Student NewsLink
February 19, 2009
The News
Chancellor issues statement on Gov. Doyle's state budget
Chancelor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin addressed the proposed state budget, affirming that the university will continue making necessary budget reductions while preserving educational opportunity and world-class research, teaching and outreach.
Chancellor invites campus to participate in reading project
Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin has invited students, faculty, staff and the community to take part in a common book project.
Sequences capture the code of the common cold
In an effort to confront our most familiar malady, scientists have deciphered the instruction manual for the common cold. Conducted by teams at the University of Maryland, UW-Madison and the J. Craig Venter Institute, the work to sequence and analyze the cold virus genomes lays a foundation for understanding the virus, its evolution and three-dimensional structure and, most importantly, for exposing vulnerabilities that could lead to the first effective cold remedies.
Berquam: Vote in ASM constitutional referendum
Dean of Students Lori Berquam is encouraging students to get involved in a key shared governance issue by voting in next week’s referendum on a new Associated Students of Madison (ASM) constitution. The election will be held on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 23-24. The ballot will be conducted online. All UW-Madison students are eligible to vote. The measure must receive a simple majority to be enacted.
Living & Learning
UW-Madison explores partnerships with Iraqi university
UW-Madison is taking the first steps toward a formal partnership with a university in Iraq, having held a teleconference with U.S. Embassy officials in advance of a formal meeting to take place soon with Maher Saleh Allawi, president of Tikrit University. The relationship between the two institutions has been sparked by a general desire on the part of Iraqi universities to find opportunities for their students and faculty members to receive training and conduct research in the United States.
Chronicle features podcast with Chancellor Martin
Paul Fain, the college leadership reporter for The Chronicle of Higher Education, conducted an audio interview with Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin focusing on the university’s unique community-based approach to addressing economic challenges. Martin conducted the interview following a Jan. 29 visit with the Chronicle’s editorial board. Later that day, she also visited with The Washington Post editorial board as part of a continuing effort to meet with media opinion leaders locally and nationally.
Work begins on Education Building’s renovation, expansion
Work to renovate and expand the Education Building on historic Bascom Hill is beginning, with the goal of creating a focal point for the School of Education and serving its mission into the future. A major gift from graduates John and Tashia Morgridge makes it possible to restore the historic elements of the building and reconfigure it to serve the school’s needs.
Around Campus
ASM holds open forum on vote for new ASM constitution
The Associated Students of Madison (ASM) will discuss its constitution at an open forum at 5 p.m. today (Feb. 18), TITU Memorial Union. ASM elections are Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 23-24. A referendum on the new constitution will be on the ballot. The discussion on Feb. 18 also will touch on issues such as using and distributing student segregated fees.
Dance Program concert showcases student compositions
Emerging choreographers in the Dance Program create and present original work for this professionally produced, all-student concert. Two works shown in the concert will represent the university at the American College Dance Festival's regional conference in March at the University of Minnesota. 8 p.m. daily from Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 26-28, Margaret H'Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall. Cost: $5 students, $10 seniors, $15 general.
UW-Madison to premiere new show on Big Ten Network
"Office Hours," a half-hour talk show produced by University Communications, will make its national network debut on the Big Ten Network at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. Hosted by political science professor Ken Goldstein, the show is a conversation with some of the best and brightest minds at UW-Madison and will cover a diverse range of topics, such as the economy, stem cell research and research into the criminal mind.
Event features traditional American Indian storytelling and drumming
Hear traditional American Indian storytelling in indigenous languages followed by English translation. Families and children are welcome at this 12th annual celebration sponsored by the Wunk Sheek and the American Indian Studies Program. 6:30-10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, Wisconsin Union Theater.
Celebrate Mardi Gras, Karneval, Fasching under one roof
The German Club and French House are hosting one event for all three holidays, with live music, a DJ, free food and refreshments, dancing and a costume contest with loads of prizes. Wear a wacky outfit and get $2 off the $5 cover at the door. 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, Tripp Commons, Memorial Union.
Social Identity Series asks, 'What Does Anti-Racism Look Like?'
Join local student and community anti-racism activists in a discussion complemented by spoken-word performances from First Wave. Snacks provided. 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, TITU Memorial Union.
Campus a cappella groups join forces for benefit concert
For the second year in a row, all four campus a cappella groups -- The MadHatters, Tangled up in Blue, Redefined and Fundamentally Sound -- are putting on a benefit concert at the Wisconsin Union Theater. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society through UW-Madison's Relay for Life, an annual event raising money and spreading awareness to combat cancer. 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. Cost: $10 UW-Madison students, staff and faculty, $15 general.
Notable
iPhone sleep improvement application wins at innovation competition
A software application for the iPhone and the iPod touch that will help people sleep and wake up more effectively won the $10,000 top prize in the Schoofs Prize for Creativity, an annual invention competition that rewards innovative and marketable ideas. Developed by electrical and computer engineering senior Justin Beck and psychology and neurobiology senior Daniel Gartenberg, the application serves as a sophisticated alarm clock that wakes users up during the light sleep phase of their cycle, meaning they will be less groggy and more alert during the day.
Pedestrians urged to follow safe routes near Education Building
Campus construction officials are urging pedestrians to heed "sidewalk closed" signs along the north side of the Education Building as construction begins there.
Opportunities
CALS Spring Career Fair brings dozens of companies to campus
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) career services team invites students, faculty, staff and friends of the college to attend this Spring Career and Internship Fair. The Career Fair Web site has details and registration information. 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, Engineering Centers Building.
UW students to get prepared for life at financial independence seminar
Students looking to prepare for life, from first-year students to seniors about to graduate, are invited to get expert financial advice at this exclusive weekend event. The Wisconsin Alumni Student Board and the Wisconsin School of Business are hosting the annual Financial Independence Seminar from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, in Grainger Hall. Students can pick and choose the sessions they want to attend, staying for half or all of the seminar.