New Media Journalism @ Seton Hill University

The story of how Seton Hill became "Sabbath Hill University" shows how local film productions might benefit Western Pennsylvania communities, as well as how filming in those communities can benefit the companies themselves.

But it also points up how many filmmaking professionals either have ties to the area or choose to live here, despite the lure of places such as Los Angeles and New York.

I teach on one end of the hallway where the filming was going on. The other day I bumped into someone whose clothing screamed "I am dressed the way people expect a college professor to dress."

I actually do own a corduroy blazer with leather arm patches, and I do have a black turtleneck, but I've never worn them together.

Posted by jerz at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While doing a routine web search for "Seton Hill University," I came across the online portfolio of Jen, an adult student in Seton Hill's business program.

As a non-traditional student, this program has allowed me to complete my undergraduate degree at my own pace and with a schedule my family can live with. While the accelerated class work load is not easy, I enjoy the friendly professors, the serene campus, and the learning experience in general is top notch. I am so impressed with SHU, that I plan to stay on to achieve my MBA.

Jen has posted a reflection paper that concludes:

Now as I prepare for my last year at Seton Hill as an undergrad student, I look back on my progress, my experiences, and my growth as a person. Because I had so many years of work experience, I never understood the necessity to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Now that I am almost finished, I made the decision to seek my Master’s degree. The combination of liberal arts core classes (history, science, math, the arts, and religion) has made me a well-rounded person (and fun at parties). No amount of time spent on the job can make up for this fundamental learning experience. It becomes embedded into your person.

What have I gained from my time at Seton Hill? I am sure I cannot even begin to comprehend all that I have been given. I have matured. I have learned. I have thought. I have applied. I have created. I have commitment. I have confidence. I have a chance. Thank you, SHU.

.

Posted by Admin at 7:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Caitlin Fienzle, a senior history major at Seton Hill, recently took an online World War II history class.

Logging on to the class anytime of the day or night from her dorm room, Fienzle said the class was a great experience.

"I was so into the class," Fienzle said. "I got so involved sometimes I lost track of time."

Fienzle was especially taken by an e-discussion group that involved two "armies" fighting -- debating, really -- over questions posed by class professor Dr. John Spurlock.

Her favorite point of contention: Did the demand by the U.S. for the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan help or hinder Allied war aims?

Spurlock said the discussions reflected the greatest strength of online education: the depth, richness and inclusiveness of student participation in class.

Dr.Spurlock and I will be presenting a workshop on teaching with simulations and games, as part of a faculty workshop next semester.

Posted by jerz at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This morning I found this in my e-mail in box (no, I'd rather not call it an "inbox").

NAME THE NEW CAMPUS PORTAL! Win CASH for Renaming JWeb Want to leave a lasting mark on the Hill? Now's your chance, and you can win a $100 gift card in the process.

Seton Hill University will be upgrading JWeb and CampusConnect into one new information portal in June 2008, and we want YOU to name it! Submit the catchiest, snappiest, most apt name for our new portal and you'll not only add a new word to our campus lexicon, but also win a $100 Visa Gift Card.

The "J" in JWeb stands for Jenzabar, which is our not-exactly-beloved course management system. Campus Connect is our internal database, where we report grades and see what students have signed up for our courses.

Entering your idea is easy:

+ If you could rename JWeb or CampusConnect, what would you call it? Invent a snappy, catchy title that aptly describes what it is that a portal page combining JWeb and CampusConnect does. You might consider how other large websites (MySpace, Yahoo, iTunes, Google) are named, but originality counts.

+ How will your new name relate to Seton Hill? Names that specifically tie into the college's university's mission, institutional history, and unique identity will be more likely to win. You might turn to the campus catalog, local landmarks, or the university website for inspiration.

+ How will the name be interpreted? Avoid profanity, slurs, double-entendres, or any language that might potentially offend others.

SUBMIT as many entries as you like by e-mail to contest@setonhill.edu. Anyone attached to SHU can enter. The DEADLINE is November 20th at 6pm. Include your proposed name(s) for the new portal, your own full name, and the mailing address to send your prize if you are chosen as the winner!

