— February 12, 2007—

Contents

  1. Excellence in University Service Awards nominations due Friday
  2. Approximately $4 million allocated for merit raises, faculty salaries
  3. E-teaching workshop series enhances teaching skills
  4. Biological Sciences hosting science engagement seminar
  5. Active learning sessions available to faculty and graduate students
  6. Pep Band to record a live CD at Bandorama Concert
  7. Special deal for Family Night at women’s basketball game
  8. College of Communication presents “Hekebe”
  9. HAVEN Conversation Series addresses dating violence
  10. Public Safety offers self-defense classes
  11. Marquette teams with Greendale High School for free musical
  12. Encourage students to attend anxiety disorders screening
  13. Have questions about the Catholic faith?
  14. Robotics and LEGOs for children at engineering programs
  15. Benefits discussion for part-time faculty
  16. Plan for retirement at TIAA-CREF seminar
  17. Faculty and staff with dependent’s tuition need to file FAFSA
  18. This Week in History
  19. Marquette Interchange highlights for the week of Feb. 12

 

1. Excellence in University Service Awards nominations due Friday

The deadline for nominations for the 2006 Excellence in University Service Awards, which are intended to recognize individuals for their contributions to the essential work of Marquette at the highest level of excellence, is Friday, Feb. 17. Nominations are now being accepted for. Candidates should be nominated based on meritorious service that is above and beyond the duties normally assigned to their positions. Nominees should demonstrate Ignatian ideals such as magis — a striving for excellence in all they do — and cura personalis — a personal concern and respect for others.

There will be four awards this year: two to administrators and two to support staff. Members of the Marquette community are encouraged to submit one or more nominations of candidates and the recipients will receive award plaques at a ceremony on Tuesday, April 17. The names of the recipients will also be added to a permanent plaque located in the Henke Lounge of the AMU.

Nominate only one candidate on each form you submit, either online or the printed forms. Additional information, and a list of previous winners, is also available on online.

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2. Approximately $4 million allocated for merit raises, faculty salaries

Marquette’s fiscal year 2008 budget will allocate approximately $4 million for merit raises for faculty, staff and administrators.

“The momentum Marquette has enjoyed the past three years — in our improved academic rankings, our fund-raising, our applications and in recognition of the university as a great place to work — is directly attributable to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff,” President Robert A. Wild, S.J., said. “We have employees who truly believe in the mission we share to educate young men and women who will make a difference in the world. It is incumbent upon us to recognize and reward this commitment by continuing to invest in our faculty and staff commensurate with their performance.” 

The $4 million general merit pool allocation will be given to deans and vice presidents for distribution as adjustments to base pay. The salary increase does not reflect additional university contributions to benefit costs, including health insurance, retirement and tuition remission. Salary increases are awarded strictly on merit, based on annual performance reviews. The allocation of funding for merit raises does not mean employees will automatically receive raises. 

Each July and August, the university collects information from departments and offices around campus that helps in forecasting revenue for the next fiscal year. The information includes student enrollment forecasts, suggested tuition rates, and economic conditions. Senior administration then examines the budget data related to forecasted expenses for the next year, including nondiscretionary costs such as utilities and debt payments. After evaluating projected expenses, an amount is set aside for the salary pool.

In conjunction with this year’s merit raises, salary changes for employees who work on a 12-month basis will take effect on July 1. Union employees will receive increases effective Sept. 1 in accordance with negotiated contract settlements.

Employees with employment arrangements of less than 12 months will receive increases as follows:

Staff: July 1
Administrators and graduate assistants: Aug. 1
Faculty: Aug. 16
Part-time faculty: Sept. 1

3. E-teaching workshop series enhances teaching skills

The e-teaching certificate workshop series is open to regular and adjunct faculty as well as graduate students in the Preparing Future Faculty Program. Participants should have taken the basic D2L workshop or have learned to use D2L in some other fashion.

All sessions are 1-4 p.m. in Raynor 320H except the first, which is in 320A.

•  Feb. 16, Teaching blended and online courses with D2L
•  March 2, Digital imaging and scanning
•  March 9, Copyright, plagiarism and information literacy
•  March 23, Video and audio production 
•  April 13, Podcasting and media in D2L
•  April 27, Project presentations

For more information call 8-0268 or 8-6395.

4. Biological Sciences hosting science engagement seminar

The Department of Biological Sciences will host a seminar, “How People Learn: Developing Strategies that Promote Engagement and Success in Undergraduate Science Classes,” on Friday, Feb. 16, at 3:30 p.m. in the Wehr Life Sciences Building, room 111. The seminar will be presented by Dr. Robin Wright, associate dean, University of Minnesota Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, and hosted by Dr. Thomas Eddinger, professor of biological sciences at Marquette.

