Student NewsLink
April 15, 2009
The News
Domestic partner health insurance town meeting planned
The UW-Madison community is invited to a town meeting designed to provide updates and answer questions about the legislative path for domestic partner health insurance benefits. The session will be held from 4-5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, in On Wisconsin Room C of the Armory and Gymnasium (Red Gym).
UW-Madison ranks sixth in university media study
UW-Madison was ranked sixth nationally in a new study examining how often colleges and universities appear in the global print and electronic media and on the Internet, including the blogosphere and social networking sites.
University: 'College Life' appears to fall short in depiction
MTV's reality-based series "College Life" appears to present a sensationalized view of student life with an exaggerated emphasis on drinking and dysfunctional relationships, according to UW-Madison officials.
Sigma Chi chapter suspended
The university's Committee on Student Organizations has suspended Madison's Sigma Chi fraternity chapter, 221 Langdon St., for an alleged alcohol-related violation on April 2. Further details are not available, pending the completion of an investigation.
Chancellor Martin now on Facebook
Chancellor Biddy Martin is now on Facebook, where she plans to update her page with news and information.
Visit her page and become a fan
UW-Madison joins iTunes U
Free audio and video content about the university will be available to the public at "UW-Madison on iTunes U," which allows access to users of Apple's iTunes software. Content includes faculty lectures; campus news and events; continuing education courses; Big Ten Network academic programming; and more.
Living & Learning
'Great People' initiative moves faculty, staff
The Madison Initiative for Undergraduates, proposed by Chancellor Biddy Martin, has as one of its main planks increased private support for need-based financial aid, and faculty and staff have heard the call.
UW-Madison 'pedals' alternative transportation
UW Commuter Solutions Week is an opportunity for anyone who travels to campus or UW Hospital to obtain comprehensive information about commuting options in a face-to-face setting. In addition, the ever-popular free tune-ups will be available again this year. The new twist is that in addition to bike tune-ups, this year the week features "pedestrian tune-ups" provided by Movin' Shoes and Fleet Feet Sports of Madison, which involve assistance in selecting the right kind of walking gear for comfort and safety.
Find local food with the 2009 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas
Whether you are cooking at home or enjoying a meal out on the town, the 2009 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas can steer you to local, sustainably grown food. The 2009 edition will be available for free in Madison and across southern Wisconsin beginning April 18.
Economics scholar points to a surging underground economy
With the tax-filing deadline here, Edgar Feige, an economics professor emeritus and expert in the underground economy, says that unpaid tax liability in the United States has likely ballooned to more than $600 billion. That is a sign that the underground economy in the United States has grown considerably and that unreported income now amounts to between $2 trillion and $2.25 trillion annually.
Around Campus
WISA hosts Intercultural Night and International Festival back-to-back
The Wisconsin International Student Association (WISA) brings two special events to campus on Tuesday, April 21. First is Intercultural Night (6-8 p.m. in the Wisconsin Union Theater), featuring a diverse array of performances from groups across campus. Following that is International Festival (8-10 p.m. in Memorial Union's Great Hall), where attendees can taste complimentary international desserts and learn about the cultures and students that make this campus a diverse and culturally vibrant community.
Former Ms. Magazine editor speaks about Rape Awareness Project
As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, former Ms. Magazine editor Jennifer Baumgardner will speak about her Rape Awareness Project and sexual assault, and a reception with snacks and beverages follows. 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, Ebling Symposium Center, Microbial Sciences.
'Taste of the Terrace' offers free food, games
The Wisconsin Union will offer a free "Taste of the Terrace" to the first 150 UW-Madison students to attend this evening of food festivities at the Memorial Union's Lakefront on Langdon. In addition to a meal of Wisconsin favorites such as brats, corn on the cob and Babcock ice cream, students can enjoy a variety of food-related contests. 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 19.
Documentary 'I Was Raped' part of multimedia project
Rape is an incredibly common - yet silenced - experience. "I Was Raped" is a multimedia project including a 60-minute documentary, a T-shirt and resources. The project is designed to promote awareness, acknowledgment and social change by highlighting the prevalence of rape in our culture and interrupting the silence and shame that surrounds it. 7-8 p.m. on Monday, April 20, Play Circle Theater, Memorial Union.
Artist celebrates Yiddish music with 'KlezKamp'
If Henry Sapoznik has his way, Madison will become the capitol of "Yiddishland" during a three-day "KlezKamp Road Show," a celebration of klezmer music and Yiddish folk arts Saturday-Monday, April 18-20.
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 are available to UW-Madison students on a first-come, first-served basis at the UW Credit Union on State Street. 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.
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.
Notable
Academic Staff Award winners honored
The 2009 Academic Staff Excellence Awards recognize nine dedicated university professionals for their exemplary achievements in leadership, public service, research, teaching and career service. Winners will attend a reception with Chancellor Biddy Martin from 5-7 p.m. today (April 15) at the Fluno Center.
IAP announces its 2009 Study Abroad Photography Contest Winners
From Argentina to England to Jordan, a record number of 1,000 photos were submitted to this year's contest by International Academic Programs (IAP). Winners were chosen from four different categories: Natural Landscapes, Urban Landscapes, People and Culture, and Badgers Abroad. The top three winners in each category will receive prizes and recognition in a joint Annual Photography Contest Reception with International Student Services held in the Red Gym Gallery on from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.
Librarian receives Woman of Color Award
Janice Rice, senior academic librarian in College Library and member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, has been selected as UW-Madison's recipient of the 14th annual UW System Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award.
Friday, April 17: Last day to withdraw without penalty
The last day for undergraduate students to withdraw from classes without academic penalty is Friday, April 17.
Opportunities
Contest: What does a new student need to know?
UW-Madison is again asking students to write an essay about the things they've learned about life at the university. The winner will be given the honor of addressing 5,500 new students from the floor of the Kohl Center at the Chancellor's Convocation for New Students on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The winner will also receive a $100 gift certificate to University Book Store. The submission deadline is Friday, May 8.
Students invited to take the 'Community Plunge'
In honor of Global Youth Service Day, students are invited to take part in volunteer opportunities at many nonprofits and community organizations in the Madison Area. Learn more and register online. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. The group convenes at the Red Gym before moving to various locations.
WAA's Employment Essentials developed to help weather stormy economy
With the economy showing no signs of stabilizing any time soon, the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) has responded by packaging a suite of online career tools. Called "Employment Essentials," the toolkit showcases WAA's unique Badger-to-Badger connections and includes a variety of free career services.
Summer Alternative Breaks applications due April 22
Applications for summer alternative breaks are now available, and the trips to choose from include: New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina relief, May 16-23; Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary in Hubert, NC, for wildlife rehabilitation, May 17-23; and Mid-South Peace and Justice Center in Memphis, TN, to help with sustainable growth projects, May 17-24. Costs for trips range from $268-$420. Applications are due April 22.