Posted by jerz at 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At some point last night, new blog entries stopped showing up. I've spent several hours today trying to solve that problem. Crossing my fingers....

Posted by Admin at 11:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

While I'm still working out the kinks, the MT upgrade seems to be working.

Seton Hill University students have been blogging at this location since Fall, 2003. In 2004, the work of SHU bloggers has appeared in a North Carolina State University MA thesis, "Web Logs in the Post-Secondary Writing Classroom: A Study of Purposes," and an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Freedom of Speech Redefined by Blogs."

The old login instructions are now out of date, but they will still explain things such as your default password and tips for how to write good blog entries. I will begin updating some of the older SHU blogging tutorials. Those links will appear here as I create them.

MT4 seems to be a big drag on our server's memory... if your site ever seems to hang, please don't reload the page multiple times -- your command is probably just waiting in a long line, and if you submit your request half a dozen times, it will just gum up the system even worse, and then you'll have six duplicate entries (which you will have to delete, which will take even more computing resources).

Working with new media is always a roller-coaster ride, so please bear with me during the transition.

--DGJ

Update: I should point out that I asked my internet to increase the RAM on my virtual server, so that it is in line with MT4's stated minimal requirements, and I could see a performance boost. While it's true that MT4 sucks up a lot more resources than MT3, well, they s

Posted by Admin at 9:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Comments and entries have been temporarily disabled on blogs.setonhill.edu, in order that maintenance may be performed.

Note: passive verbs have been employed in this notice.

You are thanked for your patience.

Posted by Admin at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SHU librarian Anthony McMullen was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article on a library that gave up the Dewey Decimal System in favor of sorting books the way they are sorted in a bookstore.

Discord Over Dewey - WSJ.com

Anthony McMullen, a librarian at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Penn., said he's heard colleagues scoff at searches that result in millions of pages, which they think bewilder users, as well as searches that direct users to illegitimate sources of information.

But Mr. McMullen encourages keeping an open mind, noting that most users focus on the first 10 to 20 results and don't get overwhelmed. And the Internet doesn't have exclusive rights on inaccuracy, he added. "I could compile a lengthy bibliography of published books that support the notion that the Holocaust never occurred. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't use books."

Posted by jerz at 2:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just came across a reference to this. The campus looks great. It's interesting to see how the campus is represented, since the audience for this video is people who are outside the community, rather than those who are part of it.

YouTube - Seton HIll University: Are You Up?

Posted by jerz at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This Friday, April 20th, is the opening of my senior solo art exhibit at Harlan Gallery at Seton Hill. Each art student has to hold a senior art show, and I was lucky enough to be granted my own solo exhibit in the back gallery.

The title of my show is "Stages: Politics, Theater, Design." and will feature a design work that I have done in the realm of theatrical promotion (ie "Dodge Intrepid' materials, Cellar Dweller show posters, and video production) alongside political campaign work. My hope is that people will examine the principles and techniques I use in both of these fields in order to draw the two together. This isn't a show attacking politics, or aiming for controversy, but rather one that will hopefully show people that the political campaigns have the same sorts of storylines, characters and performances as theater.

The opening reception for "Stages" is Friday, April 20th from 7-9PM. The show itself will be running through Monday, April 23rd.

Posted by Mike Rubino at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Great coverage of the first recipient of SHU's new merit-based full-tuition scholarships.

EF senior gets $100K surprise - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Under the ruse of gathering in the auditorium for a jazz band interlude, Hough was instead presented with a full-tuition scholarship valued at more than $100,000 from the Division of Visual and Performing Arts of Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Westmoreland County.

Posted by jerz at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello SHU community

tonight at 9 p.m. in Admin. 206 is the EYE CONTACT judging session

All are welcome to judge art and literature...

There will be snacks and more snacks!

It will only be an hour, AND if you can't stay for the whole hour, half an hour is just as good

SO please consider it and be a leader!

Thanks!

~Mike Diezmos
Eye Contact Business Manager and Setonian Renaissance Man

Posted by at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Come one, come all! Eye Contact is ready for YOUR help to put together the Spring 2007 issue!

