Hot Type from the Editor

Things may seem very quiet around campus right now, but just around the corner is the Fall semester. SCS is gearing up for a very successful Fall. Enrollment is strong, new classes have been added and the coming semester is shaping up to be one of the best ever. Later in this newsletter, look for important dates and the academic calendar. But there may be a few facilities and services available to you that you didn't know about.

You may be surprised to know that as a currently enrolled Tulane student, you have access to some free software. Visit the Technology Services department and click on “Software” to access the “E-Academy.” There you will find a list of software that is available to you, at no charge. You will also have access to software for sale, at prices lower than you may find elsewhere on the Web. Also, be aware that you may be able to find deep discounts on computer hardware through the Computer Concierge. Call (504) 862-8059 or toll free (877) 623-0023. Spend some time at the Tech Services site to find out more about savings, tutoring, training and more.

If you are like so many other SCS students, there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. A trip to the campus bookstore may not be on the agenda, even though you must buy your textbooks for Fall. Take advantage of the online ordering service offered by the Bookstore. Visit the bookstore online where you can search for textbooks required for your classes, order the books online and even arrange for home delivery. You can also opt to go to the store and pick up your order.

Now is the ideal time for you to acquaint yourself with your academic adviser, or schedule your regular pre-semester appointment. Your adviser stays abreast of your academic progress, and can be an important partner in structuring your ongoing course schedules. It is a good idea to meet with your adviser each semester before your register. Call to make an appointment. Click here for contact information.

There is a broad range of services available to you through the Tulane Division of Student Affairs. Here you can find out about activities and programs ranging from community service and fitness/wellness programs to student media outlets and campus recreation facilities. Student Affairs is also the place to find out about basic campus services, such as banking, dining, travel services, career counseling and retail outlets. Student Affairs is a one-stop shop for almost everything you will need as a Tulane student.

Safety is always a priority at Tulane. Many of our SCS students attend classes at night. That is why the University has made special parking provisions for you. After 5:30 PM, you can park anywhere on campus without fear of fines or tickets. We recommend you always park as close to your classroom building as possible.

There are so many other services available to you as a Tulane student. Spend some time on the Tulane Website to learn more, and each of our newsletters will acquaint you with more services and facilities.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Paul A. Greenberg
SCS Newsletter Editor

Elmwood Gets an Upgrade

by Paul Forbes

Tower of Cyber Power
The SCS Elmwood Campus experienced a spring-semester growth burst of new computing technology. Fifty-three Dell Optiplex 755 computers were purchased in April to upgrade two PC labs at the Elmwood Campus and one PC lab at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Campus. Installed in time for the 2008 summer semester, the computers boast impressive stats:

     Processor Type = Intel(R) Core2 Duo CPU
     Processor Clock Speed = 2.66 GHz
     Installed Memory = 2.0 GB DDR2 SDRAM
     Memory Speed = 667 MHz
full story

A/V Upgrades
Elmwood Campus coordinator Shirell Morgan reports that in April permanent desk-top computers were installed in eight classrooms. In addition, four classrooms received ceiling-mounted LCD projectors and sound systems.

“Historically, we used portable equipment in the classrooms,” said Morgan. “This practice worked well for many years. However, a growing number of faculty members utilize computer-based instructional resources, especially PowerPoint and online-based content. The need for better quality projectors and faster computers grew accordingly.”

“We worked closely with the faculty to identify their needs and sort out solutions that work best for everyone,” Morgan continued. “The fixed equipment is a cleaner, user-friendly application. In addition, the upgrades are simply more cost effective once you factor in the time and expense required to repair equipment near the end of its lifecycle. Additional upgrades are in the planning stages and will be addressed in the coming months. Faculty and students alike have been vocal in their appreciation for the improvements. Life is good!”

Student Spotlight
on James Gillis

Each issue of the SCS Newsletter recognizes the achievements of one of our outstanding students. This month we shine our spotlight on James Gillis, a Homeland Security Studies major.
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SCS Student Wins
Tulane 34 Award

MSgt. Ron L. Warr, a 2nd Air Force training manager at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, is the recipient of the Tulane 34 Award. Warr was honored in May with the award named for the year in which the University was founded. The award serves as recognition for exemplary leadership, service and academic excellence.

Warr, who remained on the Dean's List for academic excellence for six full semesters, was a student at the Biloxi Campus, majoring in digital design, with a minor in media arts. He earned his bachelor's degree in May, graduating with a 3.97 cumulative GPA. Warr was also the recipient of the Elmo and Margrett Allen Waltzer scholarship, and was inducted into Theta Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society.

Warr, who has been stationed at Keesler for the past 15 years, has served 23 years in the Air Force.

Congratulations Ron!

Academic Spotlight
on Keith Amacker

Each issue of the SCS Newsletter recognizes one of our SCS faculty. This month we shine our spotlight on Keith Amacker, Director of the Homeland Security Studies program.
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SCS Professor Leads Joint Terrorism Response Exercise

On March 27, under the leadership of Tim Thomasson, of the New Orleans office of homeland security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP), the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Region 1 conducted a multi-parish, state, federal and local joint terrorism response mass casualty exercise. Thomasson, who is also a SCS Homeland Security Studies adjunct professor, was the exercise coordinator. The exercise was geared to “work out the kinks” in response time and the joint operations of multi-parish assets — to include local hospitals, EMS providers, police, fire and civilian responders.
full story

New Faces at SCS

Karen Delzell-Lucas, Ph.D. has joined SCS as Assistant Dean of the Mississippi Coast Campus. Prior to this appointment, Delzell-Lucas served as Dean of the Center for Adult Programs at the University of Mobile. Prior faculty appointments include Professor of Organizational Administration and Leadership and Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Research from the University of Southern Mississippi. Delzell-Lucas holds professional membership in various academic associations including the University Continuing Education Association. She previously served as National Councilor for the Iota Eta Sigma chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the honor society for non-traditional students. While serving as Dean of the Center for Adult Programs, Delzell-Lucas developed degree programs in areas which addressed the needs of both the adult student and the local job market. Her research interests include motivational and retention factors which affect the educational opportunities of non-traditional students.
Welcome Dr. Delzell-Lucas!

Barbara Cambre is the new evening project assistant at the Elmwood Campus. “I live in River Ridge and was well familiar with the important role SCS and the Elmwood Campus play in my community” said Cambre. “SCS has a fabulous administrative team; everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. I’m also pleased and excited to be a member of the Tulane family. I truly enjoy working with the faculty and students.” Stop by and introduce yourself to Barbara at Elmwood’s front desk.

Edna Hoff has been hired as Customer Service Assistant. You will see Edna at the Uptown campus front desk Monday through Friday. Edna, originally from the Philippines, recently moved to New Orleans with her husband and seven-year old son. Edna’s husband also works for Tulane, as a commercial carpenter. Welcome, Edna!

Also at the Uptown campus, Natalie Seither is our new Senior Academic Adviser. Natalie has a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Louisiana Tech, and a Master’s degree in Education and Counseling from UNO. Prior to joining our team, Natalie worked as Coordinator of Adult Services at UNO, working with the adult student population and the “Golden Agers,” students age 65 and over. Natalie also has experience in career planning and assessment and as an elementary school counselor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kenner. Welcome, Natalie!

Academic Calendar