2008 - 09 Newbrief - Southern University at Baton Rouge

Page 4 Volume 14, Issue 1
LA BOR Awards Department of English &
Philosophy: A Contract for Enhancing
Multimedia Room
National Grant Writing Workshop
Coordinated by Dr. Patrick Carriere
The Louisiana Board of Regents
awarded the Department of English
and Philosophy the sum of $47,586 to
install new multimedia equipment
such as an instructor’s computer, new
student computers to replace old
computers, and new printing
equipment to enhance the Multimedia
Room. The enhancement proposal
was submitted by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Sumita Roy,
Assistant Professor of English who teaches Technical Writing in
the department.
Southern University College of Engineering Associate
Dean, Dr. Patrick Carriere, coordinated a national
workshop designed to improve the program quality of
grant proposals seeking funds for science and
engineering initiatives.
The workshop, “Improving Proposal Submissions to
the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the
Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics Program (S-STEM),” was held on April
19-20 at the NSF office in Arlington, Va.
The room is in dire need of technology improvements.
Currently, it includes only 18 old, out-dated student computers,
and an old printer with HP interface. The printer “jams”
frequently, and many of the student computers do not function
efficiently. There is no projection equipment, and the instructor
does not have access to a dedicated computer. Approximately,
700 students from Engl. 090 (Developmental English) and Engl.
362 (Technical Writing) utilize the room during the Fall and
Spring semesters.
The Multimedia Room in the department plays a seminal role in
preparing a wide variety of students with varying writing skills,
along with effective communication skills. A self-contained
multimedia room equipped with essential technological aids
such as an instructor’s podium with necessary computer
hardware, software, and audio-visual tools and new student
computers would allow for a productive interaction between
students and faculty.
These installations are crucial and timely because they promote,
through computer-aided instructional software and audio-visual
tools, the teaching and learning of basic and professional
communication skills, technological literacy, fulfillment of
institutional goals, and teacher preparation. Implementing the
project would not only enhance the educational resources of the
department, but help improve the communication skills (written
and oral) of students from all Colleges, including Arts and
Humanities, Basic Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering,
and Public Policy. The Office of Technology Network Services
will maintain the equipment after installation.
The grant-writing program was funded through a
$100,000 grant from NSF. This is the third year he
has been selected to coordinate this type of workshop.
Workshop participants from fifty universities
throughout the US were selected.
The workshop entailed topics that highlight proposal
development and enhancement to improve the program
quality of grants. Participants received training in skill
enhancements that are normally not available to
college and university faculty. The workshop format
included interactive hands-on activities which afforded
participants the opportunity to meet individually with
NSF program officers.
The S-STEM program awards grants to universities to
provide scholarships for academically talented students
with financial needs. After completing the program,
students go into the workforce after earning an
associate, baccalaureate, or graduate level degree in
science and engineering.
Dr. Patrick Carriere
Associate Dean
College of Engineering