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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/

Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009

NEWS:

SALUTE TO SERVICE:

President Ben Allen and members of the Cabinet will serve cake and ice cream in celebration of service to others and to honor those who give back to their campus, community and country from 1:30 to 3 p.m.,Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Campanile Plaza. The rain location is the Maucker Union Coffeehouse. To continue the university's tradition of helping others, consider a donation of school supplies for our Partners in Education school, Black Hawk Elementary. See the list of needed items at http://www.uni.edu/infosys/salute/. E-mail pres-events@uni.edu for more information.

STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM UPDATE:

A letter from the vice president of student affairs provides a progress update on the implementation of the new student information system. Included in the update are the names of those involved in the project team and technical team, as well as the executive steering committee. To view the letter, visit http://www.uni.edu/sis/.

NEW IOWA NASA EPSCoR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

The Iowa NASA ESPCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) program is calling for concept papers, due Oct. 19, for the first round of its new research competition. A pre-proposal meeting will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 18, in BCS 30. More information and the Request for Proposals is at: http://www.uni.edu/osp/iowa-nasa-epscor-rfp

SUPERVISORY & CONFIDENTIAL COUNCIL MEETING:

The upcoming meeting of the Supervisory & Confidential (S&C) Council is at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, in GIL 025.

DID YOU KNOW? CNS:

UNI is a major contributor in the state's efforts to support math and science initiatives. UNI's secondary mathematics education program is the largest in Iowa. UNI has graduated more bachelor degree chemists than any other college or university in the state for the past several years. 

FLU PREVENTION TIPS:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are anticipating an active influenza season this fall and winter. Everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Visit http://www.uni.edu/health/flu.html for precautions to adopt during the flu season. The Student Health Center will keep this page updated with the latest information.

FLU SANITIZERS:

Flu sanitizer products can be ordered directly from Office Max. Campus Supply stocks an 8-ounce Purell pump and a 1-ounce Saniguard spray can. Order any of these products from Office Max or Campus Supply today and receive them tomorrow. Call 3-2451 with questions.

P&S STAFF EXCELLENCE NOMINATIONS:

Nominate P&S employees who have made outstanding professional contributions during their careers. Staff
Excellence Awards are presented annually to P&S employees from each Regents institution. Nomination forms are available at MyUNIverse under Current Announcements until 11:59 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11.

NSSE DATA AVAILABLE:

Data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), administered to UNI students in 2006, 2007 and 2008, is accessible on the Web. Visit www.uni.edu/assessment or www.ir.uni.edu/dbweb/nsse to view the data in various formats (CatID login required). More information regarding NSSE will be available soon.

UM&PR NEWSLETTER:

View the first edition of The Compass, an e-newsletter distributed by the Office of University Marketing & Public Relations to guide communication efforts. The first edition of The Compass provides an overview of the areas making up marketing and public relations. Subsequent editions will feature real-life examples and tips related to communications. To view, visit http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/compass/.

2009-2010 REFERRAL RESOURCES DIRECTORY:

In order to provide quality referrals for students and staff at UNI, the Office of Academic Advising compiles and edits the annual Referral Resources. The 2009-10 edition is available online at http://www.uni.edu/advising/academic/resource/referral.pdf.

LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Lauren Pelleymounter, executive director, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, will discuss the many opportunities available in the Cedar Valley and how to get involved from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, in the SIAC Conference Room, Maucker Union, upper level. Sponsor: American Democracy Project. Call 3-6898 for more information.

CURRICULUM REVIEW:

The University Curriculum Committee will soon begin its review of all college-approved curriculum proposals. Committee membership and the schedule of meetings can be found at http://www.uni.edu/vpaa/ucc/index.shtml. Formal department proposals can be viewed at https://access.uni.edu/cgi-bin/ccd/curriculum/viewProposals.cgi Contact Coleen Wagner at coleen.wagner@uni.edu or 3-2518 with questions and suggestions for improvement of the curriculum review process and online system.

TAKING UNI ALUMNI 'BACK TO CLASS' :

The UNI Today alumni magazine wants to help students of years past continue their UNI education via a section in the magazine: "Back to Class." If you have a topic or subject area that UNI's general alumni population could use in their day-to-day lives and can be delivered in a fun and concise format, send your ideas and contact information to unitoday@uni.edu.

NORTHERN IOWAN DELIVERY CART MISSING:

The Northern Iowan's push cart for delivering newspapers on campus is missing. The cart has a blue handle and wood platform. Northern Iowan is written in permanent marker on the handle and wood platform. If you see this cart, call 3-2157 or e-mail northern-iowan@uni.edu or michele.smith@uni.edu.

