1. Marquette's accreditation status affirmed; next comprehensive evaluation in 2023-24

The Higher Learning Commission has affirmed that Marquette meets the commission's criteria for accreditation and has scheduled the next comprehensive evaluation for 2023-24. A brief on the HLC report is available on the accreditation website, which provides a synopsis of the team's evaluations, major conclusions and recommendations.

Dr. Margaret Faut Callahan, interim provost and dean of the College of Nursing, and Dr. Gary Meyer, chair of the reaffirmation initiative and vice provost for undergraduate programs and teaching, will host a forum Thursday, May 1, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU, 448, to discuss the report and answer questions campus community members may have.

The evaluation is based on five primary criteria: (1) Mission; (2) Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct; (3) Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support; (4) Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement; and (5) Resources, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness. Each criterion includes multiple core components and subcomponents. The site visit team is required to render a determination for each of the five criteria, as well as for each core component, indicating that it is either (a) Met, (b) Met with concerns, or (c) Not met. In addition, the team reviewed evidence to ensure Marquette was in compliance with federal requirements.

The team reported perceived strengths around Marquette as a mission-driven university; sound fiscal stewardship; commitment to maintaining a physical environment that supports curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities; a strong faculty that "lives" the mission and helps "guide and shape" students for their roles in society; an improved culture of assessment; and an enhanced shared governance system designed to foster greater collaboration. The only component to receive a determination of "Met with concerns" was diversity. HLC has requested the university provide a monitoring report on the development of a campus-wide diversity plan by June 2015, which is already under development.

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2. Gov. Walker signs bill granting authority to establish university police force

Gov. Scott Walker today signed into law 2013 Wisconsin Act 265 that would allow Marquette to enter into agreement with local law enforcement to operate a university police department. The bill signing ceremony took place on campus. In attendance were students, Department of Public Safety officers, university leadership and community representatives, including the Milwaukee Police Department, Avenues West Association, the Milwaukee Police Association, Wisconsin Attorney General's Office, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, Jr., U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, bill co-authors State Sen. Alberta Darling and State Rep. Dale Kooyenga, and one of the bill co-sponsors, State Sen. Paul Farrow.

While the law gives the university authority to commission a police force, additional steps remain before the university would decide to operate DPS as a police department, including opportunities to engage with the broader Marquette community and neighborhood stakeholders and after details are determined with local law enforcement.

"We are here today to thank the legislature and the governor for their support of our public safety efforts at Marquette University," Interim President Robert A. Wild, S.J., said at the ceremony. "The legislation that the governor will sign into law will give Marquette the authority to consider the option of having our Department of Public Safety become a commissioned police force. I want to repeat that word, 'option.' The bill gives us the freedom to begin exploring this idea and to have a serious dialogue about what having a sworn police force would mean for Marquette and our community."

Since 2001, DPS has been licensed as a "private detective agency," which allows officers to carry firearms. Operating DPS as a police department would allow for more effective and efficient use of university and Milwaukee Police Department resources. At least 21 other states and the District of Columbia allow private universities to operate police departments.

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3. Dr. Kristy Nielson honored with AMUW Nora Finnigan Werra Faculty Achievement Award

Dr. Kristy A. Nielson, professor of psychology, has been selected to receive the 2014 AMUW Nora Finnigan Werra Faculty Achievement Award. This annual award honors and recognizes a female faculty member who has excelled in research, teaching, and service to Marquette and the community and has mentored students and other faculty.

Nielson will be honored by the Association of Marquette University Women at the Mary Neville Biefeld Awards Mass, Reception and Brunch on Saturday, April 26, during Alumni National Awards Weekend. Registration can be completed online or by contacting University Special Events at (414) 288-7431.

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4. Wear denim April 23 to support survivors of sexual assault

On Wednesday, April 23, Marquette University will again recognize Denim Day, an annual international effort to support survivors and create a global change in attitudes towards sexual assault and all types of sexual violence. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has requested that Milwaukee institutions and individuals participate in this cause. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to wear denim on April 23 to show their support for survivors of sexual assault.

Denim Day began as a protest against a 1997 Italian court case, in which a convicted rapist's sentence was overturned. The court ruled that because the teenage victim's jeans were tight, the victim must have assisted in their removal, thereby making the sex act consensual. Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work.

"If we stay silent, instances of sexual violence will only continue, but if we all join together and become knowledgeable and willing to be the voice of those individuals who are affected by sexual violence, we can help transform our campus, this community and our world," Interim Provost Margaret Faut Callahan said. "That is something we are called to do as a Jesuit university. I urge our entire campus community to support Denim Day and survivors of sexual assault by wearing denim on April 23."

For more information, contact Chris Daood, assistant director of the Counseling Center and deputy Title IX coordinator, at (414) 288-1742.

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5. Submit classroom requests for spring exam review sessions and final exams

Faculty who need additional classroom space before or during final exam week, May 5-10, including for exam review sessions, need to complete an online Review/Exam Room Request form, which is restricted to the campus network and VPN. A minimum of 24-hour advance notice is needed to process requests.

For additional information, contact Alexander Frain, associate registrar in the Office of the Registrar, at (414) 288-6312.

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6. Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science colloquium to discuss DNS security

The Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science will host a colloquium Tuesday, April 15, at 3 p.m. in Straz Hall, 105. Cricket Liu, vice president of architecture at Infoblox and co-author of O'Reilly Media's DNS and BIND, will present "DNS Security: Threats and Solutions."

For more information, contact Steven Goodman, system administrator, at (414) 288-1580.

