SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Professional Development Volunteer Opportunities with GSC & MGN

Creating The New Edition: Guide to Graduate Student Life

Add your wisdom to "The Guide" for future grads! We need:

editors
writers
fact-checkers
photographers

All participants will receive credit within the publication and will have some creative license to improve, modify and update the guide. Please email Sandy Sulzer at gsc@bascom.wisc.edu by Thursday, February 26 if you're interested in participating or would like more information.

Call for Peer Mentor Award Reviewers

The Multicultural Graduate Network (MGN) and The Graduate Student Collaborative (GSC), are requesting volunteers to be on the Peer Mentor Awards Committee. For those of you that are not familiar with this event, we annually recognize amazing Graduate Students who have served as mentors to their peers. Graduate Students are nominated by Peers, Staff, and Faculty for this award, recipients are honored in culminating reception hosted by MGN and The GSC on April 21, 2009. We are asking for volunteers to sit on an Evaluations committee specifically March 9-11th, We will have to review the nominations, based on the criteria established by the Peer Mentor Awards organizing committee, and select awardees. If you wish to nominate someone for this award you may not participate in this process. If you would like to participate on this committee please send your request via email, addressed to Jorge F. Rodriguez at mgn@education.wisc.edu .

Graduate Student Peer Mentor Awards - Call for Nominees

Honor the graduate student in your department who takes the time to help others succeed in graduate school by nominating him or her for a Graduate Student Mentor Award. Any student or staff can submit a nomination for this award on behalf of a deserving graduate student. To nominate an outstanding grad student mentor, simply complete the form. Individuals or groups can combine to submit a single nomination on behalf of one nominee; the web form allows information for up to three (3) nominators.

Criteria for this award will go as follows: fill out the Graduate Student Mentor Awards Nomination Form with all the requested information, write 200-400 words detailing how this person exhibited mentorship qualities (preference will be given to specific examples of mentorship), and the nominee must be a UW Madison Graduate Student who has mentored other graduate students. Be sure to include all the requested contact information on the form and submit the nominations by the March 6th deadline.

The nominations will be evaluated by an Evaluations Committee composed of both MGN and GSC volunteers during the week of March 9th-11th. Recipients will be contacted March 12th regarding their award, and will be honored at the Peer Mentor Award Ceremony April 21, 2009. The ceremony will be held in the Main Lounge of the Memorial Union from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Please RSVP with by April 7th if you plan on attending.

This program is organized annually by the Multicultural Graduate Network (MGN), The Graduate Student Collaborative (GSC), and the UW-Madison Graduate School.

Spring Commencement Search Committee & Speaker

The Multicultural Graduate Network (MGN) and the Graduate Student Collaborative (GSC) are accepting applications from Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) and Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) candidates that are graduating in May or August 2009 to speak at the Friday Spring Commencement Ceremony. A Review Committee comprised of students from a variety of disciplines will evaluate the overall message and quality of the speech as well as the oratory skills of the applicant.

Application materials are due Wednesday, March 11, 2009.

For more information on how to apply to be a speaker, go to the GSC Web site. Any graduate student is eligible to sit on the Review Committee. For information on how to apply to sit on the Review Committee, email gsc@bascom.wisc.edu.

New Help Desk Extension Opens at Memorial Union

A new walk-in technical help desk has opened at Memorial Union. Hours will be Sunday noon to 8 p.m., Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The DoIT Help Desk at 1210 W. Dayton St. will keep its current hours of Mon-Fri 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both locations offer free, in-person support for a variety of topics including operating system issues, hardware diagnosis, email and wireless issues, and access to campus services.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Graduate Student Representative for Student Personnel Association (SPA)

Deadline: Open until filled

The Student Personnel Association (SPA) is now accepting nominations for the 2009-2010 executive board. Serving on the executive board is a great way to meet new people across campus and engage in personal and professional development. The Graduate Student Representative (one-year term) serves as the liaison between the Executive Board, SPA general membership, and the student population. This position also chairs an SPA Committee, plans panels and forums about career opportunities in higher education and related areas, and participates in the planning of all board events of interest.

