Students spend spring break repairing New Orleans homes

Students and staff members in the NEPA Alliance Against Homelessness at BU are spending spring break in New Orleans helping families who were affected by Hurricane Katrina repair their homes. Shown above are, back row: Megan Gleason, Jodi Fahy, Katherine Carl, Sharon Fedder, Kim Schmitz, Monica Olsen and Kurt Nystrom. Front row: Sarah Stevens, Annelise Chayka, Ali Miller, Bridgette Bonner and Megan Domanski. At right, Annelise Chayka and Katherine Carl work to clean out the burned interior of a home. More photos from the Alliance website.

Students attend Black Graduate Students conference

Wazi Apoh, assistant professor of anthropology, accompanied students Alexis Frederick, Terrell Garrett, Katherine Hutchison, Adreeonah Mundy, Nicole Faulks, Aleema Skerrett, and Colleen Smith to participate in the 21st Annual National Black Graduate Students Conference held in Houston from March 11-15. The students presented a papers and posters on "The Role of Frederick Douglass Institute Mentors in Student Development and Retention on Campus: Bloomsburg University Experience" (Frederick and Mundy); "Black, White, Red and Green: Angela Davis and the Scottsboro Boys' Trials in Retrospect" (Faulks); "The Black Male Experience in the Majority University" (Garrett); and "Mentoring Diversity through the Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence" (Hutchison, Skerrett, Smith). Students were also mentored by Faith Warner, associate professor of anthropology, and Williams Obiozor, assistant professor of exceptionality programs. The trip was sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Institute, The ACT 101 Program, the Department of Anthropology, The College of Liberal Arts, and the Office of Academic Affairs. Shown from left are: Apoh Wazi, Alexis Frederick, Colleen Smith, Terrell Garrett, Katherine Hutchison, Aleema Skerrett, Nicole Faulks, Adreeonah Mundy, and Ivan Turnipseed, a former Frederick Douglass Scholar.

Eco-Quiz winner announced

The winner of the $10 gift certificate to Steph's Subs for the final week of the Eco Quiz is Thomas Cook. The correct answer to the question was more 37% of recycled paper supplies the raw materials used to make new paper products in the U.S. Without recycling, all this material would come from trees.

Historian to discuss childhood in the '30s

Kriste Lindenmeyer, historian and author, will give a speech entitled "The Greatest Generation Grows Up: American Childhood in the 1930s" on Monday, April 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the McCormick Center room 1303. Lindenmeyer's speech is based on her book of the same name, which explores how experiences of depression-era children can help society understand the 1930s as well as the history of American childhood. Lindenmeyer's lecture is funded by the College of LIberal Arts through the Curricular Enhancement Committee. For more information contact Jeanette Keith, professor of history, at keith@bloomu.edu or 389-4167.

Program Board film to be 'Rise of the Lycans'

The Program Board movie schedule has changed for the month of April. This week's movie will be "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" and not "Gran Torino" as previously published. "Gran Torino" has not yet been released to colleges by the producer. "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" will be shown at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, Sunday, April 5 and Wednesday, April 8 in the Kehr Union. The movie for Siblings and Children's Weekend will be "Bedtime Stories." It will be shown in the Kehr Union on Friday, April 3 at 6 and 9 p.m., Saturday, April 4 at 3 and 9:15 p.m. and Sunday, April 5 at noon. "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" will be shown in the Kehr Union at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on April 15, 17 and 19. The movie for April 22 and 24 has yet to be determined. Movies are free with a B.U. ID and paid Community Activities fee and $1 for others. "Bedtime Stories" will be free to siblings and children with their weekend wristband ID.

Film to show BU students learning Leadership on the Edge

A video crew recently captured 11 BU students climbing Maine's Mount Katahdin as part of Quest's Leadership on the Edge program. A film of their ascent will premiere Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in Kenneth S. Gross Auditorium in Carver Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

The students climbed Mount Katahdin during Labor Day weekend 2008 for training in BU's master of business administration program. Darrin Kass, associate professor of management, said the climb is an option for students in his organizational behaviors class. Details on the Arts Page.

BU students place first in math conference

Four BU students placed first at the PA-SSHEMA 2009 Annual math conference on March 20-21 at Mansfield University. Two students also presented papers. Xianrui Meng (advised by William Calhoun) presented a paper titled "Perfect Distance Star" and Jason Elsinger co-presented a paper with faculty member Paul Loomis titled "The Probability that a Group is Abelian." Seventeen teams from the 14 state universities participated. Shown from left are Fen Qin, Jason Elsinger, Xianrui Meng, Alex Paoletti and professor Youmin Lu, adviser to the team.

