Campus Happenings

Photo by Bruce Fox

Denise Adams of Human Resources Benefits assists employee Ron Norris in making online changes to his health and dental benefits. Employees may make changes from their home or office or may participate in one of several upcoming "outreach sessions" across campus with assistance from Human Resources Benefits staff. For a list of sessions, see the April 12 issue of the MSU News Bulletin or call 353-4434. Open enrollment runs through May 13, and changes made take effect July 1.

Marketing online learning focus of 'U' conference

The marketing of online learning courses is the topic of a three-day conference being held at MSU through April 27.

The Global Markets Working Session is a first-of-its-kind meeting bringing together marketing directors, external affairs representatives and others from universities around the country to discuss the distance education market and research issues surrounding the growing trend of online learning.

Speakers include John Middleton from World Bank, Bill Flynn from Ohio State University, John Ebersole from Boston University, Terry Hilsberg from NextEd.Com and Yong Zhao from MSU.

MSU participating units include MSU Global; College of Education; Libraries, Computing and Technology; University Outreach; and University Relations.

For more information about online learning at MSU, visit the Web at: www.vu.msu.edu/

Tree plantings set April 27 for Arbor Day

Peter Secchia, owner of Universal Forest Products Inc. in Grand Rapids, will take part in a tree-planting ceremony April 27 in celebration of his days as an MSU student.

The planting of a 20-foot autumn blaze maple from the Beaumont Nursery will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Bryan Hall where Secchia lived as a freshman. The tree is a gift from the Secchia Family Foundation.

A second tree-planting ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 27 in memory of Troy freshman Matthew Lestan, who died in a car accident over spring break. A 20-foot autumn blaze maple will be planted in his memory in front of West Wilson Hall where he was living.

"We plant trees on Arbor Day as a celebration of our efforts to bring recognition to students, alumni and families who honor the memories of loved ones or special occasions in their lives and also to beautify the MSU campus," said Frank Telewski, curator of the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum.

The public is welcome to attend the ceremonies.

English tutoring program seeks new volunteers

As she does every spring, Delia Koo is looking for tutors for the Volunteer English Tutoring Program (VETP), which offers free lessons to international students, scholars, visitors and friends of MSU.

Each year some 30 tutors, including MSU faculty, staff and retirees, volunteer to help members of MSU's international community improve their English. Most classes run only during the academic year so Koo uses the summer to gear up for the following fall.

Tutors are free to make their own arrangements regarding meeting time and class size. Although G-10 Holden Hall is reserved for VETP classes, tutors often offer class at other locations, including in their own homes.

After serving as coordinator since the program's inception, Koo is passing the leadership on to Dottie Schmidt, a longtime tutor.

Those interested in volunteering as tutors with the VETP should contact Koo at 332-1443 (after May 1) or koo@msu.edu or Schmidt at 351-2812 or schmi189@msu.edu.

MSU Museum exhibit features Islamic faith

The powerful and profound beliefs and practices in two Islamic communities are revealed in a new exhibition at the MSU Museum.

"Drinking the Word of God: Expressions of Faith and the Search for Well-Being in Two West African Communities" is on exhibit through Jan. 20, 2002, in the museum's West Gallery.

The exhibit centers on artifacts and photographs depicting daily life in Zinder, Niger, and Bondoukou, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Many of the objects are in some way related to religious study and scholarship and may be seen as expressions of faith.
Students from MSU's Museum Studies course "Museum Exhibits: Theory and Development" worked with the exhibit curators to design and produce the exhibit space.

MSU HealthTeam plays key role at Women's Expo

The 2001 Mid-Michigan Women's Expo, being held April 27-29 at the Lansing Center, will have a definite MSU feel to it.

In addition to the MSU HealthTeam being the exclusive health provider sponsor, the annual event will feature dozens of MSU health care professionals who will be on hand to offer information on topics of interest to women of all ages.

Among the topics to be covered are mammography, osteoporosis prevention, heart disease and menopause.

In addition, a separate demonstration area will offer presentations on many topics, including gentle yoga techniques, exercises and stretching.

There also will be exhibits of the latest health care technology, including digital mammography and heel machines that can read bone density.

Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 28 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 29. Tickets are $7 at the door.

For more information, call 353-5366 or visit the Web at: www.healthteam.msu.edu