Dedication of Andersen hall

Will Norton, right, dean of UNL's College of Journalism and Mass Communications, presents Harold Andersen with an artist's rendering of Andersen Hall during a ceremony dedicating the building Oct. 5. Andersen, retired publisher of the Omaha World-Herald, and his wife, Marian, provided major funding for the building.

No Scarlet week of fall break

The Scarlet will not publish the week of Fall Break, Oct. 25. The deadline for the Nov. 1 issue is noon Oct. 25. Also, when you are e-mailing items to the Scarlet , name them descriptively with something other than Scarlet Articles or Scarlet.doc.

More info coming on insurance changes

The following information is supplied by the UNL Benefits and Retirement office:

The letter sent recently by University of Nebraska President L. Dennis Smith to faculty and staff outlined some changes in health care benefits that will begin in January 2002. Here is some additional information regarding health care/insurance costs at both the national and local level.

Nationally, hospital outpatient costs have increased 12.5 percent this year, and prescription drug costs have increased 15.2 percent. In addition, health care costs for 2002 are projected to increase 13 percent to 18 percent.

Similar dramatic increases have occurred on the local level. These increases directly affect the University of Nebraska's health insurance plan. Starting in 1999, health care costs have risen dramatically for the University of Nebraska.

In 2001, the cost of all claims will total $60 million; that's $15 million more than total claims filed in 1999. In August 2001, alone, claim costs were $5.5 million. The cost of claims expected to be filed in 2002 is projected to be $69 million.

The university's contribution to the health plan will increase 17 percent on Jan. 1, 2002, but that will not fully cover all expenses. Employees' costs will increase $35 to $50 per month, depending on coverage each individual has chosen. The good news is that no major changes in deductibles and stop-loss are expected for the upcoming year

The university is working to ensure that its plan is meeting employees' needs and is competitive with other employers. A national health care consultant was hired and did look at the university's health plan and made many recommendations. These recommendations will be the starting point for the president's Health Care Advisory committee, which will be discussing the structure and future direction of the health plan.

In the meantime, employees have some control over their situations. When your NUFlex information arrives later this fall, carefully review your options to make sure that one of the Blue Cross Blue Shield options i.e. Low, Basic or High, will best meet your coverage needs. Use the Reimbursement Account to help with out-of-pocket expenses such as medical deductibles, coinsurance and pharmacy co-payments. Keep wellness in mind; in addition to eating right and getting enough exercise, use the annual preventive physical exam allowance of $150 per person per year as a preventive measure.

More information will be available Nov. 9 when the first NUFlex newsletter is mailed. That newsletter will contain the dates and places of campus informational meetings being arranged to answer employee questions and concerns.

Until then, you can direct questions to the UNL Benefits and Retirement Office at 472-2600 or send an e-mail to: Benefits@unlnotes.unl.edu .

Conference to study K-12 assessment issues

The establishment of K-12 student standards and the methods of assessing how they are met will be the focus of a conference Oct. 12-13.

"K-12 Student Assessment as a Moral Endeavor" is designed to encourage discussion of issues of student assessment, with special emphasis on the moral implications for Nebraska youth. It is sponsored by the Nebraska Network for Educational Renewal, which consists of nine institutions of higher education in Nebraska, their approximately 50 partner schools and school districts, and the Nebraska Department of Education.

The conference begins Oct. 12 with a 7 p.m. keynote address, "Challenging the Culture of Testing: The Moral Dimensions of Accountability," by Mary Diez, graduate dean of Alverno College in Milwaukee and past president of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

Small-group sessions are scheduled for 8:45 to 11 a.m. Oct. 13 before the conference concludes with a panel discussion from 11 a.m. to noon. Panelists will include Doug Christensen, Nebraska commissioner of education; John Langan, chair of teacher education at UNO and president of the Omaha school board; Barbara Plake, director of the Buros Institute for Mental Measurements in UNL's Teachers College; Dennis Potthoff, director of teacher education at UNK; and state Sen. Ron Raikes, chair of the legislature's education committee.

