A message from Human Resources: Open enrollment begins May 7 through May 18 this year, and where there’s open enrollment, there’s the Human Resources annual Benefits Fair. The HR staff looks forward to having you join us on Thursday, May 10, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. in Upper Gwinn for the Benefits Fair. Please take a few moments to come by and say “hello,” stroll around the fair, and enjoy some snacks with a friend. This will be an excellent opportunity to run some numbers with our dedicated Cigna team, as well as discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Presentations will be given about SPU’s medical plans, wellness plans, value-added programs, and more. Representatives from BAC (administrator for health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts), Delta Dental, VSP (vision plan), and many more will also be present. These representatives will provide information, answer questions, and bring giveaways. Don’t forget the prizes! We look forward to seeing you there. Reminder: Pay careful attention to all communications from HR, particularly during this open enrollment season.

A message from Human Resources: Come to the annual biometric screening May 10 or 11. You can earn activity points toward your wellness incentive and $75 through the myCigna Motivate ME program. Human Resources, Cigna, and Quest are offering these free, confidential health and wellness screenings. On-campus sessions will be held Thursday, May 10, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. and Friday, May 11, 7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. in the Library Seminar Room. Plan on arriving five to ten minutes prior to your appointment to complete some general paperwork.

Screenings will be done by skilled nursing staff and certified health professionals. Personal screenings will include a brief health-risk questionnaire, as well as tests to determine height, weight, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, glucose levels, blood pressure, and body mass index. You will need to fast from food and  beverages (with the exception of water), and personal medications for at least eight hours prior to your appointment. Make sure to bring your Cigna card with you to be able to process your $75 incentive through myCigna Motivate ME program. Contact HR Benefits Specialist Cherylin Shdo in Human Resources at shdoc@spu.edu with any questions.

Sign up online at Quest Appointment’s confidential website, My.QuestForHealth and choose the Register Now. The Registration Key is: SeatlePacific2018 (please note, only one “t” in Seattle); and your Unique ID will be your Social Security number and date of birth.  If you need assistance in scheduling your appointment or getting registered, please call Quest at 855-623-9355 or 855-706-6495.

The 16th annual Erickson Undergraduate Research Conference will be held Friday, May 11, starting at 3 p.m. in Otto Miller Hall. This event showcases research and design projects of 149 students, mentored by faculty in all of SPU's STEM departments (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Math, and Physics). Oral presentations begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by a poster session from 5:15 –6:30 p.m. The keynote speaker is Dr. Derek Schuurman, professor of computer science at Calvin College and a fellow in technology at St. George’s Centre for Biblical and Public Theology. His talk, titled "Making Progress: Connecting Bytes and Beliefs,” begins at 7:30 p.m. in Otto Miller Hall, room 109. It will examine the intersection of faith and technology. All are welcome! Visit the Erickson Conference website for more information and a full program of events. 

Under the direction of Assistant Professor of Music Danny Helseth, the SPU Wind Ensemble continues their exploration of music by women composers in their final concert of the year. Come help the Wind Ensemble usher in spring as we celebrate the culmination of a year’s study in modern compositions for the band. This concert will be held on Friday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. at First Free Methodist Church. The event will be livestreamed.

A message from University Advancement: Wednesday, May 9, is GiveBIG Day, a 24-hour fundraising event hosted by the Seattle Foundation. Our goal is to receive 400 total gifts, and each gift gives Seattle Pacific a chance to receive an additional $2,500 from the foundation. This year, we are creating a buzz around GiveBIG Day with a selfie video campaign on social media, and we are inviting faculty and staff to help us reach the SPU community. Your participation would be instrumental in helping us achieve our GiveBIG goal. Find out more about the selfie video campaign and how you can participate on Thursday, May 3, Demaray Hall 150, 3-4:30 p.m. Louise Furrow, Vice President for University Advancement, talks about the importance of your GiveBig gift in this short video.

