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ForUM
Nov. 8, 2010 | Vol. 39, No. 12 
 
In this issue:
Campus Links
Recent UM Publications

 

Welcome to ForUM, the e-newsletter for University of Montana staff, faculty and administrators. ForUM is published weekly during the academic year except during scheduled academic breaks.

"The President's Update," a video series for UM President Royce Engstrom to communicate with the campus community, is now available on the President's Office website and on the official UM YouTube channel.


 New UM Associate Provost Appointed 
 

Stephen Sprang is UM's new associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. Through the half-time appointment, he will serve as a member of the Academic Officers and will provide strategic direction for the Graduate School, as well as other aspects of the academic mission.

Sprang also is a professor in UM's Division of Biological Sciences and the director of the University's Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics.

He brings significant experience in graduate education and academic collaboration. He has mentored many doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows and has served on numerous dissertation committees.

Sprang led the graduate program in molecular biophysics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. At UM he promoted the creation of a joint graduate program in biochemistry and biophysics, served on the Interdisciplinary Science Building advisory group and is a member of the University's Graduate Council, among other efforts.

 


 Medical Ethicist to Speak About Public Service 
 

Mount Holyoke College President Lynn Pasquerella will give the Stan Kimmitt Lecture on Public Service at UM on Monday, Nov. 15.

Pasquerella, an internationally celebrated medical ethicist, will present "Overcoming Moral Distress: Reforming Organizations and Institutions" at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre. The presentation is an event of the President's Lecture Series at UM.

Earlier that day from 3:10 to 4:30 p.m., Pasquerella will give a seminar titled "Biology and the Concept of Death as Un-American" in Gallagher Business Building Room 123. Both events are free and open to the public.

Pasquerella's career is marked by local and global engagement. She will speak about her experiences in Africa, where she served as project leader for a research team working to empower women in an AIDS-ravaged area of Kenya, and in American higher education, where she is a leader in promoting the careers of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A longtime philosophy professor at the University of Rhode Island, Pasquerella served as URI's vice provost for research and graduate school dean and as provost and chief academic officer at the University of Hartford before being named president of Mount Holyoke College in July.

President's Lecture Series 


 Humanities Award Recipients Announced 
 

UM history Professor Richard Drake and philosophy and political theory Professor Emeritus Ron Perrin are among six Montanans who will receive the Governor's Humanities Award at a ceremony and reception Feb. 24, 2011, at the state Capitol in Helena.

Established by Gov. Marc Racicot in 1995, the awards honor achievement in humanities scholarship and service and enhancement of public understanding and appreciation of the humanities. They are presented by Humanities Montana.

Drake, former chair of UM's Department of History, is a cultural and intellectual historian of Europe, with particular interest in Italy, and has published extensively on the subject of Italian terrorism. For the past 24 years, he has been the coordinator of the President's Lecture Series at UM, bringing 10 speakers in the humanities, arts and sciences to campus annually. He is a past winner of the Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year award and the Burlington Northern teaching award.

Perrin has inspired many UM students with his discussion of political theory. He became a national authority on public humanities work through his leadership of Humanities Montana and participation on the board of the Federation of State Humanities Councils. He has served on the board of the Missoula Cultural Council and has traveled the state of Montana presenting public lectures on the humanities.

Other recipients of the Governor's Humanities Award are Ellen Baumler of Helena, Julie Cajune of Arlee, Lowell Jaeger of Kalispell and Joseph S. Sample of Billings.

A banquet will follow the 3 p.m. Capitol awards ceremony and reception, with no-host cocktails at 6 p.m. and a dinner and program at 7 p.m. at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena. For reservations or more information, call Clair Leonard of Humanities Montana at 243-6022 or e-mail clair.leonard@humanitiesmontana.org.

 


 Reception Today Honors Linda Juneau 
 

A reception to honor the contributions of Linda Juneau, who served as UM's tribal liaison for several years, will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. today in the Bonnie HeavyRunner Gathering Space of The Payne Family Native American Center. A short ceremony highlighting Juneau's accomplishments will begin at 4:30 p.m., and refreshments will be served.

Juneau helped lead fundraising efforts for The Payne Family Native American Center, which houses all of UM's Native American programming under one roof. She also played a major role in planning the groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies for the building and fostered positive relationships between Montana tribes and UM.

For more information, call Fredricka Hunter, director of American Indian Student Services, at 243-6352 or e-mail fredricka.hunter@umontana.edu.

 


 Native American Center Receives Award 
 

The Payne Family Native American Center was recognized with a premier environmental award at a ceremony held Nov. 5 in the University Center Ballroom.

The center received the Environmental Achievement award of the Pacific Northwest International Section of the Air & Waste Management Association during the association's 50th annual conference, held Nov. 3-5 at UM.

