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1. Dow Corning Makes Major Contribution to Support Chemical Engineering at Michigan Tech |
Michigan Tech's Unit Operations Lab, a chemical processing facility located right on campus, will remain among the nation's best, thanks to a significant donation from Dow Corning Corporation.
The lab provides chemical engineering students the latest industrial technology, giving them skills and experience that enable them to move seamlessly from the classroom to the workplace.
"We are very grateful to Dow Corning for their generous gift," said Komar Kawatra, chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering. "This is the finest facility of its kind in the country, and with the improvements funded by Dow Corning, we will continue to provide our students with the very best hands-on chemical engineering education."
”Michigan Tech has a fantastic chemical engineering program and many of Dow Corning’s talented employees are Michigan Tech graduates,” said Dow Corning Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Gregg Zank. “Michigan Tech’s commitment to continuing this program is important to sustaining growth at both Dow Corning and in the chemical industry. We’re proud to do our part to support science and math education locally and globally, and to contribute to Michigan Tech’s Unit Operations Lab.”
The processing plant is used to produce polydimethylsiloxane, a type of silicone used in a variety of products, including shampoos and solvents. Currently, the heating portion of the process takes about 14 hours. Upgrades should cut that time nearly in half and give students experience with cutting-edge industrial technology. The improvements will also allow precollege students in Michigan Tech's Summer Youth Program to run experiments, introducing them to possible careers in engineering.
In addition, Dow Corning's gift will be used to upgrade systems in the control room, where students monitor and control all steps of the chemical production process.
"This lab provides exceptional job preparation for our students," Research Associate Tim Gasperich said. "If it weren't for the support of donors such as Dow Corning, we simply couldn't offer this kind of experience."
David Caspary, manager of department lab facilities, agreed. "In 1991 Dow Corning donated a substantial amount of money to build a new batch processing pilot plant in our Unit Operations Lab," he said. "Since that time, Dow Corning has provided annual in-kind support for this pilot plant, guaranteeing that our students have the very best facilities. This gift continues that long history of generosity and a re-investment in the future students of Michigan Tech."
Dow Corning ( www.dowcorning.com ) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services, Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s sales are outside the United States. |
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2. Tech-Talks Research: "Computing and Information Studies” is First Topic in the Series |
submitted by Assistant Provost Donna Michalek
Do you enjoy talking about your research and want to play a key role in determining topical themes for forthcoming strategic faculty hiring clusters? If so, we hope you will participate in Tech-Talks Research. This discussion series has two main purposes: (1) to bring together faculty and staff who share some interests and might be good collaborators on new and existing projects, and (2) to develop strategic themes for the next few rounds of the strategic faculty hiring initiative.
Tech-Talks Research is a series of semi-structured research discussions during which individuals from across the University will gather to formally and briefly present their expertise and interest in working on collaborative research teams. These presentations will be followed by small group breakouts and a large group discussion. Each Tech-Talks Research session will focus on a broad theme to bring together a diverse group from across the University. The purpose of the Tech-Talks Research series is to
• bring together faculty and staff from across Michigan Tech,
• share and discuss research expertise,
• facilitate the formation of interdisciplinary teams to pursue research opportunities, and
• develop proposals for themes of future strategic faculty hiring initiatives.
The first in the series will focus on computing and information studies and will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 4-5 p.m. in the Memorial Union Red Metal Room. There will be a cash bar, and snacks will be provided.
Computing and information studies encompasses the general areas of computing; communications; and information science, arts, and engineering. Research topics in these areas arise in many disciplines and range from the investigation of fundamental principles of advanced computing, communications and information systems, to applications such as entertainment, telecommunications, textual analysis and informatics. Possible topics, but certainly not an exhaustive list (!), that pertain to this focus include
• human-computer interactions (usability studies)
• information system adoption and diffusion
• collaboration and virtual teams
• attention and vigilance
• operations management
• intelligent sensing systems and networks
• geospatial technologies
• human factors
• computational imaging and sensing
• cyber security
• multiscale modeling
• theoretical and computational chemistry
• sensing devises and systems
• informatics (bio-, chemo-, geo-, proteomics)
• simulation of complex systems
All faculty and staff members who feel they can make a contribution to research conducted within this focus or who want to learn about the efforts of others are strongly encouraged to attend. In addition, please contact Assistant Provost Donna J Michalek ( donna@mtu.edu ) by Friday, Nov. 9, if you are interested in giving a short presentation at this session.
The Tech-Talks Research series is sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of the Vice President for Research. |
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3. Surveying the Cultural Climate at Michigan Tech |
A report on student, faculty and staff perceptions of the cultural climate at Michigan Tech has been released. The report includes five categories of recommendations for improving the University’s efforts to promote diversity on campus.
