargal

W R I T E R S Scott Haycock, Stephen Henderson, Jessica McIntyre

PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Lewis, Doug McKay

If you have any ideas for future issues, please e-mail newsdesk@byui.edu

University Communications215 Kimball Building • Rexburg, ID • 83460-1661 • Phone: (208) 496-2000

employee profilesannoUnceMents

President’s Q&A A Q&A with university vice

presidents will occur this Friday, Sept. 16, at noon in the MC Special Events Room. Send questions in advance to webbk@byui.edu.

Wilma Jephson Retirement Wilma Jephson in Activities retired

during the summer break.

for sale

Dishwasher, Frigidaire, basic model, black, 2 1/2 years old, works well, good condition, five cycle settings. Asking $175. Call or text Andy at 351-1590.

Beautiful wedding dress; elegant, simple, and modest; comes with jewelry and veil, $195. Call or text Ashlee at 801-427-2716.

2002 Dodge Grand Caravan; $4,500, 127,500 miles, 3.3L V-6

engine, cruise control, keyless entry, power locks & windows. See more at http://2002van.blogspot.com. Call or text 201-3541.

Nice home for sale; large landscaped yard, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, huge pantry, wonderful neighbors, close to schools and park. Located at 124 South Maple Avenue in Sugar City. Interested parties please call 656-0158 for more information.