Northeastern Illinois University’s Student Center for Science Engagement (SCSE) had to change the way it usually facilitates research because of the pandemic. Yet, even while research was done remotely, the SCSE was able to conduct 18 projects from eight departments and will host a virtual symposium later this month to showcase the results. Read about this and more in Noteworthy at Northeastern.
Around the Commons
Student Research
When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in March, forcing the rapid shift to remote teaching and learning for the rest of the Spring 2020 semester, the Student Center for Science Engagement had just put out a call to the faculty for its Undergraduate Summer Research and Professional Training Program. With the determination that in-person research no longer was feasible, the Center altered its call, asking faculty—who suddenly also were contending with a seismic shift to remote teaching—to rework their proposals. That call was answered, with the submission and execution of 18 projects from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. The research is scheduled to be presented in a virtual conference on Oct. 16.
And there’s more!
- Fall break is Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10. No classes will take place.
- Coordinator, Advisor and Associate Professor of Economics Scott Hegerty published an article in the Baltic Journal of Economics titled “Macroeconomic volatility, monetary union, and external exposure: evidence from five Eurozone members.”
- The 2020 Golden Gala Alumni Award winners have been announced. The virtual Gala will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 17.
- Stage Center Theatre (SCT) is now accepting submissions or potential projects for a month-long Digital Theatre Festival for Social Justice to take place Oct. 15-Nov. 17. SCT welcomes submissions through Oct. 15 from all members of the NEIU community.
To do
Lit & Luz Festival
Northeastern will serve as a community partner of this year’s Lit & Luz Festival, a one-of-a-kind series of events featuring renowned authors and visual artists from Chicago and Mexico in cultural exchange and conversation. Northeastern Spanish instructor and author Raúl Dorantes will take part in “Literatura en español en Chicago,” a panel discussion at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. Additionally, NEIU student and Independent journalist Leslie Hurtado will serve as an audio producer for the festival. Hurtado's audio documentary, "When Art is Action/Cuando el arte es acción," featuring Sandra Cisneros and Kristiana Rae Colón, will air Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
Coming next week!
- Virtual Latinx/a/o Book Display, through Oct. 15
- LGBTQ+ History Month Book Display, through Oct. 31
- Workshop: How to Turn a Career Fair Into a Job Offer, 3-4 p.m., Oct. 6
- Healing and Solidarity Work: Within the Black & Latinx Communities, 6-7:30 p.m., Oct. 6
- The Reality of Latin America: Chile-Mexico, 1-3 p.m., Oct. 7
- Coming Out Workshop, 12:15-1:30 p.m., Oct. 8
- Carreras Speaker Virtual Series: Afro-Latinas in Executive Leadership, 3-4 p.m., Oct. 8
In the media
- Alexis Abarca (B.A. '18 Women's and Gender Studies) was mentioned in a Metro Weekly story about the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's new campaign against anti-transgender stigma and violence.
- Aaron Cortes, Director of STEM Initiatives for the Center for College Access and Success, was featured in GlobalMindED’s newsletter for being an advocate for promoting STEM/STEAM education, international access and college readiness for low income and first-generation college students.
- Coordinator, Advisor and Associate Professor of Economics Scott Hegerty was interviewed by WalletHub to discuss factors consumers should consider when applying for and using credit cards.
Student Support Spotlight
Keep Learning
The COVID-19 Keep Learning page provides academic information for students who are learning remotely. It has been updated with new tutor information for the Student Center for Science Engagement. The Student Center for Science Engagement offers remote tutoring in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics.
Study Spaces
For the Fall 2020 semester, the Student Union and Ronald Williams Library offer students study spaces by reservation only. These spaces provide access to Wi-Fi, computers and copiers/scanner/printers. A color copier/scanner/printer will be available in the Ronald Williams Library only. Students may reserve a two-hour block for use of either the Student Union or Ronald Williams Library. Please note that there are limited spaces available in each building. The Ronald Williams Library continues to offer Grab & Go services for physical library items.
Student Counseling Services
Students are welcome to contact NEIU’s Student Counseling Services to set up an appointment to talk either by phone or their online platform for teletherapy. To access NEIU’s Student Counseling Services, call (773) 442-4650 or send an email to counsect@neiu.edu. The hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, students may also reach a counselor for more urgent consultation by calling the main number and pressing “2” during the outgoing message.
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