Campus Master Plan: Help shape BU’s future

Have a favorite spot on campus? Have ideas on how to make them even better? How about on-campus places you know can be improved? We want to hear from you!
Planning for BU’s Campus Master Plan is underway, led by Stantec — a professional consulting firm specializing in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, etc. — with the next step focusing on what our campus community has to say about the future of the campus landscape.

Learn more. Share your thoughts

You can check out Bloomsburg Campus Plan 2013 on Facebook and follow #BUCampusPlan on Twitter for the latest and greatest updates and upcoming schedule of events. If you have a thought or idea to share and are not a Facebook or Twitter user, email Mary Prout at mprou3@bloomu.edu.

Husky Ambassadors: Take your BU experience to a new level

If you’re interested in an advanced student leadership and networking experience, then the Husky Ambassadors are for you!

What we do

• Attend Alumni Events and network with BU Alumni
• Give open house tours and usher Celebrity Artist Series
• Develop leadership skills utilized in workplace
• Participate in community service events

BU’s Husky Ambassadors have begun their Fall Recruitment, which continues through Friday. Nov. 9, by 4 p.m. Applications can be dropped off at the Fenstemaker Alumni House. Contact Nate Conroy at (570) 389-4215 for more information or with any questions.

Homecoming 2012: Through your eyes!

Bloomsburg University celebrated homecoming weekend with more than an estimated 1,200 alumni returning to campus to participate in activities held throughout Saturday, Oct. 13, joining close to 10,000 current Huskies unleashing Husky Spirit.

Winners for our Homecoming competitions

Homecoming Queen: Anna DiBerardinis, sponsored by Student Nurses' Association
Homecoming King BryanPoepperling, sponsored by Orientation Workshop Leaders

Banner: Husky Ambassadors

Residence Hall Window Painting

First Place - Luzerne Hall
Second Place - North Hall
Third Place - Montour Hall
Fourth Place - Columbia Hall

Non-Float Parade Entries

First Place - BU Players/Alpha Psi Omega
Second Place - North Hall
Third Place - Lycoming Hall

Parade Floats

First Place - Supervisory Roundtable
Second Place - Delta Epsilon Beta, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Phi Sigma Sigma
Third Place - Theta Tau Omega, Kappa Sigma
Fourth Place - Alpha Sigma Tau, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Delta Pi, Beta Sigma Delta

Award-winning horror movie writer, director visits campus, screens film

Come join Larry Fessenden writer, producer, director, actor and CEO of NYC Independent Film Studio, Glass Eye Pix on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. for a roundtable discussion. The roundtable is open to all students.

Fessenden was the winner of the 1997 Someone to Watch Spirit Award, and a nominee for the 2010 Piaget Spirit Award for producing. He is also the writer, director and editor of the award-winning art-horror trilogy Habit (nominated for two Spirit Awards), Wendigo and No Telling. His recent film, The Last Winter (nominated for a 2007 Gotham Award for best ensemble cast), premiered at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival and was distributed through IFC. Fessenden directed Skin and Bones for NBC TV's horror anthology Fear Itself. He wrote the screenplay with Guillermo del Toro of Orphanage, an Englishlanguage remake of El Orfanato.

Fessenden was awarded the 2007 Sitges Film Festival Maria Award for his work as a producer, actor, and director in genre film, and he won the 2009 Golden Hammer Award for "being such an inspiring force in the industry." In 2011, Fessenden was inducted into the "Fangoria Hall of Fame" and was honored by the UK's Total Film as an Icon of Horror during the Frightfest Film Festival.

A screening of his award winning horror film “The Last Winter” will be shown at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. Both the discussion and the screening will take place in 004 SSC. Contact John Barrett, assistant professor of developmental instruction, at (570) 389-4435 for details.

Join us for a conversation on Judaism

Rabbi Nina H. Mandel will discuss some of the fundamental principles of Judaism, and what it means to be Jewish, on Monday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in McCormick Center 1303. In addition, Mandel will hold a workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. in McCormick 1316 exploring how the changing visions of the Zionist movement over the last century have impacted the struggle for an independent Palestinian state. Mandel leads Congregation Beth El in Sunbury. She is a member of Rabbis for Human Rights and teaches courses on Judaism and Jewish Philosophy and Ethics. She has lived and studied in Israel. Mandel's discussion, which is open free to the public, is sponsored by the College of Liberal and the Middle East Studies Minor, as well as the Protestant Campus Ministry.

LGBTA Conference presents Ben Singer

ZIPD: A slice of business life

Where can you find nearly 50 alumni sharing their business expertise and insights with current students? From owners and CEOs to presidents and CFOs, successful alumni return to campus as presenters for the second annual Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD) Business Conference on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 11 and 12, in the recently renovated Sutliff Hall. Sessions on topics such as personal branding, professionalism, entrepreneurship, leadership, job interviews and building a career continue today.

