Raindrops keep falling
(M, summer 2006) Within the city of Duluth, 42 creeks run into Lake Superior. Last year, University of Minnesota, Duluth, took a major step to protect Oregon Creek, a principal water pathway from the campus, by building one of the biggest rain gardens in the nation.

U students teach children animal safety
(From eNews, June 8, 2006) According to the Humane Society of the United States, dogs bite about 4.7 million people every year, and more than half the victims are children. The scope of the problem has lead a University of Minnesota professor of veterinary clinical science to establish a dog-bite prevention program for local elementary schools.

Minnesota-you know, the Honeycrisp State
(June 7, 2006) The Honeycrisp apple, one of many varieties developed by University horticulturists, becomes the official Minnesota state fruit

Back to the future
(From eNews, June 8, 2006) Since 2004, several faculty members from the U's School of Nursing have been partnering with educators from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to improve nursing education and expand the role of nurses in those countries.

Defeating diabetes
(From M, summer 2006) From helping people with the day-to-day management of diabetes to running the nation's largest pancreas transplant program, the University is waging an assault on the disease that affects about 1 in 17 Americans.

Book reviews summer 2006
(M, summer 2006) Three books by people with connections to the U: true crime by U alum William Swanson, an almanac by U climatologist Mark Seeley, and poetry by creative writing professor Ray Gonzalez.

Building a global garden
(June 5, 2006; updated June 8) University of Minnesota master gardeners developed a junior master gardener component as part of the science curriculum for fourth and fifth graders at Riverview Specialty School in Brooklyn Park, Minn. Recently, the program was expanded to include a community global garden that will feature plants representing the students' heritage.

U graduates answer the call
(June 5, 2006) This year, 64 University alums are representing the United States by serving as Peace Corps volunteers. According to Peace Corps data, the University ranked 10th among large colleges in 2005 in the number of undergraduates who enter the Peace Corps and seventh in number of volunteers with graduate degrees.

Veterinary students make house calls for senior pet owners
(June 2, 2006) What do the elderly do when they can't take their dogs to the vet? Those who are residents of St. Paul's North End and South Como neighborhoods are fortunate: They can call on University of Minnesota veterinary students to make house calls through the Block Nurse Program.

Wandering the secret gardens
(May 30, 2006) When Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote "The Secret Garden" in 1911, little did she know that 85 years later her classic novel would inspire 20 secret gardens at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The 'Secret Gardens' exhibit runs June 3 to Sept. 10.

Way to grow
(June 2, 2006) When Cynthia Weinig joined the College of Biological Sciences in 2002, she brought with her a five-year, $1.7 million National Science Foundation Young Investigator award to study how plants' genes help them cope with crowding.

Pawlenty signs bonding bill on campus
(June 1, 2006) For the second time in two weeks, Gov. Tim Pawlenty came to the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus to sign a major piece of legislation. On Thursday (June 1) in the atrium of the Carlson School of Management, the governor signed the bonding bill that includes $26.6 million in state funding for an expansion to the Carlson School.

Natural prairie holds key to sustainable fuels
(May 31, 2006; updated June 22) After 12 years of collecting data, University ecologist David Tilman shows unequivocally that fields harboring numerous types of plants will yield the most biomass as a source of renewable energy. Tilman, the world's most cited ecologist of the 1990s, wants to get out the word that the best source of biomass or biofuels will be a multiple source.

Meth abuse leads to new U Web site
(May 30, 2006) An overwhelming response to a conference on the impact of methamphetamine has led three University of Minnesota, Duluth, staff members to launch a University Web site for people seeking resources for dealing with methamphetamine issues.

Hotline helps U employees do the right thing
(Brief, May 31, 2006) Beginning in late fall 2005, Ureport streamlined the University's various hotlines into one, with a companion Web site and the convenience of 24-7 confidential service.

Fast-growing trees for fuel and fiber
(May 26, 2006) Corn is currently the most developed biomass energy source in the United States. Hot on its heels, however, is the hybrid poplar. The U's poplar tree breeding program is one of the largest in the world to develop the fast-growing hybrid poplars for industry.

Storytelling in the lesson plan
(May 26, 2006) For David Aubid, Native American storytelling is a way to discover traditions and history and learn about ceremony, ritual, and the natural world. It is also one way the University of Minnesota, Duluth, instructor teaches the Ojibwe language.

