Technology Education Students Get Two Wins in Regional Competition

A team of three students in the technology education program at the University of Arkansas placed second in the Technology Education Collegiate Association regional competition Nov. 12 in Pittsburg, Kan. The Morning Sun in Pittsburg covered the competition, and the article can be viewed at http://www.morningsun.net/news/x687821827/PSU-hosts-regional-tech-conference.

Randal Dickinson, Duncan Luke and Brian Ludwig won second place in the problem-solving competition and second place in communication and information systems, competing against teams from four states at Pittsburg State University. Dickinson is a master's student in the technology education concentration in career and technical education in the College of Education and Health Professions, and Luke and Ludwig are seniors in the technology education undergraduate program.

Vinson Carter, clinical instructor of technology education, and Mike Daugherty, professor of technology education, accompanied the students to the competition.

Former Senator David Pryor to Address Premeds about Health Care

Former U.S. Senator David Pryor will make a presentation to premedical students about health care in the United States at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, in CHEM-144. Senator Pryor also served as a U.S. Congressman, as Governor of Arkansas and as the first Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service. Currently, he serves on the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas System. All premedical students are welcome.

Experiences Abroad: Scotland

“Working on technologies that will someday change the lives of so many people was extremely rewarding,” says Kyndl Brunson, a pre-vet animal science major in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences who participated in a six-week summer research internship at the University of Edinburgh Royal School for Veterinary Studies.

Brunson worked alongside anesthetists assisting in all the functions of pre-medication, industry and recovery. She worked under the supervision of Professor Eddie Clutton, head equine anesthesiologist, and administered antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, morphine and various other drugs used during surgery.

“Every day I came to work I checked the anesthesia schedule board, and then suited up for scrubs,” Brunson said. “I was responsible for keeping anesthetic records of the animal’s heart rate, respiratory rate, nitrous levels, carbon dioxide and percent oxygen saturation.”

Brunson also had the opportunity to work at the Roslin Institute, where Dolly the sheep was cloned. She scrubbed in as a surgical assistant to a human orthopedic surgeon for an experimental surgery on a sheep. She also worked at the exotics wing for a day, where she assisted in a rabbit spay and observed the surgeries of two African grey parrots and the force feeding of Demitri, the guinea pig.

“I definitely would recommend this program to pre-vet students,” Brunson said. “People get stuck in a rut if they stay in the same place too long. I think stepping out and making sure you are on the path you really want to be on is the best move anyone can make.”

A graduate of Springdale High School, Byrne received one of the Cordia Harrington “The Bun Lady” International Experience Endowed Scholarships to help finance her travel expenses.

Meeting Set Dec. 2 for Secondary Education Students

A meeting for University of Arkansas secondary education candidates who plan to enter the Master of Arts in Teaching in summer of 2010 is set for 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, in room 166 of the Graduate Education Building.

Topics include procedures for application to the program, portfolio requirements and admission to Graduate School procedures. Time will be allowed for a question-and-answer session.

For additional information, contact Kathy Malstrom at kkmalst@uark.edu or Michael Wavering at wavering@uark.edu.

Deadline to Enter the Graduate Student Research Symposium is Tuesday, December 1

Graduate students who wish to register for From Abstract to Contract: Graduate Student Research Symposium and Career Networking Event (A2C) should submit their registration and abstract soon.  The deadline for entering the poster competition is Tuesday, Dec. 1.  The competition is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and is presented by the Graduate School and the Career Development Center.

The poster competition will be held in the Arkansas Union Ballroom on Friday, Feb. 12; the University community will be invited to view the student posters.  The Career Networking Event and Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 24.  $100 first place prizes will be awarded in eight categories, as well as plaques and free business cards to all winners.  Full details and online registration can be found at this web site:  http://career.uark.edu

Graduate students or graduate faculty with questions, please contact Diane Cook in the Graduate School dlcook@uark.edu or Crystal Hunnicutt in the Career Development Center chunnicu@uark.edu

Senators and Cabinet Members discuss Pertinent Student Issues at ASG Town Hall Meeting

A panel of Associated Student Government senators and cabinet members discussed student issues such as bicycle policy, paperless classrooms, ticket vouchers, and other executive issues on Nov. 11 at the ASG Town Hall meeting in the Arkansas Union. 

The panel also fielded questions from the students in attendance. 

The town hall meeting wasn't ASG's only important meeting of the week, as an inaugural meeting of the campus' Registered Student Organization presidents was held Thursday, Nov. 12 to discuss the potential of such a body.

Among the items discussed by the presidents was the development of a RSO President Council, more collaboration between RSO events and strides towards more shared governance across the board.

Also on the RSO front, ASG went through the RSO funding requests for the $240,348.49 requested by RSOs during the fall funding process.  The Appropriations Committee will make a suggested funding allocation, and that suggestion will be voted on by the Senate. Another initiative that ASG has been working on this semester is a campus-wide clock synchronization, as many buildings around campus have differing times causing confusion among students. 