The conference is dedicated to the late Robert Egbert, former longtime dean of Teachers College who was executive director of the Nebraska Network for Educational Renewal until his death Sept. 14.

The registration fee of $20 includes a 6 p.m. dinner on Oct. 12 and an 8 a.m. continental breakfast on Oct. 13 (registration is $15 for Oct. 12 only, $10 for Oct. 13 only).

There is no registration fee for those attending but not eating meals.

All sessions will be at the Clifford Hardin Nebraska Center for Continuing Education, 33rd and Holdrege streets.

To register For registration and other information, contact Gail Kegley at UNK by telephone, (308) 865-8565, or e-mail kegleyg@unk.edu.

E-news process for e-mail to all

E-News is a weekly compilation of notices to be distributed to all faculty and staff and replaces the sporadic "e-mail to all" system. The notices will be entered through a Web-based form and will include contact information and the ability to link to a Web site with more details. The submitted Web forms will be automatically compiled, and the week's list of notices will be reviewed to ensure that all items are sponsored by a UNL department, program or organization. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Monday; E-News will be distributed on Tuesday evening.

Items must be sponsored by a UNL department, program or organization. No commercial or personal announcements are allowed. Announcements are to have news rather than opinion content. See the sample E-News at http://www.unl.edu/o pcenter/forms/sample.html.

The E-News Web site is at http://www.unl.edu/o pcenter/forms/E-News.html and links from the Faculty/Staff tab on the UNL homepage. The Web site gives instructions on how to use E-News as well as how to submit text-only information to create a companion Web site if desired. Questions about E-News should be directed to the Information Services Help Desk at 472-3970 or helpdesk@unl.edu

UAAD October meeting features John Owens

John Owens, vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is guest speaker for the October membership meeting of the University Association for Administrative Development. Owens' lecture, "The Land-Grant University Movement and the Future of IANR," is part of a meeting that beings at 11:50 a.m. Oct. 17 in the Nebraska Union. The meeting is open to all. Participants are encouraged to bring brown-bag lunches.

UAAD sponsors 'life' workshops

The University Association for Administrative Development invites all managerial/professional staff to a Lincoln Information for the Elderly (LIFE) workshop with Donna Washburn, Paul Yates and Houston Doan from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Nebraska East Union.

"Few people consider themselves caregivers and few know it is a sign of strength to ask for help when they find themselves in that role," Washburn said. "There is support to help elder caregivers balance their lives."

At the workshop, participants can find out how easily burnout can occur, as well as answers to the financial and legal concerns involved with elder caregiving.

Washburn, a UNL graduate, has been a professional caregiver for 8 1/2 years. She is a past case manager for the LIFE office in eight counties. Washburn coordinates the ElderCare portion of the Nebraska Caregiver Website, Lincoln's Caregiver Support Group and the ElderCare Connection.

Yates has been with the Area Agency on Aging for 19 years. He has a bachelor's degree in social work with a specialization in gerontology from UNO. He has been a LIFE counselor and director of Senior Employment - Operation ABLE, and is director of development for the Senior Foundation for the Area Agency on Aging.

Doan is a UNL graduate and has been an insurance representative and independent broker who focuses on estate planning. He is a counselor for ABLE and a financial/insurance adviser for the LIFE office where he assists older people who have questions about Medicare, insurance, estate planning and other matters.

To attend the workshop, contact Julie Hagemeier at jhagemeier1@unl.edu or call 472-1619 by Oct. 31. Walk-ins are also welcome. Participants should bring a brown-bag lunch.

Olson seminar examines food production in Nebraska

In the 2000 census, agriculture was not listed as a separate occupation for the first time in history, meaning less than 2 percent of the population feed and clothe the rest of us.

John Carter, special projects coordinator for the Nebraska State Historical Society, will take an in-depth look at the story of food production in the next Paul A. Olson Seminar in Great Plains Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He will present American Bounty: Nebraska and the Story of Food from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Christlieb Gallery, 1155 Q St. His presentation and a 3 p.m. reception in the gallery are free and open to the public.

