New Degree Helps Special Ed Teacher Shortage

A new program in the College of Education now offers students a unique degree that combines special education and elementary education.

Teachers for All Children, commonly referred to as the TAC Program, was designed to fill a need for special education teachers and address the instructional and professional challenges special educators encounter.

“There is a critical shortage of local special education teachers today,” said Kim Stoddard, PhD, special education associate professor and one of the four founding faculty members of the TAC Program. “We wanted to create this program to offer something back to the community.”

The TAC Program re-started Fall 2004 and requires eight semesters that combine undergraduate courses in elementary education with graduate courses in exceptional student education. Students earn a master’s degree and certification in exceptional student education for K-12 as well as a certification in elementary education.

>> Read: Article

>> The TAC Program was recently featured on FOX News, Ch. 13

Campus Celebrates Diversity Through Food and Fun

More than 100 people recently joined the cultural festivities to sample food from around the world and enjoy entertainment during the First Annual Multicultural Feast, sponsored by Multicultural Affairs.

“We had such a dynamic turnout for the first annual feast and it was great to see so many from the campus come together to celebrate our differences while embracing our similarities,” Monica White, coordinator of multicultural affairs said. "Plus, everyone seemed to really groove to the belly dancing and live Calypso music."

White said that because of the overwhelming success of this year’s event, she hopes to make this an annual campus tradition. “Next year we hope even more people participate and bring food from their culture or even a culture that is familiar to them through travel, friends and interest.

>> See: Photo Gallery

Florida Studies Announces First Program Fellows

Did you know that the USF Bulls were originally, and inadvertently, dubbed the “Golden Brahma,” which is actually a chicken, not a Brahman Bull? Last week, guests at the Florida Studies lecture, “Ten Little Known Facts about Florida,” learned this and much more from guest speaker Kevin McCarthy, PhD, a professor of English at the University of Florida and new fellow of the Florida Studies Program.

McCarthy also mentioned UF’s mascot mishap when the university showcased its well-known mascot, the alligator, using a picture of a crocodile. Plus, he said that the animal that has had the greatest impact on Florida is not the manatee, shark, or Florida panther – but rather a mouse, Mickey Mouse. 

During this Florida Studies event, co-directors Gary Mormino, PhD, and Ray Arsenault, PhD, named ten individuals fellows of the Florida Studies Program.  This inaugural group of fellows were selected for their expertise, vision and support of the Florida Studies Program and will continue to serve as invaluable resources to the Program, Mormino said.

The new fellows are: Merle Allshouse, Leland Hawes, Lee Irby, Bob Devin Jones, Jeff Klinkenberg, Kevin McCarthy, James Schnur, Betty Jean Steinshouer, Sheila Stewart and David Seth Walker.

What You Need to Know About Workers Compensation

Meica Eldridge, coordinator of workers’ compensation, will present a workshop about on-the-job injuries and illnesses Tuesday, Nov. 30 from 9:30 am to 11 am in TER300. This workshop is targeted for supervisors. Eldridge will discuss:

• Who to call for assistance
• What is a work-related injury
• Summary of benefits provided by workers’ compensation
• How workers’ compensation costs impact departments

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Chantal Vachon at 553-4106.

Professor Celebrates at Clinton Library Opening

Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan, PhD, professor of Political Science and former White House staffer in the Clinton Administration, attended the Presidential Library Grand Opening Ceremony and Staff Reunion Barbeque in Little Rock last week.

In this photo, Scourfield McLauchlan reviews the Schedule of the President for April 24, 1998 and finds her brief with the President, First Lady and Chief of Staff.

Help Make Childrens Holiday Brighter

Share the holiday spirit with Pinellas County underprivileged children by donating toys to Operation Giving Tree, the USF St. Petersburg Ambassadors Organization annual campus toy drive that benefits the YWCA Family Village and the ASAP Shelter.

The campus toy drive will run through Friday, Dec. 10 and donations can be made at three campus locations: the Campus Bookstore, the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library and the Snell House. 

The USF St. Petersburg Ambassador Organization serve as student representatives and provide assistance to the USF Alumni Association and campus administration. Ambassadors also help welcome visiting dignitaries and guests to campus. 

If you would like more information about Operation Giving Tree, Ambassadors, or if you are interested in requesting ambassadors for your next event, please contact Sue Bebernitz at 553-4561 or sbebern@spadmin.usf.edu.

I Am USF St. Petersburg: Cyndie Collins

Academic advising is a core element in every student’s journey toward a college degree. With expert guidance and a specific plan, a student is given a personalized foundation to build academic success.

When the Academic Advising Center at USF St. Petersburg opened its doors in 1997 to centralize the advising process, Cyndie Collins was selected its first director. Collins originally came to USF St. Petersburg in 1986 as the academic advisor for the College of Education after working for several years at USF Tampa.

“Basically, the Center’s role is to assist students in accomplishing their academic goals and to help them understand the rules, regulations, and procedures of the University,” Collins said.  The Academic Advising Center is part of Enrollment Services, under the Academic Affairs umbrella.

>> Read: Article

Celebrate the Holidays at the Ronald McDonald House

USF St. Petersburg will make and serve dinner at the Ronald McDonald House Tuesday, Dec. 21.  Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve the meal.  The campus is also collecting supplies and small gifts to present to residents. For more information, contact Barry McDowell at 553-4990 or mcdowell@stpt.usf.edu

>> See: List of Suggested Holiday Gifts

Swing State is Not Yet in the Red

Tampa Tribune

Nov. 22, 2004

Does Florida still swing, or has it turned red?

After this month's convincing Republican election victory, a look at the numbers could call into question Florida's reputation as a swing state. Some question whether it's now one of the "red states'' considered reliably Republican.

>> Read: Article

Dali hunts money for move

St. Petersburg Times

Nov. 21, 2004

The roof of the giant concrete cylinder known as Times Arena at Bayfront Center will be blasted into rubble Dec. 1.

Few are more excited about the demolition than officials at the Salvador Dali Museum, who hope to take over the arena site.

More than 75 percent of St. Petersburg voters approved a referendum authorizing the move. Also approved was a measure transferring the Dali property to the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, which wants to expand.

>> Read: Article

Panel: Florida Democrats have a fighting chance

St. Petersburg Times

Nov. 21, 2004

Florida's Democrats staggered out of the 2004 election, losing the presidential vote and a U.S. Senate seat, but the Sunshine State is not nearly as solidly Republican as its southern neighbors.

That was the message Saturday at a conference featuring local and national political scientists and activists from both parties.

>> Read: Article

The USF St. Petersburg Calendar of Events can advertise to faculty, staff, students and the general public. Events may include lectures, conferences, ceremonies, concerts, sporting events, scholarship events, fundraising events and exhibits. 

The best way to submit your event is to use the central news submission form: http://www.stpt.usf.edu/news/submissions.htm