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October 14, 1999
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Next Scarlet Publishes Oct. 28Due to fall break, the Scarlet will not publish Oct. 21. The next publication date is Oct. 28. The deadline is noon Oct. 21 Combined Campaign Aims for 10 Percent Increase in GivingThe NU Combined Campaign raises money for 39 United Way-supported agencies in Lincoln and Lancaster County; the Combined Health Agencies Drive, a federation of 15 national health service and education agencies with local offices in Lincoln, Lancaster County and the State of Nebraska; and the Community Services Fund, supporting 19 local and statewide nonprofit organizations. Volunteers from departments will distribute packets and pledge cards to university employees. The cards should be returned by Nov. 12. Last year the Combined Campaign generated $256,134, an increase of $26,775. Will Norton, dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and 1999 campus chair, said he would like to see more people participating and the monetary total increase by 10 percent. "We can do this if everyone would give something," Norton said. "Last year, only about 43 percent of employees participated in the campaign. We would like to see that number increase significantly." "These organizations need our support," Norton said. "The services they provide are vital to members of our community." A donation of $25 will feed a family of five for a week through the Lincoln Food Bank. When one donation is combined with others, Norton said, even more good things can happen. Ten dollars per week, $520 per year, provides three hours of respite care by an Alzheimer's Association trained volunteer. For $250 per month, Friendship Home can provide 24-hour crisis counseling, and DayWatch can provide transportation to doctors appointments for their clients. It costs $41 for the Child Guidance Center to provide one hour of suicide risk assessment for at-risk youth in their Youth-in-Crisis program. And $118 provides one day of emergency shelter, food, tutoring, recreation and transportation for a child at Cedars Youth Services, Freeway Station. In 1998, a total of 2,339 people contributed to the campaign, representing 179 campus units and six auxiliary units, such as the president's office, alumni and NU Foundation. Thirty-eight units achieved 50 percent or higher participation with an average gift of at least $109. The goal this year is an average gift of $115 per employee. "This year we hope to significantly increase the level of employee participation," Norton said. Employees may include a check in the envelope provided, or designate a payroll deduction. They may select one or more organizations for their donation to go to. One hundred percent of designated donations go to the organizations selected. The United Way spends about 10 cents of every dollar given to the unrestricted fund to support its activities. While one in three persons in Lancaster County uses one of the many programs supported through the Combined Campaign, people who don't need the services often do not know what these organizations do. Funded in part through the Community Services Fund, the Good Neighbor Community Center provides emergency food and clothing and assists low-income mothers with parenting skills, training and support. Fresh Start Home provides a residential program for homeless women, providing food, shelter, clothing and educational support. The Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition provides training, assistance and support to the 22 shelters and crisis centers in Nebraska including Friendship Home in Lincoln, and funds the statewide toll-free hotline. The Seniors Foundation supports services for older adults, senior centers, transportation, employment, volunteerism, intergenerational programs, care management and housing. "This is to just name a few," Norton said. "All of the listed organizations are worthwhile, and all need our support. One of the benefits of the Combined Campaign is that employees can select which organizations are to receive their pledged funds." The late Melvin W. Jones, vice chancellor for business and finance, was chair of the city-county United Way campaign at the time of his death. United Way has dedicated the campaign to his memory. International Student Enrollment on UpswingDespite continuing economic problems in countries of the Pacific Rim, more new international students have elected to study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln than in the previous year, according to enrollment data released by the university's Office of International Affairs. Preliminary figures indicate an increase in the overall enrollment of international students compared with both last fall and last spring semesters. This semester approximately 1,287 nonimmigrant international students (799 graduate students, 461 undergraduates) from about 90 countries enrolled at Nebraska, compared with 1,259 students a year ago and 1,198 students last spring. The principal gains are in graduate student enrollment. Last fall 179 international graduate students entered the university. This year that number has increased by 27 percent to 228. The number of new international undergraduate students remained virtually constant. In 1998, 126 new international undergraduate