Resources for Our PK-12 Partners

ACT, Accuplacer, CLEP and Pearson Vue Testing

Mikhail Smith, (740) 351-3110, msmith3@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State is an ACT testing site for students in grades 7-12. Tests are typically given on a Saturday. ACT scores are important for college admission. While Shawnee State is open admission, ACT scores are used to determine eligibility for SSU's selective health science programs and are used for placement in required English, reading and mathematics courses.

SSU also offers Accuplacer testing, a tool used to evaluate reading, writing and math skills to determine what post-secondary courses students are prepared to take. CLEP, College Level Examination Program, enables students to earn college credit for introductory-level courses by achieving satisfactory scores on subject-specific tests. Pearson Vue testing is available for certifications and licensures.

ACT Test Prep

Kimberly Ellison, (740) 351-3477, kellison@shawnee.edu

While Shawnee State University is an open access institution and does not require the ACT, there are many reasons why students should take the ACT and SSU staff is eager to help students prepare. Most colleges require test scores even if the ACT is optional, so placement testing will likely be required. Having a strong test score can help boost college applications and increase chances of receiving merit-based scholarships. SSU staff is available to visit your district and work directly with students to prepare them for the exam. Each student will have an opportunity to complete a practice test, discuss tips and strategies, and receive their score and feedback on performance. Please allow 4.5 hours when scheduling.

Athletic Camps

Amanda Hedrick, (740) 351-3188, ahedrick@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State’s athletic camps teach youth about sports and teamwork. These programs help kids grow into well-rounded, healthy individuals who can try new things and push themselves to excel in life. Sports camps inspire children to enjoy physical activity and to adapt healthy lifestyle habits that will last them a lifetime. Participants train with experienced coaches and players affiliated with Shawnee State University Athletics

Bear Tracks Workforce Development Program

Amanda Hedrick, (740) 351-3188, ahedrick@shawnee.edu

This program provides high school seniors and graduates with industry recognized credentials and next steps to launch careers or pursue additional education. The Center for Lifelong Learning in partnership with the GRIT Project offers this residential industry training summer program. Attendees move into Shawnee State University housing where they will live Monday – Friday. During the day, students will attend workforce training, receive career coaching and be connected with other resources to help jumpstart their careers. Upon completing the program, students will test for industry certification and then be connected into an internship, job, or the next step of training.

Campus Visits

Brittany Bazler, (740) 351-3601, bbazler@shawnee.edu

Taking a personalized campus tour is the best way for a student to explore college and future goals. Campus visits to Shawnee State University will include an admissions presentation (everything students need to know about applying and attending SSU), a tour of Shawnee’s beautiful and compact campus, and a tour of an apartment style and/or townhouse style housing unit based on availability. We can also design campus visits for younger students. Whatever your students are studying, we have complementary programming available upon request. Shawnee State's academic laboratories, particularly those in health sciences, nursing, pre-med, game design, science, plastics engineering technology, 3D printing, and anatomy lend themselves to outstanding field trip experiences.

College Credit Plus

Jasmine Currie, (740) 351-3844, jcurrie@shawnee.edu

Ohio’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program can help students earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students in grades 7-12. With College Credit Plus, students can attend classes at public colleges and universities for free; there is no cost to the student for tuition, textbooks, or fees. Public school students can earn up to 30 college credit hours per year with the ability to earn a maximum of 120 credits. (The number of credits per year non-public school students and home-schooled students may earn is determined by the state based on available funding.)

Center for Lifelong Learning

Amanda Hedrick, (740) 351-3188, ahedrick@shawnee.edu

The Center for Lifelong Learning is a place where university faculty, staff, students, and community members of all ages can work together in a collaborative environment to create rich, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences. The Center for Lifelong Learning increases the university footprint by building vital community partnerships and invites individuals to become members of an intellectually diverse, active learning community. If you have a professional development need, the Center for Lifelong Learning can provide that programming.

