Get Your Seasonal Flu Shots

Seasonal flu shots will be available tomorrow, Oct. 1, from 8am-4pm at UWG Health Services back entrance door. Free for students with UWG ID, $15 for faculty and staff, cash or check only. Hurry, only 222 shots will be given.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

The office of Institutional Diversity is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 -Oct. 15). Stop by the office of Institutional Diversity (Row Hall 217) Sept. 28-Oct. 2, and view the display room. You can also come out and listen to poetry readings by UWG students and the Latino Culture Society on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and Thursday, Oct. 1, from 1:00-2:00pm. This event is open to all students, food and refreshments will also be provided. For additional information, please call 678-839-5400.

Learn How to Bank Wisely

The University of West Georgia, office of Institutional Diversity is sponsoring"Banking in a Challenging Economy: Things you should know." Monday, Oct. 5, at 7pm in the
Campus Center Ballroom (108.4). Come learn and empower yourself about the banking industry from a diversified panel of bankers. For additional information call 678-839-5400 or email the office at: http://www.westga.edu/diversity/index.php

Unemployment Rates Going Down In Carroll County

University of West Georgia professor of economics Joey Smith gives his opinion on why Carroll county's unemployment rate has seen a recent decrease. Among the reasons he sites is that local businesses are beginning to have job openings for seasonal positions due to the time of year.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Carroll+County%E2%80%99s+jobless+rate+falls+for+2nd+straight+month+in+August%20&id=3733867-Carroll+County%E2%80%99s+jobless+rate+falls+for+2nd+straight+month+in+August&instance=home_news_top

Education after Graduation

The Graduate School is sponsoring the 2009 Graduate and Professional Schools Fair on Monday, Oct. 19,in the UWG Campus Center Ballroom from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The fair is meant to provide students and alumni with information on the best opportunities for continuing their education. In addition, the fair gives representatives the opportunity to meet one-on-one with high quality, talented students who may be interested in our graduate program offerings.

This is event is open to current students and UWG alumni. Students must have their UWG ID Card to participate. For more information, please contact Cheryl Thomas Hill, director of graduate admission, 678-839-6419 or cthill@westga.edu.

Assist Flooding Victims

Carroll County is accepting donations for flood victims at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 150 Tabernacle Dr. in Carrollton. Tabernacle is just off the bypass, past the exit for Hwy 27, and there will be signs posted on the bypass. The donations are to be taken to the bus barn and again the signs will direct you.  You may drop them off Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm. The requested donations are:

Bottled water

Snacks (not things that require refrigeration or cooking)

Personal products ( soap, feminine products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, wipes, diapers, etc.)

Cleaning supplies

 

No clothing or furniture will be accepted at this time.  There will be help available to unload your vehicle.

Resources for Dealing with Campus Tragedy

Following the suicide yesterday of a staff member at the University of West Georgia, students, faculty and staff members are reminded that there are campus and community resources available to help those who may be affected by this tragedy.

The university is working directly with the music department to set up meetings with students, faculty, and staff.

For faculty and staff members, there will be two meetings this afternoon, with counselors from on campus and Tanner Medical Center to talk more about the situation, discuss what reactions you might expect from students and colleagues, and what kinds of resources are available.  

MEETING TIMES, LOCATIONS:

 - 2:00 p.m., Ballroom 108.3, Campus Center

 - 4:00 p.m. Ballroom 108.3, Campus Center

Counselors are available to provide individual counseling or consultation, or lead discussions with groups of faculty, staff, and students.  

We also work closely with Tanner's Employee Assistance Program to provide extended counseling for employees. 

You can contact any of these resources directly (contact information at www.westga.edu/uwgcares), or the office of student affairs can help facilitate and coordinate quick responses.  

Please call 678-839-6423 to ask for assistance or if you have questions or concerns.  

After 5 p.m., call 678-839-6000 (Police Dispatch) to connect with on-call staff.

Tragedies such as this can affect people in different ways over different periods of time.  

