Input Sought on HPER Facility Survey

Hey students: here's your chance to tell the administration what you think.

The university is currently evaluating the status of Campus Recreation sports programs, services and facilities to determine the need for improvements, as well as how to integrate Student Health Services into an expanded and renovated facility.

One of the key components of this evaluation is a Web-based survey at http://www.facilityplanners.com/survey/unomaha/hper/. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete, and those who do will be entered into a drawing to win one of the following prizes:

- Three iPods;

- One CardioSport heart rate monitor donated by NOVA Health Equipment;

- Two Maverick Hockey hooded sweatshirts donated by Lawlor's Sporting Goods;

- Campus Recreation T-shirts, sweatshirts and water bottles;

- Certificates for HPER guest passes, locker rental and personal training sessions; and

- Summer passes for spring semester students not taking classes this summer.

Once you have completed the survey, you will be prompted to enter your e-mail address, which will make you eligible for the prizes.

UNO has retained the services of a nationally recognized independent consulting firm, Brailsford & Dunlavey, to administer the survey. For more information, contact survey@facilityplanners.com.

The survey closes Monday, April 24. All the information you provide is strictly confidential. No individual responses will be identified, and your e-mail address will not be released to any organizations.

For more information, contact Wade Robinson at wrobinson@mail.unomaha.edu.

"UNO to UNO" End-of-Year T-Shirt Sale Under Way

As the spring semester comes to a close, the UNO campus community has one more opportunity to help the University of New Orleans campus community recover from the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In the fall of 2005, students, staff and faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) launched the UNO to UNO Hurricane Relief Project, a sustained fund-raising effort aimed at providing relief to their colleagues at the University of New Orleans (UNO).

T-shirts bearing the "UNO to UNO Hurricane Relief Project" mark are on sale for $5 through the end of the spring semester in University Affairs, 108 Eppley Administration Building.

The T-shirts also will be sold outside the UNO Bookstore according to the following schedule:

Monday April 24

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, April 27

Time TBA

All funds raised at the Nebraska UNO during the fall and spring semesters will be earmarked for a recovery fund established by Tim Ryan, chancellor of the Louisiana UNO, for members of his university community who lost everything.

For more information, contact Rita Henry at 554.2779.

Safe Space Program Launched

A committee of UNO students, faculty and staff have collaborated to launch UNO's Safe Space Program.

This program helps identify members of the UNO community dedicated to making the campus safe and welcoming for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, said Sharon Ulmar, assistant to the chancellor for diversity and equal opportunity.

The most visible part of the program, the Safe Space sticker, is an original design chosen from submissions. It incorporates elements of the UNO community, symbolism from the broader gay and lesbian community, and a brief text identifying the bearer of the sticker as an ally for persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally. Display of this sticker indicates a place of safety for LGBTQIA persons, Ulmar said.

People interested in obtaining a Safe Space sticker may do so at any of the following distribution points on campus:

- 176 Peter Kiewit Institute (Advising Office)

- 280 Arts and Sciences Hall (Dean's Office)

- 117 Eppley Administration Building (Office of Diversity)

- University Library (Dean's Office)

- Milo Bail Student Center (Office of Student Organizations and Leadership Programs)

- 100 Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building (Campus Recreation)

- Scott Village

- University Village

Safe Space ally training will begin this fall. Any member of the UNO campus community may attend these sessions in order to become better educated about LGBTQIA issues.

For more information, contact Ulmar at 554.2872 or Frank Bramlett at 554.3313.

Communication Week April 24-27

The UNO School of Communication will celebrate Communication Week April 24-27 with a variety of events, culminating with the 51st annual Communication Awards Banquet April 27. The schedule is listed below.

Monday, April 24

- Native American Studies and Communication: Faculty Research Perspectives

Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC) Gallery Room

1 to 3 p.m.

Bruce Johansen, Teresa Lamsam and Hugh Reilly

Tuesday, April 25

- PRSSA Presentations

MBSC Dodge Room

4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Karen Weber

PowerPoint presentations featuring teams working for Habitat for Humanity and the NU Organ Donor and Tissue program.