Forum endorses policies

Two new policies were endorsed at the meeting of the University Forum on Wednesday, March 25. The policies were a revised "PRP 4802 Student Code of Conduct" and "PRP 4955 Identification Card Policy." Details.

Preschool Counselors complete food program

Graduate counselors, Kelly Alexander and Tara Robuck recently completed a six week unit on health and nutrition in the Campus Child Center's pre-k classroom. The counselors worked as a team to plan, organize and implement the 6 week unit using the Pa Early Learning Standards as their guide. Seated, Cameron Lenner, Marci Rajkowski, preschool teacher, standing, from left, Kelli Alexander, Larson Kocher, Dominic Valentino, Jax Foresman, Mikel Salas-Warner, Dillan McCloskey and Tara Robuck. The graduate counseling program in the child center is supervised by Dr. Fran Kendris, Program Coordinator, MA of Ed in Counseling and Judy Coleman Brinich, Center Director.

Exercise science majors conduct school testing program

A team of exercise science majors comprised of graduate students David Hopkins and Manisha Shresta and undergraduate students Brittany McNeil, Kelsy Husk, Sierra Witmer, Laura Makuta, Felicia Chin, Elizabeth Alvord and Michael Bartolomucci, conducted body composition assessments on athletes at Shikellamy High School in Sunbury on March 25. In response to a request from Shikellamy High School, Swapan Mookerjee, professor of exercise science, coordinated the testing which was conducted as part of a Health Education class project on body composition and health.

PR expert guest speaker for Spectrum magazine

Steve Lubetkin, managing partner of Lubetkin and Associates, one of the nation's leading new technology PR agencies, spent Monday as a guest lecturer with the students of Spectrum Magazine. Lubetkin also discussed the PR profession with Walt Brasch's senior seminar students. Lubetkin's agency specializes in podcasting, videocasting, and social network consulting for both mid-size and large corporations. He is also active as a volunteer with the South Jersey Jewish Federation. Lubetkin is a former vice-president of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is a fellow of PRSA, the professional society's highest honor. Prior to founding his own agency, Lubetkin was a newspaper reporter, radio anchor, PR director for Conrail, and VP for public relations/marketing for Bank of America. During the mid-1970s, he was one of the first reporters to use what was at that time known as acoustic modems to transmit stories from the field to the newsroom. His first story was about a Grateful Dead concert.

Multicultural Education Society meeting Thursdays

BU's Multicultural and Global Education Society is meeting every Thursday at 4:15 p.m. in McCormick Center, room 1131. Group plans include conference trips to Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Camden, East Harlem, and New York, visits with diverse classroom teachers and research. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact nrbaruch@bloomu.edu or kcdash@bloomu.edu.

Exercise Science agreement signed

Representatives of BU and Luzerne County Community College formally signed the exercise science articulation agreement Friday, March 27, at LCCC's President's Room. The agreement allows students who earn associate's degrees in exercise science-fitness leadership from LCCC to move seamlessly into BU's exercise science bachelor's degree program. Shown in the accompanying photo, left to right are, front row: Dana Clark, LCCC provost and vice president of academic affairs; Thomas P. Leary, LCCC president; and Jonathan Lincoln, BU assistant vice president for academic affairs; back row: Joan Bush, LCCC associate dean of counseling and student support services; Tim McConnell, chair of BU's exercise science and athletics department; Tom Martucci, assistant chair of BU's exercise science and athletics department; and Robert Marande, dean of BU's College of Science and Technology.

English honor society inducts members

Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, inducted new members and recognized graduating members at its spring Initiation Dinner on March 15. Shown from left are, front row: Kelly Petritsch (new member), Ashley Kilmer (graduating), Andy Stout (new member & graduating), Casey Jackson (graduating), Lauren Zsolnay (graduating), Katelyn Skowronski (new member), Ali McCrossin (new member); (back row, left to right) Jason Pomeroy (graduating) and Megan Stanton (new member).