Wednesday, February 28^th at 9pm in 206 Admin we'll have all submissions in art, poetry, and literature ready for judging. (We'll also have donuts and cookies...!)

Bring your friends along! Be a part of Eye Contact and help us decide what goes in the magazine.

Hope to see you there!

Posted by Karissa at 2:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(724) 830-1000

I'm posting this entry because I always have to hunt for the telephone number that gives a recorded message from the dean about whether the weather will affect classes.

Posted by jerz at 8:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Becca Baker passed this note on to me. [By the way, there are still plenty of Tier I hours available at The Setonian. --DGJ]

I have four Tier II work-study hours/week available this Spring for a communications position in the Office of Public Information. Below is a description of the types of duties this position would entail. If you know of any student who may interested, please have them e-mail me or give me a call. (Please do not direct student to visit me at St. Mary without calling first. I’m often away from my office. :)

Thanks!

--

OPI Communications work-study responsibilities:

Sorting and posting press clips (for Board of Trustees press clip book)
Filing student publicity forms
Writing press releases
Writing for online newsroom &/or Communicator
Photography (we provide camera and basic training)
Event coverage (if event fits into student's schedule)
Preparation of press kits
Attendance at press conferences (if event fits into student's schedule)
Communications projects as assigned

(A confidentiality agreement must be signed.)

--

Becca Baker
Associate Director of Media Relations
Seton Hill University
724-830-1069
bbaker@setonhill.edu

Posted by jerz at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Calling all writers, poets, photographers, and artists: Eye Contact needs YOU to submit your work. The fall 2006 issue was truly excellent, and our staff has great expectations for this spring 2007 collection.

Below please find the submission guidelines. Make sure to follow all the directions for submitting, and please note the deadline--February 16th. No late entries will be accepted. Questions? Contact us.

Happy creating!

Submission Guidelines: Spring 2007

Eye Contact invites submissions from students, faculty, and staff of area colleges. A blind judging process is used to evaluate works. Submissions must be previously unpublished, and Eye Contact reserves all publication rights for the issue in question. Attach this information separately: title of work, your full name (no pseudonyms, please), current address, e-mail, telephone number, college, and a one-line biographical statement. Neither your name, nor any identifying entity should appear on your entry.

DEADLINE: February 16, 2007

Mail submissions to Eye Contact, c/o Seton Hill University, Box 246, Greensburg, PA 15601. Literature submissions may be e-mailed as a rich text file (.rtf or as text files only -- all other file attachments will be deleted unread) to eyecontact@setonhill.edu

LITERATURE: Entries must be typed (double-spaced), with the title included in the upper left hand corner of each page. Individual poems are limited to two pages and prose should not exceed ten pages in length. Please include a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) if you want your manuscript to be returned.If you submit your work electronically via e-mail, be sure to include all the required identifying information listed above in the body of the e-mail message or in a separately attached file.

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY: Entries are restricted to black and white works. (Occasionally, we can reproduce a color item in black and white, or select it as cover art). All art must have your name, address, e-mail, telephone number, media/medium, and title written on the back of the piece. Enclose a 3x5 card with your name, your college and a one-line biographical statement. Artwork will be returned by mail only if accompanied by appropriate postage. Eye Contact does not accept responsibility for work damaged in the mail. We cannot accept artwork via e-mail, but can receive floppy diskettes, Zip disks, or data CDs. Digital submissions may be reprinted electronically in the magazine unless originals are provided.

Posted by Karissa at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Big payday for Seton Hill student? - Tribune-Review

A Uniontown woman was a contestant on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," and there will be a party to celebrate her appearance.

Heidi Ruby Miller, a student in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction master program, will be on episodes airing at 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday on WPXI-TV.

Posted by jerz at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

EXQUISITE CORPSE -- a short horror "anthology" film based on the poems and stories of Dr. Michael Arnzen (Associate Prof of English, SHU)-- will be screened on the Seton Hill campus in an event open to the public. Arnzen will be on hand to host a discussion following the screening and also sign books after the event. Here are the details: What: EXQUISITE CORPSE. 17 minutes. Producer: Poeticollage/Jim Minton Design Group, 2006. Preview the trailer online here! When: Thursday, November 9th, 8:30pm Where: ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, ROOM 206 Who: You or anyone else you want to bring. Rated PG-13.