Wednesday, April 26

- Interpersonal Conflict Presentations

MBSC Dodge Room

Shereen Bingham

Students will give presentations about their service-learning project at Boys and Girls Clubs of Omaha. The students will discuss their experiences as conflict coaches, what they learned, and what their clients at Boys and Girls Clubs learned about conflict. The event will be interactive with the Club members (ages 13-17) and will include role-playing exercises.   

- Technical Communication Presentations

306 Arts and Sciences Hall

6:30 p.m.

Tracy Bridgeford

Nine students from Dr. Bridgeford's course will present their individual portfolios. These portfolios were written and designed for the job market and include work from the five technical communication courses. Six of nine students will be the first recipients of the Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication.

Thursday, April 27

- School of Communication Alumni Panel

MBSC Dodge Room

1 p.m.

Jeremy Lipschultz

Wendy Townley, Cox Communications

Reg Chapman, WNBC-TV

Christine Kasel, Omaha Magazine

Joan Lukas, Leslie Kline Lukas & Associates

- 51st annual Communication Awards Banquet

Scott Conference Center

6 to 9 p.m.

For more information about Communication Week, call 554.2600.

Philosophy Colloquia Series Continues April 24

Gunter Zoller, a professor of philosophy at the University of Munich, will speak at UNO Monday, April 24, in conjunction with the Philosophy Colloquia Series. His presentation, titled "From Transcendental Wissenschaftslehre: Fichte's Modification of Kant's Idealism," will be held in 310 Arts and Sciences Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Kathy Cox Schwartz at 554.2628 or philosophy@unomaha.edu.

Free Screening of "The Silent Killer" April 28

The Omaha chapter of Americans for Informed Democracy will host a screening of "The Silent Killer: The Unfinished Campaign Against Hunger" Friday, April 28. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. in the Milo Bail Student Center Nebraska Room.

A discussion will follow the movie. For more information, visit the Web at http://aid.unomaha.edu.

Library to Forgive Overdue Fines at the Ballpark

University Library will be cheering on the Maverick baseball team Saturday, April 29, in conjunction with "Library Day at the Ballpark."

UNO will take on the University of North Dakota with games at noon and 3 p.m. at the ballpark at Boys Town, 137th and West Dodge Road.

Those who stop by the library booth at the doubleheader will receive a goodie bag and a coupon to waive an existing library fine. Some restrictions apply.  For details, visit the Web at http://library.unomaha.edu/news/spring/baseball-day.php.

"We'd like to see the bleachers full, so we're waiving library fines for all in attendance," said University Library Dean Steve Shorb. 

For more information, contact the circulation desk at 554.3206 or unocirculation@mail.unomaha.edu.

UNO Students to Make Global Night Commute April 29

Imagine living in the country and having to walk miles into town each night just to get a good night's sleep. It's a reality for thousands of children in the war-torn country of Uganda who face the threat of abduction into the rebel army if they remain in their homes.

More than 100 students from 29 organizations at UNO will take part in a "night commute" Saturday, April 29, to bring attention to the situation in Uganda.

Individuals will gather at 5 p.m. at Creighton University in the parking lot near 30th and Cuming streets. At 6 p.m., the group will begin its "commute" to the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center at 1819 Farnam St., where they will spend the night and participate in a variety of activities. 

Omaha is one of more than 136 locations across the nation to host such an event in conjunction with Invisible Children Inc., a nonprofit organization established in 2004 that is committed to ending the war in northern Uganda where children are forced to fight as soldiers. Invisible Children is the result of a trip to Africa by three southern California filmmakers who documented their findings of children who are the weapons and the victims.

Pauline Mburu, a UNO student and organizer of the April 29 commute, said this event is very important because it helps shed light on an issue that many in the United States may not be aware of or consider a problem. 

Earlier this year, UNO students had the chance to view a film made by Invisible Children. After watching the presentation, Mburu said she was motivated to aid in the cause. 

"I was moved to do something in hopes of dispelling the myth that the situation in Uganda is just ‘the way Africa is,'" she said.  "I was born and raised in Kenya, and I never saw or experienced what the children in Uganda are undergoing.  I am demanding that the U.S. government help put an end to the longest-running war in Africa and one of the worst crises in the world today."

Those joining UNO in the commute include students from Creighton University and Lewis Central High School (Council Bluffs), as well as participants from First Christian Church and Christ Community Church, among others.

