Student NewsLink
November 12, 2008
The News
UHS, Housing respond to suspected norovirus cases
UW-Madison has acted promptly and aggressively to contain the spread of possible norovirus in Sellery Hall this week, where up to 45 students have reported falling ill with symptoms of gastroenteritis since Nov. 7.
Robust number of first-generation students in Class of 2012
Incoming students at UW-Madison are traditionally strong academically and very active in activities outside the classroom. But in recent years, the university is also gaining a reputation for admitting a significant group of first-generation students. Among this year's class of 5,774 new students, 1,170 carry this distinction.
UWPD makes case log available online
The UW Police Department is now posting its daily case log online to make it easier for community members to learn about the types of incidents occurring on campus. Increased accessibility is designed to raise awareness of students, faculty and staff about the nature of recent incidents.
Research on human embryonic stem cells marks 10-year milestone
Almost 10 years ago to the day, the publication in the journal Science of a short paper titled "Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Derived from Human Blastocysts" rocked biology -- and the world -- as the all-purpose stem cell and its possibilities were ushered into the limelight.
Living & Learning
New diversity chief ready for challenges ahead
New Vice Provost for Diversity and Climate Damon Williams knows the questions he faces are weighty, and he is ready to address them.
Professor spends 25 years making 'prejudice puzzle'
In the 1980s, when equal rights were becoming a cultural norm in America, many psychology researchers encountered people who would respond in interviews that they were not prejudiced, yet their actions would still reflect a bias. The pessimists in the field would conclude that they simply were lying, but psychology professor Patricia Devine saw things differently. She trusted people's initial responses, and that instinct led her on a journey to find out why people want to free themselves of prejudice, yet still act unconsciously with bias.
New blog chronicles global reach of students, faculty
Working on a current scientific issue with cutting-edge technology is unusual for an undergraduate, but not for the Wisconsin iGEM team, a group of 11 undergraduates researching biofuels for a synthetic biology competition.
La Follette School notes 25 years with special issue of policy report
To celebrate International Education Week, the Division of International Studies has launched its Badgers Abroad Blog, an easy-to-access, searchable compendium of UW-Madison's presence around the world. The blog posts entries by students presently abroad, serving to prepare new study-abroad participants for their own travels. It also provides a space for faculty, graduate students and alumni to highlight their international reach and the university's presence in the global community.
Around Campus
Two-day celebration highlights stem cell research in Wisconsin
The Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs is marking its 25th anniversary with an expanded issue of the La Follette Policy Report that showcases Wisconsin public affairs research. Ten faculty members describe how their research informs public policy in Wisconsin in the fall issue, demonstrating the school's commitment to the Wisconsin Idea, the practice of extending UW-Madison's boundaries to the state's borders.
Alumnus, National Geographic editor shows where energy and global warming meet
In a sweeping visual journey, Dennis Dimick, executive editor of National Geographic, will highlight published features from the magazine and the most recent scientific reports documenting climate change. Dimick, who leads National Geographic's coverage of environment, energy and climate issues, will explore what communities and individuals can do to reverse the trends. 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, Ebling Symposium Center, Microbial Sciences.
Two alumni speak in Distinguished Lecture Series
Kaleem Caire and Lisa Peyton-Caire are recipients of a 2008 Forward under 40 award from WAA, having founded a Maryland-based nonprofit organization committed to increasing school success of minority students and helping establish the nation's first federally funded private-school voucher program. 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, Class of '24 Reception Room, Memorial Union. No tickets needed; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Public seminar considers race, labor and the new economy
Dorian Warren, Columbia University, leads this seminar as part of the Havens Center's Visiting Scholars Series. 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, 8108 Sewell Social Sciences.
'Putting Dinner on 6.7 Billion Plates Today and 9.7 Billion by 2050'
Florence Chenoweth, Human Rights Initiative and former Food and Agriculture Organization representative and liaison to the United Nations in New York, delivers this lecture as part of the Gaylord Nelson Lecture Series on Population and Resources. 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2650 Mosse Humanities Building.
The Librarian Spies: Philip and Mary Jane Keeney and Cold War Espionage
Louise S. Robbins, professor and director of the School of Library and Information Studies, presents "The Librarian Spies: Philip and Mary Jane Keeney and Cold War Espionage." Robbins's research, focusing on libraries and intellectual freedom during the McCarthy period, has won numerous awards. Noon on Thursday, Nov. 13, SLIS Commons, 4207 Helen C. White.
Notable
UHS flu shots free for students
Students can get free flu shots without an appointment at University Health Services. Go to 1552 University Ave. and ask at the front desk. The service is also free for eligible spouses and domestic partners who have paid the health fee. Flu shots are available at UHS from roughly mid-October through February each year.
Friday, Nov. 21: Last day to withdraw without penalty
Friday, Nov. 21, is the last day for undergraduates as well as special and professional students to withdraw from classes without academic penalty.
Opportunities
Wisconsin online career-matching resource launched
A new online career-matching initiative aims to promote job opportunities across Wisconsin for young people and build the state's information technology workforce. The UW Center on Education and Work helped to develop this resource, which allows Wisconsin companies and organizations to publicize information technology internships to students seeking exciting career opportunities.
UW Libraries Workshop Job Hunting on the Internet
This workshop covers resume-writing resources, searching databases of job postings, finding the non-advertised jobs and researching potential employers. 3:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, Steenbock Memorial Library (check lobby for location).