Join the conversation on Twitter at #ZIPD12

ZIPD provides students with the extra tools and skills needed to discover their true career interests and become successful professionals. Learn more about ZIPD, including a story describing how a current student’s accounting career is getting a head start, thanks to a connection with alumnus Mark Thomas, a partner in KPMG.

Do you like volunteering? Making a difference?

Join the new campus organization, Student United Way. The first membership meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 5, in Bakeless 204 at 2:30 p.m. All students are welcome. If you have any questions contact the Student United Way president at brittinyuw@yahoo.com.

United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. We envision a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives. @Bloomu_SUW

Career Road Trip: Take your career prep to a whole new level!

Meet BU alumni who are working in your field of study, such as speech-language pathology and information technology management, on Thursday, Nov. 8, at Good Shepherd Rehab Network Health and Technology Center in Allentown. A student trip is being organized by the Alumni Affairs office. Limited seats available. Trip is free to students. Sign up by Monday, Nov. 5, at www.bloomualumni.com/RoadTrip to reserve your seat.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network (GSRN) helps adults and children overcome their physical and cognitive challenges and achieve their maximum potential. GSRN is a nationally recognized rehabilitation network, offering a continuum of post-acute care for people with disabilities. Founded in 1908 by The Rev. John H. Raker and his wife, D. Estella Raker, as a home for children with disabilities and the elderly, GSRN today offers adult and pediatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for conditions ranging from joint replacements to stroke, and from infant feeding problems to neurological vision problems.

Contact Nate Conroy at (570) 389-4215 for more information about the Career Road Trip.

Boost your resume: Be named one of the best among PASSHE seniors

Twisted fairytales overtake upper campus

BU’s annual Haunted Husky Hollow will be held Thursday, Oct. 25, and Friday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Quest woods on upper campus. With a tour guide, groups will make their way through the "Twisted Fairytales" of the Halloween season every 10 to 12 minutes. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Trick or Treat for UNICEF fund. Free hot chocolate and hot apple cider will be served.

Haunted Husky Hollow is open to the general public. For kids under 13, a special Kids Activity Area will be available with free treats! Shuttle service will drop campus students off at the woods. Local patrons may park in the Orange Lot for free. Haunted Husky Hollow is sponsored by Residence Life. Contact George Kinzel at (570) 389-4307 for more information or with any questions.

Absentee Ballots for the upcoming General Election

As you may already know, the General Election is fast approaching and will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6. For those of you who wish to vote but are registered outside Columbia County, you must complete an Absentee Ballot. First, you must already be a registered voter. You may check your registration at Votespa.com. Second, you must complete an Absentee Ballot Request Form and send it to the county election office where you are registered. This request must be received no later than the Tuesday before the election by 5 p.m.; so it must be received by Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Once your request is accepted, that county office will mail you a ballot to the address written on the ballot request form. Fill out the ballot and mail it to the same county election office that sent you the ballot. Absentee Ballots must be received by no later than Friday November 2nd to be counted for the election. Information on voting and Absentee Ballots can be found at Votespa.com or Absentee Ballot Request Form. Individuals who vote by Absentee Ballot cannot vote on campus in the Kehr Union Building.

Podcast Series: From cell phones to textbooks

How hard is it to balance the use of cell phones, any technology for that matter, with opening up a textbook to study? Robert Marande, dean of the College of the Science and Technology, answers this quandary, as well as sheds light on how students can better handle the addictive nature of technology. Yes, even texting with a friend relating to coursework or an upcoming mid-term is not considered effective studying, according to Marande.
 

New horizons for PASSHE with Act 132

Chancellor John Cavanaugh visited campus on Tuesday, Oct. 16, to discuss the benefits of the New Higher Education Modernization Law (Act 132). Prior to the enactment of the new legislation, a PASSHE university could market intellectual property created by a PASSHE employee, including faculty and student-workers, using an arrangement with the Penn State Research Foundation to provide technology licensing assistance. Under Act 132 new avenues have been created for the commercialization of products and inventions. Universities are now permitted to enter into license agreements (for the production, distribution and sale of faculty-invented intellectual property) with a company owned by the faculty-inventor or staff-inventor or a company that employs the faculty or staff inventor.

How is this new?

The State Adverse Interest Act previously prohibited any “agreement” between the university and its employees. Act 132 specifically allows economic development agreements between the university and employees. Other agreements between the university and an employee that do not qualify as economic development transactions continue to be prohibited by the State Adverse Interest Act.

