Campus Connection - Feb. 9-15, 2009

Al Trapp at podium.

Madison reception popular among alumni, friends

More than 80 alumni and friends of the university attended an evening reception in Madison Feb. 4. Acting President of the UW-L Foundation Al Trapp, right, welcomed guests, along with, from left, state legislators Rep. Mike Huebsch, honorary alum; Rep. Jennifer (Ehlenfeldt) Shilling, ’92; and Sen. Dan Kapanke, ’75 & ’87.

The reception honors alumni and friends involved in Wisconsin government and recognizes the university’s role in political science and public administration. Chancellor Joe Gow, other campus administrators and faculty from the political science/public administration department also attended the 19th annual event, which was sponsored by the UW-L Foundation and UW-L Alumni Association. Photo by Brad Quarberg, University Relations.

Campus 'green' initiatives in the works

Chancellor's Energy Challenge underway

Students in UW-L residence halls are in a month-long competition to reduce electrical consumption. Readings will be taken weekly Monday, Feb. 9, through Sunday, March 8, and converted to consumption per resident in the Chancellor’s Energy Challenge. Results will be posted at www.uwlax.edu/sustainability.  Students in the winning residence hall will be awarded with a ceremonial tree planted near their hall with a plaque indicating they are the winners of the 2009 Chancellor’s Energy Challenge. Individuals from any hall who submit a pledge at the sustainability Web site can win prizes throughout the competition. Winners will be drawn randomly from the pool of pledges.

Proposals for 'green' projects requested

Do you have a "green" project for campus to tackle? Submit your proposal with a Green Fund proposal. Go to www.uwlax.edu/sustainability and follow the Green Fund link.  Applications are due by Monday, Feb. 16, for review by the Joint Committee on Environmental Sustainability. The committee's recommendations will be forwarded to the Apportionment Committee. The Student Senate will make final approvals.

UW-L embraces 'Recyclemania'

Recyclemania, a national competition among universities, has kicked off at UW-L. See how well UW-L's recycling efforts stack up against other universities in Wisconsin, including several UW schools, and nationally at www.recyclemania.com. Help UW-L by recycling paper, aluminum and plastics in designated campus areas. Visit www.uwlax.edu/facmgmt/recycling.htm for a complete list of what's recycled.

For more information, contact UW-L Student Association Environmental Sustainability Director Matt Groshek at groshek.matt@students.uwlax.edu or UW-L Student Association Public Relations Director Griffin Moe at moe.grif@students.uwlax.edu.

Figure drawing class set at UW-L

UW-L will offer a class for budding area artists interested in drawing life forms.

“Figuration Studio” will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 9-April 27, in the Center for the Arts.

The 10-week course covers various techniques to help artists draw the human form from a nude model. Instruction and group critiques will encourage participants to hone their skills and develop a personal style. Artists can use a variety of mediums including pencil, charcoal, watercolor and other mediums. Participants will receive instruction on rendering light and shadow, perspective as it relates to figures, and more. Artists must bring their own drawing supplies. The class is open to adult artists at all experience levels; drawing experience is helpful but not necessary.

Tim Pahs, who holds a bachelor’s degree in art from UW-L, is the course instructor. Pahs has been teaching figure drawing classes at the Pump House and UW-L as a non-credit class since 2004. He has been practicing art, photography and graphic design since 1990.

Registration for the non-credit Continuing Education in the Arts program is $70. Pre-registration is required; space is limited.

To register or for more information, contact Continuing Education in the Arts at 785.6500 or www.uwlax.edu/conted.

Nominating petitions for election to Faculty Senate to be distributed Feb. 9

Nominating petitions for election to the Faculty Senate will be distributed by campus mail Monday, Feb. 9, and are due in the Senate Office by Friday, Feb. 20. Eight seats are open June 2009. The following constituencies may nominate for election: one three-year term from the College of Science and Health, two three-year terms from the College of Liberal Studies, and five three-year At-large terms. For blank petitions, contact the senate office at 785.8018 or senate @uwlax.edu.

