The Special Issue “aims to explore the diverse experiences of the Hispanic/Latino population of the United States in higher education.”   The first article, “Latinx College Students in a PWI: Perceptions of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA), Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction, and Access to Mentorship,” shows that Latinx and first-generation college students reported lower perceptions of IDEA and a lower sense of basic psychological needs satisfaction than their White and non-first-generation peers. Hendricks and his co-authors provide practical and policy implications for higher education administrators, faculty, and staff when working with Latinx and first-generation students. Their results indicate the urgent need to respond to basic psychological needs among Latinx students and first-generation college students through policy-making and prioritizing student events to support Latinx students’ academic and social activities. Hendricks’s co-authors are Drs. Chang Su-Russell (Department of Family and Consumer Sciences) and Jordan Arellanes (Department of Psychology).   Hendricks took the lead on the second article, “Exploring the Pandemic’s Impacts on Latinx Students’ Learning.” Their study underscores their concerns regarding access to essential educational resources, especially online learning tools, mental health support, and building connections with peers and the campus community. Their findings highlight the importance of understanding the Latinx student experience to inform educational policies and pedagogical practices, particularly in the context of post-pandemic online and remote learning, aiming to address their unique challenges effectively. Hendricks’s co-authors are Drs. Chang Su-Russell (Department of Family and Consumer Sciences) and Jordan Arellanes (Department of Psychology). This article also includes two graduate student co-authors: Nur Moon, a previous MS student in the Department who is pursuing her PhD in political science at the University of Connecticut and Shania Vasquez, a former MS student in the Department of Psychology.  

On November 15, Dr. Michael Hendricks participated in a virtual roundtable on Governance and Violence in Latin American Migration. The event was hosted by the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Kansas. Hendricks participated with other experts from various scholarly disciplines from the University of Kansas; the University of Nevada, Reno; and the University of South Florida. During the roundtable, the panelists explored “the intricate dynamics between governance structures and the various forms of violence that influence and are influenced by migration within and from Latin America. (The panelists) contributed their insights and research findings to shed light on the critical issues of governance and violence in the context of Latin American migration.”

  The Redbirds competed against teams from Case Western University, the University of Illinois-Chicago, Lewis University, and Carthage College. The students split ballots against Case Western and Lewis. The students took both ballots from UIC and Carthage.  Criminal Justice major Audrey Salamon earned an outstanding witness award with 17 ranks. Business major Jake Podvrsan earned an outstanding attorney award with a perfect 20 ranks. He was the only attorney in the tournament to earn 20 ranks. In addition to Audrey and Jake, Squad 1070 is composed of Grace Betts, Denise Flores, Viv Garcia, Jamani Reed, and Katie Schafer. This squad’s next outing is Eastern Kentucky University’s tournament held in Lexington, Kentucky. The mock trial team is coached by A.J. Blodgett and Spencer Chikahisa. Prof. Tom McClure is the educator coach.  

Professor Michael Hendricks, Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) graduate student Matthew Stinson, and ACED alum Dan Myers participated in a panel discussion at Normal Theater on November 11, 2024, regarding their experiences serving in the Peace Corps. The discussion occurred after the debut showing of India 42: A Peace Corps Story. Dr. Brent Simonds from the School of Communication produced the documentary that features a behind-the-scenes look at Peace Corps volunteers who served in India working with sustainable agricultural practices in the 1960s and how the experience impacted their lives. Hendricks served in Nicaragua and China, Stinson served in Rwanda, and Myers served in St. Vincent. Along with two other panelists, Hendricks, Stinson, and Myers answered questions from Dr. Simonds about their experiences serving in the Peace Corps and how their service impacted their lives.

