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1. Campus Forum Today |
President Glenn Mroz will host a campus forum today, Thursday, Sept. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
Release time will be provided for hourly staff with the approval of their supervisor. Everyone is encouraged to attend. |
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2. FAQ About New Calendar, Email System |
Lots of really good information about the University's new email and calendar services (which replace Huskymail and MeetingMaker) is available from System Administration Services here.
Among other important facts, the Tech web address where you can find the new Zimbra Collaboration Suite is http://email.mtu.edu .
Remember, the changeover starts at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and should be completed by Monday morning. |
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3. Student's Funeral Saturday |
Services for Lee Drelles, 19, who died Sunday in a car accident on the Pike River Road, will be held at Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Ludington.
The funeral is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Gregg DeMey. The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m.; on Friday, Sept. 26, at 2-6 p.m.; and on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. until the funeral.
Condolences may be sent to the funeral home at 3060 W. U.S. 10, Ludington, MI 49431.
A website has been established in Drelles's memory where friends are invited to comment: http://leedrelles.com/ . |
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4. State Recognizes Teacher Education Program |
by John Gagnon, promotional writer
The teacher education program at Michigan Tech has been singled out for quality by the Michigan Department of Education.
The Division of Teacher Education was one of 17 institutions, out of a total of 32 with teacher preparation programs in the state, that earned "exemplary status."
"It's said that teaching is forever," says Brad Baltensperger, chair of the Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences. "So is learning, and our program keeps secondary education teachers abreast of their fields."
Tech's teacher education program certifies teachers in biology, chemistry, computer science, science, economics, English, integrated science, social studies, mathematics, physics, and technology and design.
As well, the program offers a master's program in applied science education, including an earth system science track, and the Peace Corps Master's International Program, which combines study with service.
The Michigan Department of Education rated the state's teacher programs as low-performing, at-risk, satisfactory or exemplary.
Ratings were based on pass rates on teacher certification exams; program review; program completion rate; surveys of candidates, surveys of supervisors; and institutional responsiveness to state needs.
The teacher education program, which has been in place at Michigan Tech since 1970, strives to meet community and state needs for teachers, enabling them to maintain the highest levels of accreditation by the state.
The program certifies approximately 30 secondary-school teachers each year. |
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5. Tech-Talks AQIP: "Improving the Diversity of the Faculty" |
by Assistant Provost Donna Michalek
The popular Tech-Talks series is offering a new flavor this semester: Tech-Talks AQIP. AQIP is the program of continuous improvement whereby Michigan Tech maintains its accreditation with the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission. A series of three Tech-Talks AQIP sessions are scheduled this semester to discuss the recommendations resulting from the AQIP Action Projects that were completed recently and are soon to be retired. These Action Projects are usually undertaken by teams of faculty, staff and students to evaluate a specific area for improvement, propose actions for improvement and, through actions that follow, provide evidence that Michigan Tech is committed to a regime of continuous improvement.
The first Tech-Talks AQIP session will discuss the Action Project that focused on "Improving the Diversity of the Faculty" and will take place on Monday, Sept. 29, 4-5 p.m. in Memorial Union 105, the Red Metal Room. As is the tradition with the Tech-Talks series, there will be a cash bar, with the first beverage on the house, and munchies will also be provided.
The session will start with a brief discussion of AQIP and the role of the Action Projects. This will be followed by a presentation from members of the Action Project team: Bill Bulleit (chair of the committee), Jackie Huntoon, Sherry Kauppi, Pushpa Murthy and Terry Reynolds. After the short presentation, there will be an administrative response to the team's remarks and recommendations, time for open discussion and a celebration of the team's accomplishments.
All faculty and staff members who want to learn more about AQIP in general and this action project in particular, and who would like to participate in the celebration, are strongly encouraged to attend. If you have any questions about AQIP or this session, please contact Assistant Provost Donna J. Michalek, donna@mtu.edu .
