The Wisconsin Week Wire — Dec. 5, 2007
Top News
Weight gain on high-carb diets linked to liver gene
Experts have warned for years that foods loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and other processed carbohydrates are making us fatter. Now, a UW–Madison study has uncovered the genetic basis for why this is so.
State approves employee pay plan
A boost in pay for UW System faculty and academic staff was given the go-ahead by state lawmakers last week.
Settlement prompts heating plant improvements
A legal settlement between the state and an environmental group will result in less coal being burned at the Charter Street Heating Plant and sets the stage for major improvements at the facility.
Research
Growth of root cells remarkably dynamic, study finds
A new UW–Madison study has found that certain plant cells pulse as they grow.
Professor guides future generations of female scientists
A UW–Madison geology professor has dedicated herself to supporting women in science.
Features
Dairy science reverses history with enrollment surge
Since enrolling 189 undergraduates in 1982, dairy science has seen a steady decline in popularity. But the department has launched a major overhaul and is now experiencing a significant increase in its student body.
Program takes grassroots approach to training school leaders
Educational researchers at UW–Madison have closely examined successful schools with the aim of finding ways to improve student performance levels, and a new Ph.D. program is the product of the analysis.
Give the gift of UW–Madison this season
Another holiday season is upon us, and many university departments and units have gift options for everyone on your shopping list.
On Campus
Events calendar
Employee Matters
‘Wisconsin Reflections’ seeks audience members
“Wisconsin Reflections,” a UW–Madison-produced interview show featuring alumni, is in search of audience members for two upcoming tapings. Suzy Favor-Hamilton, three-time Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year, will be the guest at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13. At 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 13, Michael Feldman, host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Whad’Ya Know?” will be featured. Tapings are held in the Wisconsin Public Television studios in Vilas Hall. To participate or for more information, e-mail audience@uc.wisc.edu, or visit Wisconsin Reflections The program will air on the Big Ten Network early next year.
Roundtable features spoken word
University Roundtable will feature students in the First Wave Spoken Word and Urban Arts Learning Community during its Wednesday, Dec. 12, lunch. Reservations for the program are due today (Dec. 5).
Apparel manufacturer responds to UW–Madison concerns
Apparel licensee Russell Athletic has been responsive in dealing with the concerns of UW–Madison and universities across the country over potential workers’ rights abuses in one of the company’s Honduras factories.
Badger Safety conference planned
The UW–Madison Police Department will hold its second annual Badger Watch Safety Conference on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Memorial Union.
Follow the Badgers to the Outback Bowl with WAA
The Badgers are headed to the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., and the Wisconsin Alumni Association is offering a bowl tour for all Wisconsin fans.
Gangsters, dark comedy featured in film festival
The 17th installment of the Polish Film Festival returns to UW–Madison Friday-Sunday, Dec. 7–9.
ESPN’s Van Pelt to address mid-year graduates
ESPN SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt will deliver the commencement speech during this winter’s ceremonies, to be held Sunday, Dec. 16.
Administrative Process Redesign moves forward
The campus’s grassroots effort to build better administrative practices and systems is on schedule and preparing to reach out nationally to see how other universities have faced the same challenges.
Study: Faculty-student planning can reduce textbook costs
Textbook costs continue to grow, and UW–Madison will do even more to help students plan for the expenses and learn of ways to keep them in check.