Campus Connection - Dec. 1-7, 2008

International students sampling food at banquet
Students, faculty, staff and area residents sampled food at UW-L's International Food Tasting event Nov. 3. Food from 10 countries was available. The event is just one opportunity at UW-L to learn about other countries and cultures. Find out more about UW-L's International Education Office and events at www.uwlax.edu/OIE/index.htm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International campus climate impacts economy and more

International students at UW-L contributed $6.13 million to campus in 2007-08, according to a NAFSA Association of International Educators report on international students’ contribution to the U.S. economy (see www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/Wis2007-08.pdf). In 2005-06, they contributed $3.65 million (see www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/Wis2005-06.pdf).

Although the economic impact of having international students on campus and the community is impressive and critical, UW-L Director of International Education Jay Lokken says, international students on campus have an even a greater impact on ensuring the campus, community and Wisconsin are internationalized.

"To be competitive in today's global environment, organizations must be internationally focused," Lokken explains. "Students who aren't exposed to the world around them are going to find it difficult to compete in today’s job market, as well as in solving the critical issues facing the world today. We have an amazing opportunity to learn from international students and scholars firsthand about other cultures and languages, and to learn more about how the world views the United States."

The 400 international students and visiting scholars on campus this fall make UW-L a more culturally diverse and global environment for learning he says. UW-L is the third largest international program in the UW System. UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee are the two largest.

For detailed information on the economic benefits of international education to the U.S., visit www.nafsa.org/public_policy.sec/international_education_1/eis_2008.

Raffle winner to receive free tuition

Senior Elese Berdan has good reason to celebrate the holidays. She is the winner of the UW-L Foundation free tuition raffle and will receive free tuition for her last semester, spring 2009. When Berdan received an e-mail last week telling her she'd won free tuition, she was skeptical. It wasn't until she received an e-mail from her mom that she realized it was true. The Spanish major has never won anything before, she says, and didn't know that her parents routinely purchased raffle tickets each year. It paid off for this family from Sleepy Eye, Minn.

The UW-L Foundation holds a tuition raffle both in the fall and spring semesters. Letters and tickets are sent to students and parents offering them the chance to win tuition at UW-L for a semester. Beginning with the spring 2009 semester, the Foundation will hold two spring raffles. Tickets will be $10 each or 6 for $50. Proceeds benefit the university through the support of scholarships, emergency student loans, research, on-going programs and new projects on campus.

To find out more about the UW-L Foundation, visit www.foundation.uwlax.edu.

 Elese Berdan

UW-L fair trade market open Dec. 1-2

Shop responsibly this holiday season by shopping at a fair trade market on campus. The market is open from 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, and from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the Ward Room, Cartwright Center.

Products available for sale are from Concern America, Ten Thousand Villages, Heart of the Sky, Kickapoo Coffee, Red Earth and more. Fair trade markets provide an alternative for holiday shoppers. Each product is 100 percent socially responsible. The certified products guarantee fair wages for the worker, quality products, community development and sustainable environment.

Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based model of international trade which promotes the payment of a fair price, as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods. The movement focuses, in particular, on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine and fresh fruit.

The vendors are a part of a worldwide movement striving to practice fair trade. Ten Thousand Villages is one of over 300 International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) members in 70 countries. IFAT members agree that fair trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade. It is a trading partnership aimed at sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers. It seeks to do this by providing better trading conditions, by raising awareness and by campaigning.

The IFAT key principles of fair trade include:

  • Creation of opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Capacity building
  • Payment of a fair price
  • Gender equity
  • Good working conditions
  • Care for the environment

The event is sponsored by UW-L Progressives, Environmental Council, Amnesty International, the UW-L Bookstore, and the Native American Student Association.

Rainbow graduation set for Dec. 1

Each semester the Pride Center and Rainbow Unity acknowledge and celebrate graduating students. This December two Rainbow students are graduating. Celebrate with them at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Rainbow Graduation is a time for friends, faculty and staff to speak to honor the graduating senior. Each senior receives a rainbow tassel, and a gift from the Campus Bookstore and the Alumni Association, as well as a certificate for involvement on campus.

Midsummer poster

Shakespeare takes the main stage on campus

UW-L's theatre arts department will perform William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 11-13. Sunday matinee performances are at 2 o’clock Dec. 7 and 14. All performances are in Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts.

Two pairs of star-crossed lovers, a feuding pair of supernatural spirits and a love potion gone wrong all come together in this Shakespeare classic. The production includes the theatrical vision of director Walter Elder and scenic design by senior theater major Tim Barbiaux. Costume designer Joe Anderson and student sound designer Justin Schmitz further add to the performance.

