Campus Connection

UW-L's Awareness through Performance (ATP) spring 2014 production is set for 4 p.m. with a repeat performance at 7 Sunday, Jan. 26, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. The shows are free and open to the public. ATP: Privilege Unplugged VIII showcases the passions, stories and perspectives of UW-L student leaders who want to create awareness about privilege and oppression. An encore performance is set fro 7 p.m. Monday, March 10. For more information, visit www.uwlax.edu/campusclimate/atp.  

Gov. Scott Walker seeks applicants for non-traditional student representative on the UW System Board of Regents; deadline to apply is Jan. 31

Gov. Scott Walker is seeking applicants for the non-traditional student representative on the UW System Board of Regents. The undergraduate student representative must be at least 24 years of age and represent views of non-traditional students, such as those who are employed or who are parents. This representative will serve for two years. The representative must be enrolled at least half-time in a UW System institution, be in good academic standing, be a Wisconsin resident and be enrolled for the two-year term. Students from UW-Parkside and UW-Eau Claire are not eligible because representatives from those colleges have served on the board. The Board of Regents is responsible for establishing policies and rules for governing the UW System, planning to meet future state needs for collegiate education, setting admission standards and policies, reviewing and approving university budgets, and establishing the regulatory framework within which the individual units are allowed to operate with as great a degree of autonomy as possible. Board members attend eight regular meetings per year, serve on special committees, serve as liaisons with at least two UW institutions and perform related duties. To apply, go to  www.walker.wi.gov, select the "Apply to Serve" tab on the right side of the page. Applications, along with a cover letter and resume, are due by noon Friday, Jan. 31. For more information, contact Eric Esser at 608.266.1212.

Academic Staff Professional Development Grants deadline is Feb. 3

Cartwright Center is hosting a Lost and Found pickup table from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, through Monday, Feb. 3. The table will be located near the Information Counter in Cartwright. Items lost throughout first semester will be displayed. All remaining items will be donated to Goodwill.

Records and Registration temporarily moved to 116 and 235 Graff Main Hall

Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Records and Registration has a new Facebook page. For announcements and deadlines "like" UW-L Records on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UWLRecords.

Test prep courses set for spring, summer

UW-La Crosse offers test preparation courses designed by a team of former standardized exam question writers and test preparation experts. Several courses have been set for this spring and summer to help students prepare for a variety of tests. For more information, contact Continuing Education at 608.785.6504 or conted@uwlax.edu. See also www.uwlax.edu/ContEd/testprep/index.html. GMAT Test Prep | $749 Complex quantitative and verbal skills needed to succeed on the GMAT Who should attend: -those seeking an advanced degree in business within the next five years -anyone who has been out of school for a few years -current undergraduate students 2014 spring sessions: Online: -Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 13-March 11, 6-9 p.m. -Mondays and Wednesdays, March 26-April 21, 6-9 p.m. 2014 summer sessions: Online: -Mondays and Wednesdays, July 9-Aug. 18, 6-8 p.m. GRE Test Prep | $749 Complex quantitative and verbal skills needed to succeed on the GRE. Fields of study that typically require or accept the GRE include: education, nursing, master of business administration programs and social work. Other related fields of study may be required to sit for the GRE. Who should attend: -those seeking an advanced degree in a wide range of fields within the next five years -anyone who has been out of school for a few years and for -current undergraduate students 2014 spring sessions: Free strategy workshop: -Tuesday, March 11, 6-7:30 p.m.; 330 Morris Hall Face-to-face: -Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 1-24, 6-9 p.m.; 330 Morris Hall Online: -Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 19-March 17, 6-9 p.m. -Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 3-29, 6-9 p.m. -Mondays and Wednesdays, April 23-May 19, 7-10 p.m. 2014 summer sessions: Free strategy workshop: -Tuesday, May 6, 6-7:30 p.m.; 330 Morris Hall Face-to-face: -Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 3-26, 6-9 p.m.; 330 Morris Hall Online: -Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 22-July 1, 6-8 p.m. -Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 10-Aug. 19, 6-8 p.m. LSAT Test Prep | $749 All American Bar Association (ABA) Certified Law Schools require a valid LSAT score as part of the admissions process. Who should attend: -current undergraduates -recent graduates -anyone looking to apply to law school 2014 spring sessions: Online: -Tuesdays, Thursday, Sundays,  Jan. 9-30, 6-9 p.m. -Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 1-June 3, 6-9 p.m. 2014 summer sessions: Online: -Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 24-July 31, 6-8:30 p.m.