This semester, the Delta Psi chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. continued its tradition of service by donating to The Immigration Project and Border Angels. These groups tirelessly serve immigrant communities by promoting human rights, justice, and universal access to legal aid. It's about showing support for people who are most in need, not simply about the money. The Immigration Project focuses on providing legal aid and resources to immigrants, empowering them to build stable lives. Border Angels advocates for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice. This work is done in an attempt to reduce the number of fatalities along the US-Mexico border by educating and assisting the communities on both sides of the border. A Brother's Reflection: Why This Matters For many brothers, this initiative is deeply personal, including Brother Rodrigo Sanchez, who has seen firsthand the struggles immigrant families face. Rodrigo shared his thoughts on the donations: "We went to The Immigration Projext to donate the money and they had a shelf that was a leave what you can, take what you need. It was almost empty and we felt bad so we went to Aldi and bought a bunch of canned foods. My parents are immigrants and this one hit home. The struggle my parents faced wasn't easy, and I am priveleged to have a better life because of their sacrifices." Looking Ahead Through volunteer work and educational initiatives, Lambda Theta Phi intends to strengthen its collaboration with both organizations. “These donations are a step toward living our values,” said Jacob Abasta, Social Relations Officer for the Chapter. At the core of who we are is service. Together, we can make a difference and help build a world where everyone is given the opportunity to thrive. Stay tuned for updates as Lambda Theta Phi continues to lead through service, compassion, and solidarity.

