News @ Commonwealth College

COMMONWEALTH COLLEGE NOTICES

COMCOL LOUNGE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

ADVISING REMINDERS & INFORMATION

SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS & INTERNSHIPS

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

STUDENT LIFE

 

COMMONWEALTH COLLEGE NOTICES

WILLIAMSON LECTURE: GOD, DESIGN, AND DARWIN: EVOLUTION & THE BATTLE FOR AMERICA'S SOUL, APRIL 19

Fine Arts Center Concert Hall
UMass Amherst Campus
4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Free Admission
Kenneth R. Miller, Professor of Biology, Brown University, and one of the leading opponents of the intelligent design movement will give the 6th annual Kathryn and Paul Williamson Commonwealth College Lecture on "God, Design, and Darwin: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul." A practicing Roman Catholic, Professor Miller is well known for his defense of evolution in the evolution-intelligent design debate. He has appeared as an expert witness in court cases and has frequently debated proponents of intelligent design. Recently, he was the lead expert witness for the evolution side in the federal court case brought against the Dover, Pennsylvania, school board that had mandated the incorporation of intelligent design into the school curriculum. Professor Miller promises to offer interesting counterpoint to Dr. Michael Behe’s February lecture challenging Darwin’s theories of evolution. Click here for more information.

GRADUATING COMCOL SENIORS—WANT TO ADDRESS YOUR PEERS?

We’re seeking a senior student speaker for the Celebration of Excellence (Saturday, May 27th 2006, 9a.m. the Mullins Center)…If you’re interested, please send a 3-4 page (double spaced) sample of what you’d like to speak about. Send submissions to Jennifer Bennett, 504 Goodell Building by May 12th. Please call Jennifer Bennett if you have any questions (545-2483).

3-CREDIT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS MENTORING PROGRAM

Having trouble finding another class? Interested in doing something amazing for the community while getting college credits at the same time? Enroll in this 3- credit honors course and answer to the needs of youth in this community and fill your schedule at the same time!
WHAT: Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program designed to foster positive relationships between youth and college students.
All Mentors:
-Receive full comprehensive training
-Earn 3 Honors credits for Fall Semester
WHEN: One weekly meeting Tuesdays: 3-5 PM, Plus 3-5 hours/week with your “Little”
   Applications are available at the Office of Community Service Learning, 610 Goodell. For more information, contact Shakira Alvarez-Ferrer at 253-2591 or salvarez@chd.org, or OCSL at 545-2015 or servelearn@acad.umass.edu. This is an Honors Course but you DO NOT have to be in ComCol to participate.

CSL DEAN'S BOOK COURSE OPEN FOR FALL '06, APPLY NOW

Want to give back to your community? Want to finish your Dean’s Book requirements in 1 semester? Apply for Dean’s Book CSL!
   The Dean’s Book Community Service Learning class is a 3-credit course that combines 291, 391, and a community service component. You must have junior status or above by Fall 2006 to be eligible for the class. This fall, there will be two books, Aquariums of Pyongyang, by Chol-Hwan Kang and another chosen by the instructor. Students then do 20 hours of community service based on the themes from the book. It should be a really exciting semester. If you would like to apply for the course, either stop by 610 Goodell to pick up an application, download an application here, or contact the community service coordinator, Meghan Henry, at mehenry@student.umass.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling admission basis so the sooner you apply the better your chances are of getting into the class. Thanks!

COMCOL LOUNGE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

WWWORKSHOP: PODIUM POINTERS, APRIL 12

You’re invited to attend this week’s workshop, which will provide public speaking tips for presentations, oral defenses, and general life experiences. Workshops run from 6-7pm in the Goodell Lounge, and include sandwiches from the Loose Goose. Please RSVP to peers@comcol.umass.edu if you plan on attending!

NO PIZZA & PROF, APRIL 17

Next Monday is Patriot's Day. Pizza & Prof will resume April 24. Stay tuned, wave a flag, and have a good holiday.

FILM SERIES CONTINUES, APRIL 18

Come join us and watch a critically acclaimed classic as we continue with our 'Rebel With a Cause' Film Series on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 in the Goodell Lounge. Snacks and refreshments provided! Check out the review below!

