UM will join other institutions of higher education across the nation to recognize the significant contributions of student workers during National Student Employment Week April 8-14.

Each year UM Career Services encourages employers to show their appreciation for student workers during the weeklong event.

Nominees and the winner of UM’s annual Student Employee of the Year Award will be honored at a reception co-sponsored by Career Services and Dining Services. UM’s Dining Services’ Student of the Year and other outstanding student workers who distinguish themselves by providing exceptional service also will be recognized at the reception.

Information about job opportunities and National Student Employment Week is online.

The region’s biggest egg hunt will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 7, on the UM Oval.

The Oval’s four sections will be divided by age groups 0-3, 4-5, 6-7 and 8-9. The Easter Bunny and Monte will make a special visit for the event.

Children can hunt for candy and eggs stuffed with age-appropriate prizes and coupons to redeem for bigger prizes. Top prizes will go to hunters who find the special gold, silver and maroon eggs.

The event is held each year on campus and is organized by University Relations staff. Students interested in volunteering to help with the event may call Brianne Burrowes at 406-243-2488.

Students who have items to sell may want to participate in UM’s semi-annual “World’s Largest Garage Sale” to be held on Saturday, April 28.

The event, sponsored by the UM Advocates, offers a chance for sellers to turn unwanted items into cash, as well as for buyers to find goods at an affordable price.

The event will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in UM’s covered parking garage next to the Mansfield Library.

Selling spots cost $20 (two parking spaces). Registration forms will be available starting Monday, March 19, at The Source in the University Center or by calling 406-243-4636.

UM has scheduled several Open House events for students and parents to tour campus.

Two are coming up soon. They will be held on Friday, March 23, and Friday, April 6.

To set up a campus visit, call 800-462-8636. Arrangements can be made for parents and students who can’t make scheduled UM Open House events.

Orientation programs are offered for new students who are accepted for admission to UM to introduce them to the campus community.

During orientation, students meet with University faculty members and staff, as well as current UM students, to plan their academic careers and develop class schedules for their first semester.

They also are guided through course registration during academic advising at Orientation. The event offers time for students to check out opportunities both on and off campus.

UM Orientation events for fall semester 2007 will be held in June, July and August. Dates and more information are online.

Several spring events on campus give UM fine arts students the opportunity to show what they can do.

Spring Dance Showcase
The annual Spring Dance Showcase features the latest work from students in UM’s dance program.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, March 20-24, in the Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center Open Space. A 2 p.m. matinee performance will take place Saturday, March 24.

For tickets and more information, call the Drama/Dance Box Office at 406-243-4581.

Art Exhibitions
The University Center Art Gallery and the UM Gallery of Visual Arts will display thesis work by UM seniors seeking bachelor’s degrees in fine arts.

BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition I will be at the galleries through Thursday, March 22. Senior Thesis Exhibition II runs April 5-19.

The University Center Art Gallery is located on the second floor of the UC. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Gallery of Visual Arts is on the first floor of UM’s Social Science Building. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays.

Odyssey of the Stars
Odyssey of the Stars: A Celebration of Artistic Journeys – an annual benefit performance for UM’s School of Fine Arts scholarship fund – will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14.

The event showcases UM alumni who have gone on to successful careers in the arts in concert with current students.

This year “Legends and Legacies: A Tribute to Two Grand Dames” honors Esther England, UM professor emerita of music and former dean of the School of Fine Arts, and Margaret Johnson, who taught drama and English at Missoula’s Sentinel High School for 37 years.

Student Recitals
Throughout the academic year, UM music majors offer free student recitals, bands and ensembles offer concerts, and faculty members also perform. Many of these popular music events are held in the spring.

All music department and fine arts events are listed online in the UM Events Calendar’s Arts and Entertainment section.

UM’s annual Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival is coming up April 27-28. The festival features concerts with DeFranco and other jazz greats, as well as student clinics and performances. It is one of UM’s most popular music events.

The annual Graduate Student and Faculty Research Conference will be held on campus Saturday, April 14.

Now in its sixth year, the conference brings together UM graduate students and faculty members from a variety of disciplines to present their research.

Conference events include concurrent sessions of oral presentations, a poster session, complimentary lunch, awards for the best student posters and oral presentations, and a closing reception. Childcare will be available.