Student NewsLink
Set. 2, 2009
The News
UW-Madison launches Go Big Read book program
The university's new Go Big Read program is designed to engage all readers — students, faculty, staff and the community — in a shared, academically focused experience. It's not so much about the book as it is about the process of intellectual exploration and academic challenge. The first book, selected from nearly 400 nominated titles, is Michael Pollan's "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto."
Berquam addresses changes to student conduct codes
Dean of Students Lori Berquam wants all students to be aware of changes to how the university will deal with off-campus student misconduct. Previously the university only took action if students' behavior presented a danger to their own safety or the safety of other students. Under the new policy, the university can now hold students accountable for serious actions or crimes against the larger community.
University prepares for new semester with flu in mind
As students, faculty and staff start the 2009-10 academic year, administrators and campus health officials are finalizing plans to manage an expected re-emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus, or "swine flu."
UW-Madison named military-friendly school
The university has been named to the first-ever list of military-friendly schools. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in recruitment, retention and providing services for veteran students.
Show Badger spirit by wearing red and white on Fridays
On Friday, Sept. 4, the decision of what to wear should be an easy one for the Badger faithful. Show support for the university and wear Wisconsin gear to celebrate the fifth annual College Colors Day.
Living & Learning
UW-Madison students set trends in information technology
Students continue to embrace technologies for personal use, including, more than ever, in the classroom. Well versed before entering college, students use a variety of new technologies to help them with their coursework. These findings are part of the 2009 Student Computing Survey, conducted last spring by the Division of Information Technology.
Volunteer organization encourages students to make a difference
Now entering its second year, the Morgridge Center's Badger Volunteers program offers students a chance to volunteer once a week in a group at the same nonprofit organization during the semester. Students can choose from a growing number of affiliated organizations on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year all spots were filled within the first week of registration both semesters.
Rolling Out the Red Carpet welcomes game-day guests
There may not be any paparazzi or designer gowns, but the red carpet treatment for fans at Badger sporting events offers plenty of friendly faces. Rolling Out the Red Carpet is a UW-Madison sportsmanship initiative born out of a student-led effort in 2003 that responded to numerous complaints about aggressive fan conduct. The multifaceted campaign aims to make both visiting fans and the Badger faithful feel welcome at UW sporting events.
UW-Madison's 'good ideas' get lift from stimulus funds
The university has a growing collection of research projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal government’s economic stimulus package. By mid-August, the university had drawn more than $38 million in funding for more than 120 research projects and programs. The work is spread across the range of academic disciplines, including public health, computer science, psychology, economics and engineering.
UW Twitterverse: We’ve got a question for you
What’s the best Babcock ice cream flavor? Campus building most likely to be haunted? Favorite place to study? All are important questions, for sure, especially if you’re a newbie undergraduate, graduate or professional student arriving on campus this week. For the first time, UW-Madison is using social media to answer these and many other crucial questions (Best views? Nicest bathrooms?) and introduce new students to the magnificence that is the university and the city of Madison.
Around Campus
Author to visit campus for Go Big Read program
Michael Pollan, whose book "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" is the focus of the Go Big Read common-reading project, will give a free public talk at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Kohl Center. No tickets are needed to attend, and the doors open at 6 p.m.
Reception to welcome students of color to campus
The 28th annual Multicultural Orientation Reception will welcome new and continuing students of color to campus on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Memorial Union. Sponsored by the Multicultural Student Center, the event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Wisconsin Union Theater and end at 12:30 a.m. in the Great Hall.
University Theatre provides a world tour with 2009-10 season
Audiences that take in the productions during University Theatre's 2009-10 season can boast that they experienced a world of drama for very little cash. They will see plays that bring to the stage the cultural experiences and enduring questions from generations of playwrights from France, Spain and Norway. There are also trips planned to Beaverland, Japan and an enchanted forest.
Cinematheque opens with classic musical treat
For its first offerings of the 2009–10 school year, the Cinematheque offers two gems with timeless musical charm. On Friday, Sept. 4, the Cinematheque will screen Vicente Minnelli’s “Meet Me in St. Louis,” featuring Judy Garland and a host of familiar tunes, and on Saturday, Sept. 5, enjoy live piano accompaniment by David Drazin while silent film superstar Harold Lloyd charms audiences as “The Kid Brother.” Both shows take place at 7:30 p.m. in 4070 Vilas Hall.
Rec Sports and Wisconsin Wellness Wellness Campaign team up
Students will be able to stroll through Library Mall and receive information about programs and facilities offered by the Division of Recreational Sports. The Wisconsin Wellness Campaign also will be on hand with free wellness services from local vendors, and students can set up personal health assessments with Rec Sports personal trainers and lifestyle coaches. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Notable
UW-Madison ranks ninth in U.S. News report
The university ranked ninth among public institutions in annual rankings released Aug. 20 in the U.S. News and World Report's 2010 edition of America's Best Colleges. The university also tied for 39th out of 262 national doctoral universities. In 2008, UW-Madison ranked seventh among public universities and tied for 35th among national doctoral institutions.
UW-Madison expands agreement with Google
The university has expanded its agreement with Google to digitize books from UW-Madison's collection and make them available online. The expanded partnership, completed this past July, enables the university to broaden public access to its collection in new ways, made possible by the settlement Google signed with a broad class of authors and publishers last year.
Registrar: Deadlines coming for enrollment, dropping classes
Friday, Sept. 4, is the last day to enroll without paying a late fee, and Wednesday, Sept. 9, is the last day to drop classes without receiving a mark on transcripts.
Opportunities
Get involved at the Student Organization Fair
Take the opportunity to talk personally with group leaders from a variety of areas, including academic groups, religious organizations, cultural organizations, recreational sports, political and advocacy groups, service organizations and much more. 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, Kohl Center.
Learn about study-abroad opportunities at open house, fair
Students interested in studying abroad can learn more at two upcoming events. First is the Study Abroad Open House from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, in 250 Bascom. Get questions answered and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Next is the Study Abroad Fair from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, TITU Memorial Union, where students can learn from past participants about opportunities available for all majors and first-year students through seniors.
Wisconsin Welcome Web site lists events geared to new students
New students on campus can find out about dozens of activities and events going on during the beginning of the semester that will help them adjust to university life and find out more about all of the opportunities available to them.
Career Services: Best Use of a Career Fair
Major career fairs are coming soon, and Career Services is offering a workshop to help students learn how to make the most out of attendance at that fair, including networking strategies, self-presentation and more. 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, TITU Memorial Union.