INTERTRIBAL NATIVE COUNCIL
Annual Powwow, Awareness Week Events Announced
The Intertribal Native Council student group will host “We Shall Remain: Native
American Awareness Week” April 6-10 and the annual Seven Arrows Powwow April 11-12.
All events are free and open to the public.
“We Shall Remain” includes film screenings, workshops and discussions about issues relating to Native American culture. This year’s event also will include Native American Student Recruitment Day on April 10; the Intertribal Native Council is reaching out to five Idaho reservations to encourage students to learn more about thriving in higher education.
The week will wrap up with the powwow, an annual event featuring traditional music and dancing, competitions, storytelling and more. The two-day event is open to the entire community.
All “We Shall Remain” events are free. For a full list of events, click here.
GEOGRAPHY BEE
Young Students Test Their Geo Know-How at Annual Bee
Boise State is hosting the Idaho State Geographic Bee, a program of the National
Geographic Society sponsored by Google and Plum Creek, from 12:30-2 p.m. Friday
in the Special Events Center. Joining other students in grades four through eight
across the country, 100 young geography whizzes from throughout Idaho will compete
for our state’s top spot and entrance into the National Geographic Bee in Washington,
D.C., in May.
In its 21st year, the National Geographic Bee is a great motivator for students to learn about the world and a chance at significant college scholarships. Second- and third-place finishers receive $15,000 and $10,000 scholarships, respectively. First place includes a $25,000 scholarship, lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society and a geographic adventure to the Galapagos Islands with “Jeopardy!” quiz show host and 2009 bee moderator Alex Trebek and his Clue Crew.
David Wilkins, an associate professor in Boise State’s Department of Geosciences, has been involved with the Idaho National Geographic Bee for five years, two as its director. Directing again this year, he explained that the material covered is very diverse, touching on much more than maps.
“Geography is not just where things are; it’s also what they are and why. It’s the history and character of a place, its environment and politics and culture. It’s making connections between places and understanding why they are important to us. It teaches you that everything is connected in the world, because if something happens someplace, it’s geographic,” Wilkins said. “What these students have learned gearing up for this competition is a foundation they can take and run with.”
Sona Andrews, provost and vice president of academic affairs, will moderate the competition.
Think you know geography? Try a quiz.
College of Business and Economics
COBE Partners with ISBDC to Offer Support and Training
Residents of Southwest Idaho who may be interested in starting or acquiring their own business are invited to participate in free training sessions just announced by Boise State University’s College of Business and Economics and the Idaho Small Business Development Center.
The training is particularly relevant for those who have been, or may be, dislocated from their jobs, and who might want to pursue an entrepreneurial venture. The sessions will address the skills needed and the resources available to plan and run a business. In addition to the training programs, the Idaho SBDC staff will provide experienced consulting services for entrepreneurs.
The training sessions and consulting services are free. For more information, call ext. 6-3875.
read more for the full schedule
GETTING TO KNOW GOOGLE APPS
Google Rolls Out New Features
Google has added several new features in Google Apps over the past couple of weeks, including:
- Gmail Themes
- Drawing tools in Google Docs
- Find and replace toolbar in Google Docs
- Mark individual threads as unread in Gmail conversations
- Retract an e-mail message in Gmail
- Attach a Google Doc to a Google Calendar event
For information on these new features, as well as tips, tricks and information about other computing issues, see BroncoBytes, the online newsletter of the OIT Help Desk.
Using Labels in Google Apps
Labels are like “folders” in other e-mail applications, except the great thing about Labels in Gmail is the ability to attach more than one Label to individual mail items. Since Labels also function as locations to organize mail (again, like folders), this means individual message items can exist in several Labels simultaneously.
Attaching multiple Labels to individual items also obviates the need for sub-folders (also known as “nested” folders).
We’ve heard several people lament the inability to create sub-folders in Gmail. The purpose of creating sub-folders in GroupWise was to organize information contextually. Imagine having a GroupWise folder called “Classes” and sub-folders called “Spring 09,” “Fall 08,” “Summer 08,” etc. How can you replicate this filing structure in Gmail if you can’t create sub-folders?