Grant writing workshop to be held Feb. 18; requests for grant applications due March 5

A grant writing workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18,  in 337 Cartwright Center for all undergraduate and graduate students interested in receiving funding for research and creative projects. Free pizza will be served beginning at 6 p.m. Students will learn how to submit a grant proposal to the Undergraduate Research & Creativity Committee (URCC). This event is sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creativity and the URCC. Students interested in applying for Undergraduate Research & Creativity Grants must request a URCC grant application (via Google docs) by Wednesday, March 5. Request enrollment by emailing stdtresearch@uwlax.edu. Students who attend the Grant Writing Workshop will be automatically enrolled.  Students must complete grant applications by Wednesday, March 12, to be considered. More information is available at www.uwlax.edu/urc.

Download UW-L desktop videoconferencing program Cisco Jabber

UW-L faculty, staff and students can download UW-L's desktop videoconferencing solution Cisco Jabber. Cisco Jabber — similar to Skype — provides virtual meetings rooms, recording capability and document sharing. To download the program and install it on Windows and Mac computers and iPads, visit software.uwlax.edu or the Apple App Store.  Click here for additional instructions or contact Terry Wirkus, ITS, at 608.785.8049.

Lecture capture available in Centennial, Wimberly halls

Anyone teaching or holding a special event in 1309 or 1400 Centennial Hall or 102 Wimberly Hall this semester can use the Mediasite lecture capture solution. It allows users to catalog a page of class recordings at a single URL. Some instructors capture their entire course and others only capture special speakers and examination reviews. Recordings are a good resource and an aid to student success. For more information click here or contact Terry Wirkus, ITS, at 608.785.8049.

News and upcoming events

Faculty emeritus Harun Rashid, Geography and Earth Science, along with coauthor Bimal Paul, published  “Climate Change in Bangladesh: Confronting Impending Disasters” in January by Lexington Press.  

Welcome,  new employees:

• Michelle Belland, Associate Counselor, Counseling & Testing Center
• Roger Boulay, Associate Lecturer, Art Department
• Lindsey Butts, University Services Program Associate, School of Education
• Andrea Frisch, Lecturer, Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation Management Department
• Richard Frost, Associate Lecturer, Environmental Studies
• Jordan Harmel, IS Business Automation Analyst (Project), Residence Life
• Alyson Haugen, Lecturer, Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation Management Department
• Armine (Mina) Herron, Associate Lecturer, Accountancy Department
• Hayley Hudson, Associate Lecturer, Chemistry Department
• Shuma Iwai, Associate Lecturer, Educational Studies Department
• Marc Kayson, Associate Lecturer, Psychology Department
• Caitlin Milnthorpe, University Services Program Associate, Continuing Education & Extension
• Katherine Rick, Associate Lecturer, Accountancy Department
• Mark Valenti, Administrative Program Manager II, Information Technology Services
• Brian Vamstad, Associate Lecturer, Political Science & Public Administration Department

Congratulations, retirees:

• Rita Gabel, Custodian in Custodial Services
• Paul Heckman, Lecturer, English
• Thomas Link, Senior Adviser, Student Support Services
• Nancy Navar, Professor, Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation

 

UW-L in the news

A summary of some of the stories about UW-La Crosse spotted in the news. "Locals leaders praise new UW System leader," La Crosse Tribune, Jan. 9. Higher education advocates in La Crosse hope the new president University of Wisconsin System can mend fences with the Legislature and help restore funding. Raymond Cross' integrity and clout with Madison lawmakers will be an asset for UW in the wake of 2013's budget cuts, UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow said ... "Peekaboos hats are ponytail friendly," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Jan. 16. She moved on to hats, but that was a little trickier for Lause, then a college student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. "The first hat I made had a ...  