The Educational Technology and Media Office is hosting a workshop on Thursday, May 10, 1–2 p.m. titled "Podcasting and DIY Video." The event will be held in the ETM offices, located on the lower level of the Ames Library. Learn how to create a quality podcast or video using the equipment you have access to on campus. David Rither, instructional designer for audio/visual projects in ETM, will share tips and best practices to help you improve so you can feel confident in the quality of your work without breaking the bank. All are welcome to attend. If you would like lunch, register by emailing Library Budget Manager Alison Sigrist at sigrista@spu.edu  by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9.

RSVP to join the Center for Biblical and Theological Education, School of Theology, and Seattle Pacific Seminary for a special event highlighting their faculty authors and professors Daniel Castelo, David Nienhuis, J.J. Johnson Leese, and Rob Wall on Wednesday, May 16, 3–4:15 p.m. at the Fine Center in First Free Methodist Church. Register by May 7 and receive a free book.

The final all-choir concert of the year features Associate Professor of Music Stephen Newby, Director of Choral Music Ryan Ellis, and Director of Women’s Choir Beth Ann Bonnecroy as they team up for an evening of choral music. Celebrate our unity within diversity by coming together in song. This concert will held on Tuesday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. at First Free Methodist Church. The event is free and wheelchair accessible, and will be livestreamed.

The ASSP vice president of ministries and the ASSP Student Ministry Council invites staff and faculty to participate in a prayer walk on Thursday, May 17, in Tiffany Loop. Come and go as you are able between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to join student leaders at eight different prayer stations, each focusing on a different topic for the SPU community and beyond. For more information, email ASSP-VPM@spu.edu.

Help raise money for the Apparel Design and Merchandising Seniors Professional Showcase at a bake sale on Thursday, May 10, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. in Peterson Hall. Le Panier, a classic French bakery located in Pike Place Market, is donating the baked goods.

Fall and winter reservation requests are now being taken for the Faculty/Staff House at Camp Casey Conference Center on Whidbey Island for full-time faculty and staff. The dates of stay are September 24, 2018, through January 2, 2019. Reservation requests are due by June 1, 2018.  The fall and winter requests are selected by lottery and are not affected by summer stays at Casey. Please remember if you will be away from your SPU email to indicate an alternate email for contacting you, should your name be drawn. If you have questions, contact Camp Casey at 866-661-6604 or campcasey@spu.edu. Visit the Camp Casey website to request a reservation.

The Center for Applied Learning presents the final installment of the School of Business, Government, and Economics Dean’s Speaker Series for the academic year with Joseph Whinney, founder and former CEO of Theo Chocolate. Whinney will discuss how he came to found the first organic and fair-trade chocolate maker in North America. The presentation will be Tuesday, May 8, at 9 a.m. in the Ames Library Seminar Room.  Faculty and staff are invited to attend, but space is limited so please RSVP to us by emailing cal@spu.edu.

The Endowment and Gift Planning Office, in partnership with Human Resources, will offer a “Provide and Protect” estate planning seminar on Monday, May 21, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Library Seminar Room. The seminar will be led by attorney, SPU alumnus, and current parent Steve Waltar and Director of Endowments and Gift Planning Marlon Sandlin. It will provide you with everything you need to know to create a plan that reflects your goals and dreams. You will learn how to make good decisions to help your family in the future and avoid common mistakes. You will also receive SPU’s new estate planning guide, Planning Your Legacy. A light lunch will be provided. RSVPs are required by contacting msandlin@spu.edu.

Professors Jeff Keuss, Jennifer McKinney, and Josh Tom will discuss "How to Deal with Reviewer 2" in the next “How to Do Scholarship” event in the Library's Reading Room on Thursday, May 10, 12–12:50 p.m. This series is hosted by the Writing Program, Library, and Center for Scholarship & Faculty Development. Speakers from across campus will address the difficulties and delights of writing and publishing. If faculty attend three of the five panels, they will receive credit for a FLAGG. Light refreshments are provided.

