 |
Top StoriesArtsFor the RecordCalendarJobsArchived ScarletsScarlet Info |
November 13, 1998
|
Hartley Elementary School students listen as Nebraska basketball player Andy Markowski speaks to them during an assembly about the importance of reading. The Nebraska men's basketball team and head coach Danny Nee visited elementary schools throughout October and part of this month as part of the Read To Win program. Students receive different prizes, including tickets to a NU basketball game, based on the number of pages and books they read during the program. |
UNICEF Coordinates Hurricane ReliefBy Kim Hachiya, Public Relations Nebraskans who wish to contribute to relief for Central American hurricane victims should take time to ensure that their efforts are made wisely, said a UNICEF official. Natalie Hahn, deputy director of the Programme Funding Office for the United Nations Children's Fund, is a 1967 graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Home Economics (now College of Human Resources and Family Sciences). She's spent nearly 30 years working with the United Nations, primarily in Africa but recently relocated to New York. Hahn said UNICEF works in collaboration with more than 20 United Nations agencies, each with specific strengths. UNICEF, she said, is particularly adept at moving supplies. Others are working with security, agriculture relief or health needs, for example. The most common mistake, she said, is that while relief pours in, much of it is in unneeded or non-critical supplies. UNICEF has a list, updated daily, of the most necessary items, each tagged with a price. For example, an agricultural tool kit consisting of shovels, hoes and other items, costs $80. There are also ag supply kits with seeds, fertilizers and pesticides; irrigation kits; and poultry kits. Regional coordinators compile the lists and get the most needed supplies to the people, she said. Another duty handled by UN officials, she said, is managing the scores of world leaders who want to visit crisis sites. Sometimes a visit by a world leader can have political ramifications for a country and the UN offers a neutral "tour guide" as well as frees time for indigenous leaders to do more pressing duties beyond "hosting" other officials. While the devastation in Central America is fresh news, Hahn said it's important to remember that "this is a crisis that won't stop in one week." "This will take a 20 to 40 year reconstruction. This will have effects for generations." UNICEF has broadened its relief efforts in recognition of that, she said. The "post-emergency" period will require long-term trauma treatment to deal with the psychological impact of the loss of children, the creation of orphans, permanent homelessness and inability to recover economically. Hahn said Nebraskans eager to send aid should be sure that they are sending needed items (for example, snow shovels are unneeded, garden spades are). Also, she said, be sure there is a structure in place that is reliable in terms of delivery and that is accountable and has the ability to track items so they get to those who most desperately need it. Unfortunately, she said, there are always unscrupulous folks who take advantage of others' charity and in effect, steal items meant for victims. Big Blue to Offer Assistance, Enhance Educational Experience IBM Joins with Kiewit ISTE in PartnershipOfficials of IBM and the Peter Kiewit Institute of Information Science, Technology and Engineering on Nov. 6 announced a partnership under which IBM will provide an "expert in residence." The partnership consultant is software engineer Bill O'Brien, who has a 36-year career with IBM in development and research in management and technical position. O'Brien's duties are to identify a minimum of five areas where IBM may be in a position to enhance the educational experience of students attending the institute. His role then is to tap the appropriate IBM executives worldwide and bring them to the institute to assist students, faculty, business and industry. In a prepared news release, O'Brien said, "This is one of the most exciting projects I've been associated with. It holds tremendous promise as a model for others to emulate. I've been overwhelmed by the numbers of calls from within IMB expressing an interest in participating. My challenge will be managing the projects and finding the appropriate matches. It's a great problem to have." The institute now has formed two partnerships with the corporate world to help develop curriculum. Boeing Corp. has loaned one of its top information science executives to the university. For more than a year, IBM has been studying the possibilities of partnerships with universities. NU has had a relationship with IBM since 1996 when the company became involved in studies and research aimed at improving the university's campus computing networks, internet access and other technologies. The Peter Kiewit Institute is an initiative involving both the Lincoln and Omaha campuses of the University of Nebraska in a unique partnership and collaboration with business and industry. The new facility at 67th and Pacific streets is expected to be complete on or near April 1, 1999, with classes scheduled to begin there in the fall. Tanner Plaza, Archie Dedications Nov. 21Archie, a life-size bronze replica of an ancient Nebraska mammoth (Mammuths columbi), has been placed in his new home, the Lloyd G. Tanner Plaza at the entrance of the University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall. A dedication ceremony and open house will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 21. Children and adults may participate in activities such as making Archie ears, finding fossils in a mock dig site and special laser shows. The event is free and open to the public. The