Schedule spring library instruction now

Every year, thousands of UW-L students benefit from hands-on instruction related to information research and library resources. Faculty and staff work with librarians to design sessions that meet the needs of their classes, and then they either bring their classes into the library or a librarian visits their classroom. The program gets very busy, especially in the opening weeks of the semester, so faculty and staff are encouraged to make arrangements as early as possible. To schedule a library instruction session, use the form at the library website or email information to libinstruct@uwlax.edu or go to http://www2.uwlax.edu/MurphyLibrary/Services/Forms/Library-instruction-request/. For more information or special requests, contact  Instructional Design and Integration Librarian Sharon Hamilton at 608.785.8398 or shamilton@uwlax.edu.

Reserve course materials now

Faculty and staff who want to reserve course materials, such as circulating and personal copies of books and DVDs,  should submit requests to the library as soon as possible. Allow one week for reserves processing and placement. To reserve materials, go to http://www2.uwlax.edu/MurphyLibrary/Services/Borrowing/Course-reserves/. A form for placing reserve requests, with a link to the library's copyright guide, is available. Direct questions about reserves to Access Services at 608.785.8507 or cirser@uwlax.edu. How’s your physical wellness? Physical wellness is achieved by eating well, exercising, avoiding harmful habits, getting enough sleep, recognizing the signs of disease, getting regular physical exams and taking steps to prevent injury. Watch this column for tips and ideas to improve and maintain physical health. Email ideas and questions to UW-L’s Recreational Eagle Center Strength Center Manager Dennis Kline at dkline@uwlax.edu.

Join Wellness At Work! challenges

The Health Tradition Health Plan and UW-L are providing four Wellness at Work challenges in 2014 to improve employee health. You do not need to be a member of the Health Tradition Health Plan to participate. Participate in one, two, three or all four — the choice is yours. Track healthy moves, feel better and have the opportunity to win a prize. Sign up now and get a free Live Your Life Well T-shirt. The first challenge this year is 10-10-10 — little bursts of activity during the day pay off big. From Sunday, Jan. 26, through Saturday, Feb. 22, participants are to perform 10 minutes of moderate activity, three times a day. Benefits are: · getting healthier and having more energy · avoiding weight gain and grueling workouts Participants have the opportunity to win a rolling, insulated cooler with a telescoping handle, leak-proof lining, a zippered main compartment, a front pocket, side mesh pockets and durable wheels, as well as other prizes. To get started: 1) Go online to Wellness at Work! Sign up and sign up to receive a free shirt. 2) Print out the attached Activity Tracker (or pick one up at the Student Life Office, 149 Graff Main Hall). 3) Track your activity on your Activity Tracker Jan. 26 - Feb. 22. 4) Drop off/send your tracker sheet to the Student Life Office no later than Wednesday, March 5. Live well and enjoy the challenge.

Programs at REC free Jan.27-31

From Monday, Jan. 27, through Friday, Jan. 31, all facilities and programs — including Group X classes — at the REC are free for faculty, staff and students. Get a tour and fill out a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two one-month REC memberships for faculty and staff.  For more information go to www.uwlax.edu/recsports.

Diet and physical activity: What’s the cancer connection?

How much do daily habits such as diet and exercise affect your risk for cancer? Much more than you might think. Research has shown that poor diet and not being active are two key factors that can increase a person’s cancer risk. The good news is that you can do something about this. Except for quitting smoking, some of the most important things you can do to help reduce your cancer risk are:

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life
• Be physically active on a regular basis
• Make healthy food choices with a focus on plant-based foods

The bottom line — One third of all cancer deaths are related to diet and activity factors. Let’s challenge ourselves to lose some extra pounds, increase our physical activity, make healthy food choices, limit alcohol and look for ways to make our communities healthier places to live, work and play. Find out more at "American Cancer Society Programs to Help You Stay Well." See also "Cancer Statistics Report: Deaths Down 20% in 2 Decades." Visit the Recreational Eagle Center Strength Center and talk to Dennis Kline dkline@uwlax.edu about resources UW-L has.   UW-L student Rebecca Brandt died Jan. 13. The Dickinson Sletten McKee Hanson Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Watch the La Crosse Tribune for a complete obituary.