Saturday, August 31, 2013

Mariah Birgen has shared a Huffington Post article with you

Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/30/school-of-rock-reunion_n_3843581.html

Sent by Mariah Birgen
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'School Of Rock' Reunion Brings Jack Black, Miranda Cosgrove, Richard Linklater And More Together 10 Years Later


Orange Exceleration Day 2

Today the SCH 101 students had 3 hours of class with Dr. Birgen and Dr. Earl.  We spent a good amount of time discussing what the students expected to get out of class.  We discussed how film is used not only for entertainment, but also to educate, to create a cultural reference point, and one other thing I forgot to write down.  From the discussion of School of Rock we learned

  • Dr. Earl does not have straight A's on his graduate transcripts.
  • One of the Scholars admitted "I am Summer."
  • Dr. Birgen has been known to misspell Ghandi Gandhi.
We also brainstormed about Social Justice issues.  The students had three assignments for Monday's class:

  1. Think about Social Justice issues, the six questions of Socrates, the books and films consumed this summer and the course learning objectives to come up with ideas for scheduling the course.  Students were encouraged to write down their ideas as notes to themselves.  They might also want to think about what types of rules they want to make for their course (late assignments, etc.).
  2. Create a public blog for this course.  By public we mean something that is not behind a firewall where anyone with the link can read and comment.  You don't have to make it discoverable to search engines.  This is where you are going to place course assignments when you believe they are worth sharing with the rest of the class.
  3. Write about your dreams.  If money were not an issue (Wartburg and graduate school are free), you parents are not telling you what you must study, etc., what would you do?  How would you create your own education that would get you there?  When you are willing to share, post your paper on your blog.  Remember that one amazing thing about blog posts is that you can fix errors after they are published.  If you are not ready to share by Monday, bring a printed copy with you to class.
 










Friday, August 30, 2013

Move in Lunch

So, early on I had promised BBQ, but with a heat index of 112 deg F, I thought people would appreciate water and cold sandwiches. So, I cranked down the AC, spread out snacks and food, and we had a great time.  My heart is with the students who are going to try to sleep on the third floor of Clinton tonight.

Squeezed around the kitchen table.

Dining in the dining room.

Lots of good conversation, even if your little brother is with you.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Corrected CBFO announcement



U.S. Department of Energy
Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) Fellowship Program
Now Accepting Applications for BS, MS or PhD Graduates and recent Alumni (within the last 5 years) in Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physical Sciences, Cyber/Computer Security, Information/Systems Technology or related technology degrees.
Application closes Sunday, September 22, 2013, midnight EST – visit http://see.orau.org/ProgramDescription.aspx?Program=10417 or see.orau.org and search for CBFO to get started NOW! 

Opportunity in Carlsbad, New Mexico for a full-time, one-year or more commitment, starting in October or November 2013 to conduct mission-oriented research in DOE's Carlsbad Field Office.  Applicant must be interested in a multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment focused on energy technology research and development.

  Applicants must be U.S. Citizens - no exceptions.

Strong analytical, research and communication skills are required.  Annual stipends are dependent on academic level, skills and experience. Additional allowances for travel to site, medical insurance or housing may be provided. 

For more information, e-mail cbfo.fellowship@orise.orau.gov.


Spring 2014 Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory


        

Move In Notes

Last night the President  had Faculty and some staff at his house for dinner.  He mentioned how nice it was that the weather had finally cooperated to be comfortable.  Keep in mind he moved here from the New Orleans area, so if you are from the deep south, it is comfortable.

The first year students move in tomorrow.  It is forecast to be at least 95 deg. F. so make sure you are wearing light-weight clothing.  Although I had originally planned on BBQ for lunch tomorrow, I am beginning to think people would be more appreciative of cold sandwiches.

Our first class is Saturday morning at 8 AM.  Please remember to bring writing implements and something to write on.

See you all tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

CBFO announcement


U.S. Department of Energy
Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) Fellowship Program
Now Accepting Applications for BS, MS or PhD Graduates and recent Alumni (within the last 5 years) in Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physical Sciences, Cyber/Computer Security, Information/Systems Technology or related technology degrees.
Application closes Sunday, September 20, 2013, midnight EST – visit http://see.orau.org/ProgramDescription.aspx?Program=10417 or see.orau.org and search for CBFO to get started NOW! 

Opportunity in Carlsbad, New Mexico for a full-time, one-year or more commitment, starting in October or November 2013 to conduct mission-oriented research in DOE's Carlsbad Field Office.  Applicant must be interested in a multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment focused on energy technology research and development.

  Applicants must be U.S. Citizens - no exceptions.

Strong analytical, research and communication skills are required.  Annual stipends are dependent on academic level, skills and experience. Additional allowances for travel to site, medical insurance or housing may be provided. 

For more information, e-mail cbfo.fellowship@orise.orau.gov.