plaza recognizes the achievements of Lloyd G. Tanner, a former field supervisor in fossil collection in western Nebraska and curator of vertebrate paleontology for the NU State Museum. During his nearly 40-year career at the museum, Tanner made a number of significant scientific contributions. He was instrumental in organizing the Trailside Museum in Crawford, was a life member of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences, and was president of the Nebraska Geological Society. Three fossil species are named in his honor. Ron and Lynn Tanner of Omaha and Jerry and Jana Tanner of Lincoln funded the plaza in honor of their father. The Office of Campus Recreation-East Has a Lot to OfferAfter their first visit to the East Campus Activities Building people say they like the uncrowded, yet fully-equipped facility. Campus Recreation-East is located in the East Campus Activities Building, on North 35th Street between Burr Hall and the Ruth Staples Laboratory. Campus Recreation-East has many exercise and recreation opportunities to offer faculty/staff and students. Campus Recreation has very low membership costs, starting at $13 per month. Inside the East Campus Activities Building, you'll find a fully equipped weight room, complete with free weights and Cybex weight machines. You'll also find many cardiovascular machines, including treadmills, bikes, Stairmasters, cross aerobics machines, elliptical machines and more. Staff is available to answer questions about the equipment and its proper use. Basketball, aerobics classes and an Injury Prevention and Care Room are also available. ECAB hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. According to one patron, "fewer people working out, less of a wait to use cardio equipment, and a well-trained staff are some of the great things about Campus Recreation-East." The ECAB staff invites you to stop by for a tour. For more information, call 472-2479. CREC Hours Change for Holiday BreakCampus Recreation Thanksgiving Break Facility Hours are: Nov. 25: Campus Recreation Center, 6:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. East Campus Activities Building, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 26: Both buildings closed Nov. 27 & 28: Campus Recreation Center, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
East Campus Activities Building, closed Nov. 29: Campus Recreation Center, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. East Campus Activities Building, closed Student Directories AvailableThe official 1998-99 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Directory is available. One copy has been distributed to each university department. If your department needs additional copies, call Judy at 472-7021, or you may pick one up at the Information Counter or University Bookstore in either the Nebraska Union or East Union. A UNL ID will be required. International Eyeopener Breakfast Nov. 19The International Eyeopener Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 19 in the East Union will feature Lynn Lutgen, Agricultural Economics, who will discuss the changes that have taken place in the Ukraine since the break-up of the Soviet Socialist Republic. The Ukraine, which was an important producer of agricultural products for the former Soviet Union, struggles to reshape its agriculture in the new regime. Faculty, staff, students and the public are welcome. Call International Programs, 472-2758, for a reservation. Student Foundation/Builders Award for Outstanding Academic Advising Nominations SoughtNominations are due Jan. 29, 1999 for the Student Foundation/Builders Award for Outstanding Academic Advising. The award was established in 1987 to acknowledge faculty or advising staff who have demonstrated outstanding advising activity, and who, by their service to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, have made a considerable contribution to the educational enrichment of university students. The award is funded by the UNL Student Foundation and the All University Fund. All faculty or staff members are eligible for this award, and nominations may be made by any student, faculty member, staff member or administrator. Nomination forms may be picked up at 200 NU or 300 ECU, ASUN, or 106 Canfield Administration Building, and must be returned to 200 NU or 300 ECU. For information, contact Connie Pejsar at 472-2151 or Adam Eakes at 436-7790. Operating Policy For Inclement Weather ClosedownThe decision to close the university because of severe weather or other reasons shall be made by the chancellor on recommendation of the vice chancellor for business and finance. The vice chancellor for business and finance will be advised by personnel who have the most direct responsibility for understanding and dealing with weather emergencies. These offices include: UNL Police, Facilities Management (which includes the Power Plant and Building Maintenance), Landscape Services (with responsibility for snow plowing and removal), and Telecommunications (receiving weather forecasts). Once a decision has been made, the Chancellor's Office will notify all other vice chancellors and the university switchboard chief operator (472-3712). The director of public relations will notify radio and television stations and other appropriate media. Every effort will be made to have closedown information in the news media by 6 a.m. for day classes and by 2 p.m. for night classes. Selected positions have been identified as essential during weather closings (e.g. police officers, residence hall cooks, and snow removal personnel). Such personnel are made aware of this designation at the time of hiring or reassignment to a position that is considered essential during a weather closing. Unless a position has been specifically identified as essential during