Renowned poet Stuart Kestenbaum will read his works, as well as those of other notable poets, TODAY at 10 a.m. in the R.H. Stephens Room, Menard Hall. Kestenbaum has written several books and his poems have been featured on NPR programs including Garrison Keillor’s “Writer’s Almanac” and “To the Best of Our Knowledge,” as well as in several publications, including SUN magazine. His books of poetry include “Only Now,” “Prayers and Run-On Sentences” and “House of Thanksgiving” (all Deerbrook Editions), and “Pilgrimage” (Coyote Love Press).
LLCC-Jacksonville sponsors events Jan. 20-23 aimed at suicide prevention
LLCC-Jacksonville will host several events next week to raise awareness of the causes and prevention of suicides.
“In light of several local tragedies in recent months, we are partnering with the LLCC Student Life Office to offer learning opportunities for students and members of the community,” said Keri Mason, assistant director at LLCC-Jacksonville.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 through Friday, Jan. 23, everyone is asked to write a note to another student, faculty or staff member to indicate, “you matter because … ”
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear purple in support of suicide prevention on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
On Wednesday, Jan. 21 from noon-1 p.m., a representative from Passavant Area Hospital will present information on psychiatric health.
Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. will be the showing of the movie “A Reason to Live.”
Master Teacher nominations being accepted
The LLCC Foundation invites students, faculty, staff, alums and retirees to nominate an outstanding full-time, tenured faculty member for the 2015 Drs. Raymond and Ann Pearson Master 
Teacher Award. This award annually recognizes an exceptional faculty member for his or her professional contributions to LLCC. A faculty member may receive the award one time only.
Online nominations are now being accepted. Simply log into Blackboard, or go to www.LLCCFoundation.org, hover over “What We Do,” then click on “Nominate a Master Teacher.” Paper nomination forms may also be printed from the website or are available in the LLCC Foundation office. Nominations must be submitted to the Foundation by Wednesday, Feb. 4.
For more information stop by the LLCC Foundation in Menard Hall room 1214, call 786-2785 or e-mail LLCCFoundation@llcc.edu.
LLCC Biggest Loser Contest; deadline to register is Jan. 28
If losing weight is your New Year’s resolution, why not do it with a team to support you and the opportunity to win $$$$? Join in on the fun and create a team for the LLCC Biggest Loser contest! Click the link for details: LLCC Biggest Loser Contest. If you would like to participate, contact Kim Elder at 6-2214 or kim.elder@llcc.edu by Wednesday, Jan. 28. The initial weigh-in will be on Friday, Jan. 30 anytime from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Human Resources office.
Reminder: New process for proposals stalled in CurricUNET
A reminder that there is a new process for cleaning up proposals that are stalled in CurricUNET. For proposals that have been copied but nothing done according to the comparison icon:
1. After one year of inactivity from the time the course/program was copied, an email will be sent to the originator asking if this course is being revised, with a copy to the dean.
2. Based on the response from the originator, the following actions may be taken:
a. The pending file deleted.
b. The pending file deleted and the course recopied.
c. The pending file will continue.
3. If no response is received, the file will be deleted.
4. If Option C is chosen and no activity occurs in CurricUNET within the next six months, the pending file will be deleted.
It is important that files not sit out in the queue for several years. Once the course is copied, it is tied to the curriculum process in place at that time. If the processes change between the time it is copied and the time it is launched, it is easier for that file to get lost in the processes. Also, the date used for a course documentation’s last update is the date the pending file is originated, not the date it is approved.
Recital Series features Skibbereen Celtic-influenced music Jan. 25
The LLCC Recital Series will feature the Celtic-influenced music of Skibbereen on Sunday, Jan. 25. The performance begins at 4 p.m. in the Trutter Center on LLCC’s Springfield campus, and is free and open to the public.
Founded out of a love for Celtic-influenced music, Skibbereen has 
been providing Springfield with its interpretation of old and new Celtic music for the past four years. Founder Hank Helton started the band on guitar. After playing a bit of musical chairs with the lineup, Rachel Gamble joined on violin and vocals, and Colin Helton (Hank’s son) joined on drums. Colin has since moved to guitar and vocals with the addition of Danny Kerwin on bass and Matt Scherer on drums. The band has just released its second CD, containing almost all original material.
The set list will include: “The Leaving of Liverpool,” “When Love Comes Around,” “What’s Got Into Marley?,” “Castle Kelly” and others.
Other upcoming performances in the LLCC Recital Series include:
Feb. 1: River Ramblers bluegrass
March 22: Brick House Brass Quintet
April 19: Jane Hartman Jazz Trio
ITDE hosts Innovation Celebration on Professional Development Day
On Professional Development Day (March 24) the Instructional Technology and Distance Education (ITDE) department is hosting the Innovation Celebration.
The Innovation Celebration will be a poster session highlighting ![innovationcelebrationlogo[1]](https://lincin.llcc.edu/LincIN/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/innovationcelebrationlogo1.jpg)
innovative instruction and student learning initiatives at LLCC. This event will provide an opportunity to exchange teaching experiences and student engagement activities in a casual atmosphere.
ITDE would like to invite you to submit an exhibit proposal and share your experience and knowledge with colleague across campus. To learn more about the Innovation Celebration and to submit an exhibit proposal, go to www.llcc.edu/itde/innovation-celebration.
LLCC Choir to perform at ceremony marking 150th anniversary of 13th amendment Feb. 3
The Lincoln Land Community College Choir, directed by Sue Hamilton, has been invited to perform at a ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of the 13th Amendment. The ceremony will be held in the Senate Chambers of the Illinois State Capitol at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The event is sponsored by the Illinois Senate, Abraham Lincoln Association and the Illinois Archives.
Employee Notice Regarding Student Empower Course
Employees who are interested in taking the new Student Empower Course (see LincIn notice from 1/6/15), please contact the Human Resources office at 6-2752 to have this course added to your available training. Once the course has been added, you can access the training by clicking the following link:
http://slate.workplaceanswers.com/lincolnlcc/
You will be asked to provide your last name and email address. Once confirmed, it will take you to the main Workplace Answers page. Click on the “Take Your Courses” link found in the Quick Links section on the left-side of the page. The Student Empower Course should be in the list of available courses.
If you supervise student workers, please encourage your student workers to complete the course, though it is not mandatory that they complete it. Student workers will be required to follow the same procedure above to access the course.
ITDE workshops this week
Beginning Blackboard • Wednesday, Jan. 14 • 4-5:30 p.m. • SGMN0119
Facilitator: Gary Bach, instructional technology specialist
Are you a new Blackboard user or an occasional Blackboard user in need of a refresher? Come to this session for an introduction to using the Blackboard course management system at LLCC. This session will cover the basics of getting started using Blackboard to supplement instruction, such as logging in to the system, general navigation, tools, course development areas and the grade center.
Register HERE.
Blackboard Open Lab • Friday, Jan. 16 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • SGMN0119
Facilitator: Gary Bach, instructional technology specialist
Have you ever had questions about how to accomplish something in Blackboard but couldn’t attend a previously scheduled Blackboard workshop to ask? This monthly, drop-in open house session gives you the opportunity to get individual help with your questions. No registration is required to attend.
A complete schedule can be found online at: http://www.llcc.edu/itde/workshop-schedule/