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UNI Online is a compilation of notices to be distributed to faculty and staff. The deadline for submission is noon, the day before publication. UNI Online is distributed on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Submitted items must be sponsored by a UNI department, program or organization. No commercial or personal announcements are allowed. Announcements must have news, not opinion content. Submit items to: http://www.uni.edu/unionline/

Thursday, Feb. 10, 2009

NEWS:

PRESIDENT ALLEN'S WEB CHAT AT THE DES MOINES REGISTER IS ARCHIVED:

President Allen participated in a live Web chat with Des Moines Register reporter Erin Jordan on Friday, Feb. 6. See the archived transcript at http://tinyurl.com/bhug73

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL UPDATE:

The Feb. 4 update President Allen delivered to the University Council is posted at http://www.uni.edu/president/council/index.shtml.The link also includes updates on the university branding initiative and UNI athletics.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:

The Committee on Committees seeks nominations and self-nominations for the following 2009-2010 University elections: Chair of the University Faculty, one-year term, currently held by Jesse Swan, HFA; Chair of the Graduate Faculty, one-year term, currently held by Maureen Clayton, NS; Chair of Teacher Education Faculty, two-year term, currently held by Becky Hawbaker, ED; Committee on Committees, three-year term, currently held by Otto MacLin, SBS; Committee on Curriculum, three-year term, currently held by April Chatham-Carpenter, HFA; Advisory & Liaison Committee to Department of Military Science, three-year term, currently held by Forrest Dolgener, ED (Must be in bargaining unit.) All the above named individuals are eligible for reelection. Send nominations or questions to Melissa.Beall@uni.edu by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 or call 3-2992.

GRADUATE COUNCIL:

The Graduate Council will meet at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, in LNG 115.

MEMFIS APPLICATIONS OUTAGE:

All MEMFIS applications will be unavailable from 4 to 7 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15 while ITS applies patches for year-end reporting. There should not be any noticeable impact for users after the upgrade is completed. Visit http://www.uni.edu/its/us/commcorner/announce/February152009MEMFIS.pdf for more information.

PROPOSALS DUE FOR FUNDED '20 BEST ON-CAMPUS INTERNSHIPS':

Funding for 20 co-op positions is available for fall 2009 through spring 2010 semesters. These awards ($4,050 per site) provide student co-op support for assisting departments and programs. Students will intern 15 hours per week for 30 weeks. Positions should be challenging and career enhancing. Guidelines for completing the proposal packet are at http://www.uni.edu/careerservices/co-op/oncampus.html. Packets must be completed by 5 p.m., Monday, March 2. Contact Al Stamberg at 3-6398 or allan.stamberg@uni.edu with questions.

UNI UP CLOSE:

Don't miss the opportunity to highlight your department, organization or facility to some 600 prospective students and their 760 guests on Friday, Feb. 20 and 27 at the third annual UNI Up Close. For inclusion in the program, register by Friday, Feb. 13. For details, or to register, visit http://www.uni.edu/admissions/upclose/facultystaff/

UNI IN THE NEWS:

Mary Losch, psychology and chair of the AAPOR's Standards Committee, is quoted in a story in the Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.bloomberg05feb05,0,2038768.story and New Scientist, in the U.K., at http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16555-what-is-behind-criticism-of-iraq-deaths-estimate.html

Art Cox, finance, is quoted in a recent Des Moines Register story about house values, http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090206/BUSINESS/902060371/-1/ENT06

A recent Des Moines Register article discusses the potential evolution of the Price Lab School. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090207/NEWS02/902070324

OFFICE MAX BOXES NEEDED:

Help UNI save money by donating old Office Max shipping boxes, 15x18x8-1/2 inch size or larger. Contact Angela Wichtendahl at 3-2560 or higby@uni.edu for more information.

