UWG's Rutledge Gives His Take on State of the Union Address

UWG political science professor Paul Rutledge offers his opinions on President Barack Obama's State of the Union address:

I think President Obama did his best to connect with the American people in several ways.  First, he really stressed jobs and programs such as cutting student loan payments and expanding the child tax credit.  He was very forthright and honest, taking responsibility to some extent for "Change we can believe in" not coming fast enough.  To his credit, I think he took too much of the blame for this, simply because the type of change he is referring to, fixing an economic disaster, will take much longer than one year.  He was willing to call out his own party to continue to govern as the majority and not "run for the hills".  He called upon the Republicans to do more than just say no, and invited them to the table with serious proposals.  This was part of an effort I think to distance himself a bit from Washington, a typical political strategy that cannot hurt on main street.  I think all of these things have a chance to restore some of the public confidence in his administration, although what seemed to be a mea culpa for not delivering fast enough really could go either way.  Might be a Republican soundbyte for 2010?

 

There were a few things that I found odd.  In a speech where he is attempting to draw Republicans to the table, rise above the partisan bickering that is currently crippling our nation, and gain the faith of the American people that he is still working to change Washington, he reverted in part to pointing fingers.  I found his "setting the record straight" on several occasions to be contradictory to his other efforts throughout the speech mentioned above.  This is especially true of his discussions relating to the previous eight years.  Blaming President Bush, even though everything he said he inherited is based in fact, will not gain him support from Republicans or go far towards convincing the American people he is trying to change things.  This is even more true when at another point in the speech, he said (and I paraphrase here), "We have tried the Republican policies (after listing several party platform items), it didn't work."  Who knows if the public will pick up on such contradictions, but if so, it certainly will make what was strategically a very important speech less effective than it could have otherwise been.

I think overall the State of the Union was very effective. President Obama delivered precisely what he needed to at this stage in his presidency.

Additionally, I thought his greatest strength may have been the last few moments of the speech.  He was very captivating and energetic, something that is traditionally a strong point for Obama, and something that connects with the public very effectively.

Great Decisions

2010 Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series

The 2010 Great Decisions Series begins on Thursday, Feb. 4, with “Special Envoys” moderated by Dr. Y. Lynn Holmes. Great Decisions is a program of the Foreign Policy Association and is sponsored locally by the League of Women Voters – Carrollton/Carroll County and co-sponsored by the Carrollton Rotary Club. Eight programs on current foreign policy issues will be offered each Thursday evening at 7 p.m. from February 4 to March 25 at the Tracy Stallings Community Center on White Street. Guest moderators are outstanding scholars or practitioners in their fields. The events are free and the community is invited to attend. Briefing books are available at a cost of $20. For more information, call Elmira Barrow at 770-830-5993 or Kathie and Bruce Lyon at 770-834-0573.

Calendar of Events for the Great Decisions Series:

The Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series is scheduled for Thursday, Feb.11 at 
7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Tracy Stallings Community Center, Dr. George Kieh will be guest moderator for the topic “Kenya and R2P.”

The Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series is scheduled for Thursday, Feb.18 at 
7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Tracy Stallings Community Center, Dr. John Fuller will be guest moderator for the topic “Global Crime.”

The Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25 at 
7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Tracy Stallings Community Center, Dr. Jonathan Goldstein will be guest moderator for the topic “U.S.-China Security Relations.”

The Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series is scheduled for Thursday, March 4 at 
7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Tracy Stallings Community Center, Dr. David Boldt will be guest moderator for the topic “Global Financial Crisis.” 
Great Decisions Series

The Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series is scheduled for Thursday, March 11 at 
7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Tracy Stallings Community Center, Dr. Elaine MacKinnon will be guest moderator for the topic “Russia and Its Neighbors.”

The Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series is scheduled for Thursday, March 18 at 
7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Tracy Stallings Community Center, Dr. Adel Abunawass will be guest moderator for the topic “The Persian Gulf.”

The Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series is scheduled for Thursday, March 25 at 
7 p.m. in the Rotary Room of the Carrollton Community Center, Greg Dixon will be guest moderator for the topic “Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution.”