The Tech-Talks AQIP series is sponsored by the Offices of the Provost and the President. |
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6. RAINN Day Today: Preventing Violence Against Women |
Today is RAINN Day at Michigan Tech. RAINN stands for Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, an organization that sponsors RAINN Day on Sept. 25 on college and university campuses across the nation to raise awareness and teach prevention of violence against women.
RAINN Day activities planned by TERR (Tech Educating for Responsible Relationships)—a University and community group that works to educate and raise awareness about responsible relationships—include the following:
• Chalking will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in front of the Memorial Union. Dining Services plans to give coupons for free coffee to the participants.
• TERR will hand out RAINN Day cards, buttons and information at tables in the Memorial Union and Fisher Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Dial Help, a local crisis hotline, will hold a bake sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with proceeds going toward the cost of training sexual-assault nurse-examiners.
• Self-defense instruction by Larry Wall is scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Commons. Wall is a counselor in Tech's Counseling Center and a certified martial arts instructor.
• A candlelight vigil will begin at 8 p.m. in front of the Memorial Union. Speakers include Dean of Students Gloria Melton; Katherine Cocciarelli, director of Dial Help, a Houghton-based crisis hotline; and Mary Niemela, from the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home. |
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7. "Meet the Coaches" Hockey Event Sept. 30 |
Michigan Tech head hockey coach Jamie Russell and assistant hockey coaches will discuss recruiting and facilities improvements at a "Meet the Coaches" event scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Begg Conference Center of the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The event, free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Michigan Tech Blue Line Club, the Keweenaw Chapter of Alumni and Friends and the Michigan Tech hockey program.
The program will begin with a recruiting update. Coaches will talk about last year's graduating seniors, the direction of current recruiting activities, and specifics about this year's incoming freshman class. Attendees will also have the chance to meet the freshman players.
There will also be an update on improvements made to the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena over the summer, including new seating, new floor sealants and removal of ceiling duct work. These changes are part of a long-term facilities plan; attendees will get a sneak peek at future plans, fundraising for these projects, and when they may be implemented.
Following the presentation and a short question-and-answer period, the public will have a chance to tour the hockey program's facilities, including the Huskies' locker room, training facilities, the team's skating treadmill and new seating in the ice arena.
Refreshments will be provided. |
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8. Meal Plans for Faculty, Staff Available from Dining Services |
submitted by Dining Services
Dining Services offers two meal plans designed for faculty, staff and commuter students.
The Big Dog Express Meal Account is designed for those who dine frequently in Tech's retail dining outlets–Memorial Union Food Mall, Corner Store, Aftermath Cafe, Campus Cafe, Mont Ripley Ski Hill and selected vending machines throughout campus. This account is like a debit card system, and, depending on how much money you deposit, we'll add a percentage. If you deposit $25-99.99, we add 3 percent; if you deposit $100-199.99, we add 4 percent; and if you deposit $200 or more, we add 5 percent. If you are going to frequent these outlets, why not take advantage of the discount?
The Top Dog Express Meal Plan can be used in any residence dining hall—Douglass Houghton Hall, McNair Hall or Wadsworth Hall—with all-you-can-eat, buffet-style dining. This plan can be purchased in blocks of 10, 25, 50 or 75 meals. The more meals you purchase, the less you pay per meal.
• 10 meals—$100
• 25 meals—$171
• 50 meals—$337
• 75 Meals—$498
Once either plan is activated, it will remain open, rolling over from semester to semester and year to year. Both meal plans can be purchased at the Tech Express Service Center, located in the Campus Bookstore, during regular business hours. |
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9. Benefits Forum Rescheduled for Sept. 29: TIAA-CREF, Fidelity Online Enrollment |
The Benefits forum on the enrollment process for changing TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments allocations online, which was scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, has been rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 29, 2 p.m. in Memorial Union Peninsula Room A. To see the original Tech Today article, visit www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/ttoday/previous.php?issue=20080917#2 .