Alex Lanis, a Walton College of Business senator, met with Dean Danny Pugh and representatives for Facilities Management to discuss the logistics of clock synchronization.

Facilities Management estimated a cost of around $174,000 for a complete synchronization as many clocks around campus need to be replaced, many being expensive, aesthetically or historically valuable clocks.

Lanis feels the synchronization is extremely important, but isn't sure it warrants, as of now, the price.

"I spoke against retrofitting or replacing clocks where they are not of historical or aesthetic importance," Lanis said, "because the costs outweigh the benefits."

Regardless, both sides are working towards a compromise and expect progress to be made in the near future.

In other ASG news, there are plans in the near future to reevaluate the university committee system with an emphasis on increasing functionality. 

ASG will also work on expanding the Razorback Recycling program to include other sports including baseball.

Graduating Seniors: Apply Now to Work in Europe Next Year

The Austrian American Educational Commission (Fulbright Commission) announced today that they are moving up the deadline to apply for teaching assistant positions to Jan. 15, 2010.  Participants teach English in Austrian schools for 13 hours a week in paid positions; students must have intermediate mid fluency in German and hold a Bachelor's Degree.  Because this is a wonderful way to spend a year working in Europe before graduate school or before entering the working world, these are highly competitive positions, and seniors are encouraged to begin working on applications now.  More information can be found at http://www.fulbright.at/us_citizens/teaching_intro.php or by e-mailing Dr. Kathleen Condray (German) at condray@uark.edu.

University of Arkansas SIFE Team Teaches Boys and Girls Club How to Start a Business

The SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) team at the University of Arkansas on Nov. 16-20 will be going into The Boys and Girls Club of Fayetteville to teach 6th and 7th graders how to start a business.  The students will develop a product made out of recycled/reused materials.  SIFE members will give presentations in environmental sustainability, market economics, success skills, financial literacy, business ethics, and entrepreneurship, geared towards helping the students start their own business.

After the presentations, toward the end of the project, the students will sell their project to a real audience in January of February. Although the location for selling is not determined yet, the mall is the most like candidate.

SIFE http://sife.uark.edu is a global, nonprofit organization active on more than 1,800 university campuses in over 40 countries. SIFE offers students the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching principles of free enterprise, thereby improving the standard of living for millions in the process.

For more information, contact Susan Bristow, faculty adviser and instructor,

Sam M. Walton College of Business, 479-575-4057, sbristow@walton.uark.edu, or

Sean Duncan, director of public relations, SIFE, 417-350-3009, seduncan@uark.edu

University of Arkansas Places Second in National Poultry Judging Contest

The University of Arkansas Poultry Judging team took second place overall at the 44th Annual National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest held Nov. 1-3, on the University of Arkansas campus.

In addition to winning second place for the overall team, the University of Arkansas took home first place for egg production and quality and second place in breed selection and carcass quality. Nine teams competed.

Members of the University of Arkansas team were Tyler Clark, Whitney Downum, Kaylee Rowland and Taylor Thurow. Three of the students are poultry science majors and Thurow is a food science major.   All four team members placed in the top ten individually.  Thurow had the third highest individual score for the contest, Downum fourth, Rowland seventh and Clark tenth.  In addition, Downum placed first and Thurow second for egg production and quality and Rowland placed fourth in breed selection and carcass quality.

Coaches for the team were Dennis Mason, judging instructor in poultry science and Valerie Brewer, who is a poultry science master’s student and former poultry judging team member.

Other teams in the contest were from Auburn University, Kansas State University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, Penn State University, Texas A&M University, and West Virginia University.

Experiences Abroad: Switzerland

During a summer program of hospitality studies in Europe, University of Arkansas student Paige Buchanan "learned to appreciate all the freedoms I have in America and truly understood what my friends and family mean to me.”

Buchanan, a hospitality major in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, participated in the program sponsored by the UA, Oklahoma State University and Penn State University. The five-week program included activities, classroom instruction and learning in Switzerland, The Netherlands, France and Italy.

Buchanan said the experience opened her eyes onto a new world. She said she learned what not to do in the industry, if she decides to open her own company.

“The hospitality industry is hard to learn in a book,” Buchanan said. “Hospitality is about experiences, openness, personal goals and hard work. I learned the reality of tourism and the idea that hospitality is not just common sense.”

Buchanan completed six hours of academic credit in European Cuisine and Restaurant Management and Hotel and Tourism Management. The classes rotated with independent travel to hotels, attractions and restaurants in cities throughout Europe, including Paris, Florence, Rome and Munich. Buchanan said she studied the dynamics of European cuisine, wines and the international aspects of the hotel business.

“Mastering the Paris Metro system and pretending that I understand about six languages gives me the confidence that I can do just about anything in life,” Buchanan said. “Even though you may miss a train or forget an umbrella when it pours, life goes on.”

Buchanan said the most exciting experience was rappelling ing in the Swiss Alps. This is an all-day adventure into the Alps in which visitors get the chance to rappel down the mountains, jump through rapids and rock climb.