Tickets for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” go on sale at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at the Box Office in the lobby of the Center for the Arts. Admission is $4 for UW-L students, $10 for other students and senior citizens, and $12 for others. For reservations or more information, call the box office at 785.8522.

If you go—
Who: Theatre arts department
What: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 11-13; 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14
Where: Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts Admission: $4 for UW-L students, $10 for other students and senior citizens, and $12 for others.

Reserve a 'Singing Holiday Card' beginning Dec. 3

Purchase a "Singing Holiday Card" and help support UW-L's Concert Choir May 2009 trip to Ireland. Quartets from the choir will be available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Dec. 12-14, to deliver a holiday musical medley, either sacred or secular, to the person of your choice. A small greeting card and candy cane are included in the $20 price. Schedule a “Singing Holiday Card” by calling 785.8409 after 9 a.m. beginning Wednesday, Dec. 3. The number of “cards” is limited.

English as a Second Language students to read poetry, short stories

Students from ESL 255: Creative Writing will read selections from work they wrote during the semester. The event runs from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in 339 Cartwright Center. Students reading at this event come from Japan, China, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Response theory topic of colloquium presentation

Darci Thoune, English, will present “Embedded Voice Response: Exploring New Frontiers in Response Theory” from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in 207 Wimberly Hall. The free presenation is part of the UW–L English department’s 2008–09 William J. and Yvonne Hyde Colloquium Series.

Teada group shot
The Irish traditional music group Teada brings its “Irish Christmas in America — The Show” to UW-L Dec. 7.

Irish group brings Christmas production to campus

A legendary Irish group will share the sounds of the season at UW-La Crosse. Teada’s “Irish Christmas in America — The Show” takes the stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

Teada will give an inspirational presentation of seasonal Irish culture traditions. Produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada of the legendary Irish group, Teada, the show also features a photographic slide show with a narrative providing historical context.

The group uses Irish harp and uilleann pipes to augment Irish dance. The performers mingle ancient traditions with contemporary artistry.

Tickets are $4 for UW-L students, $15 for UW-L employees and $20 for others. Tickets and more information are available at Cartwright Information Counter, 785.8877. The event is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and La Crosse Irishfest.

If you go—
What: Teada’s “Irish Christmas in America — The Show”
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.
Admission: $4 for UW-L students, $15 for UW-L employees and $20 for others.

If you go—
Who: UW-L Women’s Chorus, Männerchor, Chamber Choir and Concert Choir
What: 16th annual Festival of Carols
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13
Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition
Admission: $6 for students, $8 for senior citizens and $10 for others

Holiday favorites to be featured UW-L’s ‘Festival of Carols’

Carols and holiday songs abound as four UW-L choirs will present their 16th annual Festival of Carols. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

The concert will feature the UW-L Women’s Chorus, Männerchor, Chamber Choir and Concert Choir in Yuletide choral arrangements and audience carols.

Selections range from the plainchant “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” through J.S. Bach’s motet “Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden” to Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” Highlights include settings by Chamber Choir conductor Terence Kelly with “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and Concert Choir conductor Gary Walth with “Come, Thou Long Foretold Messiah.” Paul Rusterholz conducts the Women’s Chorus and Walth also conducts Männerchor. UW-L’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble will also make a guest appearance. Catherine Walth will be narrator for the events.

Suggested ticket donations for the concerts are $6 for students, $8 for senior citizens and $10 for others. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the Music Department Listening Lab at 785.8415. Ticket proceeds go to scholarship funding for UW-L choral students.

Applications for orientation assistants due Dec. 15

Applications are now being accepted for orientation assistants for the 2008-09 school year.

New students need great role models to help them feel welcome, learn about campus resources, get connected to other new students, develop a sense of UW-L pride and to get ready to be successful in the classroom. If you're a motivated, positive student leader who'd like to help incoming new students get off to a great start for fall 2009 apply to be an orientation assistant. The position helps student leaders develop great skills and pays $1,000.

To apply, go www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/OAJobDescription.pdf. Fill out the application and return it by 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, to 213 Wilder Hall. For more information, contact Chris Dziekan at 785.8079 or dziekan.chri@uwlax.edu.

Notice to veterans being deployed

Veterans who receive notification that they're being deployed need to notify Veterans Benefits Coordinator Sharon Lehrke. Stop in 117 Graff Main Hall or contact her at 785.8751 or lehrke.shar@uwlax.edu.