If you have any questions, call the Benefits Office at 487-2517. |
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10. Cross Country Athlete Honored by GLIAC: Stetter |
by Ian Marks, assistant director of athletic communications
Michigan Tech sophomore Brian Stetter was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's cross country runner of the week on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Stetter was the top finisher for the Huskies, finishing fourth in the eight-kilometer race in 26:22 at the Midwest Collegiate Meet hosted by Wisconsin-Parkside Saturday, Sept. 20. The St. Clair Shores native has been the top finisher for the Huskies in each of their three races this season. Stetter led the team to a third-place finish out of 16 teams with 103 points. |
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11. Bake Sale Hosted by IT Student Chapter in Fisher Lobby Today |
The Michigan Tech student chapter of the Association for Information Technology Professionals will hold a bake sale today, Thursday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Fisher Hall lobby. All items will be sold for 50 cents.
Students are invited to stop by and learn about opportunities with the chapter, and tickets to the association's Career Fair dinner, to be held Oct. 6, will be available for purchase. |
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12. Michigan Tech Launches Green Campus Enterprise |
by Denise Heikinen, Sustainable Futures Institute
Michigan Tech is launching a new Enterprise dedicated to making the campus more sustainable. The Green Campus Enterprise (GCE) will hold its first informational meeting Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. in Fisher 131. Students and other interested people throughout the campus are welcome.
The Enterprise is charged with developing the analytical tools and knowledge necessary to make decisions based on sustainability and, with other groups, to design and implement projects to improve the sustainability of the Michigan Tech campus. The GCE will also keep the campus community updated on its activities.
This new Enterprise has grown out of sustainability concerns that date back to 2001, when the Environmental Sustainability Committee established recycling and other green campus programs. In 2007, Students of Forest Resources and Environmental Science began efforts to reduce carbon emissions on campus. Around the same time, Michigan Tech adopted AQIP (Academic Quality Improvement Program) as a new method to sustain accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. As part of the Carbon AQIP project, the Michigan Tech team has been calculating the campus carbon footprint using Clean Air-Cool Planet Campus Carbon Calculator freeware. This project is now nearing completion, providing a starting point for the Green Campus Enterprise to work toward lightening Michigan Tech's footprint.
Initially, the GCE Enterprise will focus on identifying the most significant sources of carbon emissions from all campus activities as determined by the AQIP project. The GCE and other campus groups will then develop improvement projects. GCE students will work on possible carbon-reducing strategies in activities relating to electricity and heating, transportation, agriculture, solid waste and refrigerants and other chemicals.
One of the most frequent challenges faced by sustainability efforts is getting individuals to accept changes and solutions. This Enterprise will provide not only technical and decision-making solutions, but it will also suggest possible actions to achieve the societal/behavioral changes necessary to implement the technical solutions.
The Enterprise will also hold internal education and professional development sessions to promote the retention of knowledge within the Enterprise and to further its members' professional development.
For more information, contact Chris Wojick, clwojick@mtu.edu , or Charles Workman, ceworkma@mtu.edu . |
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13. Reminder: Student Organization Advisor Session Today |
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The Office of Student Activities will offer hour-long sessions for student organization advisors at noon and 5:30 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 25, in Memorial Union Ballrooms 1 and 2. Student Activities staff will cover topics including risk management, re-registration, funding, resources and understanding students. |
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14. McLeod Alumni Lounge Available for Rent at Tech Hockey Games |
by Wes Frahm, director of athletic communications and marketing
The McLeod Alumni Lounge, located in the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena, will be available to rent for the upcoming home hockey games in the 2008-09 season. The Alumni Lounge is located on the east end of the arena and comfortably hosts 20-25 people. It provides the option of viewing the event while entertaining and hosting guests. The rental cost of the McLeod Alumni Lounge is $275 per game, which includes 20 general admission tickets. Catering is not included, and the party would have to make catering arrangements with Michigan Tech Dining Services.
