Student NewsLink
December 10, 2008
The News
Chancellor forums to focus on opportunity during fiscal challenges
The opportunities and challenges facing higher education in today's slumping economy will be the focus of three campuswide educational and brainstorming sessions during the week of Dec. 15. Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin is inviting all students, faculty and staff to participate in the sessions to share ideas about the role of higher education in a recessionary economy and beyond. Exact times and locations are listed online.
UW-Madison to create new 'front door'
The university plans to improve customer service for its prospective students, parents and campus visitors by creating a new "front door."
Martin names business school dean to coordinate strategy, development
Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin today announced the appointment of Michael Knetter, dean of the Wisconsin School of Business, as special assistant/liaison to the chancellor for long-term strategy and development.
UWPD: Protect your belongings
The UW Police Department is again reminding members of the campus community to protect their valuables after a rash of recent thefts. On Dec. 2, UWPD took calls at Vilas, Humanities and Computer Science for numerous cases of theft involving wallets and laptops. In some cases, the stolen credit cards were used immediately. As part of the investigation, a consistent suspect description has emerged.
City snow emergency remains through Wednesday
As of Wednesday, a snow emergency remains in effect for the city of Madison. Residents are asked to keep their vehicles off the street this evening. Those who must park on the street should use the side of the street with ODD house numbers. Details on winter parking restrictions are available online. Violations of the alternate-side parking restrictions during a snow emergency are punishable by a $60 fine.
UW-Madison launches collection of post-graduation plans
The university is about to begin asking graduating students about their future plans. A brief electronic questionnaire will ask about jobs, employers, salaries and fields of future graduate or professional study. The confidential responses will play an important role in telling prospective students and the citizens of Wisconsin more about the contributions graduates make after obtaining a UW-Madison degree. The information also will be used to improve the university's academic programs.
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
Self-defense options available for students
In the wake of the murder of Brittany Zimmermann and a string of recent campus area robberies, crime and safety issues have been of the utmost importance to students this semester. In addition to such steps as walking with friends, utilizing SAFE Nighttime Services and staying up to date on the latest safety information from UW-Madison, students can also learn ways to protect themselves should they ever experience situations in which they feel threatened.
ReachOut program works on sustainable options for homeless
The university is partnering this winter with the city of Madison and Downtown Madison Inc. on a program to assist Madison's homeless. The ReachOut program is asking members of the campus community to do something counterintuitive -- not give money to panhandlers during this holiday season.
Thousands at UW-Madison receive flu vaccine
Nearly 11,000 UW-Madison students, faculty and staff members have received flu vaccinations so far this season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated this week, Dec. 8-12, as National Influenza Vaccination Week.
For nano, religion in U.S. dictates a wary view
When it comes to the world of the very, very small -- nanotechnology -- Americans have a big problem: Nano and its capacity to alter the fundamentals of nature, it seems, are failing the moral litmus test of religion. This is the basic finding of research published Dec. 7 in the journal Nature Nanotechnology by a team of researchers led by Dietram Scheufele, professor of life sciences communications.
Around Campus
Longtime professor to speak to graduates at commencement
Alumnus and veteran professor of political science and public affairs Dennis Dresang will deliver the charge to the graduates at the university's Winter Commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21.
First Wave ensemble premieres 'Boomboxed'
Going through the speakers and into the lives of the people who create the stories, "Boomboxed" is a hip-hop theater work that plunges into the world of radio, exploring issues such as HIV/AIDS, the music industry, unfiltered news, stereotypes, poverty and immigration, while maintaining the breath of fresh air that is the radio. 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, Hemsley Theatre, Vilas Hall. Cost: $10 general, $5 students with ID (tickets available at door or in advance at 890-1055).
Student safety initiative asks, 'How safe are you?'
The Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel and the Madison Police Department invite students to a discussion of topics related to student safety in the downtown and campus areas. 6:30 p.m. today (Wednesday), Dec. 10, Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, 220 W. Gilman St.
Microbes at the Movies presents 'Outbreak'
This unique film series kicks off with a microbe-themed movie starting Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo and Morgan Freeman. A discussion follows the screening. 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, Ebling Symposium Center, Microbial Sciences.
GUTS hosts Annual Study Day
This Greater University Tutoring Service event is a day of free tutoring for students to get last-minute help in some of the most popular classes on campus. At the Drop-in Center on the first floor of the College Library, tutors will be standing by to lend a hand, as well as coffee and donuts to keep you going. No reservations needed. Noon-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.
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.
Notable
Center for the First-Year Experience seeks applicants, holds info session
The Center for the First-Year Experience invites applicants for positions as new student leaders, orientation assistants and peer leaders. Each position plays a critical role in the success of the university's First-Year Experience initiatives, including SOAR, Wisconsin Welcome and first-year seminars. Application forms can be found online, and materials are due by noon on Jan. 28. An information session will be held at 6 p.m. today (Wednesday), Dec. 10, TITU Memorial Union.
Give the gift of Madison this holiday season
With the holiday season comes the opportunity to give gifts to your loved ones. Here are some possibilities for your favorite Badger fan.
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.