Read the November 2024 RSO Newsletter through your browser, or continue below.   Happy November, Redbirds! It feels like just yesterday we welcomed you back for the start of the semester. As the days get shorter and the weather cooler, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we've come and look ahead to the exciting events still to come. With only a few weeks left before the end of the semester, there are still many opportunities to help you stay connected, relieve stress, and make lasting memories. Whether you're looking to get involved in something new or unwind before finals, there's something for everyone. -Student Activities, a unit of the Dean of Students Office The RSO of the Month! Men's Water Polo Club at Illinois State University is an independent student organization dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their skill level or experience. The club focuses on teaching the basics of water polo and fostering teamwork among players. Even if you're not a strong swimmer, there's room to showcase your talents and grow. The team is highly supportive, helping one another improve along the way.  This year, the club joined the Missouri Valley Conference, and in their first tournament, they achieved an impressive 3-1 record against Iowa State, the University of Missouri, and Indianapolis University. Newcomers Jerry Bordelon and Colin O'Donnell made a strong impact, each scoring six goals, while Bryce Lehn, who had no prior experience, contributed an assist.  Congratulations to the Men’s Water Polo Club!     Want to see your group featured here? Nominate your organization for RSO of the Month by filling out the RSO of the Month application! Winners will receive $50 for their RSO from the Student Government Association. RSO of the Month application Voting Information  Don't Forget to Vote! Election day is November 5. The Bone Student Center is a voting center. Visit the Center for Civic Engagement's Redbird Voter Guide for more information. RSO Re-Registration  2024-2025 RSO Re-registration RSO re-registration for 2024-2025 has closed. If you missed the deadline, your RSO will be "frozen" in Redbird Life. Once an RSO is frozen, the RSO is unable to access resources, apply for funding, or take advantage of all the privileges active RSOs get.  If you need to re-register late, please email StudentOrgs@IllinoisState.edu, and we can assist you! General Announcements  RSO Leader Workshop Join the Student Activities team to learn about upcoming funding opportunities, how to reserve spaces on campus, and how to prepare for the upcoming academic breaks. The RSO Leader Workshop will occur in the Student Involvement Center (227 Bone Student Center) on November 13 between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Feel free to stop by as long as your schedule allows!    Bone Student Center Booking Want to reserve a space in the Bone Student Center? Open bookings will begin on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 8 a.m. This is the start of bookings in the Bone Student Center for RSOs for the Spring 2025 semester. Note: Reoccurring practices and meetings held Monday – Friday can be scheduled during the time blocks of 5-7, 7:15-9:15, and 9:30-10:30 p.m.  RSO Support Do you need extra guidance or support for your RSO? We are here to help! Reach out to StudentOrgs@IllinoisState.edu, and someone from our office will meet with you to help ensure your RSO can be successful this year!  RSO Funding Funding for 2024-2025 Opportunity Fund  The Opportunity Fund is currently closed. Visit the RSO funding website for more information.   Program Fund This funding opportunity is currently closed. However, 2025-2026 academic year applications will open in early December. Additional Funding Opportunities Review the RSO funding website if your RSO is looking for other funding options  RSO Funding Training Reminder, if you received any funding from the Program Fee Board for this academic year, don’t forget to set up a training appointment with Heather Marshall, our RSO Financial Associate, using the Bookings link  Redbird Life Tip of the Month  Updating your RSO Information Keeping your RSO's contact information up to date in Redbird Life is crucial for reaching new students. Students use Redbird Life to explore organizations that match their interests. To stay connected with the campus community, make sure to regularly update your roster, leadership roles, and primary contact details.  Check out the Redbird Life resource page for step-by-step instructions on adding your RSO information to your page and managing the functions Redbird Life offers.  Campus Policy Spotlight  Policy 6.1.1. Each month, we highlight a campus policy that can often impact RSOs or RSO operations. This month, we are highlighting ISU Policy 6.1.1. This policy emphasizes the importance of reserving all campus spaces and offers guidance on their proper use. To learn more about the policy, visit the Illinois State University Policies and Procedures website and review Policy 6.1.1.      Information & Opportunities  Chill and Thrill Chill out and de-stress with the University Program Board on Wednesday, November 6, from 5-8 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center for the end-of-semester event, Chill and Thrill! There will be make-and-take crafts, yoga, plate smashing, and more! Please fill out the UPB Volunteer form if you want to volunteer for the event.    Scholarship Opportunities The Illinois State Alumni Association, Black Colleagues Association, and Latinx Alumni Network provide scholarship opportunities for current and future Redbirds of Illinois State University. The deadline to submit is December 4, 2024. Scholarship information can be found on the Alumni Association website.     Funding Opportunity  Civic Engagement Service-Learning Grants, co-sponsored by Senior Professionals, the Center for Civic Engagement, and the State Farm Foundation, are available to Illinois State University registered student organizations or individuals collaborating on an in-course project designed to make a positive impact in the Bloomington-Normal/McLean County community. Up to $1,500 will be awarded in December of 2024 for local Civic Engagement projects led by ISU students. The funds must be used during the 2025 spring semester. More information can be found on the Senior Professionals website, or contact Senior Professionals Coordinator Laura Kowalczyk at lakowa2@IllinoisState.edu.   Reserving Rooms Want to reserve a space in the Bone Student Center?  Make sure to fill out a booking privileges form! Then visit the Bone Student Center scheduling webpage to reserve your space.  Looking for a classroom space? Check out the Conference Services website and contact the appropriate area for your reservation.   RSO Newsletter submission Submit materials to be featured in this section of the newsletter by filling out the RSO Newsletter submission form.    New RSOs this Month New groups are always forming on campus, and we are excited to welcome these RSOs that started this month. Click on the links below to learn more about these organizations in Redbird Life.    New RSOs on Redbird Life   Association of Male Educators  Redbird Zine Club  Redbird Student Marketing Organization    Student Involvement Center The hub of all things RSOs. We have lots of fun resources available for your organization!   Conference Space  Computers with Adobe Creative Suites  Free 15 pages of printing per day per RSO  Black & white or color     Button Makers  24 buttons per semester per RSO  RSO mail pick up  Digital display screen General seating areas  We also provide free marketing opportunities for RSOs. Submit a Marketing Request through the online form!    Contact us at StudentOrganizations@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2151. Bone Student Center, 227 Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. Closed: November 27 - 29, 2024    Student Activities StaffJacob Rottinghaus (he/him) Student Involvement Program Coordinator Email: jtrotti@IllinoisState.edu Taylor Otterson (she/her) Student Involvement Graduate Assistant Email: isu_totters@IllinoisState.edu Heather Marshall (she/her) RSO Financial Associate Email: hllough@IllinoisState.edu Important Links General Resources Find information on navigating Redbird Life as an RSO, FAQs, marketing opportunities, and so much more! This section also includes annual orientation information for presidents, treasurers, and advisors.   Redbird Life If you have any questions regarding Redbird Life, please contact Jacob Rottinghaus.   Funding Information Learn about how to apply for funding, how to set up an RSO bank account, and review purchasing guidelines to ensure your student organization uses its funding allocation properly! If you have questions about funding information, contact Heather Marshall.    Event Planning Find information about how to reserve space, manage risk, and promote your event on campus. Follow the guidelines, and remember to plan ahead! Student Activities Website Redbird Life Student Activities Dean of Students Illinois State University Campus Box 2700