Posted by Dr. Mike Arnzen at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Calling all judges! Eye Contact is holding a literature and art judging session this Wednesday! Now is your chance to contribute to the magazine, judge some great artwork, prose and poetry and help us decide what's making the cut.

Our judging process is blind... which doesn't mean you'll be blindfolded. Rather, all of our lit and art submissions will be nameless, so know one will know who wrote what. Everyone who judges will have their name listed as a judge in this Fall's issue! There will also be some snacks provided! It's going to be a fun evening!

The judging session is being held in Admin 204 this Wednesday, Oct 25 at 8:00pm. Come for the whole time or just come for a little bit-- any help is appreciated! (And please bring a pen.)

Posted by Mike Rubino at 11:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's that time again! Get your art, photos, short stories, and poetry ready--Eye Contact is ready for YOU.

The deadline for the Fall 2006 issue is October 20th.

Visit our blog or click the "read more" link for full submission guidelines.

Continue reading "Call for Submissions: Fall Deadline October 20" »

Posted by Karissa at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another school year is upon us, and with that comes two great new issues of Eye Contact! We will be holding an open meeting this Wednesday, September 13th in the Greensburg Room on campus. The meeting begins at 7:30pm, and there -may- be donuts there.

The meeting is open to anyone interested in helping out with the magazine. We're always looking for help--and since the majority of our editorial staff is graduating in the Spring, we could use some dedicated folks to take over for us. At the meeting, the current staff will talk about their roles in the magazine, as well the judging process that we go through to select entries.

Hope to see you there!

Posted by Mike Rubino at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Small Colleges, Short of Men, Embrace Football - New York Times (by Bill Pennington; free registration required)

Some small American colleges, eager to attract men to increasingly female campuses, have taken notice of how many students like Mr. Bosworth can be lured to attend by adding football teams. Officials at these colleges say football can bring in more tuition-paying students than any other course or activity -- and not just players themselves.

"When you recruit a halfback, you get a few of his male friends, maybe his sister and his sister's boyfriend, too," said JoAnne Boyle, president of Seton Hill University. A 123-year-old former women's institution in Greensburg, Pa., Seton Hill added football last year.

"I could have started a spiffy new major of study, spent a lot of money on lab equipment and hired a few new high-powered professors," Dr. Boyle said. "I might have gotten 25 more students for that. And I couldn't have counted on that major still being popular in 15 years.

"Instead, I started a football team, brought in hundreds of paying students, added a vibrant piece to our campus life and broadened our recognition factor. And in the long history of American higher education, one thing you can count on is football's longevity. Football is here to stay."

Last year's freshman class at Seton Hill was the first with more men than women. Four years ago, when the college became fully co-ed, its undergraduate student body was 18 percent male; last fall it was 41 percent male.

Posted by jerz at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I happened to be on campus today, with my little pocket digital camera, and caught the signing ceremony.

On Monday, June 19, Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa. will formalize an agreement with Beijing Union University to develop Seton Hill University degree programs which will be taught on Beijing Union’s campus.... Signing the agreement to establish a sister-school relationship will be Professor Sun Quan, vice president, Beijing Union University and Dr. JoAnne Boyle, president of Seton Hill University. -- (SHU press release)

Posted by jerz at 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Times Herald - News - 06/11/2006 - Author pens series of books to encourage foster children to read

As an English professor, an author and director of the Writing Popular Fiction Program at Seton Hill University, Lee McClain of Norristown is naturally drawn to reading and literature.

Continue reading "Feature on SHU English prof Lee McCLain" »

Posted by jerz at 7:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While the layout still needs some work, I've finally returned the "Recent Comments" feature to the blogs.setonhill.edu portal page.

Continue reading "The Return of 'Recent Comments'" »

Posted by jerz at 8:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Murtha cheered, jeered - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The catcalls prompted shouts from other audience members that Murtha should be allowed to speak. The back-and-forth was clearly audible inside the Katherine Mabis McKenna Center on the Greensburg campus. The small, liberal arts Catholic university is in the heart of Murtha's 12th Congressional District, which he has represented since 1974.