For more information, go to http://www.uw-spa.org/

Scholarships for Nontraditional Students

Applications accepted December 1–March 1.

Thanks to generous contributions of our donors, the Division of Continuing Studies administers a number of scholarships specifically designed for nontraditional and adult students. While the eligibility criteria vary, there are two main categories of scholarship awards:

Returning Adult Student Scholarships

There are scholarships available to newly admitted or currently enrolled UW-Madison degree students. Some scholarships require a significant interruption in study, or have specific age and gender stipulations. For more information see http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/info/finanserv/RAS_scholars.htm

Single Parent Scholarships

These scholarships are available to newly admitted or currently enrolled UW-Madison degree students who are single parents; and scholarships provide $1,000-$2,000 in funding support per academic year. For more information see http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/info/finanserv/SP_scholars.htm

The Marie Christine Kohler Fellowship

Application/Nomination Deadline: March 2, 2009.

The Marie Christine Kohler Fellowship offers an opportunity to dissertators, final-year MFA (including Creative Writing), and third-year Law, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine students to reside rent free in the Knapp House, the former Governor's Mansion. The fellowship is founded on principles of scholarship, leadership, and fostering a breadth of ideas. Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend an open house at 130 E. Gilman Street on February 22nd and March 1st (from 1-4 PM). http://knapphouse.rso.wisc.edu/.

UW-Madison Population Health Dissertation Grants

Deadline: March 2, 2009

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars Program at UW-Madison is sponsoring a campus-wide competition for Population Health Dissertation Grants. This is our second round of funding for the academic year 2008-2009.

Eligible students must be enrolled in any UW-Madison Ph.D. program and be working on a topic in the study of health and society. Please send via email a proposal and budget rationale (max 5 pages), a CV, and a brief letter from your advisor to Jane Lambert at jflamber@wisc.edu. For more information go to http://www.pophealth.wisc.edu/rwjscholars/

2009 Summer Fellowship Program at University of Texas at Austin

Deadline: March 6, 2009

Scheduled for June 1 – June 26, 2009, the Fellowship Program is targeting PhD and Masters-level students considering doctoral work. Our seminar is designed to identify and encourage a new generation of nonprofit researchers. I will facilitate the intensive four-week seminar culminating in the completion of papers for the RGK Center's Working Papers Series. Selected students are expected to bring to Austin a draft paper to expand and refine during the term of the fellowship. Selection is based on past record and academic potential and includes $3000 fellowship.

Email a current resume, graduate transcript, and draft paper to steven.smith@mail.utexas.edu
Complete online application http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/rgk/fellowship/index.php

The Government Finance Officers of America (GFOA) Fellowships

Deadline: March 6, 2009

The Government Finance Officers of America (GFOA) sponsors 3 fellowships:

Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship

The Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship of $10,000 is available for award to a graduate student who is enrolled in full-time master’s study preparing for a career in state and local government finance.

Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship

The Government Finance Officers Association's Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship of $5,000 is available for award to one or more undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in full-time study preparing for a career in state and local government finance.

Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

The GFOA's Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship of $5,000 is available for award to an upper-division undergraduate or graduate student of public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration (with a specific focus on government or nonprofit management).

Elderhostel K. Patricia Cross Doctoral Research Grant

Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2009

This grant is open to students whose doctoral research focuses on lifelong and/or later-life learning. This $5,000 grant is awarded annually to a
student in various disciplines including, but not limited to,
psychology, education, gerontology, cognitive studies, neuroscience,
leisure studies, aging and social work. Because the selection committee
requires an abstract and description of your current research, you must
already be engaged in your dissertation research. www.elderhostel.org/grants

The James P. Danky Fellowship for 2009

Deadline: May 1, 2009

The Danky Fellowship provides $1000 in funds for one individual planning a trip to carry out research using the collections of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Grant money may be used for travel to the WHS, costs of copying pertinent archival resources, and living expenses while pursuing research here. If in residence during the semester, the recipient will be expected to give a presentation as part of the colloquium series of the Center for the History of Print Culture in Modern America.

