The Wisconsin Week Wire — July 19, 2006
Top News
Perspective: The Barrett case and academic freedom at Wisconsin
Donald Downs, a professor of political science and nationally recognized expert on academic freedom and free speech issues on campus, provides commentary on Provost Patrick Farrell’s decision not to fire Kevin Barrett, who is contracted to teach a course in the fall on Islam, Religion and Culture.
Research dishes out flexible computer chips
New thin-film semiconductor techniques invented by UW–Madison engineers promise to add sensing, computing and imaging capability to an amazing array of materials.
Research
Experts debate best alternative to mother’s milk
Two UW–Madison experts have differing opinions about whether formula or “donor milk” is the best alternative to nursing.
New program to advance personal health care through technology
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has issued a call for proposals for a new program to stimulate innovations in personal-health-information technology. The project is directed by Patricia Flatley Brennan, professor of nursing and industrial engineering at UW–Madison.
On Campus
Events calendar
University Square meeting planned for July 20
The University Square project and its effects on the campus community will be discussed at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, in the Memorial Union. Groundbreaking for the 11-story project, a public-private partnership, took place on June 2 in the 700 block of University Avenue. The redeveloped University Square will provide space for the University Health Services, student organizations and student services offices. It will also provide 300 private apartments, 140,000 square feet of retail space and 420 parking stalls. It will adjoin the East Campus Pedestrian Mall, a lively area that will eventually run from the shore of Lake Mendota to just north of Regent Street. The location of the informational meeting, arranged by Facilities, Planning and Management officials at UW–Madison, will be posted in Today in the Union. To view construction progress at the site, visit http://square4cam.fpm.wisc.edu/view/index.shtml
Diversity office to celebrate opening with multicultural extravaganza
Latin music and spoken-word poetry champions will raise the rafters at the Majestic Theater, 115 King St., at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 28. The all-ages evening is a multicultural arts event organized in conjunction with Fiesta Hispaņa 2006 to celebrate the creation of the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives.
Fellowships support conservation teaching, research
UW–Madison is one of eight campuses selected to serve as host universities for the prestigious Doris Duke Conservation Fellows Program during the next two academic years.
Call for nominations for vice provost for teaching and learning
Provost Patrick Farrell has announced the search for the vice provost for teaching and learning (formerly titled associate vice chancellor for teaching and learning). The position is posted at http://www.ohr.wisc.edu/pvl/pv_054047.html This is a critical leadership position that directly affects the undergraduate instructional mission. The deadline for nominations and applications is Sept. 8. To allow the search process to move forward at the start of fall semester, early nominations of colleagues are encouraged. For more information, contact the search and screen committee chair, Professor and Associate Dean Judith Kornblatt, at jkornblatt@bascom.wisc.edu.
Milestones
Health economist takes over as director of La Follette School
Health economist Barbara Wolfe has succeeded the retiring Donald Nichols as director of the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs.
Nine receive named professorships
With research areas ranging from nanotechnology to language acquisition, from Latin American history to Enlightenment scholars in France and more, nine faculty members have been awarded named professorships by the Board of Regents.
Community
Register now for School of the Arts at Rhinelander
Openings are still available for School of the Arts, a UW–Madison program in Rhinelander that offers dozens of hands-on workshops for adults in art and folk art, arts management, computer arts, movement and relaxation, music, photography, theater and drama, and writing.