Carter will describe how the story of food production is central to the story of Nebraska and how it is far more interesting than the stereotypes. He will explore the complex environmental, economic, social and political issues that map the path between food producer and food consumer.

Japanese festival Oct. 12 includes sumo contests

A Japanese Bon Odori cultural festival, including an amateur sumo wrestling tournament, will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in the plaza north of the Nebraska Union. Events are free and open to the public.

The festival is sponsored by the UNL Japanese Language Program and the Global Friends of Japan, a student organization.

"Bon Odori" is a traditional dance and an important part of the ancient Japanese festival, Obon, which normally is celebrated in July to remember and honor the deceased.

In addition to the sumo wrestling tournament, the festival will introduce Japanese foods, games and dance. Participants will also be able to try their hands at Japanese traditional arts such as origami.

Funds collected by the wrestling tournament contestants will be donated to aid victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C. In the event of bad weather, the festival will be at the Culture Center, 333 N. 14th St.

Multi-ethnic guide available

The UNL Purchasing Department has available extra copies of a "Multi-Ethnic Guide. "This guide is published by the Minority Economic Development Council of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. To obtain a copy, contact Bill Bode,472-3609, wbode1@unl.edu.

Kerbel addressing media and news Oct. 16

The University Program Council presents Matthew Kerbel at a free public lecture at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Nebraska Union. Kerbel's lecture is titled If It Bleeds It Leads: Unmasking Television News.

Through humorous news clips spiced with stand-up monologue and audience participation, Kerbel, a professor at Villanova University, raises the question, "How can we make sense of our world when it is filtered through the lens of entertainment, not journalism?" The answer lies in understanding what he calls the Fundamental Rule of Television News: Far from being a serious enterprise, television is a pretend medium, and news reports are television first, journalism second. After experiencing some of the tricks of the trade - how news people "pretend" things are happening when they're really not - the audience will never look at television news the same way again.

Law lecturer addressing gender issues in the legal profession

Deborah L. Rhode, the Ernest W. McFarland professor of law at Stanford University will speak at the University of Nebraska College of Law on Oct. 26.

Rhode's lecture, "Gender and the Profession: The No-Problem Problem," will begin at noon in Ross McCollum Hall, East Campus Loop and Fair Street. It is free and open to the public.

Rhode is the director of the Keck Center on Legal Ethics and the Legal Profession at Stanford and is widely published on topics related to ethics and gender. Her books include In the Interests of Justice: Reforming the Legal Profession, Justice and Gender: Sex Discrimination and the Law, Speaking of Sex: The Denial of Gender Inequality and Ethics in Practice: Lawyers' Roles, Responsibilities and Regulation.

She is a former president of the American Association of Law Schools and is chair of the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession. She is on the board of directors of the Equal Rights Advocates and the National Organization for Women Legal Defense Fund.

Rhode is a graduate of Yale Law School and a former clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. For more information on Rhode, visit http://www.stanford.edu/facu lty/rhode.

Tour ghostly sites of Lincoln Oct. 19, 26

Historical ghost tours of Lincoln called "Keeping Lincoln Alive" will be at 8 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 19, and at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26 and leave from the south side of the Nebraska Union. Each tour will be last one hour and will be hosted by Dale Bacon, local storyteller and paranormal investigator. The tickets are $15 adult; $12 for those under age 18. All proceeds from this event help support the Alternative Spring Break program for college and university students from Nebraska. This program is a drug- and alcohol-free program that involves students in service learning activities over their spring breaks.

The tour is sponsored by the Nebraska Consortium for Service Learning in Higher Education, along with The Mill and A Novel Idea. For more information and to buy tickets, call Carolyn Nolte, 472-9636 or 472-2454.

Oct. 18 workshop addresses travel contract issues

UNL Travel Services will be presenting a travel workshop at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 in the Nebraska Union, and a repeat session at 1:30 p.m. in the East Union. Penny Watermeier, UNL Travel Services, and Jim Vogel, University Services, will be presenting a variety of topics regarding the travel contract and process at UNL. Time will be available for audience questions. For more information, call Rhonda Zugmier, 472-7907.