For more information about the April 29 commute or how to become involved, contact Mburu or Sharif Liwaru in the UNO Office of Student Organizations and Leadership Programs at 554.2711, or visit the Web at http://www.invisiblechildren.com.

"Tolkien Extravaganza" May 3

The campus community is invited to attend an end-of-term "Tolkien Extravaganza!" Wednesday, May 3. The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Castle of Perseverance.  The rain location is Eppley Auditorium.

Students in Frank Bramlett's "The Language and Literature of Tolkien" class will present one-act plays inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The students wrote original plays and translated them into Quenya, the most fully developed of Tolkien's invented languages, and the students will perform them in the Elvish language.

Audience members will be given synopses of the plays, as well as scripts in Quenya and English to follow.

The Castle of Perseverance is located between University Library and Durham Science Center.

For more information, contact Dr. Bramlett at 554.3313.

Commencement Set for May 5

Commencement for May graduates will be held Friday, May 5, at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, 1804 Capitol Ave., at 2 p.m.

Advance to Focus on Community Outreach, Accountability

Community engagement and accountability at UNO will be the focus of the 2006 Spring Strategic Planning Advance set for Monday, May 8. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom. All interested students are invited to attend.

University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken will discuss the NU Strategic Framework and the assessment process for each of the University of Nebraska campuses. He also will address external factors that affect the university. 

Other scheduled activities include presentations and posters on UNO's community engagement and assessment initiatives, as well as a preview on planning for the UNO Centennial.  

For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact Lindy Gustafson at 554.2535 or lgustafson@mail.unomaha.edu.

Summer Schedule for Shuttle Service Begins May 8

Starting Monday, May 8, the summer shuttle service will operate Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding holidays. The shuttle will service the north and south campus only. There will be no shuttle service to Crossroads Mall during the summer months. 

For more information, contact Campus Security at 554.2648.

April Spotlight on Student Employment

Student employees from the Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC) Business Operations/MavCard Services are the April Spotlight on Student Employment recipients. They are:

- Amber Mantzey, undeclared Arts and Sciences major, Bellevue, Neb.;

- Laura Wapelhorst, broadcasting major, Scribner, Neb.; and

- Venu Chintareddy, computer science major, Piduguralla, India.

"Venu is friendly to work with and is also a fast learner. I feel fortunate to have chosen such a technologically talented student worker," said Mike Boettcher, supervisor and MBSC technology coordinator.

Wapelhorst said she enjoys the office's work environment. "My co-workers make this a fun and laid-back office. It's a joy to come to work every day," she noted.

Human Resources has featured student employees from a new department each month during the fall and spring semesters. Featured departments are entered in a drawing for an end-of-the-year party.

Departments also are featured on the Human Resources Student Employment Job Board on the first floor of the Eppley Administration Building. For more information about the program, contact Emily Muckerheide at emuckerheide@mail.unomaha.edu.

Students seeking work experience during school can gain assistance through Student Employment Services (SES) located in Human Resources, 205 Eppley Administration Building. On-campus student worker, work-study and graduate assistant positions are posted on the SES Job Board on the first floor of the Eppley Administration Building and online at http://careers.unomaha.edu.

Douglas County Voters' Guide Available

The Douglas County Voters' Guide, published annually by the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha, is an unbiased, non-partisan look at all candidates running in the May 9 Nebraska primary election.

Included are brief biographies of each candidate plus their answers on issues of current concern to voters. The guide is available on campus at the locations listed below.

University Affairs

108 Eppley Administration Building

UNO School of Communication

107 Arts and Sciences Hall (ASH)

University Library

Circulation Desk

For more information, contact Rita Shaughnessy in 107H ASH or at 554.6057.

Host Families Sought for Afghan Education Program

International Studies and Programs (IS&P) is seeking host families for Afghan educators who will be arriving in Omaha May 6. 

This group of Afghan school administrators will be participating in a short-term program to enhance their skills in educational leadership, computers and English. Since November 2002, 85 Afghan women educators have participated in similar programs at UNO.

To volunteer as a host family, contact Charity Stahl at 554.3168 or cstahl@mail.unomaha.edu.