REUSABLE TOTE BAGS:

Reusable UNI tote bags are available at Prexy's for $1. Each bag includes a $1 coupon redeemable at Maucker Union restaurants. For more information and a photo of the bag, visit www.uni.edu/dor What’s Happening.

HOT BREAKFAST AT AVANTI:

Avanti in Prexy's, Maucker Union, serves hot breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. New menu items include hearty breakfast bowl, bacon burrito, panini ham sandwich, pancakes and French toast sticks. Returning favorites include breakfast pizza, cheese and egg burrito, and fresh baked cinnamon bites with warm cream cheese icing. There are many menu combinations for under $5. See promotions and new product information at www.uni.edu/dor What's Happening.

NATIONAL APPLE MONTH:

Apple tarts, turnovers, apple crisp, apple cider and more will be featured Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Wednesday, Sept. 30, during National Apple Month in Maucker Union restaurants. Apples are a good choice in a healthy diet providing ample fiber and nutrients. See promotions and new product information at www.uni.edu/dor What's Happening.

FREE BEVERAGES FOR LOYAL CUSTOMERS:

Coffee cards are available at Biscotti’s in Redeker Center and 23rd Street Market at Commons. Buy nine coffees and get one free. Coffee cards are also available at Chats in Maucker Union; buy six and get one free. For more information about promotions, go to www.uni.edu/dor What's Happening

CAMPUS STORES AND RESTAURANTS ON FACEBOOK:

Rialto, Piazza, 23rd Street Market, Essentials and Prexy's are on Facebook. Become a fan and get updates on promotions and new products.

TELL YOUR STUDENTS:

To read MyUNIverse News.

EMPLOYMENT:

MERIT VACANCIES:

The current Merit vacancy list is now available for viewing at http://www.vpaf.uni.edu/hrs/employ/merit/employee.shtml

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

EMPLOYEE RESOURCES:

PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS:

A PowerPoint presentation explaining the Iowa Open Records Law can be viewed at http://www.vpaf.uni.edu/fars/policies/index.shtml Gary Shontz, the university's open records officer, is available at 3-3576 to answer questions about the law or about complying with public records requests. He is also available to make presentations about the law to university groups.

LUNCH & LEARN:

Do you want to succeed in your own business or career? One way to accomplish this is through networking. Dale Cyphert, associate professor of management, will discuss the vital art of networking at noon, Friday, Sept. 18, in BCS 33. Bring your lunch and learn about networking. RSVP at 3-JPEC or jpec@uni.edu

ASSESSMENT MINI-GRANTS AVAILABLE:

The Office of Academic Assessment is offering mini-grants for assessment-related projects. For more informaton on how to apply for a mini-grant for the 2009-2010 school year, visit http://www.uni.edu/assessment/minigrants.shtml.

INTERESTED IN TALKING ABOUT TEACHING?:

All faculty (especially new faculty) interested in reflective discussion of teaching are invited to check out Talking and Teaching and Learning. An organizational meeting will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept, 18, in SEC 528. Contact Katheryn East at eastk@uni.edu or 3-6789 with questions or visit http://faculty.cns.uni.edu/~east/ttl/

IDENTIFYING YOUR SKILLS AND VALUES:

David Marchesani, career development coordinator and academic adviser, will lead a workshop on identifying your skills and values from 3 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, in SEC 320. The workshop is free and open to faculty, staff and students. For further information, contact Gerri Perreault at 3-6898.

JPEC OPEN HOUSE:

The UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is hosting an open house in celebration of entrepreneurship from 5 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Business & Community Services Building. Tour the Student Business Incubator, visit the entrepreneurship classroom, find out about courses and workshops, and talk with student entrepreneurs and incubator graduates. No RSVPs required, but appreciated. Call 3-JPEC (5732) or jpec@uni.edu for more information.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

CRITICAL THINKING IN THE CLASSROOM:

Faculty from UNI and Hawkeye Community College will share their classroom approaches to critical thinking from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, at a home at 1705 Crescent Dr. in Cedar Falls. Call 277-4699 for directions. Sponsored by UNI American Democracy Project/Provost's Office. Contact Gerri Perreault 3-6898 with questions.

