Student NewsLink
Student Newslink — April 8, 2009
News
All-Campus Party features free concert by OK Go
The Wisconsin Alumni Student Board (WASB) welcomes the energetic and electric stylings of OK Go for the 2009 Badger Blowout Concert. The concert will be held on Friday, April 24, at the Overture Center for the Arts. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the first performance begins at 8 p.m. Supporting acts include We The Living, The Nod and the 2009 All-Campus Idol Winner. Free ticket vouchers will be available to UW–Madison students on a first-come, first-served basis at the UW Credit Union on State Street beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 13. One voucher will be distributed per valid UW–Madison ID, which students may then redeem for reserved tickets at the Overture Center on April 24 starting at 4 p.m.
University’s new strategic framework available
The university has just completed a comprehensive process to develop a strategic framework that will guide and focus its efforts during the next few years. Thousands of faculty, staff, students and alumni participated in a ten-year reaccreditation self-study, which laid the foundation for the framework. Titled “For Wisconsin and the World,” the plan includes a vision statement, guiding principles and six strategic priorities.
UW–Madison now Twittering
The public can now follow campus news and events, mentions of UW–Madison in the news media and other happenings via the university’s Twitter feed.
Campaign to focus on alcohol, consent, sexual assault
A new student-designed public awareness campaign will promote the importance of gaining consent from sexual partners, particularly when alcohol is involved.
Living & Learning
Wind-energy leader Vestas forges partnership with College of Engineering
Vestas, the world’s leading producer of wind-power technology, has entered into a long-term partnership with the College of Engineering that promises to propel wind-energy research, provide student learning opportunities and give the company a long-term presence in Madison.
Engineering students use EPA funding to conserve water at medical school complex
A group of engineering and science students are working to drastically reduce the amount of water used on the grounds of one of the university’s latest building projects, and they’ve received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to do it.
Historian, Army officer hired to teach military history
John Hall, a gifted historian and an active-duty career U.S. Army officer, has been named the Ambrose-Hesseltine Professor in U.S. Military History. A Wisconsin native, Hall holds the rank of major and currently works in the Future Warfare Division of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command in Virginia.
Table Tennis Club thrives at UW–Madison
Andrew Knips, team captain and coach of the Table Tennis Club, may never have guessed that in its third year, the club would be able to sustain three active teams with 60 members, and that tryouts would draw 150 for a limited number of slots.
Sleep: Spring cleaning for the brain?
If you’ve ever been sleep-deprived, you know the feeling that your brain is full of wool. Now, a study published in the April 3 edition of the journal Science has molecular and structural evidence of that woolly feeling. Sleep researchers at the School of Medicine and Public Health believe it is more evidence for their theory of “synaptic homeostasis.” This is the idea that, while we are awake, synapses grow stronger as we learn and adapt to an ever-changing environment, and that sleep refreshes the brain by bringing synapses back to a lower level of strength.
Around Campus
Earth Day conference explores Wisconsin’s energy future
How can Wisconsin best meet its energy needs in the decades ahead? And what have we learned from past efforts at energy planning and policy development? People from across the state will grapple with these questions at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies’ third annual Earth Day Conference on Wednesday, April 22, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. The agenda includes a full day of plenary speakers, breakout sessions, a panel discussion and exhibits on the theme “Wisconsin’s Energy Future.” The conference is open to anyone, but preregistration by Monday, April 13, is required. The $45 fee ($25 for students) covers all materials, a continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments.
Gallup Center for Muslim Studies executive director to visit Madison
Dalia Mogahed, senior analyst and executive director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, will speak about the center’s analysis as well as her book, “Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think.” 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, Morgridge Auditorium, 1100 Grainger Hall.
Annual symposium to showcase student talent
The Undergraduate Symposium showcases undergraduate creativity, achievement, research, service learning and community-based research from all areas of study on campus. This year the organizers anticipate more than 300 students will present to display or perform their work. 9:45 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, TITU Memorial Union.
Distinguished Lecture Series hosts environmentalist Jerome Ringo
Environmental speaker Jerome Ringo is one of the most influential conservationists in the United States today and an outspoken supporter of increasing diversity in the conservation movement. The president of the Apollo Alliance, a coalition of diverse leaders fighting to free America from foreign energy dependence, Ringo is a dedicated champion of environmental justice, an advocate for clean energy and a strong proponent of green business. 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, Mills Hall, Mosse Humanities.
Information: http://www.union.wisc.edu/dls/Interplay of Islam, science to be focus of lecture
The interplay of Islam and science will be the focus of a free public lecture by Nidhal Guessoum, a professor of physics from the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Guessoum will address how science is currently viewed in the modern Muslim world and the need for a harmonious relationship between religion and science. 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 1800 Engineering Hall.
Ten faculty to receive Distinguished Teaching Awards
Ten faculty will receive this year’s Distinguished Teaching Awards. A ceremony and reception are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, in the Lee Lounge at the Pyle Center.
Notable
‘Storytellers’ to be honored as Distinguished Alumni Award winners
Five alumni whose positive contributions have earned them national recognition will be honored next month with the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Awards, presented by the Wisconsin Alumni Association. The recipients will be honored at an awards program at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the Wisconsin Union Theater in Memorial Union.
UW–Madison recognized as a bicycle-friendly campus
The League of American Bicyclists has named the UW–Madison a silver award winner in its Bicycle Friendly Business program.
Webcam shows Union South destruction in real time
As crews dismantle Union South, a webcam is broadcasting live footage of the process from atop the Computer Sciences Building.
Opportunities
Get tips on etiquette while networking with employers
Not sure which fork to use? Need tips on dining etiquette? Get these questions answered at the 2008 Etiquette Dinner. Tickets (Limit: 2) must be purchased at Letters and Science Career Services, 1305 Linden Drive, Suite 205, and include a four-course meal and networking with employers. 5–7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, Tripp Commons, Memorial Union.