It requires a different way of thinking. In GroupWise, items could only exist in one folder (or sub-folder). In Gmail, items can exist in multiple Label folders. So if you create a Label in Gmail called “Classes,” and then another Label called “Spring 09,” you can attach both of these Labels to an individual message. You could go one step further and create Labels for individual instructors in an area, then add each instructor’s Label to messages as appropriate.
The advantage to this is that it makes locating those messages much easier in the future. E-mail items can be cross-referenced; you can simultaneously (or individually) search the “Classes,” “Spring 09,” and instructor Labels to locate items immediately rather than clicking on each Label individually, sorting the contents and scrolling with your mouse to find information.
But,
what happens if you have dozens or hundreds of Labels? Clicking the
Labels button at the top of the Gmail mailbox window will display
an alphabetical list of your Labels that can be annoying to scroll
through. Stop
scrolling;
simply type the first letter (or first few letters) of any Label
at the top of the Labels list to only show those relevant Labels. Note that you
can also create new labels on-the-fly using this technique.
Detailed information about using Labels with Gmail, including advice on how different areas and departments on campus have incorporated Labels into their business processes, can be found on the OIT Help Desk Web site.
Next week we’ll discuss leveraging targeted searching in Gmail to use the power of Labels to instantly locate e-mails.
Meanwhile, here is a nugget of helpful information related to Gmail searches:
Q: How can I sort my Gmail inbox to only show unread messages?
A: In the search box at the top of the screen, type is:unread. If you want to view all unread messages in your account, click “All Mail” on the left side of the screen, then type is:unread.
For more Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to Google Apps for Employees, see the OIT Help Desk Web site.
Tutorials about how to use Google Apps for Employees are available online.
For any questions, issues or concerns with Google Apps for Employees, call the OIT Help Desk at ext. 6-4357, or send an e-mail to helpdesk@boisestate.edu.
Parking and Campus Safety
April Parking Update
Transportation and Parking thanks all Boise State permit holders for their cooperation during the month of March. Several events and maintenance caused lot closures to permit holders. Your understanding and assistance in using alternative parking locations was appreciated. This month there will be minimum restrictions to campus parking.
No Spring Break for Parking Staff
The Transportation and Parking staff did not take a break during spring break. Transportation and Parking Services teamed up with Facilities Operations and Maintenance and had all the parking lots swept and cleaned. All of the dirt lots were graded, removing potholes and irregularities. Please help in keeping parking lots, garages, and streets clean. Dispose of trash in any of the conveniently located trash receptacles when you are on campus. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure we can always be proud of our university.
Go Green, Get Lean
Transportation and Parking Services has teamed with Campus Recreation for the second annual Go Green, Get Lean incentive program. Leave your car at home and get moving. Ride the free bus, carpool, walk or bike. Finish the six weeks with 36 alternative one-way trips and receive a T-shirt as a reward. This program runs March 29-May 9. Registration ends Friday April 3. For details call ext. 6-1131 or visit rec.boisestate.edu/fitness/incentives.
Springtime Safety Tips:
Take extra caution this time of year as pedestrians, bicyclists and skateboarders increase in number. Motorcycle use also will increase, so be aware and look twice.
Warm weather means the return of leaves and foliage. This could obscure your vision at intersections and driveways. Use caution in these areas, as it is your responsibility to ensure the road is clear before you enter it.
Parking and Traffic Restrictions
Boise School District’s Career Fair will be held at the Taco Bell Arena April 7. More than 2,000 high school students from across the valley attend. The West Stadium general permit area will be closed to permit holders for the day. General permit holders are encouraged to take advantage of the East Stadium lot.
The Beat Coach Pete fun run will close University Drive from Lincoln Avenue to Manitou Street from 5 a.m.- 1 p.m. April 11. Limited access will be allowed on Bronco Circle and in the West Stadium lot. Parking for this event is being offered in the Lincoln Garage.
It’s time once again for the spring football scrimmage on April 17. Football fans will be parking in the Stadium lots starting at 3p.m.; kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. Parking will not be restricted to permit holders and no vehicles will have to relocate.