BU women honored

The Women's History Month reception and the Outstanding Women of BU program was held Tuesday, March 24. There were 48 faculty, staff and women nominated and there were six special awards given. Award recipients were, from left: Outstanding Service- Melissa Cheese and Lynette Luckers; Woman of the Year- Sharon Swank; Outstanding Leader- Darlene Perner; Outstanding Scholar- Amanda Dabashinksy; and Outstanding Courage- Paula Novak. At the reception, Kate Campbell Stevenson of Women Back to the Future portrayed Bessie Coleman, Eleanor Roosevelt and Rachel Carson through song and performance.

Sociology students, faculty participate in conference

Students, as well as faculty, from the department of sociology, social welfare and criminal justice, participated in the Eastern Sociological Society 79th Annual Meeting in Baltimore from March 19 to 22. Shown from left are student participants Sarah Burkhardt, Nancy Ayllon-Ramirez, Matthew Fleming, and Doug J. Clapp. Details.

Voice staff wins eight awards

In this year's national Gold Circle competition sponsored by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, editors and writers on The Voice netted eight individual awards for their page design and writing in News, Sports, Features, Arts, and Opinion. These awards were announced just last week at the annual College Media Convention in New York City, which was attended by 15 staff members and their faculty adviser, Mary Bernath. Details.

Summer jobs available at Info Desk

There are still some positions available at the Information Center, Kehr Union, for the period running May 18 to August 7. Workers must be available all summer, especially sessions 2 and 3. Minimum qualifications: Approved for summer work study, completed more than one semester as a BU student, pleasant and cheerful, self motivated and demonstrate great communication skills. Applications can be picked up at the Information Center, Kehr Union and are due by April 3. Contact Betty Pursel for more information.

Student group offers tax-filing help

BU's Student Accounting Association is offering free tax help to qualified residents of Columbia and Montour counties. The help sessions, offered through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, will run through Wednesday, April 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 130 W. Third St., Bloomsburg.

Volunteers will provide free electronic filing for low- to moderate-income residents and those age 60 and older who cannot prepare their own federal or state income tax returns. Students will also provide information on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the largest federal program for working families.

Taxpayers seeking help should bring this year's tax package, wage and earnings statements from all employers (Form W-2), interest statements from banks (Form 1099), a copy of last year's tax returns and other relevant income and expense information.

To learn more about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, call BU accounting professor Blair Staley at 389-4392.

Geoscience students travel to Arecibo radio-telescope

Five BU geoscience students just returned from a 3-day trip to the Arecibo radio-telescope in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. During their trip, they toured the facility, talked with astronomers, and analyzed a radar data set of a near-Earth asteroid with their adviser, Michael Shepard, professor of envionmental, geographical and geological sciences. Their results will be submitted for publication in an upcoming issue of Icarus, the International Journal of Solar System Studies. In the photo, students are at the edge of the giant radio-dish which is about 1,000 feet in diameter. From left are Gurvinder Singh, James Hill, Eddie Ryan, Courtney Nissley and Paul Krasner.

Dance-A-Thon will be 12 hours

The BU Dance-A-Thon planned for April will now be 12 instead of 24 hours. The event will run Sunday, April 5, from 8 a.m. to 8 .m. in the Student Recreation Center and will raise funds for Caring Communities for AIDS. Dancers can sign up at the Residence Life Office, Elwell Hall, room G40, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Every dancer will get a shirt. Prizes for 12-hour dancers will include a DVD players, gifts cards for movies and restaurants, and Husky Gold dollars. Large prizes include two 10 meal plan /$150 flex for fall 2009 (BU students only). Prizes for two-hour dancers will include University Store items, a DVD player and an MP3 player. For additional information, contact Marcei Woods.

Graduate Hall Directors needed

Residence Life is currently accepting applications for Fall 2009 Graduate Hall Director (GHD) positions. GHDs oversee the daily operations of a residence hall or apartment complex, promote community and student development, supervise CA staff, serve on a rotating on-call system and are members of a dynamic leadership team. GHDs must embrace the core values: Respect, Service, Caring, Inclusiveness, Dedication and Integrity. In order to apply, interested candidates must submit A) Cover Letter, B) Resume and C) three Letters of reference to: Mr. George Kinzel, assistant director of Residence Life, 400 East Second Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. Deadline to apply is Thursday, April 9, by 4:30pm. For more information, e-mail gkinzel@bloomu.edu.