You might be affected even if you did not know the individual personally, as it might bring up feelings related to other losses in your life. 

More information about reactions to suicides and resources for handling them is at http://www.westga.edu/UWGCares/index_7114.php

 If you are concerned about a student or employee, please call student affairs to ask for help, or report the concern at http://www.westga.edu/judicial/index_7989.php.

UWG Employee Dies

The University of West Georgia is saddened to announce the death of Lynde Nix, senior secretary in the Department of Music. 

Come Out and Run For UWG

24th Annual Run For UWG, will take place Oct. 1.

A 5K race and a 1 mile walk/run

$5.00 for students until September 25TH after that it is $10.00.

With entry you receive a colorful t shirt

Races begin and end on campus

Applications are available in the Campus
Center

All proceeds go to support student
scholarships

Villa Rica Under Boil Water Advisory

Officials have issued a "boil-water" advisory for Villa Rica customers after the heavy rains of the past few days have caused flooding at the city's water plant.

READ MORE:

http://times-georgian.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Boil+water+advisory+in+effect+for+Villa+Rica%20&id=3670177-Boil+water+advisory+in+effect+for+Villa+Rica&instance=west_ga_news

UWG Cancels Monday Evening Classes

       Due to flooding around campus and with up to five inches of additional rain expected tonight, the University of West Georgia has canceled evening classes for Monday at its main campus in Carrollton, effective 5 p.m.

There are 19 roads in Carroll County that are currently closed or severely damaged.  Carroll County emergency management officials are encouraging people to stay inside this evening.

No decision has been made yet on Tuesday's classes.

Check http://www.westga.edu/ for updates.

 

 

 

Dangerous Flooding In Georgia

With weather conditions getting dangerous, Georgia residents should be cautious when driving and allow plenty of drive time for their travels. Traffic is backed up on major road ways, and many streets are flooded causing detours. Flooding has already caused 2 deaths and more are predicted, say officials.

READ MORE:

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977820472&grpId=3659174697244816

529 Plans A New Way To Invest

When it comes to investing money the question usually asked is "how will this investment benefit me in the long run." Well there is no higher return on investment than receiving an education. 529 plans which allows you to invest money for future educational cost; similar to how 401 K plans all0ws you to invest money for retirement, are becoming more popular in today's economic uncertainty.

READ MORE:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2009/09/18/20090918biz-529plan0918.html

Raising Awareness

The on campus organization C.A.P.E (Crime Awareness and Prevention Education) will be hosting an informative presentation called "The Sex Slave Trade Industry: The Truth and Risks," on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. in the TLC room 1305. Come out to hear surprising facts about this issue, and hear what you can do to make a difference.

UWG Tube

The Student Activities Council is starting a new event called "UWG Tube." This event allows students to enter their funniest videos to win an award at the first annual UWG Tube Awards by Sept. 21. SAC will be hosting the award show on Sept. 23, with comedian Ronnie Jordan as the guest host. For more information visit the UWG SAC group page on Facebook.

Come Help the Wolves

The UWG's sports medicine department is looking for students interested in helping UWG athletes recover from their injuries. If you are interested please contact the athletic training room at 678-8396939, or contact Bill Green at 678-839-6628.

New Dean of Arts and Sciences

Dr. George Kieh, the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has overcome much adversity in his life, and feels that it was all worth it as long as he has made a difference in society. He now hopes to pass this mentality on to his future students, as they go out into a world full of possibilities.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/pages/full_story/push?article-New+UWG+dean+still+has+strong+ties+to+native+Liberia%20&id=3605788-New+UWG+dean+still+has+strong+ties+to+native+Liberia&instance=west_ga_news

Flag Donated to UWG

University of West Georgia alumnus Jim Martin, who is a nurse practitioner with UWG Health Services, donated a historically significant American flag to the university in memory of Sept. 11. 

The flag flew in an aircraft that transported wounded soldiers from Afghanistan to Germany earlier this year. Martin, who was the flight nurse in charge of the crew on the aircraft, said that the flag was flown for several reasons.

