Calendar

April 17-22
·   National Volunteer Week
April 18-22
·   Student Commuter Week
April 20
·   W.O.W. Event:  Wacky 3-D Photos
·   Speaker:  Lava lizards on the Galapagos Islands,
    Ecuador
·   WebCT Vista Training
·   Women's Softball - UMC vs. University of Minnesota,
    Morris
·   Baked Potato and Chili Feed
·   AFSCME Local 3800 General Membership Meeting
·   W.O.W. Event:  Faculty/Staff vs. Student Campus
    Showdown
April 21
·   Employee Benefits Counselor to visit UMC
·   Wellness Walk
·   Women's Softball - UMC vs. Mayville State University
April 22
·   Earth Day
·   New Student Academic Advisement & Registration
April 23
·   Baseball - UMC vs. Bemidji State University
April 24
·   Baseball - UMC vs. Bemidji State University
April 25
·   New Student Academic Advisement & Registration
·   Bake Sale in support of the ASPIRE Scholarship fund
·   Self-Defense Course for women only
April 26
·   Fun and Funky Club Event
·   Residential Life Banquet
·   UMC Athletic Awards Program
April 27-29
·   UMC Music-Theater Department and Crookston
    Community Theatre present the play
    "Dearly Departed"
April 27
·   AAEO Presentation "The Power of Respect"
·   Living Wills Informational Session
·   WebCT Vista Training
·   Spring Bedding Plant Sale - UMC Community only
·   W.O.W. Event:  Grand Theatre Movie Night
April 28
·   Spring Bedding Plant Sale
·   Women's Softball - UMC vs. Valley City State
    University
·   Reception for Pam Holsinger-Fuchs
April 29
·   Arbor Day
·   New Student Academic Advisement & Registration
·   Teambacker Fun Nite
April 30
·   4-H Clinic
·   Fifth Annual Carl Spackler Open Golf Tournament
May 1
·   UMC Chamber Choir Concert
May 2
·   Last Day of Instruction
·   Music Minor Recital Concert
May 3-6
·   Final Exams
May 6
·   Grad Dance
May 7
·   Commencement

News Items

Centennial Shuffle Contest Continues through April 29
The UMC Centennial Logo was unveiled at the Student Convocation March 30.  The logo was introduced in a video chronicling the history of the campus.  As part of the occasion, everyone in attendance was presented with a pin that bears the centennial logo and a bookmark highlighting the historical events in the history of the campus.

The Centennial Shuffle Contest was also announced at that event.  The contest runs Monday-Friday through April 29.  Log onto the UMC Today Page each day at 1:00 p.m.; check out the Centennial Shuffle Contest question, are the first two students or first faculty/staff member to answer the day’s question correctly, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win an Apple iPod Shuffle.  Hints can be found on the bookmark or on the centennial webpage at <www.UMCrookston.edu/centennial>.

The winner of the Centennial Shuffle Contest will be announced on the Today Page at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2.

Lava Lizards on the Galápagos Islands Presentation April 20
The impact of traffic fatalities on lava lizard populations (Microlophus albemarlensis) in Santa Cruz, Galápagos will be presented by Dawn Tanner, Conservation Biology Program, University of Minnesota, on Wednesday, April 20, at 11 a.m. in the Youngquist Auditorium.

Abstract:
Vehicle collisions with wildlife negatively impact species everywhere roads divide and transect natural habitats. This can be especially intense in areas where roads are a new addition to the landscape. This talk will address the impact of traffic fatalities on lava lizards, Microlophus albemarlensis, on the island of Santa Cruz, Galápagos. The main road bisecting the island north to south was a new addition to the island, begun in 1974 but not completed with asphalt until 2000. Impacts were assessed due to an increase in the amount of traffic and speed of travel on the island. Previous road-impact studies outside Galápagos have dealt with amphibian and reptile species, but few focus on lizard populations. On the island of Santa Cruz, ongoing studies are employed to monitor impacts on endemic bird populations. This study expands existing knowledge by focusing on lizards and addressing these impacts. The work done as part of this study provides a model for students interested in pursuing graduate work in conservation biology, with a focus on the challenges encountered when planning and implementing an international project.

This presentation is sponsored by the Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Consultant “Office Hours” April 20
Rick Heydinger, consultant, has agreed to hold “office hours” in response to our request that more faculty, staff, and students meet with him.  All who were not selected previously are invited to meet with Rick beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, in Brown Dining Room D, Sahlstrom Conference Center.  Your input in this process is valued.

