February 26, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
OSU research into the design and fabrication of microchips that allows computers to work at extreme temperatures is attracting interest from the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. military and several companies. Chris Hutchens, OSU professor of electrical and computer engineering, has developed mixed signal Very Large Scale Integrated circuits for analog devices and microprocessors able to perform at extreme temperatures. Enabling computer technologies to function where they haven’t before has become a key to strategies for U.S. energy independence and reductions in fuel consumption and emissions that won’t cripple the economy. For more information, click on the following link index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=907&Itemid=1
OSU-Tulsa to feature Lynn Redgrave in play
Actress Lynn Redgrave is coming to Tulsa to star in her one-woman play, “Nightingale,” on April 8 at the Chapman Music Hall in Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center. The event, which begins at 7 p.m., is presented by the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. The award-winning play, written and performed by Redgrave, is loosely based on stories about the actress’ grandmother. In addition to the play, Tulsa’s PAC Gallery will display an exhibit by Redgrave’s daughter, Annabel Clark. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, features photographs and journal entries documenting Redgrave’s battle with and ultimate recovery from breast cancer. Tickets for the play are $30 and go on sale March 3. To order tickets, call the Tulsa PAC box office at (918) 596-7111 or order online by visiting www.tulsapac.com. For more information, phone (918) 594-8215.
Study abroad scholarship in demand
Judging from the line that formed outside the office the day of the scholarship deadline, the Provost’s Study Abroad Scholarship is in big demand. During the 2006-07 academic year, 158 students received the Provost’s Study Abroad Scholarship. The current cycle will provide 121 summer program scholarships for $500 each, 24 fall semester scholarships at $750 each, and 18 academic year awards for $1,000 each. “OSU has launched an ambitious goal that 100 percent of our graduates participate in an international education experience during their enrollment,” said OSU Interim President Marlene Strathe, who also serves as provost and created the study abroad scholarship. “This scholarship is an important way the university can help our students gain a valuable learning experience.” For more, click on the following link index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=908&Itemid=1
State Department offers safety tips for students traveling abroad
The U.S. Department of State has issued an advisory in an attempt to help students prepare for a trip abroad during spring and summer breaks which provides safety information about the consequences of incautious or illegal behavior abroad. Go to www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/feb/101133.htm . For passport information, go to http://travel.state.gov/. Additional safety information can be found at the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page on the internet at www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/safety/safety_2836.html .
OSU to host art historians this Saturday—faculty, students invited
The Oklahoma Conference of Art Historians, an annual event hosted by various Oklahoma universities, is being held at OSU this year. The conference, held on Saturday, March 1, room 109 in the Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts, will feature talks by faculty, students, and museum staff from around the state. Registration starts at 9 a.m. ($10 for faculty, free for students), and talks will run throughout the day. The conference will be followed by a reception from 3:45 – 5 p.m. For more information, contact jennifer.borland@okstate.edu, or follow this link for the full schedule of speakers and presentation titles: http://art.okstate.edu/departmental/events.html.
Former Oklahoma state legislator on campus
Former State Representative Mark Liotta has returned to OSU-Stillwater to begin working on a master’s degree in political science for the spring 2008 semester. “I feel like I’ve come home and I’m enjoying getting to know the University all over again” he said. Liotta was an undergraduate student in Stillwater in the early 1980s and a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1996 to 2006 and served in a number of leadership positions. During his service at the capitol, Liotta worked on many issues benefitting OSU, including the establishment of OSU-Tulsa and the creation of the OSU Center for Health Sciences. Liotta is a Tulsa County highway superintendent and commutes to Stillwater for evening classes. He and his wife, Alice, have five children, two of whom are current OSU undergraduates.
“Whistle Your Heart Out” for safety awareness
In response to recent attacks in Stillwater, the Off Campus Student Association will distribute 2,000 orange whistles on wrist lanyards to students this Thursday, Friday and next Monday at the Chi Omega Clock. The group will hold a personal safety seminar on Tuesday evening, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in 108 Engineering North. The seminar, which is free and open to everyone, will feature speakers from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Stillwater Police Dept. and the OSU Police Dept. For more information contact OCSA at (405) 744-7283.