 “I definitely would recommend this program to any hospitality student,” Buchanan said. “It gives you a great perspective into our field of study and the opportunity to visit at least seven countries in Europe.”

Students Encouraged to Attend First Men's Basketball Game Nov. 13

The first 1,000 students will receive a free season opener t-shirt when the Arkansas Razorback Men's Basketball Team takes on Alcorn State at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.  Students will be able to purchase student tickets for $6 at the student entrance until tickets are sold out.

Counselor Education Students' Accomplishments Include Magazine Interview

A doctoral student in the counselor education program at the University of Arkansas was interviewed as an expert in generational research for an article in Counseling Today.

The counselor education program in the College of Education and Health Professions recently announced several accomplishments by its students. Elizabeth “Betsy” Nesbit, who is conducting research on the generations for her doctoral dissertation, was interviewed for an article in Counseling Today, the journal of the American Counseling Association, titled “From Generation to Generation” by Lynn Shallcross. It was posted Oct. 27 in the online version and published in the November print issue.

The article discusses the need for multiculturally competent education for counselors regarding the baby boomers, generation Xers and millennials. Nesbit is currently conducting focus groups with volunteers for her research. She is still signing up generation Xers, in particular. Anyone interested in taking part in a focus group can contact Nesbit at enesbit@uark.edu.

The counselor education program also recognized students and faculty members who made presentations at the 2009 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision national conference in San Diego in October. Faculty included Kristin Higgins, assistant professor; Dan Kissinger, assistant professor; Rebecca Newgent, associate professor; and Nick Ogle, adjunct faculty. Students included Eid Abo Hamza, Elizabeth “Bea” Keller, Betsy Nesbit, Jason Thorne and Sam Wallace.

Three other students in the program wrote pieces published in the November edition of  Newsnotes, a publication of the Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education, a division of the American Counseling Association and the association’s research arm.

The students and their pieces:

•    Helen Barnard, Test Review, Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory.

•    Gregory Roberts, Students Perspectives, “Should attending a national conference be a mandate for graduate students?”

•    William Heath, Students Perspectives, “An argument for peer study groups.”

These Newsnotes articles were one option for an assignment in the doctoral level course in Advanced Individual Appraisal. Another option in this course was attending the 2009 national assessment conference in Norfolk, Va. The following students attended: Stephanie Belk, Gregory Roberts, William Heath, Andrew Beavers, Elizabeth Keller, Cassandra Dominick and Jason Thorne.

The counselor education program offers a Master of Science in Counseling and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education. Other members of the faculty are Roy Farley, the program coordinator, and instructor Judy Stephen.

Study Abroad Opportunities for Bioproduction Students

There are study abroad opportunities at Graz, Austria, Gent, Belgium & Toulouse, France for students in bioproduction and utilization of bioproducts. There are funded opportunities for U.S. students in agriculture, science and engineering seniors and graduate students to study aspects of bioproduction and the production of value added bio-products at Universities in Ghent, Belgium; Graz, Austria and Toulouse, France. To learn more come to a seminar to be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in AGRI 301A by Professor Anton Huber of Karl Franzens University, Graz.

Sam M. Walton College of Business Student Participants in Leadership Walton Collecting Donations for the Northwest Arkansas Children's House

The students of Leadership Walton, along with the Sam M. Walton College of Business Career Center, are collecting classroom supplies for the Northwest Arkansas Children’s House. The NWA Children’s House provides a safe, secure place for children to overcome the devastating effects of abuse and neglect. The  Northwest Arkansas Children’s House is in need of supplies, including: pens, notebooks, binders and folders, as well as Crayola Model Magic and bubbles. If you are interested in donating supplies, please drop off items in the Walton College Career Center, Willard J. Walker Hall, suite 226, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 30. For more information and a complete list of needs, please visit http://waltoncollege.uark.edu/career/ChildrensHouseDrive.pdf or contact Sara Yell in the Walton College Career Center: 575-6415 or sayell@walton.uark.edu.

Students Score Well in Soil Judging Competition

Pictured from left to right are Corey Lacey, Austin Pratt, Chessica Rizley, Kendra Sager, Ben Watson, Taylor Adams, Brandon Davis, and Shu Kuroishi.

The University of Arkansas Soil Judging Team, coached by Dr. Kristofor R. Brye, competed in the Region IV Soil Judging Contest that was hosted by Texas Tech University on Oct. 22 and 23 in Lubbock, Texas. The Arkansas team placed second in the two-pit, team-judged portion of the contest. In the four-pit, individual-judged portion of the contest, Shu Kuroishi finished as the sixth-high individual and Chessica Rizley finished as the third-high individual. Based on these results, the University of Arkansas finished in third place overall, behind Oklahoma State (second place) and Texas A&M University (first place), earning an opportunity to compete in the National Soil Judging Contest to be hosted by Texas Tech University in Lubbock again in Spring 2010. This will be the second trip to the national contest that the University of Arkansas Soil Judging Team has earned in the last nine years.