Preference will be given to proposals undertaking research in print culture history researchers from outside Madison research likely to lead to publication.

Applicants are encouraged to speak with the Reference Archivist at the WHS (phone: 608-264-6460; email askarchives@wisconsinhistory.org before applying for a grant. We are happy to help identify potential collections of which you may not otherwise be aware.

Contact:
Christine Pawley
School of Library and Information Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
4234 Helen C. White Hall
600 N. Park St.
Madison, WI 53706

Financial Assistance for Childcare Fees

Are you a UW-Madison student parent and have your child (children) enrolled in a licensed childcare center, licensed in-home provider or a licensed after-school program?

You may be eligible for financial assistance toward those childcare costs while you attend classes at the UW-Madison during the spring 2009 semester. You may apply for financial assistance through the ChildCare Tuition Assistance Program (CCTAP). CCTAP provides financial assistance toward childcare costs to eligible low-income student parents. Not all students are eligible. All student applicants must reside in Wisconsin and have licensed childcare in Wisconsin.

For more information, eligibility, deadlines and an application, visit the CCTAP Web site and click on financial assistance. While on the CCTP site check out the the Kids-Kare Program, a program that provides financial assistance for sick, back-up and evening care to eligible CCTAP student parents. Please note deadlines.

Additional Funding Resources

Individuals looking for funding opportunities are usually best served by starting with the Funding Sources for Individuals category under the Grants Information Collection. Don't forget that the UW Job Center offers a great online resource for finding graduate student assistantships on campus. Register with the Job Center to receive weekly updates.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Graduate School Seminar Series

The seminars sponsored by the Graduate School for the month of February include sessions from: the Human Research Protection Series, Research Administration Series, and Intellectual Property Series. These sessions are open to all members of the campus community.
Registration is required.
http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/Home/Default.aspx?TabId=293

Intellectual Property Series: Materials Transfer Agreement
Friday, February 27, 10:00AM - 11:30AM
Biotechnology Center Auditorium (425 Henry Mall)
Descriptions: Issues relating to receipt of materials for research purposes will be discussed. Often these materials are necessary components of research projects and are available only from a single source, frequently a company. Because the provider and universities have different missions and goals, Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) terms often must be negotiated to accommodate the needs of both parties. The speaker will discuss the process for establishing an MTA, and terms in MTAs that may conflict with laws or university policies.
Presenter: Stephen Harsy, Assistant Dean for Technology Transfer, School of Medicine and Public Health

How We Collaborate with Industry: Types of Relationships and the Agreements that Govern Them
Friday, March 13, 10:00AM - 11:30AM
Biotechnology Center Auditorium (425 Henry Mall)

The university enters into various types of relationships with industry. Among these are sponsored research, industry provision of research materials, industry gifts for research, fee for service projects, and data use agreements. Learn how to categorize relationships and how the terms in the agreements that govern them vary. Useful for department administrators and researchers who have active relationships with industry.
Presenter: Stephen Harsy, Assistant Dean, School of Medicine and Public Health

Registration is required.
http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/Home/Default.aspx?TabId=293

Speaking to a Professional Crowd: Developing Conference Presentation Techniques and Tips

Monday, February 23, 2009
12:00-1:00 pm
Bascom Hall, Rm 260

Co-sponsored by the Writing center. This workshop, which is designed to help any writer who is preparing to deliver a conference paper, will focus on how to plan, organize and deliver conference presentations, including incorporating visual aids and preparing for the Question and Answer session.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please follow this link to register for this event www.grad.wisc.edu/gsc/registration

