March 2000

Political Ethics-Former U.S. Rep. Pat Williams will share his views about the ethical practices and lapses in congressional politics during a free, public seminar on Monday, April 3, at UM. His talk, "Congressional Ethics: What's That?" is scheduled from 12:10 to 1 p.m. in the North Underground Lecture Hall. Now a senior fellow at UM's O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West, Williams will speak from his exper-iences over 18 years of representing Montana in Congress. The program is part of the University Seminar Series sponsored by the Practical Ethics Center.

Government Inspected-The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library recently passed an inspection of its Regional Federal Depository Library with flying colors. The Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C., made the inspection. UM's GPO collection, established in 1909, contains nearly two million items, including 250,000 maps, 1.3 million microfiche and 4,000 compact discs. The GPO report cited the library's knowledgeable staff members and their commitment to public service.

Enrollment Rise-UM set another spring semester enrollment record with a student headcount of 11,945, an increase of 222 students over spring 1999. And this semester's full-time equivalent (FTE) of 10,531 is an increase of 98 over last spring. An FTE represents 15 undergraduate or 12 graduate semester credits.

Pitching In-Members of two UM Greek houses spent a couple of Saturdays in February putting the finishing touches on a local Habitat for Humanity home. Other community volunteers built the home, but the interior work wasn't yet finished when members of Kappa Alpha Theta and Phi Gamma Delta moved in to paint and plaster. The weekend effort was a prelude to a larger project that Kappa Alpha Theta will begin for Habitat for Humanity this spring -- building an entire home for a Missoula family in need.

Science Is Cool-UM will host the 45th Montana Science Fair and fourth Montana Computer Fair in early April, marking the first time the two events will be held at the same time. Both will be in the Adams Center -- the science fair during April 9-11 and the computer fair during April 9-10. Science fair participants in grades nine through 12 compete in 14 categories, ranging from biochemistry to mathematics and space sciences. Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders will compete at their grade levels in physical and biological sciences. The computer fair invites students in grades six through 12 to compete in 12 computer-related categories, ranging from business programming to Web-page creations. The public is welcome to view the exhibits from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Monday, April 10, and from 8 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11.

Tune In-Montana Public Radio has been turned on and growing for 35 years, something it couldn't have done without its listeners. That theme will fill the airwaves April 1-9 during the annual Public Radio Week fund-raiser. As they did last year, organizers hope to raise $315,000. This year's 35th anniversary celebration kicks off Saturday, April 1, at 6 p.m. with a rebroadcast of the "A Prairie Home Companion" show that originated in Butte last June. Back this year of course is the popular "Pet Wars" at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, when callers pledge donations in the names of their pets, living and dead, to see whether dogs or cats rule the land of listeners. KUFM in Missoula is the home base for Montana Public Radio, which broadcasts to about 40 percent of the state. Those wishing to make a pledge during Public Radio Week should call 243-6400 locally and (800) 325-1565 outside Missoula.

World Tastes-Here's your chance to travel around the world without ever leaving Missoula. The annual International Food and Culture Festival at UM will offer a taste of everything from Japanese sushi and Norwegian lefse to African dance and Bosnian folk songs. This year's event, "Taste 2000 -- A Once in a Lifetime Ex-perience," will take place Sunday, April 9, from 1 to 6 p.m. in the University Center. There is no charge for admission, although a $1 donation is appreciated. More than 40 countries will be represented at the festival, which is organized by UM's International Student Association. According to ISA President Christy Tsang, at least half of the organization's 370 international students take part in the festival.

Researcher Influx-UM will host the National Conference on Undergraduate Research on campus April 27-29. About 1,800 undergraduate research students and their faculty mentors repre-senting more than 400 U.S. colleges and universities will be in Missoula for the conference. Participants are involved in scholarly and artistic activities representing a range of disciplines including creative arts, mathematics, business, social science, humanities, physical and life sciences, natural resources, and engineering, among others. For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.umt.edu/NCUR2000.

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