Bound (1996), written and directed by Andy & Larry Wachowski, was enough to convince studios to let the brothers make The Matrix in 1999. In this sometimes unsettling neo-noir film, "Corky, a lesbian ex con hired to work in an apartment as a plumber, meets neighbors Caesar, who launders money for the Mafia, and his girlfriend Violet. The two women have a love affair and decide to steal $2,000,000 that Caesar has in custody before he gives them back to Mafia boss Gino Marzone. Caesar is set up by the two scheming women as a scapegoat but things start to go wrong when he reacts in an unexpected way ... "(Summary written by Giancarlo Cairella, www.imdb.com)

WWWORKSHOP: DON’T BE A FOOL, APPLY TO GRAD SCHOOL, APRIL 19

You’re invited to attend this week’s workshop about applying to graduate school. The workshop will cover GRE pointers, a timeline to follow, and helpful suggestions about graduate school research and preparation. Workshops run from 6-7pm in the Goodell Lounge, and include sandwiches from the Loose Goose. Please RSVP to peers@comcol.umass.edu if you plan on attending!

ADVISING REMINDERS & INFORMATION

WALK-IN ADVISING CONTINUES

- Walk-in advising continues through April. Hours are 9:30 – 11:30 and 1:00 – 4:00. Lines are shorter first thing in the morning!
- Print and bring a current SPIRE Degree Progress Report to avoid advising delays and to help us determine your ComCol status
- Get an early start: download registration contract forms and instructions for Honors Independent Studies and Independent Capstones: http://www.comcol.umass.edu/forms/index.html.

CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE REMINDERS

- Juniors: check out your Capstone Experience options online.
- Seniors: review the requirements for submission of your Capstone Experience manuscripts online.

BE AN ACADEMIC PEER ADVISOR IN ORCHARD HILL

Live with and mentor a wing of Commonwealth College learning community students. Work with the designated faculty members of the learning community. Be a source of information and answer questions for students. You and your roommate will have a guaranteed room in Orchard Hill, and you’ll receive $1000 per semester.
   Click here for complete information, or contact Melissa Beesley with questions (mbeesley@comcol.umass.edu). Interviews will be held April 10-13, and decisions will be made by April 14.

SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS & INTERNSHIPS

NEWS OFFICE STUDENT ASSISTANT POSITION, FALL 2006

The Office of News and Information is seeking candidates for a Student Assistant for the 2006-07 academic year. Learn how to create and distribute news and feature stories for the news media and the campus community. Write, edit, proofread and help manage the hometown news program. Provide telephone and clerical support in fast-paced office. Computer skills a big plus. Up to 20 hours per week, $8 per hour. Outstanding opportunity for students considering a career in public relations or journalism. Orientation period will begin soon. CONTACT: Christine Davies, Office of News and Information, 200 Munson Hall. Call 545-0444, or e-mail davics@urd.umass.edu.

STATE SENATE SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE

Summer Internship positions (unpaid) are available in the State House office of Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, a progressive Democrat representing Brookline, Newton, and Wellesley. Senator Creem is looking for professional and hard working individuals with an interest in gaining valuable experience in state government and legislative politics. See posted announcement for details.

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

STUDENT-DIRECTED PERFORMANCE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM, APRIL 26-9

Performances of Edward Albee’s "The American Dream," directed by Commonwealth College student Michael Marceline, will take place Wednesday 4/26, Thursday 4/27, Friday 4/28, & Saturday 4/29 at 8:00pm. A 2:00pm show will also take place on Saturday. Performances will be in FAC 204 (Theater Dept). They are free and open to the community.

GET INVOLVED WITH RELAY FOR LIFE!

The Five College Relay For Life is an annual event put on by the American Cancer Society, and is being held April 21-22 this year. It is a terrific event where teams pledge to spend 18 hours walking around the track at Amherst College to raise money and awareness about cancer research. Teams from all five colleges will be involved, making a great opportunity to meet people and make new friends! The night will be filled with many fun events, including live music, contests, games and prizes! If you're interested in joining a team or forming one of your own, please email UMassRelay@hotmail.com or check out the Relay For Life website. Let's join together in the fight against cancer!

