January 28, 2011

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

BELMONT NEWS

Board of Trust Affirms Non-Discrimination Policy
On Wednesday, Belmont University’s Board of Trustees voted to amend the University’s official non-discrimination policy, adding a preamble inspired by the school’s mission statement and employment handbooks that clearly identifies the university’s Christian mission. In addition, they added sexual orientation to the written anti-discrimination policy to reflect the school’s long-standing practice of non-discrimination as it relates to sexual orientation. These additions affirm Belmont’s long-held practices in employment and student life. This vote makes that ongoing practice part of the University’s new written policy, which can be seen below:
Belmont University Non-Discrimination Policy
Belmont University is a Christian community. The university faculty, administration, and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. In compliance with federal law, including provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of1972, Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or sexual orientation in its administration of education policies, programs or activities; its admissions policies; or employment. Under federal law, the university may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purposes. The university has appointed the director of the Office of Human Resources to serve as coordinator of compliance with Title IX. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Office of the Provost or the Office of Human Resources.
Watch video of Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher’s Statement to Media
Conard’s Research Receives International Attention
Some people are willing to wait in line overnight to be the first to buy a just released book or to be the first to see a newly released movie. Others wait in line in the middle of the night to have first access to deals on “black Friday” or to be first to buy an iPad. New research in the Journal for Consumer Research, co-authored by Belmont Assistant Professor of Marketing Jacqueline (Jax) Conard, suggests that the tendency to act quickly to acquire items such as those above is related to the first letter of one’s childhood surname. Conard’s work with Georgetown University marketing professor Kurt A. Carlson is receiving media attention around the world, with recent hits in the Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report and the New York Times as well as interviews with ABC News and media in Australia and Sweden.
The idea holds that children develop time-dependent responses based on the treatment that they receive. For example, many children with last names toward the end of the alphabet are often last in line and at the back of classrooms. In an effort to account for these inequities, children late in the alphabet will move more quickly when last name isn’t a factor; they will “buy early.” Likewise, those with last names early in the alphabet will be so accustomed to being first that individual opportunities to make a purchase won’t matter very much; they will “buy late.” This tendency to “buy early” or “buy late” will continue into adulthood and is known as the last name effect. Moreover, this predictable tendency will extend to many other buying situations.
This last name effect is especially important to retailers and sales people because customer names are easy for marketers to obtain and because there are many decisions in which the decision is not whether to buy, but when to buy. More examples include when to renew a favorite magazine subscription, when to buy a new cell phone and when to reorder printer supplies.
Andrew Marin Addresses ‘Sex & the Soul’
Andrew Marin, president and founder of The Marin Foundation, spoke on Belmont’s campus Monday and Tuesday as part of the university’s annual “Sex & the Soul” week. The Marin Foundation works to educate, equip and provide both the religious and LGBT communities with tangible experiences and relevant teaching that brings each group to have a better and more clearly defined understanding of the other. Marin is the author of the award-winning book, Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community.
Marin, who created his foundation after his three best friends came out to him over the course of three months, works to build bridges between the religious and GLBT communities through scientific research and Biblical and social education. His first talk Monday morning focused on the intersections in culture between God, sex and an individual’s perception of the “ideal life” and how each informs the others. Read more….

