The Wisconsin Week Wire — March 12, 2008
Top News
University moves to eliminate Social Security number-based IDs
As part of a broader effort to protect the privacy and personal data of members of the campus community, UW–Madison will phase out any remaining Social Security number (SSN)-based photo identification cards for faculty and staff.
For professor, preserving Leopold’s Riley is personal
When Janet Silbernagel grew up playing along the banks of the Sugar River near the town of Riley, she never imagined she was following in the footsteps of a famous naturalist.
Research
Arctic climate models play key role in pending polar bear decision
The pending federal decision about whether to protect the polar bear as a threatened species is as much about climate science as it is about climate change.
Wisconsin researchers describe how digits grow
Researchers at the School of Medicine and Public Health have developed a model that explains how digits grow and why each digit is different from the others.
Features
On the road, around the globe, looking for home
A UW–Madison faculty associate spent years on the move around the globe, trying to find a place to call home.
Collaboration key to Union Theater’s success
The collaborative structure of the Union Theater is second nature to its director.
Choosing a chancellor: Respondents focus on equity and diversity
In the final installment of its “Choosing a Chancellor” series, Wisconsin Week asked a number of people to reflect on diversity from a variety of perspectives.
On Campus
Events calendar
Employee Matters
Leadership, fundraising skills cited as traits for next chancellor
The next occupant of the chancellor’s office needs to be a strong leader, an energetic fundraiser, a student advocate, a supporter of the humanities, a legislative troubleshooter and appreciative of a global view, according to feedback provided during a series of campus forums on the topic.
Update employee contact information through My UW portal
Employee contact information as it is recorded in the payroll system can now be modified online through the My UW–Madison portal.
Offices receive grant to reduce worker back injuries
The offices of Human Resources and Environment, Health and Safety recently received a grant for initiatives designed to decrease back injuries among UW–Madison custodians.
Iowa political reporter, best-selling business writer to visit campus
A political writer who provided wall-to-wall coverage of the yearlong campaigns leading up to the scene-setting Iowa presidential caucuses and the author of a book detailing Wal-Mart’s pervasive effect on society will visit UW–Madison as writers in residence.
UWPD offers resources on campus violence
The University of Wisconsin Police Department has developed a set of training resources for faculty and staff in the wake of recent campus shootings at Virginia Tech, Louisiana Tech and Northern Illinois University.
Plenty of dance on tap during spring break
Campus might not have the usual student bustle once spring recess clears the classrooms next week, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.
Fund for late professor lifts Engineers Without Borders into the black
A memorial fund for a professor who was dedicated to UW–Madison’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders until his passing last year has pulled the group out of debt.
Milestones
Six faculty members receive Kellett Mid-Career Awards
Six UW–Madison faculty have been honored for their research with Kellett Mid-Career Awards.
Seven honored with Romnes awards
Seven rising faculty have received H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowships.
Community
Greenbush Day celebration set
The second Greenbush Day celebration will be held from 4–6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, at the Welcome Center, 21 N. Park St.
State passes resolution on international education
On March 5, the Wisconsin Legislature passed a joint resolution on international education, recognizing that “international education is a critical component of higher education … contributing to the economy of the state and to a diverse college environment.” Noting that Wisconsin’s economy is “inextricably tied to the rest of the world,” the resolution urges universities to emphasize foreign-language instruction and study abroad to promote cultural awareness and give graduates the cross-cultural skills they will need to be leaders in the global workforce. UW–Madison offers majors in international studies, certificates in international and area studies, and language instruction in more than 65 languages. Last year it sent 1,600 students abroad in its 180 programs located in 51 countries. To learn more, visit The Division of International Studies.
Office upholds remaining WARF stem cell patents
The United States Patent and Trademark Office again has upheld the claims of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) by making determinations on the nonprofit foundation’s two most important base embryonic stem cell patents.