Involvementfest is Feb. 10

Get involved and meet new people! Check out the Leadership and Involvement Center’s Involvementfest and explore student organizations and community agencies with great involvement and volunteer opportunities. This free event runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Free snacks.

Student Association Constitution open forum set for Feb. 10

Share your views about the Student Association Constitution and upcoming amendments at an open forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the Ward Room, Cartwright Center. All sections of the constitution will be open for discussion with specific focus on the membership section. Currently, the membership of Student Senate is comprised of college, off-campus, at-large, freshmen, Residence Hall Association Council and organization senators, including Diversity, Greek, Athletics, Returning Adult Student and Grad Students. For more information, contact UW-L Student Association President Pro Tempore, Science and Health Senator and Legislative Affairs Committee Chair Karly B. Wallace at wallace.karl@students.uwlax.edu.

Grant writing workshop to be held Feb. 10   

An informational grant writing workshop for both undergraduate and graduate students will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in 337 Cartwright Center. The workshop covers general grant writing tips and application guidelines. Past grant recipients will share stories and answer questions. Refreshments will be served.

This event is sponsored by the Society for Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities, Graduate Studies Organization, Undergraduate Research Committee, the UW-L Foundation and the Provost’s Office.

For more information, contact Student Research Consultant Amery Bodelson at 785.8050 or at bodelson.amer@uwlax.edu.

Indulge at campus social group chocolate soiree

Faculty, staff, spouses and significant others. Don't miss the Campus Dames' Chocolate Soiree at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the home of Candace Brown. Bring a chocolate dessert to share, along with the recipe, if you're so inclined. For Brown's address, RSVP to her at 608.519.0317 or tb8378@charter.net.

The Campus Dames hold several social functions each year, sponsor an annual scholarship, and offer many ways to get acquainted with others in the campus community. They have groups for bridge players, readers, and parents and tots.

Hearts

Order a singing valentine card today

Quartets from UW-L's Concert Choir will deliver a Singing Valentine Card to your valentine between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, through Saturday, Feb. 14, anywhere in the La Crosse area. Cards are limited. To order, call 785.8409. A $20 fee includes the singing card, a Valentine's card and a candy bag. Proceeds support the Concert Choir's performance tour to Ireland in May.

Alcohol and sexual assault topic of lunchbox/soap box discussion

Join UW-L Community Health Specialist Matt Vogel and Violence Prevention Specialist Ingrid Peterson for "Alcohol and Sexual Assault. What's the Connection?" at a Lunchbox/Soap Box discussion at noon Wednesday, Feb. 11, in 259 Cartwright Center.

Mural with Jennifer Terpstra and artists

Students in Jennifer Terpstra's, left, Advanced Painting course last semester created a new mural for the Cowley Hall Greenhouse. Artists include Devon Browning, center, and Allison Mader. Artists not pictured include Tiffany Pedersen, Renee Cannistra, Nancy Maring and Anna Rodriguez.

Biology department hosts Cowley Hall Greenhouse mural reception

The biology department is hosting a reception with refreshments for the new Cowley Hall Greenhouse mural from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in 401 Cowley Hall.

The mural was created by students in Jennifer Terpstra's Advanced Painting course last semester. Tiffany Pedersen designed the mural, assisted by painters Devon Browning, Renee Cannistra, Allison Mader, Nancy Maring and Anna Rodriguez.

Students used greenhouse plants to design a series of abstract botanical forms, which were arranged in panels shaped to echo the distinctive architecture of the greenhouse windows.

 

 

Palascak
Comedian Michael Palascak performs on campus Thursday, Feb. 12.

Comedian Michael Palascak to perform

HBO comedy festival winner Michael Palascak will perform at UW-L. Palascak takes the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Cellar, Cartwright Center.