The report is based on results of an institution-wide survey, which asked questions about various aspects of diversity and how individuals perceive that those factors affect them and their work. A total of 3,077 students, 260 faculty, 288 professional staff and 143 hourly staff completed the survey.
Recommendations include integrating diversity into the curriculum; fostering a culture that values multiple perspectives; using inclusive language in all University publications, including applications and forms; hiring a more diverse faculty and staff; recruiting and retaining a more diverse student body; improving financial and institutional support for diversity initiatives; training for faculty, staff and students in ways to build an inclusive environment; and facilitating more interaction among diverse groups through changes in the work environment and allocation of space.
“The Climate Study Steering Committee recommends that annual focus groups be conducted to assess progress in critical areas identified by the preliminary and summary reports,” the report concluded. The committee urged annual review of unit and University-wide diversity plans, reflecting an ongoing analysis of survey and focus group data.
The report urged all students, faculty and staff to regularly dedicate some portion of their time to meeting and learning from others who offer new and different perspectives, “Only in this way can the recommendations in this report enable us to achieve an open and inclusive climate which respects and fosters diversity,” said Chris Anderson, special assistant to the president for institutional diversity.
Members of the Climate Study Steering Committee are Mike Abbott, Chris Anderson, Jill Arola, Les Cook, Willie Melton, Donna Michalek, Akshay Patil, Bill Predebon, Kassia Prystalski, Suzanne Sanregret, Christa Walck and Tim Wong.
The Cultural Climate Report is available on the Web at www.climatestudy.mtu.edu . |
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4. W2s, Quick Links to Pay Stubs Now Available at Employee Self Service |
Employee Self Service, the web-based system that allows Michigan Tech emp[loyees to view their salary record online and update their personal information, has expanded its options.
New Quick Links
ESS now has a quick link to your most recent pay stub.
After signing into ESS with your Michigan Tech user id and password ( at www.banweb.mtu.edu or one click from the Human Resources homepage), select "Employee Self Service" and then "Most Recent Pay Stub."
You can also check your leave balances (for vacation, sick leave, etc.) by clicking on "Leave Balance."
Get Your W2s Online
With tax time just around the corner, employees can sign up to receive their W2 forms electronically through Employee Self Service. You will be able to pull up your W2 on the ESS site W2 by Jan. 21 and print out as many as you need, whenever you want.
By consenting to receive your W2 form electronically, you are agreeing to return to ESS to view and print your W2 form as necessary. If you choose this option, you will not receive a paper W2 from the University.
To sign up to get your W2 electronically, sign on to ESS.
Click on “Tax Forms.”
Click on “Electronic W2 Consent.”
Click the box under “My Choice.”
Lastly, click on “Submit."
If you have any questions, contact Patty Kyllonen at pkkyllon@mtu.edu or 487-2480. |
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5. Holiday Sale on Tap at the Pro Shop |
The Michigan Tech Portage Lake Golf Course is closed for the season, and the Pro Shop will be closed Nov. 4-9.
But it will reopen Nov. 12 through Dec. 21, 1-4 p.m., with blow-out sales on all kinds of golf gear. All golf balls are 20 percent off, apparel is 20 percent to 50 percent off, and clubs are greatly reduced.
Hats are 30 percent off and you can get great deals on on Foot Joy, Callaway, Ecco and US Kids shoes.
To assistance during other than regular hours, call the course at 487-2641 or email golfcourse@mtu.edu . |
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6. Find Out About Alumni Events: Subscribe Alumfyi-l |
The Office of Alumni Relations invites anyone interested in being notified of alumni events hosted by their office to subscribe to our FYI Alumni Event List, alumfyi-l. Such events include pre-game/post-game dinners, tailgates, socials, etc.
This list will replace the mailings that were previously sent to your department.
How to Subscribe/Unsubscribe
To subscribe to the list, send an email message to majordomo@mtu.edu . Leave the subject blank. In the body of the message, put these lines:
subscribe alumfyi-l
end
To unsubscribe, send an email message to majordomo@mtu.edu . Leave the subject blank. In the body of the message, put these lines:
unsubscribe alumfyi-l
end
If all goes well, you will receive a notification message saying your request has succeeded. |
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7. The Story Behind the Hockey Huskies' Oct. 26 Win Against North Dakota |
Hockey Coach Jamie Russell is is featured in the story "Father First, Coach Second," written by Jess Meyers for Inside College Hockey:
http://insidecollegehockey.com/7Archives/News/0708/russell_0607.htm . |
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8. Paper Recycling Monday |
submitted by the Environmental Sustainability Committee
Recycle your paper from home at the first-Monday-of-the-month collection Nov. 5, 3:30-5:30 p.m., at the Dow sixth floor loading dock off the main lobby (just west of where the Dow extends over Cliff Drive). Next month's collection is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 3.
