Student NewsLink
May 9, 2007
The News
Broadway veteran to speak at Commencement ceremonies
Alumnus Andre De Shields has choreographed for Bette Midler and appeared with Fred Thompson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gene Hackman, Sam Waterston, Barbara Eden, Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad and many other instantly recognizable celebrities. De Shields will address new graduates at his alma mater during commencement weekend, Friday-Sunday, May 18-20.
UW-Madison, UW System, RCF reach settlement
A settlement has been reached in the Roman Catholic Foundation's federal lawsuit against the UW System Board of Regents and UW-Madison officials.
Ogg Hall, home to thousands, reaches end of the line
The 1,000-bed residence hall opened its doors in 1965 and was the last major residence hall project to open on campus until last year, when Newell J. Smith Hall opened on North Park Street. The 13-story residence hall will be demolished to make way for green space along the East Campus Mall.
Read moreNew program to help parents of students stay connected
Given the increasing desire for parental connection to their son or daughter's college experience and more students wanting their parents involved, UW-Madison is launching a major upgrade of its communication efforts and support services for parents.
Study: Mental training improves attention capacity
Everyday experience and psychology research both indicate that paying close attention to one thing can keep you from noticing something else, but a new study from UW-Madison suggests that attention does not have a fixed capacity, and that it can be improved by directed mental training, such as meditation.
Living & Learning
Bridge, canoe teams sweep regional competition
Overcoming such obstacles as thunderstorms, muddy turf and an emergency hotel-hallway bridge-building practice, the Concrete Canoe Team and Steel Bridge Team each dominated the Great Lakes Regional Competition, held April 26-29 at Purdue University.
Medical device refinements top student design competition
Designed by biomedical engineering students, a device that improves the diagnostic yield of fine-needle aspiration, a sensory-substitution device for hearing impairment, and a magnetic-resonance-compatible device for imaging lower extremities during movement received top honors in the first annual Tong Biomedical Engineering Design Award competition.
Watch the Dalai Lama's speech online
Anyone who missed the Dalai Lama's speech during his recent Madison visit can watch it online courtesy of Wisconsin Public Television.
Men's tennis earns NCAA tournament bid
On the strength of a 15-10 record and a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten, the Wisconsin men's tennis team received an at-large bid for the 2007 NCAA men's tennis championship. The Badgers will open the tournament by facing Washington on May 11 in South Bend, Ind.
UHS Health Tip: Pay summer fee for health care
In the summer, University Health Services (UHS) will continue to provide all regular services for students during normal hours. Students enrolled in any of the summer sessions or with the Student Health Insurance Plan have uninterrupted eligibility; students who will not be enrolled for summer school who want to receive care at UHS can pay a one-time, $71 fee for the period of May 27-Aug. 11.
Around Campus
Campus construction revs up for summer
Just as much of the university readies for the slower rhythms of summer, construction crews are standing by to tackle some ambitious improvement projects, many of which will affect traffic on and near campus.
University to honor distinguished students
Chancellor John Wiley will honor nearly 100 undergraduate recipients of the university's most prestigious scholarships, fellowships and awards at the Chancellor's Undergraduate Awards Ceremony. 7 p.m. today, May 9, Great Hall, Memorial Union.
Native American author, poet and activist to speak
Sherman Alexie's acclaimed work includes a compilation of his short stories, "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven," which includes the story that was made into the award-winning film "Smoke Signals." 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10, B10 Ingraham.
Arboretum hosts annual Science Day
This afternoon of events includes research presentations and poster sessions about the environment.
Friends of the Arboretum offers native plants for sale
More than 100 species of quality prairie plants, woodland plants, shrubs, vines and trees will be under one tent, and experts will be on hand to answer questions. Proceeds support Arboretum projects. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, Visitor Center, UW Arboretum.
Notable
Schedule set for Commencement weekend
Four ceremonies make up the lineup for Commencement weekend, with separate ceremonies for various campus divisions.
Intramural Sports includes summer activities
Students in Madison over the summer can play sports in intramural leagues, including sand volleyball, soccer and softball. Sign-ups open Tuesday, June 19.
Opportunities
Studying late? Use SAFEride's extended hours
During Finals Week, May 11-19, SAFEride Cab will be operating until 6 a.m. instead of its normal closing time of 3 a.m. To set up a SAFEride, call 262-5000 between 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m. or call 242-2000 from 3 a.m.-6 a.m.