The Payne Family Native American Center houses the UM Department of Native American Studies, American Indian Student Services and related campus programming. The center is the first building of its kind at any American university. It was dedicated last spring.

As part of its Climate Action Plan, UM has made a commitment that all new buildings on campus meet the certification requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council to be at least up to the LEED Silver rating. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

"The University of Montana is pleased to receive this prestigious Environmental Achievement award that highlights the LEED certification features of The Payne Family Native American Center," said UM President Royce Engstrom. "The center is a wonderful example of the University's commitment to sustainability, as well as its commitments to Native American education."

 


 Broadcast Journalist Presents Lecture 
 

Canadian broadcast journalist Duncan McCue will deliver the UM School of Journalism's Marjorie Nichols Lecture titled "Red, White and News: Reporting on First Nations in Canada" at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, in Skaggs Building Room 117.

McCue is Anishinaabe, who are members of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, located in southern Ontario. He is an award-winning reporter, who for more than 12 years has worked at CBC-TV News in Vancouver, British Columbia. His news and current affairs pieces are featured on CBC's flagship news show, "The National."

McCue also is an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia School of Journalism and has taught documentary journalism to indigenous students at First Nations University and Capilano College.

For more information, call UM Professor Carol Van Valkenburg at 243-4008 or e-mail carol.vanvalkenburg@umontana.edu.

 


 Financial Aid, Refund Payments Go Paperless 
 

University students soon will receive UM Debit Cards as part of a new program to electronically disburse all future financial aid and refund payments. The new cards are marketed as the students' "key to choice." They will allow each student to have the option to create an account accessed by the card or to have the funds transferred immediately into an existing account via direct deposit.

"Going paperless with these UM-themed cards will save the University a lot of money," said Mark Pullium, director of UM Business Services. "It also will be faster and more convenient for our students. This offers a much better choice than our old paper system."

Even if students elect to use direct deposit, they are asked to keep the debit card because it can be used to make changes in how they participate in the refund program in the future. Pullium also stressed it's vitally important that students immediately make sure their current mailing addresses on file with UM are up to date to ensure they receive their new debit cards and can participate in the program.

UM has partnered with Higher One, a national financial services company focused on higher education, to bring the electronic payment program to Missoula. Higher One encourages students to activate their cards as soon as they receive them.

To learn more about the benefits associated with the new card, visit the UM Debit Card website.

Read the Full News Release 


 Initiative Aims to Improve Student Learning 
 

UM is one of more than 70 colleges and universities that has committed to a national initiative to improve student learning by expanding efforts in gathering and reporting evidence of learning and using it to improve outcomes.

"As a founding member of the Presidents' Alliance, The University of Montana is demonstrating its commitment to higher education for citizens of Montana and the nation," said Arlene Walker-Andrews, UM's associate provost for undergraduate education and policy. "Our assessment endeavors, which will be reported publicly, help us to promote student success and educational quality. UM is part of a community of higher education that values evidence-based decisions to improve learning outcomes and student engagement."

The Presidents' Alliance members, which include two- and four-year public and private institutions across the nation, have also agreed to assist one another by publicly reporting on their efforts and encouraging other institutions to take similar steps.

A description of the Presidents' Alliance, including a searchable database that shows each institution's commitment, can be found on the New Leadership Alliance website. For more information, call Walker-Andrews at 243-4689 or e-mail arlene.walkerandrews@mso.umt.edu.

New Leadership Alliance 


 Concert Features Variety of Music Styles 
 

The UM Percussion Ensemble and Islanders steel drum band will present their Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, in the University Theatre.

The concert will feature a variety of music styles, including works by Pat Metheny and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. In addition to large ensemble works, there will also be chamber-oriented works and a piece reminiscent of the Broadway group "Stomp!" The Islanders will close the concert with upbeat calypso, soca and Brazilian music.

General admission is $10, and tickets for students and seniors cost $5 at the door. For more information, call Daniel Darrah at 243-4819 or e-mail daniel.darrah@umontana.edu.

 


 Celebrate International Education Week 
 

UM will hold events Monday through Friday, Nov. 15-19, to celebrate International Education Week. All events are free and open to the public.

The International Education Week opening ceremony will be held at noon Monday, Nov. 15, in the University Center Atrium. Speakers are UM Associate Provost for International Programs Mehrdad Kia, Foreign Student and Scholar Services Director Effie Koehn and International Student Association President Alina Calianu.

Information about study abroad opportunities will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day in the University Center Atrium, and a panel discussion about study abroad will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, in UC Room 330.

Community members also can explore options for international careers and teaching abroad at "International Market," a workshop hosted by UM Career Services from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, in Lommasson Center Room 154.

Featured speaker Stephen Kinzer will present "Turkey and Iran: America's Partners in the New Middle East?" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, in the University Center Theater. A best-selling author, Kinzer is a professor of international relations at Boston University. He is a former New York Times correspondent and served as chief of the Times bureau in Istanbul.