Please take this opportunity to recycle your paper when there are volunteers to help. If you miss the collection, contact Bill Mitchell, wmitchel@mtu.edu , or 487-1636, or email recyclinginfo-l@mtu.edu to make alternate arrangements. Please do not empty paper from home into the blue recycling bins or carts on campus because it increases the likelihood of contamination and creates more work for the custodial and grounds crews.
As always, departments or offices that have a large amount of paper to recycle at one time should contact recyclinginfo-l@mtu.edu to arrange a special pickup. If you're not sure what can be recycled, see the guidelines at www.esc.mtu.edu/WhatCanIRecycleAtMTU/Default.htm .
This recycling collection is sponsored by the Environmental Sustainability Committee and Circle K in cooperation with Facilities Management's Building Operations and Grounds.
For more information, see www.esc.mtu.edu/ or contact your departmental recycling liaison or recyclinginfo-l@mtu.edu . To receive information and announcements related to environmental sustainability issues and activities at MTU and on other campuses, subscribe to greenmtu-l@mtu.edu . |
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9. Reminder: Submit Faculty Scholarship Grant Applications |
Applications for the 2007-08 Faculty Scholarship Grants are being accepted from all eligible faculty. Academic faculty, tenured or tenure-track, are eligible to apply. The grant funds scholarly and creative activities to enhance professional development. The grant is a stand-alone program and not intended to supplement or replace departmental general funds or other existing funding programs (e.g., start-up, grant and contract cost-share, C2E2 or student support).
Application content information and the FSG application can be found at www.admin.mtu.edu/research/vpr/internal/faculty.html .
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10. Diwali Night Friday, Nov. 9 |
submitted by the Indian Students Association
The Michigan Tech Indian Students Association is proud to present Diwali Night 2007 on Friday, Nov. 9.
An extravagant dinner of traditional Indian dishes starts at 6:30 p.m. in Wadsworth Hall.
After dinner, Diwali Night entertainment begins at 8 p.m. in the Rozsa Center. A variety of cultural performances are planned, from skits to dances, with a great master of ceremonies and cast. This year, all the performances are being orchestrated by the talented Michigan Tech students and local community.
Tickets are on sale now. The cost for both dinner and the show is $15 for the general public, $12 for MTU students. Admission is free for children under 8.
Tickets may be purchased at the Rozsa Center Box Office, the SDC Ticket Office, the Tech Express register (in the Campus Bookstore) and the Memorial Union commons (from noon to 2 p.m. weekdays.)
Please join us for one of the biggest Indian Students Association events of the year. |
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11. Tickets Available: 10th Annual Customer Appreciation Buffet Dec. 4 |
The 10th Annual Customer Appreciation Buffet will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
The Memorial Union, Dining Services, Rozsa Center and Campus Bookstore welcome all students, faculty, staff and the general public. The buffet will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Memorial Union Isle Royale Ballroom. Entertainment will be provided in the lobby beginning at 11:15 a.m.
The price is $6.95 per person, and tickets will be on sale through Nov. 29. Tickets may be reserved by emailing buffet-l@mtu.edu or purchased at the Memorial Union Director's Office (room 101) and the Dining Services Office, West Wadsworth 136. Please provide the number of tickets needed and the names of all attendees. All tickets must be paid for and picked up by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29. No tickets will be available at the door.
This year Dining Services presents . . .
* delicately roasted turkey breast
* seasoned porketta
* carmelized onion torte
* garlic sautéed string beans
* parmesan brussels sprouts
* supreme mashed red potatoes
* cornbread stuffing
* country gravy
* broccoli floret salad
* snow-kissed gelatin
* rolls and butter
* dessert sampler
* beverages |
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12. Physics Colloquium Tuesday |
Kim Fook Lee from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Northwestern University will present a physics colloquium, “Entanglement Source for Quantum Communication and Computing,” on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m., in Fisher 139.
For more information, contact Yoke Khin Yap (ykyap@mtu.edu, 487-2900) or Ranjit Pati (patir@mtu.edu, 487-3193). |
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13. MEEM Seminar Nov. 8 |
Professor Paul Cefola from Massachusetts Institute of Technology will be giving a presentation, "Comparison of US and Russian Space Surveillance Systems," on Thursday, Nov. 8, in MEEM 112 at 3 p.m.
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14. Reminder: Seminar Today on Civil Engg Curriculum Reform |
Jeffrey S. Russell, professor and chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will give a talk, "ASCE Body of Knowledge: Preparing for the Future," on curricular reform in civil engineering, today, Monday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. in Dow 642.
For more information, contact Shen-Feng Chen at schen1@mtu.edu .