“The primary reason was to allow the wounded soldiers that were coherent to realize that they were heading home, they were safe and that they are American heroes,” said Martin. “The flag now symbolizes the sacrifices made by many over the years to provide us the freedoms that do not come without cost.”

Martin said the flag was also flown on the plane to recognize the support he received from the university while he was deployed for four and a half months this past spring and summer.

UWG’s Health Services staff sent Martin supportive e-mails and was able to fill in his shifts during deployment.

“The staff at Health Services are a wonderful team of people that reach out for the common good of the students,” said Martin. “I cannot think of a better place to work – for they are family.”

The flag flew at University Stadium, and a dedication was held before Saturday's football game.

“During my deployment, I recognized the many tools that were given to me as an alumnus during my deployment as a Major in the [Air Force] Reserve,” said Martin. “For that I am grateful.”

An Evening of Poetry

Yusef Komunyakaa, a Pulitzer Prize-winner for poetry, will read from his work on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m., in the Campus Center Ballroom at the University of West Georgia. Komunyakaa is the author of numerous books of poems with his most recent collection released in September 2008.
The reading is free to students, faculty, staff and the wider community.This event is co-sponsored by the department of English and Philosophy, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the Office of Institutional Diversity, Ingram Library’s Penelope Melson Society and the Creative Writing Program. Copies of the author’s numerous books will be available for purchase at the reading, and a book signing will follow.

For more information, contact Jonette Larrew at (678) 839-6512.

A New Model for Higher Education?

Internet technology, which has influenced almost everything we do, next might revolutionize higher education, the writer suggests. Promising to deliver quality education at a fraction of the cost of traditional colleges and universities, online institutions are poised to see their popularity rise rapidly.

READ MORE HERE:

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2009/tc20090914_969227.htm

Kral Named CIO at UWG

                                                                                                                        

 

Kathy Kral has been appointed Chief Information Officer at the

 

University of West Georgia, the university announced.

 

Kral has over 17 years of technical and managerial experience in the IT field.

She has served as interim CIO since January 2008.

During her tenure as interim CIO, Information Technology Services has led UWG

through a comprehensive audit by the University System Office, and has helped improve

the university’s performance to an overall "Good" rating. The university’s ITS

department has also collected data from over 2,700 service calls on each of six

dimensions of service, and has averaged a rating of approximately 9.7 on overall service,

and a rating of 9.75 on all six dimensions combined.

While the credit for these outstanding improvements belongs to the entire ITS team,

special acknowledgement is due for Kral’s outstanding leadership, said Dr. Beheruz N.

Sethna, president of UWG.

“UWG would like to wish Kral the best in her new position,” Sethna said.

 

National Alcohol Awareness Week

National Alcohol Awareness Week will be observed September 21st-24th.

� Monday September 21st: Peer Educators will handout T-shirts
with signs of Alcohol Poisoning, Brochures, BAC Cards, Cups, Etc.... in
front of UCC from 11:00-2:00.

� Tuesday September 22nd: Reality Check Program(Alcohol Trivia
Game Show) in Campus Center Ballrooms 108.1 &108.2 @ 5:00. There will
be cash and incentives up to 200 dollars for winners.

� Wednesday September 23rd: Alcohol Obstacle Course: Come drive
the course while wearing fatal alcohol vision goggles and take sample
sobriety test after driving. Course will be in Love Valley from
10:00-2:00.

� Thursday September 24th: General Alcohol Information will be
available upon request from Health Educator's office.

For additional information please contact Ron King, Health Educator
678-839-4164 or rking@westga.edu

Congrats Dr. Hannes Gerhardt

Dr. Gerhardt an assistant professor of geology here at UWG, was awarded a prestigious $376,000 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The money will be put toward Dr. Gerhardt’s role in researching the way the Arctic is perceived and presented by policymakers and the media in Norway and Denmark.

