Campus Connection Nov. 16-22, 2009

Students throwing leaves in air. Student giving peace sign.

International student enjoys Midwest autumn

First year UW-L student Trang Ngo is experiencing many firsts this year, such as her first autumn in the Midwest. "It's very beautiful!" she says. An international business student from South Vietnam, Ngo has been in the U.S. for about three months. Photo by Dung Ngo, Psychology.

Approximately 450 international students representing 45 countries attend UW-L. Find out more about UW-L's Office of International Education at www.uwlax.edu/OIE/.

International students helped UW-L celebrate its centennial with a parade of flags at the Centennial Gala. See http://picasaweb.google.com/sueellenlee0/UWLCentennialGalaFlags#.

'Once in a Lifetime' Centennial Gala production DVD being produced

Educational Technologies is currently compiling a special edition DVD from the “Once in a Lifetime” Centennial Gala production, expected to be completed by Dec. 15. The DVD will include live performances and video segments from the event. It will also include special features and other elements in celebration of the university’s 100th anniversary. For more information on purchasing the DVD, contact Todd Bunnell at 785.8741 or bunnell.todd@uwlax.edu; or Jim Jorstad at 785.8048 or jorstad.jame@uwlax.edu.

Veterans presenting flags at Centennial Gala.

Over 500 attended the multimedia “Once in a Lifetime” performance at UW-L's Centennial Gala Oct. 24 in the Recreational Eagle Center. More than 200 students took part in the program. “It was a great example of the campus community coming together to work as a team to commemorate such an important and historic moment for our campus,” says Jim Jorstad, director of Educational Technologies. Photo by Sue Lee, University Communications.

 

Group with certificates.

UW-L radiation therapy students received over a quarter of the Varian Radiation Therapy student scholarships. Pictured, from left, are: Alecia Ellingstad, Katie Esch, Shawn Morgan, UW-L Program Director Melissa Weege, Amy Heath, '05 (a past scholarship recipient and program clinical coordinator), Michelle Walters and Bridget Baroni.

Radiation therapy students and director each receive $5,000 scholarships

Over a quarter of prestigious Varian Radiation Therapy student scholarships went to UW-L radiation therapy students this year.

Each year, radiation therapy students who are student members of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) apply for Varian Radiation Therapy student scholarships. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded to 19 students enrolled in radiation therapy programs across the country.

This year, five of the scholarships were awarded to members of the UW-L Radiation Therapy Class of 2010. Recipients were: Bridget Baroni, Alecia Ellingstad, Katie Esch, Shawn Morgan and Michelle Walters. They received their scholarship certificates and met representatives from Varian and the ASRT Nov. 2 at the national ASRT conference in Chicago.

Melissa Weege with two ASRT members.
Program Director Melissa Weege, center, won a $5,000 Elekta Radiation Therapy Educator Scholarship for a second time.

Program Director Melissa Weege won a $5,000 Elekta Radiation Therapy Educator Scholarship for a second time and received the award at the conference.

Additionally, two 2009 graduates were published in the professional journal Radiation Therapist, a bi-annual publication of the ASRT. Alumna Tara Peterson published her senior research paper, “TMI with Helical Tomotherapy: A Replacement for TBI?” Alumna Alyssa Gust, a radiation therapist at the Billings Clinic in Billings, Mont., published the article “Making the Impossible, Possible: Working with Anxious Patients.”

To find out more about the radiation therapy program at UW-L, visit www.uwlax.edu/rt.

 

 

Joe Tiffany with guides.
UW-L Archaeology Professor Joe Tiffany has compiled the new guide to help identify arrowheads found in Upper Mississippi River Valley. The guides are $9.95 and available at the UW-L Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center or from the University of Iowa Press.
Cover art of brochure 1. Cover art of brochure 2.

UW-L Professor Joe Tiffany creates map-like guide to ID arrowheads

More than 70 from the Upper Mississippi River Valley detailed

Those who have unearthed arrowheads can now turn to a handy guide to help identify historical information about the artifacts.

The newly produced laminated guide folds up to the size of an ordinary road map. It includes images and details about more than 70 of the most common point forms found throughout the Upper Mississippi River Valley.

The point images — in color and full size — allow seekers to lay their find directly on an image similar to what they have found. Each point lists its probable age, chert type it was made with, where the specimen is typically found and other archaeological information. The guides are geared for archaeologists and archaeologist-wannabes in the field, labs or classrooms.

