1. Health risk assessment screenings still available

Health risk assessment biometric screenings are still available by appointment. Health plan participants who complete both HRA parts — biometric screening and health questionnaire — receive a 10 percent discount for 2012 health insurance premiums.

To schedule an on-campus appointment for a health risk assessment, which is available to all employees, call 1-877-765-3213 and press “1.” Employees must complete their biometric screening by Nov. 18 and the online questionnaire by Monday, Nov. 21.

Marquette’s annual enrollment period runs through Friday, Nov. 11. All employees should have received a benefits enrollment packet at home. Everyone choosing a medical plan, even if previously enrolled, must re-enroll at MyJob at Marquette. Those participating in a flexible spending account re-enroll annually.

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2. Petition available for student aid changes

Marquette University’s Office of Public Affairs, in conjunction with the Office of Student Financial Aid, is monitoring debates in Congress regarding student financial aid funding. An email was sent earlier this week to all students who receive federal financial aid, alerting them to potential cuts.

Recent congressional budget deals have already cut $30 billion from the federal student aid programs. 

“That’s why it’s more important than ever to provide adequate funding for the core federal student aid programs like Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Work Study, TRIO, and other student aid and loan benefits,” said Rana Altenburg, vice president of public affairs.

A higher education coalition consisting of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, of which Marquette is a member, and 61 other higher education associations, has developed a petition in support of Federal Student Aid which will be sent to Capitol Hill. 

Faculty, students, parents and staff can sign the petition on the Student Aid Alliance website to express their support for saving Pell grants and other student aid from potential cuts from the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction/”Super Committee” and the FY12 Appropriations.

Further information can also be found on the Office of Public Affairs’ website.

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3. Student learning research findings to be presented

Dr. Astrida Kaugars, associate professor of psychology, will present “Student Learning Assessment: A New Research Agenda,” Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. in Raynor Library 320h. Dr. Kaugars’ study examines how aspects of an undergraduate health psychology course contributed to changing students’ perspectives on public service, community engagement and social justice.

This presentation is sponsored by the Service Learning Program in the Center for Teaching and Learning. For more information, contact Mary Grant, office assistant in the Center for Teaching and Learning, at 8-0263.

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4. Women's and gender studies holding fellowship presentations

The 2011 recipients of the WGST Faculty-Student Research Fellowships and the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships will discuss their research projects and present their findings Monday, Nov. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Clark Hall 111. A reception will follow in Cramer Hall 087. For more information, contact Dr. Amelia Zurcher, associate professor of English and coordinator of the women’s studies program, at 8-3475.

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5. Final lecture in Alcott series to be presented

Raynor Memorial Libraries’ will present “Louisa May Alcott: Literary phenomenon and social reformer, at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in Raynor Memorial Libraries.

Dr. Sarah Wadsworth, associate professor of English, will present a lecture on Alcott’s complex and varied role in the literary marketplace as a self-trained and successful professional writer.

The program is the final event in this fall’s grant-funded Alcott series focusing on the woman behind Little Women, hosted by Raynor Memorial Libraries and the Milwaukee Public Library.

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6. Senior Speaker nominations due tomorrow

Friday, Nov. 4, is the final day to nominate an undergraduate to be the Senior Speaker for December graduation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate a graduating senior who would provide an inspiring and insightful speech about his or her time on campus. Nominations can be submitted online.

All nominated students will be invited to submit an application. A selection committee, appointed by MUSG, will interview students, listen to proposed speeches and make a final recommendation to Father Pilarz. For additional information, contact John Heflin, MUSG senior speaker coordinator.

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7. "Holy Days" performance at Marquette depicts family life in Dust Bowl

In 1936, the Great Plains of Kansas were plagued with drought and decay in the wake of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. As America migrated to find work, one family remained rooted to their barren farm, haunted by loss and the memories of a once prosperous life.

Harrowing and uplifting, this Marquette Theatre Arts performance of Sally Nemeth’s Holy Days chronicles the strength of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Holy Days is partially supported by the Theatre and Social Justice Fund and features the work of an all-student design team. The performance will run:

· Thursday, Nov. 10, through Saturday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.
· Sunday, Nov. 13, 2:30 p.m.
· Wednesday, Nov. 16, through Saturday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.
· Sunday, Nov. 20, 2:30 p.m.

