In Brief: September 15

Forum to gather input on the ‘broadband imperative’

Like water, sewers and electricity, broadband has become an essential, fourth utility. Sufficient access is now critical to the economic success and survival of communities, whether urban, suburban or rural.

BGSU’s Center for Regional Development is partnering with the Dublin, Ohio-based Global Institute for the Study of the Intelligent Community to explore the challenges, opportunities and next steps involved in the effort to create an “Intelligent Ohio” through the deployment, access and use of broadband capabilities.

The center will host a forum on “The Broadband Imperative: Creating an Intelligent Ohio” from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in 201 Bowen-Thompson Student Union. The agenda will include an overview of the broad band imperative, a brief case study of a community that has seen success through deployment and an hour of gathering input from attendees about their challenges and needs in order to move forward with deployment.  

In order to help plan seating space, attendees are requested to register.

The institute will serve as a resource for local governments and as a consortium of thought leaders from numerous disciplines and organizations interested in advancing broadband. It is affiliated with the Intelligent Community Forum, a global network of cities and regions with a think tank at its center. Its mission is to help communities use information and communications technology to create inclusive prosperity, tackle social and governance challenges and enrich their quality of life.

The helping professions provide a tremendous sense of satisfaction and fulfillment to those who work in their respective fields, but the constant care for others can also have the potential to deplete the helping professional’s emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual energy. The Professional Code of Ethics for social work, psychology and counseling all emphasize the importance of providing competent care clients. Greene’s presentation is designed to support individuals in the helping professions (e.g., social work, counseling, nursing, human services, ministry, psychology or education) learn the importance of self-care.

Learn more.

Volunteers needed for Falcon BEST Robotics Competition

The fourth annual Falcon BEST robotics competition is seeking volunteers for its Saturday, Oct. 8, event at The Stroh Center. Eighteen area high schools will compete with their custom-made robots on a game field created by the Department of Construction Management.

Plenty of opportunities exist, including referees, judges, scoreboard operators, pit bosses and more. No knowledge of robotics is needed to participate.

The event is hosted by the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering and the Northwest Ohio Center for Excellence in STEM Education.

BGSU and community members can volunteer. Volunteers will receive free food and a T-shirt. Register now.