Nixle.com

The advancement of technology makes it easier and more convenient for the University of West Georgia and the population of Carrollton to stay abreast of local news and activities. However, most students are unaware of Nixle.com, a community information service that keeps users up-to-date on issues including updates on the local police department, schools, and various community agencies and organizations.

READ MORE:

http://www.thewestgeorgian.com/nixle-com-1.1086935

Annual Golden Lyre Gala Silent Auction and Wine Tasting

The Alpha Gamma Alpha Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega is proud to present the ­­Annual Golden Lyre Gala Silent Auction and Wine Tasting. The event will be held at the magnificent Callanwolde Fine Arts Center on March 6, at 6:30-10:30. Tickets are available for purchase by going to www.axoatlanta.org or by calling Maria Sikking at 404-862-4440. Tickets are $50 if purchased prior to the event and they will also be available at the door for $60.

The Golden Lyre Gala will feature music and dancing, wine tasting, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. The silent auction will showcase items for bidding that include gourmet dinners, weekend getaways, artwork, sports memorabilia and much more! All net proceeds from the event benefiting the local Partnership Against Domestic Violence and the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. Both organizations support women and children who have been victims of domestic violence both locally and nationally.

The Alpha Gamma Alpha Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega has been working with Partnership Against Domestic Violence and the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation with the goal of promoting awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

Carrollton's Streets Are Getting A Makeover

The University of West Georgia’s Student Government Association, in cooperation with Carroll County and Carrollton, will replace 75 to 80 street signs on Maple Street with signs printed in UWG colors with a college logo.

READ MORE:

http://www.thewestgeorgian.com/sga-county-city-to-deliver-street-signs-1.1086966

UWG's Rutledge Previews State of the Union

UWG political science professor Paul Rutledge offers his take on tonight's State of the Union speech by President Barack Obama:

I think this is a critical speech at a critical moment in the Obama presidency, that will set the tone for the remainder of his term.

  Thus far the unified Democratic government has not produced in ways that are acceptable to the American public, so this marks a tremendous opportunity, and perhaps a last opportunity, for President Obama to change his course. 

  I think the speech needs to do a few things.  

 First, he needs to continue advocating health care reform.  To back off of that now would not be acceptable to the left, and may make him appear weak.  

 At the same time, it is of critical importance for his speech to shift the focus away from health care reform and start addressing the elephant in the room, the economy.  

The best course of action for President Obama at his time would be to focus the majority of his speech on an admission that the middle class is still hurting, and call upon Congress to enact measures to increase jobs in the short term, and alleviate some of the financial burden faced by middle class families during this time of crisis.

  I see this as indeed his only chance of regaining some momentum with the public. 

Preview Day Set for Sunday

Prospective students and their families are invited to Winter Preview Day at the University of West Georgia on Sunday, January 31, from 1 to 5 p.m. Located just 45 minutes from Atlanta, the 100-year-old institution boasts a student enrollment of more than 11,000, a beautiful 645-acre campus and state-of-the-art facilities.

The recommended check-in time for Winter Preview Day is 1 p.m. and takes place in The Coliseum. A welcome session follows at 1:30 p.m. with an introduction by Director of Admissions Bobby Johnson along with welcoming remarks by UWG President Beheruz Sethna and Student Ambassador Leviell Waits.

After the welcome session, the Academic and Department Fair will be held from 2 - 3:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Ballroom. The event will spotlight various departments at the university as well as many of the university’s student activities, organizations and departmental services.

There will also be an opportunity for visitors to tour the campus from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Several residence halls will also be open for viewing from 2:30 - 5 p.m. Visitors may tour the residence halls by shuttle or by walking. The residence halls open for viewing are Arbor View Apartments, Bowdon, Downs, Strozier, Tyus and Watson Halls, and the University Suites. Our new Athletic Complex and Greek Village will also be open for viewing.