2022-2023 Professional Learning Series Educator Events offered through the Center – Register Now

• December 16 - Amanda Morgan, “Just Not Cute”
• January 27 - Dr. Laura Justice, “Enhancing Phonological Awareness, Print Awareness, and Oral Language Skills”
• February 24 - Tricia Crawford, “Universal Design for the 21st Century Teacher”
• March 24 - Michelle Elia, “The Reading Brain”
• April 14 - Dr. Amy Murdoch, “Research-Based Reading Practices Within a Response to Intervention Model”
• May 26 - Gerry Brooks, “Creating a Positive Personal Climate and Culture”

Cool Kids Read

Angie Duduit, (740) 351-3322, aduduit@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University, Project BEAR, Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth, and the Portsmouth Public Library hosted the First Annual Cool Kids Read Campaign in 2021, a community-wide effort to encourage students to read, support literacy development and promote lifelong learning. Over 50 high school and college students, including Key Club members, Circle K members, and SSU athletes, attended the reading boot camp to learn effective read-aloud strategies. These volunteers read to 468 children in 27 classrooms from 6 local schools. Following the read-aloud, students participated in an activity and received a free book. The Portsmouth Public Library coordinated a take-it, make-it craft for families to complete at home. This is an annual fall event for Shawnee State University.

Cub Camp

Hayley Venturino, (740) 351-3059, hventurino@shawnee.edu

Cub Camp is a 4-day, summer academic enrichment program designed to spark the imagination and expand the knowledge of youth who have completed grades PreK-8. Classes offered include topics that go beyond those offered during the regular school year. The primary focus is educational with light-hearted fun and hands-on activities. Classes have included Video Productions, Archery, Esports, Logic, American Sign Language, Spanish, Soccer, Karate, Comic-Con, Science Fun, and Cooking; camper suggestions of new classes for 2023 include: Mock Trial, Engineering, Yoga, Jewelry Making, Reptiles, Football, and Space.

Dare to Dream Business Pitch Competition

David Kilroy, (740) 351-3088, dkilroy2@shawnee.edu

The Glockner Dare to Dream high school regional business pitch competition hosted by Shawnee State University is an annual event that gives area high school students the opportunity to create a business idea and pitch it to a panel of judges for the chance to win thousands of dollars in prize money. This program has been running for 10 years and continues to grow every year.

FAFSA Information Sessions

Nicole Neal, (740) 351-3140, nneal@shawnee.edu

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. It provides grants, scholarships, loans, and work study funds provided to help students and families pay for college. Our financial aid counselors are available to help students and parents navigate the world of financial aid, providing information sessions at your school.

Game Conference

Dane Simpkins, 614-795-3750, dsimpkins@shawnee.edu

Shawnee Game Conference (SGC) is devoted to all aspects of gaming, game design, simulation, and immersive technology. Co-Hosted by Shawnee State University’s game design programs, Game Engineering & Game Arts, SGC routinely showcases the best work of students, alumni, and industry professionals through interactive sessions, displays, and tournament competitions. Regional high schools are invited and encouraged to plan a field trip to the conference.

Grant Partner

Amanda Hedrick, (740) 351-3188, ahedrick@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University and the Shawnee State University Development Foundation frequently partner with local non-profits and school districts to apply for and administer grants. Shawnee State University can serve in various capacities, from writing a letter of support to acting as the fiscal agent. An often-overlooked partnership area is sharing data and narrative language to help generate a competitive application. There could also be exciting opportunities for students to engage in digital volunteerism to help support grant applications and make our shared community a better place. If you have a grant or project you are considering, we are happy to review to determine if we would be a good partner.

On Campus Event Scheduling

Kara Bobo-Stump, (740) 351-3081, kbobo-stump@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University has a facility to meet your event needs from classrooms to conference rooms, from the gymnasium to the ballroom. Whatever your event, we have space. Special pricing is available for school partners.

Parent and Student Information Sessions

Amanda Hedrick, (740) 351-3188, ahedrick@shawnee.edu

Do you have an upcoming parent night or school event where you need a speaker? Shawnee State University staff can provide parent or student focused information sessions on a variety of topics related to college readiness and college preparation. Topics can include navigating the college selection process, scheduling campus visits – when, why, and how, completing the common application, writing – placement test essays, college application essays, and scholarship essays, and supporting student pathways – from pursuing career and technical training, to entering the workforce, to attending college. Sessions can be tailored to support families with children at each stage of development. There are steps that parents can take from the day their child is born to give them an advantage in the college selection process.

Performing Arts Academy

Summer Logan, (740) 351-3118, slogan@shawnee.edu

The Shawnee State University Performing Arts Academy is designed as a preparatory program for students ages 1 -18 years, promoting a love of the Performing Arts through a professional and nurturing environment. The Performing Arts Academy is the newest artistic and educational endeavor at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. The academy offers multiple dance disciplines for all age categories and skill levels. The academy instructor, Summer Logan, is a Scioto County native.

