Vol. XXXVII No. 39; Dec. 12, 2007
Editor: Gayla Marty, brief@umn.edu

Read Brief on the Web at http://www.umn.edu/umnnews/Publications/Brief/Brief_12122007.html.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
--Assessing U-wide interdisciplinary centers.
--Minding the digital gap between faculty and students.
--People: Pacemaker inventor Earl Bakken will receive an honorary degree Dec. 13; kinesiology professor Maureen Weiss named 2008 chair of the Science Board of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports; and more.

Campus Announcements and Events
University-wide | Crookston | Duluth | Morris | Rochester | Twin Cities

ASSESSING U-WIDE INTERDISCIPLINARY CENTERS: Doug Ernie is the new, half-time associate dean in the Graduate School charged with overseeing a process to monitor the growing number of U-wide interdisciplinary centers in a way that facilitates their continued development. Ernie, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, brings interdisciplinary experiences that include helping to build the MAST lab for international research on earthquake-like forces applied to large-scale structures, leading the UNITE project that delivers courses to IT professionals, and working on the Graduate Fellowship Committee. Read more in "Assessing interdisciplinary success."

MINDING THE DIGITAL GAP: Technology surveys of faculty and students conducted biannually at UMTC since 2001 document the true nature of differences between the two groups. Most faculty members have used technology in a course, while students are not as sophisticated as many assume. But the most important theme to emerge is a strong positive attitude toward educational technology. Read more in "Mind the digital generation gap."

PEOPLE: U alumnus Earl Bakken, '48, inventor of the pacemaker and cofounder of Medtronic, will receive the Medical School's first honorary doctorate Dec. 13; kinesiology professor Maureen Weiss has been named 2008 chair of the Science Board of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the group that reviews the President's Challenge physical fitness program; the regents will recognize McKnight Presidential Chair Gunda Georg, UMTC medicinal chemistry, and McKnight Presidential Professors Robert Hecky, UMD biological limnology, and David Wilkins, UMTC American Indian studies. Read about these and more awards and appointments in People.

CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

University-wide:

THE BOARD OF REGENTS WILL MEET DEC. 13-14. Agenda items include updates on graduation rates, undergraduate initiatives, and U research; reports on the student health survey and employer health care trends affecting the U; and the state economic forecast. See the news release and the December agenda and docket.

A POTENTIAL POST-EMPLOYMENT HEALTH-CARE SAVINGS PLAN (HCSP) BENEFIT for civil service staff members is being evaluated by the Civil Service Committee (CSC) and Office of Human Resources. The HCSP is a public-employer-sponsored program administered by the Minnesota State Retirement System that allows employees to save pre-tax earnings to pay post-employment medical expenses and health-insurance premiums. The CSC is sponsoring forums to gather input and feedback. The first forum, on the feasibility of setting up an HCSP benefit for U civil service employees, was recorded and can be reviewed. The final forum will be Dec. 17, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2-137 Jackson Hall, UMTC, with Web-viewing capability. See UMConnect or get technical support.

SAVE THE DATE: 2008 LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING. Join other University supporters and President Bruininks in this annual event. You will get an insider's preview of the U's 2008 capital bonding request, generate enthusiasm with other U supporters, and learn how to share your story in a way that will help the leadership and citizens of Minnesota realize how the U touches everyone. Enjoy a light dinner buffet and learn what you can do to support the U. Jan. 23, 5:30-8 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center. Just before the event, the U of M-Duluth will hold a session specifically for UMD alumni and friends, 5:15-6:15 p.m. See Support the U or call 612-626-1417.

SMALL GRANTS TO SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH (RCR) CONTINUING EDUCATION awareness and discussion activities are offered by the Office of the Vice President for Research. The next deadline for applications is Jan. 30. See more details.

CALL FOR STATEWIDE NOMINATIONS: 2008 HUMPHREY PUBLIC LEADERSHIP AWARDS. The Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs gives four publicly nominated awards each year--to two emerging or established outstanding leaders, one Humphrey Institute individual or entity, and one woman leader under 35--to recognize significant contributions to the common good through public leadership or service. Special consideration is given to those who have bridged traditional divides such as party lines or geopolitical boundaries. Nominees need not be from Minnesota. Deadline for nominations: Feb. 15. See the news release.

MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM TRAILS ARE OPEN. They include 8.5 miles of cross-country ski trails and 1.25 miles of snowshoe trails. Open daily, 8 a.m.-sunset. See more information.

Crookston:

THE UMC EMPLOYER RESEARCH TEAM conducted its second biannual employer focus group and survey this fall to solicit employer attitudinal and assessment data about UMC graduates. The data is used to improve the student academic experience so graduates will be prepared to enter the job market and pursue successful careers. Regional employers, faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders are members of UMC's Program Improvement and Advisory Committee. Read more.

CONSTRUCTION OF A 76 X 180-FOOT CAMPUS ICE RINK began in November, with plans to open after classes begin in January. The rink will include benches, extra lighting, music, and eventually a warming shed. Donations of ice skates of all styles and sizes are welcome. Contributing to the effort have been associate vice chancellor Peter Phaiah, Facilities Management, students in ag systems management, and the Eagles hockey team. For more information, contact Phaiah at phaiah@umn.edu or Lisa Samuelson at samue026@umn.edu.