New fluid power center has faculty pumped
(May 26, 2006) Think electric hybrid cars get good mileage? Fluid-powered hybrid cars could leave them in the dust. Developing that technology just got a big boost when the National Science Foundation gave the University and several other institutions a five-year, $15 million grant for a new Engineering Research Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power. The new center will also help bring the science of fluid power to students in Minnesota and around the nation.

The marriage of type and ancient music
(May 23, 2006) For 10 years, the vocal group The Rose Ensemble has captivated audiences in the Twin Cities and across the globe with its Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music blended with folk tunes and enchanting stories. This spring, the group looked to six University of Minnesota students to transport the group's fans to those ancient times through its CD covers.

U honors global alumni achievements
(Brief, May 24, 2006;
photo update June 14, 2006) University alumni from China, Ecuador, Nigeria, Norway, Singapore, and Taiwan are being honored in 2006 with the Distinguished Leadership Award for Internationals. It's one way that the U is showing the importance of international students when they become alumni making a global impact.

Another reason to quit
(May 22, 2006) A cancer-causing chemical from cigarette smoke finds its way into the lungs, bloodstream, and urine of infants, according to a new study by the University of Minnesota Cancer Center.

Legislature approves on-campus football stadium for Gophers
(May 24, 2006) On Saturday (May 20), the Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill that secures funding for a $248 million on-campus stadium for the University of Minnesota. Pending a signature by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, the U hopes to begin construction this fall. The legislature also approved $115.7 million in state funding for other projects at the U.

Good vibrations lead to better electronics
(May 18, 2006) For many years, researchers have longed to steer chemical reactions along certain pathways using laser light, but none ever succeeded--until a University-led team came along. A May 19 Science article reports how the team used a laser to remove a coating of hydrogen from a silicon crystal allowing the addition of more silicon, a technique that promises better and cheaper computer chips and consumer electronics.

Education leader new dean of College of Education and Human Development
(May 18, 2006) At a press conference today (May 18), Darlyne Bailey, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the prestigious Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City was named the dean of the University's expanded CEHD, pending approval by the Board of Regents.

Living and learning for life
(From eNews, May 18, 2006) Spring brings graduation ceremonies and the hope that new alumni will go on to have successful careers and make a positive impact on society. But having an impact on the community is a class requirement for students pursuing the Advocacy Leadership for Vital Aging certificate. The program is part of the U's Vital Aging Network, which challenges ageism stereotypes and promotes a better quality of life.

Finland and Minnesota share forestry knowledge
(From eNews, May 18, 2006) University of Minnesota professor Gerald Niemi has been nurturing a relationship with Finnish ecologists for over two decades so that lessons in good forest-management practices--adopted successfully in Minnesota and Finland--aren't lost.

U research shows Will & Grace lessened prejudice toward gay men
(May 17, 2006) Studies done by U researchers show that the television series "Will & Grace" lowered prejudice against gay men. Through the medium of television, viewers can actually develop a relationship with characters that can lead to a more complex view of a category like "gay men" and help combat stereotyping.

World Languages Day at the U
(May 16, 2006) More than 600 Minnesota high school juniors came to the Twin Cities campus for the third annual University of Minnesota World Languages Day. In addition to learning how to speak Finnish, Hebrew, and Ojibwe, the students had lessons in Irish names, the Brazilian carnival, German alternative music, and origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.

Celebrating success
(May 16, 2006) On May 10, the University feted the people who worked to define ways to help it become one of the top three public research universities in the world.

Regents meet over tuition and tenure
(May 16, 2006) Last week, the Board of Regents reviewed tuition for the 2006-07 school year, and approved the promotion or tenure of 193 faculty members. That stamp of approval made sociology professor Zha Blong Xiong the first Hmong person to earn tenure at a major research university in the United States.

Revised recommendations from 11 more task forces
(May 16, 2006) This group of revised recommendations includes four from the Academic Health Center, four academic and two research task forces, and the task force on metrics and measurement.

UMM names chancellor
(May 16, 2006) Come August, the Morris campus will have a new leader at the helm. Jacqueline Johnson, from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, was named successor to Chancellor Sam Schuman. Schuman is retiring on June 30 after 11 years in senior leadership positions at Morris.

Change your oil every day
(May 15, 2006) University researchers have discovered that reheating cooking oil can create a toxic compound linked to several diseases.

Down and dirty for a beautiful U
(Brief, May 17, 2006) The Civil Service Committee worked with two other organizations, students, and some U neighbors to build a path and redesign a garden near the Twin Cities campus.