Credit union open house Oct. 18

Stop by the University of Nebraska Federal Credit Union (downtown) all day Oct. 18 for refreshments, prize drawings and an opportunity to meet with a representative from Members Only Auto Center and learn about:

• New Car Buying Services available through the credit union
• leasing your next vehicle
• how the Credit Union can save you time and money on your next purchase
• avoiding the hassle of negotiating with the dealer.

While you're there, be sure to register to win some great prizes, refuel with refreshments and check out the cars on display.

International Programs backs World Food Day, exchanges

By Cheryl Alberts, IANR News and Publishing

"World Food System: Serving All or Serving Some?" is the theme of the Oct. 16 World Food Day, an international awareness program coordinated locally through University of Nebraska International Programs.

World Food Day is organized through the National World Food Day Committee, a volunteer effort recognizing the creation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

International Programs, within NU's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is involved because both it and the FAO are involved with international food production, said Sue Miller, assistant to director Arlen Etling. FAO estimates 800 million people in the world are chronically hungry, with one child dying every eight seconds because of hunger.

World Food Day begins with 8 a.m. registration in NU's East Union. Etling will give a welcome at 8:25, followed by comments from the Rev. Norman Leach, executive director of the Lincoln Interfaith Council. Don Reeves, past president of Bread for the World, is to speak at 8:45. UNL graduate students from various countries will hold a panel discussion on food production challenges at 9:45.

At 11:15, a bus will leave for the Kimmel Orchard at Nebraska City to look at alternative cropping systems such as row crops planted among fruit trees. Tour participants are asked to bring a sack lunch. Although there's no charge, please call Miller at 472-2758 so accommodations can be made as bus space is limited.

World Food Day study packets are available now, and a videotape of an international satellite program will be after Oct. 16.

World Food Day can help Nebraskans identify links between international food systems and U.S. policies.

"Our farmers operate in a world market," Miller said. "Prices are set by the world market."

Although International Programs draws attention to World Food Day annually, it works year-round on faculty exchanges, collaborative research, student opportunities to study abroad, stimulating more student interest in international agriculture studies and tours for international visitors.

Collaborative research helps countries become more self-sufficient, and sharing knowledge is valuable for everyone involved, Miller noted. For example, U.S. research conducted in Morocco developed U.S. wheats more resistant to Hessian flies. And sharing genetic plant materials has helped develop new varieties of sorghum and dry edible beans in the United States.

Faculty exchanges also help expand the U.S. export market. For example, Miller said countries producing their own food have higher standards of living and are more likely to import U.S. value-added food products.

Among visiting faculty currently at IANR are five agricultural economists from Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; one food scientist and one textile specialist from Tajikistan; and one Fulbright scholar from Mexico studying entomology.

Building international relationships can have long-term benefits. Many students who study at IANR return home to become government leaders, Miller said. She said Nebraska producers and manufacturers who generously give their time when international travelers visit are "great ambassadors. People remember Nebraska with a great deal of warmth," Miller said.

For example, of the many notes International Programs received after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Miller said one phrase from Argentina, "We are with you," was a representative summary.

To participate World Food Day begins at 8 a.m. Oct. 16 at the East Union. Activities include speakers, a panel discussion and a tour of alternative cropping systems. For information, call Sue Miller at 472-2758.

Have theology for lunch Oct. 18

The Theology for Lunch brown-bag discussion series for faculty and staff continues at noon Oct. 18 in the Nebraska Union. The topic is "Conversations - God and Country: Personal, Political and Faith Issues."

The next Theology for Lunch program will be at noon Nov. 15 in the Nebraska Union.

The program is sponsored by Cornerstone, Lutheran Student Center and St. Mark's on the Campus.

Workshop of interest to materiels suppliers

Business owners or managers who would like to provide goods or services to schools, cities, government offices or other public entities can learn the procedures at a free workshop Nov. 8 in Lincoln. The workshop runs 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lancaster Extension Education Center, 444 Cherry Creek Road. For information, call 472-2126.

Bill Bode, UNL director of purchasing and materiels management, said the event, in its fifth year, gives small businesses an opportunity to learn how the procurement process works at various public entities. The workshop is targeted to historically underutilized businesses such as those owned by minorities and women.