CORN COLLEGE involves in-depth, hands-on workshops designed for corn producers featuring top extension and research specialists from the U of M and North Dakota State U. Dec. 19, UMC, and Dec. 20, Minnesota State University in Moorhead. See Corn College.

Duluth:

WINTER JAZZ CONCERT will include UMD Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Ryan Frane, and UMD Jazz Ensemble II, directed by Scott Belck. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., Weber Music Hall. Tickets $6 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students. See the Department of Music.

"UMD COACHES RADIO LUNCH," a live show with UMD hockey coach Scott Sandelin, features UMD and opposing coaches talking about game-of-the-week strategies, a ticket giveaway, door prizes, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m., Grandma's Sports Garden. See the Bulldog Club.

HOLIDAY BRUNCHES AND TOURS OF GLENSHEEN HISTORIC CONGDON ESTATE are offered every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday in December. See the calendar.

UMD'S EMERGENCY TEXT-MESSAGING SYSTEM was tested successfully Dec. 4 when the campus closed early due to weather. Read more in "Getting the word out."

Morris:

SIX SYMPHONIC WINDS STUDENT MUSICIANS were selected for the 2008 Intercollegiate Honor Band, hosted by the College Band Directors National Association: Sara Friedrichs (alto saxophone), Jessica Henry (French horn), James Jarvie (trumpet), Brian Kotila (euphonium), Lisa Musielewicz (trumpet), and Joshua Nyquist (tuba). They will represent UMM in a performance at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic capstone event, Feb. 15, Minneapolis Convention Center. See UMM Symphonic Winds.

FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR JAMBOREE, Dec. 6, featured a variety of presentations in posters, plays, games, displays, and performances that showcased students' semester experience. Read more.

Rochester:

ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER OF THE ROCHESTER AREA MATH AND SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP (RAMSP), in which Outstanding Educator awards were presented to three area instructors, featured a keynote, "Math Matters in Biology," by UMTC College of Biological Sciences professor Claudia Neuhauser. RAMSP includes the area's 13 school districts, higher education providers, Mayo Clinic, and IBM, and prepares teachers to offer cutting-edge education in math, science, and computers so students can meet the challenges of the 21st century. The event was held Dec. 11 at the Plummer House.

A RECEPTION FOR PARENTS OF ROCHESTER AREA YOUTH in the U of M Talented Youth Math Program (UMTYMP) was held Dec. 6. About 35 math students, 10-14 years old, are active in the program that focuses on algebra, geometry, and calculus. See UMTYMP.

Twin Cities:

COACHE SURVEY REPORT: In results published last week, UMTC was named among top institutions in two categories--overall effectiveness of policies and global satisfaction--of the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) study at Harvard. COACHE surveyed junior, tenure-track faculty at institutions across the country, asking them to assess their experiences regarding promotion and tenure, the nature of their work, policies and practices, and the general climate, culture, and level of collegiality on their campuses. The findings were reported Dec. 5 in Inside Higher Education. See the story and COACHE; see also the survey and PowerPoint presentation given at UMTC at Faculty Development. For more information, contact vice provost Arlene Carney at carne005@umn.edu.

THE OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS SEEKS A U STAFF MEMBER TO SERVE ON THE STUDENT SERVICES FEES COMMITTEE. The committee reviews applications and hears presentations from student groups who seek a portion of the student services fee and makes recommendations for the 2008-09 fee. Time commitment begins in February and continues through the end of March; among the dates are two Saturday meetings (Feb. 2, 7) and two late-afternoon meetings (Feb. 13, March 26). If you have questions or are interested in serving, contact Amelious Whyte, chief of staff, Office for Student Affairs, at awhyte@umn.edu or 612-624-2678.

ADVISE ALL NEW AND TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARRIVING for spring semester 2008 to visit International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to complete federal requirements. New students are allowed to arrive no more than 30 days before the start of the semester, though many transfer students may not be required to leave the United States and will arrive earlier. For more information, see ISSS.

STADIUM CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The last of 2,200 steel pilings was driven into the ground Dec. 7; next, concrete beams will be set and a slab poured to complete the foundation. Above-ground construction will begin in January. Roadway configuration around the site was completed this fall. The project, scheduled to open for the 2009 football season, is on time and on budget. See the stadium.

DISCOUNT TICKETS for the Pompeii exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo IMAX theater, Spirit Mountain, and more are available at the student unions. See discount tickets.

MORE EVENTS include a showcase of student design ideas for the Ford assembly plant (Dec. 12); "Definition and Ideology in the New Rhetoric: I. A. Richards, Richard Weaver, and Current Research on Definition," a talk by David Beard, UMD (Dec. 13); "Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom" (Dec. 14); Graduate School commencement (Dec. 14); and "Re-Greening Cities" in Café Scientifique (Dec. 18). SEE THESE AND MORE TWIN CITIES CAMPUS EVENTS.

Published by University Relations at the University of Minnesota. Please send comments, questions, or submissions to the editor at brief@umn.edu. The deadline for submissions is noon on the Friday before publication. All Twin Cities event submissions are handled through the events calendar at http://events.tc.umn.edu.

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