Health Connections is off to a strong start
(Brief, May 17, 2006) Four months after the launch of the U's first comprehensive wellness initiative, nearly 8,000 faculty, staff, and family members are participating in Health Connections. And the feedback is positive--even powerful. It's not too late to take the assessment or to get a financial reward for enrolling in a follow-up health improvement option.

A supreme speaker
(May 15, 2006) Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman ever confirmed to the nation's highest court, will be making one of her first public speeches since her retirement in January next Tuesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. on the Twin Cities campus. Her appearance coincides with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association's 102nd Annual Celebration.

New McKnights shine-no armor needed
(May 15, 2006) Since 1995 the U has honored top mid-career faculty with the Distinguished McKnight University Professorship. This year's crop of four includes Karin Musier-Forsyth, who studies a family of enzymes whose job is to make sure that all cells produce the correct protein. Forcing the bacterial versions of these enzymes to make mistakes is a potential means of thwarting infections.

Raising the barley
(May 12, 2006) While Minnesota farmers have watched their profits steadily decline over the past decade, a team of University researchers and the USDA are discovering ways to improve the quality and yield of barley, and re-establishing Minnesota as the cream of the crop.

Good enough moms
(May 12, 2006) University of Minnesota parenting expert Marti Erickson has started a radio show with her daughter Erin Erickson Garner, a School of Public Health graduate student specializing in maternal and child health. Both women address mothering issues frankly and straightforwardly, even the ones that past generations only discussed in hushed tones.

Dungy visits Minnesota to back new stadium
(May 11, 2006) Tony Dungy, a quarterback for the Golden Gophers in the '70s and the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League, made a special visit to Minnesota on Thursday, May 11, to support a new football stadium on campus.

Senate passes two key University bills
(May 9, 2006) The Minnesota State Senate on May 9 passed two key items of legislation for the University of Minnesota--a bill that would create a special bonding authority for biomedical sciences research facilities, and another bill that would fund an on-campus football stadium.

U students participate in music mentorship with metro school
(June 16, 2006) Music education students at the University of Minnesota are learning what it takes to teach future musicians through a 12-week mentorship program at Brooklyn Center Junior/Senior High School.

College of Education and Human Development celebrates centennial
(Brief, May 10, 2006) One of the University's oldest college's threw a party May 5-6 to honor distinguished alumni around the world and get a glimpse at the future, too.

U advisers celebrate Tate Award winners
(Brief, May 10, 2006) Advising plays a key role in students' lives as well as in universities' success. This year the U's top awards for undergraduate advising went to advisers in fields from art to chemical engineering who developed expertise from disabilities to technology to the elusive world of film studies.

CAPA prepares for a year of change
(Brief, May 10, 2006) Election results for academic professional and administrative (P&A) staff senators and for CAPA officers have been announced. Now they're preparing for a year of change.

Why should kids have all the fun?
(May 9, 2006) Curiosity Camp is one of many opportunities at the University of Minnesota for busy adults to nurture new interests, rediscover learning, and have some fun in a time frame that fits their schedule.

Great Conversations explores the changing face of retirement
(May 9, 2006) The 2006 Great Conversations' season finale next Tuesday (May 16), University sociology professor Phyllis Moen will discuss the "Social Forces Reshaping Retirement" with guest Marc Freedman of Civic Ventures, an organization that works to expand the contributions of older Americans to society.

Tourism heats up
(May 5, 2006) Tourism is like fire--it can destroy or sustain. Forward-thinkers from around Minnesota and national experts met at the U to talk about ways to harness the power of tourism for generations to come.

Quality students, national awards
(May 5, 2006) 2006 has been a bumper year for University of Minnesota scholarship winners. The U has four Goldwater scholars, two Truman scholars, a Rhodes, a Luce, and a Beinecke scholar.

Grape expectations
(May 5, 2006) U plant breeding has transformed the Minnesota wine industry and growers have grape expectations for the latest cold-hardy grape, Marquette.

Grocery stores: trends and tips
(From eNews, May 5, 2006) Grocery stores have become much more than just places to buy fresh produce, a can of baked beans, and toilet paper. Today, our grocery stores also have features of a flower shop, bakery, natural foods store, pharmacy, and deli. U professor Robert King and local grocer Dale Riley offer insights into the changing face of grocery stores and tips on supermarket shopping.

Helping high school teachers challenge students
(From eNews, May 2006) For two decades, the U's College of Continuing Education has enabled high school teachers to teach University of Minnesota credit courses to students right in their own schools. More than 70 Minnesota high schools are participating in the program, known as College in the Schools.