Wellness Walk April 21
Come and join us Thursday, April 21, at 12 noon in the Kiehle Rotunda for a Wellness Walk.  We are planning on taking a mile long walk around the campus.  We are hoping to get at least 30 people to join us so we can walk “30 miles in 30 minutes!”  There will be free food and water, along with plenty of useful wellness focused information.  Bring a friend, grab your tennis shoes and head on over to the Kiehle Rotunda and spend your noon hour getting some fresh air.  We will walk in Lysaker Gymnasium in case of inclement weather.  Hope to see you there!

Help Support the ASPIRE Scholarship April 25
Please consider using your talents to support the ASPIRE Scholarship.  ASPIRE was designed to help women in transition, and you are invited to bring your homemade goodies to help stock a bake sale in support of the ASPIRE Scholarship fund.

The bake sale will take place on Monday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sahlstrom Conference Center entrance.  We are especially looking for goodies that are ready to “grab and go” like cookies, bars, rolls, puppy chow, or similar treats, but will happily accept any goodies for our bake sale.  If you are interested in participating, let Laurie Wilson know at lwilson@umn.edu, and please bring baked goods to Lisa Loegering’s office in 112 Dowell Hall no later than 9 a.m. on Monday, April 25.

Then, encourage everyone to come and get a treat to support the ASPIRE Scholarship fund!  We would like to award three scholarships next year, and your help will make that possible.  It is a great way to help benefit women returning to school.  Thank you for your help supporting our students!

In Celebration of Scholarship, Service, and Teaching
A lot of good things are happening on the greater Crookston campus!  Help us celebrate some of our successes.

In the last few years, we have solicited copies of articles, book chapters, and books that UMC faculty/staff and Northwest Research and Outreach Center scientists have authored during the past year for our library display.  We have also included any bulletins published by our extension staff.  We would like to include a listing of any grants received in the last year as well.  Would you please consider sending a copy of any of the above-mentioned items to Owen Williams to be included in the library display case along the hall passageway?

This does a couple of things.  It recognizes the professional contributions of local University faculty and staff. It also communicates to the public and to students, what "their" University is doing and how diverse University operations are.  We welcome your contributions, and please, encourage your colleagues to be a part of this celebration of scholarship, service, and teaching!

Please forward Owen Williams a copy of any contributions by April 26; we look forward to sharing them with the campus and community.

AAEO Presentation April 27
I am very pleased to invite you to a presentation by the University of Minnesota Director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, Julie Sweitzer.  At 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27 in Brown Dining Room she will be presenting, “The Power of Respect” to our campus.  The presentation will address gender equity on college campuses.  In her words, “We will explore how simple words can have a significant impact, and our goal of an inclusive, supportive campus climate.”   This is a presentation much like the one she delivered to the Provost’s Academic Leadership Program that I ran last year in the Twin Cities.  I can vouch for it as a very interesting, informative talk.  You will all be surprised at how differently groups of persons interpret what we say and how we say it.
--Joe Massey, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Living Wills Informational Session April 27
Tamara Yon, local attorney and lecturer at UMC will present an informational session on establishing a “Living Will.”  The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, at 3 p.m. in 308 Selvig Hall.  Anyone interested in learning more about Living Wills may attend.  There is no charge for this session.

Spring Bedding Plant Sale April 27 and 28
The UMC Spring Bedding Plant Sale will be held Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 28, at the Horticulture Production Greenhouses on the northeast corner of the campus across from parking lot A.  The April 27 afternoon sale, 4:30 to 6 p.m., will be only for the UMC campus community.  The sale will be open to the public on April 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The inventory consists of annuals, perennials, vegetables, planters, hanging baskets, and other miscellaneous plants.  The prices are good and the plants are great!  The students from the Commercial Floriculture Crops class will be on hand to answer your questions.

UMC and Crookston Community Theatre Produce Comedy
The University of Minnesota, Crookston Music-Theater Department and the Crookston Community Theatre is producing the comedy “Dearly Departed” by David Botell and Jessie Jones on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, April 27, 28, and 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kiehle Auditorium on the UMC Campus.

The story line revolves around the Turpin family who live in Mississippi.  When the patriarch of the Turpin family, Bud, keels over dead at the breakfast table, the clan struggles to get him buried.  The resulting funeral brings to light many hilarious family problems that overshadow the solemn occasion.

The Wednesday, April 27 performance is free for UMC students.  The Thursday and Friday performances are $1 for UMC students.  The admission price for the show is $8 or by season ticket.  Tickets are available at Montague’s Flower Shop in Crookston and also at the door.