READ MORE:

http://www.westga.edu/index_2341.php

Being Energy and Financially Efficient

The university recently received a nearly $500,000 dollar stimulus grant, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for conservation projects on the campus. The university is making improvements in several buildings that will be both energy and cost effective. Improvements will include replacing light fixtures and bulbs, and also replacing air cooled air conditioning units with water cooled air conditioning units. The estimated amount of money that will be saved in future years is $66,216.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/pages/full_story/push?article-UWG+wins+-500K+grant+to+up+energy+efficiency%20&id=3570666-UWG+wins+-500K+grant+to+up+energy+efficiency&instance=home_news_top

Why We Care about the Constitution

Dr. Stan Caress, University of West Georgia professor of political science, will present "Why We Care about the Constitution!" on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 11:00 a.m. at UWG's Ingram Library as part of the national observance of Constitution Day. 

Refreshments will be served afterward. The event is sponsored by Ingram Library, the American Democracy Project of the Murphy Center for Public Service, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs' Office.

Constitution Day, created by federal legislation in 2004, commemorates Sept. 17, 1787, the date that the 39 delegates to the Constitution Convention signed the newly created United States Constitution. The delegates hoped that this new framework for a national government would provide a permanent guarantee of the political liberties achieved in the Revolution.

This free event is open to the public. 

For further information about this event celebrating the birthday of our government, call 678 839 5337.

Bands, Burgers and Books

This Saturday from 6 pm - 9pm, come out for Bands, Burgers & Books, a benefit for the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy. Admission to the event, at the Carroll County Agriculture Center at 900 Newnan Rd., is $20 for adults. Kids 12 and under get in for $10. Admission price includes a hamburger meal. 

There will be music, food and fun for the whole family, as well as a book sale and auction.

The featured bands will be Homegrown and Not By Chance.

So come out and support childhood literacy in Carroll County.

White House Asks States to Encourage More Use of College Savings Plans

The White House has asked states to change their college-savings plans so more people would be encouraged to use them.

Officials called for changes in those plans, commonly called Section 529 plans, as part of a meeting of the White House Task Force on Middle Class Families that was held at Syracuse University. The meeting focused on how to make college more accessible and affordable for lower- and middle-class families.

READ MORE:

http://chronicle.com/article/White-House-Urges-States-to/48345/?sid=pm&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en

The More Demanding, the Better

The results of a research survey released in USA Today, shows a correlation between the academic difficulty of a college or university to its graduation rates. According to this study, one of the main reasons students drop out of college before they get their degrees is a lack of being challenged in the classroom.

READ MORE:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-09-09-college-graduation-academic_N.htm

Help Clean Up the Tallapoosa River

Want to do your part in helping to save the environment? The Tallapoosa Upper Watershed Group (TUWG) is rounding up volunteers for their 10th annual river clean up of the Little Tallapoosa River, Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m. Volunteers are welcome to come to the Z-6 parking lot on campus, and leave out in groups to head to different polluted parts of the river.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Group+aims+to+clean+up+Tallapoosa+River%20&id=3559840-Group+aims+to+clean+up+Tallapoosa+River&instance=west_ga_news

New Stadium a Big Hit with Fans, Students, Alumni

 The grand opening of the University of West Georgia’s University Stadium last Saturday was a rousing success.  Pre-game festivities like tailgating and school-spirit games were held by numerous on-campus groups and an opening ceremony commemorated the special occasion and gave honor to those who helped make the football stadium a reality. The ceremony’s guest speakers included students, alumni, faculty and staff, all of whom expressed their gratitude for playing a part in UWG history.

 

The wonderful turnout was a huge triumph for fans and let them see how all the fund-raising efforts and work paid off. Students, the largest contributors to the stadium funding, came out in big numbers, showing support for the Wolves’ new home and the team. The school is also hosting a new fan club called the Wolves Pup Club to show appreciation to the community for its support. The club will fund a group of under-privileged children’s admission to the games. The Boys and Girls club of Carrollton were the first honorary “pups,” and a new group will be selected for every home game.