Faculty and staff: Go online with pay statements

Do you just throw your Pay Statement in the top of your desk drawer? Does your pay statement just add to a clutter pile? Now Faculty and Staff have the option of no longer receiving a direct deposit statement. Just log onto Employee Self Service(ESS), and view your Pay Statement and all your payroll information on-line. You can view your pay as early as Tuesday of pay week. The information is identical to your current pay statement. To enroll for the Paperless Pay Statement, please complete the form on the HR page. If you do not remember your Employee Self Service log in, please place a HELP Desk ticket. Student employees are not eligible for this service at this time.

BU students participate in Power Shift summit

Forty-five BU students participated in the Power Shift 2009 summit in Washington D.C. on Feb. 27. It's estimated that On Monday March 2, over 300 congressional districts were lobbied directly by Power Shift attendees and the message of youth wielding power resounded through the halls of congress. Bloomsburg students spoke with Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski about natural gas drilling, coal mining and the development of 'Green Infrastructure' in north central Pennsylvania.

Employees: Be aware of withholding changes

Based on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, changes have been made to the Federal Tax Withholding Tables. As a result, there may be a reduction in your federal tax on your pay slip for the pay date of March 27, including a retroactive amount for the previous two pays. The new tables provided by SAP have an effective date of February 17, the date the Stimulus Plan was signed into law. You will be able to see this retroactive adjustment on your pay statement as early as next Tuesday by logging into Employee Self Service under the "Payroll" tab and selecting your Online Pay Statement.

If you are unsure how this may impact your tax liability, please consult your tax advisor. It is the practice of PASSHE and its Universities to not advise employees how to complete their W-4. If you wish, you can change your W4 by logging into Employee Self Service under the "Payroll" tab click on W-4 information, select Update W-4 information. View the full IRS notice to Employees. IRS Publication 15-T can be found at the following web address.

Students spend spring break doing service projects

Campus Catholic Ministry traveled to Pittsburgh to assist the homeless and needy. Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance Against Homelessness journeyed to New Orleans where they helped Hurricane Katrina victims rebuild their homes. Students from both groups spent spring break in service to others.

"This trip was a blessing and a great learning experience," said Gina Connolly, a senior speech pathology and audiology major from Carlisle. Connolly and Michelle Jansen, both members of CCM, began planning the Pittsburgh trip in September as "an alternative spring break."

Mass Comm Speaker

Elliot Ratzman, visiting professor of theology and religion at Swarthmore, was a guest of the Department of Mass Communications, Monday. Ratzman was a guest in the two senior seminars, discussing the inter-relationship between journalism and world issues; he also spent several hours with Spectrum magazine students (pictured). He discussed the Jewish magazine culture and his role as a contributing editor for HEEB magazine. Ratzman, who has several major publications, did graduate work at Harvard Divinity School, and is finishing a Ph.D. at Princeton. Among his mentors are Cornell West, Peter Singer, and Elie Weisel.

Wind Ensemble members invited to state band

Four members of the Wind Ensemble were chosen for the 62nd Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival. It is the longest running intercollegiate band festival of its kind, and it features the best musicians from Pennsylvania colleges and universities. The students performed on Sunday, March 14, at Allegheny College under the direction of Colonel Timothy Foley, USMC Retired. This year's band was composed of students from 25 colleges and universities throughout Pa. The students, pictured left to right, are T.J. West, Dominique Filiziani, Caitlin Tevis and Timothy Miller.

Take the Eco-Quiz

As part of Recylcemania on campus, the SOLVE Office is sponsoring a weekly eco-quiz. This week's question is:

Each year, Americans throw away how many Styrofoam cups? Don't buy Styrofoam-it can't be recycled!

Individuals can e-mail answers to stvolser@bloomu.edu or can drop off answers at the SOLVE Office before 4:30 p.m. Friday. Name, e-mail, and phone number should be included with the answer. All correct submissions will be entered into a drawing and one person will be randomly chosen to claim the prize, which is a $10 gift certificate to Quizno's for this week.

The winner of the $10 gift certificate to Bloomin' Bagels for last week is Amy Tycenski. The correct answer to the question about what material can never be recycled is Styrofoam.

Aaron Klinger Memorial 5-on-5 Basketball Tournament

In memory of student Aaron Klinger, who was recently in a fatal car accident Jan. 18, there will be a 5-on-5 basketball tournament on Sunday, March 28. The event will be at 11:15 a.m. at the Bloomsburg University Recreation Center. All proceeds will go to the Aaron M. Klinger Memorial Scholarship Fund and Campus Child Care Center. The tournament is sponsored by the Student Parent Association and by the Aaron M. Klinger Scholarship Fund. If you are interested in supporting the cause, visit The Aaron Klinger Memorial 5-on-5 Basketball Tournament on Facebook.com or at www.jtwofilms.com. For more information, please contact Jerica Laylon.