College of Education and Health Professions Names Student Ambassadors

Student ambassadors for the College of Education and Health Professions are, from left, Sarah Borota, Stephanie Dobbins, Jameka Jackson, Brianna Kitchen and Liz Sanders.

The College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas announces its student ambassadors for the 2009-2010 academic year. They are Sarah Borota, Stephanie Dobbins, Jameka Jackson, Brianna Kitchen and Liz Sanders. Information about the ambassadors can be found at the electronic newsletter of the Boyer Center for Student Ambassadors.

Students, Staff Receive Artist Fellowship Awards

Sarah K. Moore and Ben Nickol, both graduate students at the University of Arkansas (above), received Individual Artist Fellowships from the Arkansas Arts Council. Matthew Goldberg, a staff member (below), also received an Individual Artist Fellowship.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Two graduate students and a staff member were recipients of Artist Fellowship Awards presented recently by the Arkansas Arts Council at its annual Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

The Arkansas Arts Council recognized Ben Nickol and Sarah K. Moore, both graduate students at the University of Arkansas. Nickol and Moore received Individual Artist Fellowships from the Arts Council. Nickol received one for his work in short stories, and Moore received one for her work in film and video.  

This year, the Arkansas Arts Council awarded nine artist fellowships worth $4,000 each. The fellowship awards are unconditional awards that recognize individual artistic ability. The three categories were contemporary and traditional crafts, short stories, and film and video.

Nickol is a teaching assistant for undergraduate English classes at the University of Arkansas. This year, he was awarded the Baucum Fulkerson Award in Fiction by the University of Arkansas’ English department. A cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Nickol is currently working on his Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing at the University of Arkansas. Nickol said the goal of his fiction writing is to use humor in a way that adds emotional depth to the problems his characters face.

Moore is a video support specialist in the Multimedia Resource Center at the University of Arkansas. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the University of Arkansas and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in journalism at the university. Moore worked for three years in San Francisco as a production coordinator and a production assistant. She said she is attracted to experimental styles that incorporate layered imagery and sounds and both traditional and non-traditional animation techniques.

The Arkansas Arts Council also recognized Mathew Goldberg, an academic counselor and mentor for a college preparatory program at the University of Arkansas, with a fellowship in the Short Stories category.

Goldberg earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and biomedical engineering from Duke University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of Arkansas. He has held engineering positions in Arkansas, Virginia and Texas, and has taught at schools in Maryland, Indiana and Arkansas. In 2003, Goldberg was a finalist for the Iowa Review Award for his collection of short fiction. He received the John Clellon Holmes Memorial Award in Creative Writing from the University of Arkansas and the Truman Capote Literary Trust Scholarship. His work has been published in North American Review, American Short Fiction, Shenandoah, The Southeast Review and The Archive. Goldberg said his writing deals with disconnected characters struggling for connection in a cold world.

The Arkansas Arts Council was established in 1966 to enable the state of Arkansas to receive funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. In 1971, Act 359 gave independent agency status to the Arts Council, with an executive director and a 17-member council appointed by the governor. In 1975, the Arts Council became an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

As an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, the Arkansas Arts Council shares the goals of all its agencies, of preserving and enhancing the heritage of the state of Arkansas.

The other agencies are the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Historic Arkansas Museum, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and the Old State House Museum. Funding for the Arkansas Arts Council and its programs is provided by the state of Arkansas and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Experiences Abroad: Belize

“In just four weeks, I was able to travel all over the country, build relationships with the locals and learn about agriculture and community development,” said Julia Johannesen, who participated in a service learning community development program in Belize.

A senior majoring in nutrition and dietetics in the School of Human Environmental Sciences, Johannesen completed in a four-week community service project in Belize. The project had three primary objectives, according to Dr. Jennie Popp, associate professor in the department of agricultural economics and agribusiness and one of the leaders of the community project in Belize.

The objectives were to increase the diversification of the crops produced at St. Matthew’s school garden, conduct a feasibility study for a community garden in Dangriga on the Caribbean coast and expand interest in agricultural careers at a local high school.

“Our students planted five crops in St. Matthew’s garden and provided vegetable production and marketing education in the classroom,” Popp said. “We worked with a neighborhood in Dangriga to start a small community garden and held a career day at the high school.”

Studying abroad, Johannesen said, made her feel as though her college career was truly worthwhile. She said the hands-on experience was extremely valuable. She said she spent practically all of her time outside, walking around town, traveling the country or working in the garden.

“I learned how to weed, plant and care for gardens, stand in front of a classroom full of students and teach information from a curriculum that I created,” Johannesen said. “The experience was rewarding and life changing.”

Johannesen was one of five students who participated in the community service project at St. Matthew's, under the direction of Dr. Popp and Dr. Nilda Burgos, associate professor in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences. Other Bumpers College students included environmental science major Zoe Teague, agribusiness major Jordan Steinhams and Fulbright College students Chad Thurman and Andrew Childress.

Students Interested in Being Teachers Invited to Meeting

The University of Arkansas department of curriculum and instruction invites students thinking about teaching as a career to attend a meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Giffels Auditorium in Old Main.