For more information or to reserve a date, contact Steve Nordstrom at 487-3071 or spnordst@mtu.edu .
The following game dates are available.
• Oct. 24–US National Development Team
• Nov. 21–Minnesota State
• Nov. 22–Minnesota State
• Dec. 5–Denver
• Dec. 6–Denver
• Jan. 16–North Dakota
• Jan. 17–North Dakota
• Feb. 20–Minnesota Duluth
• Feb. 21–Minnesota Duluth
• March 6–Minnesota |
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15. Humanities Colloquium Tomorrow |
Professor Richard Dienst, from the English department at Rutgers University, will present a colloquium, "Seeing From Scratch: On New Media," tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 26, at 4 p.m. in Walker 134.
A reception with music provided by NMB will follow on the third floor of Walker.
For more information, contact Stephen Pluhacek, spluhace@mtu.edu or 487-3252, or Sue Niemi, seniemi@mtu.edu or 487-2540. |
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16. SURF Poster Session Scheduled During Open House Saturday |
Recipients of this year's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) awards will present their research as part of Saturday's Open House activities. The poster session will be held from noon to 3 p.m. in the Fisher Hall lobby.
For more information, contact Will Cantrell at cantrell@mtu.edu . |
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17. CenTILE to Host Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour Sept. 29 |
submitted by CenTILE
CenTILE is bringing back the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour Monday, Sept. 29, 3-7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. Patrick Cuartero, cofounder of YoYoNation.com and a world champion YoYo thrower, will speak at the event.
There is no admission charge for the event, which is open to everyone. Students can preregister at www.extremetour.org . Snacks and other goodies will be provided. Faculty are encouraged to announce this event to their students. |
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18. Retirement: Linda Kiviniemi |
Linda Kiviniemi, Facilities custodian, is retiring from Michigan Tech on Sept. 30.
Kiviniemi began working in the old Memorial Union after school and on weekends in 1977, when she was a senior in high school. In September 1977, she was offered a temporary full-time position in Douglass Houghton Hall for one year. Kiviniemi worked in food service for 14 years; first in DHH, then in Wadsworth Hall and Coed Hall, and back in the Memorial Union as a cook's helper. During the remodeling of the old Memorial Union, she switched positions to a custodian. She says during the last 17 years, she's worked in all of the academic buildings on campus, except the MEEM and the SDC. "My goal was to work in all of the buildings before I retired," she said. "I almost made it." Kiviniemi filled in as building attendant and took over for her boss at times; she also delivered for Central Stores. In addition, she sat on the Disability Committee at Tech.
Kiviniemi says she has special memories of the people she met through the years. "I only wish my mother were alive to see this day," she says. "We lost her in June, but I know she'll be with me on Sept. 30."
She would like to invite the campus community to a breakfast brunch retirement party on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 9-10 a.m. in Memorial Union Ballroom A.
In her retirement, Kiviniemi plans to relax, spend time with her family and follow her dreams. |
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19. In Print |
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Assistant Professor Robert E. Froese (SFRES), MSBA graduate Jillian R. Waterstraut, Associate Professor Dana M. Johnson (SBE), Professor David R. Shonnard (Chemical Engineering), MBA graduate James H. Whitmarsh and doctoral student Chris A. Miller (SFRES) published "Lignocellulosic Ethanol: Is it Economically and Financially Viable as a Fuel Source?" in Environmental Quality Management, Autumn 2008, Vol. 18, No. 1. |
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20. Free Fax Cartridge in Rozsa |
The Rozsa Center is giving away a PC-91 Brother printing cartridge for use in a plain-paper fax machine (models Fax-900/950M/980M/1500M and Fax-1000P).
If you are interested, call 487-2844.
University property may only be transferred between departments; it may not be given or sold to individuals. |
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