Predatory Publishing, Solicitation Scams, and Unethical Publishing Practices: A Panel Discussion

Predatory Publishing, Solicitation Scams, and Unethical Publishing Practices: A Panel Discussion

by Jeff Agnoli

Event Details
Thursday | April 7, 2016 | Noon – 1:30 PM
Research Commons | 3rd Floor 18th Avenue Library | 175 West 18th Ave.

Lunch provided, please register for this event.

Join us for an informal presentation and discussion about the alarming increase of predatory publishing and other scams. This session will focus on the quality and integrity of the publishing process, responsible editorial policies, transparency & ethical manuscript review, and things authors should look out for when assessing a journal. Presenters will share resources on both the potentials and pitfalls of open access publishing and where to go for additional information when it comes time to publish your research. This session is open to all members of the university community, i.e., faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. Learn more about this topic.

Panelists:

Holly J. Falk-Krzesinski, PhD
Vice President, Strategic Alliances | Global Academic Relations | Elsevier

Adjunct Senior Instructor, School of Professional Studies | Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations | Northwestern University

Editor-in-Chief, AWIS Magazine | Association for Women in Science

Founding President | National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP)

Melanie Schlosser
Digital Publishing Librarian, Associate Professor, Collection & Technical Services

Jennifer Yucel, PhD
Research Integrity Officer & Director Office of Research Compliance

Caroline Wagner, PhD
Chair, University Senate Research Committee, Wolf Chair in International Affairs, John Glenn College of Public Affairs

Vladimir Kogan, PhD
Assistant Professor, Political Science, College of Arts & Sciences

Jan Neiger, PhD
Assistant Vice Provost, Office of Academic Affairs

This session is cosponsored by the Faculty Senate University Research Committee, University Libraries, and the Office of Research.

Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair – Judges Needed

As we approach our busiest time of year, we are in high need for judges for our Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair as well as our State Science Day programs! Thank you to those who have already registered to judge, as these events give students the opportunity to present their research and help to cultivate our next generation of scientists here in Ohio.

If you haven’t signed up yet, please consider volunteering a morning of your time to help mentor our future scientists.

BUCKEYE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIRSaturday, April 2, 2016, the 4H Building at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH – The Buckeye Fair is the only opportunity most of Ohio’s students have to qualify for the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair. This event will qualify 7 projects for the 2016 INTEL ISEF in Phoenix. For complete information visit:

www.ohiosci.org/bsef

  STATE SCIENCE DAY – Saturday, May 14, 2016,French Field House at The Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio. Entering its 68th year, State Science Day remains one of the largest Science Fairs in the country. Over 1,200 students will again compete at OSU for sponsored scholarships and awards. For complete information visit: http://www.ohiosci.org/ssd-2016

  • This event requires over 400 judges, and we currently have 54 registered.
  • This year our Judge Registration will be handled through STEM Wizard, please visit http://www.ohiosci.org/ssd-judge-form for instructions on how to register

 

Thank you to our members and volunteers who make these events possible for students, and please forward this to anyone who you think may be interested in these opportunities.

 
Stephen McConoughey, PhD 

CEO – The Ohio Academy of Science

Updates to IP Video Conferencing Systems

Over spring break CFAES Information Technology Services will be performing updates to the Polycom IP video conferencing locations throughout the College. During this update there should no interruption in service of the video conferencing endpoints during business hours.   One change that will impact end users will be the “Auto Answer” feature. Due to security issues the systems will no longer be in the “Auto Answer” mode which means if you are making a video call to another location they will need to answer the call. It will no longer connect automatically and you will need to make the “yes” selection to enter the call. For additional instructions on answering video calls go here.

 If you are having issues or need assistance please contact the IT helpdesk (Columbus) 292-9110 or (Wooster) 263-3772.

Buckeye Summit

As you may have heard, Ohio State will be convening the Buckeye Summit on April 14 as a venue to engage alumni, community partners, faculty, staff and students in a conversation on Food Security. As President Drake said about the Buckeye Summit in his State of the University Address, “Our goal is to engage hundreds of alumni, volunteers, expert faculty, business and community leaders, along with students, staff and friends in a day-long interactive program to examine best practices and strategies for addressing hunger and deploying Buckeye Nation to be part of the solution.” Casey Hoy, Director of the Discovery Themes’ Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation (InFACT), and Chris Delisio, CFAES Development Office and Ryan Schmiesing, Sr. Administrative Officer for the college have been intimately involved in many facets of the planning for the inaugural summit; planning for the event is being led by Advancement and particularly the Alumni Association, as alumni are the key participants.

