After 16 weeks of the classroom grind, students at Washburn culminate their semester with a week of finals. But, after cramming in hours of studying, they can find short-term relief in the library.
Washburn Student Government Association is sponsoring stress-relieving events May 11-15 mainly in the Mabee Library. Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., students can get free back massages and eat pizza and other snacks.
When students have put in an all-nighter on Monday, they can get refreshed at the oxygen bar on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. WSGA is also hosting a comedy show with Dan Cummins and providing late night breakfast at the Memorial Union on Monday.
According to Dlany Conny, freshman and WSGA public relations director, the number of students that attend varies with 1,000 to 2,000 at some of the week’s events.
“We offer this because we believe that it is WSGA's duty to serve the students of Washburn University,” said Conny. “We all know finals week is stressful and WSGA wants to do everything it can to make sure it's as smooth and stress free as possible.”
Stress relief week is just another way that WSGA shows that it is there for the students of Washburn.
"We enjoy improving student life in every way possible and want to ensure that every individual gets the most out of their 'Washburn Experience,'" said Conny.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Mabee Library available 24/7 next week
Students preparing for end of the semester projects and exams can study in the library anytime, day or night.
Mabee Library will remain open 24 hours a day, May 3-8, to give students a safe, convenient place to complete papers and study for exams. During finals week, the library will offer extended hours, but will not be accessible round the clock.
“We moved our 24 hours to the week before finals at the suggestion of WSGA,” said Judy Druse, interim assistant dean of libraries. “They felt the library needed to be open later for students completing assignments and papers and that happens the week before finals.”
During these two weeks, the librarian on duty takes an hourly head count of students in the library. Druse said usage is increasing as more students become aware of the extended hours.
The library will be staffed by volunteers at the reference desk. They include both professional librarians and library assistants who have been trained to answer research questions and help with technology.
“We never have trouble recruiting volunteers from the staff; they are always willing and eager to help out,” said Druse. “We also hire off-duty campus police officers to check IDs at the front door during the late night hours.”
Access to photocopy machines, computers and printers, as well as technology support and research assistance, will be available during the extended hours.
Mabee Library will remain open 24 hours a day, May 3-8, to give students a safe, convenient place to complete papers and study for exams. During finals week, the library will offer extended hours, but will not be accessible round the clock.
“We moved our 24 hours to the week before finals at the suggestion of WSGA,” said Judy Druse, interim assistant dean of libraries. “They felt the library needed to be open later for students completing assignments and papers and that happens the week before finals.”
During these two weeks, the librarian on duty takes an hourly head count of students in the library. Druse said usage is increasing as more students become aware of the extended hours.
The library will be staffed by volunteers at the reference desk. They include both professional librarians and library assistants who have been trained to answer research questions and help with technology.
“We never have trouble recruiting volunteers from the staff; they are always willing and eager to help out,” said Druse. “We also hire off-duty campus police officers to check IDs at the front door during the late night hours.”
Access to photocopy machines, computers and printers, as well as technology support and research assistance, will be available during the extended hours.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Transformational Experience culminates in one day event
The conversation begins as freshmen step on campus. Because of the Washburn Transformational Experience, it doesn’t end when they graduate.
Every semester since the TE began, students are given the opportunity to share their experience at Day of Transformation. Preparing for their public display or presentation helps them gain a rich appreciation of what their experience means to them in a formal way.
Rick Ellis, director of Center for Community Service and Civic Engagement, is overseeing the 13 oral and 31 poster presentations happening April 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mabee Library.
The director of the scholarly aspect of WTE, Donna LaLonde, said that viewers of Day of Transformation learn that the Transformational Experience is one of the greatest things this campus offers.
“Day of Transformation is a benefit to the college campus because of the great conversations of people doing great things,” said LaLonde.
Students and community members are encouraged to alter their path on Thursday and spend a few minutes walking through the library. There will be many opportunities for people to participate throughout the day and spend a talk with student presenters.
“If they come as skeptics, they leave as believers,” said LaLonde.
And the conversation continues.
Every semester since the TE began, students are given the opportunity to share their experience at Day of Transformation. Preparing for their public display or presentation helps them gain a rich appreciation of what their experience means to them in a formal way.
Rick Ellis, director of Center for Community Service and Civic Engagement, is overseeing the 13 oral and 31 poster presentations happening April 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mabee Library.
The director of the scholarly aspect of WTE, Donna LaLonde, said that viewers of Day of Transformation learn that the Transformational Experience is one of the greatest things this campus offers.
