Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Reynolds faculty members receive appointments from Governor McAuliffe




Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe recently selected two Reynolds faculty members to serve in his administration. 

Sherry Compton, Assistant Professor of Respiratory Therapy, was appointed to serve on the Advisory Board on Respiratory Care. The Advisory Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor for four-year terms. The Board makes recommendations regarding the criteria for licensure as a respiratory care practitioner and the standards of professional conduct for holders of licenses to the Virginia Board of Medicine.

“My career as a respiratory therapist began at Reynolds Community College Respiratory when I was 19 years old,” Compton stated. “Over 20 years later, I am privileged be a faculty member, as well as the Distance Education Coordinator for the Respiratory Therapy Program. As a newly appointed member of the Advisory Board on Respiratory Care, it is a unique opportunity to give back to the profession and the community that has invested in me both professional and personally. I am thankful to be able to serve.”

Richard S. Groover, Assistant Dean of the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Climate Change and Resiliency Update Commission.  The Commission is charged with conducting an assessment of the recommendations from the 2008 Climate Change Action Plan.  This assessment will include determining which recommendations from the original report were implemented, updating and prioritizing the recommendations and identifying sources of funding to support the implementation of the recommendations.  The Commission shall submit a report with updated recommendations by June 30, 2015.

“I am very honored to be asked to serve on this Commission,” Groover stated. “The Commonwealth may face very serious problems from global climate change and this Commission will help Governor McAuliffe and the state prepare for these potential impacts.”




Wednesday, July 9, 2014

SOAR takes off




 
On Monday, July 7 Reynolds staff and student ambassadors opened the first SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration) session of the summer. At 10:15 a.m., Reynolds staff set up the check-in tables complete with hundreds of SOAR bags, assembled in advance by the student ambassadors. Soon students brimming with energy began filling the lobby of the Massey LTC building on the Parham Road Campus bright and early; as SOAR didn’t officially start until 10:45 a.m.

As soon as the clock struck 10:45 a.m. the students were divided into two lines that extended to the front doors. As each student came up to the check-in desk they were required to confirm their name and program and were assigned a room for their SOAR presentation. But, before they went to their assigned room, staff brought them to the computer room adjacent to the library to ensure they could utilize their computer log-in and passwords. Once confirmed, they were redirected to their assigned room.

Each group was presented with a description of all the academic programs and financial services the college provides.  Following the presentation, student ambassadors assisted each student to ensure they could effectively and efficiently use the Student Information System, or SIS for short; including demonstrating how to create a time-efficient class schedule. Many students had issues concerning dates and times for their classes, as most students do. Other students had trouble with financial and advising issues, which assigned advisors attended to. All in all, it was a very productive day. SOAR ensures every student gains the ability to accurately use their SIS and is able to add their classes without a hindrance. 

SOAR continues until August 8 with sessions at the Downtown Campus, Parham Road Campus, and Goochland Campus.  To register for an upcoming SOAR session visit http://www.reynolds.edu/student_services/advising/orientation.aspx


Reynolds student Dylan Chaplin - Dylan is serving as a PR Assistant this summer as well as a Student Ambassador in the fall. He also served as the Vice-President of The H.E.A.R.T Service, which is a community service and civic engagement club designed to create connections between Reynolds and its surrounding communities. During his first two semesters at Reynolds he successfully completed the college's Leadership Program, JSR LEAD.  In his spare time he likes to blog.