enrolled, whereas this year 123 new students matriculated. Students from China constitute the largest number of international students at UNL, totaling 240, an increase of 13 percent over last year. Malaysia ranks second in enrollment with 159 students, but is down by more than 14 percent from a year ago. Two other countries, India and South Korea, also have more than 100 students registered. Each experiencing double-digit percentage increases over the fall of 1998. International students comprise almost 6 percent of all students at the university. World Food Day Activities Oct. 14, 15By Charles Flowerday, editor, Conservation and Survey Division A panel discussion on uncertainty in the future of farming and a teleconference on the same subject will be the highlights of World Food Day activities on East Campus Oct. 15. Music, displays and artistic expressions will be the keynotes of events on the City Campus Oct. 14 as a prelude to United Nations World Food Day. World Food Day will be observed worldwide on Oct.16. It commemorates the creation of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and seeks to create public support for world food security for all through a variety of public- and private-sector organizations. Events at East Campus are focused on the forces that work against opportunities for future farmers, says Sue Miller, assistant to the dean of the International Programs division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The discussion will begin at 9 a.m. in the East Union, and the teleconference sponsored by the U.N. FAO will be shown at noon. Various organizations also will present table displays. Activities on City Campus will take place in front of the Nebraska Union and are focused on food and sustainability. Sustainability is often defined as securing the means of the present generation to meet its needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, explained Catherine McGuire, executive director of the Joslyn Castle Institute for Sustainable Communities and co-leader of the Action Team for Sustainable Communities, part of the Nebraska Network 21 initiative at UNL. City Campus activities will include live music and displays by campus and community groups that are concerned with the connection between the food issues and sustainability. They will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. "We're looking at ways the campus can be a model of sustainability," McGuire said. "The action team is beginning by looking at the food system, not only on campus but in the state's communities and in rural Nebraska," she added. NN21 seeks to bring together higher education and communities to find creative ways to meet the learning needs of Nebraskans in the 21st century. The team plans to continue its work with other activities through the year that emphasize campus sustainability, McGuire said. In addition, a tour of the Lincoln Farmer's Market will take place at the Burlington Arcade at 210 N. Seventh St. in Lincoln's Haymarket District at 9 a.m. Oct. 16. These activities are sponsored by the U.S. National Committee for World Food Day, the International Programs division of the UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the NN21 Action Team for Sustainable Communities, UNL Student Involvement and the U.S. United Nations Association. For more information, contact Sue Miller at (402) 472-2758 or e-mail: smiller1@unl.edu; or Catherine McGuire at (402) 595-1902; e-mail: cmcguire1@unl.edu. For more information on the tour of Farmer's Market, contact Steve Larrick at (402) 472-9217; e-mail: slarrick1@unl.edu. NU Directions Launches NUtodo Web SiteBy Tom Workman, NU Directions University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have a new resource for choosing their recreation, thanks to a new interactive Web site called NUtodo.com. The Web site site http://www.NUtodo.com was launched at the Oct. 7 "Tailgate on the Turf" event at Memorial Stadium. The site offers students a list of activities based on needs, interests and financial resources. The site is sponsored by NU Directions, a campus-community coalition whose mission is to reduce high-risk drinking among NU students. "One of the comments we've heard most from students is that they don't know about all the choices for entertainment on campus and around Lincoln," said James Griesen, vice chancellor for student affairs and co-chair of the coalition. "Sometimes, engaging in high-risk drinking becomes the default activity. Our goal was to provide an easy, safe, fun way to find things to do to relax and have a good time with their friends." NUtodo.com lets a student select from three categories: at home, with friends or at a party. The site provides a questionnaire that asks the student to select times, types of activities, food interests, type of music, and budget restrictions. It then offers possible choices - including those that sell alcohol and those that don't - from a database of local vendors and campus groups. Each business or activity listed on the Web site must sign a "Responsible Business Guidelines" agreement, promising to train employees who serve alcohol, to avoid promotions that encourage over-consumption and to provide a "safe environment respecting the dignity of all individuals." More than 150 vendors have signed the agreement and are listed along with campus activities and events. Funding for the Web site is provided by LinPepco, local Pepsi-Cola distributor. Vehicle Reservations Now on the WebTransportation Services announces "On-line Daily Vehicle Requests" via Transportation Services home page. University of Nebraska-Lincoln departments can now make daily vehicle reservations on the Transportation Services web site, http://transportation.unl.edu.