Note: UMSL Events contains information about events that will occur in the seven days following publication (Saturday-Friday). It contains information compiled from the UMSL Campus Calendar. No submissions are accepted, and since the calendar is self-populated, University Marketing and Communications is not responsible for the content that appears here or its accuracy. If you would like to receive UMSL Events via e-mail, you can subscribe to UMSL Daily or UMSL Daily Events.

2012 Fundraising Institute – Finding the
Right Grant for Your Organization
Date/Time: June 4, 2012 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: J. C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Finding appropriate grant opportunities is the first step to successful fundraising. Learn the most effective techniques and resources to uncover the right funding opportunities. The Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program’s annual Fundraising Institute has trained hundreds of development officers, staff and volunteers from around the region and across the state over the last decade. The Fundraising Institute provides the most up-to-date information on current fundraising practices and ideas. Lunch provided. Fee: $99. Register for all 7 sessions for $400.
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

What’s New Blackboard 9.1 Service Pack 8
Date/Time: June 4, 2012 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM
Location: 100 Marillac Hall (Jack Taylor Lab)
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: Join the Faculty Resource Center for a tour of Blackboard Learn, Version 9.1, Service Pack 8. Users already familiar with Blackboard 9.1 will be pleased with the additional functionality Blackboard 9.1, Service Pack 8 offers. New features affect Blackboard’s user interface, workflow functionality and improved grading and assessment features. This basic overview will showcase the latest features, functionality and enhancements. Topics to be covered include: Overview and navigation of the new interface, new themes and course structures, assessment and Grade Center enhancements. Bring your questions and a colleague!
For Info: Tom Roedel, Jennifer Simms and Paul Wilmarth at

Fundraising Institute – Development Policies and Procedures
Date/Time: June 5, 2012 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: J.C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: This workshop will address the importance of policies and procedures for a comprehensive and effective development and fundraising program that ensures legal, ethical and professional standards for your organization. What policies and procedures need to be in place to ensure gift acknowledgement letters are sent within 48 hours of receipt of the gift? What about financial and investment policies? Do you have written procedures regarding the proper valuation of a gift of stock? Bring your questions and your current policies and procedures. The workshop will be informative and interactive. The Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program’s annual Fundraising Institute has trained hundreds of development officers, staff and volunteers from around the region and across the state over the last decade. The Fundraising Institute provides the most up-to-date information on current fundraising practices and ideas. Lunch provided. Fee: $49. Register for all 7 sessions for $400.
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

What’s New Blackboard 9.1 Service Pack 8
Date/Time: June 5, 2012 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM
Location: 100 Marillac Hall (Jack Taylor Lab)
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: Join the Faculty Resource Center for a tour of Blackboard Learn, Version 9.1, Service Pack 8. Users already familiar with Blackboard 9.1 will be pleased with the additional functionality Blackboard 9.1, Service Pack 8 offers. New features affect Blackboard’s user interface, workflow functionality and improved grading and assessment features. This basic overview will showcase the latest features, functionality and enhancements. Topics to be covered include: Overview and navigation of the new interface, new themes and course structures, assessment and Grade Center enhancements. Bring your questions and a colleague!
For Info: Tom Roedel, Jennifer Simms and Paul Wilmarth at

UMSL Retirees Association Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting
Date/Time: June 5, 2012 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: J.C. Penney Lobby
Audience: Faculty/Staff
Description: This event is hosted by Chancellor Thomas F. George and reservations are required. Call 314-516-5442 for invitation information.
For Info: Cindy Vantine at 314-516-5442

Fundraising Institute – Incorporating
Communications and Social Media into Fundraising
Date/Time: June 5, 2012 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: J.C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Are your communications efforts up-to-date with the new ways people are getting information? This class will help you simplify communications strategies, and provide an overview on the main social media tools and how nonprofits are using them to engage their stakeholders. Determine where you are as an organization and come away with an action outline. The Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program’s annual Fundraising Institute has trained hundreds of development officers, staff and volunteers from around the region and across the state over the last decade. The Fundraising Institute provides the most up-to-date information on current fundraising practices and ideas. Lunch provided. Fee: $49. Register for all 7 sessions for $400.
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

Using Cognos Student Reports
Date/Time: June 5, 2012 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: 65 JCP
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: The goal of this session is to familiarize UMSL faculty and staff with the student-oriented reports available via Cognos. Topics in this hands-on session include: signing on to Cognos; setting the default folder; an overview of the available reports; how to run reports; and where to find documentation. There will be ample time for questions and listening to suggestions for improvement. To fully participate, you will need access to Cognos. You can check your access by addressing an email to yourself in Outlook, right clicking on your name in the “To…” block, selecting “Outlook Properties”, click on the “Member Of” tab, and scroll down the list to look for either “UMSL, Cognos SR” or UMSL, Cognos SR (FERPA)”. If you see one of these entries, you have access. If you do NOT see one of these, you need to contact Diana Johnson (djohnson@umsl.edu) in the Registrar’s office and complete the required FERPA training at least 24 hours before the session.
For Info: Larry Westermeyer at

Venus Transit Observatory Open House
Date/Time: June 5, 2012 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Richard D. Schwartz Observatory
Audience: Open
Description: Telescope observations of the transit of Venus. This is the last transit until 2117. Experts will be on hand to answer astronomy questions. Free and open to the public.
For Info: Erika Gibb at 314-516-4145

