Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Make strong anti-bullying programs mandatory in schools

Now nine teens face charges for bullying her, including a group of girls charged with stalking, criminal harassment and violating the girl’s civil rights. Sadly, this is just one of several suicides of young people over the past year who had been bullied by classmates.

Even as some states are now moving to strengthen their anti-bullying laws, the fact remains that laws alone can’t stop bullying.

READ MORE:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/bullying/make-strong-anti-bullying-prog.html


Obama signs higher-education measure into law


President Obama signed into law Tuesday a package of revisions to his new health-care overhaul that includes a measure aimed at making higher education more affordable.

The provision ends what Obama called a long-standing "sweetheart deal" for banks in federally guaranteed student loans.

In a speech and signing ceremony at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College, Obama said the health-care reform legislation and the revisions represent "two major victories ... that will improve the lives of our people for generations to come."

READ MORE:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/03/obama-signs-higher-education-m.html

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Day of Civic Engagement


The Sophomore Experience a collaborative effort by various academic departments at the University of West Georgia will be hosting “A Day of Civic Engagement” on Wednesday, April 7, at 2 p.m. The highlight of the vent will be a keynote address from television personality and local activist Judge Glenda A. Hatchett.

Hatchett who is an Emory University School of Law graduate, will be at UWG in hopes of sending out a message of encouragement to sophomores, and the community on the importance of getting involved and volunteering.

She now presides over the two-time Emmy nominated nationally syndicated show “Judge Hachett.” The show has also won a Prism Award for the Best Unscripted Non-Fiction Series or Special for Television.

Hatchett’s speech titled “ A New Generation of Dreamers” will speak to her many years of experience working with local youth in the effort to better their futures. She was appointed Chief Presiding Judge of the Fulton County Juvenile Court, which is one of the largest juvenile court systems in the country, in 1990.

“A Day of Civic Engagement” will begin with a Volunteer Fair at 2 p.m. to inform students on local volunteer opportunities, and how to get involved. Followed by Hatchett’s keynote address at 7 p.m.

Any members of the media who plan to cover Judge Hatchett’s address should contact Rob Douthit UWG director of media relations at 678-839-5495 or rdouthit@westga.edu.

Alpha Lambda Delta: National Honor Society for First Year Students


CARROLLTON, GA — The University of West Georgia’s chapter of the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society will be hosting its’ induction ceremony and officer instillation on Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m.

The ceremony will honor the academic achievements of the 279 first year student members, and will feature a keynote address from President Sethna titled “The World Is Flat! – What does that mean for me?”

Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society for first year students who have achieved a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. The organization founded in 1924 was created to encourage superior academic achievement, to promote intelligent living and a high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals in society.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Lecturer to Speak about African-American Culture


Dr. Neal Lester, a professor of English at Arizona State University, will offer a presentation at the University of West Georgia entitled, “Nappy Edges and Goldy Locks: African Americans and the Politics of Hair,” on Thursday, April 1 at 1 p.m. in the Campus Center Ballroom.

Lester, a graduate of UWG, specializes in African-American literary and cultural studies. He has published on and taught courses in children's literature, drama, folklore, American cinematic images and interracial intimacies in American culture.

UWG’s Department of English & Philosophy, the Africana Studies Program and the Office of Institutional Diversity are sponsoring the event.

For additional information, please call 678-839-6512.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Sringaram: A Dance of Love


Sharada Ramanathan

UWG Office of Institutional Diversity will screen the award winning film, Sringaram: A Dance of Love, directed by Sharada Ramanathan on Monday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the Technology Learning Center (TLC), Room 1305. The director Sharada Ramanathan will be available for discussion and questions.

Sringaram is a compelling narrative that exemplifies feminism and womanhood. It is the story of Devadasi, a temple dancer, searching for an identity and her discovery of her emancipation. Sringaram has elements of romance, conspiracy and drama.

Sharada Ramanathan is currently a film director, thinker and writer in the fields of culture and media in India. Her debut film Sringaram: Dance of Love won three Indian National Film Awards and two Tamilnadu state government awards. The film also represented Indian cinema in over 10 international film festivals around the world.

This event is free and open to the public.

Clothing Drive

C.A.P.E. (Crime Awareness and Prevention Education) and the Women's Studies Program are sponsoring a clothing drive to benefit the Carroll County Emergency shelter March 29 - April 2. The shelter provides a safe environment for victims of domestic violence and their families. The shelter accepts all sizes of women's clothing and shoes as well as children's clothing. Boxes will be provided on the second floor lobby of the Pafford building to place your donation. Please take a moment to go through your clothes during spring break to donate to this worthy cause.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Center Seeks Historic Artifacts on Midwives

The Center for Public History at the University of West Georgia is currently asking interested individuals for items and artifacts documenting the history of 20th century midwife folk traditions and culture.