5. Active learning sessions available to faculty and graduate students

The Center for Teaching and Learning will sponsor a series of conversations on active learning throughout the spring semester. All faculty and graduate students are invited to attend. Participants will learn how to encourage students to become more involved in, and responsible for, their own learning.

All sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in Raynor 320H.              

Feb. 13, Gene Laczniak, marketing, “Perspective on case study teaching” 

Feb. 20, Felicia Miller, marketing, “In-class and case-based projects that engage students”

Feb. 27, Michael Johnson, electrical and computer engineering, “Simple strategies for promoting active learning in science and engineering”

March 6, Michael Ryan, chemistry, “Active learning in introductory chemistry”

March 20, Bonnie O’Neill, management, “Virtual teams: a hands-on learning activity”

March 27, Michael Havice, broadcast communication, “Problem-based learning: designs to engage the student”

April 3, Tom Eddinger, biology, “Active learning based in scientific teaching”

April 16, Sharon Chubbuck, education, “Developing conceptual knowledge and understanding through interactive learning”

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6. Pep Band to record a live CD at Bandorama Concert

All MU Band ensembles (Symphonic Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Basketball Pep Band, and Flute Choir) will join together on Sunday, Feb. 18, in the Varsity Theatre for the Bandorama Concert. Pre-concert music by the Jazz Band will begin at 12:45 p.m. The main concert begins at 1 p.m., including the recording of the Pep Band’s first CD in more than seven years, under the direction of Dr. Otis C. French, along with a piece by the Symphonic Band.  
 
Featuring favorites from the Bradley and Al McGuire Centers, the Pep Band will prepare Marquette fans for the men’s and women’s basketball games and the postseason tournaments. The Symphonic Band will also recognize Black History Month and honor Rosa Parks for Black History Month in "A Movement for Rosa.”
 
The Bandorama Concert is free and open to the public. All are invited to be a part of the live recording session, especially during the “Alma Mater” and “Ring Out Ahoya.”

7. Special deal for Family Night at women’s basketball game

Join the nationally ranked Marquette women’s basketball team for Family Night as they take on Big East rival St. John’s on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. Four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas cost $16 total.

For more information go online or call 8-GOMU

8. College of Communication presents “Hekebe”

A story of strength and vulnerability, “Hekebe” is considered Euripides’ commentary on the deteriorating values of his time. The Diederich College of Communication's Department of Performing Arts will present Euripides' “Hekebe” from Feb. 15 to 25 in Helfaer Theatre. The performance is directed by Phylis Ravel, translated by Robert Emmet Meagher and choreographed is by Roxanne Kess.

For more information, show times and ticket information, call 8-7504, e-mail or go online.

9. HAVEN Conversation Series addresses dating violence

HAVEN and Becky Wittig, community education specialist with the Women’s Center, present February’s HAVEN Conversation Series, “When dating becomes dangerous: Current trends in dating violence,” on Thursday, Feb. 15, at noon in AMU room 305.

Research indicates that teens and young adults are experiencing more violence in dating relationships than ever before. Learn about trends in dating violence and how to assist and support those involved in abusive relationships.

HAVEN (Helping Abuse and Violence End Now) is a partnership of university departments and students committed to the prevention of interpersonal violence and to providing safe referral sources for those affected by sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. Call 8-5746 or e-mail for more information.

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10. Public Safety offers self-defense classes

The Department of Public Safety is offering several free self-defense classes combining a hands-on approach to learning effective techniques with information about national and local crime trends. Designed for both female and male audiences, the class incorporates simple strategies for escaping potentially dangerous situations.

Classes will be held:

•  Monday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. in AMU Ballroom AB
•  Thursday, March 1, at 6 p.m. in AMU Ballroom CD
•  Monday, March 26, at 6 p.m. in AMU Ballroom AB
•  Monday, April 23, at 6 p.m. in AMU Ballroom CD

Register by calling 8-6800.

11. Marquette teams with Greendale High School for free musical

Greendale High School and Marquette’s Student Health Service and Counseling Center present “nor • mal: a family musical of hope and survival,” on Monday, Feb. 26, at 8 p.m. in the Varsity Theater. Admission is free.

Resulting in standing ovations after performances by the Greendale High School Advanced Theatre Class in December 2006, this musical addresses student health, wellness, the devastating impact of eating disorders, and the therapeutic impact of theatre.

A talk-back session with cast members and eating disorder specialists will follow the performance. The musical is presented in conjunction with National Eating Disorder Awareness Week/Love Your Body Week 2007.

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12. Encourage students to attend anxiety disorders screening

Faculty and staff who are aware of students with feelings of fear or panic, or seem stressed out, are encouraged refer students to the free anxiety disorders screening on Thursday, Feb. 15. The screening will be held in Holthusen Hall, room 207 from noon to 4 p.m. Counseling Center staff will provide students with an anonymous screening questionnaire and an opportunity to discuss the results.

