Top Stories
-
Bucknell ranked 7th in U.S. by Washington Monthly
Bucknell is among the best liberal arts colleges in the country when it comes to fostering research and promoting an ethic of service and social mobility, according to the Washington Monthly, which ranks the University No. 7 in its annual college rankings issue. [full story]
The political magazine based in
Washington, D.C., asks "what colleges are doing for the country" in its annual rankings, which look at three broad categories: research, service and social mobility – or how successful colleges and universities are at graduating students from low-income backgrounds. "We believe in finding and supporting outstanding students, regardless of background, with a passion for learning and life," Bucknell President Brian C. Mitchell said. "We want them to become intellectually engaged at the highest levels and to make an impact on the world around them. We appreciate measures such as those used by Washington Monthly that consider such contributions.”
-
Bucknell strengthens crisis-response capabilities
The University continues to assess emergency preparedness and has introduced several new measures to enhance campus security for students, faculty, and staff. [full story]
- Cell phone notification. Following an intensive review of several competing products this summer, the University has introduced a new emergency cell phone notification system, giving the University an additional means of reaching students, faculty, and staff during a crisis. As part of introducing this system, late last spring, and again two weeks ago, the University asked all students, faculty, and staff to provide updated cell phone information. This system, which is used by other leading universities nationwide, will be used if an emergency appears to threaten our campus community, if a serious incident could have an impact on a large number of individuals on campus, or if an urgent situation requires contact with a specific individual. Students, faculty, and staff will be reminded to update this information each semester.
This notification program is one technique among a variety of methods the Emergency Planning Committee currently has available and will be putting in place to reach students, faculty, and staff in the event of an emergency, whether they have cell phones or not. Next month, for example, the University will also install a new loudspeaker public address system in several locations around campus. It will allow the University to communicate emergency information inside buildings and across campus without the requirement of any personal technology. In addition to the loudspeakers, there will also be visual aids alerting those who may be hearing impaired. For additional related information, including more about the systems now in place, see http://www.bucknell.edu/x34097.xml.
- A new residence housing lock schedule. With the start of this semester, the University introduced a comprehensive schedule for keeping living quarters and other facilities locked. All minimally used access doors are now locked 24 hours a day. The following houses are also locked 24 hours a day: all special-interest houses, all Greek houses (Bucknell-owned and private), the Gateways, and the Mods. Public safety will ensure that the remainder of living residences on campus remain locked from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Students have been asked to carry their keeps with them at all times, not to prop doors open, and not to let strangers come in behind them when entering locked residence halls.
- Additional investments in security. The Board of Trustees last week reviewed several additional security measures, including electronic building security systems and a new public address system, which the University will now begin implementing.
For more information about campus security, contact the Bucknell Department of Public Safety.
-
Tim Russert to kick off Bucknell Forum series
Bucknell’s national speaker series, "The Bucknell Forum: The Citizen & Politics in America,” kicks off this month with a lecture by Tim Russert, the award-winning newsman and best-selling author. [full story]
Russert, anchor of NBC's "Meet the Press" and a political analyst for "NBC Nightly News," is scheduled to speak at the
Weis Center Washington "We are pleased that Tim Russert has agreed to be the inaugural speaker for The Bucknell Forum," said Bucknell President Brian C. Mitchell. "His deep knowledge of
Washington "The Bucknell Forum: The Citizen & Politics in America" is a national speakers series exploring major issues in the 2008 presidential election, notably those at the forefront of today's national discourse. The series will feature nationally renowned leaders, scholars, and commentators exploring these issues from multi-disciplinary perspectives and offer opportunities for campus and community conversations.
-
Provost announces resignation
Dr. Mary A. DeCredico ’81, provost of the University, announced her intention to return to the Naval Academy as a professor of history, effective the 2008/09 academic year. [full story]
DeCredico indicated the decision to leave her alma mater was difficult but reflected her true passion and personal dedication to the primary objectives of her profession – the teaching of students and the advancement of the scholarship of her discipline.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with our faculty as a colleague and administrator, but I also came to realize that I prefer direct contact and a personal relationship with students. I missed the classroom and I missed the time to commit to scholarship,” said DeCredico. “Bucknell will always be the school which instilled my ambition and affection for history, for learning, and for teaching. The Naval Academy was my professorial home for 19 years and I am looking forward to my return.”
President Brian C. Mitchell commented on the departure of DeCredico, “We truly appreciate the contributions of Dr. DeCredico and wish her every success in her return to the classroom where she has distinguished herself for years. Students, faculty, and staff at Bucknell who have worked with Dr. DeCredico are unanimous in their praise for her concern, her character, and her personal warmth.”
-
Become an externship sponsor
Are you willing to provide a Bucknell sophomore with a glimpse into your world of work? If so, consider sponsoring an externship through the Career Development Center. [full story]
A Bucknell externship consists of two consecutive days of intensive job shadowing. As a sponsor, you’ll share information about your profession, introduce the student to your workplace setting, and explain as much about your role as possible.
Externships will take place two days during the week of January 7-11, 2008. Sponsors from all professions are needed.
Last year, 213 sophomores participated in the CDC’s first externship program, which was well received by students.
Many sponsors who helped launch the program have signed up to participate again.
The 2007 experience was “tremendous,” said one externship sponsor. “I wish it had been available to me when I was a student.”
For more information on providing an externship, complete the online form at or contact the CDC at 570-577-1238.
-
First-year families
Two special announcements for the families of new Bucknell students. [full story]
Class of 2011 families: If you attended on-campus orientation on Friday, Aug. 17, please take a moment to fill out this brief evaluation form. Your feedback will help the University meet the needs of first-year students and their families.
And watch your mailbox this week for myBucknell information from the Office of the Parents Fund and Family Programs. Your password and user instructions will be included. Log on and check out great Bucknell resources designed with you in mind.