ACHIEVERS

Click here for stories on the recent accomplishments of Belmont’s students, faculty, staff and alumni.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sign Up Now for Table at Homecoming 2011 Indoor Tailgate!
Student organizations or academic departments that want to raise awareness, support a cause or provide fun entertainment for the masses are invited to participate in the 4th Annual Indoor Tailgate on Homecoming Saturday – February 19, 2011.
The tailgate begins at 4 p.m., and you can reserve booth space by filling out this form and/or contacting Julie Bunt in the Office of Alumni Relations.
Come Out Saturday to the ‘Pink Zone’
Come out this Saturday and support our women’s basketball game team as they play Stetson at 2 p.m. and join in the “Pink Zone” for “Breast Cancer Awareness Day!”
• Fan giveaway items – Pink T-shirts and pom poms
• SGK Race for the Cure T-shirt toss by BU cheerleaders during the game
• SGK display table with promotional material/gifts
• Pink ribbons given to coaches and event staff to wear
• Pink uniforms worn by the Belmont women’s basketball team
• Anthem performance by breast cancer survivor
• Game ball presentation by breast cancer survivor
• Special halftime presentation and recognition of survivors in attendance
CDC Recommends Three Steps to Fight Flu
The CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting influenza (flu). The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccination each year. But if you get the flu, there are prescription antiviral drugs that can treat your illness. Early treatment is especially important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions and pregnant women. Finally, everyday preventive actions may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat and lungs) illnesses, like flu.
How does the flu spread?
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through the coughing, sneezing or talking of someone with the flu. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes or nose. Many other viruses spread these ways, too. People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.
What are everyday preventive actions?
Everyday preventive actions are steps that people can take to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness, like flu. These include the following personal and community actions:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will block the spread of droplets from your mouth or nose that could contain germs.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards and phones, to help remove germs.
* Make sure your workplace has an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs and disposable wipes.
MIKESCHAIR in Concert at the Curb Event Center!
Sunday, January 30
2 p.m. – Men’s Basketball vs. Stetson
Halftime – special performance by Kings of the Court (Memphis Grizzlies slam dunk team)
Concert – immediately following the game
Free admission with Belmont ID. For more information, click here.

COMING UP

Friday, January 28, 6 p.m.
Men’s Basketball vs. FGCU on CSS-TV
Curb Event Center
Saturday, January 29, 2 p.m.
Women’s Basketball vs. Stetson
Curb Event Center
Sunday, January 30, 2 p.m.
Men’s Basketball vs. Stetson
Curb Event Center
Monday, January 31, 2-2:30 p.m.
Faculty and Staff Weekly Prayer
The brief service of prayers and scripture readings will be based on the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, with supplemental devotional materials.
Belltower
Monday, January 31, 6 p.m.
Women’s Basketball vs. FGCU
Curb Event Center
Wednesday, February 2, 10 a.m.
Alumni on Mission: Dr. Robert Byrd & Junior Noah Quinton
Alumni on Mission is a convocation series featuring Belmont Alums who incorporate mission and ministry in their everyday lives. Religion professor Dr. Robert Byrd and junior Religion major Noah Quinton took part in a student trip to the Holy Land last spring. Join us as they share experiences and memories from their spiritual trip to this sacred part of our world.
MBC 100
Wednesday, February 2, 10 a.m.
Walt Wilson – Former Apple Executive
Walt Wilson, one of the executives during the startup of Apple Computers who last served as the managing director of U.S. Operations, has worked in several technology businesses. He will discuss the important role ethics and Christian values have in positioning a company for success.
Neely Dining Room
Friday, February 4, 10 a.m.
Grete Gryzwana: Worshiping God with Our Bodies
Grete Gryzwana is the founder of Epiphany Dance Company. She has performed and taught in San Francisco, New York and Chicago, and served as director and faculty member at Nashville Ballet, as well as program coordinator for Fuller Seminary’s Theology and Art program in Orvieto, Italy. Currently, she is research coordinator with the Henry R. Luce Foundation Sacred Imagery Project.
Neely Dining Room
Saturday, February 5
Academic Options Day

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Belmont is a Christian community of learning and service that strives to support its members through prayer. The following concerns have come to our attention recently. Thank you for including them in your prayers:
Please be in prayer for Sherry Pendley (Bookstore) and her family after the unexpected passing of her mother this week.

BIRTHDAYS

If you notice an incorrect or missing birthday, please e-mail the update to communication@belmont.edu.
January 28
Paul Gatrell, Theatre
Nguyet Nguyen, Custodial Services
January 29
Carolyn Burress, CEMB
February 1
Greg Pillon, Office of Communications
February 3
Jill Robinson, Scarlett Leadership Institute
February 5
Andrew Johnston, Student Affairs
Prentice Poole, Belmont Central
February 6
Robert Lambert, Business
Kathy Jordan, Nursing

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

iPad in Education Event February 1
You’re invited to join fellow IT professionals for an exclusive briefing Tues., Feb. 1 to learn the latest information about how iPad® works in a business and/or education environment. Topics will include integration, security and deployment as well as apps. Meet with engineers and learn from industry leaders about tools available to make the iPad part of your winning team – like Citrix, FileMaker, Jamf and more! After our in-depth sessions, join us for a catered vendor reception and a look at the unique vehicles on display at the Lane Motor Museum! Click here for more information and event registration!