FALCON DAILY 

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014

"To begin, begin." --William Wordsworth

URSCA office holds open house


Undergraduate Research, Scholarly  and Creative Activity (URSCA) Director Lissa Schneider-Rebozo, right, explains some of the undergraduate research opportunities to Falcon Scholar Ronna Woock, left, a first-year student from Burnett, during an open  house in the URSCA office Tuesday. Photo by Kathy M Helgeson.

Announcements

Phone problems in Ag Science building

Everyone's patience is appreciated as the Ag Science building is experiencing issues with the phone system. The problems seem to be mainly with the Dean's Office, Animal Science, Food Science, and the Plant and Earth Science lines. Please communicate by email if you are having trouble getting through by phone.


Fire drill results; fire extinguisher training

The UWRF Safety Committee would like to thank everyone on campus for their participation in fire drills on Tuesday. A recap by building has been posted at http://www.uwrf.edu/RiskManagement/FireDrills.cfmFire extinguisher training will be provided at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the R parking lot behind Facilities. Anyone interested can attend and be trained on how to put out a fire. If you have any questions or need more information about either of these items, contact Risk Management at 3344.


ETF announces 2015 health insurance plans, changes and rates
Participating health insurance plans, changes and premiums for the 2015 plan year for members covered under the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program have been finalized for the upcoming It’s Your Choice Open Enrollment period, which is set for Oct. 6-31. The Group Insurance Board approved the following changes and rates at its meeting last month; http://etf.wi.gov/news/ht-2015state-rates.htm.  The 2015 group health insurance plans, changes and rates will be effective Jan. 1, 2015. 
During open enrollment, all eligible employees and retirees of state and local government-participating employers in the State of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Employers Group Health Insurance Program have the opportunity to change health plans, switch type of coverage and add or remove dependents. For more information, email [log in to unmask] or call 3109.


Presentation on HDHP and HSA option available
ETF has produced a short, introductory presentation for state employees about the new high deductible health plan (HDHP) and health savings account (HSA) option to be offered through the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program in 2015. To learn more about HDHP, HSA, eligibility requirements and review a glossary of terms, view the ETF presentation at http://etf.wi.gov/Articulate%20Presentations/HDHP/story.html. Additional important information about HDHP and HSA, as well as other plan options and notable changes, will be available on our website prior to the It’s Your Choice Open Enrollment period, set for Oct. 6-31.  For more information, email [log in to unmask] or call 3109.


International Traveling Classroom seeking faculty
The International Traveling Classroom (ITC) is seeking UWRF faculty interested in leading and/or teaching students in Europe for spring semester  2017. Two positions are for teaching short-term intensive courses in Europe and the third position is for a group leader / teacher for the entire semester. The ITC is a semester-length, study-abroad program that takes students to Europe each spring where they study, travel, and live in several European countries. Approximately 35 students are in each group. Each group studies in London, Paris, and 3-4 other locations identified by the ITC staff. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled, but screening will begin Nov. 1. Please note that we are seeking full-time, tenure-track faculty, and participation is subject to the needs of the candidate’s department, college, and the university. In addition, there are more limited handicapped facilities in Europe, and this is a reasonably demanding, physical venture. For general information about the ITC, visit http://www.uwrf.edu/itc. For specific information about openings, including application materials, email [log in to unmask] or call 3101.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting
The Faculty Senate Executive Committee will meet on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 3:30-5 p.m. in 140 KFA.  For information, visit http://www.uwrf.edu/facultysenate/ or email [log in to unmask].

Upcoming Events

Thursday, Sept. 18, noon, 333 Ag Science, China Agricultural University Brown Bag Lunch Series:  "Feeding Calves:  Acidified milk or Pasteurized Milk?" Presented by Ma Jiaying, MS student. Free and open to everyone. For more information, email [log in to unmask]. For more Year of China events, visit http://www.uwrf.edu/YearOf/China.cfm.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 4 p.m., women's soccer vs. UW-La Crosse.

Monday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., UC, Major and Minor Fair. Gives current and prospective students the opportunity to explore academic programs, learn about career options, and connect with faculty and staff. This event supports any student who has not declared a major/minor as well as those who are considering a change of major/minor. For more information, email [log in to unmask] or call 3572.


Tuesday, Sept. 23, noon, 333 Ag Science, China Agricultural University Brown Bag Lunch Series:  "Prevalence of Bovine Mastitis Pathogens in Bulk Tank Milk." Presented by Bi Yanliang, Ph.D. candidate. Free and open to everyone. For more information, email [log in to unmask]. For more Year of China events, visit http://www.uwrf.edu/YearOf/China.cfm.


Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., Riverview Ballroom, UC, An Evening With Temple Grandin: “The World Needs all Kinds of Minds." Grandin is one of the most respected experts on humane animal handling in the world and an advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum. She is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Tickets can be purchased at the Information Desk, UC, or by calling 3911. Admission is $5/UWRF students, faculty, and staff and $10/public. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged as the event is likely to sell out. For more information, email l[log in to unmask] or call 3535.

Don't Forget

Wednesday, Sept. 17

*  11 a.m.-noon, Cooklock Room, Davee Library, Fellowship of Christian Faculty and Staff meeting. Weekly meeting to encourage each other, study, and pray. Join us when you can as we begin a study of Daniel. Contact [log in to unmask].

Vacancy notice – internal candidates only

Executive Assistant --Office of the Chancellor. The executive assistant is a professional who works directly to assist the Chancellor with a wide range of executive, administrative and human resource responsibilities. The executive assistant will provide leadership for the operation of the Chancellor’s Office and will work collaboratively with the Chancellor and others to support the success of the university. Application deadline is Thursday, Sept. 18. For more information, see the Special Assistant/Executive Assistant *INTERNAL* Candidates Only posting at https://jobs.uwrf.edu/postings/search.


Education News


"University of Wisconsin President Ray Cross," CSPAN Washington Journal, September 16.

"88% of schools, 98% of districts make grade in report cards," Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, September 16.

"New report's recipe for economic success: nurturing university-business ties," Chronicle of Higher Education, September 16.

"Too few university jobs for America's young scientists," National Public Radio, September 16.

"Obama opens campaign against campus sexual assault," Associated Press, September 15.

"Return on performance in higher education," Editorial, Huffington Post, September 15.


To view news about the UW System from around the state, visit System’s clipsheet site to read the stories or to subscribe to the daily briefing.

Falcon Daily is an e-newsletter sent to all UW-River Falls faculty, academic and classified staff and off-campus subscribers weekday mornings during the academic year and on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the summer. Submit items for possible inclusion to editor [log in to unmask].