United States Ambassador (retired) Geeta Pasi, the inaugural Donald F. McHenry Visiting Professor in Diplomacy and International Affairs, participated in a conference on African Security & Cooperation hosted by the Triangle Institute for Security Studies (TISS), a cross-campus consortium dedicated to the study of national and international security.  TISS is made up of four universities in North Carolina’s Research Triangle: Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.  TISS promotes interdisciplinary research and collaboration between scholars, students, and practitioners, along with public engagement on critical matters of national and international security. The participants – scholars and practitioners - considered new research focused on the downstream consequences of security cooperation in Africa, including the legacy of US security assistance in the region for both the African partners and US foreign policy.

The ISU mock trial program hosted its 22^nd annual intercollegiate tournament during the first weekend in November. Thirty teams from seven states participated in the tournament that took place at the McLean County Law and Justice Center in Bloomington. University of Missouri-Columbia won the tournament. The other teams that placed in the top five competitors were Wheaton College (second); Loyola University (third); Illinois State University squad 1069 (fourth); and Eastern Kentucky University (fifth). The top four teams each won seven ballots and lost one. Their place was determined by tiebreakers. Illinois State squad 1069 split ballots with the third place Loyola team and took both ballots from teams from Columbia College, University of Illinois-Chicago, and Loyola University.  Team members are Leah Carcasson, Ava Knapp, Nick Kniebusch, Jackie Mykytuik, Sara O’Dowd, Emmalie Parson, and Kyleigh Weir. Squad 1070 is composed of Grace Betts, Denise Flores, Viv Garcia, Jake Podvrsan, Jamani Reed, Audrey Salamon, and Katie Schafer. This squad went 3-4-1, facing squads from University of Missouri-Columbia, Loyola University, Wheaton College, and Northern Illinois University. The mock trial team is led by head attorney coach A.J. Blodgett, a Bloomington attorney in private practice, and assistant coach Spencer Chikahisa, a McLean County Assistant State’s Attorney. Students interested in participating on the 2025-26 mock trial team must enroll in the Spring 2025 section of POL 283: Trial Advocacy I. If you need an override to enter the class, please contact Professor McClure, the mock trial educator coach. His email address is temcclu@ilstu.edu.

October Kpop Newsletter  

United States Ambassador (retired) Geeta Pasi, the inaugural Donald F. McHenry Visiting Professor in Diplomacy and International Affairs at Illinois State University, talked about international affairs opportunities in the U.S. government to students in Geography 204, a career preparation class, on October 10.  She explained the State Department’s structure and operations as well as highlighted international career opportunities within the State Department and beyond. She stressed core skills for all careers, emphasizing communication and especially writing.

The final talk in the Democracy in Focus: the 2024 Election speaker series will be hosted by the Department of Politics and Government as its annual Hibbert Roberts Lecture. Dr. Alexandra Filindra will present her talk “"The Politics of Violence as a Threat to American Democracy” at 7:00 pm in the Brown Ballroom in the Bone Student Center. This talk is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.   Dr. Filindra is a Professor of Political Science and Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago where she is a scholar and teacher of the politics of immigration, gender, and race in the United States. Dr. Filindra’s work also addresses the rise of harassment, threats and political violence against elected officials and their staff and how this affects democratic politics and representation   The annual Hibbert R. Roberts Lecture is organized by the Department of Politics and Government in memory of Roberts, who was a faculty member in the department from 1969-92. The lecture brings a leading academic or activist to speak about their work on public policy related issues.