a weather closing, the employee should assume their services are not required. The announcement by the director of public relations will be one of three alternatives: (a) "All classes (night classes) are canceled and all offices and clinics are closed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Only those individuals occupying positions designated as essential during weather closedowns should report to work." 1. When the university is closed due to severe weather all regular office/service and managerial/professional personnel scheduled to work will be considered on paid administrative leave. Essential office/service and managerial/ professional personnel who work during a weather closedown will receive time off (hour for hour) at a later date for the period of time they work. At departmental discretion, regular hourly paid employees may receive additional pay (hour for hour) in lieu of time off. 2. There may also be occasions when a severe storm approaches and all indications are that extremely hazardous conditions will prevail. It may then be advisable to close down the university so that personnel can get home safely. In this case, notification as outlined in the first paragraph will be followed with the addition that the switchboard will also begin notification of deans, directors, and department chairs. The compensation provisions outlined above (pay or time off) will apply for the number of hours involved. In these situations if an employee works part of a day and then is sent home he/she will be paid for the entire day (pay for hours worked and administrative leave for the remainder of the day). (b) "All classes (night classes) and clinics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are canceled. However, all other business will be conducted as usual therefore all personnel should report for work." This situation may occur, for example, if a storm before the start of the second semester prevents most students from returning in time but local personnel are still expected to come to work. In this situation there will be no administrative leave granted. Those not reporting for work may use vacation leave or leave without pay if there is no vacation leave accumulated. No additional time is granted for employees who come to work. In other words, it will be a normal work day for all employees. (c) "The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is open and all activities will be conducted as usual." Although the university is open during periods of adverse weather, supervisors and department chairs may alter work schedules to make allowances for unique travel problems. This means employees must still account for their normal workday by working or vacation leave. Address questions or requests for further information about weather closedowns to the Office of Public Relations, (472-2211). Questions pertaining to compensation for hours worked in such situations may be addressed to Human Resources, (472-3101). Register by Nov. 23 for Distance Learning Faculty WorkshopA three-phase workshop to help faculty design or modify courses for distance education will begin in January, with the second phase in March and the third phase in May. The workshop is funded by the Division of Continuing Studies, a NEB*SAT mini-grant and the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. This project is designed to support faculty participants over the course of an entire semester and into the summer. At the end of the May session, participants will present a detailed course framework including objectives, delivery modalities, multimedia enhancements (if any) and the beginning design of a module. The sessions are interlocking, designed for maximum hands-on participation. Faculty must commit to each session. Emphasis will be placed on course design and correlating teaching strategies with technology choices. Faculty will receive an invitation and call for participation from Don Swoboda, dean of the Division of Continuing Studies, and Irv Omtvedt, vice chancellor of extended education. The workshop is limited to 20 participants. Faculty are encouraged to apply in pairs. Nancy Perrin and John Rueter, both of Portland State University, will facilitate the first session, Jan. 7-8. They will present a model of course redesign that links learning objectives, technology selection and outcomes assessment. The model was developed with funding from a FIPSE grant, and has been presented at national conferences. Project topics will include:
Some funding will be available following the May session to assist faculty in completing their course. For more information, call Bee Gatliff at 472-4346 or Gail Latta at 472-2521. Let's Talk Teaching on Nov. 18The Teaching and Learning Center will hold a "Let's Talk Teaching" session from 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 18 in the Selleck Hall Private Dining Room. "Creating Synergy: Teaching with Student Groups" will be facilitated by Paul Savory, Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, and Steve Sommer, Management. Ask instructors about the value of using group activities to get students to interact with each other to learn new material, and you'll probably get a polarized response - they love it or they hate it. If you have successfully used student groups to foster collaborative learning, you may be in the first camp. But if you've heard from colleagues whose efforts to teach with student groups have failed miserably, you may be reluctant to make that leap yourself. Talk with others who are either baffled by or right at home with groups in the classroom. Discover how the active learning tool about which you may be most apprehensive can create a truly synergistic atmosphere in which students work and learn together. To register for this session, contact