UW-L Archaeology Professor Joe Tiffany compiled the new guide, “A Guide to Projectile Points of Iowa.” Along with teaching at one of the few comprehensive undergraduate archaeology degree programs in the country and the only one in the Midwest, Tiffany is also director of UW-L's Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center. He says there is always interest in archaeological findings. 

“Just about every day we get an e-mail or someone dropping in with a question about a point or artifacts they have found,” Tiffany says. “They want the object identified and the story that goes with it — what were the people like who made the point, when did they live, what did they eat, and so on. The guide will provide answers to many of these common questions.”

The guides are $9.95 and available at the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center on campus or from the University of Iowa Press http://uipress.uiowa.edu/search/index.cfm.

For more on MVAC, see www.uwlax.edu/mvac.

MVAC recognizes donors and volunteers at annual reception

Headshot of Boszhardt. Photo of Keiper. Photo of Theler
Robert "Ernie" Boszhardt Robert Keiper James L. Theler

UW-L Professor James L. Theler, Archaeological Studies, was among those recognized and honored at the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center's annual banquet, lecture and awards presentation Nov. 10 in the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center.

Theler is the recipient of the 2009 James P. Gallagher Award in Archaeology Excellence. Robert Keiper, MVAC, received the Regional Archaeology Award, and MVAC's Regional Archaeologist Robert "Ernie" Boszhardt is the recipient of the Archaeology Education Award.

For a complete list of those recognized, visit www.uwlax.edu/mvac/About/VolunteerRecog.ht

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barta bookcover.

Professor Emerita Anita Barta publishes book to enhance communication

Professor Emerita Anita Barta was once awarded the Most Accessible Professor Award by UW-L students. Barta, who served as the director of therapeutic recreation until retiring from UW-L in 2000, has a long list of accolades. She was inducted into the Wall of Excellence, received an Outstanding Professor Award from the Residence Hall and Student Activities-Student Life Office and was named Special Olympics Wisconsin Volunteer of the Year.

Now she's adding publishing a book to that list. "I Never Thought of That" is described as a thought-provoking, imaginative, reflective, spontaneous, humorous book.

The book is a tool for enhancing communication in a non-threatening, relaxed atmosphere. Although it's a great resource for treatment and therapy groups, counseling sessions, discussion circles and leadership empowerment workshops, it's also a book to read for fun.

"This book is a fun icebreaker to quickly establish rapport with a group," says LaDawn Edwards who teaches public relations at Mt. Mercy College and English at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa. "Sometimes I open it and read a page when I just need to smile."

When conducting a 7:45 a.m. class for university students, it's important to find a way to engage them, explains Barta, who often used open-ended prompts to engage them, such as "if books were people and people were books ..."

"I'm grateful to my students for their insightful, creative, spontaneous, humorous, outrageous and sometimes bizarre responses to these open-ended thoughts," notes Barta.

To find out more or to order a book, visit www.lulu.com/product/paperback/i-never-thought-of-that/4771991.

Just say KNOW art

Alcohol focus of Nov. 18 Just Say KNOW discussion

Alcohol will be discussed at the eighth edition of the Just Say KNOW drug education series from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Port O' Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

As one of the most used substances in our society, we realize it is long overdue to incorporate this fascinating drug into our series, says UW-L Community Health Specialist and Adjunct Instructor Matt Vogel.

The Just Say KNOW series is a collaborative effort between the Wellness Resource Center and UW-L Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Download a poster at www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/fall/nov/know.pdf.

Find out more about the Wellness Resource Center at www.uwlax.edu/wellness/. Find out more about Students for Sensible Drug Policy at http://uwlmyorgs.collegiatelink.net/Community?action=getOrgRoster&orgID=13249.

Media's influence on male body image topic of Nov. 18 talk

The negative impact of advertising on girls’ and women’s body image is often talked about. But what about the role the media plays in increasing pressure for boys and men to attain a lean, muscular (and hairless) physique?

Ryan McKelly, Psychology, illuminates this topic in "Too Big, or Not Too Big? That is the Question: Exploring Modern Media’s Influence on Male Body Image" at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, in 337 Cartwright Center. Through viewing images from children’s action figures to men’s specialty magazines, McKelly will explore some of society’s messages about looking like a modern Adonis. Topics covered will include physical and mental consequences of men’s body dissatisfaction, media’s increasing sexualization of the male body and how homophobia gets in the way of talking about body image.