Continue reading "Murtha at Seton Hill University" »

Posted by jerz at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I just got this e-mail announcment:

In response to the Living Wall Memorial erected and dedicated on Monday, May 1, 2006, local armed forces men and women have requested an opportunity to present a military memorial service at the site. Please join in this ceremony on Friday, May 5, at Noon in the quad area in front of the McKenna Center.

Posted by jerz at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just got this e-mail from Pres. Boyle's office.

I am very sorry to inform you of the death of Mrs. Marcia A. Pietrala, Public Services/ILL Librarian at Reeve Library, on Thursday, April 13th.

Marcia started the Reeves Library weblog.

Visitation information follows.

Continue reading "Marcia Pietrala, SHU Librarian" »

Posted by jerz at 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hey, I'm trying to get in touch with any graduating seniors who've managed to find employment before graduation, in order to ask some questions for a news feature article. If you are such a senior (or know one I could speak to), and could contact me at the email address below (or leave your own here in a comment), I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Chris Ulicne
cecil.chris@gmail.com

Posted by ChrisU at 12:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We wrote it, you signed it, and so many of us supported it.

The petition in support of having Easter Monday off so that students wouldn't have to spend Easter Sunday on the road, away from their families instead of observing the holiday that is the basis for Christianity, was presented today to the administration. Stephan Puff and I collected nearly 450 signatures of students and over 20 signatures of faculty in support of our proposition.

As one may expect, the schedule is not being changed. Please know that class will be in session on Monday, April 17^th. If you are one that must travel a great distance to get back to the Hill, you are advised to talk to your professors about your situation to find a resolution.

Some have claimed that this was an oversight in scheduling that was done far in advance. Some claim that we are required to go to class because of a compulsory number of class days for each day of the week. Some claim that this isn't a problem.

Students of Seton Hill: thank you for all of your support, personal stories and sentiments, and willingness to come together for a good cause. It's amazing what kind of response you get when something that affects so many people is given attention.

Let's hope that this is something that never needs addressed again.

Posted by Karissa at 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Found Poetry Exercise: So Rich with Lines I Could Post (via Jerz's Literacy Weblog)

I'm not feeling well enough to do this subject justice, but I can still copy and paste. So, in honor of all the great blogging at Seton Hill University, I present this "found poetry" exercise. Blog on, my friends!

So Rich with Lines I Could Post



First let me say that I am more than excited to finally be reading this story again.

The Bush Administration walks a fine line when it comes to finding out

the wolverine is the big pimp daddy of the animal kingdom.

he seems to be waiting for Ceasar to act and then he will counter-act



"separated" was the box I checked off

In the final pane, Snoopy asks, "Sick doesn't count?"

I have enough boxes for the first fifteen craftsters

our line of yellow windows must have contributed their share



She would rathter be ignorant of the affair

the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool

Upon arriving to campus Tuesday evening, you will meet other sleepover guests

This process continues until all the pieces in the room have been judged five times.



I love the way Cleopatra is described. She is the one who really rules

she is somehow better than he is, as a member of the "secret society"

Last semester, it was OK to uses APA Citation. Now we have to use MLA

do you think that love can work in something like politics?

Posted by jerz at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The deadline for all Eye Contact submissions is this Friday, February the 17th. Please see the guidelines for further information.

Questions? Email or leave a comment.

We look forward to receiving your work!

Posted by Karissa at 7:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seton Hill's regular semester hasn't started yet, but there are plans to celebrate Martin Luther King's legacy in upcoming events.

Martin Luther King Education Program
Thursday, 26 January 2006 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Cecilian Hall
Theme: What If One Person Didn’t Take a Stand
Theatre Presentation, Reflection, and Alumni Panel

Community Service
Saturday, 4 February 2006 8:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m. Lowe Dining Hall
Theme: Take the Day On
Volunteer Service

Posted by jerz at 4:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

David Morrell scheduled to lecture at Seton Hill - PittsburghLIVE.com

Dr. Albert Wendland, interim director of the program, says there were three reasons why the university wanted Morrell to visit.