the Teaching and Learning Center at teaching@unlinfo.unl.edu or call 472-3079. Breyer Lecture is Nov. 18Stephen G. Breyer, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, will deliver the keynote address in a Nov. 18 seminar sponsored by the Roman L. Hruska Institute for the Administration of Justice at the University of Nebraska College of Law. The seminar, "Federal Criminal Sentencing Guidelines," is free and open to the public and will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium of Ross McCollum Hall. Breyer will deliver his address, "Federal Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Revisited," from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. After a 15-minute break, two more talks will follow. Mark W. Bennett, U.S. district judge for the Northern District of Iowa, will speak on "Dragons and Other Pitfalls: A Provocative Look at the Sentencing Guidelines - A Sentencing Judge's View," then Clarence E. Mock, a lawyer in private practice in Oakland, will deliver "A Provocative Look at the Sentencing Guidelines: A Practitioner's View." Miller Retirement Reception Is Nov. 23: A retirement reception will occur from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 23 in the East Union for Elmer Miller, associate director for the Center for Leadership Development. Miller is retiring after more than 30 years of service to the university. A memory letters notebook is being compiled. Send letters to Karen Walbridge, Nebraska LEAD Program, 313 Biochemistry, P.O. Box 83703, Lincoln, NE 68583-0763. HR Requisition Deadline Nov. 23The Human Resources requisition deadline for position vacancies for the week of Nov. 23 through Dec. 4, will be 5 p.m. Nov. 23. Send your requisitions to 407 Administration, 0438. For more information, call 472-2120. Chancellor's Award for Exemplary Service to Students Nominations SoughtNominations are due Jan. 15, 1999 for the Chancellor's Award for Exemplary Service to Students. The award was established in 1986 to acknowledge extraordinary and sustained performance by individuals serving the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's students. All University of Nebraska-Lincoln employees are eligible for nomination. Nominations may be made by a student, faculty member, staff member or administrator. Nomination forms may be picked up at 200 NU, 300 ECU, ASUN and 106 Canfield Administration Building. Completed nominations should be sent to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 106 Canfield Administration. For more information, contact Barbara Wright-Chollet at 472-3755. Nov. 17, 18, 19 Forums Focus on Diversity Plan DraftThe campus community is invited to a discussion of the working draft of a Diversity Plan for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Three open forum sessions have been scheduled for faculty, staff and students to provide input. Bring your ideas to the following sessions:
Check the calendars on lobby kiosks under the heading UNL Diversity Plan-Open Forum for room numbers. The members of the Diversity/Gender Equity Resource Group - Linda Crump, director of Affirmative Action and Diversity Programs; Bruce Currin, director of Human Resources; Evelyn Jacobson, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs - want your input on the proposals brought forward for consideration in the draft plan. The plan can be found at http://www.unl.edu/svcaa/Dis cuss.html. Another way to give input is to send comments via email to: lcrump@unl.edu; bcurrin1@unl.edu; or ejacobson1@unl.edu. Extending a Charitable HandDo you or your department conduct any charitable activities as part of your holiday activities? For instance, does a group volunteer at a local soup kitchen, collect goods for the Food Bank, clothing for Honduran/Nicaraguan relief? Are you looking for others to volunteer their time and/or money to your cause? If so, please drop an email to Kim Hachiya at The Scarlet. We are interested in letting the world (or at least the university community) know of university employees' efforts to share their bounty with others who are not as fortunate. Send the details, including a brief description of the project and a contact person with phone number via email to khachiya@unlinfo.unl.edu or send a hard copy to The Scarlet, attn.: Kim, 321 Canfield, 0424 by Nov. 25. We will publicize these events in the Dec. 4 Scarlet. UNL Recycles Day Nov. 18The Chancellor has designated Nov. 18 as UNL Recycles Day. From Nov. 17-19, students will staff a booth in the Nebraska Union where students can sign pledges to recycle and buy recycled-content products. The booth will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day and is sponsored by Phi Beta Lambda, Student Impact Team, ASUN Environmental Issues Subcommittee and UNL Recycling Services. Participants in the Legacy of Trash project (they agreed to collect all their waste for the week of Nov. 11-19) will dump their trash at Nebraska Union Memorial Plaza on Nov. 19 to see how much could have been recycled. 1998-1999 Annual Award NominationsThe Arts and Sciences Alumni Association is soliciting nominations for alumni and student awards. Alumni Association awards are an important way to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our past and present students. Send your nominations to Mike Steinman by Feb. 1. The Arts and Sciences Alumni Association Board will make the final selections after receiving recommendations from a Board committee. Please provide enough information about nominees (a detailed application is unnecessary) so the Board can make informed decisions. The awards are made in four categories: 1. Alumni Achievement Awards to Arts and Sciences graduates who have demonstrated outstanding achievement. 