Fundraising Institute – Successful Grant Writing
Date/Time: June 6, 2012 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: J. C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Mastering the art and science of grant writing is vital to the success of your nonprofit organization. Hear informative perspectives and learn practical examples that will give you an edge in writing proposals and obtaining funding. The Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program’s annual Fundraising Institute has trained hundreds of development officers, staff and volunteers from around the region and across the state over the last decade. The Fundraising Institute provides the most up-to-date information on current fundraising practices and ideas. Lunch provided. Fee: $99. Register for all 7 sessions for $400.
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

Mindfulness Meditation
Date/Time: June 6, 2012 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success conference room — 225 MSC
Audience: Open
Description: Mindfulness Meditation is a proven—and increasingly popular—method for reducing stress, anxiety, insomnia, and a variety of medical conditions. Incorporating Mindfulness into your schedule can enhance your overall well-being and allow you to live your life more fully. These weekly, guided Mindfulness activities are free and open to beginning as well as experienced meditators.
For Info: Jamie Linsin at 314-516-5711

What’s New Blackboard 9.1 Service Pack 8
Date/Time: June 6, 2012 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM
Location: 104 Express Scripts Hall
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: Join the Faculty Resource Center for a tour of Blackboard Learn, Version 9.1, Service Pack 8. Users already familiar with Blackboard 9.1 will be pleased with the additional functionality Blackboard 9.1, Service Pack 8 offers. New features affect Blackboard’s user interface, workflow functionality and improved grading and assessment features. This basic overview will showcase the latest features, functionality and enhancements. Topics to be covered include: Overview and navigation of the new interface, new themes and course structures, assessment and Grade Center enhancements. Bring your questions and a colleague!
For Info: Tom Roedel, Jennifer Simms and Paul Wilmarth at

Breakfast and Business
Date/Time: June 7, 2012 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: SGA Chambers
Audience: Open
Description: Breakfast and Business is sponsored by the College of Business Administration. The discussion topic for the event is “Do you have an IRA for the IRS.”
For Info: Jane Ferrell at 314-516-5883

Fundraising Institute – Fundraising 101
Date/Time: June 7, 2012 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: J.C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Whether you’re new to development or if fundraising challenges have you going back to basics, this expanded full-day class will provide the tools to plan and implement a successful fundraising program. The Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program’s annual Fundraising Institute has trained hundreds of development officers, staff and volunteers from around the region and across the state over the last decade. The Fundraising Institute provides the most up-to-date information on current fundraising practices and ideas. Lunch provided. Fee: $99. Register for all 7 sessions for $400.
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

What’s New Blackboard 9.1 Service Pack 8
Date/Time: June 7, 2012 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM
Location: 104 Express Scripts Hall
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: Join the Faculty Resource Center for a tour of Blackboard Learn, Version 9.1, Service Pack 8. Users already familiar with Blackboard 9.1 will be pleased with the additional functionality Blackboard 9.1, Service Pack 8 offers. New features affect Blackboard’s user interface, workflow functionality and improved grading and assessment features. This basic overview will showcase the latest features, functionality and enhancements. Topics to be covered include: Overview and navigation of the new interface, new themes and course structures, assessment and Grade Center enhancements. Bring your questions and a colleague!
For Info: Tom Roedel, Jennifer Simms and Paul Wilmarth at

Fundraising Institute – Developing and
Marketing a Planned Giving Program
Date/Time: June 8, 2012 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: J.C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Learn the basics of a solid planned giving program for any size organization. This class will also cover more sophisticated marketing and development techniques that will help your planned giving activities and efforts be successful. The Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program’s annual Fundraising Institute has trained hundreds of development officers, staff and volunteers from around the region and across the state over the last decade. The Fundraising Institute provides the most up-to-date information on current fundraising practices and ideas. Lunch provided. Fee: $49. Register for all 7 sessions for $400.
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

Fundraising Institute – Development Do’s and
Don’ts: The View from Corporate Foundations
Date/Time: June 8, 2012 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: J.C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from corporate funders about what makes for an effective request, how corporate funders set priorities, and what makes them look favorably on an agency and its programs. The Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program’s annual Fundraising Institute has trained hundreds of development officers, staff and volunteers from around the region and across the state over the last decade. The Fundraising Institute provides the most up-to-date information on current fundraising practices and ideas. Lunch provided. Fee: $30. Register for all 7 sessions for $400.
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

What’s New Blackboard 9.1 Service Pack 8
Date/Time: June 8, 2012 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM
Location: 100 Marillac Hall (Jack Taylor Lab)
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: Join the Faculty Resource Center for a tour of Blackboard Learn, Version 9.1, Service Pack 8. Users already familiar with Blackboard 9.1 will be pleased with the additional functionality Blackboard 9.1, Service Pack 8 offers. New features affect Blackboard’s user interface, workflow functionality and improved grading and assessment features. This basic overview will showcase the latest features, functionality and enhancements. Topics to be covered include: Overview and navigation of the new interface, new themes and course structures, assessment and Grade Center enhancements. Bring your questions and a colleague!
For Info: Tom Roedel, Jennifer Simms and Paul Wilmarth at