OSU downloads on Ruckus hit new high
After nearly six months, OSU reached the 1.5 million songs downloaded mark on Ruckus as of Jan. 26, according to sales officials, who expect that number to increase in March when they release Mac support through a new streaming feature. Ruckus was launched at OSU in August 2007 and now has about 6,000 active student users who download an average of 6,343 songs on a daily basis. Several new RUCKUS features will be introduced in the coming months, including a musical matching service called Match & Snatch that allows users to share their musical tastes with each other, as well as a streaming feature that will finally make the RUCKUS service compatible for Mac users. Learn more at WWW.RUCKUS.COM .
Desire2Learn Road Show
The IT Department is hosting a Desire2Learn Road Show event on Thursday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Student Union Sequoyah Room (Room 280). Desire2Learn Representatives will be on hand to demonstrate and discuss the Desire2Learn ePortfolio, a new platform for collecting, organizing, reflecting and presenting learning artifacts. If you plan to attend, please call (405) 744-3385.
OSU-Tulsa’s annual Career Week helps students prepare for careers
The week-long event includes workshops, résumé sessions and a job fair to help students achieve their career goals and culminates with the OSU-Tulsa Career Fair on Thursday from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Main Hall Commons. All Career Week events are free and open to all OSU students and recent alumni. OSU-Tulsa is located just north of downtown at 700 N. Greenwood Avenue, near I-244 and Detroit Avenue. For more information, call (918) 594-8000 or go to www.HireOSUgrads.com and click on “Career Fairs & Events.”
Indulge yourself in physical activity…
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On the calendar…
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OSU offers 2008 conference on advancing strategies for teaching and learning excellence
The Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence will present “Course Redesign for Lower Division Classes: Three Models in Three Universities” a showcase for aligning teaching with research and grant seeking on Friday, April 4, at the ConcoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. Free to OSU faculty and staff, $50 to others. Register online: http://itle.okstate.edu/conference08.
This is “Eating Disorder Awareness Week”
Peer health educators from Share the WEALTH will host an “Eating Disorder Awareness” booth Tuesday, Feb. 26 – Thursday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Student Union across from the bookstore. Information will be provided on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, helping a friend who has an eating disorder, dieting risks, self-image, and exercise. The Student Counseling Center is also offering walk-in times during the week for students to take an online screening assessment and talk with a counselor about their results. The free, confidential online screening tool can be accessed on the SCC website prior to coming in (www.okstate.edu/ucs/Counselingservice.htm ) or can be taken when the student arrives at the booth. No appointment is necessary. Counselors will be available at the booth. Meetings with counselors are for consultation purposes only. Recommendations for counseling or referral will be provided.
Volunteers needed
The OSU Coaches vs. Cancer campaign needs volunteers to help pass buckets through the stands at the March 1 men’s game against Nebraska. The game has been designated as the annual Swish! Event. Four children, all cancer survivors, will be introduced prior to the game and will then shoot lay-ups at the half to raise money for the OSU Coaches vs. Cancer Campaign. Volunteers are needed to pass buckets through the stands as the kids shoot to raise money for cancer research. You must have a ticket to the game. If you can help, please contact kendria.cost@okstate.edu by Wednesday, Feb. 27.
“Defining Program Outcomes for Assessment” webinar set for Feb. 27
Faculty are invited to participate in a webinar presentation on "Defining Program Outcomes" Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. in 103 ATRC. The 90-minute session will include on-screen presentations and multiple opportunities for questions. The presenter, Dr. Gloria Rogers, is the co-author of “Stepping Ahead: An Assessment Plan Development Guide,” and an interactive CD, “Assessment Planning Flowchart” to aid programs in assessment plan development. Although the webinars are presented by ABET, Inc., the organization that accredits engineering schools, the presentation will be useful for faculty in all disciplines. Lunch will be provided for registered participants in the ATRC atrium at 12:30 p.m. Space is limited, so please register soon by e-mailing kyla.trammell@okstate.edu in the University Assessment and Testing office, or call Kyla at (405)744-6687.
Technology Business Assessment Group announces request for proposals
The Technology Business Assessment Group is issuing this Request for Proposals for research projects in need of feasibility demonstration, and/or prototype development for commercialization purposes. Funding is for a one-year period and comes from the OSU Office of Intellectual Property Management and is derived from royalty income. Submissions are due Feb. 27. For more information visit http://vpr.okstate.edu/ipm/TBAG_RFP_Spring2008.doc call (405) 744-6930 or email anise.arterbery@okstate.edu.