University Bookstore to host faculty/staff event

The University Bookstore is hosting a faculty and staff Celebrating Partnership event from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the University Bookstore in Cartwright Center. During the event, the Bookstore will offer a 20 percent discount on regular-priced clothing and gifts (excluding diploma frames) with UW-L ID.  Refreshments will be served.

TV telethon to support Coulee Region Humane Society

It’s the 11th year UW-L students will help raise funds

To participate —
What: Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Where: Airs on KQEG-TV Channel 23, Charter Cable Channel 5 and Digital 989. Drop off donations during the telethon at 205 Wing Technology Center or call 785.8379.

Dogs, cats and other animals at the Coulee Region Humane Society will benefit from an upcoming live TV telethon produced by UW-L communication studies students.

The 11th annual Coulee Region Humane Society Telethon will air from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, on KQEG-TV Channel 23, Charter Cable Channel 5, Digital 989 and UW-L campus channel 6. Rick Wilson, KQEG TV-23, and Sally Mroczkowski, a UW-L communication studies major, will host the show. Guests during the three-hour event will include owners of pets adopted from the society, pet therapy specialists, dog trainers and society advocates. The phone number to pledge during the telecast is 785.8379.

Along with money, donations of towels, sheets, soap, bleach, office and animal supplies or other items that could be used at the humane society are sought. Donations for the society’s general fund may be dropped off at the studio, 205 Wing Technology Center, during the telethon, or arrangements may be made by calling Professor Pat Turner at 785.8369. Checks should be made payable to the Coulee Region Humane Society. Monetary donations or goods can also be dropped off at Coulee Region Human Society, 911 Critter Court, Onalaska.

During the telethon, a Mississippi River Rentals vacation package worth $1,500 and a $399 guitar from Dave’s Guitar Shop will be given away.

The telethon originated in 1999 when UW-L student Kristen Lloyd decided to produce a live TV telethon instead of writing a traditional research paper. The student-produced telethon is sponsored by UW-L’s Communication Studies Department and campus TV station WMCM, in conjunction with Charter Communications and KQEG-TV23. Last year’s telethon raised over $8,000 in money and supplies.

Education and the Hmong community focus of Bridging the Gap Conference

How does the Hmong community balance a traditional family with career aspirations, health and nutrition, higher education and interracial marriage? The Bridging the Gap conference explores these issues and more Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center.

Doors open at 8 a.m. for The Hmong Organization Promoting Education (HOPE) conference. The event runs until 5 p.m. and includes discussion about communication issues between parents and their children, and what roles each gender should play in the Hmong culture. Discussions are aimed to narrow the gap between Hmong parents, their children and each other.  The conference aims to help those attending to develop a better understanding of the Hmong people and what roles each age group plays within the Hmong community. 

The event includes a free breakfast and lunch, and interactive activities. Over 90 percent of the conversations will be in Hmong. HOPE members and others who speak English will provide an opportunity for everyone to ask questions and to socialize.

Find out more and download a registration form at www.uwlax.edu/hope or log onto MyOrgs at https://uwlmyorgs.collegiatelink.net/Community?action=getOrgHome&orgID=13158.

For more information, contact Xao Lor at lor.xao@students.uwlax.edu.

House of Numbers art

Documentary film rewriting HIV/AIDS story to be shown Nov. 23

The award-winning documentary film "House of Numbers" will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

"House of Numbers" is described as an AIDS film that rewrites the HIV/AIDS story. The film presents uncensored viewpoints of major players in their own setting in their own words. "House of Numbers" negates conventional wisdom regarding HIV/AIDS and uncovers a hidden world of HIV/AIDS debate.

A question-and-answer discussion with one of the filmmakers will follow its showing.

For film details, see http://houseofnumbers.com/. Download a poster at www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/fall/nov/house.pdf.

The film is sponsored by the Wellness Resource Center. For more information, contact Matt Vogel at 785.8977.

UW-L Kitty Club holds annual Holiday Party and invites new members

The UW-L Kitty Club will hold its annual Holiday Party at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Schmidty’s Restaurant, 3119 State Road. To attend, complete the registration form at www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/fall/nov/kitty.pdf and return it by Wednesday, Nov. 25, to 125 Graff Main Hall.