Academy Levels & Descriptions

Pre-Primary Level is designed for dancers 3-5yrs old. This level focuses on the development of gross motor movement, spatial awareness, rhythm, and the foundations of creative movement.

Primary Level is designed for dancers 6-10yrs old. This level focuses on development of gross and fine motor movement, spatial awareness, rhythm & musicality, use of ballet vocabulary, correct body alignment, incorporating foundations of creative movement alongside classical and contemporary dance techniques.

Level I is designed for dancers 7+ with beginner/ intermediate skill levels with 1-2yrs of prior dance experience. This level focuses on development of gross and fine motor movement, spatial awareness, rhythm & musicality, use of specific technique vocabulary, correct body alignment, expansion of beginner/intermediate techniques, and development of the dance aesthetic.

Level II is designed for dancers 11+ with intermediate/advanced skill level with 2-3yrs of prior dance experience. This level focuses on the expansion of gross and fine motor movement, spatial awareness, rhythm & musicality, use of specific technique vocabulary, correct body alignment, expansion of intermediate/ advanced skills, and continued development of the dance aesthetic.

Creative Movement: This class focuses on developing gross motor movement and muscle control while incorporating imagination and artistic expression. Students learn the fundamentals of ballet technique and vocabulary while exploring larger movement concepts through play.

American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum Ballet: All ballet classes are taught through the world-renowned American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The ABT NTC approach incorporates classical techniques such as Vaganova, Cicchetti, Russian, French and Italian methods. Dancers will learn the foundations of Ballet while promoting performance qualities that are key to becoming a well-rounded and healthy dancer.

Contemporary Technique classes taught in the Academy will cover beginner/ intermediate movement vocabulary for Contemporary Jazz/Modern Technique. Classes are designed for dancers who fall into the Level I & II age groups. The class is intended to help the student understand dance as a process of exploring movement, performing and relating to other dancers and audience. Contemporary dance involves the integration of new movement styles with kinesthetic development.

Tap Technique class in the Performing Arts Academy will cover the Beginner- Advanced movement vocabulary for American Tap Dance. Classes are designed for dancers who fall into the Level I & II age group. The course is intended to help the student understand dance as a process of exploring movement, performing and relating to other dancers and audience. Students will learn traditional steps and combinations as well as develop rhythmic patterns for contemporary tap styles.

Planetarium

Kara Stump, (740) 351-3145, kbobo-stump@shawnee.edu

Located inside the Advanced Technology Center, the Clark Planetarium is a large room with 66 seats under a 10-meter domed projection screen. The key piece of equipment in the planetarium is the Konica Minolta Mediaglobe I/II digital projection system. The Mediaglobe is a state of the art digital projection system utilizing a single fisheye lens for complete 360x180 degrees of immersion. The Clark Planetarium is privileged to be the United States’ first Konica Minolta Mediaglobe II system. Not only does this system project a realistic view of the nighttime sky, it can also display full-dome or warped videos, pictures, and animations. Shawnee State University offers free public shows Monday and Thursday evenings at 7 PM and accommodates school visits.

Project BEAR: Building Emerging and Achieving Readers

Hayley Venturino, (740) 351-3059, hventurino@shawnee.edu

Project BEAR: Building Emerging and Achieving Readers at Shawnee State University is an AmeriCorps funded program, administered throughout Ohio by ServeOhio. Project BEAR’s goal is to increase early literacy achievement in children birth-age 5 through a variety of supports for oral language development, phonemic awareness, and print knowledge in classrooms in our region. Teachers, the community, and parents all benefit from Project BEAR support and professional development that uses research-based practices ingrained in the science of reading.

Project BEAR partners include Valley, Wheelersburg, New Boston, Western Pike, Minford, Green, The SSU Children’s Learning Center, EasterSeals of Central and Southeast Ohio, and the Candyland Children’s Museum.

School of Education Clinical and Field Experience Placement

Jean Eagle, (740) 351-3297, jeagle@shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University’s School of Education has over 41 partnerships with local districts to provide teacher candidates clinical and field experience placements. Administrators and classroom teachers have an extremely important role in the effectiveness of the placements in supporting candidates, encouraging reflection, and providing constructive and regular feedback. Placement sites serve a critical role in promoting the profession of teaching and learning; developing judgement, communication, and instruction among future teachers; and preparing learner-centered professionals.