Information sessions for prospective students and their families will be held at 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. in the TLC. First Year Programs, Financial Aid, the Honors College, Residence Life, and a parent session with President Sethna and the Advanced Academy of Georgia are some of the topics and programs that will be represented.

Guests may also visit the Office of Admissions, located in Mandeville Hall, and the University Bookstore from 3 - 5 p.m. The bookstore carries hundreds of clothing items, posters and UWG souvenirs.

To conclude the day’s activities, students and their families are welcome to dine in the Food Services Building (Z-6) beginning at 5 p.m. The award-winning campus dining service costs $6.75 per person plus tax for an all-you-can-eat meal that includes a wide variety of pizzas, stir fry, deli sandwiches, meats and vegetables, salads and desserts.

For more information or to pre-register, call the Office of Admissions at 678-839-5600 or go to www.westga.edu/admiss/index_1067.php. Students and their families may also register at The Coliseum starting at 12:30 p.m.

Scholarship Rewards Business Education

        The University of West Georgia recently established the Evelyn Taylor Greer Memorial Scholarship, created by Dr. Pam Tucker in memory of her mother to recognize and reward outstanding students in business education.

Evelyn Taylor Greer had a passion for education that she shared with countless others throughout her life. After obtaining an undergraduate degree in elementary education, Greer worked in Hawaii for a year teaching first through third grade.

Tucker said that her mother was very adventurous for her time, by deciding to travel to and spread the gift of education.

“Her whole life was about bettering oneself through education,” said Tucker.

Greer loved to read and was fond of spreading the gift of words to others. Tucker remembered that when she was a child, her mother went over words with her on a chalkboard in their family kitchen. Over her lifetime, Greer worked with many children, encouraging them to learn to love reading.

 “She thought education really gave people a ‘ladder up’ in life,” said Tucker. “She was always big into education and always wanted us to get [one].”

 Greer also spent almost four years teaching in the Indiana school system as an elementary schoolteacher. She had a firm belief that everyone capable of college level work should get a college education regardless of personal financial situations.

“This scholarship is a perfect expression of who she was a person,” said Tucker. “She really did believe strongly that education could change people’s lives.”

The memorial scholarship will be awarded to a junior, senior or graduate student majoring in business education at UWG. The student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and preference will be given to a student demonstrating financial need.

For more information on this scholarship, call 678-839-6582.

 

 

 

 

 

A Concert For Haiti

UWG unites for Haiti: A benefit concert for Haiti is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. in the Campus Center ballroom. Although the earthquake has been devastating, hope arises with the community uniting for a common cause. Performances by UWG students. Prepare your hearts to give! Public invited. Admission is only $3. All proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross. For more information visit this site or call 678-839-5400.

Graduate School Enrollment Is Down

The University of West Georgia is experiencing record student enrollments but at the same time seeing a decline in the number of graduate students. A tentative enrollment for the spring semester shows an enrollment of 9,180 undergraduate students and 1,760 graduate students for a net gain of 308 students over the spring semester of 2009, but the number of graduate students actually decreased by 164 from the previous year.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/5638328/article-Enrollment-climbing-at-UWG--but-not-among-graduate-students?instance=TG_home_story_offset

UWG Establishes Fund to Assist Earthquake Relief

  In the wake of the devastation suffered by Haiti from the  recent earthquakes, the University of West Georgia has created a special UWG Haiti Relief Fund that will give the public an opportunity to support emergency relief and recovery efforts for those in need.

The needs of the people affected by the earthquakes are numerous, including safe water, food, medical supplies and hygiene kits. Critical services and the infrastructure necessary for aid distribution have suffered severe damage, making relief efforts more challenging.

But the compassion and generosity of spirit of those who can help, including the UWG community, can brighten this darkest hour.

The financial support of donors to the UWG Haiti Relief Fund will contribute to providing assistance to the displaced population, many of whom have lost everything.

Other relief efforts undertaken by the campus community include a health kit drive, in which contributors gathered supplies from a prescribed list to send to Haiti, and a benefit concert at UWG’s Campus Center on Jan. 27 for the American Red Cross’s work in Haiti.