LOBBY DAY FOR CLEAN ELECTIONS, APRIL 26

Have you ever thought of running for office, but couldn't afford it? Do you know anyone who would make a great State Senator but they don't have the funds? Do you ever get the feeling that all legislators are starting to look alike?
   Basically, campaigns have become incredibly expensive. The only people who can afford to run for office are the wealthiest people. Everyday people (firefighters, teachers..) are left out of the system.
   Well, now's our chance to change all that.
We're organizing a Lobby Day in Boston. We are going to be advocating for fair election systems which provide state funding for political candidates. With your help, Massachusetts will have a better election system that would allow virtually anyone to step up to the plate and run for office!
   The Lobby Day will be held on Wednesday, April 26th at the State House in Boston. Transportation will be provided! This is a great opportunity to meet and feel comfortable interacting with your elected officials.
   Don't know how to lobby? Not a problem! There will be trainings during the week of Tent State University here at UMass.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy or if you have any questions, contact Kate Baldacci at kate.baldacci@gmail.com.

6th ANNUAL JUNIPER LITERARY FESTIVAL, APRIL 28-29

Memorial Hall,
University of Massachusetts Amherst
A yearly gathering of poets, writers, editors, publishers, scholars, and readers, the Juniper Festival is dedicated to celebrating important new work and exploring issues vital to the literary arts and independent publishing. This year’s festival, A Celebration of the Work of John Ashbery, will explore the world-renowned poet’s half-century of contributions to and influence on contemporary literature. The festival is free and open to the public. Click here for full information.

INTERGENERATIONAL CONFERENCE: DIVERSITY IN EAST ASIA, MAY 6

A Three-Generational Approach to Synergy and Mentoring for Honors, Masters, and PH.D. Candidates
Saturday, May 6, 2006
This one-day event will focus on the topic of “Diversity in East Asia.” There will be two panels in the morning and two in the afternoon. The conference highlights will include an after-lunch keynote address by Prof. David L. Howell (Prof. and Chair of E. Asian Studies and Prof. of History, Princeton University), a distinguished scholar in the field of East Asian Studies. For more information, contact Asian Languages and Literatures at IGSC@asianlan.umass.edu or visit http://www.umass.edu/asianlan/IGSC/IGSChome.htm
Sponsors: Asian Languages and Literatures; Commonwealth College; Department of History’; Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures; Five College E. Asian Languages Program; The Graduate School; Mark Jolly ’00.

STUDENT LIFE

KISS A SENIOR GOODBYE

Want to show your favorite Senior(s) just how much you'll miss them? Send them a champagne glass or Class of 2006 coffee mug full of Hershey kisses! The cost is only $6 per glass or mug. It is one graduation present they won't forget. Make the UMASS-Amherst memories last long after graduation. You can order them online until May 12th at www.umassalumni.com/students or at the S.A.A. Table in the Campus Concourse from April 24th to last day of classes. Order them as soon as possible! (Sponsored by Student Alumni Association)

5K BENEFIT ROAD RACE FOR PUSH AMERICA, APRIL 29

"Eric's Race,” a 5k road race, will be held on campus April 29th at 9 am. The cost is $5 with college ID, and all participants will be entered into a raffle for gift certificates from local business and an iPod. The winner will also receive an iPod. Profits will go to benefit Push America, an organization that serves people living with disabilities. Registration sheets and more information can be found at www.pikappumass.com.

LAST CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SENIOR PHOTO TAKEN!

Hey Seniors: This is your last chance to have your senior photo taken! The yearbook photographer will be on campus April 4-13 to take your picture. Go to www.ouryear.com, or call 1-800-OUR-YEAR to register today. The school code for UMass is 147. It's your yearbook, why wouldn't you want to be in it?!

BOWL WEEKEND: OPEN MIC TALENT REVIEW!

The long awaited Bowl Weekend is coming up rather quickly and we need you! If you have any talent such as singing, dancing, telling jokes, juggling, or can swallow fireballs then you’re perfect for Bowl Weekend’s Open Mic Talent Review! During Bowl Weekend’s Bowl Day/Country Fair, held May 13th from 11am-4pm, we will be giving you the chance to strut your stuff and show the entire campus what you’ve got. Invite friends, have fun, and join! We'll need entries in by May 4th at 8pm. If you enter then, you will be guaranteed a spot, if you’re late we will be accepting you the day of Open Mic. Come by the Orchard Hill Area Government (OHAG) office located in 112 Field right next to Sweets N’ More from 8-10pm Monday-Thursday or e-mail us at orchardhillag@gmail.com and please title your entry as “Open Mic."