Facts about Autism: #5

Is there an autism epidemic?

More people than ever before are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is almost five times more common among boys than among girls. CDC estimates that about 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

It is unclear exactly how much of this increase is due to a broader definition of ASD and better efforts in diagnosis. However, a true increase in the number of people with an ASD cannot be ruled out. The CDC believes the increase in ASD diagnosis is likely due to a combination of these factors.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

New email signature graphic

readers choice 2016emailsig1

To continue the celebration of our recent honor, a new graphic is now available for all LLCC employees to include in email signatures! Just save this image and add it to yours!

Contributions Sought for LLCC’s Gala

2016 Gala BannerLincoln Land Community College Foundation will present the 10th Annual Gala – The Great Gala on Saturday, May 7 in the Student Union.  This Great Gatsby inspired event will feature a gourmet meal prepared by our culinary students and instructors with musical entertainment provided by LLCC’s Stolen Moments Jazz Band and LLCC’s Big Band.  Proceeds from the Gala benefit student learning initiatives at the college.

The Foundation is seeking donations of wine or liquor for our Wall of Wine and Spirits.  Guests at the Gala can purchase bottles for $10 each via blind draw with a guaranteed value of $10 or more.  Last year this Wall of Wine and Spirits was so popular that we sold out half way through the evening!

The Corkscrew Wine Emporium is again offering a 15% discount on wine purchased for the Gala.  Purchase wine at the Corkscrew by May 2 for the Gala and you will receive recognition at the event.

Donations for the live and silent auction at the Gala are also being accepted.  Jewelry, artwork, vacation home stays and sporting event tickets are all popular items.  Please consider donating items if you find that you are unable to use them.  You may drop off wine or auction items in the Foundation Office.  Be sure to include the value of your donation so that we can acknowledge it.

In the News

Nancy Sweet, director, culinary programs and operations, wrote this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column, “Morel mushroom season is almost here.

Dennis Shackelford, trustee and board secretary, wrote “The local impact of a community college” for the monthly LLCC essay in the State Journal-Register April 3. ​

Dr. Lesley Frederick, vice president, Student Services, is the subject of a personality profile, “Specialist in student success,” in the April edition of Springfield Business Journal.

Condolences to Bill Harmon

Our sincere condolences to Bill Harmon, professor of agronomy, on the passing of his mother, Georgia “Jody” Harmon. Visitation will be Saturday, April 9 from 10-11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville. Funeral will follow at 11:30 a.m. Family has asked for donations to American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

No Walking Challenge this year

Due to unforeseen circumstances with our online tracking tool, the Annual Walking Challenge for 2016 has been cancelled.  The HR Office is looking into other options for next year.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Posted in HR |

Facts about Autism: #4

What are the causes and risk factors for autism?

We do not know all of the causes of ASD. However, we have learned that there are likely many causes for multiple types of ASD. There may be many different factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental, biologic and genetic factors.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

Student Club events this week

TODAY – The Honors Program Student Organization is selling Krispy Kreme donuts from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the A. Lincoln Commons.  Original glazed donuts are available, and the cost is $8 per dozen.  Proceeds will help the Honors Program students pay for their annual Chicago Museums Day Trip.

THURSDAY – Don’t forget to bring $5 to the Student Life Office to join in on Jeans Day to benefit the LLCC Choir! Also, the Epicurean Club will be having a Stocks, Soups, & Sauces Sale from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bistro Verde.

ITDE Workshops today

Using the “Write” Strategy: Identifying and Accommodating Student Writers with Learning Disabilities Across the Curriculum
Facilitator: Cara Swafford, Associate Professor, English
Wednesday, April 6, 1-3 p.m. | Sangamon Hall, 0119

We all encounter those students who seem to be like all the rest: they listen in class, may take notes and ask questions, and often participate enthusiastically in group and class discussions. But when it comes time to turn in the written assignment or take the written test, we realize there is something wrong. It is quite possible that these students are learning disabled, and we may not have received an instructor letter from Accessibility Services for them. How can we discover what these students with seemingly “invisible” disabilities need to complete their writing oriented assignments? This workshop will introduce types of learning disabilities that affect academic writing tasks, their characteristics, and the student behaviors associated with them, and also offer methods for identifying and accommodating LD students as writers. Note: This workshop is designed for instructors in all disciplines who incorporate writing assignments in their classrooms. Click here to register for this sessionCurrent online faculty participating in the Online Proficiency Program will receive 2 points for complete attendance and participation in this workshop.*


Practical Response to Active Shooters
Facilitators: LLCC Police Department
Wednesday, April 6, 4-6 p.m. | Menard Hall, 1168

If you ever found yourself in an active shooter event, would you know what to do? As with any emergency situation, prior thought and planning play an immense role in our individual response to these highly stressful incidents. Presented by members of the Lincoln Land Community College Police Department, this hands-on training will provide you with options on what to do during an active shooter incident, teach you how to do them, and then give you an opportunity to actually practice these newly learned skills in a supportive, non-stressful environment. Full-time and adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend. Click here to register for this session.

 

Edible Book Festival one week away!

Charlotte's Web: The LLCC Library Edible Book Festival, in celebration of National Library Week, is only one week away! On Tuesday, April 12, bring out your talented, silly, imaginative, punny, creative side and create an edible creation that represents a book. After the voting/judging, everyone is invited to taste the creations. Edible Books can be dropped off any time after 7:30 a.m. Books are on display and voting is 11 a.m.-noon.  We’ll announce the winners at noon, then eat the books!

RSVP is not required but welcomed for planning purposes: Contact Leslie Rios, faculty librarian, associate professor at leslie.rios@llcc.edu or 786.4617.

Want to see some of the Edible Books our very own LLCC crew has created over the years? Check them out here: https://www.pinterest.com/bookish2/llcc-edible-book-festival/