To donate to the relief fund, call 678-839-6582 or go to www.westga.edu/alumni/ and click on the Online Giving tab on the left of the page, and in the Gift Designation section, type UWG Haiti Relief Fund.

 

 

 

Cuts In Education Mean No Pay Raises

As state revenue falls and the governor and Legislature impose cut after cut on all state agencies, educational institutions are putting off hiring, laying off employees while remaining employees are facing stagnant wages, pay cuts and furloughs.


READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/5614920/article-Cuts-in-education-mean-no-pay-raises?instance=TG_home_story

UWG to Host High School Basketball Playoffs

      The University of West Georgia will be hosting the Georgia High School Association class 4A and 5A boys and girls basketball quarterfinals at The Coliseum in Carrollton on March 5 and 6.

The Coliseum, which opened in January 2009, seats approximately 6,500.

To access information about The Coliseum online, visit http://www.westga.edu/coliseum.

For media members seeking press passes or in-venue wireless Internet access at the quarterfinals, email Sarah Sutherland at ssuther1@westga.edu or call 678-839-6190. 

Get Your Flu Shots

Health Services has SEASONAL flu shots available. The shot is free to students and costs $15.00 for faculty and staff.  We also have the H1N1 shots which are FREE to faculty, staff, students and families.  The two shots may be taken at the same time. To take the shot(s) come to Health Services between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and bring your UWG ID. For further information regarding influenza please see the following site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Chancellor to Speak to Legislature

Erroll B. Davis Jr., the chancellor of the University System of Georgia, will present today to the joint appropriations committee of the state Legislature at 2 p.m.  To watch via the Web, please access:

http://www.georgia.gov/00/channel/0,2141,4802_6107101,00.html

Click on House Rules Committee Meeting (when meeting)

This is the camera for the room that the appropriations committee uses for the joint hearings.

There is a possibility of presentations running long.  If you pull up the link and Superintendent Kathy Cox is presenting, you have not missed the chancellor.  The Department of Education is first on the afternoon agenda.

UWG Has A New Student Feedback Site "The Network"

Inspired by how students are able to give feedback about college courses and professors on internet sites such as rate my professor, UWG has created it's own interactive site for students called "The Network." UWG hopes students will feel comfortable giving anonymous feedback, and in turn provide the university an opportunity to improve in areas where students see problems.

READ MORE:

http://www.thewestgeorgian.com/the-network-1.1077573

Concert for Haitian Aid

Operation Haiti

Career Services will be collecting supplies for "Health Kits" to send to Haiti. We will be putting the health kits together on Thursday, January 21. Please see the information below. If you would like to donate to this drive, please send your supplies to Career Services by Thursday morning. We will have the plastic bags to pack them in so you do not have to worry about that. If you have any questions, please call 678.839.6591 or email vhardin@westga.edu 

“For people who are feeling powerless in being able to help those in Haiti, providing health kits is a tangible way they can make an immediate difference,” said Kathy Kraiza, director of UMCOR’s relief supplies. She estimates that hundreds of thousands of kits will be needed in the days and months ahead.
The kits, valued at about $12 per kit, contain everything from towels and washcloths to sterile bandages and bar soap. They will be distributed to those who have been forced to leave their homes as a result of the recent disaster.
For individuals or groups that want to contribute basic necessities, UMCOR requests that the following NEW items be placed in a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.

* 1 hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”. No kitchen towels.
* 1 washcloth
* 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
* 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail
clippers)
* 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
* 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)
* 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
* $1.00 to purchase toothpaste

(NOTE: Toothpaste is purchased in bulk to be added to health kits to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent.) Because the emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations and strict rules govern product entry into international countries, UMCOR requires that the kits contain only the requested items – nothing more.

Atlanta-Area Campuses Boost Capacity To Graduate More Nurses

To cure the worst nursing shortage in decades, the Atlanta region’s public and private nursing schools are employing a number of treatments. They are boosting enrollments, fashioning part-time programs and online courses for students who work, and adding graduate programs designed to increase the ranks of nursing faculty.