Under the direction of historians Dr. Ann McCleary and Dr. Keith S. Hébert, the Center is initiating the groundbreaking research project by collecting and documenting items such as midwife bags, quilts used for childbirth, bottles and recipes of midwives’ homemade salves, good luck charms and retirement badges. Midwife clothing including hats, dresses and aprons, and documents such as midwives’ permit applications, certificates, letters, journals, diaries and photographs are also being collected.

“By 1930, about 80 percent of the midwives were living and practicing in the South,” said McCleary. “Yet we have found that the objects and artifacts pertaining to midwives’ folk traditions are extremely scarce and underrepresented in historical museums, houses and archives.”

Interested individuals have the option of either donating or temporarily loaning the objects to the Center for Public History. Community members may also schedule an appointment with researchers to photograph or make copies or their items, or conduct an interview for the Center’s oral history collection. Contributors will receive full acknowledgement in any publication of the Center at UWG.

“In history, any object or artifact, even an ordinary object, is important to tell stories that otherwise will be forgotten,” explained Hébert.

To contribute or to make appointments, contact McCleary at 678-839-6141 or email amcclear@westga.edu, or call Angie Ramirez at 678-428-4180.

Murphy Papers Processed, Available for Research


Processing of the papers of Thomas B. Murphy (1924-2007) in the University of West Georgia’s Ingram Library’s Special Collections has been completed more than 18 months after the project began. With the work of four graduate assistants from the university’s Public History program, the collection has been arranged into 245 boxes or 121 linear feet of files from the late House Speaker’s office.

According to Head of Special Collections Suzanne Durham, the project was a priority in light of the re-creation of Speaker Murphy’s office, the focal point of the university’s $8 million library renovation funded by the Georgia Legislature in 2008 in honor of Murphy’s service. “We knew we needed to catalog this material to meet the needs of an exhibit curator,” Durham said. “Not only is there information in these files that would help inform the exhibit, but there are photographs and pieces of paper that will be replicated for display in the exhibit.” The construction project will be completed in 2011.

Murphy served in the Georgia House from 1961-2003, and he was speaker of the Georgia House from 1973-2003. Murphy donated his papers and the contents of his State Capitol office to the university when he left office. Under the terms of the donation, the university agreed to re-create his office on its campus. The collection, spanning the years 1967 to 2003, contains material from Murphy’s time as speaker as well as some material that predates his speakership. His papers contain an assortment of correspondence, photographs, budget material, committee material, candidate information, Democratic Party material, and miscellaneous other material. The finding aid for the collection is available in PDF format at http://libguides.westga.edu/content.php?pid=33218&sid=272238.

The papers join other Murphy collections, specifically, four interviews with Murphy conducted by Georgia’s Political Heritage Program between 1985 and 1997, and the contents of his Capitol office, which will be used in the office re-creation exhibit.

For further information, contact Suzanne Durham at sdurham@westga.edu or

(678) 839-6361.

Student Protest in Pictures



CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS OF STUDENTS PROTESTING PROPOSED CUTS TO EDUCATION:

Library construction

The Ingram Library has already begun the preparations for an $8 million construction project that will renovate the ground and main floors and recreate the state capitol office of Georgia House Speaker Thomas B. Murphy.


Parrish Construction of Perry, Georgia will begin the first phase of the construction project in early March, starting with the renovation of the ground floor and the installation of a new elevator shaft, according to the library website.


READ MORE:

http://www.thewestgeorgian.com/library-construction-1.1268924

UWG holds its 29th annual Media Day

The University of West Georgia’s Mass Communications department held its 29th annual Media Day in the Campus Center Ballroom on March 10. Current students, alumni, department instructors and media professionals all attended.
Media Day featured a discussion panel, sponsored by Gradick Communication, a networking session with over 40 professionals, a Times-Georgian sponsored luncheon and a special awards ceremony.

READ MORE:

http://www.thewestgeorgian.com/uwg-holds-its-29th-annual-media-day-1.1268917

Relay For Life Teams Put The Fun In Fundraising

A talent contest and a dog show are among some of the events planned for this year’s Relay for Life. When it comes to raising money for the annual American Cancer Society benefit, businesses and organizations tend to think creatively.