English Club has gift card fundraiser

Purchase gift cards for holiday presents this year and help earn money for the UW-L English Club. Order gift cards from Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy and others from Simplified SCRIP and get the full cash amount while the UW-L English Club receives a merchant donation. Gift cards you purchase via Simplified Scrip are the same as those you'd get if you went to the store to purchase them. Shop from home and support the UW-L English Club.

Here are four ways to purchase via Simplified SCRIP:

  1. Order by mail. Go to www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/SCRIP.pdf. Print PDF, order gift cards with the form and mail it directly Simplified Scrip with a check. Gift cards arrive at your house in approximately seven or fewer business days.
  2. Order online. Log on to www.simplifiedscrip.com and place your order. Your total will be deducted directly from your checking account with each order.
  3. Auto-order. Fill out a subscription agreement at www.simplifedscrip.com or contact them at 800.514.1891 and have an automatic recurring order arrive on your chosen date each month at your house.
  4. Call in orders. You can call in your order at 1.800.514.1891. Checking account info is needed to complete order.

For more information, contact UW-L English Club President Megan Campfield at campfiel.mega@students.uwlax.edu or e-mail info@simplifiedscrip.com.

Campus Climate

E-mail etiquette

We all send hundreds of e-mails every year, let alone the hundreds that we receive. E-mail plays an intricate role in our personal and professional lives. Have you ever gotten an e-mail with spelling and grammatical errors? Or those awful chain letters that “you must forward”? It's human nature to make mistakes when writing e-mails, but there is proper business e-mail etiquette that should be followed so that we send the right message the first time. Below are some e-mail etiquette guidelines to follow.

  • Keep it short and concise
  • Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation
  • Make it personal
  • Answer ALL of the sender's questions
  • Respond promptly
  • Don’t send chain letters or junk mail
  • Do not write in CAPITALS
  • Read the e-mail before you hit send

It’s easy to misinterpret an e-mail message based on implied tone or incorrect information. By following these guidelines, we can ensure we’re sending the message that we intend to and avoid the common pitfalls of e-mail etiquette. 

turkey trot team shot
Team UW-L continued to grow with an appearance at the 2008 Turkey Trot Nov. 22. Over 1,750 entrants participated. Team UW-L 2008 members included, from left, back, Katie Herman, ITS; Karry Auby, mathematics; Breanne Lombardo and Cheryl Roland, both Financial Services; Coach Jim Jorstad and Arla Wojahn, both Educational Technologies. Front row: Deanne Otto and Amanda Winter, both Financial Services. The team of walkers and runners participates in campus and community fitness events.
Campus Kudos

Christine Hippert, sociology and archaeology, presented "Gender Mainstreaming and Development Priorities: Popular Participation and Gendered Work in Rural Bolivia" to the panel "Facets of Development: Latin America" at the Annual Meetings of the American Anthropological Association in San Francisco Nov. 22.

Tom Kernozek, health professions; and Robert Ragan, physics; published “Estimation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tension From Inverse Dynamics Data and Electromyography in Females During Drop Landing” in the December 2008 issue of Clinical Biomechanics, 23 (10): 1279-1286.

Karen McLean, College of Science and Health, received the 2008 YWCA Outstanding Women Award for Education at the annual awards dinner Nov. 13 in the La Crosse Center South Hall Ballroom.

Gubbi Sudhakaran, physics, has been appointed to the National Committee on Education for a two-year term by the president of the American Physical Society.

Gary Walth, music, published his musical arrangement of "One Small Light/This Little Light" with the Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation. The choral work is the fifth in a series of spiritual/folk song arrangements for collegiate and high school choirs recently published.

Continuing Education

Human service professionals will explore intercultural competencies and heighten awareness of self and others at the Dec. 3 workshop Practicing Inclusiveness/Embracing Diversity.

human resources

Notice of classified exam center opportunity

The next monthly exam center is scheduled for Dec. 13. To view the list of exams being administered, test center locations and the application procedures for the monthly exam center, visit https://wiscjobs.state.wi.us/public/links_summary_page.asp?catid=70. Some of the centers throughout the state will not be open on Dec. 13. The La Crosse exam site will be open; however, if you plan to take an exam elsewhere, be sure to check the Web site to see if the center will be operating that day.

2009 maximum contributions Tax-Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program UW System

The IRS announced the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) applicable to the dollar limitations for contributions to the Tax-Sheltered Annuity Program.

For 2009, University of Wisconsin employees may contribute a maximum of $16,500 to the Tax-Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program. Employees age 50 and over can contribute an additional $5,500 for a total of $22,000. Employees who have 15 years or more of service with the UW System, may have an additional “catch-up” opportunity. Check with the Human Resources Office verify eligibility. For more information see the Web page on TSA limits at http://www.uwsa.edu/hr/benefits/retsav/limits.htm.