2. Young Alumni Achievement Awards for young alumni (35 years of age or younger) who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career and/or have demonstrated active involvement in their community. 3. Student Leadership Awards to the Arts and Sciences students who have demonstrated leadership in academics or in student life. 4. The Award of Merit given annually to an individual (not necessarily an alumnus) who has demonstrated continued support of the College of Arts and Sciences. All awards will be made at a dinner on campus on April 22,1999. Recipients will be notified about the exact time and location. In addition to honoring the award recipients at the dinner, we will also celebrate the achievements of graduating members of the Honors program and graduates who received their degrees with distinction in 1998-1999. For more information contact Mike Steinman, 472-2891, or Lee Denker at the Alumni Association, 472-2841. Neuter/Spay Poster Contest to Bring AwarenessBy Sandi Alswager, IANR news A statewide poster contest will bring pet overpopulation, animal abuse, and neuter and spay awareness to Nebraskans. The deadline for the Mickle-Bush Neuter/Spay Foundation annual Neuter/Spay Poster Contest for 1999 is Jan. 5, 1999. The contest is open to kindergarten through 12th grade students across Nebraska, said Annette Hall, Volunteer in Service to America volunteer at the University of Nebraska. Last year, 368 posters were entered from students across the state. "Compassion grows when children look beyond themselves to speak about situations in their world," Hall said. "The poster contest gives them the chance to speak out for their furry friends." The posters are to illustrate pet overpopulation, animal abuse, and neutering and spaying as the best solution. Posters will be judged on artistry as well as relevance of message. A selection of posters will be displayed at the Nebraska State Office Building during February, which is Neuter/Spay Awareness month. Savings bonds valued at $100, $75 and $50 will be awarded in each of the four categories: kindergarten through third grade, fourth through eighth grade and ninth through 12th grade. Computer generated artwork can be used this year, but will be judged separately with all grades combined. All posters must be on 12- by 18-inch paper. Posters can be sent to Mickle-Bush Neuter/Spay Foundation, P.O. Box 5707, Lincoln, Neb. 68505. For more information or if the poster needs to be returned, call the foundation at (402)488-3865. Sponsors are the Mickle-Bush Neuter/Spay Foundation in partnership with Lincoln Animal Control, Americorps VISTA and 4-H, a part of Cooperative Extension in NU's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Scarlet Publishing Dates AnnouncedThe Scarlet will publish the following weeks in 1998: Nov. 20., Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18. The first edition of 1999 will publish Jan. 15. Deadlines remain noon the Friday before desired publication date. UNL DIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECTSCall for Proposals The Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs has identified one-time funds for 1998-99 to support pilot projects and activities on campus aimed at enhancing diversity. In association with the Office (SVCAA), the Faculty Liaison Task Force on Diversity invites proposals from members of the NU community for support of projects during the 1998-99 Fiscal Year. Proposed projects should contribute to the attainment of one or more of the following three goals found in the latest draft (September 1998) of the Nebraska University Diversity Plan:
Priority will be given to: a) projects addressing the campus climate, and b) projects designed and jointly submitted by teams of faculty, staff and students. Funding for proposals is competitive. We encourage submission of collaborative proposals. It is important to articulate clearly how the greater NU community might be involved and the project's potential for positive impact on the climate for diversity at NU. We anticipate funding projects in the range of $500 to $5,000, though larger scale, collaborative projects are also encouraged. If for example, an excellent collaborative proposal would exceed $30K, then we might seek additional funding from other sources. Proposed projects may include, but are not limited to study groups, special events, publications/tools, research projects, a speaker's series, workshops, program planning and community outreach. They may also include enhancements to existing programs and seed money for pilot projects. Submit proposals to the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs by December 1, 1998. Please direct specific questions about proposed projects to Rita Kean, Chair of the Faculty Liaison Task Force on Diversity (472-2911 or rkean1@unl.edu). Proposals are limited to four pages: a cover page, two pages describing the project and one budget page. The cover page should contain the following information:
The description should include the nature of the proposed project, the relationship of the project to one or more of the three goals enumerated in the latest draft of the NU Diversity Plan, involvement and benefit to the NU community, how the project will encourage or advance other initiatives on behalf of diversity, and how the project will be evaluated. Include a statement addressing the replicability of your project across the UN campus. Also include a proposed time line for the project and on the last page, a detailed budget, including matching or in-kind resources that will be applied to the project. It is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not to discriminate on the basis of sex, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. |
Back to Top
For questions regarding the Scarlet's Web pages, contact:
(402) 472-8518, Fax: (402) 472-7825