Reception Honoring Pam Holsinger-Fuchs April 28
I am pleased to invite you to a reception for Pam Holsinger-Fuchs on Thursday, April 28 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Brown Dining Room.  The reception is in celebration of her receiving the very prestigious University of Minnesota award for Outstanding Community Service (2005).  She is one of six persons who will be receiving the award this year, and the second ever to receive it from UMC.  We, at UMC, are very proud of the contribution that Pam makes to UMC and the Northwest Minnesota community.  She will be receiving the actual award in the Twin Cities on May 10 and at the May Board of Regents meeting.  Please join me in congratulating Pam.
--Joe Massey, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Teambacker Fun Nite April 29
UMC Teambackers will sponsor their annual “Fun Nite” Friday, April 29, at the Crookston Eagles Club.  Social begins at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.  The menu offers a choice of prime rib or walleye.  The evening continues at 7:30 p.m. with games followed by a dance with music by Tommy Helgeson.  Tickets are $35 per person and include dinner and chances to win over $750 in cash prizes.  All proceeds go to UMC Athletic Scholarships.  Tickets are available from any Teambacker board member or by contacting Rose Ulseth at 281-8439 or Sue Dwyer at 281-8401.

Fifth Annual Carl Spackler Open Set for April 30
The UMC Turf Club will sponsor its Fifth Annual Carl Spackler Open on Saturday, April 30, at Oak Lake Golf Course, Erskine, MN.  The four-person 18-hole scramble will begin at 9:30 a.m.  Entry fee is $40 per golfer, $160 per team (singles are welcome) and covers 18 holes and a cart.  The winning team earns $200 and there are many more prizes.  Contact Adam Hanson hans1939@umn.edu or Chad Setter sett0067@umn.edu for sign-up information.

UMC Adopts One of the Best Health Benefit Plans in the Country
This notice went out to all students.  For those who advise students, please be aware that there will be a change in the health insurance policy being offered to students starting fall semester 2005.  Please call Stacey Grunewald at 8512 if you have any questions.

We are very excited to announce a new university sponsored health benefit plan for UMC students.  As of fall semester 2005, the UMC student health benefit plan will be changing to provide significantly improved health insurance for UMC students.  The new plan is a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota plan and offers the same complete benefit design for eligible students, and their dependents, as provided to students on the TC campus.  Some of the highlights are:

• $3,000,000 lifetime benefit

• World – wide coverage using the Blue Cross and Blue Shield network

• No pre-existing condition exclusions

• 80% coverage of eligible expenses with an annual out of pocket limit of $2,000

• Preventive care benefits

• $1,500 per year pharmacy benefit

• Unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation benefits

Eligibility
The University requires degree seeking students enrolled for 6 or more credits and are automatically assessed the Student Services Fees have health insurance.  Students meeting this requirement will automatically be enrolled in the Student Health Benefit Plan unless they provide poof of verifiable coverage during the registration process.  The dependants, spouses or domestic partners of students are also eligible to enroll in the plan during the open enrollment period Fall Semester.

International Students
University of Minnesota policy requires that all international students, scholars and their dependents have health insurance while in the United States.  Healthcare in the United States is complicated and very expensive - one illness can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and financially devastate you and your family.  In order to ensure adequate coverage for international students, the University of Minnesota has mandated that all international students and their dependents be enrolled in the University sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) unless they are covered by a US based employer plan.

The cost of coverage will be $680.00 per semester.  By paying for coverage both semesters, you will have year round coverage since Spring coverage extends through the summer 

Questions can be referred to studins@bhs.umn.edu.

Seeking Nominations for Distinguished Staff Awards
Please note that all nominations should be sent to the Chancellor's Office.  Thank you.

Distinguished Civil Service/Bargaining Unit Award
Purpose:
To promote and recognize excellence in job performance among civil service/bargaining unit employees
Eligibility:

• All University of Minnesota, Crookston campus civil service/bargaining unit employees

• A minimum of two full years of full-time (75% or above) employment at the University of Minnesota, Crookston

• No individual may receive the award more than one time during his or her employment.  Length of service shall not be a major criterion for selection

Process:
Nomination should include award application and three letters of recommendation.  The deadline for submitting the nominations is April 27, 2005.  (A PDF version of the nomination form is electronically linked for your convenience.)
Presentation:
Recognition of the recipient will be at the Spring UMC Recognition Celebration with presentation of a plaque and cash award.

UMC Staff Eligible for Civil Service/Bargaining Unit Award

Distinguished P & A Award
Purpose:  To promote and recognize excellence in job performance among UMC staff with professional and administrative appointments
Eligibility:  A minimum of two years of full-time (75% or above) employment at the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus.  No individual may receive the award more than one time during their employment.  Length of service shall not be a major criterion for selection.
Process:  Confirm with person to be nominated.  Complete and send nomination form by April 27, 2005.  Nominator completes a letter of nomination and submits three letters of recommendation that include examples of exemplary service.  (A PDF version of the nomination form is electronically linked for your convenience.)
Presentation:
Recognition of the recipient will be at the Spring UMC Recognition Celebration with presentation of a plaque and cash award.

