Student NewsLink
Student Newslink — Oct. 21, 2009
News
Vote now in ASM elections
All students can vote online in the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) election until 8 p.m. today (Oct. 21). Information about each of the candidates is also available on the ASM Web site.
Research expenditures jump, UW–Madison retains top ranking
According to statistics compiled by the National Science Foundation, UW–Madison is the nation's third-largest research university as measured by dollars spent on research.
Graduate School proposal aired at meetings
A proposed reorganization of the Graduate School designed to address shortfalls in the infrastructure of the university’s research environment has been the focus of a series of town-hall meetings across campus. The last of these meetings will be from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, in 3650 Mosse Humanities.
Slide show: A Century of Song
“On, Wisconsin!” — the fight song near and dear to every Badger’s heart — turns 100 this year, and the UW Marching Band paid tribute at the Homecoming game at Camp Randall Stadium on Oct. 17.
Contest celebrates 100 years of 'On, Wisconsin!'
"On, Wisconsin!" has hit the century mark, and now Badger fans can create their own versions of the song and submit them to a contest that will run throughout the academic year.
Living & Learning
Carbon nanotubes may cheaply harvest sunlight
A new alternative energy technology relies on the element most associated with climate change: carbon.
UW–Madison researcher finds there could be up to 200 cold viruses
Bad news for the immune system: New research has boosted the number of likely common-cold viruses waiting to make you miserable from the long-accepted 100 to perhaps double that number.
Study of smoking among the poor reveals striking findings
In some of Milwaukee’s poorest neighborhoods, nearly half of adults are addicted to cigarettes, despite the fact that prices are nearing $9 a pack while many household incomes are below $15,000.
UW study: Most mothers don't get adequate depression treatment
Most mothers with depression in the United States do not receive adequate treatment for their disease, and the problem is especially pronounced among working mothers, those who are uninsured and minority mothers.
Around Campus
Campus events calendar
Distinguished Lecture Series hosts influential cognitive scientist
Recently named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, Steven Pinker is a brilliant speaker who helps non-specialists understand the science behind human thought and action. His latest book shows how our words reflect the thoughts we think, the emotions we feel and the relationships we hold. 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, Wisconsin Union Theater. See Web site for free ticket distribution information.
Chilean ambassador to U.N. lectures, signs books
Heraldo Munoz is the permanent representative of Chile to the United Nations and chair of the U.N. Peacebuilding Commission. He served as president of the Security Council (UNSC) and chair of the Al Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UNSC in 2004. During the Pinochet dictatorship, he held leadership positions in the Socialist Party of Chile and co-founded the Party for Democracy. 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, Main Dining Room, University Club.
Virent Energy Systems CEO to speak at Bioenergy Summit
Lee Edwards, president and chief executive officer of Madison's Virent Energy Systems, will deliver the keynote address at the second annual Wisconsin Bioenergy Summit at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Pyle Center.
Global food entrepreneur kicks off Gilson Global Impact Series
Businesses and ventures that benefit society and solve problems that affect daily living around the world are the focus of the Gilson Global Impact Series. First up is Ashok Vasudevan, co-founder and CEO of India’s largest manufacturer and exporter of prepared and natural foods. Vasudevan describes his integration of sustainable practices within all levels of his global enterprises in developed and emerging economies. 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, Fluno Center.
German Club to build, tear down 'Berlin Wall'
For the fourth year in a row, the German Club will build a cardboard wall on Library Mall and invite passersby to add graffiti messages on the wall and, at the end of the day, help the club tear it down. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23.
Workshop to explore global labor standards
During the past decade, efforts to improve labor standards in global supply chains have focused on encouraging retailers and manufacturing firms to adopt private voluntary codes of conduct monitored by professional auditors and non-governmental organizations. To advance university efforts and provide a forum for discussion of these topics, the university will hold a one-day forum called "Improving Labor Standards in Global Supply Chains: Codes of Conduct, Monitoring and Beyond." 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, in the Capital Conference Room, 5120AB Grainger Hall.
Notable
Spooner research station marks centennial
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the university's Spooner Agricultural Research Station celebrated its 100th birthday and commemorated a milestone in the history of Wisconsin agriculture.
Evolution-exploration saga on short list for National Book Award
"Remarkable Creatures," by the genetics department's Sean Carroll, has been named a finalist in the nonfiction category of the National Book Award.
Opportunities
Educational forum brings awareness to U.N. Development Goals
The Millenium Development Goals Awareness Project will host an educational forum from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, in the Great Hall in Memorial Union.
Info sessions help students prepare for Idea Fellowship competition
Wisconsin Idea Undergraduate Fellowships provide opportunities for undergraduates to collaborate with a community partner and faculty/instructional staff sponsors to meet pressing community needs locally, nationally or internationally. Students earn three credits and receive a stipend (up to $3,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups). Additional funding is also available to develop and implement the project. The information sessions are all in the Red Gym at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16,; 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17; and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The application deadline is Feb. 12, 2010.