Several hundred participants, representing the Buckeye Nation as a whole, are expected to be involved in the daylong event.  While there is not enough room for all who are interested to attend, the conversation and taking action does not end on April 14th. Plans are being developed to provide tools, resources, research, and engagement opportunities through university web portals. It is also anticipated that there will be a number of events and activities scheduled, around Ohio and across the country that engage Buckeye Nation, including our faculty, staff and students in service activities.

It is important that we recognize that helping individuals and communities achieve food security will not happen as a result of a single event, activity or research project. Collectively, we need to be in this together and I hope you will join together in your community, however you see appropriate in the coming months, to contribute your talents to solving this critically important issue. If you would be able to involve individuals and communities in a particular OSU project, we’d encourage you to submit a proposal for a poster, which may be printed for the Summit if selected, or be displayed online to engage Buckeyes in the followup. You can submit a proposal for a poster using the short form at http://go.osu.edu/buckeyesummitposter.

Those interested in volunteering to serve as a facilitator of a table of 8-12 people at the Summit on April 14th should connect with Kim Gray (gray.722@osu.edu), although please keep in mind that opportunities to serve in this capacity are limited.

We look forward to sharing the outcomes of the inaugural Buckeye Summit, to continuing to engage you in this important conversation, and to sharing opportunities for engagement of Buckeyes everywhere with our work in CFAES.

 

Additional dates added for Inclusive Excellence Training for Search Committees

Inclusive Excellence Training is a 1 hour session that was implemented by the University for faculty participating in Discovery Theme searches.  As a result all units have been asked to provide this training for those who serve on search committees.  Our college has determined that staff in addition to faculty should participate in this training.  We realize that providing all faculty and staff with this training is no easy task.  As a result, we are asking that at least one member of any search committee have the training.  Participation is being recorded and submitted to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion who is maintaining a data base.  CFAES is off to a great start.  The college has 253 faculty and staff who have participated in the training.  CFAES has 5 facilitators: Ryan Schmiesing, Terry Niblack, Dan Herms, Jeff LeJeune, and Kathy Lechman. If you are interested in having one of the facilitators present for your department or unit please contact Kathy Lechman.

 Sessions have been ongoing since January and additional dates through June have been set.  Most sessions are available to both Columbus and Wooster campuses via video link.  Regional Directors have been encourage to work with Kathy Lechman to establish dates for regions, counties, or EERAs.  To register go to the CFAES Equity and Inclusion page and view Upcoming Events.  All of the dates are listed.  You can also view the attached document that has the registration link included.

 Thank you for your continued support,

Kathy

 Kathy Lechman, PhD
Director, Equity and Inclusion
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 247-7176 Office / (614) 292-5100 Fax
lechman.1@osu.edu osu.edu

equityandinclusion.cfaes.ohio-state.edu

http://u.osu.edu/cfaesequityandinclusion/

Updates from OSU Office of Human Resources – Onboarding and Applications

Onboarding Survey Distributed to New Employees

This week, the Office of Human Resources and University Staff Advisory Committee distributed a survey to staff members who were hired in the past 90 days in regular status 75% FTE or greater, non-bargaining unit positions. This data will initially support the development of new onboarding initiatives, as part of HR Service Delivery – the multiyear initiative to improve the ease, consistency and effectiveness of HR at Ohio State. OHR and USAC will continue surveying new employees to capture important trends related to the onboarding experience at Ohio State.

What you need to do:

  • Inform supervisors and hiring managers in your college and business unit, in case they are asked questions about the survey from staff.

Contact Molly Driscoll, Manager of Learning and Development, with questions at Driscoll.47@osu.edu.

  History of Convictions Questions to be Removed from Ohio State Applications

Changes in Ohio law necessitate the removal of any questions related to applicants’ history of convictions from all Ohio State employment applications by March 11, 2016, including student employment applications, intermittent positions, large recruitment events, faculty positions and third-party application systems. Questions about convictions history will be removed from PeopleAdmin (campus) and PeopleSoft (Wexner Medical Center) systems on or near March 6. After that date, system users will no longer be able to see any convictions-related information on applications, including former postings and currently posted positions.