EVERY VOICE COUNTS:

All students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to share their opinions and experiences about the university's culture and attitudes. Follow the link sent to you in the e-mail invitation from President Allen to complete the survey. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is strictly confidential. All responses will be aggregated and no individually identifying information will be disclosed. Plan to participate in this important process. If you have questions, e-mail kristin.moser@uni.edu or call Kristin Moser at 3-3050.

UPDATE TO MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATES EFFECTIVE JAN. 1:

The university mileage reimbursement rate follows the U.S. General Services Administration rate and has recently decreased from $.585 to $.55 for travel occurring on and after Jan. 1. The reimbursement rate for driving a personal vehicle, when a motor pool vehicle is available, remains at 28.5 cents per mile. Refer to the Travel Guidelines at http://www.vpaf.uni.edu/obo/accounts_payable/tguide.shtml for complete details of all travel reimbursement procedures. Questions on these changes should be directed to jackie.burvee@uni.edu or 3-2212.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD NOMINATIONS DUE FEB. 20:

Nominations for the 2009 Veridian Credit Union Community Engagement Awards are due Friday, Feb. 20. This award recognizes outstanding contributions of UNI faculty members to the community through research and/or teaching. All full-time tenured and tenure track faculty are eligible. For award information and to submit nomination materials, visit www.uni.edu/resources/outreach/veridian.shtml.

SUPERVISORY AND CONFIDENTIAL MERIT PERSONNEL NAME CHANGE:

The UNI Supervisory and Confidential Merit Personnel (UNI-SCMP) name has been changed to Supervisory and Confidential Council (S & C Council). The S & C Council is the recognized organization representing all non-bargaining unit merit staff at UNI. Further information may be found at http://www.vpaf.uni.edu/hrs/meritsc/index.asp.

FREE FAX INK:

One set of cyan, yellow, magenta and black ink for 14 different Brother Multi-Function Copier/Faxes is free to a UNI department. Call JPEC (Pappajohn Center) at 3-JPEC (5732) for specifics.

EMPLOYMENT:

INTERNAL SEARCH FOR DIRECTOR/ACADEMIC LEARNING CENTER:

An internal search is being conducted for the director of the Academic Learning Center. Application materials received by Monday, Feb. 16 will be given first consideration. For more information about the position and how to apply, visit http://www.vpaf.uni.edu/hrs/employ/ps/jobs/dir_acad_learn_ctr.pdf

The latest faculty, staff and student job openings at UNI can be found at http://www.uni.edu/resources/employment/?

EMPLOYEE RESOURCES:

U.S. SAVINGS BOND INFORMATION SESSIONS:

Employees interested in exploring the option of U.S. Savings Bonds as a UNI payroll deduction or converting their E Bonds to I Bonds can attend a session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m, or 2:30 to 4 p.m., either Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the College Eye Room or Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Old Gold Room. A representative from National Bond and Trust will be available to discuss I Bonds, which are currently earning 5.64 percent. (This rate is good through May 1.) Bonds are state and local tax free; backed by the U.S. Government; replaced at no cost if lost, stolen or destroyed; and tax deferred until redemption or final maturity at 30 years.

TIAA CREF REPRESENTATIVE ON CAMPUS:

A TIAA CREF representative will conduct one-on-one counseling sessions at UNI Tuesday, Feb. 17 and Wednesday, Feb. 18. A TIAA CREF representative can help you with questions such as: 1) Is my investment mix appropriate? 2) Am I saving enough to maintain my lifestyle in retirement? and 3) How do I use my funds for income in retirement? To sign up for these complimentary meetings, go to www.tiaa-cref.org/moc or call (toll free) 866-842-2977 extension 458028.

HARASSMENT PREVENTION SESSIONS:

Attorney Helen Adams will present "Preventing Illegal Harassment" on Monday, Feb. 23. All employees are strongly encouraged to attend. Changes in Iowa law and in UNI policy will be reviewed. Register for one of two sessions at www.uni.edu/equity. Pre-registration is required. Sponsored by Compliance and Equity Management.

