JANUARY 30, 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Mission Week begins with Mass on Sunday; tickets still available for keynote speaker

Rev. Doug Leonhardt, S.J., associate vice president of mission and ministry, will be the principal celebrant at the Mission Week 2014 opening liturgy, which will be held Sunday, Feb. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Church of the Gesu. All members of the Marquette community are invited to attend to celebrate the beginning of Mission Week in prayer.

Immaculée Ilibagiza, who was a 23-year-old engineering student when the Rwandan genocide began in 1994, will deliver the keynote, "Forgiving the Unforgivable," at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. Her personal story of the Rwandan genocide reflects a depth of suffering beyond what most people will ever experience. Yet, in the midst of losing nearly everyone dear to her and being threatened to the point of death, she now stands as beacon of forgiveness of others. Two tickets per MUID are available to faculty, staff and students, and can be picked up in the AMU, Brooks Lounge.

This year's Mission Week theme cuts to the core of the human experience. The ability to forgive after tragic events affects 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.

To keep the campus community informed about Mission Week events, News Briefs will be distributed every day next week. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

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2. Employees should check 2014 benefits information on paycheck

Employees are encouraged to review their first paychecks of 2014 to verify that benefit elections are correct. Items to note for this year:

• Those who completed both parts of the Health Risk Assessment will find the discounted premium displayed on their paychecks. The description section on employees' statement of earnings will not say HRA rate; however, the deduction reflected should be reduced. Refer to the 2014 Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Rate Sheet to verify the correct amount is reflected.
  
  
• New health insurance cards were issued from UMR to all employees who are enrolled in any plan. The cards now list the co-pays on the lower left front side.
  
  
• There is no new card for Delta Dental; unless employees are new to dental insurance or changed tiers, they should continue to use the card issued last year.
  
  
• There is no card for the VSP vision plan. Enrollees should provide their name, employer and Social Security number to their in-network provider, who will verify enrollment through VSP's website.
  
  
• There is no card for the MetLaw benefit – Hyatt Legal Services voluntary group legal plan. Employees will be asked to verify their name, ZIP code and employer when requesting services at an in-network provider.

Additional information and regular updates are available on the Employee Benefits website. Employees who feel there is a discrepancy with a benefit election or deduction amount should immediately contact the Department of Human Resources at (414) 288-7305.

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3. Modest salary pool for merit-based increases announced

The Board of Trustees has approved a $2.5 million salary pool for discretionary merit-based increases for 2014-15.

"We recognize and are extremely appreciative of the extra dedication and commitment our faculty and staff have demonstrated in this challenging fiscal climate," Interim President Robert A. Wild, S.J., said.

Merit-based salary increases are given to high-performing employees and vary by individual and position, according to Father Wild and Dr. Margaret Faut Callahan, interim provost and dean of the College of Nursing. They said deans and vice presidents have discretion in allocating their respective salary pools by unit, based on annual performance reviews and market and equity adjustments.

In addition to the salary pool, the university makes contributions to fringe benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, and retirement contributions. Chuck Lamb, vice president for finance, noted that the university pays 80 percent of health insurance premiums and contributes 8 percent of salary to a TIAA-CREF 403(b) retirement account for qualified employees who voluntarily contribute 5 percent of their gross salary to the account.

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4. Student photos are being added to CheckMarq rosters

In the coming weeks, a photo of each student will appear on class rosters in CheckMarq next to their MUID number and name. Faculty may choose to view or hide the photos. Student photos will only be visible on class rosters in CheckMarq, not on grade rosters, lists of advisees or in D2L.

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5. Commencement Senior Speaker nominations due tomorrow

Nominations are still being accepted for the undergraduate Senior Speaker for May Commencement. Faculty, staff and students are invited to nominate graduating seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA who have never been on academic or disciplinary probation.

Nominations are due Friday, Jan. 31, and can be submitted online. For more information, email Sterling Hardaway, MUSG Senior Speaker Coordinator.

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6. Center for Teaching and Learning hosting walk-in D2L support Feb. 7

The Center for Teaching and Learning will host walk-in D2L support Friday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries, 326B, and at the same time and location Friday, Feb. 21.

D2L support assistants will be available to answer questions and respond to concerns. No appointment is necessary.

