Student NewsLink
October 29, 2008
The News
Berquam: Have fun, stay safe on Halloween
As the city of Madison prepares another safe and fun Freakfest celebration on Saturday, Nov. 1, Dean of Students Lori Berquam shares some thoughts and suggestions for having a fun and safe Halloween. For example, if you plan to go out Friday or Saturday, take care of yourself and each other. Downtown Madison has recently experienced crimes that have impacted students, she notes.
Plan ahead, be flexible for Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, and polls will be open in Madison from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Record high voter turnout is predicted, which could lead to long lines, particularly for those who choose to register at their polling place. UW-Madison officials are urging everyone to exercise their vote, but also to plan ahead to make sure a visit to the polls doesn't conflict with classes, assignments or other important duties, if at all possible.
Chancellor Martin address: 'Sustaining UW-Madison's Greatness'
In her first major public address before 1,200-plus campus and community members at the Kohl Center on Oct. 23, Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin outlined an ambitious set of priorities for sustaining greatness at UW-Madison. A video of that speech is now available online.
Proposed Google settlement could propel UW book digitization efforts
A landmark proposed settlement announced between Google and national author and publisher organizations could bring significant enhancements to the UW-Madison's digitization partnership with the information technology company.
Living & Learning
GUTS offers several options for academic support
Are you having problems with a specific course? Do you have a hard time focusing on schoolwork and studying for exams? Do you have the GUTS to get some guidance? The Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) is a registered student organization supported by segregated fees and dedicated to connecting students with volunteer tutors for assistance with academic courses, study skills, conversational English and intercultural exchange.
Study debunks myth that early immigrants quickly learned English
In his visits across Wisconsin, in many newspaper letters to the editor, and in the national debates raging over modern immigration, Joseph Salmons, professor of German, says he encounters the same refrain: "My great, great grandparents came to America and quickly learned English to survive. Why can't today's immigrants do the same?" A study by Salmons and Miranda Wilkers, a recent Ph.D. in the German department, has turned that notion on its head.
UW-Madison chapter recognized by honor society
The UW-Madison chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society received Gold chapter standing for the 2007-08 academic year, and the chapter was also recognized for outstanding academic achievements.
Around Campus
Campus summit addresses growing Latino campus population
The UW-Madison Latino Summit 2008 will discuss the ways the university can further meet the needs of the fastest-growing minority on campus. Sponsored by the Latino Faculty Staff Association, the summit will take place from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in Memorial Union's Tripp Commons.
Economics professor to address global financial crisis
Menzie Chinn, La Follette School of Public Affairs and Department of Economics, will discuss "The Global Financial Crisis: What You Need to Know Now" in a lecture sponsored by the Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy. Noon-1:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in 5120AB Grainger Hall.
Turkish Film Festival brings celebrated films to campus
See three celebrated Turkish movies and one Greek-Turkish co-production at this festival hosted by the Madison Association of Turkish Students and UW Cinematheque. Films start at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2, in the Cinematheque, 4070 Vilas.
Halloween cleanup helps keep campus 'boo-tiful'
Join the WUD Community Service Committee in a campus cleanup after the Halloween celebration. 10 a.m.-noon on Sunday, Nov. 2; meet in the Red Gym's Morgridge Center before leaving for cleanup sites.
Union South hosts last 'Radioactive' Halloween Party
The "Radioactive" Halloween Party returns for the last time from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Union South Games Room. Pay a $5 fee, which includes "glow-in-the-dark" bowling, pool, table tennis, popcorn and candy. Win various spooky prizes throughout the night. (Plans call for Union South to be demolished beginning in January and replaced by a larger union that will open in 2011.)
Notable
Register to vote on Election Day
UW-Madison students who are U.S. citizens, turn 18 on or before Election Day (Nov. 4) and are Wisconsin resident for 10 days prior to registering are eligible to vote in Madison. Learn all of the essential details, including how to register and where to go to vote, and participate in the political process.
Used phone drive to aid domestic violence victims
Anyone with an inactive or outdated cell phone can delete his or her personal information and drop it off at a campus collection site before Friday, Oct. 31, to benefit local victims of dating and domestic violence.
Friday, Oct. 31: Last day to drop classes
The last day to drop courses for all students is Friday, Oct. 31; Friday is also the last day for graduate students to apply for pass/fail privilege or to convert from credit to audit.
Opportunities
Information sessions detail international education opportunities for students
This information session, titled "U.S.-Mexico Partnership in Agriculture, Business or Social Sciences," outlines various opportunities for students, depending on the kind of involvement they are seeking. Two identical sessions will be held at 7 p.m. today (Wednesday), Oct. 29, and Monday, Nov. 3, in the third floor conference room of Agricultural Hall.
Workshop helps students develop resumes
Students who need that perfect resume to land a dream job can attend this workshop designed to help with all stages of the resume-writing process. 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, TITU Memorial Union.