Humanities Literature Reviews

Tuesday, February 24, 2009
5:00-6:15 pm
Memorial Library, Room 126

For those beginning a literature review for a research project, proposal, dissertation, or publication in the humanities, this lecture will help you improve your literature search process. You will learn key steps in conducting a literature search and be introduced to core databases that are essential for thoroughly mining the academic literature in the humanities.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please follow this link to register www.grad.wisc.edu/gsc/registration

IRB 101: Learn the basics of the IRB

March 4, 2009
12:00-1:00 pm
259 Ed Sciences

The IRB serves an important function in our research. Navigating through the process can be puzzling, frustrating, or easy, depending on your knowledge of the rules and steps to approval. Mike Bingham will provide an overview of the role of the IRB, the process they use to review protocols, and answer questions about getting a proposal approved.

Direct questions to mbingham@education.wisc.edu

Family Matters: The Unique Challenges of Balancing Parenthood and Academics

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
5:30 pm- 7:30 pm
Eagle Heights Community Center

This student discussion panel, comprised of partners, single parents, and co-parents, will offer perspectives on the unique challenges presented by the intersection of having a child and the rigorous academic life of graduate students. Panelists will talk about their personal experiences, share the advice they have learned along the way and identify the resources that have made their lives easier. Pizza and complimentary childcare will be provided.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please follow this link to register for this event www.grad.wisc.edu/gsc/registration
For more information contact GSC at gsc@bascom.wisc.edu

"Women's Leadership: Powerful Communication Skills To Be More Assertive"

February 26, 2009
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute
University of Wisconsin-Madison
2107 Mechanical Engineering Building
1513 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

Cynthia Guy, a leading expert in effective communication, is a partner at Crystal Clear Concepts, a management consulting firm specializing, and a Communications and Leadership specialist from Harvard/McBer Institute in human resource and organizational development and training. This workshop will provide the opportunity to work on communication skills assessments, development of listening competencies, and the design of roadmaps for clearer communication. The workshop will include a live question and answer session.

For more information, call (608) 263-1445, contact wiseli@engr.wisc.edu or visit http://www.pbconferences.com/6T/0

2010 Fulbright Grants Information Sessions

Erin Crawley, Fellowships Advisor in the International Institute, will hold several information sessions about Fulbright grant programs during spring semester. Fulbrights are federally funded grants and as such have citizenship requirements: to be eligible for the Fulbright (IIE) US Student program, you must be a US citizen; for the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad program (US Department of Education), you must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Information sessions for GRADUATE students (Information on both the Fulbright-IIE US Student program and the Fulbright-Hays will be presented in March on the dates listed below. Both sessions are the same:

Tuesday, March 3
12:00--1:00 PM
Room 336 Ingraham Hall

-OR-

Thursday, March 26
2:30-3:30 PM
206 Ingraham Hall

www.intl-institute.wisc.edu/fellow

International Education Conference: Global Challenges and Change

March 16, 2009
9 a.m.
Marriott West
1313 John Q Hammons Drive, Middleton

The IEC and the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies offers a two-day conference with more than 100 sessions and two keynoters, including Gretchen Steidle Wallace, who will speak on "Social Entrepreneurship Training and Funding for Disadvantaged Women to Start Social Change,” and the UW history department's Jeremi Suri, who will speak on "Kissinger and the Transformation of American Society."
For more information, please contact 263-7880, or bdbowles@wisc.edu
http://www.education.wisc.edu/elpa/conferences/....

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities through the Office of Human Resource Development

Emerging Issues in Dispute Resolution Conference on April 22-23
http://www.wamediators.org/eiconference/indexEI.html

Library Workshops

Campus libraries workshops and tours help you learn how to find what you need quickly and efficiently. They will help you save time when deadlines for papers and projects approach. Most of these are hands-on. And best of all, they're free. Take advantage of these great workshops before classes start up again.

Visit the library Web site to find out more about upcoming library workshops.

