1. Marquette receives $844,000 National Science Foundation grant to improve computer science education in Wisconsin high schools

Marquette is the lead recipient of a collaborative $1 million, three-year grant from the National Science Foundation for an ambitious rollout of a new 9th- and 10th-grade introductory computer science course in school districts across Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin-Dairyland Chapter of the Computer Science Teacher Association are the other recipients of the grant, which aims to double the number of computer science teachers in Wisconsin high schools. Currently, fewer than one in five Wisconsin high schools offer a computer science course.

The grant will add at least 60 teachers in Wisconsin school districts that offer an introductory computer science course. To aid this effort, faculty at Marquette and UW-La Crosse will develop a "Teaching Computer Science" course that will prepare more secondary school teachers to get certified to teach advanced computing classes.

The course will promote inquiry-based learning in high school computer science classrooms and provide a pathway for more teachers to become certified to teach advanced computing courses in the state. The research work involved will break new ground in understanding effective computer science teacher preparation, while providing a roadmap for many other states seeking to produce more computer scientists in the coming decade.

Dr. Dennis Brylow, associate professor of mathematics, statistics and computer science, and Dr. Marta Magiera, assistant professor of mathematics, statistics and computer science, collaborated on the grant.

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2. RSVP for faculty and staff community input sessions on presidential search

Community input sessions on the presidential search will be held for faculty and staff the week of Nov. 11. The staff session will be held Monday, Nov. 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms A and B. The faculty session will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites B and C. RSVP online for the appropriate session.

Dr. Kristina Ropella, executive associate dean in the College of Engineering, and Dr. Stephanie Quade, dean of students in the Office of Student Development, will facilitate the sessions. Members of the Presidential Search Committee will be present at the session.

As the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees did in the previous presidential search in 2010, they are asking that the Marquette community provide input on the leadership qualifications that are most important for the president. Because the university's process during the presidential search three years ago was both extensive and inclusive, the Presidential Search Committee is reviewing the Presidential Profile that was developed at that time and asking for input on whether these attributes are still valid or should be adjusted.

An online form is available for faculty and staff who are unable to attend a community input session. Feedback is due by Thursday, Nov. 14.

In addition, discussion sessions are planned with students, University Academic Senate, the Faculty Council, the Marquette Jesuit community, the University Leadership Council, the Marquette University Alumni Association National Board and the Parents Council.

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3. Fall 2013 enrollment data available

Official fall 2013 enrollment statistics, compiled by the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, are now available on OIRA's website. This includes headcount enrollment data, major and minor counts, student credit hours, class size information, freshman class information, retention and graduation rates, and the Common Data Set. Fall 2013 faculty statistics are also now available. Individuals who have previously accessed any reports on OIRA's website may need to refresh their browser to see the most recent reports.

Marquette currently enrolls 11,782 students: 8,365 undergraduates and 3,417 graduate and professional students. This year's freshman class consists of 1,989 first-time, full-time students, 53 percent of whom are female and 70 percent of whom are from out of state.

Any questions can be directed to Alexandra Riley, director of the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis, at 8-8049. To request additional information or data, use OIRA's information request form.

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4. Annual benefits enrollment period begins Monday, Oct. 28

Marquette's annual enrollment period begins Monday, Oct. 28, and runs through Friday, Nov. 15. All benefit eligible employees should have received a benefits enrollment packet at home. Employees who have not received a mailing should contact a member of the benefits department to request one or click on this link to download the contents in its entirety.

Employees do not need to re-enroll unless they are changing either their plan or tier levels but are strongly encouraged to review their elections as a new plan has been added in 2014 along with significant changes to the EPO and PPO plan structure.

The university's annual Benefits Information and Wellness Day is Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. Attendees will have access to valuable benefits information from provider representatives, as well as free wellness screenings.

Those who wish to continue or begin participating in the voluntary Group Legal (MetLaw) benefit must also re-enroll during annual enrollment using the paper form in the packet that was sent to your home address, or it is available by clicking on this link. In 2014 there is a slight increase in the monthly premium for this benefit.

Key steps for benefits enrollment, with changes made through MyJob, are:

  • Update and verify personal information, dependents' birth dates, social security numbers and emergency contacts.

  • Choose whether to participate in the health, dental and vision insurance plans. New for 2014, a High Deductible Health Plan is available for benefit eligible employees.

  • Decide whether to participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Enrolling annually is required. Current health care debit (Benny) cards are valid through Dec. 31, 2014, and 2014 elections are automatically loaded onto the card.

Additional resources regarding benefits can be found on the benefits website.