The Second City in Chicago-trained comedian has performed worldwide. Palascak draws from personal experiences living at home with his parents, college life and visits to the local Dunkin Donuts to make simple humor entertaining. He won HBO’s “The Comedy Festival’s Lucky 21” and made his TV debut in June 2008 with Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham.”

Admission is free as part of the Campus Activities Board’s Cellar Thursday series. For more information, contact the Cartwright Center Information Counter at 785.8898 or visit www.uwlax.edu/cab.

If you go—
Who: Comedian Michael Palascak
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Where: Cellar, Cartwright Center
Admission: Free

Creating chainmaille jewelry is topic of class

An upcoming Saturday class will cover the ancient art of chainmaille jewelry. “Create Chainmaille Jewelry” will run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, in Morris Hall.

Chainmaille is the 3000-year-old ancient art of knitting metal rings into elegant chains without using solder or studio equipment. It is the most popular jewelry weave and one of the stronger weaves. By the end of the session, participants will discover how to make jump rings using 20g wire (base metal), cutting, cleaning crimping, work hardening and weaving rings into bracelets.

The course includes five different techniques and varieties of chains. At the end of the class, those attending will have five finished bracelets using the chainmaille technique. Beginning students are welcome; no prior experience is necessary.

The instructor, Sailaja Hari, has a bachelor’s in art from UW-L, a degree in fashion design from the Institute of Fashion Technology, India, and a draughtsmanship civil degree from the College of Technology and Engineering in India. She has exhibited in the U.S. and India and has won numerous awards and grants. Hari has been teaching jewelry classes for two years.

Registration for the non-credit Continuing Education in the Arts program is $60. Pre-registration is required; space is limited.

As a follow up to this class, “The Ancient Art of Beading” will be offered Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and “The Versatile Art of Polymer Clay” will run from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 26-27. To register or for more information, contact Continuing Education in the Arts at 785.6500 or www.uwlax.edu/conted.

Eddie Moore, Jr.
Eddie Moore, Jr.

Diversity consultant to give presentations at UW-L

A leader on diversity and cultural competency issues will give two presentations on campus Monday, Feb. 16.

Eddie Moore, Jr., who founded America & MOORE Research and Consulting that specializes in diversity consulting for schools, colleges and city governments, will lead the presentations. Moore is also the founder of the National White Privilege Conference.

His first presentation, “The Lessons of Diversity: Personal and Institutional Assessment and Action,” runs from 8:30–10:30 a.m. in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. The interactive session will examine and explore issues related to diversity, privilege, oppression and leadership across America, especially in education. The presentation will challenge participants to examine their own behaviors and belief systems, as well as inform them how to take action against hatred, bigotry, privilege and oppression. The workshop is geared toward administrators, faculty, staff and community members.

Moore presents “White Privilege 101: Getting in on the Conversations” from 7–8:30 p.m. in 260 Graff Main Hall Auditorium. Using the White Privilege Conference as a model, the interactive session examines and explores the topic of white privilege and oppression, as well as the idea that those promoting diversity must “get in on the conversations.” Participants will gain a better understanding of how privilege and oppression associated with race can have positive and negative impact on others, individually and institutionally.

Both presentations are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Thomas Harris, UW-L Multicultural Student Services Office, at 785.8225. For more information about Moore visit www.eddiemoorejr.com.

Wisconsin National Guard Deployment Ceremony showing set for Feb. 17

The Wisconsin National Guard Deployment Ceremony is set for noon, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Kohl Center in Madison. UW-L's Academic Staff Council is hosting a televised showing at noon that day in 337 Cartwright Center. The send-off ceremony is for members of Wisconsin's 32nd Brigade Combat Team and six other units deploying to Iraq.

Equestrian get-together is Feb. 18

Equestrians are invited to a get-together for coffee and conversation at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Cartwright Center near the Cyber Café. For more information, contact Beth Cherne at 785.8521 or cherne.beth@uwlax.edu or Karen Terpstra at 785.8842 or terpstra.kare@uwlax.edu.