READ MORE:

http://www.atlantahighered.org/Newsroom/FeatureStoryDetail/tabid/604/xmid/1342/Default.aspx

Civil Rights Digital Library Coming to UWG

Student writing in Freedom School; 1964, Herbert Randall Freedom Summer Photographs, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi

The Civil Rights Digital Library:

Documenting America's Struggle for Racial Equality

Dr. Toby Graham, director of the Digital Library of Georgia, will present The Civil Rights Digital Library: Documenting America’s Struggle for Racial Equality on Tuesday, February 9, 11:00 a.m., at Ingram Library. Dr. Graham’s presentation is the 2010 Charles Beard Lecture.

The Civil Rights Digital Library (CRDL) built by the Digital Library of Georgia and its partners, is an online archive of historical news film from the Civil Rights era and a virtual library portal of national scope. It is the most ambitious and comprehensive initiative to date to deliver educational content on the Civil Rights Movement via the Web. The CRDL features thirty hours of news film, along with related archival holdings and instructional materials from 100 institutions across the U.S., including oral histories, letters, diaries, FBI files, and photographs.

The CRDL, a GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online (GALILEO) initiative based at the University of Georgia Libraries, was funded in part by a National Leadership Grant for Libraries awarded to the University of Georgia by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. This innovative effort to make documentation on the Civil Rights Movement widely available was the subject of a nationally televised documentary produced by Ambassador Andrew Young that aired in January 2009.

The Charles Beard Lecture series, created in 2007, honors the late Charles E. Beard, who served as Director of University Libraries at the University of West Georgia from 1978 to 2004. Over the course of his twenty-six year tenure at West Georgia, Beard led Ingram Library through a period of rapid technological change. His influence extended beyond West Georgia, as well, as he was instrumental in creating and extending access to GALILEO to all libraries and educational institutions in Georgia. GALILEO, a web-based initiative that was one of the first of its kind, now includes the Civil Rights Digital Library.

This event is being sponsored by Ingram Library and Ingram Library’s Penelope Melson Society. For further information, contact Catherine Hendricks at chendric@westga.edu or (678) 839-5337.

Carroll County Schools Will Serve As A State Guinea Pig

Some local educators, citing concerns about how teachers will be judged on their performance, are keeping a wary eye on Gov. Sonny Perdue’s proposal to tie teacher pay to academic achievement. Carrollton City Schools will be one of the 22 school systems in the state where Race to the Top will be introduced and will help form how the program is implemented throughout the state.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Teachers+wary+of+Perdue%E2%80%99s+pay+plan%20&id=5572416&instance=home_news_top

A Head Start on Success

Meet Billy Boen. Having graduated from Tunas Karya high school in North Jakarta, Indonesia, Billy moved to the United States to study business administration at Utah State University. He finished his bachelor degree in only two-and-a-half years. He then continued his studies at the University of West Georgia and achieved his masters within a year. 

READ MORE: 

http://thejakartaglobe.com/lifeandtimes/a-head-start-on-success-for-young-indonesian-execs/353161

UWG's Own Celebrity

With his bushy beard and stocking cap, Zac Brown looks like he stepped out of rock's jam-band circuit. Although the Georgia farmer has scored two Top 10 country hits in the past year, his Zac Brown Band is versatile enough to play the Bonnaroo neo-hippie fest one day and the Country Music Association's Fan Fair the next. Brown studied voice at the University of West Georgia.

READ MORE:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/music/fl-zac-brown-band-20100118,0,5916725.story

Professor has Special Ties to Haiti

The earthquake in Haiti hit close to home with professor of psychology Jeannette Diaz – LaPlante. A frequent visitor and researcher in Haiti, she returned from the small nation days before the quake.

“The people of Haiti are some of the most resilient, creative and courageous people I know,” said Diaz-LaPlante. “If any people can rise from a tragedy like this, it is the Haitian people.

"What we need are human and financial resources to heal the physical and mental trauma people are experiencing right now and to slowly rebuild Port-au-Prince.” 