 

The fun-filled atmosphere had a sense of long-awaited school pride as the Wolves took the field against the Lambuth Eagles. The first home game of the season was one to remember, leaving UWG fans looking forward to future home games. The next home game is Saturday at 7p.m. against Ouachita Baptist University. For questions, contact the University of West Georgia’s Athletic Administration at 678-839-6533.

 

Southern Poverty Law Center Holds Diversity Workshop

     When people decide to cross social boundaries, communication

 

 is the best vehicle to transport them, according to Lecia Brooks.

 

Brooks, of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala., said that when people

communicate openly and effectively, it can be life-changing because it makes important

connections outside one's identity group.

Brooks led a faculty/staff workshop, "Diversity Matters," at the University of West Georgia on

 Wednesday, the purpose of which was to discuss what diversity is, what it's not and why

we should engage in understanding it.

There will be another session tonight at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center ballroom that is open to the public.

"I am fascinated by identity and identity politics," she said. "Our identity is shaped

initially by our name -- something that is given to us. From there, characteristics about

who we are and what groups we belong to further identify us."

But, Brooks said, it is often those same characteristics that lead people to build barriers

that inhibit interaction and communication.

Brooks said she is inspired by the dialogue of the civil-rights era and the forthright

discussions that occurred then about sensitive subjects such as race.

"I grew up in a time when it was good to talk, and I want to move back to that," she said.

That kind of communication, Brooks said, empowers people to understand each other and themselves.

 

 

Playing With the Laws of Physics

You and yours are invited to the Physics Demo Night, this Friday, Sept. 11th, 7-8:30 pm in the Crider (Math-Physics) Lecture Hall. Designed for those 6 years and older, multiple demonstrations will be presented by Dr. Javier Hasbun and Dr. Ben de Mayo of the Physics Department with the assistance of physics students. In keeping with the topic, "Liquids and Lasers" they will be presenting Cool Bubbles, Disappearing Peanuts, an Air Cannon, Giant Smoke Rings, the Bed of Nails, Magic Black-Eyed Peas and many more!

Global Affairs Discussion

The International Student Club is sponsoring Dr. George Kieh, Dean of Arts and Sciences, on Tuesday, September 8 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the Campus Center. His topic for the evening will be "Rethinking the U.S. War on Terrorism." Students, faculty, staff and community are invited to attend.

Stadium Opener

The Wolves played their first game in the new stadium last Saturday. Even though we did not walk away with a win, the experience was one that many called victorious. Current students, alumni, faculty and staff all commented on how great it felt to be a part of this historical moment.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/pages/full_story/push?article-UWG+opens+its+new+-34+million+stadium%20&id=3535139-UWG+opens+its+new+-34+million+stadium&instance=home_news_top

More Tips on How to Avoid the Flu

Information for Students
An informed and prepared public can take appropriate actions to decrease risk during a pandemic, which is defined as a global disease outbreak. UWG wants you to stay healthy and safe, so please read the information below and make these habits a part of your lifestyle.

Suggestions for Influenza Prevention
Go to www.flu.gov and read the many easy ways you can prevent the spread of flu germs.

If You Feel Sick
Students are advised to report to UWG Health Services if they are ill, especially if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms which include fever, dry cough and body aches. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have set the criteria for screening for Type A flu if the individual has a fever of 102 or higher.

Self Isolation
If students, faculty or staff are diagnosed with Type A influenza, the CDC recommends self isolation, which means no contact with others until there is no fever present for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. UWG encourages students to go home if at all possible for the duration of their illness.

Self isolation requires the ill individual to remain in their room and not attend classes or any social functions. Students living on-campus should contact their Resident Advisor for instructions in the event their roommate becomes ill.

Food Service
Meals for those students with campus meal plans will be delivered to the
ill students while they are observing social distancing. Students who have not purchased meal plans may also have meals delivered with a cost per meal. For information concerning meal delivery, contact Housing@westga.edu.