DEPOSIT AND CASH HANDLING TRAINING:

An annual certification of UNI's deposit and cash handling policies is required for all depositors and cash handlers on campus. This certification must be completed by Sunday, Feb. 15. Due to several requests, the Office of Business Operations will offer two additional classroom sessions covering the Deposit and Cash Handling Policies from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12 and from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 13, in the Purple Pen Room of Maucker Union. Space is limited; RSVP to christina.geweke@uni.edu or 3-7505. By attending this training your certification will be complete. If you are unable to attend the classroom training, visit http://www.vpaf.uni.edu/obo/cashiering to review the cash handling training presentation and complete the annual certification log.

UNI MAC USER GROUP MEETING AND WORKSHOP:

Attend the first Mac User Group meeting and "Why You'll Love a Mac" workshop at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Lang Mac Lab 212. Meet the new Apple campus representative, express interest in becoming a group officer, and discuss things you would like to see the Mac User Group do this semester. After the meeting the workshop will showcase various features of Mac OS X.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

NISG DEBATES:

NISG debates between presidential and vice presidential candidates will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10 in the Maucker Union Ballrooms.

'HOT TOPICS IN EDUCATION' SERIES:

UNI will host a bi-monthly education series called "Hot Topics in Education." The purpose of the series is to share information with faculty, staff and students about state education challenges and what UNI is doing to address these issues. UNI faculty panelists will present "Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) & the Achievement Gap," at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Elm Room in Maucker Union. Refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Stacey Christensen by e-mail, stacey.christensen@uni.edu or phone, 3-3170.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISER:

February is "American Heart Month." In support, Theta Alpha Phi (TAP) is sponsoring a fundraiser for the American Heart Association from 1 to 5 p.m, Friday, Feb. 13, in the South Lobby of the Strayer-Wood Theatre. TAP will sell red merchandise, from heart-healthy snacks to specialized bags and T-shirts. All proceeds will go to the American Heart Association. Donations are welcome. Contact youvebeentapped@gmail.com with questions.

'I LOVE YOU TO DEATH' DANCE:

Celebrate Valentine's Day and Friday the 13th with a dance organized by Theta Alpha Phi (TAP) from 9 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Feb. 13, in the Strayer-Wood Theatre. Admission is $3 and proceeds will go to support the American Heart Association. For more information, contact youvebeentapped@gmail.com.

MURDER MYSTERY:

A crime has been committed and detectives are needed to find out "who done it." Join in the fun as Wellness and Recreation Services presents its first murder mystery event employing the components of physical and mental wellness. The fun will begin the week of March 1 when detectives can pick up clues in WRC 104. Two clues will be available per week ending the week of April 19. E-mail Deedra.Dahlager@uni.edu to sign up. The subject line should read "Murder Mystery." Deedra will respond with further instructions.

UNI-CUE BLOOD DRIVE:

The UNI-CUE is seeking donors for a community blood drive, which will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, at UNI-CUE 112 (800 Sycamore St., Waterloo). This year's goal is 45 donors. Register by calling 433-1220. One pint of blood will save three lives.

RETIREMENT OPEN HOUSE:

Join the Financial Aid staff in celebrating Roland Carrillo's 21 years of service at UNI. at a retirement open house from 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the CME 109. The program will start at 3:30 p.m. Bring a message for Carillo on a 3x5" card.

COLLEGIATE ENTREPRENEURS IOWA CONFERENCE:

Attend the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Iowa Conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, March 6, in Maucker Union. We can accommodate you and/or your class - much of the conference is arranged on a MWF class schedule. The conference is free and will have information for all majors. Visit www.jpec.org/ceic2009.htm to view the agenda. Call 3-JPEC (5732) or e-mail jpec@uni.edu to make arrangements or to register.

ATHLETICS:

MEN'S BASKETBALL:

Men's Basketball will play Southern Illinois at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the McLeod Center. Get tickets online at www.unitix.uni.edu or call 3-4TIX.