WRITING STUDIES BROWN BAG DISCUSSION:

Attend a monthly discussion about writing and writing instruction at 3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, in BAK 161. Discussions will cover the state of writing studies, literacy, composition/ rhetoric, and the role of writing with respect to education in a collaborative environment. This month's subject is Chris Anson's article, "The Intelligent Design of Writing Programs: Reliance on Belief or a Future of Evidence." WPA: Writing Program Administration 32.1 (2008): 11-36. Copies are available electronically by request from david.grant@uni.edu. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend regardless of major, discipline, or position.

DISCOVER DIVERSITY DISCUSS:

The AAUW Cedar Valley Discover Diversity Discuss will meet from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, at the UNI Museum to discuss "Escape" by Carolyn Jessop and Laura Palmer, and "Stolen Innocence" by Elissa Wall and Laura Pulitzer, both of which deal with polygamy. All UNI students and Cedar Valley residents are welcome without having read either book.

FALL PRAIRIE WALK:

Join the staff from Black Hawk County Conservation Board for a two-hour walk through one of UNI's prairies at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the University Museum. Bring a camera and learn about the beautiful native plants of the Iowa grasslands and their importance to the wildlife they support. Register by Monday, Sept. 14; the cost is $3 per person.

HOT TOPICS IN EDUCATION:

The 2009-10 Hot Topics in Education Series will kick-off Wednesday, Sept. 16, at noon in the CME, Room 109, with "The Achievement Gap-Going Beyond Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors," presented by Dewitt Jones. Learn the roles schools, teachers, administrators, parents, government and researchers play in improving student achievement. For more information on this year's series, visit http://www.uni.edu/unionline/info/2009_90809.pdf

FAMILY FUN DAY: 'A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE':

Take a walk on the wild side from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 19, at the University Museum. Make cat masks with New York artist and fashion designer Cat Chow, explore with an animal scavenger hunt, touch animal fur, view beautiful photographs and make animal crafts. This event is free and open to the public. Call 3-2188 to register by Tuesday, Sept. 15. www.uni.edu/museum.

MONARCH TAGGING AND NET MAKING:

See a butterfly up close with a net that you have made yourself. Tag a Monarch and then come inside the University Museum to learn more about butterflies with books, crafts and other hands-on activities at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22. Join the staff from Black Hawk County Conservation Board in cooperation with UNI Museums for an evening full of butterflies and net making. Cost is $7 per person. Call 3-2188 to register by Monday, Sept. 21.

ENTRE BASH AND SMALL BUSINESS EXPO:

The Cedar Valley's EntreBash! and Small Business Expo will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the George Washington Carver Academy in Waterloo. Hosted by the UNI Regional Business Center and Waterloo Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation, EntreBash! is a networking event and an opportunity for small-business owners to showcase their business. There will be live music, food, door prizes and inspiration from area entrepreneurs and elected officials.

ATHLETICS:

SOFTBALL:

Softball will host NIACC at 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13, at Robinson-Dresser Field.

VOLLEYBALL:

Volleyball will take on Western Illinois at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the McLeod Center.

FOOTBALL:

Football will host South Dakota at 4:05 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, in the UNI-Dome. Fans are encouraged to wear black to "Blackout the Dome."

EXHIBITIONS/FILMS:

ART EXHIBIT 'LOVE ME OR DIE':

The Kamerick Art Gallery, in association with the UNI Arts Consortium, will present a retrospective exhibition of the sculpture and wearable art of Cat Chow through Sept. 20. "Love Me or Die" is sponsored in part by major grants from the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, the Guernsey Charitable Foundation and the Iowa Arts Council.

'AT CLOSE RANGE':

See a documentary about National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at the University Museum. Shooting in some of the most exciting locales on earth, often in wretched conditions, Sartore wonders if he has the best job in the world or the worst. "At Close Range with National Geographic" reminds us of where we fit in the cosmos and what we owe to the next generation of earth's inhabitants.

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS:

GRADUATE COLLEGE BROWN BAG LECTURE SERIES:

Roy Behrens, professor of art and recipient of the 2009-2010 UNI Graduate College Distinguished Scholar award, will present "Unearthing Art and Camouflage: My Research on the Fence Between Art and Science" at noon, Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the ITTC Studio 1 and 2. The presentation is a slide-illustrated account of more than 40 years of research of the contributions to Modern-era camouflage (both biological and military) of artists, architects, scientists and others, a project that resulted in articles, books, exhibits and films. Coffee and cookies will be served.