“Day of Transformation is a benefit to the college campus because of the great conversations of people doing great things,” said LaLonde.
Students and community members are encouraged to alter their path on Thursday and spend a few minutes walking through the library. There will be many opportunities for people to participate throughout the day and spend a talk with student presenters.
“If they come as skeptics, they leave as believers,” said LaLonde.
And the conversation continues.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Apeiron presentations marked by professionalism
Books aren’t the only way to gain information in the library. Poster boards will soon fill Mabee Library showcasing students’ research as part of Apeiron, April 17.
If Washburn students want to challenge their intellect outside of the classroom, Apeiron provides the platform for them to present scholarly research and activities. According to their Web site, it is “dedicated to the proposition that students are capable of work that knows no limits and transcends all boundaries.”
Beginning at 11:30 a.m., participating students from all disciplines at Washburn, will have the opportunity to share what they learned with the public. The poster exhibits in the library accompanied by the students’ short presentation to viewers begins at 4 p.m. This is also a time when presenters can answer questions about their topic.
Professionalism is the key to a good presentation. Students will present their research, scholarship and creative activities in a setting similar to a professional meeting.
"Washburn needed a way for students who are doing advance research, some even at the level or graduate school, to let them share it with others,” said Kim Morse, associate professor and chair of the Apeiron committee board. “Apeiron is that venue.”
If Washburn students want to challenge their intellect outside of the classroom, Apeiron provides the platform for them to present scholarly research and activities. According to their Web site, it is “dedicated to the proposition that students are capable of work that knows no limits and transcends all boundaries.”
Beginning at 11:30 a.m., participating students from all disciplines at Washburn, will have the opportunity to share what they learned with the public. The poster exhibits in the library accompanied by the students’ short presentation to viewers begins at 4 p.m. This is also a time when presenters can answer questions about their topic.
Professionalism is the key to a good presentation. Students will present their research, scholarship and creative activities in a setting similar to a professional meeting.
"Washburn needed a way for students who are doing advance research, some even at the level or graduate school, to let them share it with others,” said Kim Morse, associate professor and chair of the Apeiron committee board. “Apeiron is that venue.”
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Caddystacks numbers weak, enthusiasm strong
Laughter and noise were the norm on April 1 and 4 as the 2nd annual Caddystacks event teed off.
The turnout was lower than last year, but the event was only open for two days compared to four last year. Moving the student day to the middle of the week when more students are on campus may also have affected turnout.
Caddystacks began as a fundraiser to get students and the community physically into the library by playing an 18-hole miniature golf course on all three floors. The design was found in a 1950s Popular Mechanics magazine. Lori Rognlie, assistant librarian II, and Jennifer Mills, president of the student chapter of Friends of Mabee Library, coordinated the event.
“Last year was a lot more stressful since it was the first time,” said Rognlie. “We have learned from our past experiences. Now it seems to run itself.”
The library would like to make as much as last year--$2,500--but with inclement weather and only two days to raise the money, Rognlie isn’t sure what the event will make. Sponsorship of individual holes was also down from last year due to the weak economy.
“Luckily we don’t have as many expenses because the course is already paid for,” said Rognlie.
The only expenses were the tournament prizes including a Nintendo Wii, advertising and invitations to key community leaders.
Whatever the profit, the library plans to use the money to keep improving the environment of the library so students continue to use it.
The turnout was lower than last year, but the event was only open for two days compared to four last year. Moving the student day to the middle of the week when more students are on campus may also have affected turnout.
Caddystacks began as a fundraiser to get students and the community physically into the library by playing an 18-hole miniature golf course on all three floors. The design was found in a 1950s Popular Mechanics magazine. Lori Rognlie, assistant librarian II, and Jennifer Mills, president of the student chapter of Friends of Mabee Library, coordinated the event.
“Last year was a lot more stressful since it was the first time,” said Rognlie. “We have learned from our past experiences. Now it seems to run itself.”
The library would like to make as much as last year--$2,500--but with inclement weather and only two days to raise the money, Rognlie isn’t sure what the event will make. Sponsorship of individual holes was also down from last year due to the weak economy.
“Luckily we don’t have as many expenses because the course is already paid for,” said Rognlie.
The only expenses were the tournament prizes including a Nintendo Wii, advertising and invitations to key community leaders.
Whatever the profit, the library plans to use the money to keep improving the environment of the library so students continue to use it.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Library coffee cart still a consideration
Walk into the library of other Kansas universities and the aroma of coffee fills the air. Walk into Mabee Library and the odor of tired students attacks the senses.