"He's an excellent writer of popular fiction, and he's not just knowledgeable about writing novels, he knows what students have to learn about the practical side of putting together a novel, and the business side of writing," Wendland says. "We want him to share that information with our students."

There are about 70 students enrolled in the writing program.

"Our program is an academic one. Morrell knows the audience, and we feel that he will reach our audience well," Wendland says.

Morrell says that during his student

Posted by jerz at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Seton Hill offers theater scholarships - PittsburghLIVE.com

Seton Hill University, in Greensburg, offers scholarships to high school seniors interested in pursuing a major in the theater program of the university's Visual and Performing Arts division. The scholarships carry awards of as much as $4,000, distributed over four years.

Posted by jerz at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mike Rubino: "It's a hefty article that takes a look at how blogs are affecting higher learning, and how blog posts are further reaching that one might think."

Marcus O'Donnell: "The anecdotal piece raises a number of key issues about blogging and higher education. The headline “Freedom of speech redefined by blogs: Words travel faster, stay around longer in the blogosphere” tells you that this isn't going to be the standard media blog bust. The anecdotes in this article actually sum up some of the key points any introduction to blogging in higher education might like to make"

Mike Arnzen: "The Christmas issue of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ran an excellent, front-page feature story on educational blogging, called "Freedom of Speech Redefined by Blogs". Featured prominently is our college's New Media Journalism program, led by my colleague, Dennis Jerz. It's really a great -- and quite accurate -- piece."

Michael Silence posts an excerpt.

Janet Johnson: "Message of the day, beware of what you say on a blog, it may come back to haunt you…"

Karl Fisch posts an excerpt.

College Web Editor, a PR site, focuses on the admissions article.

Amy Bowlian posts a very favorable blog entry on SchoolLibraryJournal.com (But please, we're at Seton Hill in Pennsylvania, not the other school in New Jersey!)

Steven Bell files the PPG article under "Teachable Moments from Student Blogging"

Wendy Auston writes, "As a former copy editor, I know that the spot they featured it in is the most prime real estate possible for newspapers, and on Christmas Day! wow! People stay at home, read the paper after the gifts are opened, find out about how blogging IS changing the way we think about writing and public discourse."

Lisa of "Because I am the Mommy" writes, "The above is one example of how freedom of speech has evolved in the world of blogging on the internet. In this case, the blog resulted in a positive outcome on both sides. | When I decided to write an online journal, I really had to put some thought into it."

Posted by jerz at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thanks for all your feedback after I posted the original design.

Mike Arnzen gave a long list of helpful comments, and Karissa Kilgore and Mike Rubino dug in and actually helped with the re-design.

Posted by jerz at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"Awkward encounters? Sure. But instances such as these are providing teachable moments for faculty at a growing number of colleges nationwide, including Seton Hill. There, a professor and his prolific community of student bloggers are exploring the good and the ugly about a rough-and-tumble form of Internet discourse whose popularity has exploded." --Bill Schackner, in "Freedom of speech redefined by blogs" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette).

Continue reading "SHU Blogosphere in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" »

Posted by jerz at 1:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I've created a new portal page for SHU weblogs at blogs.setonhill.edu. What do you think?

Continue reading "Testing a New Portal for blogs.setonhill.edu" »

Posted by jerz at 2:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Seton Hill University - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Seton Hill University (not to be confused with Seton Hall University) is a small liberal arts university in the Pittsburgh suburb of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Formerly Seton Hill College, it was founded by the Sisters of Charity and named for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

I think we can do better than this. Would anyone out there care to add a tidbit or twelve to this site?

Posted by jerz at 1:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Award-winning Author David Morell to Speak at Seton Hill January 10

Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction master's program welcomes award-winning author David Morrell to campus on January 10. Mr. Morrell, the writer of "First Blood" (the award-winning novel in which Rambo was created), and co-president of the International Thriller Writers organization, will speak at 7 p.m. in Cecilian Hall on "Platforms, Viral Marketing, and the Seismic Shifts in Today's Publishing World."

Posted by jerz at 4:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I can say that I don't enjoy the interface of Microsoft Outlook for the access to the Seton Hill University email account that I've used since freshman year. I faithfully use it, though, because it's handy when people need to identify me with my email account and also for Facebook...