Several events are being held across campus on April 25 and parking will be very limited in the evening. Plan to arrive early to find a parking space and allow additional time to walk to your destination.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Maneline Dancers Tops at Nationals
The Boise State Harvey Neef Maneline Dancers took first place in the hip hop division at the USA National Collegiate Cheer and Dance Competition held in Anaheim, Calif., this past weekend. At the same competition, the Boise State Cheerleaders placed third nationally.
The Maneline Dancers’ hip hop routine was choreographed by Ajhlia Hall. Boise State faced University of Oregon, California State University Fullerton, San Diego State University and in-state rival Idaho State University in this year’s finals. They entered the final round with the highest composite score, the equivalent of being the first seed in a tournament. The team has only competed in the hip hop division for the past three years. Last year they advanced to the final round for the first time and ultimately placed fourth in the nation. Coached by Julie Stevens with the assistance of Tara Batiato, the team has won four national championships in the open dance division in past years.
“This championship is a great credit to Julie, who has now overseen six national championships between cheer and dance in her career at Boise State,” said assistant cheerleader coach Jonathan Wood. “These students work hard. Seeing that day-to-day work translate into a national championship and watching their excitement as they received their trophy is something I'll never forget.”
The Boise State cheerleaders entered the competition as the defending national champions. A strong first performance advanced them to the final round, where they squared off against Northern Kentucky University, California State University Long Beach and Loyola Marymount University. Since 2003, the cheerleaders have advanced to the final round every year, including a second-place finish in 2007 and their 2008 national championship. Their routine was choreographed by Wood. The program is also under the direction of Stevens.
UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Spring 2009 Teleconferences Continue April 8 and 17
The Provost’s office is pleased to invite you to the second session of a two-part series of the University Leadership Council’s Spring 2009 Teleconferences; six calls are scheduled from March to May, presenting selections from the ULC’s most recent research efforts.
What: “Fostering Large-Scale Multidisciplinary Research” -
Part I: Using Seed Funding Competitions to Align University and College Interests
Where: Simplot-Micron Building, Room 210
When: Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8
What: “Fostering Large-Scale Multidisciplinary Research” -
Part II: Developing Flexible Support Infrastructure
Where: Simplot-Micron Building, Room 210
When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday (please note corrected day of
the week), April 17
For details and more information, please view the brochure (note that the times listed in the brochure are EST).
For additional information, contact Sarah Johnson at ext. 6-4011 or by e-mail at SarahJohnson3@boisestate.edu
CESAR CHAVEZ WEEK
Latino/Chicano Read-In is Friday
Have a favorite Latino author you’d like to turn others on to? Attend the second annual Latino/Chicano Read-In from 11 am.-1 p.m. Friday on the Student Union Brava! Stage. The free event is part of Cesar Chavez Week.
This is a free open-mic read-in where students, faculty and staff are invited to read literary works written by Latino/a or Chicana/o authors on a variety of topics. Sign up at the event or by calling ext. 6-5950. Refreshments will be served.
If you are interested in reading, but would like ideas on texts, call Dora Ramirez-Dhoore at ext. 6-7081.
CENTER FOR IDAHO HISTORY AND POLITICS
Free Walking Tour of Civil War, Lincoln Sites is Saturday
A free walking tour of downtown Boise buildings and sites related to Abraham
Lincoln and the Civil War will be conducted by Todd Shallat, director
of the Center for Idaho History and Politics, on Saturday. The tour follows
a 2 p.m. book signing at Trip Taylor Bookseller, 210 N. 10th St., for “Lincoln
Never Slept Here: Idaho’s Lincoln Bicentennial Tour.” The book was created for
the state’s celebration of Lincoln’s 200th birthday, and explores the ties of
the nation’s 16th president to the territory he created in 1863.
HEALTH SCIENCES
Health Professions Conference is April 8
A variety of health careers that are possible through programs at Boise State will be outlined at a conference from 3:40-5:30 p.m. April 8 in Room 203 of the Interactive Learning Center.