The second talk in the Democracy in Focus: the 2024 Election speaker series has been rescheduled for Thursday October 24^th at 6:30pm on Zoom. Dr. Adam Enders, Associate Professor of Political Science from the University of Louisville will present a talk entitled: “Down the Rabbit Hole?: The Political Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs.” The talk is free and open to the public. Please register to receive the Zoom link here: https://forms.office.com/r/ejyMMRrxVY   This event is sponsored by the Department of Politics and Government, the Harold K. Sage Foundation and the Illinois State University Foundation Fund, the Department of Psychology, and the School of Communication. A list of other events in this series and all voter engagement events on campus can be found here: https://civicengagement.illinoisstate.edu/vote/voter-events/  

The ISU mock trial team competed at two midwestern tournaments the second weekend of October. Squad 1070 took second place at the Carthage College Dairyland Challenge tournament. This tournament recognized senior Nick Kniebusch as an outstanding witness for his portrayal of a physician. Squad 1070 is composed of Leah Carcasson, Nick Kniebusch, Jackie Mykytiuk, Emmalie Parson, Jake Podvrsan, Jamani Ree, and Kyleigh Weir. This squad went 6-2, losing only to Loyola University, the first-place team for the competition. It took both ballots in competitions with University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, St. Ambrose University, and Lewis University. Squad 1069 participated at the Arch Invitational hosted by Washington University of St.  Louis. ISU’ won 3 ballots and lost 5.  The squad faced Cornell College, two different University of Iowa teams, and University of Tennessee. Team members are Grace Betts, Daniel Carmona, Denise Flores, Viv Garcia, Ava Knapp, Sara O’Dowd, Audrey Salamon, and Katie Schafer. The mock trial team is led by head attorney coach A.J. Blodgett, a Bloomington attorney in private practice, and assistant coach Spencer Chikahisa, a McLean County Assistant State’s Attorney. Students interested in participating on the 2025-26 mock trial team must enroll in the Spring 2025 section of POL 283: Trial Advocacy I. If you need an override to enter the class, please contact Professor McClure, the mock trial educator coach. His email address is temcclu@ilstu.edu.

Welcoming New and Returning Brothers An ecstatic Welcome Back gathering marked the beginning of the semester as brothers reconnected after their summer vacation. We had a chance to share our experiences, reflect on what’s ahead, and set the tone for a semester of both personal and collective growth. We are now in the beginning of our recruitment session, and thus far, the quality of prospective new members has been exceptional. We're pleased about the skill, enthusiasm, and diversity they may bring to our brotherhood as we grow.   Leading on Campus Beyond social gatherings, Lambda Theta Phi is pleased to maintain our robust leadership and involvement on campus. Several of our brothers have taken on roles of leadership in the academic community, the student government, and other organizations this semester. We're demonstrating that our fraternity values leadership, service, and benefiting the larger campus community in addition to brotherhood.   A Focus on Academics and Professional Development With frequent study sessions, peer tutoring, and mentorship programs in place, our commitment on academic performance is unwavering. In order to maintain Lambda Theta Phi's position as a leading fraternity in both academic and university leadership, brothers are standing up to help one another reach our academic objectives.   Our efforts for professional growth are progressing in addition to academia.  We offer networking opportunities, career offerings, and alumni panels arranged for the duration of the semester.  These associations provide brothers with important tools to prepare us for life beyond graduation.    Upcoming Highlights With so much momentum, we’re looking forward to several exciting upcoming events: Brotherhood Retreat: A weekend getaway focused on team building, leadership development, and bonding with both active members and alumni. Community Service Day: Giving back to the community has always been a priority for us, and this year’s service event promises to be our biggest yet.  Bonfire Social: Whilst commitment is important, we also know how to have fun. We're going to have a memorable night with our brothers and the campus community for our first big social event of the semester.   Moving Forward We're determined to make this semester a success as we set out on the new journey ahead. The Lambdas are committed to having a significant impact on campus, and we strive to maintain a balance between our social life, leadership commitments, and academics. To all of our brothers: let's sustain the upward trajectory, continue to be there for one another, and uphold the traditions and ideals that have made Lambda Theta Phi men so remarkable. Here's to a great semester full of growth, accomplishments, and unforgettable success!   Chivalry Above Self,  Jacob Abasta, Secretary & Marketing Chair The Delta Psi chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. 

