FALCON DAILY Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015 “Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.” --Lao Tzu New engineering programs celebrated Tuesday [cid:3FEFC22F-BAFD-402D-BF3F-EB50231923E2] The collaboration that led to the addition of three new undergraduate engineering programs at University of Wisconsin institutions in northwest Wisconsin was celebrated Tuesday as a model that should be followed elsewhere in Wisconsin. “This is the model we are going to see more of in the future,” said Ray Cross, president of the University of Wisconsin System, in an event at OEM Fabricators in Baldwin, referring to the establishment of the Northwest Wisconsin Engineering Consortium. UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls and UW-Stout formed the consortium to work collaboratively on bringing more engineers to northwest Wisconsin because of industry demand. Pictured, left to right, are Cross, UW-Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt, UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen and UW-Stout Chancellor Bob Meyer and President and Found of OEM and Regent Mark Tyler. Submitted photo. Announcements 2016 health insurance changes There are significant changes taking place in the Health Insurance plan effective Jan. 1, 2016. Some of the changes include the introduction of an annual deductible, office copayments, and changes to the cost structure of the pharmacy benefit. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please plan to attend one of the informational sessions listed below. All sessions are in the St. Croix River Room, 321 UC. Email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> with any questions. Friday, Oct. 16, from 2- 3 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 19, from 10-11 a.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 1-2 p.m. Welcome to perspective students and their families Thursday-Saturday Admissions & New Student and Family Programs is excited to welcome 135 prospective students and their families to campus on Thursday, Oct. 15. Information sessions and tours will depart from the University Center throughout the day. We appreciate your support in providing a warm welcome to our guests. Email <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> with any questions or concerns. College Visit Days are happening Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 15-17. Applications open for Sally Margis Employee Development Award for university staff Applications for the 2015 Sally Margis University Staff Employee Development Award are being accepted through Friday, Nov. 6. The monetary award was established to develop, through education and/or training, a university staff employee's career at UWRF. The money awarded is to be used to support direct or indirect costs associated with career development. For more information and how to apply, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/UniversityStaffSenate/SallyMargis.cfm. University Staff Holiday Luncheon - save the date! The University Staff Holiday Luncheon is Wednesday, Dec. 9, from noon-2:30 p.m. at Junior’s. We are looking for donations for door prizes. If you would be interested in contributing a door prize, email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Regent Scholar Program The Board of Regents just announced another round of Regents Scholars awards. Last year Tim Lyden was one of five faculty members across the UW System to receive an award. The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 13. This is a competitive process that targets faculty at all UW System universities and college campuses. For more information, visit https://www.wisconsin.edu/grants-awards/undergraduate-research-3/. If you have an interest in applying for the competition, contact Molly Van Wagner in the Grants & Research Office at 319 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Recognizing outstanding colleagues Please join Chancellor Van Galen in honoring the accomplishments of the 2015 recipients of the Academic and University staff Chancellor’s awards. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate individuals for these awards. It's your efforts that remind us of our many outstanding UWRF colleagues. A reception honoring the recipients is Tuesday, Oct. 27, with a dessert reception at 12:45 p.m. and program at 1 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom, UC. Chancellor’s Recognition Award for University Staff Craig Carlson, Sr. Electronic Technician Joseph McIntosh, Building & Grounds Supervisor Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for Academic Staff Mike Martin, Sr. Academic Advisor/Administrative Specialist As announced earlier this year, let's also honor: Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award Jennifer Elsesser, Assistant Director, Counseling Services Academic Adviser of the Year Ian Williams, Professor, Geology Distinguished Teacher of the Year Gary Onan, Professor, Animal & Food Science Upcoming Events Informational Meeting: Uganda Study Abroad Program, J-Term 2016, Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in 121 SH. If you have committed to participating in this great study abroad opportunity, or you are seriously considering participating, please attend this meeting and learn more. Information will be shared regarding the program, the online application process, scholarships, financial aid, etc. Bring your questions! Bring a friend! If you are unable to attend this meeting, but still interested in participating in the program, find the online application process at http://uwrf.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=15899. The deadline for completing the online application is Nov. 1. Don't Forget Wednesday, Oct. 14 All Department Chair Meeting, 8-9 a.m., Falls Room, UC. Career Fair, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Riverview Ballroom, UC. Excellent opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to network with 94 booths from a wide variety of industries as well as UW-River Falls graduate programs. This year, 42% of the attending organizations are new to UW-River Falls. Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes and/or encourage student attendance. For more information, visit http://www.uwrf.edu/CareerFair/Index.cfm. Contemporary Political Issues Roundtable, noon-1 p.m., 103 KFA. Robert Agranoff, distinguished political science alum, will present the October Contemporary Political Issues Roundtable, "What I Learned Since I Left UWRF." Agranoff, professor emeritus at Indiana University-Bloomington, is a nationally recognized expert specializing in intergovernmental relations, economic and community development and federalism. He is an award-winning author and consultant. Please join us in welcoming him back to UWRF. Faculty Senate Executive Committee Meeting, 2-3 p.m., 211 Ag Science (Dean's Conference Room). For an agenda, visit https://www-auth.uwrf.edu/FacultySenate/Committees/StandingCommittees/ExecutiveCommittee.cfm or email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Robert Agranoff Public Lecture, 4-5:30 p.m., Lydecker Learning Center. Agranoff, distinguished UWRF political science alum, will present "The Challenges of Managing in Multi-Level Governance.” He is a professor emeritus at Indiana University-Bloomington and is a nationally recognized expert specializing in intergovernmental relations, economic and community development and federalism. He is an award-winning author and consultant. Free and open to all. Women’s volleyball vs. UW-Superior, 7 p.m., Karges. Women’s soccer vs. UW-Stout, 7 p.m., Ramer Field. Astronomy Talk & Observatory Viewing, 8 p.m., 271 CSH. "Earth's Twin: Kepler186F," an astronomy talk given by physics Professor Eileen Korenic is followed by observatory viewing if the night sky is clear enough. Free and open to the public.For more information, visit http://www.uwrf.edu/PHYS/. Now You Know A first-ever Web series collaborative course began this semester bringing together English and SASA majors (formally separated into Theater are Digital Film and Television) to work as a production company to produce a four-part Web series that will premiere as a red carpet event Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. In the Kinnickinnic Theater, UC. The first episode has been shot and is in post production. The second episode underway being filmed this week. For more information, email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Education News “GOP bill would allow concealed guns in Wisconsin college buildings<http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/gop-bill-would-allow-concealed-guns-on-wisconsin-college-campuses-b99595660z1-332355482.html>,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Oct. 13. “State needs more workers, Senate panel told<http://www.leadertelegram.com/News/Front-Page/2015/10/13/State-needs-workers-panel-told.html>,” Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Oct. 13. “New UW System policy: 25-hour workweek limit<http://stoutonia-online.com/?p=2224>,” Stoutonia, Oct. 12. “The college gun rule that drove a professor emeritus to quit<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2015/10/12/the-college-gun-rule-that-drove-a-professor-emeritus-to-quit/>,” The Washington Post, Oct. 12. “<https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/10/13/popular-lecturer-berkeley-will-lose-job-despite-strong-record-promoting-student>Losing His Job for Teaching Too Well?<https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/10/13/popular-lecturer-berkeley-will-lose-job-despite-strong-record-promoting-student>” Inside Higher Ed, Oct. 13. “Crisis Sells: Spinning Data Into Hot Headlines<https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2015/10/13/headlines-about-gallup-survey-college-worth-are-misleading-essay>,” Inside Higher Ed, Oct. 13. 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