Diaz-LaPlante had been developing a grant program with colleagues in Haiti. She has been following the events as they unfold there.

“Organizations on the ground have not skipped a beat and are already rebuilding,” said Diaz-LaPlante. “Haiti is not only our neighbor but an integral part of the economic and social history of our country. We are partners.”

Georgia Ranks 13th In Annual Education Status Survey

The annual Education Week review of state reform efforts, policies and achievements is out. Georgia's new scorecard is a B minus, earning it 13th place in the national rankings. The top 10 states, in order, are Maryland, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, West Virginia and Arkansas.

READ MORE:

http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2010/01/14/georgia-ranks-13th-in-annual-education-status-survey/?cxntfid=blogs_get_schooled_blog

Safe Zone Training Offered

On January 22, 2010, 1:30 to 3:00 PM, in Adamson Hall, Room 127,

the Responsible Sexuality Committee will offer this semester’s training workshop for Safe Zone. This is a UWG program to offer students a supportive environment in which they can explore issues of gender diversity and sexual orientation. Details are listed below.

If you would like to participate or have questions about Safe Zone, please contact  Bridgette Gunnels bgunnels@westga.edu or Daniel Helminiak dhelmini@westga.edu.

 

UWG Safe Zone: What Is It? 

The Safe Zone Ally program is an effort at UWG to increase awareness and acceptance of the diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. The purpose of Safe Zone is to create a network of allies for LGBTQ students and, thus, to make the University community a safer and more supportive place.

Safe Zone is modeled on a program started by employees at AT&T and is currently in place at corporations such as Lotus Development, Disney, and Levi Strauss and on college and university campuses across the country. 

The Safe Zone program at UWG, begun in 2004, is a collaborative effort of the Office of the Vice President for Student Activities, the Student Development Center, and the Responsible Sexuality Committee.  UWG includes sexual orientation as a protected category in its equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policies and is committed to creating a community where all people are welcome and feel safe.

Any member of the UWG community is welcome to attend this 1.5 hour training session and, if so choosing, to sign the pledge to become an official Safe Zone Ally. Allies receive a personalized Safe Zone logo to display in their offices or other visible areas. 

Safe Zone Contacts

Dr. Bridgette W. Gunnels, Foreign Languages  bgunnels@westga.edu

Dr. Daniel Helminiak, Psychology  dhelmini@westga.edu

Goals--

§ To develop deeper awareness of personal ideas, stereotypes, and assumptions related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer students

§  To increase comfort in addressing LGBTQ issues—such as gender variance, “coming out,” heterosexism, homophobia, verbal harassment, and physical violence—within the university community and in individual students and members of the staff and faculty

§  To create a network of community and campus staff, faculty, and students to support LGBTQ students on campus

§  To provide a space where students can safely explore their sense of sexual identity

§  To facilitate increased awareness of services on campus that support LGBTQ students

UWG Biology Professor Dr. S. Swamy Mruthinti Receives A Huge Honor For Outstanding Work

University of West Georgia biology professor Dr. S. Swamy Mruthinti, recently received Honorary Fellowship from the Association for Biotechnology and Pharmacy. Mruthinti was honored for his distinguished and dedicated service to the profession of Biotechnology and Pharmacy.

The fellowship was awarded in a ceremony at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India on Dec. 19, 2009.

Mruthinti specialties and accomplishments include his pioneering work on the understanding of the molecular mechanism of cataract formation in diabetic patients, and structure-function relation of water transporting protein aquaporins in the lens and other eye tissues.

Mruthinti taught at the Medical College of Georgia for 16 years and has taught biology at UWG since 2001.

Should State Officials Receive Free Tickets?

Former Governor Roy Barnes said state officials receiving free tickets from the Board of Regents to University System of Georgia sporting events need to start paying out of pocket - especially at a time when students are faced with fee increases.

READ MORE:

http://media.www.redandblack.com/media/storage/paper871/news/2010/01/14/News/Candidate.Criticizes.Free.Tickets.For.Officials-3853152.shtml

Assisting Haitian Relief Efforts

An International Red Cross spokesman warned that up to 3 million people may have been affected by Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. Here are some organizations specifically helping Haiti. 

