1. Giving to Marquette in fiscal 2013 topped $47 million

The number of alumni, parents and friends who invested in Marquette over the past fiscal year increased by 3 percent to nearly 28,000 benefactors, who gave more than $47 million in new gifts and pledges, according to University Advancement. Thirty new endowed scholarships were funded and the university received three gifts of more than $1 million – including an $8.3 million gift for the Diederich College of Communication to fund the new O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism.

Gifts to annual funds totaled more than $10 million, including a record-high level of support for the Blue & Gold Fund of nearly $4 million, compared to $3.3 million the previous year. The President's Society, the university's annual giving recognition society, grew by 15 percent in fiscal 2013, welcoming 1,756 members that each contributed at least $2,500 during the fiscal year. In addition, 138 members were welcomed into the new Young Alumni level of the society, which has special, graduated giving levels for those who earned an undergraduate degree from Marquette during the past 15 years. In total, President's Society members' gifts supported more than 650 different funds across the university including scholarship aid, research, capital projects, student and faculty activities, service learning, and sustaining overall excellence.

Back to Top

2. Health Risk Appraisal online questionnaire deadline is today

Employees must complete their online HRA questionnaire by midnight Monday, Nov. 25. Where it says to enter the employee's Social Security number, employees should enter their nine-digit employee ID number with no extra zeros, numbers, dashes or letters. The group password is MARQUETTE in all caps. Health plan participants who complete both HRA parts – biometric screening and health questionnaire – receive a 10-percent discount for 2014 health insurance premiums. All information regarding the Health Risk Assessment process is available on the benefits website.

This year an additional 10 days were added to the time given to complete the HRA process. Once the deadlines have passed, employees will have missed their opportunity to save on 2014 health insurance premiums. There will be no exceptions.

Employees should verify their 2014 health insurance premium rate on their January Statement of Earnings.

Back to Top

3. Mission Week will take place Feb. 2-7; theme is "The Art and Practice of Forgiveness"

All members of the Marquette community are invited to explore "The Art and Practice of Forgiveness" during Mission Week 2014, which will take place from Sunday, Feb. 2, through Friday, Feb. 7, 2014. The capacity to forgive and be forgiven informs individuals' spiritual, psychological and social development in profound ways. Mission Week 2014 will examine the theme of forgiveness in many forms, from the interpersonal to the international. Watch News Briefs for additional information about this important week of discussion and reflection.

Back to Top

4. Classroom access for final exams announced

Fall 2013 final exams are Monday, Dec. 9, through Saturday, Dec. 14. Smart classrooms with key access that are scheduled during final exam week will be opened by the Department of Public Safety prior to the start of the exam. Smart classrooms with card reader access can be opened using a faculty MUID.

If access problems occur, contact the Department of Public Safety at 8-6800.

Back to Top

5. Course evaluations begin today

Fall 2013 course evaluations will be available for students to complete online Monday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Dec. 8. The Marquette Online Course Evaluations System (MOCES) will be used to administer the evaluations. The Office of the Provost is strongly encouraging all instructors to provide students the opportunity to complete course evaluations in class using mobile technology. Instructors should plan to set aside 15-20 minutes of class time during the last two weeks of the term for the evaluation. Instructions for offering an in-class evaluation are available online.

Students received an email to their eMarq account Monday, Nov. 25, with login information and instructions about how to complete the evaluations online, and can also access the MOCES system via marquette.edu/evaluate.

Results will be made available to faculty after final grades for all classes have been submitted to the Office of the Registrar, anticipated to be Wednesday, Dec. 18. Instructors, department chairs and deans will receive an e-mail on or around Wednesday, Dec. 18, with login information and instructions about how to access the online results.

For additional information, including a sample in-class announcement, the course evaluation schedule, a sample evaluation form and more, visit the MOCES website or email courseval@marquette.edu.

Back to Top

6. Register for training sessions on updated expense and travel reimbursement, credit card policies

The Office of Finance will host training sessions on updates to the university's travel and expense reimbursement and credit card policies. The Office of Finance, with the help of campus stakeholders, has rewritten the Travel Reimbursement Policy (UPP 1-09) and has added a new Expense Reimbursement policy (UPP 3-18) targeting non-travel related expenses. Acceptable university credit card documentation requirements and review of the US Bank management system, Access Online, will also be covered as part of the University Credit Card Program (UPP 3-08). Attendance is required for managers or designees who approve other employees' credit card statements.

Training sessions will take place:

  • Monday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

All training sessions will be held in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites B and C. Register by emailing growwithmu@marquette.edu and specifying a session.

Back to Top

7. Steve Forbes to speak on campus tonight

The Marquette University College Republicans will host Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes, Inc., Monday, Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. Forbes will present, "The Flat Tax Revolution," which will argue how a flat tax could benefit the United States. In his remarks, he will discuss flat tax benefits through the lens of the current economic landscape and forecast, including its potential impact on the IRS and job creation.