Gaelic Storm
The Irish band Gaelic Storm performs at UW-L Friday, Feb. 20.

Gaelic Storm to perform at UW-L

Popular Irish band takes the stage Feb. 20

The popular Irish band Gaelic Storm is coming to campus. The five-member group performs at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

It's been more than a decade since Gaelic Storm's career took off with an appearance in the blockbuster film "Titanic." Since its big-screen debut, the band's fan base has grown with each new album, turning the one-time-pub-band into a premier touring act in Celtic music.

The group's original and fresh arrangements steeped in Celtic traditional melody combined with its unique blend of world rhythms continue to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genre. Highlights from the band's decade-spanning career include seven Billboard Chart topping albums, a DVD, a full-length concert film featured on HD.net in 2007-2008, song placement on two EA Sports Games, a 2008 Hallmark greeting card featuring the song "Kiss Me I'm Irish" and countless TV and radio appearances, along with "Titanic."

If you go
Who: Gaelic Storm
What: Concert
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20
Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.
Admission: Advance tickets $15 for students, $20 for others. Day of the show $20 for students, $25 for others. For tickets call the Cartwright Center Ticket Information Counter at 785.8898.

Advance tickets are $15 for students and $20 for others. Tickets the day of the show are $20 for students and $25 for others. The concert is a fundraiser for the UW-L Concert Choir which plans to tour Ireland in May.

For advance tickets or more information, contact the Cartwright Center Ticket Information Counter at 785.8898.

 

Vanguards in parade
Vanguards Katie Mikez, left, and Adam Ludwig marched in the 2008 Oktoberfest Parade. Vanguards give campus tours, serve on Campus Close-up Panels and act as public relations professionals for UW-L.

Campus tour guide applications being accepted

The Admissions Office is accepting applications for Vanguards for the 2009-10 academic year.  Vanguard, a volunteer student public relations organization, represents UW-L's student body during campus tours, Campus Close-Up programs, college fairs, high school visits and freshmen registration. 

Encourage students who are outgoing, friendly and possess excellent communication skills to apply. The Admissions Office seeks a mix of students representing all facets of the university.

Applications are available in the Admissions Office, 115 Graff Main Hall, and are due by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23. For more information about Vanguard, contact Vanguard Adviser Joshua Rybaski at 785.8939 or rybaski.josh@uwlax.edu.

Marjorie Woollacott
Marjorie Woollacott

Expert in motor control is 2009 distinguished lecturer in biomechanics

Marjorie Woollacott, an internationally-renowned expert in motor control and development of balance control in children with motor problems and the older adult, is the 2009 Distinguished Lecturer in Biomechanics. Woollacott will present a health professions student and clinician lecture, "New Therapies for Improving Balance in Older Adults: Evidence Based Practice," at noon Friday, Feb. 27, in 2006 and 2002 Health Science Center.

A public reception is set for 6 p.m., followed by the public lecture "Staying Active Throughout our Lives: Does it Prevent Falls in Old Age?" at 6:30 p.m. in the Strzelczyk Great Hall, Cleary Alumni & Friends Center.

Woollacott has a doctoral degree in neurophysiology from the University of Southern California and has written numerous publications and texts on motor control. She is a fellow of the Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and the American Academy of Physical Education.

To request disability accommodations, contact Jeri DeLaney delaney.jeri@uwlax.edu or 785.6624. Events are sponsored by the La Crosse Institute for Movement Science and the health professions department.

Joint ITS Committee seeks feedback on proposed changes to hardware, software support list

Each year Information Technology Services (ITS) asks the Joint ITS Committee to review a schedule of proposed changes to hardware and software support. Following a review and discussion of feedback, the committee then approves the plan or suggests modifications. The Joint ITS Committee seeks campus feedback on proposed changes to hardware and software support for the 2009-10 school year (fiscal year 10). ITS encourages all faculty and staff to review the list and provide feedback. To review a complete list of changes, visit www.uwlax.edu/itssupport/services/softwarefy10.htm.