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15. In the News: Mihelcic, Osborne, Alger, YES! Expo |
Professor Jim Mihelcic (CEE) gives great advice on reusing stuff in this Bankrate.com feature: www.bankrate.com/brm/news/energy-environment-2007/re-use_recycle_a1.asp?caret=4a
Project Manager/Research Leader Mark Osborne (IRC) tells Michigan AAA members how to straighten up and drive right in the November/December AAA magazine. The article, "Get a Grip," is on page 52.
Project Manager/Research Leader Russ Alger's (KRC) SafeLane is promoted in the Great Lakes IT Report, www.glitr.com/Article.asp?id=503831&spid= .
And . . . the YES! Expo leads the Great Lakes IT Report: www.glitr.com/Article.asp?id=505010&spid= . |
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16. Memorial Union Menus |
Monday
The Grill--Breakfast, Breakfast Bagel Combo (Get a delicious breakfast bagel sandwich, hash brown nuggets and coffee) $3.99; Lunch, Ham and Swizz with Honey Mustard served on a Grilled Club Roll $3.50
Home Style Entrees--Cheeseburger Meatloaf $3.95, Full Meal Deal $5.95, Scalloped Potatoes $1.50, Green Bean Casserole $1.50
The Wok About International Display Cooking all entrees $4.75--Chinese Chicken, Chicken Caesar Salad
Soup by the Cup $2.99--Cheesy Vegetable Medley and French Onion soup
Mubsterz Pizza--California Chicken Pizza, by the slice $2.99
Peppers & Pickles Deli--This Week's Featured Sandwich, Corned Beef and Slaw Sandwiches $3.50
Tuesday
The Grill--Breakfast, Country Fried Steak and Biscuits (Country Fried Steak, two eggs any style and two biscuits) $4.95; Lunch, Two-Fer-Tuesday (Two cheeseburgers, small fries and a 20 oz. fountain soda) $3.95
Home Style Entrees--Chicken Parmesan $3.95, Full Meal Deal, $5.95 (full meal includes two sides), Eggplant Parmesan $3.95, Pesto Pasta $1.50, Chef's Vegetables $1.50
The Wok About International Display Cooking all entrees $4.75--Beef Fajita Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad
Soup by the Cup $2.99--Chicken Noodle and Minestrone soup
Mubsterz Pizza--Tomato, Cheeze & Hot Pepper Pizza, by the slice $2.99
Peppers & Pickles Deli--Hot Campbell's Soup Served Monday thru Friday $2.99 per Cup
Wednesday
The Grill--Breakfast, Breakfast Pizza $2.99; Lunch, Grilled Tomato, Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches $3.95
Home Style Entrees--Meat Pasty $3.75, Veggie Pasty $3.75, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy $1.50, Cole Slaw $1.50
The Wok About International Display Cooking all entrees $4.75--Buffalo Chicken Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad
Soup by the Cup $2.99--Tomato and Beef Barley soup
Mubsterz Pizza--Spinach and Garlic Pizza, by the slice $2.99
Peppers & Pickles Deli--Try One of Our Low Carb Friendly Wrap Sandwiches $3.99
Thursday
The Grill--Breakfast, Strawberry Cinnamon French Toast $2.95; Lunch, Swiss Melt on Vienna Rye (1/4 pound burger, grilled onions, Swiss cheese, mustard and relish. Served on grilled Vienna rye) $3.75
Home Style Entrees--Carved Baked Ham $3.95, Full Meal add $2.00, Scalloped Potatoes $1.50, Fresh Grilled Vegetables $1.50, Mac-N-Cheese Side $1.50, Mac-N-Cheese Full Order $3.00
The Wok About International Display Cooking all entrees $4.75--Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad
Soup by the Cup $2.99--Minnesota Wild Rice and Cream of Mushroom soup
Mubsterz Pizza--Taco Pizza, by the slice $2.99
Peppers & Pickles Deli--Make any sandwich a value meal and get a 20 oz fountain soda, chips or a jumbo cookies for just a $2.00
Friday
The Grill--Breakfast, Meat Lovers Big Breakfast (Get 3 bacon, 3 sausage, 2 eggs, hash browns and toast) $4.95; Lunch, Fish Filet Sandwich (Golden Breaded Fish Filet served on a sesame bun with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce) $2.75
Home Style Entrees--Chicken Paprikash Full Meal $5.95, Entree Only $3.25, Buttered Egg Noodle with Parsley $1.50, Chef's Grilled Vegetable $1.50
The Wok About International Display Cooking all entrees $4.75-- Shanghai Beef Wraps, Chicken Caesar Salad
Soup by the Cup $2.99--New England Clam Chowder and Vegetable Garden soup
Mubsterz Pizza--Ranch Chicken Bacon Pizza, by the slice $2.99
Peppers & Pickles Deli--This Week's Featured Sandwich, Corned Beef and Slaw Sandwiches $3.50 |
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