Quest Wilderness First Aid Course

BU's Quest program is offering a Wilderness First Aid Course from Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The course is $170 per person and is open to all levels of training and experience. Instructors from the Wilderness Medicine Institute of the National Outdoor Leadership School will provide an introduction to First Aid patient care, wound management and infection, realigning fractures and dislocations, improvised splinting techniques, patient monitoring and long-term management problems. The course does not include CPR. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a two year Wilderness First Aid certification. If you are interested in the program, please contact Brett Simpson, associate director of Quest, at bsimpson@bloomu.edu or visit www.buquest.org.

Census hiring, to have reps on campus

The U.S. Census is hiring. You will help everyone count and earn between $11 and $14 an hour. The Jobs feature paid training, mileage reimbursement and local work. To apply, call the Scranton Office at (570) 903-6021. The Census will also have a representative on campus Wednesday, March 25, at 4 p.m. and Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. in Kehr Union, room 340.

Empty Bowls benefits food cupboard

The Empty Bowls Banquet, a fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard, will be held Sunday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kehr Union Ballroom. The fee is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under 5 years old. The event, sponsored by the SOLVE office, is the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard's biggest, single-day fundraiser. All participants receive a hand-decorated bowl as a reminder of Empty Bowls' mission to provide for those who are hungry. The soups and bread are donated by local restaurants, and any leftover food will be packaged and given to the food cupboard. Also planned are a silent auction, entertainment and activities for children.

The SOLVE office is still in need of volunteers for the Empty Bowls Banquet, a fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard. Additional help is needed for manning the silent auction and dessert sale tables from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Volunteers are also welcome to help sell artist bowls and aprons in the lobby. For more information or to volunteer, contact the SOLVE Office at 389-4788 or stvolser@bloomu.edu.

Graduating students: Recognize your best prof

Students who will graduate in May or August 2009 are invited to nominate a professor for the Outstanding Teaching Award in Spring 2009 by going to the website iit.bloomu.edu/award. There will be details regarding writing the narrative indicating why this person is deserving of the award as it relates to his or her effectiveness as a teacher. All nominations will be kept confidential. Nominations will be open until April 10 at 4 p.m. The selected professor will learn of the award selection by the end of April and will receive a plaque and monetary award at the appropriate graduation ceremony. Those with questions should contact Sheila Dove Jones in the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Center (TALE), located in McCormick, Room #1220, at 389-4310 or by e-mail.

Harrisburg Trip

Ferda Asya, director of the International Studies Living and Learning Community took a group students from the Community on a field trip to Harrisburg on Friday, March 13. The students visited the State Capitol and had a guided tour arranged by the Office of Senator John R. Gordner. The group spent part of the afternoon at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Shown with the statue of the man reading the newspaper on Front Street, Harrisburg, are (in the back row, from left to right): Sarah Ben Ayed, Ferda Asya, Hao Yang, Corey Lombardo, Megan Green, and (in front, from left to right), Iulia Sunda, Megan Sinton.

Workshops planned for students in pre-med programs

Sophomores and juniors that are majoring in pre-medical program (medical, dental, veterinary, etc.) are strongly encouraged to attend the Pre-Med March Madness workshops to be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Columbia Living and Learning Center room on these Mondays in March:

• March 23 —Creating an Appropriate Resume
• March 30 —Telling Your Story in the Personal Statement

For more information and to RSVP please visit the Pre-Professional/Pre-Grad page on Blackboard. To join the Blackboard Community, send your request to Toni Bell.

Elementary principal to speak to BU Student PSEA

BU's Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) is sponsoring a talk by Bloomsburg Elementary School Principal Ryan Moran on Tuesday, March 24, at 8 p.m. in the Kehr Union, Multipurpose Room B. A BU graduate, Moran taught second and fourth grade for four years. He will discuss "Common Mistakes made during an Interview." All education majors are welcome to attend this presentation. A brief general meeting will follow. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Caryn Terwilliger or Melissa Scotto .

Games Room offers St. Patrick's pool deal

The Games Room in Kehr Union is offering a Luck of the Irish promotion. Through March 17, anyone wearing green or items featuring clovers, leprechauns or Notre Dame insignia will receive an hour of pool for half price. For more information contact Valerie Moyer by e-mail or phone at 389-5109.