Documentary screening looks at race, sports and society 40 years after ’68 Olympics
A free, public screening of “Fists of Freedom: The Story of the ’68 Summer Games,” will be held in the Classroom Building Auditorium (313) on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. as part of OSU’s Black History Month celebration. Jason Kirksey, Atkins Chair in political science and director of the OSU Africana Studies Center, will lead a subsequent discussion on the documentary that details the Olympic Games in Mexico City and historic events before, during and after that became symbolic of the American civil rights movement. Refreshments will be provided. The screening is a presentation of the Africana Studies Center, the OSU Black Faculty and Staff Association and OSU Women’s Programs.
SODA "Queer Eye" project to be featured at meeting
The Sexual Orientation Diversity Association will present a special “Queer Eye” program on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Classroom Building 102, which requires two canned goods for admission. The program will use a format similar to the TV show to spotlight the arts of grooming, clothing, organization, cleanliness, and etiquette. For more information, e-mail shawill@okstate.edu.
ECO-OSU to host free screening of Revolution Green
Join ECO-OSU for the screening of Revolution Green, a revealing documentary about biodiesel and its importance to the world economy, Thursday, Feb. 28, in Noble Research Center room 106 at 7 p.m. It follows one man’s vision to manufacture biodiesel and one man’s determination to spread the word; one man’s quest to use it in his big rig, and one man’s desire to farm his soybeans for biodiesel. Their unique perspectives on living a sustainable way of life offer audiences a chance to make a difference in simple everyday choices. Free popcorn. For more information, please visit www.orgs.okstate.edu/ecoosu or www.revolutiongreen.com .
Effective decision-making seminar set
Success is a direct result of decision-making skills. Learn how to hone your “Decision Making and Critical Thinking” at a seminar featuring Dr. Robert Dooley on Feb. 28 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Jenn Doerksen at jenn.doerksen@okstate.edu or call 405-744-5210. Also, go online at http://cepd.okstate.edu/executive-and-professional-development-programs/leadershipsource-professional-development-program/.
Get a free practice test for one canned food item
Kaplan will be offering free campus-wide practices tests for students interested in GRE, LSAT, MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT or TOEFL administered under simulated testing conditions. Kaplan’s Practice Test is an opportunity for prospective business, graduate, law, medical, dental, optometry and pharmacy students to answer a critical question, "If I took the exam today, how would I score?" The event is co-sponsored by The Storehouse Food Pantry, so test-takers should bring one canned food item to donate. The most needed items include tuna or other canned protein, peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruits, chili with beans, soups and stews, rice, pasta and pasta sauce and 100 percent fruit juice. Seats are limited and pre-registration is recommended. To register, students may call 1-800-KAP-TEST today or go to www.kaptest.com/practice .
Cowboys for Christ to meet
Oklahoma State University's Cowboys for Christ organization is hosting Clyde and Elsie Frost. They are the parents of Lane Frost. Come listen to them share their testimony on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in room 123 Animal Science.
Georgetown University ethicist coming to OSU
Tom Beauchamp, author and renowned ethicist with the Kennedy Institute of Ethics, will discuss ethical issues related to health care and physician-assisted suicide on March 3 and 4 in Tulsa and Stillwater. His first lecture, “Physician-Assisted Suicide and You,” is set for March 3 at noon in the OSU Health Sciences Center in Tulsa. Next, he will speak on “Ethical Issues in Health Care Resource Allocation” at 7 p.m. in room 018 Business Building on the Stillwater campus. On March 4, Beauchamp will explore “The Ethics of Physician-Assisted Suicide” in room 112 Classroom Building at 3:30 p.m. All the lectures are free and open to the public. To learn more, phone (405) 744-0487 or visit http://philosophy.okstate.edu/ethicscenter. The lectures are funded by the OSU Arts and Sciences Arts and Humanities Lecture Series, and coordinated by the philosophy department and The Ethics Center at OSU.
Do you know what flowers and plants grow best in Oklahoma?
Kelsey McCollum with Payne County Extension will present “Spring Gardening in Oklahoma” at the Lahoma luncheon meeting on Monday, March 10, from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Meditations. The cost is $12 per person. Reservations are required by Monday, March 3. Checks, made payable to Lahoma, may be mailed to Lahoma, P.O. Box 2704, Stillwater, OK 74076. The Lahoma Club is open to all women who work at Oklahoma State University/OSU Foundation or whose spouse works at either entity. New members and guests are always welcome to attend Lahoma Club meetings. For more information, contact Membership at 372-5024 or jescoubas@yahoo.com.