Gender Studies film series features ‘Bread and Tulips’

The foreign film series sponsored by BU's Gender Studies minor continues with “Bread and Tulips” on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in McCormick Center 2303. The six-film series, which will run through November, focuses on women’s lives abroad and cover a wide range of issues. The series is meant to show women’s perspectives of the positive and negative situations they encounter, including violence, unhappiness and sex trafficking.

Bread and Tulips, an Italian film, follows a frustrated middle-aged mother who takes a vacation from her family and hitchhikes to Venice, where she falls in love with a lonely, suicidal Icelandic poet and rediscovers joy for life.

While gender issues are the obvious focus of the series, Ferdâ Asya, associate English professor and director of the Gender Studies minor stressed that these films appeal to an array of interests. She said each picture will be introduced and the context of the movie will be explained. The series is free and open to the public.

Husky Nation road trip to Shippensburg

Don’t miss out on this next leg of the journey to the PSAC Football Title Game. Our Bloomsburg University Huskies (8-0, 5-0 PSAC), ranked No. 4 in the nation, face the No. 10 Shippensburg University Red Raiders (8-0, 5-0 PSAC) at Seth Grove Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. Winner earns a berth in the conference championship game. Let’s bring a collective Redman Stadium #OhYea to Ship!

A student fan bus is scheduled to make the trip, leaving Elwell Hall at 10 a.m. Save your seat by signing up at KUB 428 this week for $3 with paid Fall '12 Community Activities fee and $5 without. The fan bus is available to current BU students only.

Game on! A new season of intramurals is about to begin

Another season of intramurals is about to hit the court with registration now open for basketball and co-ed volleyball. BU’s Department of Intramurals offers two divisions — competitive and recreational — for each sport, so there’s something for all talent and commitment levels.

Basketball leagues plays seven to eight games over four weeks. Single elimination playoff will follow regular season. Number of games may changed depending on the number of teams registered. Play begins Monday, Oct. 29, with all games played at the Student Recreation Center.

Six-on-six co-ed volleyball teams consist of no more than three men and no less than three women alternating in the rotation on the court. There are seven to eight games played over four weeks. Single elimination playoff will follow regular season. Number of games may change depending on the number of teams registered. Play begins Wednesday, Oct. 31, with all games played at the Student Recreation Center.

Contact intramurals at (570) 389-5289 for more information. Registration online!

Statistical analysis to predict largest possible future flood in Bloomsburg

BU’s Department of Mathematics Seminar Series presents Reza Noubary, professor of mathematics, computer science and statistics, who will discuss “Hazard Assessment of Bloomsburg Floods” on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 3:30 p.m. in Hartline G40. Noubary says floods continue to be the most frequent and damaging natural disaster in Pennsylvania, having caused many emergencies both in state and federal levels. In recent years flooding has become a problem of even more concern in areas such as Bloomsburg.

For example, Noubary says the flood of 2011 showed despite all the preparations the extreme floods can occur in this part of Pennsylvania and could result in significant damages. Recognizing this, historical floods are studied and investigated by both experts and the authorities and as a result many lessons are learned and recommendations are made to lower their negative effects. Noubary plans to present a statistical analysis of Bloomsburg floods with a view towards their use in hazard assessment. Some new methods will be introduced and their relevance to hazard assessment of floods will be discussed. The methods will be applied to Bloomsburg historical flood data. His analysis includes estimation of the largest possible future flood in Bloomsburg.

Examining connection between natural gas and “America Democracy”

Wendy Lee, professor of philosophy, will continue the College of Liberal Arts’ Institute for Culture and Society’s special lecture series with "The Crisis of American Democracy and Why Hydraulic Fracturing Epitomizes It: Profiteering and the Good American," on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m. in Andruss Library’s Schweiker Room.

Lee promises to argue of all the potential crises which threaten to undermine “America Democracy,” the one which poses the greatest and most existential danger is the rise of the “shale play” — the rise of horizontal, slickwater, hydraulic fracturing for shale-bound natural gas. Lee says the threat posed to clean water, breathable air, private property, public lands (including state university campuses), and community integrity by some of the nation’s biggest industries (Exxon, Shell-Mobil, Chevron) is well-established. In her public lecture, Lee will argue such corporations appeal to the patriotic predisposition and sentiment of "the good American" to effectively extort consent despite their demonstrable paucity of interest in prioritizing American economic needs.

TV host, national columnist visits campus

Keith Boykin, a commentator for MSNBC, CNBC and CNN, will present “For Colored Boys: Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Isn’t Enough” at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, at the KUB Multicultural Center. Boykin is a host of the BET television show My Two Cents, a New York Times best-selling author of three books, and a frequent political commentator on CNN.