Scientists in the schools
(From eNews, May 4, 2006) Brian Barber, an ornithologist at the U's Bell Museum of Natural History, spends many afternoons at an elementary school in St. Paul. In addition to helping out in the science classroom, Barber and two other University graduate students run the after-school science club and take groups of children on field trips.

From Dewey Decimal to digital
(Brief, May 3, 2006) Marie Eller (1919-2006) began her career at the Twin Cities cammpus in Walter Library during World War II and ended in Wilson Library in 1984, the year the card catalog closed. But Eller's enthusiasm for the U continued as she applied her skills and zest for life to the U of M Retirees Association.

Most mosquitoes give malaria the boot
(From M, fall 2006) A University-led team has found that most Anopheles mosquitoes--the type that transmits malaria from human to human--are resistant to the malaria parasite and so incapable of spreading the disease. The work could lead to better, more ecologically sustainable methods of controlling the disease, which claims a million victims every year.

History Day mentors help immigrant students succeed
(May 1, 2006) Nearly 30 students across the University's Twin Cities, Duluth, and Morris campuses have been mentoring students in grades 6-12 for their History Day research projects. The program is one of many outreach initiatives at the U to help improve primary- and secondary-school history education.

U hosts conference to combat child trafficking
(May 1, 2006) Each year, more than 1.2 million young boys and girls are trafficked around the world for the purposes of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation. A recent conference held by the University of Minnesota Human Rights Program gathered leaders from various disciplines to address the problem and forge new collaborations to combat it.

The Ballad of Bucky Halker
(May 1, 2006) Talk about labor intensive. Scholar, troubadour, and University of Minnesota alum Bucky Halker has become one of the nation's experts on American labor songs. To mark May 1--International Workers' Day--here's the Ballad of Bucky Halker.

Hardy U elms find home at State Fair
(April 28, 2006; updated May 1) Dutch elm disease-resistant trees that were field-tested by the University of Minnesota for cold-hardiness have found their way to the Minnesota State Fair. The 12 hybrid elm trees were planted at the fairgrounds on Arbor Day (April 28).

UMM physics professor creates board game
(April 28, 2006) A University of Minnesota, Morris physics professor has created a board game called "Honest Abe vs. the Xenopods", a human-against-alien strategy game.

Natural resources programs continue under new structure
(April 28, 2006) In July, the U will launch the new College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences. The college is the result of combining the College of Natural Resources, the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (from the College of Human Ecology).

General Studies event draws hundreds of parents and new students
(April 26, 2006) Postsecondary Teaching and Learning (created from the former General College) gathered to experience a mini-version of the new first-year curriculum called General Studies. It includes a combination of learning communities, freshman seminars, and individual courses that will help them meet core requirements.

To air is... to truly jam
(April 26, 2006) For all students who are just a few groupies--and perhaps a lot of talent--short of being a rock star, here's an event just for you. On Friday afternoon, there will be an air guitar contest in front of potentially adoring fans, complete with valuable prizes and an appearance by a celebrity judge.

Building strong communities
(Brief, April 26, 2006) UMD professor Dennis Falk has helped to build a national model for training social workers in rural and tribal communities. On Monday, Falk received the U's highest teaching honor and was the first from UMD to be recognized for contributions to postbaccalaureate, graduate, and professional education.

Architecture for Humanity
(April 25, 2006) Renowned architect Cameron Sinclair, visiting professor at the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, is teaching his students about the responsibilities of their future profession. Architects provide shelter, says Sinclair, and much of the world needs it badly.

Native American bridge program
(April 25, 2006) With University of Minnesota professor Sue Henly at the helm, the U's American Indian/Alaskan Native M.S.-to-Ph.D. Nursing Science Bridge is making important strides in doubling the number of American Indian nurses with Ph.D.s in the United States.

Playwright returns to U to discuss story of the Tuskegee Study
(April 25, 2006) David Feldshuh, who studied medicine at the University of Minnesota, wrote "Miss Evers' Boys," a Pulitzer Prize-nominated play based on the U.S. Public Health Service's Tuskegee Study. From 1932 to 1972, 399 black men from Macon, Georgia, unwittingly took part in a government study on the effects of syphilis in African Americans. Even when penicillin was discovered, the government refused to treat the men and deliberately did not inform them so that the study could continue. On Friday, April 28, Feldshuh will discuss the play on the Twin Cities campus at the Harvard Street Forum.

Kicking the habit with telephone counseling and care
(April 25, 2006) University of Minnesota researchers have found that smokers who receive a combination of intensive, personalized telephone counseling and medication quit more than those who undergo routine care by health care providers.