Changes for the upcoming fiscal year are divided into two parts. Changes to GCA labs and classrooms will affect the hardware and software available in all GCA labs and computer classrooms, as well as imaged teacher podiums in classrooms around campus. The hardware changes proposed for GCA facilities are contingent upon funding.

Changes to office/administration support will affect the hardware and software supported and serviced by ITS on university-owned machines used by faculty and staff. Both lists are available at www.uwlax.edu/itssupport/services/softwarefy10.htm. The list only includes changes for the upcoming fiscal year. A full list of supported software for offices and administrative support is available at www.uwlax.edu/itssupport/services/software.htm. Full GCA lab and classroom information is available at http://www.uwlax.edu/gca.

Send feedback to itssupport@uwlax.edu by Friday, Feb. 27. The information will be forwarded to staff members for reporting to the Joint ITS Committee. To begin preparing for changes by upgrading your computer, contact the ITS Support Center at 785.8774 or itssupport@uwlax.edu. ITS staff will review your current hardware and recommend appropriate upgrades of operating systems or office suite products to stay current with the supported software list.

UW-L's Upward Bound Project hiring tutors

Upward Bound, a federally-funded program designed to help high school students develop their academic skills, build self-confidence, and plan for and pursue college educations, is hiring summer residential and non-residential tutors for the six-week residential program on campus. For more information on how to apply, visit www.uwlax.edu/upbound or stop by 175 Murphy Library.

Over two-thirds of Upward Bound students are from low-income homes where neither parent has earned a four-year college degree; the remainder are either low-income or potential first-generation college students.

Upward Bound provides academic year tutoring, college visits, career exploration, cultural and recreational activities and an academic summer program. The program offers help in selecting colleges and guidance in completing applications to schools and for financial aid.

Upward Bound staff at UW-L include:

  • Director Antoiwana Williams
  • Assistant Director Paul Krause
  • Adviser Jessica Thill
  • Administrative Specialist Cathy VanMaren

Veterans' green enrollment verification forms due

Veterans claiming Federal Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) benefits must file the green enrollment verification form at the start of every semester, term or course. The form is available in 117 Graff Main Hall. Failure to file the green form as required will result in non-payment of federal education benefits.

Veterans filing for VetEd, must file a pre-application form within 180 days of the start of the semester, term or course. Forms are available at www.dva.state.wi.us and in 117 Graff Main Hall.

No pre-application form is necessary for veterans filing for the National Guard Tuition Grant.

Wisconsin residents who joined the military from Wisconsin, then returned to Wisconsin, may be eligible for the Wisconsin GI Bill 100 Percent Tuition Waiver program. Application forms are available in 117 Graff Main Hall or on the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Web site www.dva.state.wi.us.

For more information, contact the Veterans Affairs Benefits Coordinator Sharyn Lehrke in Graff Main Hall.

Mary Poppins

Room still available for Chicago theatre, art trip

Space is still available on an overnight trip to Chicago that features a production of “Mary Poppins” and a stop at the Chicago Art Museum. UW-L Continuing Education in the Arts is coordinating the trip Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19.

La Crosse artist Carole Edland will guide the motor coach tour taking travelers to downtown Chicago by early Saturday afternoon. Time for shopping is planned before the evening theatre performance. Sunday a stop at the Chicago Art Institute to see the feature exhibit, “Edvard Munch: Influence, Anxiety, and Myth” is planned.

The cost is $339 per person for double occupancy. For more information or to register, or visit www.uwlax.edu/Conted/tours/chicagoarttheatertour.html or call 785.6500.

