IS&T Launches Encrypted FalconNet for Campus Wide Use

In an effort to enhance network security and comply with Federal laws, UM’s Office of IS&T turned off UMNET and officially relaunched a newly encrypted version of FalconNet on Friday, March 30.

This upgrade, in addition to being more secure, will allow devices to connect seamlessly between the residential and academic areas on campus.

In order to login to the new FalconNet, all users will need to go through a one-time enrollment process that involves downloading a security certificate for each device.

To connect, follow these instructions:

1. Open the Wi-Fi setting on your device and connect to UMConnect
2. Open a web browser (Apple devices must use Safari) and go to xps.montevallo.edu
3. Agree to the terms & conditions
4. Select whether you are registering as: student, faculty/staff, visitor or gaming device
5. Log in with your username and password

Academic Affairs announces new Falcon Success Center

Academic Affairs is pleased to announce the formation of the Falcon Success Center, consolidating both the Office of Student Success and the Academic Success Center, including the Learning Enrichment Center.

The FSC will be the primary support for students’ academic experience at UM. The goal is to provide student-centered, retention-focused resources, empowering students to achieve academic success. Leading this office as senior director will be Heather Ammons, former director of student success.

In addition to hiring an assistant director, Brenda Knight will move from her current position in University Advancement to become the director of scholarships for the FSC reporting to the vice president for business affairs.

FSC will be headquartered in Van Tuyll House, while the Learning Enrichment Center will remain in Carmichael Library. The TRIO Programs will remain in Academic Affairs but will report directly to the provost.
 

Speech & Language Center to Offer Free Community Clinics this Summer

UM’s Speech and Language Center will offer various free clinic services to current UM students, faculty/staff, alumni and children along with adults of all ages in the Montevallo/Birmingham communities this summer.

This clinic will provide quality evaluations and therapy services for a multitude of speech/language and swallowing difficulties. All therapy services will be offered during normal business hours and will be provided by graduate students under the supervision of licensed speech-pathologists.

To request an evaluation or therapy, please fill out the online request for services form and call 205-665-6720 or email the center for questions. More information about the services offered can be found at the center’s page online.
 

UM Child Study Center Earns National NAEYC Accreditation

After an extensive self-study and quality improvement process, UM’s Child Study Center has earned accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children—the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children. Less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools and kindergartens achieve this recognition.

To earn accreditation, NAEYC assessors visited the Child Study Center to verify and ensure the program met each of the 10 program standards as well as hundreds of corresponding individual criteria.
 

Fall 2018 Schedule of Classes Available Online

Advisors may begin clearing students to register for summer and fall terms in Banner (Self Service).

Students register according to their current classification (not counting currently enrolled hours) beginning with graduate students. Registration for each student classification will begin at 7 a.m. on the designated start dates. The registration dates are as follows:

Bookstore Sets April Deadline for Fall Textbook Adoptions

The Fall 2018 term is available online at Faculty Enlight. The UM bookstore is asking for all fall book adoptions to be submitted by April 6 so students can begin registering on April 9 with full knowledge of what they will need for their classes.

If a faculty member needs help with the adoption process, contact Store Manager Ben Varner.
 

Call for Academic Calendar Submissions

Please send information about academic events that you would like included in the 2018-2019 Academic Calendar to Mary Horton, assistant to the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Please submit all entries by email or hand-mail no later than Friday, April 20.

Faculty/Staff Highlights

Dr. Carolyn Garrity, assistant professor of marketing, recently contributed to an online feature about Easter spending for WalletHub.
 
Dr. Eun-Hee Park, assistant professor of music, was invited to adjudicate the Opelika Piano Festival in Auburn on March 3 and the Donna P. Shugart Sonata/Sonatina Competition at Samford University, sponsored by Birmingham Music Teachers Association, on March 17.

Giveaway

Congratulations to our March Giveaway winner, Erin Limerick, administrative assistant III in the College of Fine Arts Deans Office.

As a token of our appreciation to all of our loyal weekly Vallo Voice readers, we are continuing to host a small contest each week. Below are three questions pertaining to this week’s issue. Submit the correct answers with this survey link to enter a monthly drawing for a UM giveaway item!

1. According to Dr. Garrity’s article, what are the three biggest Easter money wasters?
2. What two offices are consolidating to form the Falcon Success Center?
3. What are the main items you can donate to offer aid to JSU?