Anxiety disorders, which affect 25 million Americans, are treatable conditions that do not have to affect an individual’s life. 

For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 8-7172, or go online.

13. Have questions about the Catholic faith?

Bring your questions about the Catholic faith to “Java with the Jesuit,” an open conversation with Frank Majka, S.J., on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. in Brew Bayou in the AMU. The program is sponsored by University Ministry and Catholic Outreach.

14. Robotics and LEGOs for children at engineering programs

The College of Engineering is holding two outreach programs for children, Feb. 10 and Feb. 17.

“Engineering is a Family Affair,” on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., teams a parent and child aged six to 12 working together on fun, challenging, hands-on problem-solving activities in many engineering fields, including robotics. Cost is $90 per pair.

“Robotics Engineering,” on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is for

students aged eight to 12. They will design, build and program LEGO Mindstorms RCX robots. Cost is $60.  

No experience in robotics is necessary.  

Call 8-6720 for more information.

15. Benefits discussion for part-time faculty

Stephen Duffy, associate vice president of Human Resources, will meet with part-time faculty on Friday, March 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. in AMU 163, to discuss benefits available for part-time faculty. After the presentation on benefits, Rob Slocum, part-time faculty representative to the Committee on Faculty, will discuss any additional concerns. Part-time faculty unable to attend the meeting can e-mail Rob Slocum.

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16. Plan for retirement at TIAA-CREF seminar

TIAA-CREF retirement experts will conduct two “Getting Ready for Retirement” seminars on Feb. 14, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (a Lunch and Learn session — feel free to bring your lunch) and 3:30 to 5 p.m. in AMU 227. The sessions will stress the importance of examining your asset allocation prior to retirement. No registration is required.

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17. Faculty and staff with dependent’s tuition need to file FAFSA

Faculty and staff planning to use Tuition Remission for Dependentsfor the 2007-8 school year are required to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You must complete the FAFSA soon so it is processed and returned to Marquette by March 1. The 2007-2008 FAFSA can be completed online.

For more information call 8-7390.

18. This Week in History

In This Week in Marquette History, Bishop Desmond Tutu visited Marquette, and a famous Marquette alumnus was born.

Want to know more?  Go to the 125th Anniversary Web site.

This Week in History is sponsored by the Marquette University Department of History.  Research and writing was conducted by graduate students Gilbert Cervelli, Christopher Chan, Jess McCullough and Amanda Schmeider, with help from James Marten, professor and history department chair, and Carla Hay, associate professor and chair, 125th Anniversary Committee.  Special thanks to Thomas Jablonsky, associate professor of history, Harry G. John Professor of Urban Studies and director, Institute for Urban Life, who provided access to the manuscript of his forthcoming history of Marquette University.

19. Marquette Interchange highlights for the week of Feb. 12
 
•  Sub-zero weather last week cancelled all of the scheduled closures and contractor operations; they have been moved to this week.

•  Daytime drilling continues west of Straz Tower.

•  Daytime pile driving will take place south and east of 9th St. and Michigan, and further east on the new westbound I-794.

•  Night demolition resumes south of 10th St. and Tory Hill from Wednesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 14, as well as Sunday, Feb. 17, from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Noise is being monitored, and is becoming less and less noticeable as work moves away from the university.

•  Nighttime demolition work will occur north of St. Paul Ave. near 9th St. from Monday, Feb. 12, through Saturday, Feb. 17, and south of 9th St. and Michigan St. on Sunday, Feb. 18.  

•  St. Paul Ave., between 5th and 13th streets, will be closed nightly to through-traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday, Feb. 12 through Friday, Feb. 16, as well as Saturday morning, Feb. 17, until noon. Local access will be allowed from the east and west up to where I-43/94 crosses St. Paul Ave. These closures are required for overhead demolition work.

•  The connector ramp from eastbound I-94 to northbound I-43 will continue to be closed overnight from Wednesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 14, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning. This ramp will also be closed on the following Sunday, Feb. 18, from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., for overhead demolition work. These closures are anticipated through most of February.

•  The Plankinton exit ramp from northbound I-43 will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 14, and Thursday, Feb. 15, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

News Briefs is published Mondays and Thursdays, except in summer when only the Monday edition is published, and as news warrants by the Office of Marketing and Communication for Marquette faculty and staff. The deadline for the Monday edition is noon Friday. The deadline for the Thursday edition is noon Wednesday.

Comments? Questions? Is there news you would like to share? E-mail, call 8-6712, fax 8-7197 or send your note in campus mail to News Briefs, Office of Marketing and Communication.