TENNIS:

Tennis hosts UW-Green Bay at 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13. The Panthers host Western Illinois at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 15. Both matches are at the Black Hawk Tennis Club in Waterloo.

WRESTLING:

Wrestling hosts Chattanooga at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, in the McLeod Center.

EXHIBITIONS/FILMS:

ART EXHIBITION:

The UNI Gallery of Art will present "Another Voice: Political Illustration from the Late Twentieth Century (1981–1999)," Thursday, Feb. 12 through Thursday, Mar. 5. The exhibition will be curated by Patrick JB Flynn and will feature works by illustrators Michael Duffy and David McLimans who will speak at 7 p.m, Thursday, Feb. 12, in KAB 111. An opening reception will follow the presentation. Sponsored in part by the UNI College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Free and open to the public.

LECTURES/PRESENTATIONS:

LINCOLN, OBAMA AND 'TEAM OF RIVALS':

Panelists will compare President Lincoln and President Obama in their selection of Cabinet members, based on the book by Doris Kearns Goodwin, from 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, at UNI-CUE, in Waterloo.

NATURAL RESOURCE RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT SEMINAR:

A seminar on "Sustainable Water Quality Retrofit Installations Using Native Plants and Sustainability Principles" will take place at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Tallgrass Prairie Center. Paul Meyerman will give an overview of the recent water quality retrofit installations on campus and how they fit in with UNI's sustainability principles. These installations utilize native plants throughout various areas of campus. Meyerman will also discuss the cultural challenges associated with the incorporation of these techniques in campus planning, design and operations.

PAT/HISTORY CLUB LECTURE:

Grant Veeder, member of the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, will discuss "Lincoln and Iowa" at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, in SRL 115. The event is free and open to the public.

HOW TO START A BUSINESS I:

Attend a workshop from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, in BCS 30. Advance registration is required; call 273-JPEC (5732) or e-mail jpec@uni.edu. Space is limited.

HOW TO START A BUSINESS II:

Attend a workshop from 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb 18, in BCS 30. Advance registration is required; call 3-JPEC (5732) or e-mail jpec@uni.edu. Space is limited. Information on this workshop will build on Workshop I.

GRAD FACULTY BROWN BAG LECTURE:

Adrienne Stanley, associate professor of mathematics, presents "Boards and Cords: Quantifying Artificial Cranial Deformation" from noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 18, in MSH 001. Stanley will discuss her work to develop a quantifiable method to assign skulls from prehispanic archaeological sites into three categories: non-deformed, annular deformation and tabular deformation. Coffee and cookies will be provided. Please bring your own lunch.

PERFORMING ARTS:

LIVE FROM STUDIO ONE:

Unknown Component will perform at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 17, in KUNI's studio on the third floor of the CAC. Keith Lynch plays the instruments and records the vocals for each album, writes the lyrics and music and creates the album's artwork. Admission is $3 at the door, free for children under 12. For broadcast times and stations visit http://www.iowapublicradio.org

CZECH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:

Treat yourself to something special on Valentine's Day. The Czech Symphony Orchestra will appear at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, at the GBPAC. For more information and tickets, visit www.gbpac.com or call 3-4TIX.

THE NORTHERN FESTIVAL OF BANDS:

The annual festival of high school bands will be held Thursday, Feb. 12 through Saturday, Feb. 14. Concerts will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13 and at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14. Friday's free concert will feature performances by the UNI Wind Symphony and UNI Symphonic Band. Saturday's performance will feature solo competition winners, the festival’s percussionist groups, Festival Concert Band and Festival Symphony Band. The Saturday concert is ticketed. For tickets, call 3-4TIX. For more information, call 3-2028.

SUZUKI FACULTY RECITAL:

The UNI School of Music Suzuki School will present a combined faculty recital at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Davis Hall, GBPAC. This event is free and open to the public.

TROMBONE RECITAL:

Assistant professor of trombone Chris Buckholz will present a recital at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Davis Hall, GBPAC with repertoire and additional performers to be announced. This event is free and open to the public.