Topics to be covered include licensure to teach in secondary schools, the Master of Arts in Teaching program, other teacher education programs, admission requirements, the STAR program and scholarship information. There will be time for questions.

For further information, contact Kathy Malstrom at kkmalst@uark.edu or Michael Wavering at wavering@uark.edu.

Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes and Priority Registration Now Online

The Office of the Registrar at the University of Arkansas has posted the Schedule of Classes and the Priority Registration Appointments for the Spring 2010 semester.  This information is available on the Registrar’s Web page at http://www.uark.edu/registrar/classes/.

The priority appointments are assigned to current undergraduate, graduate or readmitted students. The undergraduate students are identified by their "Current Class Standing" for the purpose of assigning the appointments, and the times are randomly generated within the specific student group classifications shown on the schedule.  Students should check their ISIS Student Center for their individual appointment date and time.

Spring International Seeking Conversation Partners

Spring International Language Center is seeking conversation partners for the fall semester, beginning on Oct. 19. The conversation partner program links international students with native English speakers. Participants are asked to volunteer one hour per week with their student. This program is a great way to make a new friend while helping someone practice English and learn about American culture. For more information, contact Catherine Roberts at silc@uark.edu.

Participants Needed for Focus Groups on Generational Issues

Betsy Nesbit, a University of Arkansas doctoral student, is seeking volunteers for focus groups she will use to gather information for her dissertation.

Nesbit is a counselor education student in the College of Education and Health Professions. She is looking for members of the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946-1964), Generation X (born 1965-1981) and Millennials (born after 1981) for her dissertation exploring culture as it relates to generational affiliation.

The focus groups will allow participants to share their perspective on what impact, if any, their generation has on their values, beliefs and general view of life. The sessions will last 90 minutes and will be held at various times through the fall semester in the Graduate Education Building. Most groups will be scheduled Tuesday evenings, Thursday afternoons and Fridays.

Contact Nesbit at enesbit@uark.edu or 803-984-3368 for more information or to sign up for a focus group.

University of Arkansas Student Receives $1,000 Scholarship

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chelsea Rose, a senior elementary education major in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, has received the Exemplary Scholar Award, which recognizes outstanding students who have worked for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars national office each year. Rose, a native of Germantown, Tenn., has received a $1,000 scholarship, an inscribed plaque and recognition on the society's Web site.

The Exemplary Scholar Award was created by National Society of Collegiate Scholars' student leadership body, the National Leadership Council. The council acts as a student advisory board to the national society's office, located in Washington. Council members are not eligible to apply for the Exemplary Scholar Award.

Judges for the award included several members of the National Leadership Council. Judging criteria included essays, a video about the applicant and a recommendation letter.

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the nation’s only interdisciplinary honors organization to invite first- and second-year college students. Membership is by invitation only, based on grade point average and class standing. The society offers members exclusive access to scholarships, career resources, leadership and networking opportunities. It has more than 650,000 lifetime members and 240 chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Change in MATLAB to Require Move of Files Off of Comp.uark.edu

Due to the acquisition of a campuswide license for MATLAB, it is necessary for any users who have MATLAB installations on comp.uark.edu to move them to another location by Oct. 1, 2009. If a user requires more time to migrate his or her MATLAB files off of comp.uark.edu, please contact Dan Puckett at danp@uark.edu.

The new license for MATLAB provides the software at no cost to faculty in the the Engineering, Fulbright and Walton Colleges for individual or student lab use. A student version of MATLAB is also available for $99 from http://www.mathworks.com/academia/student_version/.

University of Arkansas Reviews Allegations, Takes Internal Action to Address Fraternity Issues

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas office of community standards and student ethics is conducting an inquiry into possible violations of the code of student life at the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity – commonly known as Fiji. The office of Greek life is assisting with this process, and already has taken preliminary action in the case.

The inquiry is the result of allegations that the fraternity held an unregistered party on August 27, and served alcohol to minors.

On Sept. 4, the fraternity’s activities and functions were placed on hold pending the outcome and assessment of charges. The fraternity was allowed to take part in men’s recruitment, but traditional bid-day activities were limited. On Sept. 8, Greek life representatives met with chapter members to discuss the inquiry and extend the hold on chapter activities.

In a statement from the fraternity’s national office, executive director Bill Martin supported the university’s actions.

“Phi Gamma Delta International Fraternity concurs with the university's suspension of chapter activities while this matter is being investigated,” said Martin. “We welcome the opportunity to cooperate with the university as the fact-finding continues.”

The University of Arkansas, the office of Greek life and the Interfraternity Council take the alleged violations, and the issues they raise, very seriously. In addition to reviewing the facts, a series of actions are being taken in an effort to prevent future incidents.

• Members of the student Interfraternity Council executive board will attend all registered on-campus social events sponsored by member organizations to make sure chapters are following risk management and social guideline policies.

• Executive board members will work with university police and chapter leadership during these events.