How you can help:

• International Medical Corps  • Direct Relief International  • World Vision  • International Relief Teams  • Yéle Haiti  • American Red Cross  • Operation USA  • CARE  • Catholic Relief Services  • World Food Programme  • World Concern  • Save the Children

• UNICEF USA  • Mercy Corps  • Operation Blessing International  • Shelterbox  • Americares  • Operation USA  • Doctors Without Borders  • Medical Teams International  • The International Committee of the Red Cross  • The Salvation Army  • More ways to help victims of NATURAL DISASTERS

Get MBA Information

Are you interested in earning an MBA? UWG's Richards College of Business offers excellent opportunities for advanced studies in business that will prepare you for success in many career fields.

WATCH THIS VIDEO TO LEARN MORE:

http://www.westga.edu/~busn/mba_video.htm

Statewide College Test May Fade Away

Georgia's college students may no longer have to take the Regents' Test, under a policy change the Board of Regents will consider Tuesday.

Since 1973, students attending Georgia's public colleges have been required to take the test to make sure they have basic reading and writing skills. While some students are exempt if they earn high enough scores on the SAT or ACT, colleges administer about 50,000 tests annually, according to figures from the University System of Georgia.

The state Board of Regents will consider allowing institutions to opt out of this test if they have other assessments that show whether students mastered basic literacy skills. The proposed changes were spurred by the board's approval in October of an overhaul of the state's core curriculum.

READ MORE:

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-colleges-may-seek-272435.html

Apply for Journalism Scholarships

The Atlanta Press Club Scholarship Committee invites students to apply for four $1500 scholarship awards, to be presented to outstanding Georgia college or university sophomores and juniors who are pursuing careers in journalism.  The $1500 scholarships will be given four journalism students. To qualify for scholarships, students must be working toward a career in news and aiming to achieve excellence in the field of reporting. Students must be attending a Georgia college or university. One award is given to an outstanding student from the Atlanta University Center. Finalists will receive a one-year membership to the Atlanta Press Club. In addition to the $1500 award, recipients will receive a certificate documenting their achievement as well as the prestige of receiving a scholarship from one of the largest press clubs in the country. Presentation of the award will be made at an Atlanta Press Club event to be held in the spring. Prior winners of this award are not eligible. For more information: http://www.atlantapressclub.org/events/event.php?id=219

UWG Graduate Students Make A Difference In Local Commmunity

The Carrollton Historic Preservation Committee is benefitting from some free labor and the passion of some University of West Georgia graduate students. The students created pamphlets for the committee about the South Carrollton Historic District stretching from Bradley Street to Hill Drive and Garrett Street and Mill Street to Harmon Avenue.

READ MORE: http://www.times-georgian.com/pages/full_story/push?article-UWG+students+complete+project+for+city+historic+district%20&id=5523695&instance=home_news_top

Celebrate MLK Day

“No Time To Sit Down” Is the Theme For the University of West Georgia’s 2010 MLK Celebration

UWG’s office of Institutional Diversity will be hosting the university’s 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center Ballroom. This year the goal is to make the event a big celebration of all of the things King did to improve the rights of all races, and to show there is still more to be done.

The theme for the celebration “No Time To Sit Down” is meant to convey the message that even though a lot of progress has been made in the fight for equality, there is still more to be done. With new challenges facing minorities such as AIDS, high rate of African Americans in prison, lower life expectancy and increased health care risk, the movement for equality is still thriving in America.

The symbolism of MLK Day has changed over the decades and is now seen as a day of service, which is something Jenkins sees as a good thing.

“ There are still many more challenges facing minorities, and one of the key steps in change is more people of minorities graduating from college, and an increase in call for service to communities,” said Dr. Jack Jenkins from the office of Institutional Diversity.

With this MLK celebration UWG hopes to pay tribute to the past achievements of the leaders of the equality movement, as well as inspire younger generations to do their part in future efforts.