Educated at Dartmouth and Harvard, he attended law school with U.S. Senator Barack Obama and served in the White House as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton. He is a veteran of six political campaigns, including two presidential campaigns, and he was named one of the top instructors when he taught political science at American University in Washington. Boykin’s visit is presented by the LGBTA and Office of Multicultural Affairs.

BUSTED presents, "Mid-Semester Twists"

BUSTED will present their Halloween show, Episode # 53, entitled “Mid-Semester Twists” on Monday, Oct. 22 at 9 p.m. in the KUB Ballroom. BUSTED is an ongoing musical comedy series about college life. Relax and enjoy the Glee Club’s performance of exciting musical numbers, relationship drama and brand new puppet theater! This performance is sponsored by residence life and admission is free. Doors open for the audience at 8:45 p.m.

BUSTED is an ongoing musical comedy series sponsored by residence life about college life. The show follows the adventures of a group of BU students live on stage as they work through various life issues.

Carving an international niche into the fall season

BU’s student chapter of Global Awareness Society International is hosting a Pumpkin Carving Festival on Sunday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Columbia Hall Living and Learning Communities room. Sit back, relax and get into the fall spirit with BU’s international and foreign exchange students. Coffee, tea, cookies and light snacks will be offered along with the pumpkin carving. Contact Mark Usry, associate professor of business law and student GASI advisor, at (570) 389-4796.

GASI is recognized as a regional agent of change for advancing cross-cultural understanding, sensitivity to the impact of globalization on the planet, and promotion of partnerships between educational institutions, business and non-government organizations (NGOs) to solve world issues.

FOCUS ministry visits campus

BU’s Office of Minority Affairs is hosting Martin Harris, Sr., pastor of F.O.C.U.S. Young Adult Ministry at Bethel Deliverance International in Philadelphia for an on-campus church visit on Sunday, Oct. 21, at 10:45 a.m. in the KUB Multicultural Center. Free breakfast at 10:30 a.m. Come be part of the service! There will be a shuttle bus to pick up students who live on upper campus from 9:45 to 11 a.m. Contact Marcei Woods at (570) 389-4091 for more information.

A close up look at the Amish and Mennonite communities

“Close-Up: The Amish and Mennonites of the Central Susquehanna Valley, A Photo Essay” by BU faculty emeritus Gary Clark will be featured in the fall program hosted by the Friends of the Bloomsburg University Library Association (FOBULA). The campus community and public are invited to attend on Sunday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. in Andruss Library’s Schweiker Room. Parking is free and light refreshments will be provided.

Let's continue to make strides against breast cancer

Registration has begun for BU’s 10th Annual Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run fundraiser, which will be held on Sunday, Oct. 21, stepping off at 1 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center. Pre-register for $20 at the Multicultural Center, KUB 229, by Wednesday, Oct. 17 or register for $25 the day of the event, starting at 11 a.m.

All proceeds benefit Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. For the past eight years, the walk has raised an average of $8,000 to $10,000 a year. Contact Madelyn Rodriquez at (570) 389-4510 for more information.

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition is the source of action and information for women in this state with breast cancer. Through its statewide outreach and education programs, its legislative victories, and vast patient resources, the coalition is “one stop shopping” for both the newly-diagnosed and the long-term survivor.

Body image expert visits campus

Robyn Silverman, an award-winning writer, will present, “Media Masquerade: 10 Ways Media Impacts Girls, Women Body Esteem and Confidence,” on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in the KUB Multicultural Center. Silverman is known for her no-nonsense, yet positive approach to helping young people. Her ground-breaking research at Tufts University on young women is the foundation for her new book, “Good Girls Don’t Get Fat: How Weight Obsession Is Messing Up Our Girls & How We Can Help Them Thrive Despite It.” Her visit is sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center.

Homecoming: The Warren Asian Art Collection

Something interesting for BU alums coming back to campus this weekend to check out. Robert 'Doc' Warren, professor emeritus who passed away in July 2010, gave the university a collection of more than 600 items of Asian art. A selection of more than five dozen works from the collection is on on display in the Warren Student Services Center central atrium. The exhibit includes sculptures of chinese guardian lions or ShiShi (above), the goddess Guanyin (also called Kannon), dragon sculptures, and ceramics.

Warren maintained a close relationship with the university even after retirement as he continued to advise Sigma Iota Omega, the social fraternity he founded. His gift of $1 million to the BU Foundation was one of the largest. He also endowed numerous scholarships at the university. He taught at BU from 1964 to 1983, was made an honorary BU alumnus in 1995, and the Warren Student Services Center was named in his honor in 2005.

