Message from the Vice President

As summer draws to a close and the new school year starts, primarily manifesting itself in the form of increased traffic and longer lines at Starbuck for the Division, we need to be singularly focused on achieving our strategic goals as well as ensuring all of our projects hit their targets both in terms of time and budgeted revenue. Again, please make sure your timesheets are completed in a timely fashion. I would encourage a daily completion of your timesheet to ensure accuracy. Finally, please manage your vacation time—fall is a wonderful time to schedule some time off and enjoy the milder weather.

Center for GIS

In 2015, CGIS developed curriculum and began training state employees through the DoIT Statewide GIS Training Program. Since then, our staff has delivered training to nearly 1,000 state employees—10% are Maryland county and municipal employees and 90% are state employees or their contractors. The top four state agencies to send staff members through the training courses are SHA, DNR, MDE, and MDH.

Continuing & Professional Studies

The Center for Professional Studies (CPS) recently changed names. Although the acronym remains the same, our new name is Continuing & Professional Studies (CPS). This change better aligns with industry standards and the courses we offer. Also, look for a new website in the coming months!

Kathleen Case talking about leadership choice

Leadership & Organizational Development

Since beginning in 2015, the TU Professional Leadership Program for Women has developed a positive reputation in Greater Baltimore and has attracted participants from across sectors. In January 2019, we will welcome our fifth cohort to campus and participation will grow to over 100. MORE

Osher Lifelong Learning

Osher recently held a reception for members of the TU Retired Faculty Association (TURFA). It was an opportunity for retired faculty to meet Osher leaders and committee members and to learn how they can get involved with Osher and stay connected to the University. MORE

Office of Administration & Finance

The Contingent pay period ending 8/31 is the third pay period in the month of August. Those Contingent employees that have elected State benefits will see no premium deductions on this pay. The extra amount will show on your September 12th paycheck.

Students participating in Junior Achievement of Central Maryland

Partnerships & Outreach

The Office of Partnerships & Outreach team recently supported communications and convening for two events on campus. Junior Achievement Her Path to Promise brings 60 young women to campus and links them with mentorship opportunities to help them navigate life after high school. TUgis: Maryland's Geospatial Conference brings over 500 GIS professionals to campus for learning and sharing of best practices and new technology.

Regional Economic Studies Institute

RESI recently obtained a new survey tool, Qualtrics, to use as an upgrade to Lime Survey. We’ve received some interest about this from several groups within SPAR, so I wanted to share a couple demos that highlight some of the new features we can implement. A lot of us use surveys in the division, and there are some neat tools we can use above and beyond basic Survey Monkey-esque questions. For example, OPO could easily use Qualtrics to evaluate the effectiveness of promotional brochures and marketing materials: two question types allow users to select parts of images/marketing materials they like or don’t like or to select which part of an image their eyes are first drawn to. Take some time and try a Basic Demo or Advanced Demo.

Audience members ask questions of presenting company founders.

Venture Creation

On October 4, TU Incubator will host the third iteration of the EdTech Innovation Showcase. This is a chance for our member companies to get their products in front of administrators and educators from public and private K-12 and higher education sectors, as well as larger education companies and investors from greater Baltimore. The event has been successful in creating connections throughout the industry. MORE

Division Fun

Professional Clothing Drive
Second Floor Lobby Drop Off

Clean out your closet and help TU students “Suit Up” for job interviews by donating gently-used professional suits, slacks, jackets, skirts, ties, and shirts. Items should be less than five year's old and be something you would feel comfortable wearing yourself. MORE

Summer Cookout
Friday, September 7
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Church Pavilion behind 7400

The social committee will provide the main course, you bring your favorite sides, drinks, or desserts. Hang out together while the smell of grilled goodies tempts you to go back for seconds. Sign up to bring items here. If you plan on attending, but don’t wish to make a side dish, cash donations can be given to Linda Natale.

BTU Appreciation Night
Saturday, October 6
4:00 p.m.
Unitas Stadium

Join community partners and SPAR staff for a night of football as the TU Tigers take on the Stony Brook Seawolves. Use the promo code BTU and receive four complimentary tickets. RESERVE TICKETS

Campus Conversation with Ira Shapiro
Thursday, September 20
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Lecture Hall 0238

TU Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility is hosting Ambassador Ira Shapiro, who has had a powerful impact in both the fields of American politics and government, and international trade. At a time of unprecedented uncertainty and danger in the United States, and potential turmoil in global trade, Mr. Shapiro’s experience, wisdom and insights will be meaningful to hear. REGISTER

Pet of the Month

Meet Libby, a 2.5 year old Briard (French sheep dog) who gained her dog show confirmation championship at 18 months old. Owner: Gordon Davis, CPS

August Birthdays

Campus FYI

TU recognized as one of nations' best by Washington Monthly

Prepared, diverse and impressive: Meet TU's freshman class

Touching the sun

"Tattoo ceremony" recognizes TU president's mark on community

USM honors advocate for students with disabilities

Renovated Residence Tower ready to reopen

Feedback

Have feedback or want to share an update, email partnerships@towson.edu.

Division of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research
Towson University
8000 York Road, Towson MD 21252
innovation@towson.edu
410-704-2415