< /P> This site can also be accessed through UNL's home page under Business and Finance. Long term vehicle rentals (more than 30 days usage) continue to require a written request. If you have questions or comments, call Transportation Services at 472-2422. Homecoming Committee Apologizes for Performer's AnticsThe following e-mail was sent to the campus community Oct. 7. We are writing today (Oct. 7) about the performance that took place during the"Tailgate on the Turf" event Thursday evening in Memorial Stadium. While the intent of the evening was to provide a fun event for students and a renewed interest in Homecoming, the performance of Mr. Tom Green was offensive. The Athletic Department and the ASUN Homecoming Steering Committee found Mr. Green's actions totally inappropriate and apologize to all who were involved. In the spirit of cooperation, many groups on campus worked together to make this event possible. It is unfortunate that it was tainted by this unpredictable artist. While the information regarding this event stated: "Tom Green's humor is directed toward a mature collegiate audience," we did not anticipate a performance of this nature. Please accept our sincere apology. Bill Byrne, Director of Athletics Chris Linder, ASUN Homecoming Committee Chair Story Incorrectly AttributedThe author of a story in Oct. 7, 1999 Scarlet was incorrectedly attributed. The story on the research of the USS Arizona was contributed by Bill Weins, Engineering, and was not written by Connie Walter of the College of Engineering. CGLBTC Meeting Oct. 15The Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns will meet from 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 15 in Conference Room F in the Health Center (lower level). The Committee's goals are to assist the university in accomplishing its stated goal of administering all of its educational and employment programs and support services in a manner which does not discriminate against persons based upon sexual orientation; and to work to create an environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive of all persons in accordance with the university non-discrimination policy. The committee consists of students, staff, faculty, administrators and alumni. For more information, contact Barbara DiBernard at bjd@unlserve.unl.edu or 472-1828. Gail Latta to Speak at Oct. 19 UAAD MeetingUAAD will hold its next meeting from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 19 in the East Union. Bring a brown bag or take advantage of the food vendors in the Union. The speaker is Gail Latta, associate professor of libraries, and president of UNL's Academic Senate. Latta will update members on the important issues facing the campus in the coming years. Managerial/professional employees at UNL are integrally involved with the numerous new programs taking place on campus. Inherently, many questions arise with extensive changes, and it is one of the goals of the University Association for Administrative Development to keep abreast of these alterations. All managerial/professional employees are invited to hear more about these issues, and to learn about UAAD membership benefits. Lecture Series Looks at Jewish Community in Nebraska"Not an Ivory Tower: Jewish Studies and Jewish Community in Nebraska," is the subject of a lecture series on Thursdays at 7 p.m. through Nov. 18 at the Friedel Commons, Omaha Jewish Community Center, 333 S. 132nd St., in Omaha. The series is sponsored by the Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The first in the series, "Jewish Research on Nazi Germany," by Alan Steinweis, UNL professor of history, is on Oct. 21. Gerald Shapiro, UNL professor of English, will present "American Jewish Fiction," on Oct. 28. The Nov. 4 lecture is "Tortured Oracle: Russian-Jewish Writers and the Fate of Jewry," by Brian Horowitz, UNL professor of modern languages and literatures. On Nov. 11, Leonard Greenspoon, holder of Creighton's Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, will present "How and Why Jews Study the Bible." Last in the series is "Why Jewish Philosophy Now?" by Jean Cahan, director of the UNL Harris Center for Judaic Studies on Nov. 18. The lecture will be dedicated to Dorothy and Myer Kripke. For more information, call Michael Linn at 334-0517 or Leonard Greenspoon at 280-2303. NRPN Sets $90,000 Goal For Fundraiser Number 9Nine is the number to remember during the Nebraska Public Radio Network's Fall membership drive scheduled for Oct. 15-23. To honor its ninth year as a statewide network, NPRN has set a fundraising goal of $90,000. Various "9ths" will be featured during the on-air pledge drive-from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to the ninth caller each day. A variety of giveaways and thank you gifts will be available, according to event coordinator Anita Dreimanis. "But most important," she said, "is that the support of public radio members helps the network continue to provide