Membership in the Kitty Club and participation at its two annual events is a time-honored tradition at UW-L. If you are unable to attend the party, but would like to join and attend future events, contact Pat Clements at clements.patr@uwlax.edu or Diane Jorstad at jorstad.dia@uwlax.edu.

History of UW-L Kitty Club

In 1945 there were only four classified women working on campus — Lorna Dux Vafeas, Bernice Koblitz, Betty Pollack Graff and Marilyn Otto. The women became good friends and at Dux Vafeas' suggestion, they started throwing a quarter into a “kitty” for buying a remembrance for certain occasions. Soon, they started having get-togethers. As the La Crosse State Teacher’s College grew, so did the number of classified women employees. Most newcomers joined the group to socialize at times other than work. They had potluck picnics during the summer months and began having a holiday party during the Christmas season. The traditions have carried on since. The Kitty Club helps facilitate retirees seeing friends they worked with and meeting those who have replaced them. Today, annual dues are $5 per year to cover club expenses for the holiday party, retirement gifts and facilitation costs.

Times have changed and so has the unique group which has helped build relationships and provide opportunities to network with others who are tied by heart-strings to UW-L.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you go—
What: Graduating Seniors’ Art Exhibition
Who: Eight UW-L students graduating in December
When: Opening reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; exhibit runs through Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Where: University Art Gallery, Center for the Arts.
Admission: Free

Works by graduating students featured in UW-L exhibit

Students graduating from UW-L in December will display a variety of artwork in the University Art Gallery.

“Graduating Seniors’ Art Exhibition” opens with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the University Art Gallery, Center for the Arts. The exhibit runs through Wednesday, Dec. 16. The reception and exhibit are free.

The students exhibiting include: Patricia Bindley, Zoe Browne, Chelsie Heidke, Vong Lao, Tiffany Pedersen, Kaitlynn Radloff, Jessica Shively and Amanda Willison.

Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during Toland Theatre events. The gallery opens for appointments by calling the Art Department 785.8230.

Find out more about campus arts events at www.uwlax.edu/campusarts/.

 

Swinging Yuletide artwork

Swinging Yuletide set for Dec. 5

Swinging Yuletide, an upbeat performance of big band and vocal jazz holiday favorites, is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Along with performances by The Great River Big Band, UW-L Instrumental & Vocal Jazz Ensembles and La Crosse Jazz Combo, expect a visit from Santa.

There is limited cabaret table seating. Reserve tickets are for $20 (suggested donation). General admission is $5 for students and $10 for others. For ticket information, call 785.8415 or stop by 145 Center for the Arts. Download a poster at www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/fall/nov/sy09c.pdf.

Announcements & Notices

 

 

 

 

Corey Sorenson photo
UW-L alumnus Corey Sorenson

UW-L alumnus Corey Sorenson to appear on NCIS Nov. 17

UW-L Theatre Department Alumnus Corey Sorenson will appear as Anthony Paxton on an episode of the hit CBS drama “NCIS.” The episode is set to air at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, on WKBT, Channel 8 locally. Sorenson, whose theatrical work at UW-L included “Oedipus Rex,” “A Christmas Carol” and “The Trip to Bountiful," has enjoyed success as a TV actor making appearances on “Law and Order: SVU,” “Greek” and “Numb3rs.” He currently resides in Los Angeles working on video production, screen writing and stage acting. For more on Sorenson, see also www.uwlax.edu/Theatre/testimonies.html.

 

Donations wanted for 'Share A Meal' campaign

Chartwells Dining Services will introduce its “Share A Meal” campaign Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 17-19 to help families and food shelters in the La Crosse community experiencing food shortages. Students, faculty and staff are asked to donate individual meals or dining dollars from their meal plans during the campaign. All donated meals and declining balances will be converted to a dollar total and used to purchase food for WAFER on behalf of UW-L. Find out more about WAFER at www.waferlacrosse.org/.

Campus power outage planned for Nov. 27

There will be a planned power outage for the entire UW-L campus, except for the Health Science Center, from approximately 7 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 27.

Xcel Energy needs to make adjustments to the power supply to the campus and perform maintenance on the main campus electrical gear and has recommended to schedule these activities for the day after Thanksgiving. While a campus-wide outage can cause significant inconvenience, this date was chosen to minimize the impact for UW-L since classes are not held that day and it is a mandatory furlough day for university employees.

