Student NewsLink
December 3, 2008
The News
UW launches food drive to support Second Harvest Foodbank
Visitor and Information Programs has joined with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin to collect non-perishable food items for families in need. Items may be dropped off at the Red Gym or the Welcome Center at 21 N. Park St. through Wednesday, Dec. 10.
New program encourages students to become social entrepreneurs
Can one person change the world? The Kauffman Entrepreneurial Community Internship Program allows both grads and undergrads an opportunity to utilize skills and knowledge gained in the classroom to become catalysts for social change -- and to get paid for doing it.
UHS offers stress-reduction resources
With final exams scheduled to begin on Sunday, Dec. 14, the workload for many students is steadily increasing. Added stress, anxiety and pressure frequently accompany the final round of tests, research papers and presentations. University Health Services offers numerous tips and resources for students feeling stressed out, run down or worn out. They range from simple stress-reduction techniques to free downloadable MP3 relaxation exercises, massage therapy or even meetings with professional counselors.
Living & Learning
UW-Madison tackles neglected realm of training for science professors in training
U.S. science and engineering students emerge from graduate school exquisitely trained to carry out research. Yet when it comes to the other major activity they'll engage in as professors -- teaching -- they're usually left to their own devices. That's now beginning to change, thanks to the work of a team led by bacteriology professor Jo Handelsman.
University braces for winter with snow-removal improvements
On the heels of the snowiest winter in Madison's history, campus officials are making a variety of snow-removal improvements designed to tame inclement weather and keep sidewalks, bus shelters and parking lots clear and safe.
Poll shows Wisconsin residents support wetlands protection
Wisconsin residents are concerned about the destruction of the state's remaining wetlands but don't know much about the wetland types that are most threatened, according to a recent statewide poll.
Kohl Center light sculptures to brighten arena's plaza
Twelve high-tech light sculptures designed and built by art department professors are being placed along the two Dayton Street promenades leading to the Kohl Center. The 17-foot-tall sculptures, funded privately by a gift from U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, whose substantial gift led to the construction of the Kohl Center in the late 1990s, are intended to add dimension and color to the plaza and front lawn of the arena.
Around Campus
ASM provides new online events calendar
The Associated Students of Madison's Student Services Financial Committee has established a new online calendar to promote events supported by the General Student Services Fund. Groups with events on December's calendar include Engineers Without Borders, WISPIRG, Campus Women's Center, WSUM radio, Student Leadership Program, and UW Roman Catholic Foundation.
Distinguished Lecture Series hosts human rights activist, former child soldier
At only 28, Ishmael Beah has emerged as one of the most prominent human rights advocates in the literary world. A former child soldier from Sierra Leone, Beah recorded his experiences in best-selling book "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier." 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, Wisconsin Union Theater. A reception and book signing follow.
Comedian, movie screening highlight Deaf Awareness Event
Accessibility Advocates, a student organization affiliated with the McBurney Disability Resource Center, is co-sponsoring a Deaf Awareness Event. See the movie "Through Deaf Eyes," exploring 200 years of deaf life in America, and enjoy a signed comedy performance by Keith Wann (with a voice interpretation). Events run from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, starting in 1295 Grainger Hall.
Lecture considers authors and texts in India's literatures
In this Focus on the Humanities Lecture, Velcheru Narayana Rao presents evidence from precolonial literary cultures of India to argue for an Indian theory of texts and authors. 5 p.m. today (Wednesday), Dec. 3, Pyle Center.
Panelists discuss human rights and war in Eastern Congo
A panel of experts explore and reflect upon the complexities of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Panelists include Aliko Songolo, French and Italian; Michael Schatzberg, political science; Scott Strauss, political science; and political science graduate student Marie-Ange Bunga. 7 p.m. today (Wednesday), Dec. 3, Pyle Center.
Event-filled night celebrates Union South
"The Wrecking Ball" is a celebration of Union South featuring a host of events, including dancing and DJs at Club 770; Midnight Movie "Young Frankenstein"; Karaoke in the Games Room; a spoken-word and hip-hop open mic; and Taste of Cultures. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, Union South.
Notable
Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club hosts annual resale
Vendors bring in skis, snowboards, apparel and related items, coupled with all the equipment that the public brings in, to produce the largest sale in the Midwest. Prices are significantly lower than retail. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, TITU Memorial Union.
Holiday tree and wreath sale supports Forestry Club
Undergraduate students from the Forestry Club will be selling fresh Fraser fir, balsam fir, white pine trees and Fraser wreaths. Funds are used to support student participation at a summer "field skills camp," to host speakers and training workshops, and to fund travel and attendance at professional society meetings. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. from Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7, Stock Pavilion.
Opportunities
Students encouraged to apply for fellowships, scholarships
The Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowships and Holstrom Environmental Scholarships support undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW-Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff. Applicants must have junior standing when they apply, and the deadline is Feb. 16.
Wednesday Toolbox Series sponsors 'Preparing for Final Exams'
Grab a lunch and head over to Gordon C-6 (behind Gordon Commons on the Witte Hall side) for great information on preparing for final exams. Sponsored by The Center for the First-Year Experience, University Housing and GUTS. Noon-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Experts explore job outlook in the economic downturn
The university's career placement and job market experts examine the state of the national job market during the economic downturn and how it affects graduating students and different sectors of the work force.