Homecoming King and Queen Finalists

Finalists for Homecoming Queen and King were announced Wednesday morning. Seated (L-R): Nina Hingston, Lauren Whiteko, Evelyn Guzman, Anna DiBerardinis and Megan Lazicki. Standing: Bryan Poepperling, Alex St. John, George Petropoulox, Tom Kelly and Drew Schrock.

Help shape BU’s future

Have a favorite spot on campus? Have ideas on how to make them even better? How about on-campus places you know can be improved? We want to hear from you! Planning for BU’s Campus Master Plan is underway, led by Stantec — a professional consulting firm specializing in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, etc. — with the next step focusing on what students have to say about the future of the campus landscape. An open student focus group will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the KUB Multicultural Center. All students are invited and encouraged to attend — or just stop in for a few minutes — to provide feedback and comments concerning campus facilities, specifically what should be in a new potential student union building. Why wait? Join the discussion now!

Gender Studies film series features ‘Entre Nous’

The foreign film series sponsored by BU's Gender Studies minor continues with “Entre Nous” on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. in McCormick Center 2303. The six-film series, which will run through November, focuses on women’s lives abroad and cover a wide range of issues. The series is meant to show women’s perspectives of the positive and negative situations they encounter, including violence, unhappiness and sex trafficking.

While gender issues are the obvious focus of the series, Ferdâ Asya, associate English professor and director of the Gender Studies minor stressed that these films appeal to an array of interests. She said each picture will be introduced and the context of the movie will be explained. The series is free and open to the public.

Pick a major, pick a minor ...

All students are invited to attend the 2012 Majors and Minors Fair on Thursday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in KUB Multipurpose B. This event allows student to explore the majors and minors offered at BU. This is a great opportunity for undeclared students trying to find a major and for students looking for a new major or minor. Refreshments will be served.

First Lady Corbett hosts poetry reading

Jerry Wemple, a professor of English, along with students Melanie Simms and David Bauman will take part in The Commonwealth Poetry Reading takes place at noon on Thursday, Oct. 11, in the East Wing Rotunda of the state capital building in Harrisburg. First Lady Susan Corbett is scheduled to introduce the readers. Joining them will be Marjorie Maddox, director of the Creative Writing program at Lock Haven University, and Nathaniel Gadsden, the former poet laureate of Harrisburg. The readings will feature poetry celebrating the places of the Keystone State. Wemple and Maddox co-edited a poetry anthology entitled “Common Wealth: Contemporary Poets on Pennsylvania.”

Wemple, a regional native, has published two collections of poetry. Among his awards are the Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Prize, the Word Journal Chapbook Prize, and a Fellowship in Literature from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Simms is a senior creative writing major who lives in Sunbury. A nontraditional student, Simms has published more than 160 poems in magazines, journals, and newspapers. She is the author of the poetry collection “Waking the Muse.” She is the recipient of numerous awards for poetry including a Sophie Award, A Vermont Writer’s Studio Scholarship, and a finalist in the Richard Savage Award from Bloomsburg University. She served with distinction as Poet Laureate of Perry County.

David Bauman grew up in Lock Haven and now lives in Northumberland. He completed his studies for bachelor's in English and will be awarded his degree in December. His was twice a recipient of the Savage Poetry Award.

Wemple and Maddox will also read at 7 p.m. that evening at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg. The reading will be recorded for podcast by WITF-FM, the local PBS affiliate.

Activist to discuss Native American justice

Suzan Shown Harjo, a poet, journalist and activist for Native American rights and culture, will present “Justice For All; Except for Native American People” at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the KUB Multicultural Center. Harjo is president of The Morning Star Institute, a non-profit cultural rights and arts advocacy group; served on the Native American Policy Committee for Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and as an Advisor to the Transition in 2008-2009; and is currently the Guest Curator and General Editor for the National Museum of the American Indian’s upcoming exhibit and publication on Treaties.

Harjo has dedicated her life to help Indigenous people but knew in totality she could do very little; however she did make great strides on issues like gaming and repatriation. Her advice was with negative energy people can make a change, because everyone can do something about something and she suggested that we started by dedicating the work that we do to those who had so much promise but had passed away. When taking on causes we must be aware that enemies we never knew existed will try to stop us and this must be met with courage and eliminating our own vulnerability. Harjo’s visit is presented by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Housing policy expert to discuss homelessness

Steve Berg, vice president for programs and policy, National Alliance to End Homelessness, will speak on National Best Practices for Building a Homeless System from the Ground Up, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the KUB Multipurpose Room. His talk will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Theresa Singleton from Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and Jane Vincent, regional administrator, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and featuring Martha Hanson, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Ed Geiger, Department of Community and Economic Development; and Bryce Maretzki, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

The program is open to anyone interested in issues associated with homelessness. Berg’s visit is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, American Democracy Project, SOLVE Office, and Center for Community Research and Consulting, Columbia Montour County Homeless Task Force, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, First Columbia Bank and Trust, First Keystone Community Bank, and Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania.

