CONNECT news
CONNECT Institutions Announce Summer of Science Programs for 2012
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. All six of the CONNECT colleges and universities invite young people onto their campuses during the summer to experience STEM-related activities ranging from designing video games to piloting an airplane; from cooking in a solar oven to conducting wetlands research. The goal is to get students interested in STEM at an early age so that they will be prepared to join the highly skilled STEM workforce that our economy needs. States Dr. Jean MacCormack, chancellor of UMass Dartmouth, “The six CONNECT institutions are offering a range of programs and options so that no matter what their interests or town of residence, all kids can experience a Summer of Science.”
Marine science is the focus at Mass Maritime Academy and at Bridgewater’s Whale of a Mystery program. The environment takes the spotlight at UMass Dartmouth. Solar science is the focus of Cape Cod’s program and BSU’s ACE Aviation Camp incorporates aerospace engineering. Massasoit Community College has quadrupled its offerings this year, expanding its program to four week-long camps covering topics such as water research, the human body, bridge-building, and women in science. Students at Bristol’s Kids College can enroll in a range of classes similar to those college students take, from game design and digital photography to robotics and computer programming.
All programs have need-based scholarships available. More information and links to the individual programs are available on the CONNECT website.
CONNECT's College Readiness Work Continues
In partnership with the Southeastern Massachusetts Readiness Center (SEMARC), CONNECT has awarded mini-grants to five of its member campuses to “Continue the Collegial Conversations” started at the April 2011 College Readiness Conference. High school and higher education faculty will meet to discuss the disconnect between secondary and post-secondary education, and work to build bridges so that more southeastern MA high school graduates enter college prepared for success.
Participating college/university and school district teams are: Bridgewater State University partnering with Taunton, Bridgewater-Raynham, Whitman-Hanson, and Plymouth; Bristol Community College working with Fall River and New Bedford; Cape Cod Community College working with Dennis-Yarmouth, Barnstable, Cape Cod Tech, and Upper Cape Tech; Massasoit Community College joining with Brockton and Randolph; and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in collaboration with Dartmouth, Wareham, and New Bedford.
Funding for the project is coming through the SE MA Readiness Center from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education and federal Race to the Top funds. Click here to learn more about the April 2011 Readiness Conference and CONNECT’s college readiness work.
CONNECT Sustainability Conference
The CONNECT Sustainability Conference was held Friday, December 2, 2012 in Plymouth. Over 80 people from all six CONNECT colleges attended, representing disciplines ranging from Chemistry, Engineering and Geography to Political Science, English, and Sociology. 100% of participants reported that they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the event!
Those who were unable to attend are invited to view the keynote presentation from Dr. Debra Rowe, Ph.D., professor of energy management, renewable energy technology and psychology at Oakland Community College, president of the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development, and co-founder of the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (www.aashe.org/heasc). By turns funny, engaging, inspiring, and down-to-earth, Dr. Rowe talked about what sustainability means today, why colleges must incorporate sustainability as part of their core missions, and how campus constituents can overcome roadblocks.
Additional conference proceedings and PowerPoint presentations are now available. Click here to view materials.connect campus events
Technology for Better Living: Conference/Expo for Older Adults
Friday, June 1, 2012, Cape Cod Community College
This conference is designed for older adults, seniors, caregivers, and professionals to provide timely information on the latest tools for independent living into old age. Conference workshops will focus on user-friendly, emerging technologies that will enable older adults to live healthier, longer, "better" lives. Workshops will focus on themes such as Smart Homes, health and wellness, social networking, and learning. Registration of $50 includes a continental breakfast, box lunch, and refreshments. For more information contact Nancy Chen (508) 375.5011 or click here. Ready to Register? Then click here.
EdTech Day 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012, Bridgewater State University
Discover teaching & technology best practices at the fifth annual EdTech conference. Seminars and workshops will be presented by faculty and administrators from BSU and other higher education institutions from around Massachusetts. The keynote presentation will be by Dr. Steven H. Park, Manager of UConn’s Learning Resource Center, addressing “Collaborative Technologies and the 21st Century University: Knowledge Creation and Exchange for the Next Generation.” The event is FREE for all CONNECT member institutions and includes a free lunch. Register here or contact Eric LePage (508.531.3634) or Reid Kimball at (508.531.2486) for more information.
Weekly Radio Program at BCC
Every Monday, 1:00 p.m., Bristol Community College
Bristol Community College has launched a weekly radio show on WSAR 1480 AM called OnCourse with Bristol Community College. Hosted by Marketing and New Media Specialist Patrick Stone, the hour-long program brings the stories of students and faculty to the public. In March, Artistic Director Rylan Brenner will discuss theatre at BCC; Vice President Joan Menard will discuss the College’s efforts in workforce development; and students and staff working in cooperative education will talk about their experiences with local businesses.
‘Like’ the show at www.facebook.com/oncourseBCC to learn more.