• The Interfraternity Council will continue working with the office of Greek life to proactively address responsibility and accountability.

• Greek life staff members have met with all chapter presidents over the past two weeks, to reinforce appropriate behavior and expectations of chapters and their membership. Greek life staff will meet with all chapters over the next few weeks to address the entire membership.

• Greek life is revising its social event registration form. The form will reflect IFC’s requirement that an adviser be present for the duration of each social function, as well as participate in the pre-party meeting with chapter leadership and university police prior to the start of each event. The form will require the name, signature and cell phone contact of the adviser who will attend the event. Greek life will verify the signature and adviser attendance at the social event.

• Greek life will schedule and coordinate sexual-assault prevention and education training with the Sexual Abuse Recovery and Prevention Agency, as has been done in previous years.

The office of Greek life had scheduled several educational programs prior to the allegations, and these will continue and possibly be expanded. A few of these programs are:

• The white ribbon and hot pink ribbon organizations, which work to educate Greek leaders about violence against women and promote a safe campus community, will host several fundraising and educational programs.

• Mike Dilbeck, co-developer of the “Response Ability” program, will discuss how to address inappropriate behavior. At least 80 percent of membership from each Greek chapter is required to attend.

• Greek life and the Panhellenic Council will be hosting a day-long national program, “Something of Value,” a values-based approach that focuses on risk-management education for collegians.

• Participation in National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.

In addition to these actions, the student Interfraternity Council is taking additional steps to monitor behavior in its member organizations.

The office of Greek life provides resources and programs to promote the growth and development of students affiliated with fraternities and sororities at the University of Arkansas.   Its overall mission is to enhance the academic, cultural, moral, leadership and social development of students in Greek-lettered organizations. 

###

Steve Voorhies, manager, media relations
University Relations
479-575-3583, voorhies@uark.edu

$10 Second City Tickets on sale in the Union Monday, Aug. 24

Student tickets for The Second City’s 50th Anniversary Tour will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Aug. 28, in the UA Student Union.

The Second City returns to Walton Arts Center this month bringing with them 50 years of some of America’s best sketch comedy and improv. Built on an institution of greater humor, The Second City has created a launching pad for young comedians, actors and directors for decades. The Second City touring company will be in Northwest Arkansas for two performances at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29. 

Walton Arts Center welcomes students back to the school with specially priced tickets for both performances.  Student tickets are $10 with promo code SECONDCITYSTUDENT. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Walton Arts Center Box Office at 479-443-5600 or visiting waltonartscenter.org using promo code (limit – two tickets per ID and students must show ID at ticket pick up).  Regularly priced tickets for The Second City range from $20.50 to $32.50.

An evening with The Second City gives audiences the chance to see comedy stars in the making, performing absolutely hilarious satire and improv.  Taking suggestions from the audience, these daring comedians create a catchy jingles and side-splitting sketches off the cuff without scripts. No topic is off limits; no subject too sensitive.  If your parents asked you not to speak about it at the dinner table, chances are it will be made fun of in an evening with The Second City.

The 50th Anniversary Tour marks The Second City’s 4th visit to Walton Arts Center.  Last fall, The Second City performed their political revue, DeFace the Nation.  Several of those cast members are returning with the 50th Anniversary Tour.  Returning cast includes Brooke Bagnall, Abby McEnany, Rachel Miller and Seth Weitberg.  Sam Richardson also joins the touring cast this year.  With a reputation for turning out all-star comedians and actors, this Second City cast may just be the next big thing in American comedy.

Founded in Chicago in 1959, The Second City has become the premier training ground for the comedy world’s best and brightest.  Many comedians who got their start at The Second City have had successful careers in film and television – most notably “Saturday Night Live”.  The Second City alumni list reads like a who’s who of American comedy, as it includes: Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Robert Klein, Peter Boyle, Harold Ramis, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, George Wendt, Martin Short, John Candy, Bonnie Hunt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Horatio Sanz, Ryan Stiles, Jack McBrayer, Tim Meadows, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and countless others. 

The Second City first opened their doors in Chicago on Dec. 16, 1959. Since then, their performances have revolutionized comedy and theater. In 1961, The Second City performed the first Broadway run at Royale Theater and by 1967 they embarked on tour, taking comedy and improv all across America. In addition to the touring theater, The Second City has produced television programs in both the United States and Canada, and boasts four permanent theaters in Chicago, Toronto, Detroit and Las Vegas.  

The Second City 50th Anniversary Tour is part of the Coca-Cola® Night Out Series.  For more information about The Second City or student tickets, contact the Walton Arts Center Box Office by calling 479-443-5600 or visit waltonartscenter.org.

University of Arkansas Global Campus Offers Ceramics Classes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Registration is now open for two eight-week ceramic sessions that begin in August and are administered through the University of Arkansas Global Campus.

The two non-credit sessions will provide instruction on creating ceramic objects through hand-built techniques and the use of a potter’s wheel. Classes will be held at the University of Arkansas department of art’s Ceramic Studio at 326 Eastern Ave., Fayetteville. Classes are set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays during each session.