Successful business women to offer insights
Five highly successful business women will share insights from their trials and triumphs in the business world at the 17th Annual Women’s Business Leadership Program set for Wednesday, March 5, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Tulsa. Women will be inspired and receive helpful tips to succeed in the business environment from speakers on topics that range from personal branding and theatrical intelligence to finding a balance and having a plan for your life. The program is hosted by the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation, the Oklahoma International Women’s Forum and the Center for Executive and Professional Development in the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University. For more information or to make reservations, phone toll free, 1-866-678-3933 or (405) 744-5208, or e-mail cepd@okstate.edu. For more details visit www.cepd.okstate.edu .
LGBT allies training: Safe zone
If you are interested in becoming an ally for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) students, the training session is scheduled for Monday, March 10, from 2-5 p.m. in Willard 449. If you have questions, or you would like to RSVP for the Safe Zone training, please call Tamara Young at 405-744-5472 or e-mail at tamara.young@okstate.edu.
Your group could win a pizza party with the men’s and women’s basketball teams
The OSU Coaches vs. Cancer Campaign invites student groups to get involved in the fight against cancer. The student group/team/organization that raises the most money for the OSU Coaches vs. Cancer Campaign will win a private pizza party with the men’s and women’s basketball teams and coaches. All money is due by April 4 but you must register your group to participate. To enter your group, contact kendria.cost@okstate.edu or meredith.myers@okstate.edu. Help keep OSU number one in the Big 12 and in the top 10 nationally!
Can you teach an educational workshop for 4-H youth?
4-H is seeking individuals to teach educational workshops to youth ages 13-19 at the 87th State 4-H Roundup. Roundup will be held on campus, July 30 – Aug. 1. If you are interested in presenting a workshop, please contact Tracy Branch at (405) 744-8891.
Blue Key to host faculty night out
Blue Key Honor Society would like to show appreciation to on-campus faculty by hosting a faculty night-out on Friday, March 7, at Countryside Baptist Church. OSU faculty will have a chance to have a night away from the kids (ages 2 - ???) from 7 -10 p.m. while the children enjoy food, movies, crafts and games. Interested faculty should RSVP by contacting Bailey Gordon at bailey.gordon@okstate.edu by Feb. 29.
Ever wanted to camp out on library lawn?
Habitat for Humanity's Shack-A-Thon is your chance to do just that as student groups construct shacks from materials commonly found in dumpsters, collect donations from students during the day, and sleep in their shacks at night April 2-3. All the money raised helps Habitat for Humanity construct more homes for those less fortunate. Learn all the details and register your friends, resident hall, or organization at a meeting on March 11 at 8 p.m. in CLB 103. For more information before the meeting, join the facebook group "SHACK-A-THON" or email habitat_okstate@yahoo.com with any questions.
Volunteer readers sought for Read Across America
Local coordinators for Read Across America are requesting you call them if you’re willing to volunteer about 30 minutes to read to elementary students on Monday, March 3. Volunteer readers are needed for Highland Park Elementary from 10 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.; Richmond Elementary from 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.; Sangre Ridge from 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.; Skyline Elementary at 2 p.m.; Westwood Elementary at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m., and Will Rogers Elementary at 2:30 p.m. This year, Read Across America is celebrating the 104th birthday of Dr. Seuss. To volunteer, please see Tonya Jones in the Office of the Bursar in 113 Student Union, call Terri Moorman at 372-5723 or e-mail readacrossamerica@stillwater.k12.ok.us with your name, address, phone and e-mail along with the school and time you prefer. The deadline to sign up as a reader is Feb. 21.
Faculty workshop to focus on students’ critical thinking skills
How can faculty help students improve their critical thinking skills? This workshop will focus on assessing and improving students’ achievement of the general education learning goal for critical thinking. Since development of critical thinking skills is a goal in many courses, not just courses with general education designations, all faculty are encouraged to participate in this discussion. The workshop is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 29, from noon-2 p.m., in 211 Student Union (Oklahoma Room). Lunch will be provided for registered participants. Please register by contacting kyla.trammell@okstate.edu or call Kyla at (405) 744-6687.