Shawnee Speaker Series

Amanda Hedrick, (740) 351-3188, ahedrick@shawnee.edu

The Shawnee Speaker Series is designed to give high school students a glimpse inside the college classroom and an opportunity to interact with university faculty. Topics can enhance current instruction in the high school curricula or expose students to new, diverse ideas. The following speakers and topics are available for 2023.

Department of English & Humanities

Brew Wilson-Battles, Creative Writing, “Joy in Repetition: Constructing a Full-Length Poem from your Two Favorite Lines or Lyrics”

Using two lines from a favorite song lyric or poem, students will be guided through a creative process to help them develop those lines into a full-length poem. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Daniel Johnson, Philosophy, “Supernatural or Superstition: Is It Rational to Believe in God?”

Dr. Johnson introduces philosophical theories of rationalism through engaging questions that encourage students to discuss multiple points of view on the question, “Is it rational to believe in God?” Length: 45-60 minutes, Number of Students: up to 50

Ann Linden, Communication, “Is Social Media Making Us Less Social?”

Is social media actually making us less social? Are we substituting social media interaction for real-world relationships? Drawing on current communication research, this presentation invites students to consider such questions and the roles social media play in their daily lives. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Department of Mathematics

John Whitaker, Mathematics, “Math Magic”

In this talk, we consider the mathematics behind a game and a trick. We will illustrate and expose the mathematical logic behind a game called, “Nim” and a coin trick called, Magical Divination. Student volunteers will be asked to participate in playing Nim and performing the Magical Divination trick. Students will also be invited to participate in discovering mathematical proofs of exhaustion to unlock the keys to Nim and Magical Divination. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Ralph Shelton, Mathematics, “Mathematical Career in Instrument Calibration”

In this talk, we explore mathematical models for the calibration of analytical lab instruments. Companies that hire mathematically trained individuals with calibration skills will also be discussed. This talk is an example of how math models can be used to help society progress. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Ralph Shelton, Mathematics, “Riemann Hypothesis”

In this talk, we give a description of one of the most famous unsolved mathematical problems of the last 200 years called the Riemann Hypothesis. The Riemann Hypothesis will clearly be defined as well as some of the implications of the solution to this unsolved problem. The problem is so intriguing, has substantial consequences, and has baffled some of the greatest mathematicians for such a long time that a million-dollar prize is available to the first person who solves it. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Department of Natural Sciences

Erik Larson and Kurt Shoemaker, Geology, “Everything You Wanted to Know About Geology (and Environmental Science)”

An exposé on student-driven research projects in Geology and Environmental Science at Shawnee State University. Projects entail caves, climate change, former landscapes, landforms, map making, and sedimentary rocks. We will also discuss college and career opportunities in Geology and Environmental Science. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Derek Jones, Chemistry, “Chemistry in Our Everyday Lives”

Chemistry is a big part of our everyday life. You can find chemistry in the foods you eat, the chemicals you clean with, or the objects you view daily. Learn about the chemistry all around you. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Sarah Ivers, Biology, “Polar Bears of the Taiga and Climate Change”

The impacts of climate change are measurable, immense, and startling. Some of the greatest changes are occurring in the most northern reaches of the Earth, in Polar Bear country. Polar Bear populations in Hudson Bay, Manitoba are steadily decreasing as these massive carnivores must wait longer and longer for the ice to form and their primary prey to become available each winter. This presentation will focus on the western bay population, showcasing images of polar bears in the wild, sharing information on their life history in the context of climate change, and discussing their relationship to humans and the regional ecosystem. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Jennifer Napper, Biology, “What’s inside you?”

Organ system function will be reviewed, and students will have the opportunity see and touch a heart, a brain, a kidney, and more! Further discussion can include either the opportunities that the Biomedical Sciences Program has to offer, or all of the degree programs offered in the Department of Natural Sciences. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: 25

Eugene Burns, Biology, “In Sickness and in Health: Microbes and You”

Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms have been responsible for some of the most devastating and deadly events in human history. Yet, these organisms, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, are also essential for life on Earth. This presentation will discuss some of these unseen heroes and villains, including their structure, life, and impact on humans, as well as how the Biomedical Sciences program at Shawnee State can prepare you for a career on the frontlines in medicine or research. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

Tim Hamilton, Astronomy, “Apollo Space Flight Simulation”

This is a simulation of the Apollo moon flights of the 1960s and ‘70s. Students try their hand at being astronauts, piloting the spacecraft back to the earth during reentry. They will use the actual procedures developed for the Apollo astronauts and will need to keep the spacecraft on the right course to avoid either burning up or skipping out of the atmosphere.