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7. National Institute on Drug Abuse senior investigator will give INRC seminar

The Integrative Neuroscience Research Center will host a seminar, "Context-induced Relapse to Drug Seeking: Behavioral and Neuronal Mechanisms," Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 3:30 p.m. in Schroeder Complex, 256. Dr. Yavin Shaham, senior investigator at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, will deliver the lecture.

For more information, contact the Integrative Neuroscience Research Center at (414) 288-7329.

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8. CTL hosting faculty development sessions on the benefits of mid-semester student feedback and developing global competencies

The Center for Teaching and Learning will host four faculty development sessions during the next few weeks. The first two sessions will take place next week:

• "Benefits of Mid-semester Student Feedback" will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries, 330B, and will outline a variety of techniques for midpoint feedback, how to frame the activity and what to do with the results.
  
  
• "Developing Global Competencies in the Classroom" will be held Monday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in Raynor Memorial Libraries' 330B, and will highlight how to leverage existing curricula for increased global awareness, incorporate students' international experiences, and utilize concrete, real-world examples that offer a global perspective.

Later in February, the CTL will host similar sessions on "Creating Transformational Learning Experiences," Monday Feb. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and "Classroom Feedback Activities," Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Register online.

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9. Simmons Fund applications deadline is Feb. 15

The submission deadline for proposals to the Edward D. Simmons Religious Commitment Fund is Saturday, Feb. 15, for grants for the 2014-15 academic year. The fund finances small projects or seed money for programs and events that deepen the religious nature of Marquette. Grants generally range from $500 to $2,500 and are available to faculty and staff. Proposals that promote religious aspects of the mission of the university will be given preference.

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10. Morning prayer will be held every day during Mission Week

Begin each day of Mission Week with a brief interfaith prayer experience, focusing on one dimension of forgiveness. Morning prayer will be held from 8:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the AMU, Chapel of the Holy Family, each day of Mission Week, beginning Monday, Feb. 3. The first daily morning prayer, "Forgiveness of Ourselves," on Monday, Feb. 3, is co-sponsored by the Counseling Center and Campus Ministry.

The St. John's Bible will be on display during the week, as a source of reflection and inspiration. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

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11. Soup with Substance to feature son of Sikh Temple shooting victim

A special Mission Week Soup with Substance, "The Sikh and the (former) Skinhead: Love and Forgiveness Will Triumph," will take place Monday, Feb. 3, at noon in the AMU, 227, and will feature the unlikely story of two men who have united for a common cause. Following the tragic death of Pardeep Kaleka's father at the Sikh Temple of Milwaukee, he and former white supremacist Arno Michaelis joined forces to create a world that is absent of hate and bigotry. Their personal work of forgiveness and reconciliation is resulting in new life for others.

This event is sponsored by the Center for Peacemaking. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

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12. First book discussion on The Sunflower will be held Monday, Feb. 3

The Marquette community is encouraged to read The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness, which includes responses from 53 women and men from around the world who have, in one way or another, wrestled with the dilemma of whether to forgive someone. A series of book discussions will be held throughout Mission Week. Some of the individuals featured are notable global figures and others are anonymous victims of war and injustice.

The first book discussion will be held Monday, Feb. 3, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites, and is sponsored by Raynor Memorial Libraries. Drs. Nancy Snow, professor of philosophy, and Stephanie Russell, vice president for mission and ministry, will facilitate the discussion.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

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13. Lecture to focus on Christian forgiveness

Rev. James Voiss, S.J., will deliver "Rethinking Christian Forgiveness: Theological, Philosophical, and Psychological Explorations," Monday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. Sometimes what individuals think they know about forgiveness is just one part of the picture. Father Voiss will draw on multiple disciplines and perspectives to think creatively about forgiveness and how a changed perception might allow individuals to become more forgiving people.

This event is sponsored by Alpha Sigma Nu. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

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14. Videos and projects related to forgiveness on display throughout Mission Week

The Faber Center will offer "Jesuit Voices, a series of video reflections by members of the Jesuit community on what Marquette's mission means to them and the value of Ignatian spirituality for people today.

An exhibit of The Forgiveness Project, which works at a local, national, and international level to help build a future free of conflict and violence by healing the wounds of the past, will be on display in the AMU, second floor rotunda. The traveling photo exhibit, "The f Word: Images of Forgiveness," tells the stories of people whose lives have been shattered by violence, tragedy and injustice and who are learning to forgive, reconcile or move on.