Podcasts help students prepare for end of the semester
(April 25, 2006) The Office for Student Affairs provides podcasts on topics that are meant to help students at the completion of the academic year.

Ivory Tower redux
(April 21, 2006) Undergraduate artists have a chance to see their work in print again thanks to a new incarnation of an old publication that once set the standard on the Twin Cities campus for creativity and edge.

All the tea... and china
(April 21, 2006; updated for Brief, April 26, 2006) At UMC's Centennial Tea, invited guests are served a four-course tea using china lent by community members and University faculty and staff. This year's event also boasted its own special blend of tea, Centennial Dream.

U of M researchers find gene connected to lupus
(April 21, 2006) Lupus is a devastating and potentially fatal autoimmune disease in which a patient's own body turns against itself and attacks body tissue. Speculated to be genetic, University of Minnesota researchers have identified a gene that is prevalent in most people with this devastating and potentially fatal disease.

Preventing falls among elderly women
(From eNews, April 20, 2006) Researchers at the U's Center for Gerontological Nursing are studying the effects of walking and balance exercises on fall prevention. Studies have shown that 33 percent of people over 55 fall each year, and falling is a major cause of hip fractures and other injuries.

Paying more to prevent terrorism
(From eNews, April 20, 2006) A University of Minnesota survey has found that people living in the United States are willing to pay more to protect against terrorism. Nearly 98 percent of U.S. residents believe there will be another terrorist attack in their lifetime, and more than 50 percent believe at least one attack will occur within the next five years.

Cultivating a world perspective on medicine
(April 19, 2006) The medical student exchange program between the U and Sweden's Karolinska Institute is a model for further endowed programs in countries around the world.

Undergraduate research teaches and inspires
(Brief, April 19, 2006; updated April 21) Research is not only for faculty and graduate students. On Wednesday, April 26, undergraduates on the Twin Cities campus will showcase their research on topics such as phantom pain in amputees and humor's effect on stress. Last year, nearly 100 students presented their research projects at the Undergraduate Symposium in Coffman Union.

Left to their own devices
(April 18, 2006) The U is a leader in medical devices research because of the historic relationship--a model of interdisciplinary collaboration--between engineering and the health sciences.

Keeping students safer
(April 18, 2006) April 17-21 is Assault Awareness Week at the U's Superblock. In addition to meeting with representatives from University Police and Boynton Health Services, students in the four residence halls there will have the chance to pick up some self-defense moves.

Beautiful U Day grows into statewide event
(April 18, 2006) For the first time ever, Beautiful U Day will take place on each of the University of Minnesota campuses.

Stopping the traffic
(April 18, 2006) Hundreds of thousands of young boys and girls are bought, sold, or kidnapped for sexual exploitation each year. The University joins with other partners to address the issue on April 21 and bring its expertise to bear on stopping this crime.

Plants to reduce less of our carbon dioxide mess
(April 17, 2006) Some models of global greenhouse warming have indicated that the world's land plants can absorb a significant share of the carbon dioxide emitted by fossil fuel burning. But a new study led by University professor Peter Reich indicates that plants will need extra nitrogen--a nutrient in short supply in many areas of the world--to do it. As plants fall short of expectations, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could rise sharply, accelerating global warming.

Summer programs at the U offer opportunities to youth
(Brief, Feb. 28, 2007; updated April 30, 2007) Summer 2007 programs for children and teens are now taking registrations. Check out the scores of camp possibilities at U locations statewide, in fields ranging from art and design to science and sports.

The math behind the curtain
(April 14, 2006) He lacked a high school diploma, but still got into Harvard graduate school. Was it magic? Not for Persi Diaconis. Although he was already an accomplished magician, it was his skill at mathematics that opened the door. A well-known debunker of scams in magic and games of chance, he brings his unique perspective on math and magic to a lecture Wednesday (April 19) at 7 p.m. in 125 Willey Hall, 225 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis.

Speaking of fear
(April 14, 2006) Salman Rushdie, the author of numerous acclaimed novels, like The Satanic Verses and Midnight's Children, will lecture at Northrop Auditorium On Wednesday, April 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

37 and still on fire
(April 14, 2006) At the U's 37th Annual Iron Pour, molten metal once again meets a hodgepodge of protective helmets and leather.

Minnesota Weather Almanac traces history fair and foul
(April 14, 2006) In a state that takes a keen interest in the weather, everyone should find something interesting or amazing in University meteorologist Mark Seeley's new "Minnesota Weather Almanac." He'll read from and sign copies of the book at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the University Bookstore in Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis.