Hey seniors, help us make history!

Please join us at Redman Stadium dressed in your favorite BU attire on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 3:30 p.m. for a senior class group photo. This photo will be used on the cover of the 2012-13 Obiter Yearbook, so we’re hoping to capture as many of you as we can get! Every graduating senior receives a free yearbook compliments of CGA the year they graduate, so why not make the cover!

All you need to do is arrive at Redman Stadium between 3:15 to 3:25 p.m. and head to the home side, there will be members of the yearbook staff and CGA there to help direct you if needed. The photo(s) are to be taken promptly at 3:30 p.m. If you have questions regarding the shoot please contact the Obiter Adviser at (570) 389-4465 or obiteradv@bloomu.edu prior to the event. We hope you can join us!

We know what you did last summer ... well, we want to

We want to hear your story! Do something fun on summer break? Travel somewhere special this past summer? Or maybe you just worked all summer ... we still want to hear from you Please take a brief survey and share your summer experience for the upcoming yearbook.

Victim's rights advocate to tell her story

Liz Seccuro, victim’s rights activist and author, will present “My Story: The Journey from Sexual Assault Victim to Survivor to Activist,” on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. in the KUB Ballroom. Engaging and wry, Seccuro puts a riveting but hopeful face on the devastating crime of rape and its aftermath without sparing any of the ugly details, so that others may come to “know” her a friend. Seccuro is a victim’s rights advocate and spends time lobbying for important legislation to help support sexual assault victims in the United States. She also founded STARS (Sisters Together Assisting Rape Survivors) to help fund programs assisting rape victims and their families who are seeking justice and looking to heal their mind, body and soul. Her visit is sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center.

A conversation on school budgeting and finances

Thomas Starmack’s School Law and Finance class will be hosting a panel discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 9, with a local school superintendent, a business manager, and either a school board member or administrator who will be discussing the budgetary process of school finances with a focus on internal and external factors that impact budgetary decisions. The panel will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in McCormick 1316 and is open to other classes on a first come first serve basis. There will be approximately 50 seats available.

Starmack, associate professor of educational studies and secondary education, will facilitate the panel with the following structure:

• The panel will give an overview (45 to 60 minutes) of the PK-12 Budgetary process, including internal and external factors that impact budgetary decisions.
• The second hour will be Q&A from the audience with Starmack’s students having the first questions, as this is essential to our course objectives.
• Then the floor will be opened for additional questions.

If you are interested, contact ksw50074@huskies.bloomu.edu with your name, class, and number of students. Once we reach the 50 seat capacity, reservations will be closed.

This is not for students to ask about their chances of getting a job based on school finances, but rather to gain a deeper understanding on the budgetary process and factors that are considered to make difficult and creative budget decisions.

Does diagnostic testing work? BU professor reveals surprising answer

Reza Noubary, professor of math, computer science and statistics, will present “Do Diagnostic Tests Do What They Are Supposed To Do?” at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, in Andruss Library's Schweiker Room. Noubary will discuss how often do diagnostic tests detect the presence or absence of medical conditions or drug use? In some cases, the answer to this question surprises both doctors and the patients, according to Noubary. The presentation, sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts’ Institute for Culture and Society, is open to the public free of charge. Refreshments will be served.

A conversation on Islam

Engy Abdelkader, vice president of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights and legal Fellow with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, will present, “Islam: Popular Myths and Misconceptions,” on Monday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. in McCormick 1303. Abdelkader, an award-winning attorney and scholar, will also lead a campus workshop on the U.S. Constitution and Shari’ah from 3 to 5 p.m. in McCormick 1316. Her presentation is open free to the public. This is the first of several talks on world religions this academic year. Abdelkader’s visit is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, Middle East Studies Minor and Protestant Campus Ministry.

Husky Nation heading to Millersville!

Even though the nationally ranked BU Huskies football team hits the road this weekend to face Millersville University, we have room for Husky Nation to join the convoy on Saturday, Oct. 6, with a fan bus. Seats only available for current BU students or a guest of a student. Tickets — $3 with BU student ID and paid Fall ’12 CA fee and $5 with BU student ID and guests — are available at the Community Activities Office in KUB 428 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Students must sign up before noon on Thursday, Oct. 4. Game tickets are not included. Bus departs from Elwell Hall at 10 a.m. #DefendTheCup

Diversity educator says “Be the Change”

Jessica Pettitt, who has worked in nearly every area of student affairs before becoming the diversity educator your family warned you about, will be on campus Monday, Oct. 1, for a workshop on “Gender This!” at 4 p.m. in Columbia Hall and a public lecture on “Be the Change” at 7 p.m. in the KUB Multicultural Center. Her visit is sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence.