Relay for Life is an effort to fund research and find a cure for cancer and honor those that have already been lost. The fundraiser will conclude in April with an event at the Carroll County Parks and Recreation complex.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/6732973/article-Relay-for-Life-teams-put-the-fun-in-fundraising?instance=TG_home_story_offset

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Students Fight Budget Cuts

Hundreds of university and college students gathered at the state capitol to protest budget cuts for the University System of Georgia. Student Government Organizations and the new grassroots organization, Georgia Students for Public Higher Education, coordinated transportation to Atlanta for students from around the state. This is the second rally for West Georgia students who marched on Maple Street last week.

Students take action against budget cuts.

Students take action against budget cuts.

Administrators at West Georgia recently developed and submitted a proposed $8.1 million budget reduction plan to the Board of Regents. The request for the plan came after Georgia state legislators asked the University System of Georgia to draft a budget with an additional $300 million in cuts for the 2011 fiscal year.

In response, SGA presidents throughout the state met and created a student resolution protesting the severe cuts that could become a reality.

Graduate student Will Avery said any budget cuts and tuition increases would cause a hardship not only to students but also to their families.

“I’ve lived in Georgia all my life and largely I am concerned with the future of the state,” said Avery. “The best students and professors will leave Georgia because they won’t have the resources and the quality education they want and need.

“On a more personal level, with these kinds of cuts, I’ll lose the graduate assistantships that help with tuition costs and provide a small stipend to help support my wife and daughter. I’ll have all these classes that won’t mean a thing because they are cutting the education programs and I’ve got student loans that I won’t be able to pay.”

For a list of contacts at the state legislature, budget documents and commentary, go to http://www.westga.edu/budgetupdates/.


MORE ARTICLES ABOUT BUDGET CUTS PROTESTS:

http://www.times-herald.com/local/Students-protest-university-funding-cut-at-Atlanta-rally-1045354

http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/6673486/article-UWG-students-protest-proposed-cuts?instance=TG_home_story_offset




Monday, March 15, 2010

New Road Still To Come

Despite delays, Carrollton officials say the road connecting the University of West Georgia to its new stadium will be ready by football season.

The stadium is among several city projects affected by the unseasonably wet winter.

Six months ago, the city agreed to contract out the work on the road connector as well as work at an intersection along Lovvorn Road leading into the stadium because the city could get a better price on the work than the university would have been able.

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/6700644/article-Weather-hampers-city-work-projects?instance=TG_home_story

Monday, March 8, 2010

Kimbrough to Visit UWG

The Office of Institutional Diversity is pleased to welcome Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:00pm in the Campus Center Ballroom.

Dr. Kimbrough, the 12th President of Philander Smith College, will discuss the topic: “ Beyond Stomp the Yard”.

Dr. Kimbrough earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree in biology from the University of Georgia in 1989. He continued his education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, completing a Master of Science Degree in College Student Personnel Services in 1991, and in 1996 he earned the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Higher Education from Georgia State University. Dr. Kimbrough was the Alpha Phi Alpha College Brother of the Year for the Southern Region during the 1987-88 school year.

Dr. Kimbrough has given over 350 presentations on Black Greek life at numerous campuses and conferences. He is the author of the book, “Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities.” For additional information call 678-839-5400 or visit www.westga.edu/diversity.

RAD Class

A new Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Class is being offered. Wednesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Campus Center Aerobics Room in the gym. The class is for ladies only! Contact Ned Watson (678) 839-5280 for more information.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Changing Media Industry - A Lunchtime Chat




The media industry has been in a state of flux over the past few years. Consolidation, job cuts and financial losses have taken a heavy toll.

Some experts say that nearly 300 newspapers folded in 2009, as did eight magazines with 1million or more circulation, while several radio and TV companies filed for bankruptcy protection.


What does it all mean, and where is the media industry headed?


Veteran journalist Mike Tierney will talk about that and more on Monday, March 15 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in room 210 at the UCC.

Bring or buy your lunch as you listen to and share your thoughts with Mike, a University of Kentucky graduate who worked at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for 21 years as sports editor, Olympics editor, columnist and business reporter. He's also written for the New York Times and other major publications and served as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University.


"Blame it on Paris" Author to Speak at UWG


University of West Georgia alumna and Fulbright Scholar Laura Florand is presenting at UWG on March 10 at 7 p.m. and March 11 from 2-3 p.m. Both presentations will be in the TLC Room 1303.

Florand is a lecturer in the department of romance studies at Duke University and is also a published author with her memoir “Blame it on Paris.” Over the years, she has lived, worked and studied in Madrid and Paris.

She also has numerous ties to the university and its community. Florand’s father, David Higgins, was a professor in UWG’s philosophy department, and her mother continues to reside in Carrollton.