Anyone who does NOT enjoy the confinement of the email account might want to consider the latest that IT has offered: email forwarding.

Click the link above and follow the simple instructions to have your school's email forwarded to some other email address: Yahoo!, MSN, Gmail, etc. It's very easy to do. I did mine in less than three minutes and it's working already.

I'm very excited about having all my emails in one place from two addresses. This will cut down on the time I need to check all my different accounts, and it will also simplify life when it comes to sorting the emails and whatnot. I have mine forwarded to my Gmail account, which I will now (gratefully) view with my Apple "Mail" program. (Now the only email account I have left that isn't conglomerated will be the one that's a thorn in my side...)

Try it out--if you hate it, there are instructions for changing or removing the forwarding, too.

Thanks, IT. This is really helpful.

Posted by Karissa at 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the SHU website:

In case of inclement weather, students should call (724) 830-1000 for information about class cancellations dues to weather conditions. Announcements will be also be made on the radio and television stations, KDKA Pittsburgh and WTAE Pittsburgh.

Posted by jerz at 7:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seton Hill prepares holiday feasts

For the last 16 years, Darrin Achtzehn has cooked two Thanksgiving dinners, one on the holiday itself and one on the Monday before. Both are for sizable groups of people.

Monday's meal was the traditional Thanksgiving feast for the student body at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, where Mr. Achtzehn is food service director.

Continue reading "SHU Thanksgiving" »

Posted by jerz at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Seton Hill University’s CRAFT club is collecting 7 x 9 inch sections for a quilt we are creating in order to foster community unity and make a difference in our circles of influence. These segments, which we hope will be donated to us by a variety of campus and community members, can be knitted or crocheted in any patterns or style in any colors of the rainbow. They can be striped, solid, or any color pattern you choose.

When you place your donation in one of the donation boxes around campus (near the first floor Admin elevator, by Maureen Vissat’s office in Canevin, by the SHU Writing Center, or via campus mail to box 126B), please include your name, address, email address, and type of fiber used (i.e. synthetic vs. natural) attached to your segments on a 3 x 5 notecard (or similar). We will stop collecting donations on December 16th and resume when classes start again in January.

This pieces will be joined together by volunteers in December, January, and February to create one (or several!) quilts in the Warm Up America format to display on campus and then the Mustard Seed Gallery in Greensburg. The quilt(s) will then distributed via a local charitable organization or sold in order to raise proceeds for a local charitable organization. (If you are involved in a local charitable organization, please contact us!)

CRAFT invites community members to donate completed sections and/or yarn and materials and to join us on Thursday nights in A410 to learn how to knit and make segments. Also, volunteers are needed in December, January, and February to piece the quilt together. For more information, visit http://blogs.setonhill.edu/Craft/ or email president Moira Richardson at Ric7122@setonhill.edu.

Posted by Moira at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(I'm still working on the syllabus, but here is the description of the course I've been giving out to those who ask.)

The course will ask students to think critically about the culture out of which videogames arose, to read and discuss articles about games and gaming culture, to write several short papers and interact with peers online, and to study a particular game in depth. Among the topics we may discuss are games for children, representations of women in games, experiences of women who design and play games, games for education and training, games of persuasion and protest, games as a storytelling and artistic medium of expression, and, of course, games for fun.

Continue reading "EL 250: Major Writers & Genres -- Videogaming (January, 2006)" »

Posted by jerz at 5:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cymfony's Marketing Insight: Blogging on the College Campus

Schools like Case Western Reserve University, University of Minnesota, Seton Hill University, and the University of South Florida are using blogging in the right way by promoting openness and community. These schools' blog systems allow anyone to create blogs and also aggregate blog entries so that users can see what was recently posted and what the most popular discussions are.

Continue reading "SHU bloggers gain notice..." »

Posted by jerz at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Have a Pope?
Confess their sins to a priest?
Pray the rosary?
Go to Mass on Sunday?
Have a devotion to Mary?
Fast during Lent?
Read a different Bible?
Celebrate Feast Days?