Nominated for two years by Campus Activities Magazine for Best Diversity Artist, and Hot Pick for 2011, Pettitt’s programs are direct, customized, and highly interactive. Her workshops, trainings, and keynotes take participants on a journey weaving together politics, theory, current events, and storytelling with large doses of humor reminiscent of George Carlin and Wanda Sykes. Participants will be laughing, and she promises no drum circles, guilty tears, or finger pointing. This will be a highly interactive program that will leave participants with actual action steps to make real change in their lives.

Team up to “Save Second Base”

Let’s get outside and have fun on the diamond, and why not raise some money for a great cause in the process! A co-ed softball tournament will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, on the student recreational fields on upper campus, benefitting the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. There will be a minimum donation of $100 per team with an unlimited number of players. However, each team must have four female players on the field at one time.

An award will be given to the first place team. The event is being organized by the Multicultural Center, Department of Intramural Sports and the Student Recreation Center. Registration is due by Wednesday, Oct. 3, to the Multicultural Center in the Kehr Union Building. Tournament is open to everyone. Contact Tony Dreckman at (570) 389-5289 for more information, including if you want to play but don’t have a team.

Wanna go Greek?

Come and join us for a showcase of our culturally based social Greeks organizations for a night of food, fun, and information on how to join. Meet the Greeks Night will be on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. in Multipurpose-A and will include a panel discussion and information from current members.

The life-long friendships you will make through your chapter can last into post-college years. Membership in a chapter can be a life-long experience. Joining now is really an investment in your future. Wherever a member ends up after college, chances are he/she will be able to find an alumni chapter or other members of their fraternity or sorority in the area. In addition, Greeks have national networks for its members that could be helpful in finding jobs or internships. Call Greek Life at (570) 389-4997 for more information or with any questions.

BUSTED to present “Game Changers”

BUSTED will present Episode 53, entitled, “Game Changers” on Monday, Oct. 1, at 9 p.m. in the KUB Ballroom. Doors open at 8:45 p.m. BUSTED is an ongoing musical comedy series about college life. Meet the new and returning cast as they kick off their 12th season with brand new storylines and musical performances. This event is sponsored by Residence Life and admission is free.

BU recognized as a Phi Kappa Phi Chapter of Merit

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines — recently recognized BU's chapter of Phi Kappa Phi as a Chapter of Merit. The award is given to chapters that excel in recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others. The Chapter of Merit distinction is a part of the Society’s Chapter Recognition Program, which acknowledged 73 chapters with recognition this year, including 54 as a Chapter of Merit. Thirty-two chapters received chapter recognition in 2011.

“The sharp rise in the number of chapters that have achieved recognition this year is impressive. It shows our chapters aspire to live Phi Kappa Phi's mission to recognize academic excellence, starting on their own campuses,” said Society Executive Director Mary Todd. “Chapter officers are volunteers with a deep commitment to Phi Kappa Phi — they are to be commended for their tireless effort on behalf of students.”

By receiving the Chapter of Merit distinction, the Bloomsburg University chapter is recognized as a thriving organization that meets frequently, holds annual initiations and applies frequently for Phi Kappa Phi’s select scholarships, grants and fellowships.

"The faculty, staff and student members of the Bloomsburg University Phi Kappa Phi chapter were honored to receive a 2012 Phi Kappa Phi Chapter of Merit Award,” said Chapter President Michael C. Hickey. “The chapter's members and officers are proud of the chapter's long and distinguished record of achievements, and we look forward to developing and expanding Phi Kappa Phi’s contributions to the BU campus and community."

Chapters achieving the Chapter of Merit distinction receive:

• a commendation letter from the Society sent to chapter officers and campus administration
• special recognition on the Society’s website and publications
• specially designed logo for use in chapter communications
• recognition advertisements in local media and educational journals
• $100 award

Student teaching, clinical work, practicum or internship this fall?

Are you taking a course that requires a service learning experience or some other experiential project? Are you engaged in community outreach or volunteer work on your own or with a student club or organization? Located in the SOLVE office, the BU Toy Library is here to support your academic work, professional development, and personal interactions with individuals of all developmental ages and abilities.