What you need to do:

  • Review all of the application tools and systems used by your college or business unit and remove any questions related to an applicant’s history of convictions by March 11, 2016.
  • Review frequently asked questions about this change on the HR website.

Contact Gina Thorpe, Manager of Employment Eligibility, with questions at Thorpe.45@osu.edu.

National Black Farmers Association Opens 2016 Scholarship Application Period

Scholarships funded by the FCA Foundation support the development of a new generation of African-American farmers

March 1, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) Scholarship Program today opened the application period for 2016 scholarships. The application site, https://scholarsapply.org/blackfarmersassociation, will remain open from March 1 to May 2, 2016, or until 100 applications have been received, whichever comes first.

Funded through a grant from the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, the program provides scholarships of up to $5,000 to students pursuing agriculture-related study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.

“Higher education provides transformational tools, knowledge and resources,” said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement, FCA US LLC, and CEO of the FCA Foundation. “It is a privilege for the FCA Foundation to be a partner in ensuring that the next generation of African-American farmers receives the training and skills that will help them to thrive.”

Scholarship Applicants
NBFA scholarship recipients are selected based upon several criteria, including academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in agricultural and community activities, and career goals and objectives.

“The scholarship funds went toward my tuition, which has helped to lift some of the financial burdens placed on my family and I,” said Michael Coleman, a 2015 NBFA scholarship recipient who is pursuing a degree in animal science at Alcorn State University. Coleman, a Raymond, Miss., native, was awarded a $5,000 NBFA scholarship.

Established in May 2015, the National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program awarded 19 scholarships nationally – a total of $87,000 – to support the development of a new generation of African-American farmers.

“In 1910, nearly 1 million black farm families owned over 15 million acres of land. Today, less than 45,000 black farm families own 3 million acres,” said John Boyd, Jr., President of the National Black Farmers Association. “The National Black Farmers Association Scholarship Program is a huge step in the right direction for the survival of America’s black farmers.

“Educating black farmers provides an opportunity to increase and advance agricultural technology, which will be passed on as a vital part of our rich farming legacy to future generations.”

About the National Black Farmers Association
The National Black Farmers Association is a non-profit organization representing African-American farmers and their families in the United States. As an association, it serves tens of thousands of members nationwide. NBFA’s education and advocacy efforts have been focused on civil rights, land retention, access to public and private loans, education and agricultural training, and rural economic development for black and other small farmers.

About the FCA Foundation
Since 1953, the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, has invested more $500 million in charitable organizations and initiatives that help empower people, and build strong, viable communities. The FCA Foundation invests in programs that generate meaningful and measurable societal impacts in the following areas:

  • Education – programs that inspire young minds, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM);
  • Military – programs that support financial and basic needs of military service members, veterans and their families;
  • Multicultural/Diversity – programs that promote inclusion and opportunity for diverse populations; and
  • Youth Development – programs that help young people develop the skills and leadership qualities to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

Additionally, FCA US seeks opportunities to support communities through its Motor Citizens® volunteer program. This innovative program enables FCA US salaried employees to use 18 hours of paid time each year to be an Engine for Change by investing their time and talents in community service projects.

For more information, please visit the FCA US LLC media site at http://media.fcanorthamerica.com.

Contacts:
Kara Boyd, NBFA Program Coordinator              Kevin Frazier
National Black Farmers Association                   FCA US LLC
(804) 691-8528 (office)                                   (248) 512-2678 (office)
NBFA.Kara@gmail.com                                      (248) 821-8507 (cell)
kevin.frazier@fcagroup.com

Important Update for Flexible Spending Account Participants

To Ohio State University FSA participants,

Ohio State’s Flexible Spending Account (FSA) vendor, TASC, will transition to a new system during March 2016, which will affect participants with Dependent Care and/or Health Care FSA accounts.

In order to accurately transition accounts, there will be a short blackout period from March 14-22, 2016. During this time, you will not be able to use your Health Care Flex Card, submit claims, receive reimbursement or view your account online.

Should you have eligible dependent care or health care expenses for reimbursement during the blackout period, you may submit a claim to be reimbursed for those charges after the transition.