A complete International Education Week schedule of events is on the UM International Programs website. For more information, call 243-2288.

UM International Programs 


 Take the Rideshare Challenge 
 

The "3x3x3 Rideshare Challenge" at UM asks students, faculty and staff to commit to commuting to campus with three people, three times a week for three weeks, Nov. 3-24.

The goal of the challenge, organized by CoolPool, a group of environmental studies graduate students, and sponsored by the Associated Students of UM Sustainability Center, is to reduce UM's carbon emissions. People can join at any time, and all means of ridesharing are encouraged.

Those who log their carpooling through posts and photos on the "3x3x3 Rideshare Challenge" Facebook page will be eligible to win Dairy Queen ice cream and other gift certificates. A grand prize of a new Hellgate Cyclery bicycle will go to the rideshare post or photo with the most Facebook "likes."

The Facebook page also will link to a survey about commuters' attitudes and hesitations about carpooling. The goal of the program and survey is to gauge interest in and support for carpool programs at UM and to discover possibilities for a longer pilot program.

Challenge organizers said that transportation accounts for more than a third of the University's carbon emissions. Fewer commuter vehicles on campus would lessen those emissions and also ease parking and University neighborhood traffic issues. Based on the response to the "3x3x3 Rideshare Challenge," CoolPool will create a report with recommendations for a future permanent rideshare program at UM.

More information about the "3x3x3 Rideshare Challenge" is on the Greening UM website. For information about University transportation options, visit the ASUM Office of Transportation website.

Greening UM 


 Nominations Open for Student Award 
 

Nominations are now being accepted for UM's autumn 2010 Outstanding Student Leader Award. All UM students are eligible and can be nominated by any member of the campus community in a position to identify outstanding individuals who deserve the honor.

The award recognizes hardworking individuals who strive to make UM a better place for students to live, learn and grow. Based solely on leadership and service to the University, the distinguished award is given to a student who exhibits ethical, creative leadership and promotes a positive campus climate while remaining in good academic standing.

The winner will be recognized at the Student Leadership Recognition Ceremony on April 26, 2011, and may receive an in-state tuition waiver for spring semester 2011, depending on eligibility.

Nomination forms are available at The Source in the University Center and on the UC Student Involvement website. The deadline for nominations is noon Friday, Nov. 19. For more information, call 243-5527 or e-mail cld2.student@mso.umt.edu.

 


 President Engstrom's Office Hours 
 

Each semester President Engstrom welcomes members of the campus community to meet with him to discuss issues and topics of their choice. Please call 243-2311 or e-mail prestalk@umontana.edu to make an appointment to meet with President Engstrom during these times.

President Engstrom's office hours for autumn semester are:
  • Wednesday, Nov. 10: noon-2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 23: 10 a.m.-noon
  • Wednesday, Dec. 1: 3-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 14: 3-5 p.m.


 


 Faculty/Staff Socials
 

Socials will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. most Fridays during autumn semester in the Davidson Honors College Lounge. Autumn semester dates and event sponsors are:
  • Nov. 12: College of Arts and Sciences and College of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Nov. 19: College of Arts and Sciences and College of Forestry and Conservation
  • Dec. 3: Mansfield Library
  • Dec. 10: Faculty Senate and Academic Affairs


 


 News About U
 

News About U Dance Professor Karen Kaufmann presented "Against All Odds: Four Models for Dance in Education" at the 12th Annual National Dance Education Organization Conference, "Focus on Dance Education: Creativity, Innovation & 21st Century Skills," held Oct. 20-24 in Tempe, Ariz.

Geography Associate Professor Sarah Halvorson recently served as an invited participant on an international evaluation panel to assess the Volkswagen Stiftung's program initiatives in the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The Volkswagen Stiftung, based in Hannover, is the largest private foundation in Germany.

Law Professor Jeffrey Renz has been invited and will attend the Salzburg Global Seminar session "Islamic and International Law: Searching for Common Ground" Nov. 14-19 in Salzburg, Austria.

Mathematical sciences Professor Bharath Sriraman was the plenary discussant of the paper titled "Promoting Student Understanding through Complex Learning" at the 32nd Annual Conference of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, held Oct. 28-31 in Columbus, Ohio.

 


 Publications 
 

Books and Publications Douglas, John E. (Co-author). 2009. "Early Hunter-Gatherers in the Terra Firme Rainforests: Stemmed Projectile Points from the Curuá Goldmines." Amazônica, 1(2):442-483.

 

Submissions must reach University Relations, 317 Brantly Hall, by noon Tuesday for inclusion in the following week's newsletter. Be sure to note that the submissions are for ForUM. E-mail submissions may be sent to campnews@mso.umt.edu. Items will be included as space permits. For more information, e-mail Brenda Day, ForUM editor.



phone: 406-243-2522
fax: 406-243-4520