Forbes is the author of several books, a two-time former presidential candidate, and currently serves on the Board of Overseers of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and on the Board of Visitors for the School of Public Policy of Pepperdine University, as well as the boards of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, the Heritage Foundation and The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. Forbes, Inc.'s, flagship publication, Forbes, has a circulation of more than 900,000.

For more information, contact Matthew Walker, co-chair of the Marquette University College Republicans.

Back to Top

8. Miracle on Westowne Square is Dec. 2

The Marquette University Residence Hall Association will host a tree lighting and blessing, "Igniting Hope: Miracle on Westowne Square," for students, faculty and staff, Monday, Dec. 2, at 4:30 p.m. in Westowne Square, the area between the AMU and McCormick Hall.

Rev. Doug Leonhardt, S.J., associate vice president of mission and ministry, and Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, S.J., associate vice provost in the Office of the Provost, will preside over the ceremony, with Christmas carols sung by the university's Liturgical Choir. A reception with light refreshments will follow in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms, with entertainment provided by Marquette's male a capella group, The Naturals.

Back to Top

9. Attend international research and forward thinking poster sessions and colloquy

The Office of International Education will host Marquette's International Research Poster Session along with the Forward Thinking Poster Session and Colloquy, hosted by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Graduate Student Organization and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. A reception will follow the event, which aims to celebrate and encourage faculty research from all disciplines that involves students and international research.

For more information, contact Erin Folstad, director of project planning and development in ORSP, at 8-3642.

Back to Top

10. MIT professor Wilder goes "On the Issues" to discuss slavery's role in U.S. higher education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Craig Steven Wilder will discuss his new book on the role slavery played in American institutions of higher education in the next "On the Issues with Mike Gousha," Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall.

Wilder, a professor of history and head of the history faculty at MIT, is the author of Ebony and Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America's Universities. The book examines slavery and racism in the early history of some of the most revered U.S. colleges and universities.

Seating is limited; registration is available online.

Back to Top

11. Neuroscience colloquium to discuss the brain's reward circuit

The Integrative Neuroscience Research Center will host Dr. Virginia Pickel from Weill Cornell Medical College, Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 3:30 p.m. in Schroeder Complex, 256. Pickel will present "Convergent Targeting of Acetylcholine and Dopamine in the Brain's Reward Circuit."

Back to Top

12. Attend screening of award-winning documentary on the Federal Reserve

The Center for Global and Economic Studies and the Applied Investment Management program in the College of Business Administration will host a screening of the award-winning documentary Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve, Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. A panel discussion about the issues addressed in the film will follow the screening. RSVP online.

For more information, contact Lee Hovorka, office associate in the College of Business Administration, at 8-8024.

Back to Top

13. Attend final session of Ignatian primer series; register for Faber Center's Advent Retreat

The Faber Center will host the final session of "In the Footsteps of St. Ignatius - A Primer on Ignatian Spirituality," Wednesday, Dec. 4, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Faber Center, Schroeder Complex, 111. This month's offering, focused on discernment and decision-making, will be presented by Chuck Lamb, vice president for finance. A light lunch will be served.

The Faber Center is hosting an Advent Half-Day Ecumenical Retreat, "Advent Longing: the Treasured Gift of Christmas," facilitated by Sister Nancy Sell, O.S.F., Friday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This retreat is free and falls within the guidelines of the Retreat Leave Benefit. Register via email, or call 8-4545 by Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Back to Top

14. Center for Peacemaking to host wine and cheese reception

Faculty and staff are invited to join the Center for Peacemaking for a wine and cheese reception Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the AMU, 163. The program will include an address from Catholic Relief Services ambassador Dr. Madeline Wake and information on new funding resources.

RSVP online by Saturday, Nov. 30.

Back to Top

15. GROW with Marquette hosting session on Counseling Center

GROW with Marquette will host a session on the Marquette University Counseling Center Wednesday, Dec. 4, from noon to 1 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries, Beaumier Suite A. The session will cover the different services the Counseling Center offers, such as mental health and substance abuse services in the form of short-term developmental and clinical counseling, career counseling and outreach services.

To reserve a space, contact GROW with Marquette at 8-1560.

Back to Top

16. Attend interdisciplinary day of dialogue on ecology and environmental sustainability

The Center for Teaching and Learning will sponsor "The Shape of a Sustainable World: Research, Teaching and Community Endeavors at Marquette to Meet the Challenges and Needs of a Sustainable Future," Wednesday, Jan. 8, in the Eckstein Hall conference center. Dr. John O'Keefe from Creighton University will deliver the keynote.

Lunch is included, and registration can be completed online. For additional questions, contact Susan Mountin, director of Manresa for Faculty, at 8-3693.

