Student NewsLink
March 4, 2009
The News
UW Commuter Solutions eases commuter headaches
Transportation Services has a new name for its time-tested alternative transportation program: UW Commuter Solutions. The program underscores and adds visibility to the department's mission to make walking, biking, taking the bus, and van- or carpooling an attractive option for everyone at the university.
100-Hour Challenge winners represent campus creativity, ingenuity
This year's third annual 100-Hour Wiscontrepreneur Challenge attracted a record of nearly 200 students and 63 entries, compared to last year's 17, during the four-day span of the competition.
Living & Learning
Going green, one moped at a time
This scooter's unique, timeless design makes it the "Rolls Royce" of scooters, an heirloom that can last 20 years in the care of a faithful owner. Yet, even for a Vespa, there's room for improvement, and 16 students enrolled in InterEngineering 160 last fall remade the already environmentally friendly Vespa to be even more green.
Delving into the murky metrics of financial risk
The way the School of Human Ecology's J. Michael Collins sees it, United States consumers aren't necessarily less informed about financial risk than consumers from other industrialized nations. What Americans do have, however, is an abundance of ways to screw up.
Lovely 'snowfakes' mimic nature, advance science
An online slideshow displays simulations of the wildly complex growth of snow crystals. The images are based on models of the underlying physics that were developed over the last four years by the math department's David Griffeath working with Janko Gravner of University of California, Davis.
Around Campus
Festival features plays written, staged, directed and performed by students
The annual Marcia Legere Student Play Festival highlights three one-act plays written, staged, directed and performed by students. 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, Play Circle Theater, Memorial Union.
Distinguished Lecture Series hosts alumna, judge, Ho-Chunk Nation leader Rockman
When elevated to the bench in 2006, alumna Amanda Rockman ('01, JD '05) became one of America's youngest judges and one of the leaders of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Her case load ranges from family law to constitutional questions to inter-governmental disputes. 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, Class of '24 Reception Room, fourth floor, Memorial Union.
Seminar examines Obama and anti-poverty policy
This Institute for Research on Poverty Seminar asks, "What does the stimulus bill do to fight poverty, educate citizens and improve public health?" Moderator Tim Smeeding, director of the Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP), guides a discussion led by Dan Meyer, School of Social Work and IRP, on cash and non-cash transfer programs; Sara Goldrick-Rab, School of Education and IRP, on aid to education; and Pam Herd, La Follette School of Public Affairs, sociology and IRP, on health and health care support. 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 8417 Sewell Social Sciences.
Lawyer to share experiences representing Guantánamo detainees
Jeff Colman, a 1970 graduate of the history department, will visit campus Monday, March 9, and give a free public talk about his experience representing prisoners held at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Colman has been personally responsible for the representation of four men, three of whom have been released. Noon-1:30 p.m. in the Lubar Commons, Room 7200, UW Law School. The event is free and lunch is available to all who attend. Seating is limited.
Annual juried student exhibition 'Design 2009' opens March 27
Showcasing the best projects by students in the Department of Design Studies, "Design 2009" is the latest in a series of annual exhibitions juried by professionals in the field. The exhibition will be open from Friday, March 27-Sunday, April 26, at the School of Human Ecology's Design Gallery. An opening reception will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Awards will be presented at noon.
Notable
Broomball sign-ups are March 11-12
Sign-ups for intramural broomball are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday or Thursday, March 11 or 12, in the Natatorium Program Office. See the IM Sports Web site for league rules and fees.
Opportunities
Represent the university as an information or tour guide
The university's new "front door," the Visitor and Information Programs and the Admissions Office, is looking for outgoing and enthusiastic students to represent the university as information guides and tour guides beginning in summer or fall 2009. The offices seek to employ students who reflect the diversity of the campus community. Starting Salary is $8 per hour with opportunities for advancement up to $12. Applications are available online at the VIP Web site and the admissions Web site. The deadline is April 3.