BLUES BLOWOUT FEATURING ERIC SARDINAS AND BIG MOTOR:

Eric Sardinas will bring his signature brand of delta dynamite to the 2009 Winter Blues Blowout at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Electric Park Ballroom in Waterloo. Iowa City area's Kevin "BF" Burt & the Instigators will open the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Advance tickets can be ordered by phone at (800) 772-2440, ext. 0, online at www.iowapublicradio.org or at the KUNI Studios and Bob's Guitars in Cedar Falls. Presented by the Friends of KUNI/KHKE on behalf of Iowa Public Radio. All proceeds benefit Iowa Public Radio.

SHOPPING/DINING ON CAMPUS:

CELEBRATE HOT BREAKFAST MONTH AT MAUCKER UNION:

Get breakfast pizza, breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, sausage gravy with biscuits and oatmeal with toppings from 8 to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday, at Avanti in Prexy's at Maucker Union.

FREE NUTRISODA SAMPLES:

Nutrisoda is now available on campus at 23rd Street Market at Commons, Essentials at Maucker Union and Biscotti’s in Redeker Center. Each location will have free samples on Wednesday, Feb. 11. For flavor descriptions, visit www.uni.edu/dor. Click on "What's Happening."

ORDER VALENTINE FLOWERS THROUGH 23RD STREET MARKET:

The 23rd Street Market staff will collaborate with Flowerama to offer the convenience of ordering Valentines flowers online through the 23rd Street Market. Have flowers delivered by Flowerama or pick them up at 23rd Street Market on Friday, Feb. 13 or Saturday, Feb. 14. Plush panthers are also available for gift giving. For details and to place an order, visit http://www.uni.edu/dor/flowers/

VALENTINE PACKAGES AT ESSENTIALS:

Show someone you care with a Valentine package from Essentials in Maucker Union. Packages include balloons and either chocolate or a stuffed animal. Check out the Valentine gel gems, stuffed animals, sweet treats and gift cards.

WELLNESS/RECREATION:

VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT:

Play volleyball on Saturday, Feb. 14, on the upstairs WRC courts. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and games will be played until the winners are determined. Everyone is welcome. The cost is $5 per person; winning team members will receive either an Applebee's gift certificate or a Psychology Club T-shirt. Free food and drinks will be provided. Sponsored by the Psychology Club. Contact Ashley Andrew at asha05@uni.edu.

TELL YOUR STUDENTS:

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH WRITING AWARDS:

The Department of English Language and Literature is sponsoring several prizes for writing. The Selina Terry Poetry Award ($100), and the Roberta S. Tamres Sci-Fi Award ($50), are open to all UNI students. Winners will be published in Inner Weather. The deadline is Monday, Feb. 23. The Myrtle Telleen Collins "Spirit of Life" Creative Writing Scholarship ($1,000), is open to all undergraduates. The deadline is Monday, March 30. UNI Literary Prizes are open to English majors and minors. Awards include $250 and $400 (several awards in different genres). The deadline is Monday, March 30. For more information or to request entry forms, e-mail english@sunny.uni.edu. Information and forms are also available at the English department (BAK 117) and at http://www.uni.edu/english

APPLY FOR OKOBOJI ENTREPRENEURIAL INSTITUTE:

Applications are being accepted for the Summer 2009 Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute. All majors are welcome. Attend this week-long entrepreneurial simulation and earn three hours of UNI credit paid by the UNI Pappajohn Center. Tuition, lodging and food are provided. Visit http://www.jpec.org/oko.htm for an application or call 273-JPEC (5732) for more information.

NISEA MEETING:

An NISEA meeting will take place at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, in SEC 129. Trevor Boeckmann and Anthony Palomo will campaign for student body president and vice president and Tammy Gregersen will speak about English language learners. Refreshments will be served and prizes will be awarded.