OSU Soccer Clinic coming soon
Boys and girls of all ages are being invited to develop their soccer skills with OSU Head Coach Colin Carmichael and OSU Assistant Coach Tony Economopoulos at the OSU Soccer Spring Break Clinic on March 17 and 18 at the OSU Soccer Facility. Coach Carmichael was named 2006 Big 12 Co-Coach of the Year and Soccer Buzz National Coach of the Year Runner up. He is also a USSF “A” licensed coach. The OSU staff will be assisted by current Cowgirl soccer team members who are fresh off a second consecutive trip to the second round of the NCAA tournament. So bring your soccer ball and be ready to have some fun training with champions while working on dribbling, shooting, passing, and receiving skills. The fee is $60 per person and includes a clinic T-shirt. For more information, contact Tony Economopoulos at (405) 744-3343 or e-mail at cowgirl.soccer@okstate.edu.
Applications available for Phoenix Award
Each spring, the Graduate and Professional Student Government Association selects an outstanding master’s student, doctoral student, and faculty member to present with its highest honor: the Phoenix Award. The award recognizes exemplary achievement in leadership, scholarship, professional involvement and university and community service, especially as it relates to involvement with graduate students. The student award winners each receive a $750 monetary award from the GPSGA and the Graduate College, and all winners have their names engraved on the Phoenix Awards plaque located outside the Graduate College offices in Whitehurst Hall. The deadline for applications is March 26 at 5 p.m. Questions? Contact: Eric Kennel at eric.kennel@okstate.edu. All materials for the 2008 Phoenix Award can be found on the GPSGA website, http://gpsga.okstate.edu/phoenix.php.
Class ring orders
An OSU Alumni Association representative and a Balfour representative will be in the lobby area outside the Student Union Bookstore at various times Feb. 26 - 28 so students can order their class ring in time for graduation. Students must have earned 60 credit hours and be in good academic standing to be eligible to purchase a ring. Times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday. For questions, please call Amanda Rundle at (405) 744-8716.
Consider the Student Academic Mentor program
Become a teaching assistant with the Student Academic Mentor program. Need some great resume-building volunteer experience? Interested in welcoming new students to OSU? Want to assist an instructor with a freshman orientation class? Then the SAM program is for you! SAMs help new students for the four days during ALPHA and serve as teaching assistants to freshman orientation classes one to two hours per week throughout the fall semester. Students selected for the program will receive a free T-shirt, and those with positive performance evaluations will receive a $50 stipend. All SAMs must have at least a 2.5 GPA and submit a completed application. Visit http://uas.okstate.edu/sam.html to download the application, or pick one up at University Academics Services in 214 Student Union. Contact 744-5333 or e-mail samprogram@okstate.edu for more information. Applications are due Monday, March 31.
Seretean Wellness Center – to hold “just veggies” class
Veggies are loaded with essential nutrients and can be served a variety of ways. Discover not only new vegetables, but “old” vegetables with a twist by attending the following class on Feb 28, Out of the Cellar—Root Vegetables Come to Life. The class will be held at the Seretean Wellness Center Demonstration Kitchen, 1514 W. Hall of Fame from noon – 1 p.m. Cost of the class is $15 per person. Class size is limited. The class involves a taste testing and recipes. Menus are based on availability of fresh fruits and vegetables and may change without notice. For questions, to register, or for a complete menu contact the Seretean Wellness Center at 744.WELL (9355) or wellness@okstate.edu. Find out more, go to www.wellness.okstate.edu .
5K charity run to benefit the Ronald McDonald House
OSU students, families, friends, alumni, and community members are invited to participate in the 6th annual Alpha Delta Pi “In Like A Lion” 5K Charity Run, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House charities set for March 1. The 5K run will feature both a race and a fun run. Please arrive at the registration tables at the Student Union by 8 a.m. to sign in or to register. The race will start at 9 a.m. and the fun run at 9:15. The route will wind through campus, beginning and ending at the Student Union. Prizes for participants and winners include cash prizes, restaurant meals, medals and several other exciting items. For further information, please contact Danielle Bennett at 1-405-308-1561 or visit the chapter website at http://alphadeltapi.org/osu.
Wellness tip: Cantaloupe
Did you ever wonder how to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe? According to the Produce Marketing Association, the blossom end of a ripe melon should give slightly under gentle pressure and have a sweet aroma. Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. Its flavor and texture go well with many other foods. Wellness tips are brought to you by the OSU Seretean Wellness Center, dedicated to making OSU the Healthiest Campus in America. For more information about services for students, faculty and staff, call 744-WELL (9355).