To schedule a campus appointment for a health risk assessment, call 877-765-3212 and press "1," or schedule an appointment by following the on-line scheduling link on the benefits website. All benefit eligible employees must complete their biometric screening by Saturday, Nov. 23, and their online questionnaire by Monday, Nov. 25, to receive a 10-percent discount on their monthly health insurance premiums for 2014.

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5. New editions of college-specific magazines are available online

The newest editions of Dental Images, Marquette Engineer, Marquette Lawyer and Marquette Nurse are online. The college-specific magazines include features on research happening within the colleges, updates on major initiatives and projects, thought leadership articles, and profiles on notable faculty and alumni. 

All of the university's publications are available in the News Center, which features the people, the stories and the news of Marquette.

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6. Attend Student Peacemaking Fellowship presentations today

The Center for Peacemaking will host Student Peacemaking Fellowship presentations Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the AMU, 252. The seven students who received Student Peacemaking Fellowships to design projects, complete internships and conduct research that puts nonviolence into practice will present their projects. Further information about the requirements and application process for students interested in being a summer 2014 fellow will also be available.

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7. Entries due tomorrow for Writing Center's short story contest

The Ott Memorial Writing Center is sponsoring a 50-word short story contest in celebration of the National Day of Writing. All students, faculty and staff are invited to submit entries and compete for prizes, including a Fisher space pen, Bananagrams and a Moleskine journal. Writers should submit their entries online by 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.

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8. Gesu Church hosting second episode of Catholicism DVD series this Sunday

The Church of the Gesu will host the second episode of a Catholicism DVD series from Rev. Robert E. Barron on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 10:10 a.m. in Cudahy, 001. The second episode is titled, "Happy Are We –The Teachings of Jesus." The remaining eight episodes will be shown Sundays from Oct. 27, 2013, through March 30, 2014.

For additional information and the full schedule, contact Barbara Macpherson, Gesu Parish director of child and family formation, at 8-7101.

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9. President of MacArthur Foundation to deliver lecture on North Korea

The Department of Political Science will host the Dr. John K.C. Oh Memorial Lecture on Asian Affairs Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 4:30 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. Dr. Robert Gallucci, president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, will deliver "Living with North Korea," which will discuss managing relations with the government in Pyongyang, how to reduce the likelihood of conflict, reassure allies, avoid provocations and attract domestic support at home.

Gallucci previously served as dean of Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and with the U.S. Department of State as ambassador at large. An expert on Asia, Gallucci has authored several publications about political-military issues, including Neither Peace Nor Honor: The Politics of American Military Policy in Vietnam and Going Critical: The First North Korean Nuclear Crisis.

For more information, contact Kelley McCaskill, director of development for University Advancement, at 8-1590.

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10. Marquette alumni, Acquity Group founders to visit campus

Join Acquity Group founders and Marquette alumni Chris Dalton and Paul Weinewuth for an event Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium. Dalton and Weinewuth will discuss the challenges they faced when establishing the brand e-commerce and digital marketing firm 12 years ago. Acquity Group’s clients include REI, McDonald’s, Adobe and Allstate.

Registration is required, and can be completed online. This event is sponsored by the College of Business Administration and the AIM Program.

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11. Center for Intercultural Engagement's next Town Hall to focus on LGBTQ History Month

The Center for Intercultural Engagement will host a Town Hall Series in recognition of LGBTQ History Month on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. in the AMU, 111. The town hall will provide a forum for students to speak about their experiences on campus to encourage a greater understanding of community.

For more information, contact John Janulis, coordinator for multicultural affairs in the Office of Student Development, at 8-7205.

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12. Marquette Contemplative Community announces threefold lecture series

The Marquette Contemplative Community and the Edward D. Simmons Religious Commitment Fund will fund a threefold contemplative series beginning this fall with two sessions on sight and sound, and culminating in March with a series of workshops.

The first session, "What Do You See? Practices in Beholding Mindfulness," will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Haggerty Museum of Art. Philosophy lecturer Adriana Kowal will invite participants to look at one abstract painting to focus on the changes that they see.

The second session, "Kirtan," will take place Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Calvary Presbyterian Church, located at 935 W. Wisconsin Ave. Kirtan is an ancient participatory music experience that quiets the mind and relaxes the body.

For more information about these events, visit the Contemplative Community website.

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13. Bestselling author Thomas Cahill to discuss new book on campus

Thomas Cahill, historian and international bestselling author, will discuss his newest book Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Varsity Theatre. Tickets to this event will include a signed copy of Heretics and Heroes, Cahill's sixth installment to the Hinges of History series, which aims to guide readers through the development of Western civilization via the stories of people who were influential at major turning points along the way.