From 7 a.m. to noon, there will be no electrical power or controlled heating and cooling available in campus buildings. The Physical Plant staff will contact departments that may have special needs during the campus power outage and provide planning assistance. About a week prior to the Thanksgiving break, the campus community will receive updated information about the power outage and how it may or may not affect work areas.

In the meantime, for more information, contact UW-L’s Director of Physical Plant Hank Klos at klos.henr@uwlax.edu or 785.8585.

Presentation Proposals Needed for Diversity Dialogues

Presentation proposals are needed for Diversity Dialogues which will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, in 337, 338 and 339 Cartwright Center. Diversity Dialogues, an event celebrating diversity from a variety of perspectives, includes a diversity resource room with information tables from offices and organizations related to diversity, as well as presentations from faculty, staff or students every hour. For more information, visit www.uwlax.edu/general/diversity.

Campus Kudos logo

 

 

 

Ron Glass, Eric Kraemer and Sheri Ross, all Philosophy, participated in the Minnesota Philosophical Society Annual Meeting Nov. 7 at the University of St. Katherine, St. Paul, Minn. Glass chaired the philosophy of religion sessions. Kraemer presented “Proper Functions and Their Natural and Divine Designers.” Ross presented “Mill’s Competent Judges and Guilty Pleasures.” Glass, Kraemer and Ross also served as paper commentators.

Víctor M. Macías-González, History, gave a presentation on work/life issues for gay Latina/o academics at the third annual Educational Summit of the Minnesota Network of Latinos in Higher Education Oct. 9-10 at Metropolitan State University (Minn.). He also presented his research on consumption and masculinity in 19th century Mexico at the Queer History Colloquium, organized by the Gender & Women’s Studies Program at Brandon University (Manitoba, Canada) Nov. 4.

Betsy Morgan, Psychology, published the interactive online textbook "Gender Psychology: Exploring the Context of Similarities and Differences" with National Social Science Press.

CATL

 

 

 

 

CATL to host faculty development grants information session Nov. 16

An information session for instructors interested in learning more about UW-L faculty development grants is set for 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, in 161 Wing Technology Center. The session will include information on the different types of grants — Teaching Innovations, Scholarship of Teaching & Learning, and Professional Development — describe examples of funded projects, review guidelines and applications, offer advice about writing strong grant proposals, and answer questions.

The Center for Advancing Teaching & Learning is sponsoring two events Wednesday, Nov. 18:

  • noon-1 p.m. 161 Wing Technology Center — The Brown Bag Lunch Series will focus on creating and delivering content in online courses. This session will demonstrate a few technologies such as Jing and Adobe Presenter that can enhance presenting content in online courses to create a more dynamic way of reaching students. After the demonstration, those attending will discuss creative ways they've presented, or thought about presenting, content in online courses. Held in
  • 1:30-3:30 p.m. 339 Cartwright Center — An online education open forum. Brian Udermann, director of online education, will give a brief update on what has been happening at UW-L in the area of online education. The purpose of the forum is to allow the campus community to provide input and suggestions related to the opportunities and direction of online education at UW-L. Information gathered at this open forum will be used by the UW-L Online Advisory Board to help determine how the university moves forward with possible future online initiatives.
Continuing Education

 

 

 

ME-PD Learning Community Program hosts 12th annual conference

The Master of Education—Professional Development (ME-PD) Learning Community Program hosted its 12th annual November Conference Nov. 14 and 15 in Cartwright Center.

This year 330 teachers from around the state were on campus to learn, share, celebrate and network. All are students in the ME-PD Learning Community weekend graduate program for teachers and other education professionals seeking their master’s degree.

One highlight of the weekend was the Action Research Celebration. One hundred fourth semester students presented the results of their Participatory Action Research through kiosk presentations and round table discussions as part of a culminating graduation requirement prior to commencement Dec. 19. They will join nearly 3,000 other teachers from over 300 school districts throughout the state of Wisconsin who have graduated from the ME-PD Learning Community Program since it began in 1997.

Chancellor Joe Gow was at the event Saturday for a “Chat with the Chancellor.” Brian Biro, one of the nation’s foremost speakers and teachers on leadership, team building and possibility thinking, gave the closing keynote.

 

Aging artwork.

Third annual 'Aging and Film: Stories from the Best Age' event is Jan. 29

Each life holds many stories and stories must be told. The third annual "Aging and Film: Stories from the Best Age" event from 4-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in Port O' Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition will provide an evening of life stories told through film. The featured films illuminate the aging journey with poignancy, power and delight. The evening of insights, reflections, energy and a few laughs, includes a light meal and snacks for $25. Register with a friend and pay $20 each. Early registration encouraged. Credits include .5 CEUs or five contact hours. For more information, call 785.6508 or e-mail langaard.kare@uwlax.edu.

