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. Spring semester course registration begins Monday, Nov. 4

The Office of the Registrar reminds all students to visit their adviser before the spring registration period begins, per the student's college advising policy. Undergraduate students should use their degree progress report from Academic Advisement in CheckMarq to help plan their schedule and make their advising session more effective.

Spring registration begins Monday, Nov. 4. Snapshot is now available to plan spring 2014 courses. Students' spring registration appointments have been assigned and can be accessed on CheckMarq.

In addition, more than 400 on-campus and online course options are available during the summer, including many popular introductory and core courses. Online registration for summer begins in March, but students should talk with their adviser to begin to plan their course schedule accordingly. Visit the summer studies website for additional information about course offerings.

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3. RSVP for student community input session on presidential search

A community input session on the presidential search will be hosted by MUSG for all students on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom E. RSVP online.

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 session. 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 students who are unable to attend a community input session. Feedback is due by Thursday, Nov. 14.

In addition, discussion sessions are planned with faculty, staff, 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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4. 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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5. Costume rummage sale 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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6. 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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7. gHosts needed for residence hall trick-or-treating

Volunteer gHosts are needed for the Residence Hall Association's HALLoween event, Wednesday, Oct. 30, when children from around the Milwaukee community can trick-or-treat in the residence halls. HALLoween provides a safe trick or treating environment for children who may not otherwise have one. Volunteers are needed to guide the children around as gHosts and to serve as candy distributors.

Those interesting in participating should email RHA by Friday, Oct. 25.

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8. Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice deadline is Oct. 28

Campus Ministry is hosting a trip to the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice Nov. 16-18, in Washington, D.C. Students from Jesuit schools across the country will gather to learn about and advocate for social justice issues.

Cost is $150. Applications can be completed online and are due by Monday, Oct. 28.

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9. Attend spring break service trips information session

An information session about the Marquette Action Program will be held Monday, Oct. 28, from noon to 1 p.m. in the AMU, 157. Campus Ministry's MAP offers students the opportunity to take a spring break service trip and learn about social justice issues affecting the United States.

For more information, visit the MAP website.

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10. 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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11. RA selection process begins with informational sessions in early November

The Office of Residence Life is seeking Resident Assistants for the 2014-15 academic year. Those interested in applying for an RA position should plan to attend one of the following mandatory information sessions:

  • Monday, Nov. 4, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the AMU, 157
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the AMU, Ballroom C
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, noon to 1 p.m. in the AMU, Ballroom C
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Humphrey Hall Auditorium

The information sessions will give interested applicants a better understanding of the RA position and provide details on how to apply for the position. For more information, visit the recruitment website.

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12. Sign up for Supper for 12 Strangers by Oct. 30

Students can now sign up to enjoy a meal at the home of an area Marquette alumnus, faculty or staff member 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

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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13. 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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14. 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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15. 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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16. 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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17. 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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18. 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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19. 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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20. 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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21. Flu vaccinations available on campus next week

Injectable influenza vaccinations will be available to students for $20 at the following flu vaccine clinics:

  • 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

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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22. Gesu Church hosting second episode of Catholicism DVD series

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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