Thursday, November 10, 2005

NMU 19th Among Top 50 'Most Unwired'

 

In its second-annual survey of wireless Internet accessibility, Intel Corp. ranked Northern 19th among the top 50 "Most Unwired" campuses for 2005.

Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., capped off the list at number one. It was followed by Western Michigan University, the only other in-state school to earn a spot in the rankings. Full Story

NMU Deploys Meru's Densest Wireless Network

 

Northern recently replaced a wireless local-area network (WLAN) system in Jamrich Hall, the Learning Resources Center and McClintock. This system uses “air traffic control” technology developed by Meru Networks, giving students and faculty improved access to e-learning applications. A company news release calls it the "world's highest density wireless network."

It simultaneously supports more than 800 students in Jamrich Hall alone, and has reduced interference issues that once resulted in connectivity and performance problems. “The new system supports several times as many users in any given area,” said Don Salo (AdIT). Full Story

University Forum Nov. 30

The second university forum of the fall semester will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the Michigan Room of the University Center.

Focus topics include an announcement of the search committee that will help determine candidates for provost and an overview of the process; an update on enrollment and retention; an update on graduate programs; and a discussion of the role of athletics.

Dehlin Assumes EO Duties

As Northern’s new equal opportunity specialist, Catherine Dehlin (Human Resources) will help the university comply with civil rights, equal opportunity and affirmative action requirements.

She will also monitor related legal developments, including an initiative to let state voters decide the fate of affirmative action in the November 2006 election. The ballot language – as proposed by the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative – calls for an amendment to the state constitution that would prohibit universities and other entities from “discriminating or granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.” Full Story

Robots to Demolish Tower

 

Robots can detect and disarm bombs or landmines in the name of security. They are dispatched to places humans dare not tread – from the tops of volcanoes to the dark depths of the ocean and the far reaches of the solar system – for the purpose of exploration. They also help with household chores in the name of convenience.

But NMU has a novel mission for these mechanical wonders. At 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, four robots (including the Trilobot model pictured) will be used to implode the Sears Tower in C.B. Hedgcock. It promises to be a speedy yet visually stunning spectacle that will send 15,000 wooden Jenga blocks tumbling to the floor. Full Story

Robotics Tourney at NMU

NMU will host "Lake Superior Odyssey," a regional robotics competition, at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Berry Events Center. More than 250 students from across the Upper Peninsula will participate.

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department will sponsor a team from Bothwell Middle School that is being coached by NMU students. Dave Buhl (Mathematics and Computer Science) is serving as the team’s mentor. Full Story

Last Call for United Way Pledges

Northern has realized 80 percent of its 2005 United Way campaign goal with pledges of $28,000 turned in as of Monday, Nov. 7. NMU’s goal for this year is $35,000. Ken Godfrey (Athletics and Recreational Sports), co-coordinator of the workplace campaign, encourages faculty and staff members who had planned to make a donation but haven’t yet done so to return their completed forms as soon as possible. Full Story

 

AP Union Makes $5,000 United Way Donation

Members of the Administrative Professional (AP) union recently approved a $5,000 contribution on behalf of UAW 2178 to the United Way of Marquette County. They voted unanimously in favor of the executive committee recommendation at their Oct. 11 meeting. The donation was made separately from the NMU workplace campaign and will not be factored into the university's final tally.

 

Skating Ticket Discount Available

The deadline is fast approaching for advance ticket discounts for the U.S. Short Track Speedskating Championships to be held at the Berry Events Center Dec. 12-16.

Through Nov. 18, an adult all-event pass is $25 and a VIP ticket package $150. After that date, an adult all-event pass is $40 and the VIP package $190. An all-events pass provides admission to all four days of competition: Monday (time trials), Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Full Story

An NMU employee profile

Contrary to popular belief, Jim Berglund (Plant Operations) is not a custodian. “I’m a building and grounds attendant. I set up meeting and banquet rooms, hang bulletin boards and pictures, and take care of the customers in the building. There are no toilets involved whatsoever,” he joked.

Berglund has been with NMU for 22 years, the majority of which have been spent in the University Center.

“My entire career has been spent in the UC except for 14 months when I was working over in West Science. I like it better over here though; this building has been a part of me for over 20 years, so I’m pretty attached to it.” Full Story

 

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Updated: November 10, 2005

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