As part of the plan to make the library more inviting to students, Alan Bearman, interim dean of libraries, asked for a coffee cart to be added to the main floor.
“We are in a competition with Barnes and Noble,” said Bearman. “The library should be the center of the university. It is a community place.”
The process to get a coffee cart is not an easy one. Bearman gave his suggestion to Duke Divine, director of business services, who submitted it as one of nine capital equipment fund requests in December. Divine ranked his requests, which included repairs to facilities. The coffee cart was ranked No. 3.
Divine said that the only glitch stopping the request from being fulfilled is the budget crunch. A decision will be made by May.
“It wouldn’t look too good if a leaky roof didn’t get fixed, but they put a coffee cart in the library,” said Divine.
Chartwells, Washburn’s food service, was asked if they would be interested in supplying the cart, but they didn’t think it would be profitable. They did, however, give suggestions as to the type of cart that would work well in the library. It is estimated around $5,000. Additional costs are needed for a water line and electricity.
The six state universities have coffee in their libraries, but Divine didn’t think any of them made money by selling coffee.
“We have to look at having a coffee cart in the library as a service to our students,” said Divine.
As part of the plan to make the library more inviting to students, Alan Bearman, interim dean of libraries, asked for a coffee cart to be added to the main floor.
“We are in a competition with Barnes and Noble,” said Bearman. “The library should be the center of the university. It is a community place.”
The process to get a coffee cart is not an easy one. Bearman gave his suggestion to Duke Divine, director of business services, who submitted it as one of nine capital equipment fund requests in December. Divine ranked his requests, which included repairs to facilities. The coffee cart was ranked No. 3.
Divine said that the only glitch stopping the request from being fulfilled is the budget crunch. A decision will be made by May.
“It wouldn’t look too good if a leaky roof didn’t get fixed, but they put a coffee cart in the library,” said Divine.
Chartwells, Washburn’s food service, was asked if they would be interested in supplying the cart, but they didn’t think it would be profitable. They did, however, give suggestions as to the type of cart that would work well in the library. It is estimated around $5,000. Additional costs are needed for a water line and electricity.
The six state universities have coffee in their libraries, but Divine didn’t think any of them made money by selling coffee.
“We have to look at having a coffee cart in the library as a service to our students,” said Divine.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Modern slavery exhibit raises awareness
The brazen images stop the student as he strolls through the library. He takes a step back to examine the thought-provoking artwork. His expression asks, “Why?”
Through the end of March, Mabee Library is holding an art exhibit in conjunction with World Slavery Awareness, focusing on human trafficking such as prostitution, sex tourism, mail-order brides, sweatshops, farm labor, housekeepers, child labor and child soldiers.
The artists are WU students, faculty and staff along with some local artists. Various media was used to create pieces drawn from the feelings and ideas that human trafficking practices produced in the artist.
Vicky Luttrell, co-president of Social Justice League at Washburn, began raising awareness for this cause five years ago as part of her undergraduate work in sociology.
“My hope is that when people look at the artwork it captivates their imagination, but also questions what the art is about,” said Luttrell. “Then I hope they do some research at the library on what human trafficking is.”
The event is open to the public free of charge and is co-sponsored by Social Justice League, Sociology/Anthropology Club, sociology/anthropology department, psychology department, Washburn Student Government Association, multicultural affairs, Leadership Institute and International Law Society.
Through the end of March, Mabee Library is holding an art exhibit in conjunction with World Slavery Awareness, focusing on human trafficking such as prostitution, sex tourism, mail-order brides, sweatshops, farm labor, housekeepers, child labor and child soldiers.
The artists are WU students, faculty and staff along with some local artists. Various media was used to create pieces drawn from the feelings and ideas that human trafficking practices produced in the artist.
Vicky Luttrell, co-president of Social Justice League at Washburn, began raising awareness for this cause five years ago as part of her undergraduate work in sociology.
“My hope is that when people look at the artwork it captivates their imagination, but also questions what the art is about,” said Luttrell. “Then I hope they do some research at the library on what human trafficking is.”
The event is open to the public free of charge and is co-sponsored by Social Justice League, Sociology/Anthropology Club, sociology/anthropology department, psychology department, Washburn Student Government Association, multicultural affairs, Leadership Institute and International Law Society.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
WSGA candidate debate to mark firsts
Follow the extra-long Ethernet cable snaked through Mabee Library on Monday and it will lead to a new kind of WSGA candidate debate.
Washburn Review is changing the venue and streaming it live on www.washburnreview.org/wsga. The debate, part of Mondays at Mabee, is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will also be recorded, and made available at the same location on the Web site.