The 2018 Bike Everywhere Challenge challenges team members to commute by bicycle during the month of May. Sign up with an SPU team to participate, then join us Friday, May 18, for Bike Everywhere Day.

Join an SPU bike to work team today.

• Select the blue “Register Here” button.
• Join as a participating member of Seattle Pacific University.
• Sign in or create a new account and follow the prompts.
• Once logged in, navigate to “My Org” and select the SPU team you would like to join.

Start biking, win prizes, and get to know other SPU bike riders. Also, stop by a bagel stop while biking to work on Friday, May 18.

A message from Heather Eide, office manager of safety, security and transportation: Friday, May 18, is the Faculty/Staff Bike Rider’s Picnic! Ride your bike to work at least four days in the month of May, and then sign up for the Faculty/Staff Biker’s picnic. Sign up by joining a SPU bike team on the Love to Ride website. A light lunch will be served for those that bike to work on Friday, May 18, in the Weter Lounge on the third floor. Sign up on the Love to Ride website, then email Heather Eide at eideh@spu.edu to RSVP for the luncheon.

Applications are now open for the Master of Education in Digital Education Leadership program’s Fall 2018 cohort. Are you interested in the role technology can play in learning? In the MEd in Digital Education Leadership program, you’ll explore research theories, discover new digital resources, and develop best practice strategies for using technology as an effective and revolutionary tool in education. The program is highly flexible and can be completed while continuing in a full-time job. With a project-based learning model, the coursework is immediately applicable in your professional context. You can find testimonials about the program online. Apply by the early action deadline of June 1 and have your application fee waived! Please contact Graduate Enrollment Counselor Katie Clum with any application questions, or Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction David Wicks if you’d like to talk further about the program and how it can best fit with your personal and professional goals.

University Communications needs help identifying outstanding students from this year's graduating class. This request is for undergraduate and graduate students. These students and their achievements will be pitched to media outlets prior to Commencement, as well as for promotional purposes. Please send the name(s) of the students and a short description about why you are recommending them. Examples would be students who overcame obstacles to graduate, were involved in community service projects, participated in innovative research, started a new venture, took a class that changed their career direction, or did something really interesting. Basically, anything that would make a good story! We will follow up with the student and get permission to use their profile. Send information by email to Director of Public Information Tracy Norlen at tcnorlen@spu.edu.

A message from Campus Dining: Tell us what you think and help us make dining improvements. Enter to win $100, $50 or $25 in Falcon Funds by taking a quick survey about campus dining. Survey ends May 12. 

SPU hosted the third annual Student Government Leadership Summit April 13-15. Twenty-one student leaders from eight Christian colleges and universities attended. The theme was “Leading Bravely.” Keynote speakers included Associate Professor of Reconciliation Studies Brenda Salter McNeil, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Sandy Mayo, and School of Psychology, Family, and Community Dean Katy Tangenberg. Students also had time to explore Seattle (including Fremont, Queen Anne, and Pike Place Market) and attend a Mariners game. Dean of Students for Community Life Chuck Strawn and Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Whitney Broetje, along with ASSP President Mary Liu and President-elect Nathan Samayo, provided planning and leadership for the event. Previous summits were held at Gordon College (2016) and Wheaton College (2017). Select the link to see a photo of the group.

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What is the mission of God in our multiethnic world? How do Christian communities understand and participate in that mission? These are the questions that will be explored at “Multiethnic and Missional? Leading Diverse and Vibrant Churches,” a half-day event sponsored by Seattle Pacific Seminary (SPS). The event will be led by SPS faculty members Brenda Salter McNeil and David Leong, along with special guest Darrell Guder. Their collective work in Christian reconciliation, community development, and missional theology will set the stage for a vibrant conversation about holding these commitments together in the identity and ministry of the church. The event is Tuesday, May 15, 12–2 p.m., with optional breakout groups from 2–3 p.m. in Upper Gwinn. Lunch will be provided. Ticket prices vary. Register to attend today.