Kudos

Matthew Cashion, English, published the short story “Last Words of the Holy Ghost” in the spring 2009 issue of Willow Springs, v. 63.

Cecilia G. Manrique, political science/public administration, attended the Golden Key International Honour Society Board of Directors meeting Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 in San Diego. As president of the International Leadership Council (ILC), she delivered the ILC report to the board.

Ryan Olson, Jeff Steffen and David Waters, all exercise and sport science; presented "Administration Components of 63 University-Based Challenge Courses," at the 19th Annual International Challenge Course Conference in Houston, Jan. 29-Feb.1. They were assisted in the research project by Sheena Cook, exercise and sport science.

UW-L's radiation therapy program 2008 graduates earned earned the second highest national board exam scores of all the 92 programs in the U.S.

Continuing Education

 

 

 

ACT Prep Course, a pre college program designed to raise student test scores by enhancing test taking skills and strengthening students' academic preparation will meet six Saturdays, Feb. 14‐March 21, at UW-L. To register, call 785.6500.

Human Resources

 

 

 

Human Resources to host workshops on Family Medical Leave Act

Human Resources will be hosting workshops for employees and supervisors to explain recent changes to the Family Medical Leave Act law. Workshops for employees are at 10 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 11, in 340 Cartwright Center and at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in 340 Cartwright Center. Workshops for supervisors are at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in 332 Cartwright Center and at 10 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 18, in 332 Cartwright Center.

Register for on campus sessions with John Hancock Financial Services representative

Through the State of Wisconsin Long-Term Care Insurance Program, approved private insurance companies offer coverage for short-and long-term home health care, assisted living, community-based care and nursing home care to State of Wisconsin employees, spouses, parents and other family members. 

A representative from John Hancock Financial Services will be available for 45-minute individual counseling sessions regarding Long-Term Care Insurance from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, in 258 Cartwright Center.

To register for an individual session, contact Jeff Lamb at jlamb@jhnetwork.com  or at 608.662.0830x23. UW-L employees' parents, in-laws and family members may participate.

Criminal Background Check policy revised

Verbal job offers to classified candidates can now be made prior to Human Resources completing the Criminal Background Check (CBC).  This parallels the unclassified process and shortens the time to extend an offer.  The verbal offer must be made contingent upon a successful CBC. Direct questions on classified hiring, as well as classified CBC, to Debra Hanson at hanson.debr@uwlax.edu.  View the policy at www.uwlax.edu/hr/forms/CBC/LaCrosseCBCFINAL1-2009.pdf.

New employees

  • Imbert Brett Huus III, associate lecturer, music Jan. 20.
  • Andrea Connell, IS Systems Development Services Sr. — Project Appointment, Residence Life, Feb. 3.

Retirements

  • Kathy Thomas-Polden, financial specialist, International Education, Dec. 31, 2008.
  • Al Lesky, custodial services supervisor, Residence Life, March 6.
In the news

State

"Doyle delays budget release," Badger Herald, Feb. 5. Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle announced Wednesday he will delay the introduction of the state budget as well as the implementation of the BadgerChoice health care program. Full story: badgerherald.com/news/2009/02/05/doyle_delays_budget_.php.

Oral defense

Holly Stangel, Ed.S. school psychology degree candidate, "The Efficacy of Skillstreaming on Elementary-Aged Children with Specific Learning Disabilities," 8:30-10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 13, 327 Graff Main Hall. Adviser: Betty DeBoer, psychology.

Classified

For sale

Like new L-shaped, glass-topped desk. Brushed nickel finish on modern designed metal frame with pull out keyboard shelf, original manual, tools and file holder in same style included. $50. Contact allen.jeff@students.uwlax.edu for a picture and more information.

Wanted

Renters for the 2009-10 school year. Five-bedroom, one bath, full kitchen and big living room. Behind Subway on West Avenue. $1,200 or $240/person plus $20 for utilities. Contact ormsby.aman@students.uwlax.edu.

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