Writing Center Workshops

The Writing Center offers non-credit classes throughout the semester, held in Helen C. White Hall. Writing Center classes are free and are open to currently registered UW-Madison students. Each class will give you the chance to pick up valuable writing skills in a supportive, small-group environment. For more information visit the Writing Center Web site or 608-263-1992. The schedule for Spring classes will be available during the first week of classes in January.

Free Instructional Workshops and Demos from DoIT

If you are faculty, an instructor or a teaching assistant who supports a UW-Madison timetable course, DoIT Academic Technology invites you to participate in one of several free training sessions and demonstrations. Learn web development, Learn@UWtools and tricks, how to use clickers, and much more. See the DoIT Training Web site for details.

Additional Graduate Information Resources

Want more? See the Graduate Student Professional Development Web site, the GSC Web site, the University Events calendar, and Software Training for Students for general and specialized workshops.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTQ Communities

March 4, 2009
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Pyle Center, Room 213

This day-long workshop seeks to enhance knowledge about and improve skill sets in responding to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victims of dating/domestic violence. This workshop assumes that participants have at least a demonstrated understanding of sexual assault and dating violence definitions and dynamics. Cost is $20 per participant, which will cover lunch, materials, the OHRD admin fee, and snacks.
http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/reg/catalog_course_detail.asp?course_key=23850

BeWISE Conference 2009
Women's History Month Theme: "Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet"

March 12-13, 2009
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 Office,
77 West Jackson Blvd., 3rd Floor,
Chicago, IL 60604

BeWise 2009 Conference provides a regional platform for women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to discuss, collaborate, and educate others on environmental issues and successes that range from local to international in scope. This year's Women's History Month theme is Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.This theme sets the framework the conference will follow. BeWise 2009 will bring a valuable, rewarding experience to ANY individual involved or wanting to become apart of a technical conference. The conference will expose participants to outstanding oral presentations, training, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The cost to the conference is free.

Registration available online at: www.epa.gov/region5/water/wise Local Transportation Info: Information is available online at: http://www.epa.gov/region5/visitor

SOCIAL EVENTS

Graduate Student Collaborative (GSC) Socials

GSC Socials are held every Friday during the semester to give grad students from all across campus a weekly chance to mingle, get to know people outside their department, and unwind from the hectic week.

Friday, February 20
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Genna's Lounge
105 W. Main St.

Friday, February 27
5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Pub
522 State St.

Friday, March 6
5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Vintage Spirits & Grill
529 University Ave (at Frances St)

Graduate Student Collaborative (GSC) Monthly Midweek Mingle

Join grad students from a wide variety of disciplines for the GSC's Monthly Midweek Mingle. The first Wednesday of every month, GSC gathers at Genna's Lounge for some much needed social time. Meet new and continuing grad students and get rejuvenated for the rest of the week!

Check the GSC Events Calendar often to see where future social events will be held.

ACADEMIC DEADLINES

Spring 2009 Deadlines for Graduate Students

Friday,
March 27

(Please see correction below) *

Last Day to Drop courses

Last day to apply for Pass/Fail Privilege

Last day to convert from Credit to Audit

Friday, May 8

Last Class Day

*Be aware the University Bookstore calendar has an incorrect date listed for the drop deadline for graduate students. The correct date is listed above as March 27. Students are responsible for adhering to the proper dates listed by the on the UW-Madison Registrar's web page.

For a list of all spring semester deadlines check http://www.registrar.wisc.edu/deadlines.php?term=1094

Degree and Dissertator Deadlines

April 24*	Request for all Masters and Ph.D. Degree Warrants
May 15	Degree Deadline
May 18 - June 12	Summer Degree Window**

*For master's students only: If you want your name to be printed in the commencement program, your department must submit your warrant request before April 3.

**Important Note: The "Window Period" is the time between the end of one degree period and the beginning of the next. If you were registered in previous semester and met all degree requirements by the end of the window period, your degree will be granted in the next semester but you will not have to register or pay fees for the next semester.

For questions about Graduate School policies and procedures, see the Academic Guidelines at http://www.wisc.edu/grad/education/acadpolicy/introduction.html