 

 

HUB logo

 

 

 

 

Author and public speaker Eli Clare will present "Trans Shame, Trans Pride: Lessons from the Diversity Rights Movement" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Ward Room, Cartwright Center. Clare, who's described on his Web site (http://eliclare.com/) as "white, disabled and genderqueer," has a bachelor's degree in women's studies, a master's in creative writing and "a penchant for rabble-rousing." Download a poster at www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/images/2009/fall/nov/Clare.pdf.

As part of the Inclusive Friday Series, plan to attend Clare's presentation on disability as a social justice."Moving Beyond Inspiration and Pity: Disability as a Social Justice Issue" is set for 9-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Clare addresses disability as an issue of cultural competency and social justice. The discussion provides tools to create more disability access in work places and community. 

The next Inclusive Friday presentation, “Diversity 101,” will be held noon Dec. 18 in 104 Wing Technology Center.

Group in front of Capitol in Washington, D.C.
UW-L Educational Studies Professor Robert Krajewski, (center, above), is among a task force established in fall 2007 to study the effects of the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) law and to propose recommendations regarding the changes that should be incorporated. The group was in Washington, D.C., the first week of November to present their recommendations to school representatives and lawmakers.

UW-L Professor Robert Krajewski in Washington, D.C., to present IDEA recommendations

In 2007, UW-L Professor Robert Krajewski, Educational Studies, along with three other representatives from institutions of higher education from across the country and 11 secondary principals and assistant principals, was selected to the National Association of Secondary Principals Task Force to study the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) law and how to improve it. See www.principals.org/s_nassp/sec.asp?CID=718&DID=53742.

On Nov. 3, the National Association of Secondary School Principals released a set of recommendations based on IDEA task force suggestions for how lawmakers should change the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act when it's up for reauthorization in 2010.

See the task force recommendations at www.principals.org/s_nassp/sec.asp?CID=1540&DID=60909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Human Resources logo

 

 

 

Resignations

Jenny Hanson and Erin Hoy, both assistant researchers in the River Studies Center, Nov. 6.

OCW book club logo

 

 

 

The Organization for Campus Women (OCW) Book Club meets at noon monthly. Participation is open to all faculty, staff and students. Upcoming book discussions include:

Tuesday, Nov. 17, Murphy’s Mug. "The Way Things Are" By Lama Ole Nydahl.

Tuesday, Dec. 22, location to be determined. "Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffengger's (same author as "The Time Traveler's Wife"). See www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/books/review/Cokal-t.html.

Tuesday, Jan. 26, location to be determined. "Half the Sky" by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. See www.halftheskymovement.org/.

Find out more about OCW at www.uwlax.edu/ocw/.

Take Note

 

 

 

 

For students

By Charlene Holler, Academic Specialist, Counseling and Testing Center

Not all subjects are “created equal” when it comes to study tips and to test taking. Math is in a class of its own. (And yes, the pun was intended.) Here are a few unique ways to deal with math classes:

1) Use time drills when studying math. This type of practice will remind you that time is a very important factor in math testing.

2) Review formulas right before the exam. Then, as soon as you get the exam, write down those formulas. This will be a great reference as you work through a variety of problems.

3) Translate problems into English. Formulas and equations written out in words may help you understand the process and help you see a variety of applications.

4) Estimate first. If you can “ballpark” what the answer should be, it could help you catch errors along the way.

5) Analyze first. Before you delve into a problem be sure you know what the question is asking and what computational options you have.

6) Show your work. While it may be easy for you to skip some steps, or to do some math in your head, it is best to write down every step. That way if you get stuck, or for some other reason you have to come back to the problem, it will be much easier to follow your steps and to pick up where you left off.

7) Draw a picture. If the problem lends itself to a picture or drawing, make one. A visual representation of the process can be invaluable because you see it as a whole.

8) Check as you go. Be careful with your computations, be sure you are answering what the question is asking, and be sure that you have put the answer in the proper form.

9) Stick to your guns! The best advice I can give you is to NOT change an answer unless you are sure you are wrong. If you have done the above steps you should be confident with that answer.

Getting information into the Campus Connection