The Minnesotan behind the Mediterranean Diet
(April 13, 2006) Most people today are aware that a high cholesterol level leads to high blood pressure and dramatically increases the onset of heart disease. What most people do not know is that University physiologist Ancel Keys was the man who first discovered this link, and later showed that heart-attack rates directly related to diet and exercise.

Friends of College of Human Ecology celebrate its legacy
( ) In June, the College of Human Ecology will close its doors and its four academic units will be added to three new or newly reconfigured colleges to strengthen and focus the U's goal of being one of the top three public research universities in the world. On April 7, friends, alumni, staff, faculty, and students came together to honor the college's history.

U reaches out to international families through sewing and soup
(April 11, 2006) As part of its commitment to globalize itself, the University has launched Soup and Stitches, a program that reaches out to international families through sewing and soup.

A drive for more biking and walking options
(April 11, 2006) Examining ways to embrace non-motorized modes of transportation was the focus of Monday's James L. Oberstar Forum on Transportation Policy and Technology, titled "Transportation Choices: The Important Role of Walking and Biking."

CAPA celebration 2006
(Brief, April 12, 2006) The annual celebration of systemwide academic professional and administrative (P&A) staff, sponsored by the Council of Academic Professionals and Administrators (CAPA), will be May 19 on the Twin Cities campus.

A new way to tell rope from dope
(April 7, 2006) The hemp plant has economic potential as a source of high-quality fiber, but although it lacks psychoactive properties, it bears an unfortunately close resemblance to its sister plant: marijuana. Now, thanks to a procedure developed by University researchers, the two plants can be reliably distinguished. The work could lead to the eventual introduction of hemp as a crop for Minnesota farmers, as well as sorting out legal from illegal growing and distribution practices.

With honors
(April 7, 2006) Several Carlson School of Business honor students are volunteering their newly acquired academic instruction to non-profit organizations in a selfless effort to give back to the community. The students are helping the Courage Center, known for its summer programs at Camp Courage, maximize profitability of its facilities during the off-season, while other students are helping the Foundation for Immigrant Resources and Education file for non-profit status.

When Facebook becomes too revealing
(April 7, 2006) The Web site Facebook, used primarily by college students, has turned out to be more broadly accessible than some students might think. Anyone with a university-based e-mail account can use it, which means that faculty, staff, and alumni may be privy to the thoughts and opinions of students, not to mention photos from that fun party last month.

Making news across the globe
(April 7, 2006) A new program named after the late CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow is bringing journalists from around the world to the United States to examine the practice of American journalism and interact with professional journalists and experts in the field. The University of Minnesota's School of Journalism and Mass Communication has been chosen as one of seven schools to host the prestigious program.

House approves new football stadium for U
( April 7, 2006) On April 6, at the Minnesota Legislature, the House passed a bill in a vote of 103-30 to bring on-campus football back to campus. The Senate still needs to pass a companion bill for the stadium deal to be sealed. That bill has been approved by the Senate Higher Education Budget Division and is awaiting a hearing in the Finance Committee.

U launches Web site with flood information
(From eNews, April 6, 2006) In light of flooding emergencies along areas of the Red River, the University of Minnesota Extension Service has launched a Web site to help people handle flood response, cleanup, and safety issues. University of Minnesota, Crookston, students have also pitched in--building sand dikes--as the Red Lake River continued to rise and threaten nearby homes.

Making economics fun
(Brief, April 5, 2006) Last December, Morris economics faculty member Pareena Lawrence led her first study abroad group--to India, the country where she grew up. Together they studied the impact of globalization on a nation of more than a billion people. But Lawrence is also one of the faculty members that makes economics fun in Morris, home of the U's highly ranked liberal arts campus in western Minnesota. Now she's one of 15 winners of the University's highest honor for teaching excellence.

Minnesota Cup returns for second year
(April 4, 2006) The Minnesota Cup has quickly established itself as a competition to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit in Minnesota and highlight the University as a catalyst for innovative ideas that drive the economy. This year the competition will also include a special category for students who have the best "breakthrough idea."

U farm fertilizer recommendations could help environment
(April 4, 2006) A new University of Minnesota study shows farmers how to reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizer to protect the environment while increasing their bottom line. According to this year's U.S. Department of Agriculture survey of farmers' planting intentions, growers nationwide are planting less corn than usual, in part because of the high cost of fertilizer.