During Florand’s March 10 presentation, “Blame it on French: From UWG to Tahiti to Paris,” she will share an excerpt from her memoir, a book comprised of romance, humor and trans-cultural encounters. Afterwards, Florand will offer signed copies of her book to anyone who makes a donation to the Pierette Frickey Study Abroad Scholarship. Ten dollar donations are suggested.

Her March 11 presentation, “Extending Language Communities Beyond the Classroom: Using VoiceThread for Language Proficiency,” will include a brief overview of VoiceThread, a free Web 2.0 tool that helps to facilitate multimedia asynchronous discussions beyond classroom walls. With this tool, students can work with peers and view film clips, images and texts to enhance language learning.

Are You a UWG Student Interested in Sports Communications?


The Atlanta Hawks will host Georgia-area college students for its annual “College

Media Day” Sunday, March 28 (3:30 p.m. tipoff) during the Hawks’ home game against

the Indiana Pacers. The “College Media Day” program invites university students

interested in sports communications to experience an NBA game as a professional

journalist, interact with Hawks staff members, sportswriters and broadcasters and get a

first-hand look at what goes on behind the scenes at an NBA game.

Selected students will participate in Q & A sessions with several members of

print, electronic and broadcast media outlets, have dinner in the press room, watch the

game from media seating and attend the postgame press conference with Hawks head

coach Mike Woodson. Additionally, participants will have access to game notes, box

scores, and other media materials.

Students interested in pursuing a career in sports communications should not

miss this opportunity to gain experience, build their resumes and make professional

contacts.

Those interested should email your name, phone number and a brief account of

your experience/aspirations in the sports communication field to Reginald King and

Lauren Harper by Monday, March 22 (please note that participation is limited).

Contact:

Reginald King

Hawks Media Relations

Reginald.King@atlantaspirit.com

Lauren Harper

Hawks Media Relations

Lauren.Harper@atlantaspirit.com


High School Tourney Comes to UWG


The University of West Georgia is 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.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Students Protest Proposed Cuts


Nearly three dozen students from several of Georgia's public colleges and universities gathered on the Capitol lawn Wednesday to protest a nearly $600 million budget cut proposal that they say directly impacts their future.

Students drove from as far as Augusta, Dalton and Carrollton to attend their first organized event, which they say is a warm-up to a large-scale protest that students from across Georgia are planning for March 15.

"We don't represent 35 colleges. We represent one body of students. One voice," said 29-year-old Will Avery, a grad student majoring in history at the University of West Georgia.

Avery, a research assistant, said the proposed cuts could eliminate the funding that pays for his education and supports his family. He's also seeking a certificate in middle and secondary education, another program potentially on the chopping block at his school, he said.

READ MORE:

http://www.ajc.com/news/college-students-protest-proposed-344607.html

Day of Hope Celebration

The University of West Georgia’s Excel Center hosted their annual Day of Hope celebration in The Coliseum on Feb. 24. The celebration honors those who have earned and kept the HOPE Scholarship by maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0.

“Most of my peers don’t have HOPE,” said UWG junior and HOPE mentor Adrian Sanders. “In college, there is a difficult level of difficulty. It’s hard to ask for help when you need it, especially when you’re known as the smart kid.”

READ MORE:

http://www.thewestgeorgian.com/day-of-hope-celebration-1.1218113

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A Letter from Dr. Sethna on the Budget Crisis


Monday, March 1, 2010



Dear Colleagues:


As you know, we had approximately 48 hours to develop and submit a budget reduction plan for $8.1M by noon on Saturday. We have done so, and have been informed that it will be public by the end of today.


It is natural that colleagues and students have questions as to what is in that plan. Attached are a summary of the plan and the detailed plan itself (perhaps, in view of our dire budget situation, you might consider printing only that portion of the detailed plan in which you have a special interest).


First, and most importantly, I cannot stress strongly enough that any submission is a work in progress and a DRAFT. Indeed, it is our hope that the Legislature, when they see the enormous pain that would occur, would seriously modify their approach on these counts:


1. The level of State cuts (given official estimates, choosing a one Billion dollar cut may or may not be the right thing to do).


2. Imposing a 30% share on the USG when our share of the budget is 12% (which we hope they will also realize is not the right thing to do).


3. Not funding the Formula in the USG budget (i.e. we hope that the formula will be fully funded).


Thus, I hope that the vast majority of the draft plans for UWG and 34 other institutions will *NOT* become reality. You can help by sharing your thoughts with your elected representatives. As a citizen, I am personally conveying my sentiments that this plan is likely to hurt the very future of this state by a systematic reduction of our intellectual capital -- including faculty, support functions, and students. United States Senator Isakson, when he was on campus a few days ago, made a point of saying that our political system is not a spectator sport -- it is an intensely participative one; so, it would be very appropriate for each of us to let our elected representatives know how we feel about these cuts.