Employees currently enrolled in the program can increase TSA contributions for 2009 by submitting a Salary Reduction Agreement (SRA) to the Human Resources Office. Go to http://www.uwsa.edu/hr/benefits/retsav/sraform.pdf. If signing up for the TSA program for the first time, go to http://www.uwsa.edu/hr/benefits/retsav/tsaenroll.htm.

In order to have these deduction amounts taken from each paycheck throughout 2009, have the TSA Salary Reduction Agreement in the Human Resources Office in early December. Clearly mark the form as calendar year 2009.

Maximum amounts that can be deducted from each payroll check in 2009 are:

Paychecks Annually  Annual Maximum  Amount per Paycheck
9 paychecks (under age 50) $ 16,500.00   $ 1,833.33
9 paychecks (age 50 and over)    $ 22,000.00   $ 2,444.44
12 paychecks (under age 50) $ 16,500.00 $ 1,375.00
12 paychecks (age 50 and over) $ 22,000.00   $ 1,833.33
26 paychecks (under age 50) $ 16,500.00   $ 634.61
26 paychecks (age 50 and over) $ 22,000.00   $ 846.15

Note: No deductions are taken during the summer for employees paid on an academic year basis (nine paychecks annually).

Important tax information

W-2s will be mailed from Madison during the last week of January 2009 to the address listed on employees’ earning statements. 

  • For unclassified employees, the address will be listed on the Dec.1 earning statement. 
  • For classified employees, the address will be listed on the Dec. 2 and Dec. 29 earning statements. 

If the address is incorrect, complete the change of address form at http://www.uwlax.edu/hr/forms/A-Z_forms.htm and send it to Human Resources, 144 Graff Main Hall. 

The deadline for address corrections to Human Resources is Monday, Jan. 5. 

thanks

Thanks to everyone who donated to the Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) Pre-College Programs Coat Drive last month. It was a success and the items collected have been distributed to local area children. OMSS is still accepting winter gear items, especially snowsuits, for La Crosse School District children. Donations will be accepted throughout the winter months and can be dropped off in the OMSS Office, 243 Graff Main Hall. For more information, contact Kate Oganowski at Oganowsk.kath@uwlax.edu or Mai Choua Xiong at Xiong.mai5@students.uwlax.edu.

Classified ads

For rent

One bedroom, first-floor flat, downtown La Crosse, historic neighborhood, large yard. Cats OK. Walking distance to WTC, Viterbo and UW-L. $475, heat included. Available Dec. 1. Month-to-month lease. 785.8520 weekdays. 784.8201 home.

For sale

Four oak bar stools with high backs, $100. Great for kitchen or entertainment area. 180 degree swivel. Brass foot rests. Call 779.4967 to see.

Playstation 2 with memory cards, 7 PS2 games: Grand Theft Auto III, Gran Turismo 4, Burnout 3 Takedown, Underground, Underground 2, Most Wanted and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08.Logitech Driving Force Pro Force Feedback Wheel and Playseat (classic gaming seat for genuine racing simulation). Package, will not divide, $100. Call 785.8028 or 781.1607 evenings.

Getting information into the Campus and Eagle Connections

The Campus Connection is published Mondays. The Eagle Connection is published Wednesdays when classes are in session. To submit information for inclusion in the Campus Connection or Eagle Connection, e-mail it to connectx@uwlax.edu. The deadline for the Campus Connection is noon Wednesday for the following Monday's edition. The deadline for the Eagle Connection is noon Mondays preceding the Wednesday edition. Refer students who are interested in writing or shooting photos for the Connections to Editor Sue Lee at lee.sue@uwlax.edu or 785.8497.

To view the Campus Connection online, see: www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/campusconnection/

Or go to the Campus Connection from UW-L's home page. Click on "More News" at the bottom of the page, then click on the Campus Connection link on the Campus News Resources page.

To view the Campus Connection calendar online, see: www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/campusconnection/calendar.html

Or go to the Campus Connection calendar from UW-L's home page. Click on "More Events" at the bottom of the page, then click on the Campus Connection calendar link on the Campus Event Resources page.

To view the Eagle Connection online, see: www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/eagleconnection/

Or go to the Eagle Connection from UW-L's home page. Click on "More News" at the bottom of the page, then click on the Eagle Connection link on the Campus News Resources page.

To view the Eagle Connection calendar online, go to www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/eagleconnection/calendar.html

Or go to the Eagle Connection calendar from UW-L's home page. Click on "More Events" at the bottom of the page, then click on the Eagle Connection calendar link on the Campus Event Resources page.