UNC Today: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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Discovering for Discovery

University of Northern Colorado Professor Stephen Mackessy's research showing that a protein in prairie rattlesnakes' venom has allowed them to adapt and survive in harsh environments, such as those in Yellowstone National Park, is featured on the Discovery Channel. View Video Continue Reading

UNC Conducting Image Survey

Every two years UNC surveys students, alumni and employees about perceptions of the university - from its strengths/weaknesses and unique personality, to its sense of community and approach to teaching and learning.

Those surveyed are randomly selected; only some people from each of these groups will receive a survey. If you receive the survey in your email, your input would be appreciated.

The survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete and your insight and those of other respondents help to shape how we describe, market and advance the university. If you have any questions about the survey, please email Director of Assessment Kim Black.

Trustees Approve New Degree Programs, Room Naming, Adopt Resolution

University of Northern Colorado Board of Trustees at a regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 18 approved two new degree programs, the naming of a room for former U.S. Sen. Hank Brown who also served as UNC president, and adopted a resolution supporting state legislation to provide tuition equity for undocumented students.

New Degree Programs

  • The Master of Arts degree in Dance Education (33-36 credit hours including thesis) will be the first of its kind in Colorado and fits with UNC's mission in teacher education. The program is designed for teachers and prospective teachers with an emphasis on those in Colorado, including Colorado P.E. teachers who are expected to teach dance in schools as part of state standards. The program will involve a combination of online and classroom instruction and will be self-funded through UNC's Office of Extended Studies.
  • The Secondary English Education Endorsement (25 credit hours), also unique in the state, will address a set of state standards by preparing undergraduate, non-English Secondary teachers for an endorsement in English Language Arts, with an emphasis on improving literacy skills in the classroom. Each course addresses state academic core standards. The program will be offered fully online by the Department of English for at least three categories of student: undergraduate secondary or K-12 education majors pursuing licensure in a field other than English, graduate students seeking licensure in secondary English, and licensed secondary teachers pursuing an additional endorsement in English. For the program to be delivered, a position in English Education must continue to be filled.

Room Naming

  • The Hank Brown Wrestling Coaches Office in Butler-Hancock Hall recognizes the former senator and UNC president (July 1998 through June 2002) and his most recent gift of $5,000 in support of the wrestling program.

Resolution

  • The resolution supports passage of Colorado Senate Bill 13-033, which would allow in-state tuition rates for undocumented students who meet criteria, including graduating from Colorado high schools. Read the resolution (PDF).

In other news:

  • Provost Robbyn Wacker announced that the Counseling Psychology Psy.D. has been replaced by the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. The Counseling Psychology Ph.D. is accredited by the American Psychological Association, which leads to eligibility for licensure as a psychologist. As of Fall 2012, all students from the Psy.D. program have graduated.
  • The board welcomed newly appointed trustee Anthony D. Salazar.
  • Re-elected current board officers: Dick Monfort (chairman) and Jim Chavez (vice chairman).
  • Trustees also approved an update to the board policy manual that changes a reference to Manager of Environmental Safety to Director of Environmental Safety to reflect the position's current title.

New Student Orientation Debuts New Website, Develops Brochure

New Student Orientation's website at www.unco.edu/orientation has been updated with a new look and improved functionality, and also is now mobile-friendly. Even though the old URL should redirect to the new site, web authors are asked to update links on their site.

Also, with the help of Undergraduate Admissions, NSO is now sending to all new students an informational brochure that includes information about the new student, parent and extended orientation programs. View the brochure (PDF).

As a reminder, faculty and staff can access important information related to orientation and advising by clicking on the New Student Orientation Resources link in the Important Links section under the Employee tab in Ursa. The link is the only way to access the information.

UNC in the News: Miss Colorado Interviewed by National Magazine

Alumna Hannah Porter tells Bloomberg Businessweek magazine how she's using what she learned in UNC's Monfort College of Business to help her in her current role as Miss Colorado. To view the story and see other examples of UNC in the news, visit the UNC in the News website.

Head Off the Flu with Vaccine, Other Preventative Actions

Colorado continues to be one of the hardest hit states for this year's highly contagious and strong strain of influenza. The medical professionals at the Student Health Center encourage everyone to get a flu shot (available for $25 at the SHC in Cassidy Hall; no appointment needed) and to help stop the spread of germs by washing your hands with soap and water as often as possible. Covering your cough also will help reduce the spread of airborne pathogens.

It's not too late to get a flu shot. Flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. The flu vaccine is the first and most important thing you can do to protect you and your family from the flu and associated complications that sometimes result in hospitalization.

UNC's custodial have increased the frequency they're disinfecting and wiping down of high-traffic hand-touching areas such as door knobs and handles, tables and countertops, computers, and restrooms.

Remember: "A healthy campus is a happy campus."

For more information, visit the Student Health Center in Cassidy Hall, check out their website or call 970-351-1919.

Related

Additional information about preventative flu measures is available on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website.

Reminder: Sign Up by Feb. 6 to Compete in Bears Dessert Competition

The Professional Administrative Staff and the Classified Staff councils have teamed up to host the first-ever Bears Dessert Competition from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, in the University Center's Columbine suite.

There's no entry fee to compete; the taster fee is $3 at the door. Prizes will be awarded for the best desserts as voted by the tasters.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Visit the PASC website or the CSC website for entry forms. View the event poster (PDF).

Geography Program to Host Fracking Roundtable Jan. 23

UNC's Geography program will host a community roundtable on the natural gas and oil exploration industry's use of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 in the Columbine suite of the University Center.

The session, which is co-sponsored by the Weld County League of Women Voters, is free and open to the public.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Today's Events