Forensics team takes fourth place

The BU Forensics Team won fourth Place at the Annual Collegiate Forensic Association's Beach Tournament held March 6-7, in Ocean City, Md. BU students won first place trophies in three speaking events. Joe Wright and Joshua Trusty defeated Randolph-Macon College for first place in Parliamentary Debate. Kylene McClarren and Scott Kenyon won first place in Dramatic Duo and Ashley Fuoco won first place in Dramatic Interpretation of Literature. In addition to these first place awards, the BU Team won other individual speaking awards:

• Joe Wright—2nd Place Best Speaker Award, Parliamentary Debate, 6th Place Prose Interpretation, 4th Place Extemporaneous Speaking
• Miles Cole—2nd Place Extemporaneous Speaking and 5th Place Parliamentary Debate (with Emily Kinkead)
• Emily Kinkead—5th Place Parliamentary Debate (with Miles Cole)
• Scott Kenyon—5th Place Impromptu Speaking, 6th Place Extemporaneous Speaking
• Ashley Fuoco—3rd Place Parliamentary Debate (with Chaz Britton)
• Chaz Britton—3rd Place Parliamentary Debate (With Ash Fuoco) and 3rd Place Extemporaneous Speaking
• Michael McGee—4th Place After Dinner Speaking and 6th Place Impromptu Speaking

In addition to these speaking awards, the Collegiate Forensic Association recognized the outstanding graduating seniors on the BU team: Kristy Westbrook, Emily Kinkead, Amanda Geschwindt, Chaz Britton, Michael McGee, Joshua Trusty, Kylene McClarren, and Ashley Fuoco. Bloomsburg Mayor Dan Knorr and Mr. Jaime Fenstermacher, alumni of the BU Forensics program, served as volunteer speech judges for the Bloomsburg team at the tournament. Dr. Neil Strine, Director of Forensics, also served as a judge at the competition. The Bloomsburg University Forensics Team will travel next to Shreveport, Louisiana from March 17-22 to participate in the Pi Kappa Delta National Speech and Debate Tournament.

BU art students exhibit in Williamsport

The Bald Eagle Art League in Williamsport invited senior art students from Bloomsburg University, Lycoming College, and Penn College to exhibit and speak about their artwork during the League's March meeting held Thursday, March 5. Shown from left are: Jason Godeke, assistant professor of drawing and design, participating art majors Tory Utt, Brandon Brown, and Amber Erdman, and Sue O'Donnell, assistant professor of digital art. Missing from the photo is art major Nadeen Roberts. The event was at capacity. The student exhibition will remain on display in the Community Room on the second floor of City Hall in Williamsport until March 25.

Campus dining offers discount

BU Campus Dining is holding its annual survey from now until the end of March. This survey helps to define strengths and weaknesses in Campus Dining, and it's a fantastic opportunity to voice your opinion. Everyone who takes the survey will be entered to win an iPod touch, or one of two Best Buy gift cards. As a special thank you for taking the survey, if you print out the 'thank you' page of the survey, the last page seen, and bring it to Monty's on Wednesday, March 11 or 18, for Restaurant Night you will receive $2 off your entire meal. Take the survey.

Tickets on sale for International Cultural Diversity Festival

Tickets are on sale for the International Students Association Annual International Cultural Diversity Festival. The Festival, featuring international cuisine, talent shows and a fashion show, will be held Friday, March 27, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Kehr Union Ballroom. Ticket, at $10 for students and $15 for faculty and staff, are available at the International Education Office, Warren Student Services Center, room 236. For more information contact Madhav Sharma or Nayeem Islam by e-mail or phone at 389-4199.

BU takes part in LCCC education seminar

A seminar for students interested in the field of education, "What It Takes to Teach," will be held Tuesday, March 24, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Luzerne County Community College's Educational Conference Center, Nanticoke. The seminar also will be broadcast live to the LCCC Berwick Center via video conferencing.

The "What It Takes to Teach" series was developed in 2008 to provide education majors with additional information about the real world of classroom teachers and the academic and personal preparation necessary to become successful teachers.

Art exhibit in Haas

Anne Mondro and Donovan Widmer are exhibiting works in the Haas Gallery of Art on the second floor of Haas Center. The exhibit, "Being Mortal," will be installed in Haas through March 27. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and closed Sundays.

