FALCON DAILY
    
Monday, Sept. 21, 2015

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.”--Ralph Marston

Smith Stadium rededicated Saturday


Sandy Wurm speaks on behalf of the David Smith family at the David Smith Stadium Rededication event Saturday at Ramer Field. To view other photos from the rededication, visit http://uwrfphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery/David-Smith-Stadium-rededication-09192015/G0000gVKztDPZrNs/C0000InlFiVjVeIQPhoto by Kathy M Helgeson.

Announcements


Major changes to the Travel Policy effective Oct. 5
Per Diem
Meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) will be reimbursed on a per diem basis, as defined by the federal government based on the location. Same day meals will also be affected.
Lodging
Rates are increasing based on the city/state locations not to exceed the federal rate maximum.
The purchase of lodging using online brokers (e.g., Expedia, Hotels.com) will not be allowed.
Mileage
Rates will be going to the GSA rate of $0.575 for trips under 100 miles or with a non-availability form from Fleet. Trips over 100 miles will stay the same at $0.352.
Filing timely expense reports
All travel expense reports must be submitted within 60 days from the end of a trip.
Policies can be found on UW TravelWIse at https://uw.foxworldtravel.com/Informational sessions will be held on campus Sept. 29 and 30, more information to follow.

UW Federal Priorities for 2016
Every year, campuses are asked to contribute to the Federal Priorities document compiled by the UW System, which is then shared with legislators and other education partners. The 2015 document is available here. This year, we’d like your help in assembling UW-River Falls research statements in five key areas, as requested by UW System:  Water, Energy, Public Health, STEM Education and Undergraduate Research. We are asked to highlight exciting examples of federally funded research at UWRF, but also showcase all research taking place, demonstrating how it is being used to help educate and prepare students; and how, as a result of it, old problems are being solved and new ideas and opportunities are being made possible. The message that UW System wants to deliver is that federal investment in research pays off. A list of any research going on in your department or area which you think should be included in the UWRF research statements should be emailed to [log in to unmask] no later than Oct. 15.

Open meetings for Multicultural Student Services retention specialist candidates 
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to the open interview meetings for the MSS Retention Specialist position. Email questions/comments to the search and screen chair [log in to unmask]
Monday, Sept. 28, 10-10:30, Wind River Room, UC, James Kirchner
Thursday, Oct. 1, 10-10:30, Wind River Room, UC, Michelle Herrin
Friday, Oct. 2, 10-10:30, 124 WEB, Michael Graziano

Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership workshop
Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership is hosting their fall annual conference Oct. 29-30 at Mt. Mary University, Milwaukee. “Moving the Needle” will be presented by Leah Witcher Jackson Teague, Baylor University School of Law, American Council on Education (ACE) and Strategic Initiatives Committee. Information on the fall conference and other WWHEL initiatives can be found at www.wwhel.org. The UWRF Provost Office will support a team of four staff members to attend, (includes faculty, academic and university staff). Email [log in to unmask] or call 3700 if you are interested in attending.

Nominations due Friday for university and academic staff recognition awards
Honoring outstanding service to the university is an important UW-River Falls tradition. Nominations for the Chancellor’s Recognition Award for University Staff and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for Academic Staff are being accepted through Friday, Sept. 25. Details of the nomination process can be found at http://www.uwrf.edu/awards/. We have many outstanding, dedicated individuals at UWRF. Please support these individuals through your thoughtful nominations.


Appliance dumpster available

Reminder:  Facilities Management has a dumpster available for old appliances. Any departments with broken appliances should submit a work order to have the appliance picked up. Work orders must be received by the end of the day today, Sept. 21. This service is only for appliances generated as part of campus operations. There will not be a charge to departments for most appliances collected. Facilities will communicate with the department if there are any fees associated with the disposal of an item. For more information, email [log in to unmask].


Upcoming Events

Innovation Challenge Kick-off Event, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Alumni Room, South Hall. Turn your idea into a business. Students need to register for the Innovation Challenge by Oct. 30. Find more information at http://www.uwrf.edu/CBE/Centers/InnovationChallenge.cfm.


Ag Olympics, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m., Rodeo Arena, Campus Farm. Join us for a wipeout obstacle course, milk chug, hay bale toss, wheelbarrow races, gummy worm search and bucket brigade, sponsored by UWRF Block and Bridle. Teams of four, $12/team, limit of 20 teams. Cash prizes. $1 admission for spectators. Costume contest. For more information, email [log in to unmask] or call 920-676-5890.


Don't Forget

Monday, Sept. 21


La Frontera/The Border Photography Exhibition, now through Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Gallery 101, KFA. Exhibition of three internationally recognized photographers:  Byron Brauchli (Mexico), Laura Migliorino (USA), and Anthony Marchetti (USA) in conjunction with the Year of Mexico program. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Hosted by the Art Department.


“Among the Trees,” a collection of photographs by Professor Charles Rader, Geography and Mapping Sciences, is on display in the Harriet Barry Gallery through the month of September. The gallery is open during regular library hours.


Reminder:  The deadline for submission of an item to Falcon Daily is 4 p.m. the day before publication. Thank you for your cooperation.


University staff employment opportunity. Communications Specialist (25%) – College of Education & Professional Studies. This is a project position with a scheduled end date of June 30, 2016. Application deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 30. Apply online at https://jobs.uwrf.edu/postings/search.


View employment opportunities at UW-River Falls at https://jobs.uwrf.edu/postings/search


Education News

Public employees face retirement changes under GOP bills,” Madison.com, Sept. 20.

Is bigger better? 54,000 students and growing, U. of Central Florida storms higher ed.” The Washington Post, Sept. 20.

State superintendent calls GOP proposal attack on democracy,” Channel 3000, Sept. 17.

A new ranking of colleges that do most for low-income students,” The Washington Post, Sept. 17.

 
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 falcondaily-submit and/or [log in to unmask].