This year, the Review staff wanted the event at a place that students would make a conscious decision to attend. The past few years it has been in the Living Learning Center lobby.
“We are changing over to make the debate more academic,” said ReAnne Utemark, senior history major and editor-in-chief for Washburn Review.
This is Utemark’s third year as moderator of the debate. She will ask the candidates some prepared questions then will facilitate questions from the crowd. The live stream will feature audience polling and chat capabilities, allowing Internet viewers to interact with the candidates.
The event is sponsored and staffed by the Review office as an objective third party.
Washburn Review is changing the venue and streaming it live on www.washburnreview.org/wsga. The debate, part of Mondays at Mabee, is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will also be recorded, and made available at the same location on the Web site.
This year, the Review staff wanted the event at a place that students would make a conscious decision to attend. The past few years it has been in the Living Learning Center lobby.
“We are changing over to make the debate more academic,” said ReAnne Utemark, senior history major and editor-in-chief for Washburn Review.
This is Utemark’s third year as moderator of the debate. She will ask the candidates some prepared questions then will facilitate questions from the crowd. The live stream will feature audience polling and chat capabilities, allowing Internet viewers to interact with the candidates.
The event is sponsored and staffed by the Review office as an objective third party.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monday at Mabee targets violence awareness
Step into the library this month and move one step closer to ending violence against women and girls.
Monday at the Mabee is changing the story of women.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, V-Day sponsors including Sharon Sullivan, assistant professor of theatre, are leading an intellectual discussion relating to the global movement to end violence in areas such as Canada, Thailand and New York. Each session features a different format including guest speakers, film, panel discussion and lecture.
“My role at V-Day is to bring in people from the community,” said Sullivan. “The library is the place where the community meets and becomes a thriving environment.”
Sullivan knew that Monday at the Mabee could be more popular if the faculty could generate conversations it feels the students want to address. She said that if instructors and students share what is on their minds, it fuels discussion.
"These sessions have grown from seven to 25 people because it is what everyone is thinking about right now," said Sullivan.
One more session in this series is Feb. 23. Vicky Luttrell, Washburn alumna and member of Nashville Rescue and Restore, will discuss “Human Trafficking in America.”
Monday at the Mabee is changing the story of women.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, V-Day sponsors including Sharon Sullivan, assistant professor of theatre, are leading an intellectual discussion relating to the global movement to end violence in areas such as Canada, Thailand and New York. Each session features a different format including guest speakers, film, panel discussion and lecture.
“My role at V-Day is to bring in people from the community,” said Sullivan. “The library is the place where the community meets and becomes a thriving environment.”
Sullivan knew that Monday at the Mabee could be more popular if the faculty could generate conversations it feels the students want to address. She said that if instructors and students share what is on their minds, it fuels discussion.
"These sessions have grown from seven to 25 people because it is what everyone is thinking about right now," said Sullivan.
One more session in this series is Feb. 23. Vicky Luttrell, Washburn alumna and member of Nashville Rescue and Restore, will discuss “Human Trafficking in America.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
RAP sessions curb research anxieties (rewrite)
In classrooms across campus, instructors are assigning research papers. After the panic settles, students head to Mabee Library to research but often don’t know how to start.
RAP sessions offer students the skills they need to use the large number of on-site and Web-based references. Sessions require no registration and participants can attend as fits their schedule.
“We want students to see the library early in their school career,” said Judy Druse, interim assistant dean of libraries. “We don’t want them to get to their senior year and not know how to begin doing research.”
This is the fourth year that the library has offered the Research Assistance Program, but this semester the library has moved the times to late afternoon and evening. Attendance is still fairly low, but students that have attended indicate they have gained a lot of information that will be useful in their projects.
More sessions will be offered later this semester focusing on APA, MLA and Turabian citation styles. These sessions provide foundational research skills only. Librarians are always available to customized instruction for specific assignments.
RAP sessions offer students the skills they need to use the large number of on-site and Web-based references. Sessions require no registration and participants can attend as fits their schedule.
“We want students to see the library early in their school career,” said Judy Druse, interim assistant dean of libraries. “We don’t want them to get to their senior year and not know how to begin doing research.”
This is the fourth year that the library has offered the Research Assistance Program, but this semester the library has moved the times to late afternoon and evening. Attendance is still fairly low, but students that have attended indicate they have gained a lot of information that will be useful in their projects.
More sessions will be offered later this semester focusing on APA, MLA and Turabian citation styles. These sessions provide foundational research skills only. Librarians are always available to customized instruction for specific assignments.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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