Inoculations
The seasonal flu vaccine will be administered at the Coliseum on Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. There is no cost for students and a $15 fee for faculty and staff. Once the Type A flu vaccine is available, expected in October, a mass inoculation plan will be implemented to cover all students, faculty, staff and their dependents. Details of this plan will be posted on this site and widely distributed throughout the campus community.

Academic Work
UWG Health Services will provide written confirmation of the diagnosis for students to present to faculty members in order to be excused from classes. If diagnosed by a private physician, written confirmation should be requested by the student. Students are responsible for work missed according to each individual faculty member’s policy.

Homeschoolers Go To College

H2AC (Homeschoolers Access To College) works to get Ga Tech and many other universities around the state to change their admission policies; to allow independent home school students into their institutions. Earlier this year the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia granted permission for state colleges and universities to accept applications for joint enrollment from independent homeschool students. But the approval was not mandated for all schools to follow.

READ MORE:

http://www.examiner.com/x-2626-Atlanta-Homeschooling-Examiner~y2009m9d4-Help-homeschoolers-gain-dual-enrollment-admission-into-Georgia-Tech

Required Days Off

The state Board of Regents approves higher education budget cuts by at least six percent. The cut applies to all 35 higher educational institutions in Georgia. All employees making over $23,660 will have to take six furlough days this school year. Local colleges are also talking about increasing class size to offset budget cuts, but stress that students are still the No. 1 priority.

READ MORE:

http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=336435

UWG to Offer Flu Vaccine to Students, Faculty, Staff

                       The University of West Georgia will provide seasonal flu vaccines for students, staff and faculty on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 9:00 a.m.  – 7:00 p.m. at the main lobby of the Coliseum on the UWG campus.

The vaccine is free for students. Staff and faculty members must pay $15, with only cash or checks accepted and exact change required.

All vaccine recipients must present a student or staff identification card.

The vaccine will not be administered to anyone who is sick.

Please note that this vaccine is for the seasonal flu, not the H1N1 (swine flu) strain, a vaccine for which will be available later.

Health officials have encouraged people to plan to receive both vaccines this year.

 

Congrats Coach Dickey

The University of West Georgia has named head football coach Daryl Dickey as athletics director. While there was a great deal of interest in the director of athletics position, the university felt they already had the best person for the job. Coach Dickey expressed how truly excited he is to begin the new journey, and be apart of the department's success.

READ MORE:

http://www.wsbtv.com/sports/20690103/detail.html

Grand Opening of the New Stadium

The University of West Georgia prepares to open the gates to its brand new stadium before the first home game of the season against the Lambuth Eagles on Sept. 5. Before the game, the school will host a dedication ceremony at 6:30 p.m. The stadium, the anchor of the school’s new athletic complex, cost $34 million to build and seats 9,000. The athletic complex will also include a practice field for the soccer team, a new softball stadium and a women’s field house/ locker room.

Fundraising has been a joint effort combining alumni, local community and corporate sponsors’ donations along with student fees to help make the dream of having a field of our own a reality. The university is still actively seeking out corporate sponsors to invest in naming possibilities.

“The greatest difficulty is the economy. Companies do not have access to the same level of funding that they did three or four years ago.” Nicole Worthington, director of development and public affairs, said about the challenges that companies face when considering becoming naming sponsors.

Several fund-raising campaigns put on by the school such as Wolves caravan and Season Ticket Blitz also proved helpful in generating revenue and support for new facilities. Season tickets are still available to be purchased through the UWG athletic department.

Pep Growly!!!!

UWG hosts its first "Pep Growly" of the year Friday at 3 p.m. in the coliseum. Come out and support our Wolves as they get ready to take on the Lambuth Eagles Saturday in our first home game of the season. GO WOLVES!!!

Never Can Say Goodbye

Parents of new college students often find it difficult to let their children venture off into the world of higher education. But just as it can be seen as an ending for the parents, it can be seen as a beginning for the students.

READ MORE:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32634569/ns/us_news-the_elkhart_project/