Hosted by the College of Health Sciences, the conference will feature representatives from:
- Environmental & Occupational Health
- Health Informatics & Information Management
- Health Science Studies/Addiction Studies
- Pre-Professional Studies
- Nursing
- Radiological Sciences
- Respiratory Care
MFA READING SERIES
Poets Morrison, Sutherland and Prynne to Read in April
Poets Rusty Morrison, Keston Sutherland and J.H. Prynne will read in April as part of the Boise State MFA Reading Series. Sutherland and Prynne will read at 7:30 p.m. April 10 in the Student Union Bishop Barnwell Room. Morrison will read at 7:30 p.m. April 24 in the Student Union Jordan B Ballroom. All events are free and open to the public.
Prynne is closely associated with the British poetry revival, and is a life fellow of Gonville and Caius College at Cambridge. He has published 30 volumes of poetry, most of which have been collected in the 600-page anthology “Poems.” Prynne’s appearance at Boise State will be one of his first public readings in the United States since 1968.
Sutherland is the author of several published books of poetry, including “Hot White Andy.” He is the editor of the journal “QUID” and co-editor of Barque Press and is currently a lecturer at the University of Sussex.
Morrison’s “the true keeps calm biding its story” won the 2008 James Laughlin Award from the Academy of American Poets. It also won the 2007 Sawtooth Poetry Prize, which is awarded by Boise State’s Ahsahta Press, and the 2007 Poetry Society of America’s Alice Fay Di Castagnola Award.
Free and open to the public, the MFA Reading Series brings nationally renowned authors and poets to the Boise State campus. For more information, contact Jacob Powers at jacobpowers@boisestate.edu.
CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
Working with Refugees
Faculty members are invited to attend a session on working with refugees from 12:15-1:30 p.m. April 8 in the Center for Teaching and Learning, ILC 315.
There are important considerations for students and faculty working with refugees, many of whom arrive in Boise after fleeing their country to escape danger or persecution. Special guest presenter Marla Liscomb will discuss issues of trauma for refugees, secondary trauma for those working with refugees and how to prepare and respond.
This session is especially relevant for faculty whose students work with refugees as part of service-learning experiences. Everyone is welcome. Contact Kara Brascia at ext. 6-2380 for more information.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
‘Direct Democracy’ Tour, Workshop on Campus April 14-15
“Direct Democracy,” a nationwide performance tour and workshop series, will be on campus April 14-15. “Direct Democracy” is presented by Student Activities and is free and open to the public.
A 90-minute performance featuring poems, songs, monologues and narrative essays will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on April 14 in the Student Union Jordan C Ballroom. A follow-up workshop with performers Jared Paul and B. Dolan will be from noon-1 p.m. on April 15 in the Student Union Farnsworth Room.
Paul and Dolan are well respected on the slam poetry circuit and use their performances and workshops to examine the role of responsible citizens in a functioning democracy. For more information about “Direct Democracy,” call Charlie Varland at ext. 6-2224 or charlievarland@boisestate.edu.
HRS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Budget Workshops Announced
Human Resource Services Employee Learning and Development announces the following sessions open to all faculty and staff on campus. Register online or e-mail HREmployeeLandD@boisestate.edu.
What: FY10 Local Budget Procedures Training
When: 10:30 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, April 7 or 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April
8
Where: Academic Technologies (SMITC) 210
Presenter: Irene Pedraza
This workshop will cover:
What is a local budget?
Why do a local budget?
Changes to local budget template
Timeline and due date
Note: This session excludes auxiliary self-supporting departments. For questions
about auxiliary departments, contact Barry Burbank at ext. 6-2575.
HRS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
Liberty Mutual Drop-in Sessions on April 7
Receive a $10 Walmart gift card for stopping by the Brink Room in the Student Union Building between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 7 for a free home and/or auto insurance rate quote. You also may call a Liberty Mutual representative at 323-7755 and mention client No. 110681. Liberty Mutual premiums can be paid through payroll deduction.
Cheryl
Larabee, Brenda Haight and Lynne
Barnes, University Advancement, formed
the winning team in the recent Walking Rally sponsored by Health,
Wellness and Counseling. The team was the first to identify and
photograph several sites on campus within a one-hour time limit.