On Monday, October 7, the Kappa Sigma chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha (the National Honors Society for Political Science students) hosted a politics trivia night. Students had to answer trivia questions in the following categories: Pi Sigma Alpha Department of Politics and Government Bloomington-Normal Politics State of Illinois Politics United States Politics (as they relate to Illinois) Global Politics (as they relate to Illinois).   Students received Pi Sigma Alpha and Department of Politics and Government swag as prizes.   If you are interested in coming to future Pi Sigma Alpha events, please contact Dr. Mike Hendricks (mshend1@ilstu.edu), the club’s advisor.

Their research explores the inefficacies of the global drug prohibition regime’s inability to curtail drug supply due to persistent demand for narcotics in developed nations, particularly the U.S. The illicit nature of drugs and their high demand create a profit paradox where drug trafficking remains a lucrative, albeit perilous, enterprise. Despite stringent enforcement measures, traffickers adapt through phenomena such as the balloon effect and the hydra effect. These factors make drug trafficking highly lootable and less obstructable. For instance, heightened U.S. pressure on Caribbean and Mexican routes in the early 2000s redirected trafficking channels to the Northern Triangle countries of Central America, exploiting their geographic proximity and weak governance structures. Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala have consequently become narco-states, characterized by political complicity in drug trafficking and stagnant economies crippled by pervasive criminality. Civil society in these nations is either complicit or subdued by corrupt officials and criminal syndicates. The resultant socio-economic conditions have forced many individuals to flee northwards, creating a significant narco-refugee crisis. Through collaboration with a local organization in Central Illinois, they will interview migrants from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala to document their migration stories and how drug trafficking and their respective narco-state governments contributed to their migration.  

On September 19, 2024 United States Ambassador (retired) Geeta Pasi, the inaugural Donald F. McHenry Visiting Professor in Diplomacy and International Affairs at Illinois State University, participated in a number of events at UNC – Chapel Hill.  She engaged with students in various classes on topics ranging from terrorism in the Sahel, conflict and development in Bangladesh, and U.S. foreign policy. As a part of the University’s Diplomacy Initiative, she was invited to speak at a Diplomatic Discussion.  UNC created the program to help students develop and apply skills used by diplomats – skills like negotiation, preparation, and listening to find common ground – to solve global challenges.  Her talk focused on Africa, highlighting its increasing importance and visibility globally.

During Homecoming Week, the Department of Politics and Government celebrated with two of our graduates who were honored during Alumni Day. Nora Atkins, a 2014 graduate from the Department now serves as the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) senior specialist at COUNTRY Financial. In this role, she oversees DEI initiatives for COUNTRY and the Illinois Farm Bureau, driving efforts to create inclusive and equitable environments within these organizations. Jaimie Kent-Bowling received Bachelors (’14) and Masters’ (’17) degrees from the Department in political science. Jaimie works for the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, an early childhood education (ECE) nonprofit that partners with stakeholders to advance equitable and quality education for all children across Illinois. As a senior instructional designer, she develops a variety of in-person and e-learning courses for early childhood professionals. The Department congratulates both Nora and Jaimie on this great honor.

https://forms.gle/vPwrznfhAEzQPtW29

An initiative of the Paul Simon Institute of Public Policy at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the annual prizes award funding for students to develop projects in their local communities that further the principles of democracy.    In April, Khurshid and Jones proposed the development of an AI-driven chatbot that can answer voting-related questions, such as where to find a polling place or how to request a mail-in ballot. They were announced as project winners in May and spent the past several months developing the project.    The interactive chatbot can answer a range of questions with information sourced and vetted from ISU’s Redbird Voter Guide. Developing the chatbot involved collaboration with ISU’s Center for Civic Engagement and Office of Technology Solutions.     The Redbird Voter Chatbot is now live on the Center for Civic Engagement website.