Would you like to know more about the Catholic Church? Let's talk. Come to the library on Wednesday, October 26, 2005, at 9:00 p.m.

If you are interested, but can't come at this time, please e-mail Judith Koveleskie or call extension 7828. Additional sessions may be arranged.

Sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Mission Effectiveness Committee

Posted by at 5:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tell your friends! Tell your professors! Tell your roommate! Tell your mother! (Well, not your mother, I guess. But wouldn't she be proud if you were published?!)

Tell anyone you can, and don't dare forget: the deadline for Eye Contact entries is FRIDAY.

That's right! October 14^th has rolled around rather quickly, and brings your submissions to our magazine.

Please read the submission guidelines below for more information about what you need to do.

Questions? Contact Mike Rubino, Editor-in-Chief; or Karissa Kilgore, Literary Editor.

Continue reading "The Deadline: She approaches!" »

Posted by Karissa at 5:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Changing with the times - PittsburghLIVE.com

You would think Boyle, under whom the women's college became a co-ed university, would have been the voice supporting the admission of men to the Greensburg campus.

You'd be wrong.

Posted by jerz at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Attention writers and artists!

Eye Contact, Seton Hill University's literary and art magazine, is accepting submissions of prose, poetry, photography, and various other forms of art.

Unlike the past four semesters (from Fall 2003 - Spring 2005) for which our magazine has had a theme, this issue with be "theme-less."

Please review the Submission Guidelines (found in the Extended Entry section below), and be certain to attach your information in the correct manner, because of the nature of the judging sessions.

Remember that the deadline is October 14^th, and have fun!

Questions? Contact Mike Rubino, Editor-in-Chief; or Karissa Kilgore, Literary Editor.

Continue reading "Submissions needed!" »

Posted by Karissa at 8:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm currently in the process of designing blogs for SHU's Recycling Team and brand-new CRAFT club. Please visit!

"Seton Hill University's newest club is CRAFT: CReating Art with Fiber Together, a club dedicated to exploring all areas of craft including knitting, crochet, macrame, collages, card-making, sewing, embroidery, silkscreen, scrapbooking and more. The projects explored this semester will depend entirely on the interests of our members and the availability of local experts to instruct us. We will learn and grow together by both learning new crafts and using our skills to instruct others. We will create projects both individually and collectively and use those projects to promote a sense of community and raise awareness for those causes that move us."

CRAFT

and

Welcome to the brand new blog for Seton Hill University's Recycling Team. Stop back soon for information on SHU's recycling program, including pick-up points, what can be recycled, and who is involved. Until then, use those green recycling bins you spy around campus.

SHU Recycling Team

Your suggestions are welcomed! What would you like to see on these blogs? Also, if you are interested in blogging for SHU's CRAFTblog, please contact me. Thanks!

Posted by Moira at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seton Hill is home to the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education. Wilda Kaylor, who works for the center, offered me this list of upcoming events.

News Writing students who are looking for story ideas, or students in any major who are looking for co-curricular transcript opportunites may find many intersting events on this list.

Continue reading "National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education (Seton Hill University) Fall 2005 Program Schedule" »

Posted by jerz at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

District Spotlight: Seton Hill makes its long-awaited debut tomorrow

Snyder said he relied on two basic recruiting pitches: You have a chance to play, there's nobody in front of you; Seton Hill is 70 percent women.

Posted by jerz at 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Schools show new students the ropes - PittsburghLIVE.com

Seton Hill University in Greensburg uses reading material as a way for freshmen to get together at the beginning of the year. The university gives a free book to every student and have a discussion on it early in the first semester.

"It's a good bonding experience, and a great introduction to the sort of literate college life we hope to foster at Seton Hill," said Dr. Michael Arnzen, an English instructor at Seton Hill.

The books are distributed to the students during orientation sessions.

Posted by jerz at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Away from home - PittsburghLIVE.com

Yet college students don't often think about their health as much as they should, say health care personnel at some of the region's colleges and universities.

"I think when the kids get sick, that's when they get concerned," said Jan Beckage, coordinator of health education and a staff nurse in the wellness center at Seton Hill University in Greensburg. "They don't think about preventive kind of things."

Posted by jerz at 1:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)