Tickets for this event are available for purchase online. For more information, contact C.J. Hribal, professor of English, at 8-3471.

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14. Faculty to share research paths at "One Thing Led to Another" seminar

Drs. Bonnie O'Neill, Jeff Berry and Eugenia Afinoguenova will discuss the paths they followed to their research and academic focuses at a "One Thing Led to Another" seminar Thursday, Nov. 7, from noon to 1:15 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites.

  • Dr. Bonnie O'Neill, associate professor of management, will present "You Love Her More Than Me! Tales of Fairness in a Large Family."

  • Dr. Jeff Berry, assistant professor of speech pathology and audiology, will present "A Lingual Bashing Hatching a Lasting Passion: How a Tongue Lashing Inspired My Speaking in Tongues."

  • Dr. Eugenia Afinoguenova, associate professor of Spanish, will present "Art for the People: A Leisure Culture History."

A complimentary light lunch will be served. This event is co-sponsored by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and Manresa for Faculty in the Center for Teaching and Learning. For more information or to register, contact Jennie Schatzman, office coordinator in ORSP, at 8-7225 by Monday, Nov. 4.

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15. Boston College professor to speak about 50th anniversary of Vatican II

The Office of Mission and Ministry, the Department of Theology and Gesu Parish will host "Renewing the Liturgy, Revitalizing the Church: The Vatican II Reforms at 50," Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. in Church of the Gesu. Rev. John F. Baldovin, S.J., professor of historical and liturgical theology at Boston College and current Ignatius Loyola Chair at Fordham University, will present the lecture and discuss how the Second Vatican Council animates Marquette's mission, as well as its challenges for the future.

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16. Retirement Party for Steve Duffy is Oct. 30

Stephen Duffy, associate vice president of administration, announced his retirement effective Nov. 1. Duffy served as the head of Marquette's Human Resources Department for 18 years and has been in the Office of Administration for the past five years.

The Office of Administration will host an open house reception Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Zilber, 256. Light refreshments will be served. Anyone wishing to extend best wishes to Duffy on his retirement is invited to attend.

RSVP to Katie Klamecki, executive administrative assistant, at 8-4142.

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17. Holiday Giving Tree tags have arrived

Holiday Giving Tree tags have arrived, and there are still names available for those who have not yet signed up. Marquette is working with seven different agencies that have provided names of individuals in need of gifts for the holiday. All gifts, with prices ranging from $15 to $25, are due by Dec. 6.

Those interested in participating should email Kathleen Hawkins, administrative assistant in the Department of Social and Cultural Sciences.

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18. Costume rummage sale will be held on campus tomorrow

The Department of Media and Performing Arts will host a costume rummage sale Friday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Helfaer Theatre, 013. Suits, dresses, sweaters, shoes and more will be available for purchase, just in time for Halloween. Cash, check or credit cards will be accepted.

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19. Sign up to host a Supper for 12 Strangers by Oct. 30

Faculty and staff can sign up to host a meal for students at their home as part of the Association of Marquette University Women's annual Supper for 12 Strangers. Suppers will be held on the following dates:

  • Saturday, Nov. 9
  • Sunday, Nov. 10
  • Saturday, Nov. 16
  • Sunday, Nov. 17

Hosts will determine what date they would like and how many students they would like to host.

Register online by Wednesday, Oct. 30. For additional information, contact Molly Eldridge, assistant director of engagement in University Advancement, at 8-4497.

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20. Graduate School to host open house Nov. 7

The Graduate School will host an open house Thursday, Nov. 7, from 4:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. This event is open to anyone who is interested in pursuing a graduate program at the Graduate School.

RSVP online by Monday, Nov. 4. For more information, contact the Graduate School at 8-7137.

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21. Flu vaccinations available on campus next week

Injectable influenza vaccinations will be available to faculty and staff for $20. Flu clinics will be held:

  • Monday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU, second floor lobby
  • Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the AMU, second floor lobby, as part of Employee Benefits Day

Employee spouses and dependents are also eligible for vaccinations. Employees and dependents participating in the Marquette health insurance plan are eligible to receive reimbursement for their flu shot. Reimbursement levels will vary based on the health insurance plan; EPO coverage is 100-percent reimbursement, while PPO coverage is 80-percent reimbursement. Reimbursement will occur by Monday, Dec. 31, and will be mailed to the employee's home.

Clinics are administered by the Marquette University Medical Clinic in collaboration with the College of Nursing and the Department of Human Resources.

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