The first eight-week session runs Monday, Aug. 24, through Thursday, Oct. 15. It offers beginning, intermediate and advanced “wheel-throwing,” which covers the use of a potter’s wheel, and “hand-building,” including a variety of techniques such as coil, slab and pinch. The class will combine the making of vessel and sculptural objects.

The second eight-week session runs Monday, Oct. 19, through Thursday, Dec. 10. It offers beginning, intermediate and advanced wheel throwing and hand-building.

Students in both sessions will learn how to mix clay, prepare clay for use, make a structurally sound object and glaze the work. Participants can register for either session or both.

Classes will be taught by Suedee Hall, artist in residence and studio technician. Hall earned a post-baccalaureate degree from Louisiana State University in 2007 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arkansas in 2005.

The cost is $320 for eight weeks or $620 for 16 weeks, including the lab fee. Artists must provide their own tools, which are not included in the cost.

Students who sign up for the ceramics class will enjoy the benefits of the university’s state-of-the-art, 8,000-square-foot ceramics studio. The studio is fully equipped with several large gas, electric and atmospheric kilns; many potter’s wheels; a slab roller; extruders; clay mixers; ball mill sandblaster; full glaze supplies; and an area with a walk-in spray booth.

For course information, contact Suedee Hall at suedeehall@hotmail.com. For information about registration, contact the University of Arkansas Global Campus at 479-575-3605 or 800-952-1165. Participants can register by phone with a credit card or purchase order; online at http://globalcampus.uark.edu with a credit card or purchase order; or by mail with a completed registration form with payment or purchase order information. Send mail registration to the attention of Claudia Cochrane, Registrar; University of Arkansas Global Campus; School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach; 2 East Center Street; Fayetteville, AR 72701.

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Kim Jones, conferences, special programs and professional studies
University of Arkansas Global Campus
479-575-6491, kimj@uark.edu

Suedee Hall, artist in residence and studio technician
University of Arkansas Global Campus
suedeehall@hotmail.com

Chris Erwin, business development
University of Arkansas Global Campus
479-575-6287,cerwin@uark.edu

National Science Foundation Awards Fellowship to Russell

Aaron Russell

Aaron Russell, a chemical engineering doctoral student, has been awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship by the National Science Foundation. Russell is currently working on plasmon-enhanced hydrogen fuel cells. Faculty support is provided by Keith Roper, who serves as the Charles W. Oxford Professor of Emerging Technologies, and Jamie Hestekin, assistant professor in the Ralph E. Martin department of chemical engineering.

University of Arkansas Poet Chloë Honum Wins $15,000 Ruth Lilly Fellowship

The Poetry Foundation and Poetry magazine have announced the five recipients of the 2009 Ruth Lilly Fellowships: Chloë Honum of the University of Arkansas, as well as Malachi Black, Eric Ekstrand, Jeffrey Schultz and Joseph Spece. Among the largest awards offered to aspiring poets in the United States, each Lilly Fellowship carries a $15,000 scholarship prize for fellows to use as they wish in the continued study and writing of poetry.

The editors of Poetry magazine selected the winning manuscripts from over 550 applications. In announcing the winners, Poetry editor Christian Wiman remarked, “2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships, and the quality of work the program attracts is more impressive every year. Being able to recognize and support five such talented young poets is a real pleasure, surpassed only by reading their work.”

Chloë Honum was born in California in 1981 and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2003 she received her Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Her poetry has appeared in Best New Poets 2008, Nimrod, and Shenandoah, and is forthcoming in AGNI, the Bellingham Review, the Paris Review, and elsewhere. She is currently a Master of Fine Arts candidate at the University of Arkansas, where she directs the Writers in the Schools program.

These emerging voices will be featured in Poetry magazine’s November issue, and on www.poetryfoundation.org.

The Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship program is organized and administered by the Poetry Foundation in Chicago, publisher of Poetry magazine. Established in 1989 by Ruth Lilly to encourage the further writing and study of poetry, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship program has dramatically expanded since its inception. Until 1995, university writing programs nationwide each nominated one student poet for a single fellowship; from 1996 until 2007, two fellowships were awarded. In 2008 the competition was opened to all U.S. poets between 21 and 31 years of age, and the number of fellowships increased to five, totaling $75,000.

University of Arkansas Law School Students Take Crown and Second Runner -up in Miss Arkansas Pageant

Sarah Slocum and Allison Waldrip

Second-year University of Arkansas law student Sarah Slocum was crowned Miss Arkansas 2009 on Saturday, July 18, in Hot Springs. Third-year School of Law student Allison Waldrip was awarded second runner-up in the pageant.

In addition to the title, Slocum won a $20,000 scholarship and more than $50,000 in other gifts, including clothing and transportation. She will make appearances throughout Arkansas during her reign and will represent the state in the 2010 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nev.