A message from Tim Healy, director of INTERLINK Language Center at SPU (formerly A.C.E. Language Institute) and alumnus of SPU (MA-TESOL, 2003): The INTERLINK Language Center at Seattle Pacific University is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period April 2018 through April 2028 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the United States For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-665-3400, or www.cea-accredit.org.

Do you know an SPU student with entrepreneurial instincts? Or a recent alum who would like to launch a small business? Encourage them to look into the new SPU Launch Fund, a pool of grant money designed to help SPU entrepreneurs get their ventures off the ground. Awards can be for as little as $250 or as much as $2,000, and the first round of grants will be given out June 2018. Interested parties can learn more and find out how to apply online. If you have questions, contact the Center for Applied Learning at cal@spu.edu.

SPU staff are invited to celebrate the end of the academic year with the fourth annual Grand Pie Social, sponsored by Staff Council. Join us any time between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, for pie, a time to connect, and the annual pie-eating competition. More details to follow, but please save the date.

The Faculty/Staff Bulletin is published every week during the academic year. If you have information or event news, send it as soon as possible to Bulletin editor Tracy Norlen at fsb-editor@spu.edu. Submissions may be edited for clarity. The next deadline is Thursday, May 10. The next Bulletin will be published Monday, May 14.

Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy Tina Schermer Sellers gave a presentation at the Sex, Sexuality and Gender Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts, April 27-28. Her workshop was titled "Sex and Gender as We Age."

SPU was well represented at the recent Western Psychological Association (WPA) conference. Forty-nine faculty and students from the School of Psychology, Family, and Community (SPFC), the School of Education (SOE), and the Ames Library participated in poster, paper, and symposia presentations. Highlights included a paper presentation by Kristen Hoffman, psychology and scholarly communications librarian; symposia presentations by SPFC professors Paul Kim, Jacob Bentley, and Lynette Bikos, Brittany Tausen, and Munyi Shea, associate professor in SOE. More details of the SPU participants at WPA can be found online.

Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of Global Development Studies Brad Murg was invited to serve as a member of the Cambodian delegation participating in discussions at the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences in Kunming, China. The discussions concerned China-Cambodia economic cooperation and the development of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism. Brad's remarks focused on the environmental and poverty reduction implications of Chinese infrastructure investment in Cambodia and Laos. Select the link for a photo of Brad at the event in Kunming.

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Instructor of Writing Mischa Willett gave a presentation called "Art for God’s Sake (and Mine)" at the 11th annual Mockingbird Conference, "The Gospel of Grace in Divided Times," in New York City in April.

An article titled "Social Origins of Scientific Deviance: Examining Creationism and Global Warming Skepticism" by Assistant Professor of Sociology Joshua Toms was published in the June issue of Sociological Perspectives. It is the "Editor's Pick" for this issue.

Entries by Professor of European History Alberto Ferreiro were published in the Oxford Dictionary of Late Antiquity, Oliver Nicholson (ed.) 2 vols. Oxford University Press, 2018. The entries are titled “Paschasius of Dumium,” “Miro,” “Martin of Braga,” “Valerius of Bierzo,” “Braga,” “Sisebut,” “Julian of Toledo,” “Suinthila,” “Fructuosus of Braga,” “Sueves,” “John of Biclar,” and “Rechiarius.” 

Gene Lemcio (Лемцьо), emeritus professor of New Testament and affiliate professor in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures [sic] at the University of Washington, presented a paper at the annual conference of the Russia, East European, and Central Asian Studies Program at UW on April 28. His paper was titled "Religious Orientation and Public Policy in Modern Ukraine."

The Office of Human Resources would like the SPU community to congratulate this staff member on her new appointment:

Kim Cavanaugh, assistant director, Annual Giving

The Office of Human Resources would like the SPU community to welcome the following new employees:  

Isabel Mancini, Student Financial Services counselor, Student Financial Services
Autumn Parks, customer service representative, Casey Conference Center