The BU Toy Library is the first-of-its-kind play and literacy resource center in Central Pennsylvania. It serves professionals and paraprofessionals within our community as well as BU faculty, staff and students who are engaged in activities such as, but not limited to:

• volunteer work
• service learning
• internship and practicum
• teaching
• clinical work

Visit us in SSC 224 to see how we have grown into a play and literacy resource center through the support of several internal and external awards including a Presidential Strategic Planning Grant.

Former neo-Nazi turns away from hate

T.J. Leyden, considered one of the nation’s most powerful spokespersons for tolerance, will present, “Turning Away from Hate,” on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. in the KUB Ballroom. After 15 years as a neo-Nazi white supremacist activist and recruiter, Leyden experienced a profound change of heart, turned away from hate and began teaching tolerance. Today he works for the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles as a member of their anti-hate task force and has been featured in Time Magazine, an episode of CBS’s 48 Hours and several episodes of the Gangland series on the History Channel. His visit is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence and Greek Affairs.

Fulbright scholar discusses research

Olivia A.T. Frimpong Kwapong, a visiting scholar in BU’s political science department, will present, “Gendered Factors for Literacy Education,” on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in McCormick 2303. She will discuss the driving forces for women in a developing African country. Kwapong’s research and teaching interests have been enriched through knowledge-sharing with the academic and public policy communities in Ghana and internationally. Her teaching, research, outreach and publications have focused on education of women, urbanization, governance and the use of information technology for women’s empowerment and poverty reduction. Her presentation, including following reception, is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Phi Kappa Phi.

Campus joins EPA air testing system

Bloomsburg University has been selected by the state and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to close the gap in the state’s radioactive air monitoring system. A RedNet Air Monitoring System was installed on top of the Andruss Library on Oct. 11. The station uses air filters collected and sent to the EPA by BU staff and student assistants to test the air for radioactivity. It will be one of about 130 across the nation and the final one installed in Pennsylvania, ensuring that all areas across the state are being tested.

BU volunteers lend hand to local 211 launch

Pennsylvania recently introduced its first 211 service. This is a service much like 911 or 411 where a caller can call toll free to find out about social services. For example, someone experiencing domestic violence can dial 211 and find out about temporary shelters in their area, long term programs to help them with their mental and physical needs as well as economic and/or employment needs. The line operates 24 hours per day seven days per week.

Making the 211 service operational was a very large endeavor because it requires contacting all service providers, creating a listing of every program they offer including details such as hours of operation, eligibility requirements, and specific services available and then matching those services to Dewey-decimal style code numbers that allow the computer system to search for specific information accurately.

For Columbia County, the SOLVE Office took the lead in learning the index system and collecting data from agencies via email, open houses, and one-on-one office visits. Jean Downing, director of the SOLVE Office, Heather Feldhaus, assistant dean for the College of Liberal Arts and director of the Center for Community Research and Consulting, and multiple graduate students — Natasha Whipple, Leann Ickes, Drew Shaner and Mary Klebon — and undergraduate students — Samantha Tew and Max Reyes — assisted with the data collection and entry.

West Nile virus still in season

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, a brain inflammation. Infected mosquitoes pass the virus onto birds, animals and people. West Nile virus cases in Pennsylvania occur primarily in the midsummer or early fall, although mosquito season is usually April to October.

It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you otherwise. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

• If possible, schedule your activities to avoid the times when mosquitoes are most active (around dawn and dusk).
• Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active.
• Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.
• Place a large fan on your deck to hinder mosquito mobility (mosquitoes are weak fliers).
• Light decks using General Electric yellow "Bug Lights" (these lights are not mosquito barriers per se, but do not attract mosquitoes as much as other incandescent lights).

Go to the CDC’s website for the latest information on the use of DEET in Insect Repellent Use and Safety.
Remember, electromagnetic and ultrasound devices and Vitamin B are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.

How to help the environment by drinking coffee

BU Dining Services/ARAMARK introduced Eco-Grounds, an environmentally and socially responsible coffee brand in the University’s Roongo’s Café, located in the Warren Student Services Center. The Eco-Grounds program was launched by California based coffee company Java City, and is an extensive line of coffees promoting a myriad of social and environmental issues, including improvement of farmers’ and workers’ standards of living, sustainable agriculture and rainforest preservation.

Roongo’s Café converted all of the locations coffee offerings to Eco-Grounds. Featured flavors include: Utopian Blend, a Fair Trade Certified full flavored brew with hearty spice and smoky aftertaste, Vanilla Bean, also a Fair Trade Certified coffee with exotic vanilla flavor and decaf Café Verde.

“We are pleased to debut Eco-Grounds on Bloomsburg’s Campus and are excited to offer students responsible coffee options that will work for environmental, economic and social betterment,” said Dave Giron, district manager of dining services.