Student NewsLink
October 15, 2008
The News
Homecoming 2008: Bucky to the rescue!
Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to pump up a crowd of more than 80,000 fans, it's Super Bucky! "Bucky to the Rescue!" is the theme for Homecoming 2008, which kicks off on Friday, Oct. 17, with student activities on Library Mall beginning at 11:45 a.m., followed by a cardboard-barge race on Lake Mendota at 2:30 p.m.
Students to lead band culture change
Members of the UW Marching Band will help lead a long-term process designed to promote a culture of excellence on and off the field. The drive for change comes about following a review of recent band behavior conducted by the Offices of the Dean of Students. Reports of inappropriate conduct by band members led to the review, along with the group's suspension for the Oct. 4 game against Ohio State.
U.S. culture derails girl math whizzes
A culture of neglect and, at some age levels, outright social ostracism, is derailing a generation of students, especially girls, deemed the very best in mathematics, according to a new study lead by Janet Mertz of the Department of Oncology.
Madison police seek information in downtown sexual assaults
Two separate downtown sexual assaults involving members of the UW-Madison community were reported to the Madison Police Department during the weekend of Oct. 11-12.
Suspect sketch made public in campus robbery investigation
The Madison Police Department is continuing to look for information leading to the arrest of individuals involved in a string of armed robberies on and around the UW-Madison campus, and now they have provided a sketch of the suspect.
Living & Learning
Waterborne disease risk upped in Great Lakes
An anticipated increased incidence of climate-related extreme rainfall events in the Great Lakes region may raise the public health risk for the 40 million people who depend on the lakes for their drinking water, according to a new study by a team of Wisconsin researchers.
Service-learning courses reveal real-world issues to students
Service-learning courses are bridging the gap between academia and the "real world" by providing students an opportunity to work at locations within the Madison community where their experiences relate to course material.
Steven Clark, engineering diversity leader, dies
Steven N. Clark, assistant dean for diversity affairs and student leadership programs at the College of Engineering, died unexpectedly Monday. He was 44.
Around Campus
'On, Wisconsin!' event to welcome chancellor to campus
The university community will officially welcome Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin aboard with food, beverages, exhibits and campus performances from 3:30-6:30 p.m on Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Kohl Center. The event will feature an address from Martin regarding university priorities and the future of UW-Madison.
UW Votes '08 hosts presidential debate in the Rathskeller
Share and expand your political views with special invitees and enjoy stimulating debate on and off the big screen TV where the presidential debates will be shown live. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided. 8-10:30 p.m. today (Wednesday), Oct. 15, Rathskeller, Memorial Union.
Distinguished Lecture Series features winner of Nobel Peace Prize
Shirin Ebadi, one of the world's most distinguished human rights activists, and one of the most captivating and important women of our time, will speak on campus as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. Recipient of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer who advocates tirelessly for women's and children's rights. She is also a bestselling author, whose volumes include Iran Awakening. A reception with book signing follows the lecture. 7:30-9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, Wisconsin Union Theater.
Faculty, staff authors featured at book festival
Now in its seventh year, the Wisconsin Book Festival has something for everyone during five days of panels workshops and performances by local and nationally recognized authors. The festival includes many events daily, starting today (Wednesday), Oct. 15, and continuing through Sunday, Oct. 19. UW-Madison plays a large role in the festival, from hosting campus events to spotlighting books published by the UW Press.
Panel considers elections, social media and entrepreneurial paths to participation
Who wins an Obama Girl vs. Palin Boy bout? Is the "youth vote" more powerful than the "hockey mom" vote? How are entrepreneurs changing the face of politics in this election? Find out more at this panel hosted by Wiscontrepreneur and Project Youthanize! Panelists include Lee Brenner, MySpace; Ben Relles, Barely Political (Obama Girl); and Charlie Berens, UW-Madison student and MTV citizen-journalist. 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, Lee Lounge, Pyle Center.
Exhibit explores Nazi persecution of homosexuals
The Madison Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools is hosting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum traveling exhibition, "Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945," at the Memorial Library through Dec. 10. The exhibit features 32 panels exploring 12 topics dealing with the chronological history of the Nazi regime and the homophobic Nazi ideology via photographs, texts and documents.
'Carnival of Water Creatures' celebrates opening of Chazen exhibit
This costume reception for the exhibition "Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas" features John Hughes playing the kora; Madison's Avu Drum and Dance Ensemble; Patricia Smith spoken-word performance; West African music and dance, plus African food from Buraka and a cash bar. Costumes of mermaids, sea creatures, snake charmers, gods, goddesses, saints or other inspiring water creatures are highly encouraged. 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, Chazen Museum of Art. Cost: $8 members, $12 nonmembers, $5 UW-Madison students with ID.
Notable
Vote in ASM elections
All UW-Madison students are encouraged to vote in the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) fall elections, which are being held through today (Wednesday), Oct. 15. Four Freshman Student Council and two Student Services Finance Committee seats are available, and all voting will take place online.
Used phone drive to aid domestic violence victims
If you own an inactive or outdated cell phone, delete your personal information and drop it off at one of a handful of campus collection sites before Friday, Oct. 31. Throughout October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this used-phone drive will help benefit local victims of dating and domestic violence.
Semi-annual Library Friends fall book sale starts today
The fall book sale, organized by the Friends of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries, takes place today (Wednesday, Oct. 15) through Saturday, Oct. 18, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Book Festival. With 15,000 books to offer, this is the largest used book sale in Wisconsin.
Opportunities
Students invited to join orphanage outreach program in Dominican Republic
Deadlines are approaching for students to sign up for Orphanage Outreach, a program that offers semester-abroad and alternative-break opportunities. The deadline for the winter break program is today (Wednesday), Oct. 15, and Dec. 1 for the program in early spring.
Sign up to audition for 'UW's Got Talent'
UW-Madison students are invited to audition for one of 10 finalist spots in "UW's Got Talent." Auditions, which began earlier this week, conclude Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Mosse Humanities Building. Homecoming points are awarded to all students attending this free competition show. The winning act will open for Homecoming's air band competition and will make a special appearance at the Wisconsin Singers On Campus events at the Union Theater on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14-15.
Career Services offers interview workshop
This workshop is perfect both for students who have had several interviews and those who are still unsure of the process. Learn how to improve your interviewing skills and get the job you want. Noon-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, TITU, Memorial Union.