UNI HEALTH SURVEY:

During the next three weeks, University Health Services will administer the American College Health Association - National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA). This confidential survey will gather important data about students' health habits, behaviors and perceptions. The information will be used to assess students' needs and to improve programs and services. If you are asked about this by your students, or have the opportunity to do so, encourage students to complete the survey. For more information, contact Mark Rowe at 3-3423. Visit www.uni.edu/wellrec and click on the "Health Survey" tab for more information.

THE ESSENTIAL TOOLKIT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS:

Chris Neuhaus will present, "Rod Library Services and Resources-The Essential Toolkit for Graduate Students," from 3 to 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, in ITT 136. Learn about interlibrary loan, research consultations, wireless and hardwired networks and guides to grant writing and proposal funding. Contact Ken Nesbett, Graduate Student Life Graduate Assistant at knesbett@uni.edu to sign up. Following the presentation, the workshop will be posted on the Graduate College web site at www.grad.uni.edu.

LANGUAGE DIVERSITY WEEK:

Join peer advisers and past study-abroad participants in celebrating Language Diversity Week, Feb. 9 through 13. The week will include presentations by peer advisers, information tables and tips to help you get over language barriers in other countries. For a complete list of events, visit www.uni.edu/studyabroad or stop by GIL 28.

PRAGUE/CZECH INFORMATION SESSION:

Every Monday and Wednesday in February, learn about studying abroad in Prague and the Czech Republic. Locations in Gilchrist vary by week, contact the Study Abroad Office in GIL 28 to find out where to meet.

DIVERSITY SUMMIT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS:

Applications are being accepted for student scholarships to attend the IDEA Diversity Summit being hosted by UNI on April 23. The scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applications are available online at http://www.uni.edu/diversity. For more information, contact Beth Bishop, 273-2846 or e-mail diversity@uni.edu

COLOR GUARD AUDITIONS:

Panther Marching Band Color Guard auditions will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 4, in the West Gym. RSVP by Wednesday, March 25 to amy.hunzelman@uni.edu.

BECOME A PEER ADVISER:

Apply to be an undergraduate Peer Academic Adviser in Residence (PAIR) for the 2009-2010 academic year. PAIRs work in Academic Advising and in an assigned residence hall where they live. Information and applications are available from the Online Job Board, www.uni.edu/advising/ or in GIL 102. Applications are due Monday, Feb. 16.

IMPROV TROUPE AUDITIONS:

Half-Masted 3.2, the Cedar Valley's own comedy improv troupe, is holding auditions from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the College Eye Room and Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Presidential Room of Maucker Union. Callbacks will be held Friday, Feb. 20.

PANTHER PUSH:

Panther Push is a program designed for current UNI students to go to their former high school and visit with students about the advantages of attending UNI. If you have a 2.5 GPA or higher and are interested in promoting UNI, apply online at http://www.uni.edu/admissions/forms/. Applications are due to the Office of Admissions (GIL 002) by 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20. The mandatory one-hour training session will be at 7 p.m., Monday, March 2 or at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 5, in GIL 009. Contact Amanda Carls with questions (acarls26@uni.edu).

WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS:

"Writing Workshop I: The Focused Graduate Students," from 4 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, in ITT 136. Participants will learn how to inventory research interests and long-term goals, choose a thesis or dissertation topic and focus the research topic to reduce stress.

"Writing Workshop II: The Productive Graduate Student" from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, in ITT 136. Learn how to master the conventions of the Literature Review, the Thesis and Dissertation Proposal and the Abstract. Reduce stress by understanding the predictable part of scholarly research.

"Writing Workshop III: The Eloquent Graduate Student," from 4 to 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, in ITT 136. This workshop is for students with a major course-assigned literature review, thesis/dissertation proposals or thesis/dissertation drafts in hand. Participants will experience hands-on practice with editing and proofreading strategies and improve familiarity and confidence with style manuals and documentation rituals.

To sign up for any of these workshops, contact Ken Nesbett, at knesbett@uni.edu. Following the workshops, the presentations will be posted on the Graduate College Web site (www.grad.uni.edu).