Both Slocum and Waldrip entered the pageant with platforms that emphasize the importance of education. Slocum’s “Paving the Way to Higher Education” highlights “the lasting impact a college degree has on future opportunities.” Waldrip’s platform “Encouraging Academic Excellence” strives “to encourage students to never settle for just good enough but always work to do their best in the classroom.”

With their public commitment to education it’s no wonder that both excel at the School of Law. In her first year in law school, Slocum was a member of the six-person University of Arkansas team that competed in the American Bar Association Regional Negotiation Competition as well as a top four finisher in the law school’s annual client counseling competition. Waldrip’s outstanding second year of law school saw her named the Best Oral Advocate of the Class of 2010.  In addition, she won the school's moot court competition, was a semifinalist in the trial competition and serves as vice chair of the Board of Advocates.

American Medical Writers Association Scholarship Applications Available

AMWA (American Medical Writers Association) is accepting applications for the AMWA Annual Conference Student Scholarship sponsored by Eli Lilly & Company.  Two student scholarships will be awarded to cover the cost of attending AMWA’s 69th Annual Conference. This three–day conference event offers the best in educational and networking opportunities are for professional medical communicators and for students who are considering a career in the profession.

The application deadline is June 8. *Note: The application and information on the website states that the deadline is June 8, 2009 (the administrator of the scholarship says completed applications will be accepted until June 11.

The conference will take place in Dallas, TX on October 22-24 and will feature more than 100 educational programs related to medical communication.

Information about the scholarship program and an application form are available on the AMWA Web site at www.amwa.org.  Under “What’s New?” click on 2009 Annual Conference, then scroll down and click on “Student Scholarship”.

Please send the completed application form with all required attachments to the following address:

AMWA Conference Student Scholarship

30 West Gude Drive, Suite 525

Rockville, MD 20850-1161

Questions? Please contact Shari Lynn at AMWA headquarters at (301) 294-5303, e-mail slynn@amwa.org.

For Whom The Bell Tolls

The Arkansas Alumni Association will ring the Toller Celebration Bell at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House at noon today in honor of Nate Looney of Jonesboro. Looney has earned the University of Arkansas’ Henry Woods Student Leadership Award.

Looney will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in economics. In the fall, he plans to attend graduate school at the Clinton School of Public Service.

He is a member of the Student Alumni Board and is an Alumni Association Endowed Scholar. Among his many other student activities, Looney served as president of the Associated Student Government during the 2007-08 academic year.

Congratulations Nate!

Deadline Extended for Wilson Foundation 2009-10 Scholarship Application

The deadline for applying for a 2009-10 scholarship from the Patti Johnson Wilson Foundation has been extended to Friday, March 27.

Important Notice to Students: The scholarship application states that your application must be received by the Financial Aid Office by March 16, 2009. However, the application needs to be received by the Office of Academic Scholarships, and applications will be received until March 27. Any application submitted to the office after this date will not be submitted to the Patti Johnson Wilson Foundation.

The Patti Johnson Wilson Foundation grants scholarships to undergraduate student majoring in music, engineering or the liberal arts.

In granting scholarships, the trustees of the foundation consider the academic record, financial need and the applicant’s desire to supplement his or her college expenses through part-time employment. The trustees prefer that applicants work at least ten hours per week. The minimum undergraduate grade point average is a 3.5 (on a 4 point system).

An application can be picked up in the Office of Academic Scholarships, Room 101, Old Main.

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Dovie Johnson, assistant director
Office of Academic Scholarships
479-575-4464, doviej@uark.edu

Social Work Shazaam!

Social Work Shazaam! is an exciting event to showcase some of the many career opportunities that the social work profession provides. Come celebrate Social Work Month at the University of Arkansas from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, in the Union Connections Lounge.  There will be food and prizes!

Study Abroad Information

Want to spend summer session I learning about Classics in Greece? This faculty-led study abroad is a great adventure a fantastic way to get a fresh perspective on the classics! The application deadline to apply is Feb. 13, for this program, so you have plenty of time to get an application in to the Office of Study Abroad.

Explore more about this year’s program and find an application at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/1410.htm.      

If you've been thinking about joining a UA study abroad program this summer, there are some deadlines coming up you should know about.  Thursday, Jan 15, is the application deadline for the following programs: Theatre in London; Political, Natural & Social History of South Africa Tour; Unfamiliar Japan.

If you have questions or would like to talk about anything more, please call the Study Abroad Office at 575-7582 and set up an appointment or send an e-mail to lmoix@uark.edu.

2009 Yearbook Photos Being Taken Now

Be part of the 2009 Razorback Yearbook! Have your photo taken from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 5, outside the Union food court and register to win a ladies' watch from Blakeman's Fine Jewelry in Rogers.

HogBash Party For Seniors Scheduled For Wednesday

Find Out What You Need To Know To Graduate

HogBash, an annual party for seniors, will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House on the corner of Razorback Road and Maple Street. Come enjoy free burgers, prizes, T-shirts and live music. And find out everything you need to know to graduate. Bring a guest!

Please R.S.V.P. online at www.arkalum.org/hogbash or e-mail seniors@razorbackroad.com.