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15. Faber Center Spring Speaker will discuss disillusionment and prophetic hope

The Faber Center will host Sister Rhea Emmer of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes as its Spring Speaker on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 4 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libaries' Beaumier Suites B/C. Sister Emmer's presentation, "Disillusionment: The Grit and Grace of Prophetic Hope," will provide insight into the grit and grace of reality. A panel of Marquette faculty, including Dr. Kathy Coffey-Guenther, associate vice president of mission and ministry; Dr. Ed de St. Aubin, assistant chair and associate professor of psychology; and Dr. Kerry Egdorf, adjunct assistant professor and ombuds, will speak following the presentation.

For more information, contact the Faber Center at (414) 288-4545.

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16. Register for pilgrimage to Illinois Holocaust Museum and interfaith dialogue

Campus Ministry, the Department of Theology, Intercultural Engagement, the Office of International Education, the Office of Student Development, Hillel Milwaukee, Cru and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship will sponsor a pilgrimage to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, Ill., Feb. 9. Participants will learn more about the Holocaust and engage in interfaith dialogue during the pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage costs $8 and registration can be completed online until Monday, Feb. 3. First priority will be given to students. For more information, contact Steve Blaha, assistant director of Campus Ministry, at (414) 288-3686.

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17. Employee Wellness offering weight loss challenge, Nutrition Fair and exercise classes in February

Employee Wellness is offering a variety of events during February.

Employee Wellness has partnered with HealthyWage to offer a team weight loss challenge with the chance to win $10,000. Teams of five will compete to see who can lose the greatest percentage of their weight. The grand prize is $10,000, second place wins $5,000 and third place wins $3,000. More information can be found on the Employee Wellness website.

A free Nutrition Fair is being held Monday, Feb. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. in the AMU, 157, sponsored by Employee Wellness and Sodexo. Nutrition resources on campus will be available, as well as prizes and free green smoothies.

A 10-week, self-guided Eat Right For Life Challenge will help employees learn how to eat the right types of carbohydrates and fats, get the proper amount of fruits and vegetables, drink the right beverages and select the right proteins. Registration is free and all participants will receive the Eat Right for Life Book and Cookbook Companion. Employees who complete the program will be entered to win prizes.

Five-week introductory Pilates and yoga classes are available for beginners, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 19. Classes will be held on the first floor of the 707 Building every Wednesday from 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Register online.

For more information, contact Kristin Kipp, wellness coordinator, at (414) 288-5607.

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18. Law School to hold information session Feb. 7

The Law School is hosting an on-campus information session for prospective students Friday, Feb. 7, at 11:45 a.m. in Eckstein Hall. The information session will give prospective students a chance to learn about the Law School, admissions, financial aid, enrollment policies and procedures, and the curriculum, as well as to take a student-led tour of the Law School.

Register online.

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19. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held every Monday in St. Joan of Arc Chapel

Starting Monday, Feb. 3, weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will resume in the St. Joan of Arc Chapel. Exposition will take place at the close of the noon Mass and continue until 2:30 p.m. All are welcome to stop by the chapel for prayer and meditation.

For additional information, contact Timothy Johnston, assistant director of Campus Ministry, at (414) 288-0522.

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20. Participants needed for Type 2 diabetes research study

People with Type 2 diabetes and healthy adults ages 40 years or older are needed to participate in exercise science and physical therapy research. Compensation will be provided.

This study has been approved by Marquette's Institutional Review Board for the protection of human subjects. For more information about research participant rights, contact the Office of Research Compliance at (414) 288-7570.

For more information, contact Bonnie Schlinder-Delap, research assistant, at (414) 288-6674.

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21. Free group fitness classes available tomorrow

The Department of Recreational Sports is offering the following free group fitness classes to members tomorrow, Jan. 31.

Rec Center:

• Spin Class at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• Hustle and Muscle at 1 p.m.
• Zumba at 4 p.m.

Rec Plex:

• Noontime Variety at noon

For more information, call the Group Fitness Office at (414) 288-6979 or contact Shannon Bustillos, assistant director of recreational sports, at (414) 288-7778.

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