Please know that this DRAFT plan is predicated on several assumptions:


* A Billion dollar additional cut, and

* The USG being compelled to take a 30% cut although it accounts for only 12% of the state's budget, and

* No new formula funding, and

* No additional revenue sources for the state such as targeted taxes, and

* No tuition increases, and

* No new fees, and

* No new furloughs.


The probability of all seven of these items coming true next year, we hope, is very small. Your efforts can help change legislators' minds on the items that they control. Indeed, my hope is that it is there that efforts are focused, rather than on the details of the draft plan.


That scenario is some time away. We hope it never happens. You can impact that probability.


We have engaged the Faculty Senate Budget Committee – I met with them on Friday and we had a good session in terms of generating ideas for additional cost savings. While we are one of the most efficient Universities in Georgia (in terms of FTE produced per dollar of state appropriation), we can certainly strive to do even better. Please share thoughts for added efficiencies with Dr. David Boldt (Chair) or Dr. Charles Hodges (who chaired Friday’s meeting).



My respectful suggestion is that we focus our efforts in the coming days on such efforts, and on communicating any concerns to our elected representatives (without the use of state resources). I cannot sufficiently stress the need for urgency in this matter.



Communication approaches to disseminate this information include:



* This message to All-Faculty and All-Staff (in addition to the one sent on February 25, 2010)

* Meeting with Academic Department Chairs and Deans this morning

* Sharing the detailed draft plan and a Summary (attached)

* Video message to the UWG community (URL to be sent soon)

* Two Open Meetings (to accommodate different class schedules):

o Tuesday, March 2, 2010 (2 p.m., Bonner), and

o Wednesday, March 3, 2010 (Noon, Campus Center Ballroom 108.2)

* Meetings with Students:

o SGA, February 25, 2010

o Open Meeting for all students: March 2, 2010, 7 p.m.

Can You Contact a Lawmaker?


Georgia's state government has seen its fiscal health decline rapidly and dramatically over the past couple of years. The University of West Georgia has had to share in that pain.


How much?


A 10 percent budget cut this year.


A 12 percent budget cut last year.


Now, the state Legislature has asked the University System of Georgia to cut more.


How much more?


Approximately $300 million more.


The University System receives about 12 percent of the state's budget.


But that $300 million cut would amount to 30 percent of the sum lawmakers are seeking to trim from the entire state budget.


If the University System gets only 12 percent, why is it being asked to give 30 percent?


*That's a good question for Georgia legislators.*


http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/FindLegislator.htm


UWG's share of that cut would be $8.1 million, or about 16 percent of an already lean budget.


What would that mean?


Job cuts (faculty, staff and student workers).


Academic cuts (departments, majors, graduate degree programs).


Service cuts (public safety, student counseling and campus maintenance).


Times are hard. Tough decisions are being made. But as you know, education is more than an expense, it's an investment.


*Do Georgia's lawmakers understand that?*


http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/FindLegislator.htm


But these cuts aren't a done deal -- yet.


If you contact Georgia's state lawmakers NOW, you can explain to them what higher education means to you and to the economic future of the state and nation.


Georgia legislators will be shown, at a hearing tomorrow morning, what a $300 million cut will mean for this state and its institutions.


Call them or e-mail them to show them what it will mean to you; how it will greatly hinder your institution's ability to provide critical services to its students, and how it will harm UWG's efforts to create a more educated workforce.


Click on the link below to find state legislators, then contact them and tell them that education matters.


http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/FindLegislator.htm


OR


Contact these key lawmakers on this issue:


Senator Seth Harp, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education

seth.harp@senate.ga.gov

404-463-3931


Representative Earl Ehrhart, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education

earl@ehrhart.4emm.com

404-463-2247


Representative Bill Hembree, Member of the House Appropriations Committee

bill.hembree@house.ga.gov

404-656-5141


Students' Jobs In Jeopardy

The students will be feeling many of the cuts, not only in the classroom, but in their pocketbooks. About 170 of the proposed job cuts are student jobs.

“This obviously hits the student workers pretty hard,” Douthit said. “Many of our student workers depend on their on-campus employment to help finance their education. So, it would be very difficult for them to endure this kind of thing.”

READ MORE:

http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/6503132/article-%E2%80%98Draconian%E2%80%99-cuts-on-the-table-for-West-Georgia?instance=TG_home_story

Monday, March 1, 2010

Make Your Voice Known


Attention UWG students: You still have a say in your education. Make your voice known by contacting your local state representatives, and express your opinion about the pending University System of Georgia state budget cuts.

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/FindLegislator.htm