Town of Bloomsburg to hold comprehensive plan meeting

The Town of Bloomsburg will hold a public open house for the Bloomsburg Comprehensive Plan and 2008/2009 parking study on Thursday, March 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Fire Hall, Market Street. Presentations will be at 6 p.m, 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

Residents can share their concerns and wishes for the community. Topics may include the quality of housing, flood protection, business opportunities, historic preservation, making neighborhoods "greener," shuttle service to the fairgrounds, and parking. Light refreshments will be provided.

Dancers needed for 24-hour benefit

Dancers are still needed for the first 24-Hou Dance-A-Thon that will be held Saturday to Sunday, April 4 to 5, from 8 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center. The event will benefit Caring Communities for AIDS. There's still time to sign up. There will be more than $3,000 in prizes. For more Information please contact Marcei Woods.

Open Mic Night

An Open Mic Night will be held Friday, March 27, at 8 p.m. in the Kehr Union Fireside Lounge. Performers must sign-up by Wednesday, March 25, at 4 p.m. There are only 10 spots open, and it is on a first come basis. You must sign up in advance in order to perform. A sound system will be provided, but performers must supply their own instruments. Performers must BU students, faculty or staff members. Open Mic Night is "unplugged" so full bands will not be scheduled. For the non-performers, come and watch while enjoying music and light refreshments. For more information call 389-4346.

Have you received your 2008 W2?

If you have not received your 2008 W2 in the mail, please e-mail rsawhney@bloomu.edu. Please include the mailing address where the W2 needs to be mailed, along with your first and last name, and personnel number.

Fall jobs available in residence life

Applications are now being accepted for three different positions being offered through Residence Life. Open positions include: a) Residence Life Front Desk/Card Center Assistant, b) Conference Services Assistant at Monty's and c) Mail Delivery Assistant for the Halls/Apartments. To apply, interested students need to pick up the Residence Life Student Employment Application at the Residence Life Office. All applicants must have a 2.0 overall gpa and not be on any current judicial sanction. Deadline to apply is Thursday, March 26, at 4:30 p.m. Questions regarding the positions and/or the selection process can be directed to George Kinzel.

Kids' Fun to be held March 21

SOLVE's 10th annual Kids' Fun event will be held Saturday, March 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Nelson Field House. Kids' Fun is a carnival-like event which attracts several hundred children ages 12 and under from the local community. BU students and organizations are encouraged to volunteer at booths with crafts, games or prizes. This year's theme is "Jammin' Jungle Safari."

The SOLVE Office is still in need of volunteers. For more information or to volunteer, contact the SOLVE Office at stvolser@bloomu.edu or 389-4788.

Danny Hale to speak at picnic lunch

The Supervisory Roundtable is sponsoring a talk with football coach Danny Hale on Tuesday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Alumni House, Curtis English Room. Guests can enjoy a picnic lunch and bring a covered dish to share. RSVP to Jill Bond by March 11.

Sunshine essay contest winners announced

Winners have been announced for the 2009 Sunshine Week essay contest, sponsored by the Andruss Library Government Documents Unit. Winners in the university student category are:

• 1st prize ($250): Marissa Eby, junior accounting major
• 2nd prize ($150): Tarah Moore, senior computer forensics major
• 3rd prize ($100): Robert Mark, junior finance major

Ec-Quiz winner announced

The winner of the $10 gift certificate to OIP for Week 4 of the Eco Quiz is Jessica Hodges. The correct answer to the question regarding which material that can be recycled forever is glass. The next Eco-Quiz question will be posted Wednesday.

New York City trip selling out

The seats for the Program Board bus trip to New York City on March 28 with either the Lion King or Wicked are sold out. There are still bus only seats available. Call the Info Desk at 389-3900 for updated information. The bus will depart from the Bloomsburg hospital parking lot at 7 a.m. and will depart from New York City at 8 p.m. Sign up at the Kehr Union Information Center. Hours for cash and check payments are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and hours for credit card payments (Visa and MasterCard) are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 with a B.U. ID and paid Spring '09 C.A. fee and $30 with a B.U. ID only and guests. Refunds will be processed until noon on Friday, March 20. To receive a refund, you must bring your receipt to the Student Activities Office in the Kehr Union Building.

Apps accepted for math, science camps

Applications are being accepted for four BU summer programs offered through the Math and Science Resource Center.