radio that matters-the best in classical music, news and public affairs programming." To help them reach their $90,000 goal, NPRN has sent requests for challenge grants to various Nebraska businesses and individuals. "This is not only a wonderful way to help bring excitement to the pledge drive," said Dreimanis, "but also a great way to have your business recognized during and after the drive." Those who would like to issue a personal or business challenge should contact Rick Blessen at 472-9333, ext. 371. Planetarium Laser Shows ScheduledMueller Planetarium has announced its schedule of laser shows through Nov. 7. The schedule includes spectacular laser light shows with variety for all ages. Most weeks, rock shows are presented on Friday and Saturday nights and "family shows" are presented as matinees on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. There are occasional exceptions to this schedule, however, such as family Halloween shows the nights of Oct. 29 and 30. Tickets for all planetarium shows go on sale 30 minutes before showtime in the planetarium lobby in Morrill Hall, 14th and U streets. Admission for evening "Laser Fantasy Shows" is $5 for the general public and $4 for all college students with ID. Admission for family shows is $5, $4 for college students with ID and seniors and $3 for children 12 years of age and under. For further information, telephone Mueller Planetarium at 472-2641 or visit its site on the World Wide Web http://www.spacelaser.com. Upcoming laser rock shows:
Upcoming laser family shows:
Fall Break Facility HoursA number of campus entities will change operating hours during fall break Oct. 18 and 19. They include: Campus Recreation and the East Campus Activities Building
Nebraska Union
East Union
Nebulae Featured Attraction at Behlen ObservatoryRing A journey beyond the solar system greets visitors to the Oct. 15 public night at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory, where observers will gaze through a 30-inch reflector telescope to glimpse planetary nebulae. The plans to observe the M57 Ring nebula and Dumbbell nebula M27 are part of what's in store for amateur astronomers, students, astronomy clubs and enthusiasts at the fall open house, scheduled for 7-10 p.m. at the observatory near Mead. Other events for the evening are presentations by: Todd Young of Wayne State College on NASA programs now and in the future, including the capability of detecting life on other worlds such as Mars and Europa; Stephen Ducharme of UNL on lasers; Peter Dowben of UNL on the extreme liberties taken with the laws of physics in science fiction movies. The presentations are at 7:15, 8 and 8:45 p.m. Demonstrations scheduled are Robert Hilborn, UNL, on lasers and lights; Li Yan, UNL, on "Snell's Law" - the bending of light; and Chris Lindseth, UNL, on "Total Internal Reflection." Part of the success of the night's events will depend on the weather and observation conditions, but the highlight, if weather permits, will be looking at objects far beyond the solar system through the 30-inch observatory Reflector. Amateur astronomers from Lincoln and Omaha astronomy clubs are expected to bring their telescopes to share astronomical viewing with the public. Good views of almost-first quarter moon should be evident. Excellent views are also expected of the Andromeda Galaxy. The observatory is located at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center, just southeast of Mead, which is about 35 miles from Omaha or Lincoln. Additional information, maps and directions can be obtained on the UNL physics department Web site: http:/ /www.physics.unl.edu/directory/lee/bo/openhouse2.html. Olson Seminar Examines the Frémont Expeditions Oct. 20The Paul A. Olson Seminars in Great Plains Studies will present "The Literary Origins of the Frémont Expeditions," at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Great Plains Art Gallery, 215 Love Library. The presenter is Vernon Volpe, professor of History at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. A reception will be held at 3 p.m. The expeditions of John Charles Frémont across the American West in the 1840s helped to clarify the geographic characteristics of the American interior while creating greater interest in western expansion and settlement. The official reports of Frémont's first two expeditions along the Oregon Trail provided prospective pioneers helpful hints and valuable maps of the region to be traversed. Published by the United States Senate and reprinted by private publishers, the Frémont reports portrayed the West in primarily positive terms and in particular restored the appealing image of the Great Plains region. The popularity of these reports owed in part to the essential contributions of Jessie Benton Frémont, who at a young age already possessed considerable literary knowledge and a talent for writing. Together, husband and wife crafted a remarkable literary product that not surprisingly revealed debts to other literary works, including those of James Fenimore Cooper, William Cullen Bryant and Washington Irving. Historians have typically credited the inspiration for the Frémont expeditions to the political influence of American expansionists led by Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton, Jessie's father. This address will re-examine the "official" origins