UMC Staff and Faculty Eligible for P & A Award

The names of prior winners of each of these awards are posted online at <www.umcrookston.edu/newsevents/awards> and are also listed on permanent plaques displayed in the hallway between Dowell Hall and Sahlstrom Conference Center.

Accolades
Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment (S.P.A.C.E.) won the Innovative Programming Award at the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Northern Plains Regional conference held on April 7-10 held in Rochester, Minnesota.  The conference provides an opportunity for students to network, get ideas, information, preview artists and get hands-on experience working with associate firms and neighboring schools.  The Innovative Programming Award is presented to a member institution for an innovative program conceived by the campus.  The award is based on student involvement, creativity and the success of the program, as determined by the achievement of the program’s goals.  UMC received the award for the program “UMC Cribs” which was created on campus by the S.P.A.C.E. board.  The students competed against 12 other schools for this honor.  S.P.A.C.E. members who worked on this project are Charly Reinert, Mark Belanger, Julie Koehl, and Erin Kappes.  Congratulations!

VolunTEAM Update

Prepare for sale to benefit Habitat for Humanity:  Volunteers are needed to help move old windows, doors, and other items from two storage areas to the hockey arena, Friday April 22, around 3 p.m.  Volunteers are also needed to help the following day at the sale.  Proceeds from the sale will benefit Habitat for Humanity.  If you are able to help, please contact Lisa Loegering.
Serve dinner for members of the American Legion:  Saturday, April 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion.  Dinner for volunteers is included.  Contact Jamie Cassavant for more information at 218-218-2400 (w), 218-281-2047 (h).
Help with Kids’ Activities:  Assist with activities at the “Big Wheels Farm Festival,” Tuesday, April 26, from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. at the Crookston Family Service Center. (The Head Start building, formerly Carmen School).  Activities are already planned; you just need to show up!
Chaperones for BASHED Annual Youth Retreat:  This annual youth retreat invites 100+ teens from Polk County to attend a weekend of learning leadership skills, communication skills, conflict resolution, team building and information on risky teen behaviors.  We are looking for chaperones for this three day, two night event.  We would prefer chaperones that enjoy dealing with active teens.  Chaperones will be assigned to a group during the day time - they will accompany their group to learning sessions to attend to participation and any behavior problems.  Chaperones will be assigned to a cabin with 6-8 teens for sleeping hours.  Chaperones must be willing to deal with positive and negative behaviors of the teens, as well as correct any negative or inappropriate behaviors.  Bus transportation to the event will be provided.  For more information, contact D’Anne Johnson at 218-281-3385 or djohnson@pcphealth.org.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Crookston VolunTEAM, please contact Lisa Loegering in the VolunTEAM office (112 Dowell) at 281-8526 or loege005@umn.edu.  Or, simply visit <www.volunteam.org>.
--Lisa Loegering, Assistant Director of Service Learning/Crookston VolunTEAM Coordinator

Special Dates
Birth:
Congratulations to the Jason Tanquists on the birth of their baby boy!  Brannon Kean was born Friday afternoon, April 15, weighing 7 lbs., 12 oz. and 22 inches long.  All are doing well!

Birthday:
April 26 – Gary Willhite

Reminder:  Faculty and staff are encouraged to share well wishes for birthdays, anniversaries, births, etc. with the rest of the campus.  Please send items for this week’s special dates via e-mail to Sue Dwyer at sdwyer@umn.edu.  Thanks.

UMC Insight
UMC Insight, the weekly radio program about UMC, airs on KROX Radio 1260 AM Saturdays at 8:45 a.m.  Tune in Saturday, April 23, to hear an exciting interview hosted by Liz Tollefson, Office of Development & Alumni Relations.

UMC Insight files are also available via the Web at:  <www.UMCrookston.edu/newsevents/insight/04-05/index.htm>

UMC Bulletin
The UMC Weekly Bulletin is posted at:
<www.UMCrookston.edu/campusinfo/wkbulletin/bulletin.htm>

Publication Information:
The UMC Weekly Bulletin is published by University Relations weekly September through May.  Copy deadline is noon on Tuesday of each week.  The Weekly Bulletin is produced by Sue Dwyer, word processing specialist.  Please send items for the bulletin electronically to Sue Dwyer at sdwyer@umn.edu.

Disability accommodations will be provided upon request for all events.  The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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