Middle- and high-school students who are interested in math and science may choose from the CSI Summer Experience, Math and Science Summer Experience or Math and Science Summer Experience for Young Women, all running from Monday to Thursday, July 13 to 16. Another camp, Exploring Emergence, will be held Mondays to Thursdays, July 6 to 9 and 13 to 16.

The early application deadline is June 1. Early applicants are guaranteed a spot in the desired program and will be notified of acceptance by June 8. Applications received from June 1 through 30 will be accepted if space permits. Fees for one-week sessions are $200 before June 1 and $250 after June 1. The Exploring Emergence program fee is $400 for early applications and $450 for applications received after June 1.

For an application or more information, contact Elizabeth Mauch, associate professor of mathematics, computer science and statistics, at emauch@bloomu.edu or 389-4103.

Supervisors selling crab cakes for Camp Victory

The Supervisory Roundtable is once again selling crab cakes to benefit the Supervisory Roundtable scholarship, Camp HERO and the Children's Museum. Orders are due to Kim Schmitz or Judy Ohl by Wednesday, March 25, with delivery on Wednesday, April 1. Cost is $6 for a box of 4.

Are You Smarter Than a College Professor?

BU's Program Board is hosting a night of "Are You Smarter Than a College Professor?" Thursday, March 19, at 9 p.m. in the Kehr Union Ballroom. The event is free and contestants will be selected by a random drawing. Tickets for the drawing may be purchased for $1 upon entering. Multiple rounds will be played and the top prize for each game is $150. Only BU students may be contestants.

Program Board general meeting

The Program Board will be having a general meeting on Wednesday, March 18, at 9 p.m. in the Kehr Union Building, Multipurpose room B. The meeting is designed for all current Program Board members and those interested in joining. The agenda includes: the game show "Are You Smarter Than a College Professor?," Ballroom Blitz, Semi-Formal Dance and Siblings and Children's Weekend events. There will be free refreshments.

Retirements announced at Trustees meeting

The following actions were formalized at the Wednesday, Feb. 25, Council of Trustees meeting: Emeric Schultz, who retired as director of the honors program and a chemistry faculty member, was honored with faculty emeritus status.

The following retirements were announced: Dianne Angelo, professor, audiology and speech pathology, Jan. 2; Steven Cohen, professor, psychology, May 22; Gunther Lange, assistant professor, physics and engineering technology, May 22; Thomas Meeker, equipment operator, facilities management, Feb. 16; Geoffrey Mehl, publications director, communications office, March 1; Kathy Mulka, assistant director, admissions, Dec. 31, 2008; Bill Sponseller, fiscal technician, financial aid, Feb. 27; John Stockalis, clerk typist, admissions, Feb. 27; and Sharon Swank, teacher certification coordinator, College of Professional Studies, July 17.

Community Survey results available

A Powerpoint presentation given by President David Soltz on Feb. 25 to the Forum summarizes a Campus Community Survey and is now available for download (Powerpoint, 200k).

BU Trustees endorse Middle Level Degree Program

BU's Council of Trustees endorsed a bachelor's degree program for teachers of fourth through eighth graders during the Feb. 25 meeting. In his presentation to the Trustees, Charles Starkey, chair of the early childhood and elementary education department, said the certification addresses a Pennsylvania Department of Education requirement. Pending approval from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors, BU will offer the Bachelor of Science in Education in middle level education.

Have you received your 2008 W2?

If you have not received your 2008 W2 in the mail, please email rsawhney@bloomu.edu. Please include the mailing address where the W2 needs to be mailed, along with your first and last name.

BU in week five of RecycleMania contest

BU is in the 5th week of the 10 week nation-wide RecycleMania contest, which encourages colleges to compete to recycle the most waste per person. Right now we are 266th out of 287 colleges participating in the country and 28th out of 30 in Pennsylvania. We recycle only .61 pounds of cumulative recyclables per person, which is only about 5% of our waste stream. Millersville, Bucknell, Wilkes, Susquehanna and Slippery Rock are all doing far better than we are. Let's turn it around, Bloomsburg! Recycle your paper, newspaper, cans, bottles, cardboard and magazines. Learn more about the competition.

Dining services conducting survey

Campus Dining Services is conducting a survey to better understand your campus dining preferences. By sharing your thoughts, we will gain valuable insight to help improve your overall campus dining experience. This online survey will take 5 to 10 minutes and your responses are confidential. One student from Bloomsburg University will win the iPod Touch, two second place winners will receive a Best Buy gift card. Take the survey.