The full version of the simulator, available on campus at Shawnee State, can accommodate an entire class at once and includes the spacecraft, Mission Control, support teams, and radio communication between the ground and crew. A broader range of scenarios are available with this option, including launch, maneuvering, and reentry. Simulated failures will require problem-solving in real time. Training for each of the student’s roles is included.

Department of Social Sciences

Kyle Vick, Psychology, “Everyday Hallucinations”

A brief tour of how much of our everyday experience is created by the brain. Optical illusions and some simple experiments will be used to demonstrate how the connection between the senses and our perception is weaker than most people assume. I will also discuss how hallucinations happen when the perceptual processing becomes entirely separated from the sensory processing. Length: 30-45 minutes, Number of Students: up to 25

SSU Scholar Leaders

Hayley Venturino, (740) 351-3059, hventurino@shawnee.edu

The Scholars Leader Program at Shawnee State University provides two members of the Junior Class from each local Scioto County high school performing in the top 10% of their class an opportunity to meet on SSU’s Campus on the first Friday of the month. Students study the book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, network with local leaders, and plan a service-learning activity. Scholar Leadership Participants also receive free admission and priority registration to Shawnee State University's Summer Honors Institute.

Summer Honors Institute

Amanda Hedrick, (740) 351-3188, ahedrick@shawnee.edu

The Summer Honors Institute is a 3-day residency program on the campus of Shawnee State University designed to allow high achieving students currently completing grades 9-11 to experience college life and learn more about how Shawnee State University can help them get ready for college, life, and future careers.

Upward Bound Math Science

Gabe Brown, (740) 351-3402, gbrown@shawnee.edu

The Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) Center at Shawnee State University provides academic, social, recreational, cultural and counseling services in order to generate the skills, motivation, and self-confidence necessary for students to succeed in a university math or science program.

During the summer, students will be part of a six-week, residential program at Shawnee State University. While living on campus they will take intensive classes in the math and science areas, along with enrichment courses. They will also be involved in social and recreational activities and can travel to interesting places. Students will get to know what college life is like through all these different components. During the academic year, students will complete monthly workbook assignments assigned by UBMS staff. Students will also participate in one Saturday activity a month on the campus of SSU.

Verizon Innovative Learning

Kimberly Ellison, (740) 351-3477, kellison@shawnee.edu

Right now, millions of students here in the U.S. are lacking the connectivity, technology and skills required for success in today’s digital economy. That’s why we are working to help foster digital inclusion through a transformative education program called Verizon Innovative Learning. All children should have access to technology and quality STEM education. Through Verizon Innovative Learning, we turn belief into action by helping students achieve, learn, and create more with free internet access, free devices, and innovative next-gen technology-infused lessons. We work to build and administer STEM-focused programs that create the kinds of transformations that change lives. Things like virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, and more immersive collaboration can turn lesson plans into living, breathing, dynamic experiences. The Verizon Innovative Learning Programs will introduce augmented reality, 3D printing, entrepreneurship, design and more to prepare students for tech careers of the future.

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21st Century Community Learning Centers

Kathy Goins, (740) 351-3316, kgoins@shawnee.edu

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant (21st CCLC) is a five-year grant program that provides opportunities for children who come from economically disadvantaged families and attend low-performing schools to receive academic support. The Ohio Department of Education Office for Improvement and Innovation administers the 21st CCLC grants. This federally funded grant program supports high-quality, out-of-school time learning opportunities and related enrichment activities for students who attend eligible schools. The focus of the program must be on the components of reading, math, positive youth development and family engagement. Currently, Shawnee state University partners with three local school districts to deliver 21st CCLC grant opportunities. The schools currently receiving 21st CCLC grant funds are Bloom-Vernon Elementary School, East Portsmouth and Portsmouth Elementary Schools, and Sciotoville Elementary Academy. Interested districts should reach out to learn how to apply.