Back to Top

17. Campus Ministry to bless the Advent wreath on Sunday

Campus Ministry will bless the university's Advent wreath Sunday, Dec. 1, at 10 p.m. in the AMU, Chapel of the Holy Family. For more information, contact Timothy Johnston, assistant director in campus ministry, at 8-0522.

Back to Top

18. "Beat Bucky Week" will feature campus-wide events

Marquette Nation will sponsor the second annual "Beat Bucky Week," Monday, Dec. 2, through Saturday, Dec. 7. Events will be held throughout the week to get campus ready for the men's and women's basketball rivalry games.

  • Badger Roast – Monday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU, Marquette Place
  • Bingo at the Annex – Wednesday, Dec. 4, beginning at 10 p.m.
  • Campus-wide Spirit Day – Friday, Dec. 6 (wear Marquette gear)
  • Men's basketball viewing party – Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Union Sports Annex, tipoff at 1:15 p.m.
  • Women's basketball game – Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Al McGuire Center, tipoff at 7 p.m.

In addition, a class penny war and a Wisconsin t-shirt trade-in will be held each day in the AMU. For additional information, follow Marquette Nation on Facebook or use the hashtag #BeatBucky on Twitter.

Back to Top

19. Attend Advent morning of reflection at Gesu Church

Church of the Gesu will host an Advent morning of reflection Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, directed by Associate Pastor Fr. John Schlegel, S.J. Lunch will be provided. Register by Sunday, Dec. 3, by contacting Michael Heimbach at 8-7107.

Back to Top

20. Raynor Memorial Libraries seeking feedback on new homepage

Raynor Memorial Libraries will launch a new homepage in spring 2014 and is seeking feedback from users during beta testing. Those interested in participating should visit the new webpage and complete the feedback form at the bottom of the page by Saturday, Dec. 14.

For more information, contact Mary Frenn, funding information librarian, at 8-1995.

Back to Top

21. Social Innovation Initiative hosting a holiday party Dec. 11

The Social Innovation Initiative will host a holiday party Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Zilber Hall, 370. Attendees will hear the Social Innovation Initiative contest winner's pitch, learn about the Ashoka Exchange, see the updated Gates-funded FixesU website and more. RSVP to Neal Ruitta.

Back to Top

22. Holiday Giving Tree gifts due Dec. 5

All those who took a Holiday Giving Tree gift tag must drop off gifts by Thursday, Dec. 5. Gifts can be dropped off at the AMU Information Desk; Lalumiere, 340; the Rec Center; Rec Plex; or Zilber Hall, 121. All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached to the outside.

For further information, contact Kathleen Hawkins, chair of MU Volunteers, at 8-5500.

Back to Top

23. University chapels can now be reserved online

The Chapel of the Holy Family and St. Joan of Arc Chapel can now be reserved online. For additional information, contact Timothy Johnston, assistant director in Campus Ministry, at 8-0522.

Back to Top

24. "Almost everything $6" gift sale to benefit Physical Therapy Scholarship fund

The "almost everything $6" gift sale is taking place Monday, Dec. 2, to Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the AMU. This sale features gifts, jewelry and accessories, with 20 percent of the sale proceeds going to the Physical Therapy Faculty Student Scholarship Fund. The sale will include both licensed merchandise greater than $6 and specials under $6.

Marquette Cash and credit cards are accepted. Those interested in making a contribution to the scholarship fund to assist graduate students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program can contact Kathleen Ludington, director of development for the College of Health Sciences, at 8-1410.

Back to Top

1. Giving to Marquette in fiscal 2013 topped $47 million

2. Health Risk Appraisal online questionnaire deadline is today

3. Mission Week will take place Feb. 2-7; theme is "The Art and Practice of Forgiveness"

4. Classroom access for final exams announced

5. Course evaluations begin today

6. Register for training sessions on updated expense and travel reimbursement, credit card policies

7. Steve Forbes to speak on campus tonight

8. Miracle on Westowne Square is Dec. 2

9. Attend international research and forward thinking poster sessions and colloquy

10. MIT professor Wilder goes "On the Issues" to discuss slavery's role in U.S. higher education

11. Neuroscience colloquium to discuss the brain's reward circuit

12. Attend screening of award-winning documentary on the Federal Reserve

13. Attend final session of Ignatian primer series; register for Faber Center's Advent Retreat

14. Center for Peacemaking to host wine and cheese reception

15. GROW with Marquette hosting session on Counseling Center

16. Attend interdisciplinary day of dialogue on ecology and environmental sustainability

17. Campus Ministry to bless the Advent wreath on Sunday

18. "Beat Bucky Week" will feature campus-wide events

19. Attend Advent morning of reflection at Gesu Church

20. Raynor Memorial Libraries seeking feedback on new homepage

21. Social Innovation Initiative hosting a holiday party Dec. 11

22. Holiday Giving Tree gifts due Dec. 5

23. University chapels can now be reserved online

24. "Almost everything $6" gift sale to benefit Physical Therapy Scholarship fund