Health Care FSA Participants should receive a new Health Care Flex Card by March 14, and it will be active for use as of March 23.

By March 23, 2016, all of your information will be transferred to TASC’s new system and regular FSA processing activities will resume. Once the transition is completed, you will be able to log into My FSA via eprofile.osu.edu or use the new Benefits by eflex mobile app to track your claims and available balances.

For more information, visit go.osu.edu/MyFSA.

Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education – Call for Nominations

CFAES Faculty, Staff, and Students:

Our search for the new Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education is now in the advertising and candidate recruitment phase.  We are committed to identifying exciting and promising candidates through our collectively extensive networks within and outside of The Ohio State University – networks consisting of you and your colleagues.

We want your nominations!  Think boldly and broadly about people you know who are committed to research and graduate education, and whom you believe have the skills and qualities to lead in this essential role.  The search committee will be more than pleased to consider every nomination we receive, and grateful for your engagement in the search process.

Nominations may be sent to me (Niblack.2@osu.edu), or to Martin Baker (Mbaker@baasearch.com), or to any member of the search committee (see the committee link at http://cfaes.osu.edu/about/from-the-vp/leadership-searches).  There are no requirements for nominations beyond names, positions, and contact information; your personal statement of support will be appreciated even though it isn’t necessary.

Please help us build a strong candidate pool for this important leadership position in our College!

My best regards,

Terry Niblack
Terry L. Niblack
Acting Senior Associate Dean
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
140 Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Rd., Columbus, OH 43210
614-698-1911 Office
niblack.2@osu.edu osu.edu

Spring Break Travel – Information about Zika virus

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As many members of our community prepare to travel for spring break or other purposes, we are sharing resources to help you stay informed about Zika virus disease so you can take proactive steps to keep yourself and others healthy.

Ohio State is working in partnership with Columbus Public Health, Franklin County Public Health and other local and state partners to provide information and guidance for students, faculty and staff. Information is available at: https://www.osu.edu/zikainfo and is consistent with the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ohio State’s website also contains Frequently Asked Questions and additional resources, and we feel it is especially important to highlight the information below.

What is Zika virus disease (Zika)?

Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus and is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night. The CDC maintains a comprehensive list of Zika-affected areas: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information.

Sexual transmission of Zika virus from a male partner is possible as well, but mosquito bites remain the primary way that Zika virus is transmitted. Although sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible, there is no indication that it can spread from person to person through casual contact.

Because there currently is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus, the best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites and to practice safe sex. The CDC continues to update its advice related to sexual transmission of Zika. Its most up-to-date recommendations can be found on the CDC website.

CDC travel recommendations:

  • Pregnant women should avoid travel to Zika-affected areas for the duration of their pregnancy, or if travel cannot be avoided, they should contact their physician upon return to get tested for the virus.
  • Women who are planning to become pregnant and their male partners should talk to their healthcare provider before traveling.
  • Men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas should abstain from sex or use a condom correctly every time.
  • All travelers should take maximum precautions to avoid bug bites, including:
    • Insect repellent Use and Safety: Use US EPA-registered insect repellents according to the product label. Of the products registered with the EPA, those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. DEET-based insect repellants are safe in pregnant women when applied according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
    • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
    • When possible, stay and sleep in facilities with air-conditioning or screened windows and doors. If not available, use mosquito netting.

Ohio State continues to monitor all developments in this situation and will continue to communicate information as needed, but you are strongly encouraged to use the resources, follow the guidance outlined above and stay up-to-date on developments regarding Zika.

As always, the health and safety of all of our students, faculty, staff, patients, visitors and the community is our priority.

Gladys M. Gibbs, MD, MS
Director, Student Health Services
Office of Student Life

Andrew Thomas, MD
Senior Associate Vice President for Health Sciences,
The Ohio State University
Chief Medical Officer,
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Campus Campaign 2016 – Week 2!

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We are in Week 2 of Campus Campaign 2016 and we’re off to a great start!

Did you catch the inspirational kickoff video shared by President Michael V. Drake last week?

This week features the following units:

Department of Plant Pathology

Farm Science Review

And don’t forget this year’s CFAES highlighted funds:

Our college contacts for Campus Campaign are ambassadors Greg Davis and Steve Slack and development liaison Emily Jewell.

Please help us connect the dots!