of the expeditions through the systematic surveying strategy of the U.S. Army's Topographical Corps, while suggesting how literary expectations likewise guided Frémont's western exploits. Expansionist pressures, scientific motives, and the power of prose (and poetry) collaborated to produce a memorable tale of adventure and a revised, reinvigorated view of the Great Plains environment. Fidelity Counselor on Campus Oct. 19 & 20A Fidelity Counselor will be on campus for individual consultations on Oct. 19 at the Nebraska Union and Oct. 20 at the East Union. To reserve an appointment, call the Central Reservations Systems in Boston 800-642-7131. If you have questions, call the UNL Benefits Office at 472-2600. Canadian Prairie Works Topic of Oct 21 LectureCarol Harvey, professor of French at the University of Winnipeg, will give a lecture titled "Hard Times on the Canadian Prairies: Gabrielle Roy's Fiction," on at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in the English Department Library, 228 Andrews Hall. Harvey, who holds a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, has been a visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge and has taught at the Universities of Perpignan and Poitiers in France. She is the leading expert on the western fiction of Gabrielle Roy. Roy (1909-1983) was the first French Canadian novelist to obtain wide recognition in France and the United States. Although her most celebrated novel, The Tin Flute, has Montreal as its setting, Roy won two of her three Governor General's prizes (the Canadian equivalent of a Pulitzer Prize) for collections of short stories set in Manitoba and the other prairie provinces where she grew up. Harvey's lecture in English, illustrated by slides, will stress the problems faced by women and immigrants on the Canadian plains. The lecture is sponsored by the Canadian Studies group. Wu Lecture Oct. 26Frank H. Wu, professor of law at Howard Univesity Law School, will deliver the next Scholarship in Society lecture at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Wick Center. The speech is titled "Civil Rights and Racial Justice: Why We Need Affirmative Action," and is sponsored by the Office of Graduate Studies. Verbatim Y2K Issues Affecting ResearchTo: UNL Research CommunityFrom: Marsha Torr, Vice Chancellor for ResearchMany efforts have been made in the past few years to plan for potential problems associated with the Y2K situation. A recent letter from Vice Chancellor Melvin W. Jones detailed plans for the possibility that utility services might be interrupted when Jan. 1, 2000 arrives. The purpose of this memo is to address research-related Y2K issues. Utility ServicesThe effect on telecommunications, electrical power, water supply, etc., on Jan. 1, 2000 is unknown. We are especially concerned about research involving plants and animals and other activities critically dependent on uninterrupted light, heat or electricity. We recommend that these activities be rescheduled or suspended by 5 p.m., Dec. 24, 1999, until the impact of unanticipated Y2K-related events is known. We realize that it is not possible to suspend some research activities. Try to think through what might go wrong if power and water are cut off, particularly if you are working with animals or valuable plant experiments. It is important that you notify our office vresearc@unlnotes01.unl.edu by Oct. 15, 1999 if you have research projects that are critically dependent on uninterrupted utility services. If UNL loses electricity from Lincoln Electric System, our system generators will only be able to supply power to one or two facilities on each campus. We need to know the scope and locations of research activities that cannot be suspended so we can develop alternative solutions to protect or move critical materials. In these instances, we will work with you and the appropriate campus personnel to find alternative solutions. Hazardous MaterialsWe ask that, wherever possible, you eliminate the use of laboratory fume hoods and move chemicals to safe storage to reduce the likelihood of accumulation of hazardous fumes in the event of interruptions in utility services. For specific information related to hazardous materials, please contact Brenda Osthus, Director of Environmental Health and Safety bosthus1@unl.edu or 472-4927. Information TechnologyTo reduce campus electrical requirements, we recommend that you turn off electrical equipment, including computers, during the holiday shutdown. Because of the possibility that computer systems and software applications will fail during the rollover from 1999 to 2000, it is especially critical to back up (archive) data on computers before shutting down the system. Information Services has a campuswide backup service offering that will allow you to backup your critical data files on most personal computers. For specific information related to backing up data on network systems, see the web page http://www.unl.edu/adsm, or contact Michael Ruhrdanz, Director of Networking and Operations mruhrdanz@unl.edu or 472-5236). We all share the same goal of a smooth transition from the year 1999 to the year 2000. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with these issues. We urge you to share this information with all appropriate personnel |
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