Bode said the workshop will provide an informal environment for business owners or managers to review procedural requirements and ask questions that might assist them in competing to provide goods and services to the institutions.

The program will feature representatives from the purchasing and materials management departments from all four University of Nebraska campuses, Central, Metro and Southeast community colleges, City of Lincoln/Lancaster County, Federal Reserve Bank, General Services Administration, Lincoln and Omaha public schools, National Park Service, Nebraska Business Development Center, Nebraska Public Power District, Offutt Air Base Contracting, Bonding and Technical Services, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The event also features representatives from these state agencies: Building Division, State Patrol, Roads, State Purchasing/Material Division, Health and Human Services, plus Douglas County and the Great Plains Minority Supplier Development Council.

Snow succumbs to sidewalk's heat

By Deborah Derrick, College of Engineering and Technology

An innovative snow removal method developed by UNL engineering researchers will be put to the test in Shelby, Ohio, this winter to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology.

The method was developed in five years of research by civil engineers Christopher Tuan and Sherif Yehia, who said the technology promises to clear ice and snow from sidewalks and roadways without salt. The technology turns concrete into an electricity conductor by introducing carbon and metal fibers into the concrete mix. Electricity passes through the concrete and causes it to heat up enough to melt ice and snow.

The Ohio demonstration project is the first in the United States to use the methods and mix developed by the UNL researchers. The product has been installed on sidewalks in front of two city buildings. Shelby is about 75 miles southwest of Cleveland.

A Shelby resident who thought the technology would be perfect for the city's downtown enhancement project initiated the project. Clayton Hallmark noticed the UNL researchers' Web page on conductive concrete and thought he had a good product for the concrete mix. Hallmark works for Graphite Sales Inc., a producer of the carbon material used in conductive concrete.

"He sent us samples and it showed excellent performance for heating," Tuan said. "We invited him to Omaha and we talked about a joint venture to do a full-scale demonstration of the product."

Tuan traveled to Shelby in September to oversee the installation. The slabs will be monitored over the next few years for performance and power usage. UNL researchers have applied for a patent on the system, materials and methods.

For information More information about concrete that can conduct electricity is available on the World Wide Web: http://www.conductive- concrete.unomaha.edu.

Fall foliage walk planned Oct. 21

UNL's East Campus will be the site of a fall color walk from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21. The walk will begin at the south entrance to Maxwell Arboretum near the Loerch Gazebo - just inside the main East Campus entrance at 38th and Holdrege streets. The walk, sponsored by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, will focus on the trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants that make fall a beautiful time in the landscape.

There is no charge for the walk, but pre-registration is requested. Call the Arboretum at 472-2971 or e-mail jevertson@unl.edu.

PT can relieve, prevent injuries

Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome and chronic back pain, can develop at work through a combination of muscle tension, muscle imbalance, repetitive motion, overuse and/or poor posture. These injuries can produce significant pain and be costly to organizations through missed workdays and medical treatment. However, rotating jobs, taking rest breaks, paying attention to posture and exercising can help prevent them.

Physical therapy, "the science of healing . . . the art of caring," is available on campus if repetitive strain injuries occur. The therapists can evaluate your injuries and develop treatment programs to address whatever muscle imbalances and/or symptoms exist. A physician referral is required for physical therapy treatment. If you have questions or wish to make an appointment, call the UHC Physical Therapy Department at 472-7490.

College Bound seminar Oct. 16

The University of Nebraska Federal Credit Union will offer a free seminar, "College Bound - The Financial Experience," at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Clifford Hardin Center, 33rd and Holdrege streets. Find out what you can do financially to plan your college experience. Are you a first-time college-bound student or parent? Are you wondering where to start? A representative from the University of Nebraska Financial Aid Office will be on hand to answer your questions. This seminar is free. Call the Credit Union at 472-2087 to reserve a seat.