Customer Appreciation Sale Under Way at Bookstore

The UNO Bookstore is hosting a customer appreciation sale through Friday, May 5. Customers who buy one UNO or Maverick apparel item at regular price will receive a second item for half price. 

Bookstore hours during the sale are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Jacinda Brooks at 554.2360 or jbrooks@mail.unomaha.edu.

Maverick Watch

Go Mavs! Support your Mavericks by attending their home events. At home this week:

Wednesday, April 26

- Baseball vs. Upper Iowa

The Ballpark at Boys Town, 137th and West Dodge Road

1 and 4 p.m. (double header)

Saturday, April 29

- Baseball vs. North Dakota

The Ballpark at Boys Town, 137th and West Dodge Road

Noon and 3 p.m. (double header)

(It's Library Day at the Ballpark!. For details, see article elsewhere in this issue.)

Sunday, April 30

- Baseball vs. North Dakota

The Ballpark at Boys Town, 137th and West Dodge Road

Noon and 3 p.m. (double header)

For more information about UNO Athletics, visit the Web at http://gomavs.unomaha.edu/.

HPER Pool and Sundeck Hours Announced

The Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building Pool and its sundeck are available for use by students and Campus Recreation activity cardholders. 

Casual or sunbathing attire is required. Only water beverages are permitted, and no food is allowed. The pool and sundeck schedule through May 5 is as follows:

Monday through Friday

6:30 to 9 a.m.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (sundeck opens at 11 a.m.)

1 to 3 p.m.

Sunday

3 to 7 p.m.

Hours may change due to weather, holidays or other activities. The pool and sundeck will be closed for maintenance beginning May 5 for three to four weeks. For more information, contact Eric Shanks at 554.2223.

Birthday Tribute to Mozart April 25

The UNO Department of Music will celebrate Mozart's 250th birthday with a musical tribute Tuesday, April 25. The concert, featuring performances by the UNO Chamber Orchestra and University Chorus, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults, and $4 for students and seniors.

For tickets or more information, call 554.3427.

Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra to Perform April 30

The UNO Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra will perform its final program of the season Sunday, April 30. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults, and $4 for students and seniors.   

The theme of the program is "Sunday in the Park." The orchestra will play works that celebrate the pastoral nature of spring – Griffes' The White Peacock, Debussy's Rhapsody for Saxophone and Orchestra and Beethoven's Symphony no. 6 ("Pastoral"). Christopher Stanichar, an assistant professor of music at UNO, will conduct the program.

For tickets or more information, call 554.3427.

UNO Aviation Institute Honors Its Own

The recipients of more than $70,000 in scholarships and fellowships were recognized April 5 at the annual UNO Aviation Institute Honors Convocation. Among those honored were aviation students who have earned scholarships, Dean's List distinction, fellowships, flight achievements, memberships in academic organizations and more.

The 2006 Otto F. Bauer Distinguished Service Award was presented to Chris White, vice president of safety and regulatory compliance for Midwest Airlines.  White serves as an advisory board member and offered tours of Midwest Airlines headquarters for students last June.

Ryan Goertzen received the 2006 Distinguished Alum honor for his service to the UNO Aviation Institute and his career accomplishments.  He is the maintenance training manager for Air Wisconsin.

The following students were recognized as scholarship recipients:

- Joel Young, Densel K. and Melba J. Acheson Student Enrichment Fund;

- Cody Oshel, Alpha Eta Rho Scholarship;

- Cassi Vanhorn, Aviation Student of the Year;

- Karly Kolden, Kenneth and Patrick Chambers Memorial Scholarship;

- Dustin Babb, Charles W. Durham Undergraduate Scholarship;

- Beth Flynn, Lois Durham Women in Aviation Scholarship;

- Joel Young and Richard Buesing, Chris A. Hawks Memorial Scholarship;

- Lucas Stritt, David L. Lamar Memorial Scholarship;

- Dustin Babb, Richard Buesing, Kailey Dwyer and Lucas Stritt, Nebraska Business Aviation Association Scholarship;

- Leigh Hedrick, Donald Smithey in Aviation Administration Scholarship;

- Kailey Dwyer, UNO Aviation Institute Golf Classic Scholarship; and

- Dustin Babb, Robert E. and Rosita C. Wolsmann Memorial Scholarship.