Ticket prices for the general public range from $16 to $20. Discounts are offered to senior citizens, Marquette students, employees and alumni. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the theatre box office at 8-7505 or online.

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8. Cutting-edge spinal injury technologies to be discussed

Dr. Kenneth Lee, chief of the spinal cord injury division at the Clement J. Zablocki Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, will present “Spinal Cord Injury Technologies,” Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Cramer 038.

Dr. Lee will discuss his personal rehabilitation from war injuries sustained in Iraq and provide information on the new cutting-edge technologies being utilized for acute and long-term patients in the Milwaukee Spinal Cord Injury Center.

This event is sponsored by the College of Health Sciences Alumni Association.

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9. Free healthy cooking demonstrations offered

The Employee Wellness Program and Sodexo have partnered to offer a Healthy Cooking Series, which will teach employees how to cook tasty and health meals in minutes.

· “Healthy Desserts,” Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011
· “Healthy Comfort Foods,” Thursday, March 1, 2012
· “BBQ Grilling,” Wednesday, April 18, 2012

All sessions will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in AMU 163. Registration is required and can be completed by contacting Mandi Richter, wellness coordinator, at 8-458.

Additional tips on healthy eating and Employee Wellness Programs can be found online.

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10. Neuroscience colloquium to be held next week

Dr. Ellen Unterwald, professor in the department of pharmacology at Temple University School of Medicine, will present “Dopamine-Opioid Interatctions and Their Role in Cocaine-Mediated Behaviors,” for The Integrative Neuroscience Research Center. The presentation will take place Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 3:30 p.m. in Schroeder Complex 256.

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11. Claims of justice topic of Department of Philosophy lecture

The Department of Philosophy is presenting the first annual Donald J. Schuenke Chair Lecture, Thursday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. in Clark Hall 111. Dr. Margaret Walker, professor and Donald J. Schuenke Chair of philosophy, will present “Historical Understanding and the Claims of Justice.” For more information, contact the Department of Philosophy at 8-6857.

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12. College of Professional Studies to hold info session

The College of Professional Studies will hold an undergraduate degree information session for prospective adult students Thursday, Nov. 10, from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Cudahy Hall 414. Information to be presented includes accelerated eight week session bachelor’s degree programs; Saturday, weeknight and select online course offerings; the application process; and financial aid opportunities. Interested participants can register online or call 8-3153.

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13. McNair Scholars and Multicultural Affairs holding colloquium

The McNair Scholars Program and Multicultural Affairs will co-host a colloquium Thursday, Nov. 10, at noon in Raynor Conference Center Study Room D.

Two students from the McNair Scholars Program will present research on “Comparative Studies on the Causes of Ethnic Conflict and its Intensification into Genocide,” and “The Turkish Question: How the AKP’s Islamic Orientation has affected Turkish Politics.”

For more information, contact the McNair Scholars Program at 8-1771, or the Multicultural Center at 8-7205.

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14. Toastmasters International holding informational meeting

Marq Our Words, a Toastmasters International chapter, is holding a Pecha Kucha-style meeting at noon Wednesday, Nov. 9, in Raynor 320H. Pecha Kucha is a fast-paced style that involves giving a 20-slide PowerPoint presentation on any topic spending only 20 seconds on eachslide.

The purpose of Toastmasters is to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches, providing constructive feedback and more — in a supportive environment. For more information, contact Michelle Sweetser, Toastmasters vice president for membership.

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15. Taize Prayer Service to be held for hunger awareness

A Taize Prayer Service will be held in honor of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month in order to pray for all those in need. The service will take place Monday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church 631 N. 19th St. For questions and more information contact Angie Macias.

This event is sponsored by Midnight Run through Campus Ministry.

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16. Praise and worship prayer offered

A praise and worship style prayer will be offered Monday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. in the AMU Chapel of the Holy Family, followed by fellowship. This prayer is co-sponsored by Campus Ministry, Cru, InterVarsity, Knights of Columbus and Lutheran Campus Ministry. Contact Steve Blaha, assistant director of Campus Ministry at 8-6873 for more information.

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17. Holiday Giving Tree gifts due Dec. 5

Gift tags are still available for Marquette community members interested in participating in the Holiday Giving Tree. Gifts are due Monday, Dec. 5, to various drop-off locations on campus. Marquette donors are matched with individuals from five agencies in the community in need of gifts ranging from $15 to $25. Interested participants can email Kathleen Hawkins, chair of Marquette Volunteers.

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