NATURAL RESOURCE RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT SERIES:

John Pearson, an ecologist with the Iowa DNR, will lead the first seminar in a series on natural resource research and management at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Tallgrass Prairie Center. This presentation is a broad-ranging exploration of the potential positive and negative effects of flooding in 2008 on Iowa's natural resources along the Cedar and Iowa rivers in Linn and Johnson counties. For more information, call Ryan Welch at 3-3828, or e-mail rwelch@uni.edu.

PROCESS' 1.5 SIGMA: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY:

Six Sigma is a methodology for improving business processes. A defense of the results of an investigation of industrial processes explains how to separate the movement of the process average from its internal variation. The defense will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, in ITC Room 3. All are invited.

EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO HOST TWO WORKSHOPS:

"Are You the One for Me? Behavioral Interviewing Techniques" will be held Tuesday, Sept. 15. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Learn how to select the best person for a job. "Sharpen Your Saw: Skills and Practices of Successful Managers" will be held Wednesday, Sept. 16. Learn the tips and secrets of successful managers. Both workshops will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in BCS 30. The cost for each workshop is $249 plus a $25 nonrefundable deposit for individual seats. Visit http://www.bcs.uni.edu/execdev/ContentPage.aspx?id=25 for more information. Enroll by calling 3-5851 e-mailing execdev@UNI.edu or online at www.bcs.uni.edu/execdev. The enrollment deadline is Thursday, Sept. 10.

SPEAKER ON RENEWABLE ENERGY, SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AT CEEE:

Richard Heinberg, renowned expert on the topic of peak oil, will speak at the UNI Center for Energy & Environmental Education at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the CEEE auditorium. Heinberg will provide an update on fossil fuel supplies, trace the connections between energy and the financial system, and show how individuals and communities are making the transition to a renewable-energy, sustainable future. For more information, call 3-7575 or visit www.ceee.uni.edu

ROMAN CATHOLIC STUDIES LECTURE:

Noted historian of American Catholicism, Robert Orsi, will lecture on "Relics, Rosaries, Statues and Other Objects: The Life of Catholic Things," at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at St. Stephens Catholic Student Center (1019 West 23rd St.) Orsi is the first holder of the Grace Craddock Nagle Chair in Catholic Studies at Northwestern University, and is past president of the American Academy of Religion. Sponsored by the Department of Philosphy & World Religions. Free and open to the public.

PERFORMING ARTS:

FACULTY ARTIST RECITAL:

UNI School of Music faculty artist Yu-Ting Su will present a horn recital at 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, in Davis Hall, GBPAC. Repertoire will be announced. This event is free and open to the public.

'THE SECOND CITY':

Improv troupe "The Second City" will perform at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, at the GBPAC. No topic is off limits, no subject too sensitive; get ready for a night of laughter. For more information, visit www.gbpac.org or call 3-4TIX. UNI students receive a 50-percent discount.

TRUMPET RECITAL:

Faculty artist Randy Grabowski will present a trumpet recital at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall, featuring new faculty pianist Dimitri Vorobiev. This event is free and open to the public.

OSWEGO JAZZ PROJECT:

Visiting ensemble the Oswego Jazz Project will present a concert at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16, in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall. Featuring SUNY music professors Rob Auler (piano), Trevor Jorgensen (saxophone) and Eric Schmitz (drums) and SUNY alumnus Max McKee (bass), their repertoire typically focuses on time-tested classics by some of America's greatest songwriters. This event is free and open to the public.

WELLNESS/RECREATION:

FREE BLOOD CHEMISTRY PROFILE (BCP):

Free blood chemistry profiles will take place from 7 to 8:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 23 and Oct. 21, in the WRC Main Corridor. UNI employees who qualify for insurance benefits may receive one free BCP per academic year. With a BCP screening, blood is drawn to test for 23 components including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, blood sugar, iron, etc. Employees who also wish to have a prostate test for $10 and/or a thyroid test for $5 will pay that cost. Pay by cash, check, or payroll deduction. Students, retirees and spouses may sign up as well for a $20 BCP fee. Call 3-6119 to schedule.

MOVEMENT OUTLET:

Attend Movement Outlet, a weekly series of free and varied dance sessions, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9, in WRC 185/187. This week's session is on contemporary dance with Jake Kircher. Movement Outlet is offered by the dance program housed in the School of HPELS and led by UNI students for UNI students, faculty and staff.

FITNESS AND LEISURE CLASSES:

Many fitness and leisure classes are still available. Classes include total aquatic conditioning, step, kick and spin, free Fridays, women on weights, boot camp and more. Prices are $37 to $47 for the semester. Visit http://www.uni.edu/wellrec/fitness/classes.html for more information.