Alltel strike may affect campuses

The following e-mail was sent to all faculty and staff Oct. 3:

As you may have read in the local newspapers over the past few months, there appears to be a reasonable chance that Alltel's staff responsible for telephone installations and maintenance will go on strike toward the middle of October. Since Alltel provides these services to UNL (and Central Administration), any strike would likely impact the speed at which our telephone requests could be processed.

While this strike may impact anyone with Alltel service in Nebraska, the focus of this note is toward people working on either UNL's City or East campuses. County Extension offices and Research and Learning Centers in Alltel's service areas would also be affected, but issues at those locations would have to be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

How might this impact you? The biggest impact would probably involve the following areas: installation of new voice or data lines (copper wire); moving phones from one office to another; installing new phones; fixing problems with your phone.

The following common activities should NOT be impacted: activation of existing data ports; mew or modifications to voice mail accounts; cellular phone orders; conference calls; operator services; directory assistance.

Information Services is already making arrangements for alternative providers to assist us where possible if a strike or work slowdown does occur, however, certain activities simply can't be performed without Alltel employees to do the work.

If you know that you are going to have some additional telephone service installed in the next month or two, or are going to move phones from one office to another, we suggest you turn in your orders as soon as possible.

If it becomes apparent that your request can not be completed in a timely manner, we will notify you of the delay, and discuss any possible alternatives with you.

Champions Club offers Homecoming party Oct. 19

Music, munchies, Husker spirit and the introduction of an official class ring will all be part of the University of Nebraska's ninth annual "Come on Home Celebration" Oct. 19. The event is free and open to the public.

Hosted by the Nebraska Alumni Association, the "Come on Home Celebration" runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nebraska Champions Club, directly west of Memorial Stadium. As part of UNL's Homecoming Week festivities, the celebration supports the theme "Tour the Big Red Tradition."

As in previous years, the festivities will include performances by the Scarlet and Cream Singers, the Yell Squad, Herbie Husker and Lil' Red and the Juggling Club, and a tour of campus homecoming displays via Molley the Trolley. Free food, door prizes and 2001 homecoming royalty appearances will round out the agenda.

A float representing the campus movement toward an official class ring will be under construction during the event, and attendees are welcome to lend a hand. The float is part of the new University Ring Program to create a single class ring exclusive to students and alumni who have completed 70 credit hours at Nebraska.

The homecoming Husker Huddle pre-game party on Oct. 20 will feature more goodies and entertainment before Nebraska takes on Texas Tech. The party will start 2 1/2 hours before kickoff at the Wick Alumni Center, 1520 R St.

University alumni and friends who are unable to return to campus can still tune in to all the festivities at the second annual "Virtual Homecoming" Web site at http://www.unl.edu/alumni beginning Oct. 15. The special Web site features a lawn display contest in which the winner will receive the "Homecoming Herbie Alumni Choice Award." Visitors to the site can vote online for their favorite lawn display. The site also includes a calendar of events, homecoming court royalty information, photographs of homecoming activities, a message board, and NU homecoming history.

Literacy experts speak Oct. 18

Arnetha F. Ball, specialist in literacy at Stanford University, and Ted Lardner, associate professor of English at Cleveland State University, will present their research results in "Literacies Unleashed: Lessons from Community-Based Literacy Programs."

The presentation will be given at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Bailey Library, 229 Andrews Hall. It is free and open to the public.

Ball is associate professor of education at Stanford, where she specializes in language, literacy and culture. Lardner is associate professor of English at Cleveland State, where he is also director of the Poetry Center.

Ball and Lardner have co-written a new book, Literacies Unleashed: Re-imagining the Possibilities for African American Students in the Composition Classroom, forthcoming in the National Council of Teachers of English Studies in Writing and Rhetoric series.

Their co-written essay, "Dispositions Toward Literacy: Constructs of Teacher Knowledge and the Ann Arbor Black English Case," published in "College Composition and Communication," received the Richard Braddock award for the best article of 1997.

Ball and Lardner's visit is sponsored at UNL by the Convocations Committee, the Nebraska Writing Project, the department of English, the Humanities Center, the Center for Curriculum and Instruction, Teachers College, and the African and African American Studies program.