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7. Former National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones goes "On the Issues" to discuss Keystone XL Pipeline, U.S. energy policy

Former U.S. National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones will be the featured guest for an upcoming "On the Issues with Mike Gousha," Monday, April 21, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Eckstein Hall.

Jones, the National Security Adviser to President Barack Obama in 2009-10, also served as the Supreme Allied Commander for NATO and Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps during a career spanning more than 40 years.

Now retired from the military, Jones is the head of Jones Group International, which provides expertise on foreign policy, national security and energy security issues. Jones has consulted for the American Petroleum Institute and supports construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline through Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. During his visit to the Law School, Jones will discuss the controversial Keystone project and offer his perspective on American energy policy and geopolitical developments around the world.

Seating is limited; register online.

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8. CTL hosting presentation on supporting students who report sexual assault

The Center for Teaching and Learning will host, "Supporting Students Who Report Sexual Assault," Tuesday, April 22, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries, Study Room D on the lower level. Dr. Susannah Bartlow, director of the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center; Dr. Christopher Daood, deputy Title IX coordinator and assistant director of the Counseling Center; and Dr. Sarah Bonewits Feldner, associate professor of communication studies, will facilitate the discussion, which is designed to help expand knowledge and capacity to respond to students in ways that are both survivor-centered and Title IX compliant. The facilitators will provide an overview of myths about sexual assault, a review of Title IX reporting requirements, and both lecture and experiential opportunities to develop listening and response skills.

Register online.

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9. "Earth, Art and Hip Hop" event will celebrate Earth Day on April 22

The Native American Student Association and Intercultural Engagement will present "Earth, Art and Hip Hop," Tuesday, April 22, in honor of Earth Day. The community event will feature Frank Waln and Sam Sampson, with special guests ArtWorks for Milwaukee and open mic performers, and will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first floor of the AMU. The event will bring awareness to environmental issues through art, poetry and music.

For more information, please contact Laree Pourier, president of the Native American Student Association.

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10. Celebrate World Book Day on April 23

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures will celebrate World Book Day on Wednesday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the lobby of Lalumiere. Participants are invited to bring a book to exchange it for another book and receive a sticker recognizing participation in the event. Exhibits of censored, rare and beautiful books will also be on display, as well as a marathon reading of Don Quixote in different languages.

For more information, email Dr. Eugenia Afinoguenova, associate professor of Spanish, or call (414) 288-6715.

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11. Conference on sexuality, human rights and public policy is April 23-24

The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, Department of History, Women's and Gender Studies Program, and Office of International Education will host a Conference on Sexuality, Human Rights and Public Policy Wednesday, April 23, through Thursday, April 24. This conference will draw on a broad range of academic fields to investigate the dynamics of public policy, human rights, and sexuality as they relate to inclusion and exclusion globally.

For more information, visit the conference website or contact Dr. Chima Korieh, associate professor of history, at (414) 288-3563.

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12. Writing Center offering a mini writing retreat

The Ott Memorial Writing Center will offer a mini writing retreat Sunday, April 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Raynor Memorial Libraries, Beaumier Suite A. Experienced writing center tutors will help participants set goals before the devoted time for writing begins.

The retreat is open to all writers. Light food and drink will be provided. Register by emailing muwritingcenter@gmail.com or by contacting the Writing Center at (414) 288-5542.

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13. Research into treatment of spinal cord injury is topic of next Marquette Presents

The fifth installment of the College of Health Sciences' popular Marquette Presents series, Spinal Cord Injury – Improved Outcomes through Research, will be held Tuesday, April 29, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms. Speakers include Dr. Allison Hyngstrom, assistant professor of physical therapy, Dr. Murray Blackmore, assistant professor of biomedical sciences, and Marquette alumnus Bryon Riesch, Bus Ad '03.

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14. Training sessions offered for D2L upgrade

D2L will be upgraded to a new version Friday, May 16. The Center for Teaching and Learning will offer training sessions to provide an in-depth look at the new features. The training sessions will take place in Raynor Memorial Libraries, 330B, on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, April 16, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 24, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Monday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Register online.

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15. Column marshals needed for Commencement

Faculty and staff are needed as column marshals for Commencement on Sunday, May 18, at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Column marshals will guide the graduates, faculty, staff and stage party into the arena, and escort them out after the ceremony. Marshals need to arrive by 7:45 a.m. and will be needed for the duration of the ceremony, which should conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Contact University Special Events at (414) 288-7431 for more information.

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16. Sign up to participate in Colleges Against Cancer's Relay for Life

The Marquette chapter of Colleges Against Cancer will host Relay for Life from 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26, to 2 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Helfaer Recreation Center. The event will feature food, games and activities throughout the night while participants take turns walking around the track.

Team sign-ups are now available online. Relay for Life is the biggest annual fundraiser sponsored by Colleges Against Cancer and the American Cancer Society. Funds raised go toward helping advance cancer research and treatments.

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17. Children needed for physical therapy study

The Department of Physical Therapy is looking for children, ages 12-17, to participate in a research study examining the effects of physical fitness and body composition on pain reports. Participants will take part in three research sessions ranging from 60-90 minutes each, and will receive a free evaluation of physical fitness and body composition. Participants will be compensated with gift cards.

This study has been approved by Marquette's Institutional Review Board for the protection of human subjects. Parents and legal guardians of children who are interested in participating in the study should contact Dr. Marie Bement, associate professor of physical therapy, at (414) 288-6738 or Stacy Stolzman, physical therapy graduate assistant, at (414) 288-6085. For more information about research participant rights, contact the Office of Research Compliance at (414) 288-7570.

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

The "almost everything $6" gift sale will be held Tuesday, April 22, and Wednesday, April 23, 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 (414) 288-1410.

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