In preparation for UM’s hosting of the first Presidential Debate on Sep. 30, UM has brought the “University of Miami Community Forum Series” to campus.

“The fact that the Presidential Debate is happening here will bring politics home; students will finally realize that UM is as much a part of the political field as anywhere in America,” Ryan Fell, freshman, said. “If the President and his rival were visiting my home to discuss politics, I would surely attempt to be more interested in their political issues.”

Sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences, the Institute for Public History, the League of Women Voters and the Urban Environment League, the forums are intended to bring students, local celebrities, officials and panelists together to discuss topics of local concern that may be otherwise overlooked by students.

Professor Gregory Bush, Director of UM’s Institute for Public History, will be moderating the series.

“Our forums are trying to introduce local concerns to students who seldom see them in the media and show them how a selected range of community leaders and experts respond,” Bush said.

The first series will be composed of four forums, and there are plans to continue them during late summer and fall.

Last Monday, the first of the panels, “Dumb and Dumber? The Challenge of Local News and Public Education,” discussed how local media covers community, economic and political issues.

As an education researcher, Walter Secada, panelist of the first forum, feels strongly about educating students about information that is learned through the news and how it is presented to them.

“It is not enough to say that the various local and national media are owned, and hence controlled, by very powerful conglomerates,” Secada said. “Students need to realize how that control translates into the turning of news into a product that is packed and sold.”

All forums will be held at the Wesley Center, 1210 Stanford Dr., from 7-9 p.m. For more information about the UM Community Forum Series, visit http://scholar.library.miami.edu/community_forum.

Vanessa Krause can be contacted at v.krause@umiami.edu.

NEXT FORUMS

Mar. 29: 7 – 9 p.m.

Up From Cynicism: Politics, Campaign Finance and Civic Activism in Miami-Dade County

Panelists: Carrie Meek (Former Congresswoman), Katy Sorenson (County Commissioner), Robert Sechen (General Counsel, Republican Party of Florida), Thomasina Williams, Esq., Ric Katz (political consultant, Communikatz)

Apr. 12: 7 – 9 p.m.

Getting Beyond Getting Along:Facing the Diversity of Miami-Dade’s Ethical Traditions

Joe Garcia (Exec. Dir., Cuban American National Foundation), Leonie Hermantin (Strategic Planning Director, Santla Haitian Neighborhood Center, resident of South Miami), Ken Goodman, (UM, ethicist), Cheryl Little (Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center)

Mar. 6, 1961:
JFK passes Executive Order that creates the Committee on Equal Employee Opportunity.

Sep. 24, 1965:
First time Affirmative Action enforced.

Feb. 22, 2000:
Florida bans race as factor in college admissions.
Dec. 13, 2000:
Federal judge rules that the use of race as a factor in admissions at the University of Michigan was constitutional.

Mar. 27, 2001:
Judge draws opposite conclusion to University of Michigan decision.

May 14, 2002:
Decision reversed on appeal, ruling the admissions policy constitutional.

Jun. 23, 2003:
Supreme Court rules that race can be used as one of the many factors considered by colleges when selecting students.

Approximately 100 students gathered in the UC I-Lounge last Tuesday to discuss the recent affirmative action bake sales by Advocates for Conservative Thought [ACT] and various minority and international student organizations.

UBS, Spectrum, Outspoken, FEC and COISO members talked about the future possibilities for a forum on affirmative action and other debated topics.

“For this to happen, it felt like a slap in the face,” Christian Wilson, freshman, said. “What they did violated the Equal Protection Act of 1964. They broke the law.”

Dr. Patricia Whitely, vice president for Student Affairs, and William W. Sandler, Dean of Students, attended the meeting.

Whitely addressed student concerns that the administration did not step in to stop the ACT bake sale, saying that administration wanted to foster debate rather than suppress it.

“We could’ve closed it down, but we believed that by allowing the event to happen, we would allow for some discussion,” Whitely said. “Obviously, UM wants to work with you on this issue. Hopefully this won’t happen again in the same way.”

“For this to happen, it felt like a slap in the face.”– CHRISTIAN WILSON, freshman

Sandler agreed with Whitely.

“I think we just need to come out and debate it,” Sandler said.

Students exchanged ideas for a forum in an academic setting, where representatives of all views could express themselves. There was also talk of forming a committee to deal with such issues should they arise in the future.

Many realized that ACT sparked a new unity and coalition among the organizations.

“There’s a small part of this that we can be thankful for,” Chris Fisher, co-president of Outspoken, said. “Look at us – look how we’ve come together.”

The Hurricane will continue to follow this developing issue.

Megha Garg can be contacted at m.garg2@umiami.edu.

As part of the Psychology in Film: Community Lecture Series, A Beautiful Mind will be shown in room 536 of the Fred C. and Helen Donn Flipse building at 6 p.m. After the viewing, Amy Weisman, assistant professor, will discuss the film and some of her research in the area of schizophrenia. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

In celebration of Greek Week 2004, the Greek Week Mystery Event will be held on the UC Patio starting at 6 p.m. For more information, contact either Julie Beltz at jgbeltz@hotmail.com or Tim Williamson at timmer00@hotmail.com.

The Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music’s Opera Theatre presents The Mikado in the Gusman Concert Hall at 8 p.m. This fully staged and costumed production features the UM Opera Theatre with the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Russell Young. Directed by Richard Kosowski, this English comic operetta is set in the Japanese fairy-tale village of Titipu and is a hilarious spoof on English customs and manners, with beautiful melodies set by Sir Arthur Sullivan to the incredibly witty dialogue of W. S. Gilbert. For reservations and ticket information, call 305-284-4886.

In celebration of Greek Week 2004, the Dance-A-Thon, Greek Week’s main philanthropic event towards donations to the United Cerebral Palsy Organization, will be held on the Rat from 3 to 11 p.m. For more information, contact either Julie Beltz at jgbeltz@hotmail.com or Tim Williamson at timmer00@hotmail.com.

Closing Ceremonies for Greek Week will be held at the UC Patio from 3 to 4 p.m., where announcements will be made concerning the winners of Greek Week and money raised for the United Cerebral Palsy Organization. For more information, contact either Julie Beltz at jgbeltz@hotmail.com or Tim Williamson at timmer00@hotmail.com.

The Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music’s Opera Theatre presents The Mikado in the Gusman Concert Hall at 3 p.m. This fully staged and costumed production features the UM Opera Theatre with the University of Miami Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Russell Young. Directed by Richard Kosowski, this English comic operetta is set in the Japanese fairy-tale village of Titipu and is a hilarious spoof on English customs and manners, with beautiful melodies set by Sir Arthur Sullivan to the incredibly witty dialogue of W. S. Gilbert. For reservations and ticket information, call 305-284-4886.

MONDAY MARCH 8
In honor of Safe Spring Break Week, PIER 21 and the Residence Halls hosts Progressive Parties beginning at 8 p.m. at Mahoney/Pearson. For more information, please call 305-284-6120.

Join Tri Delta in our efforts to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Just go to Coldstone Creamery (on US 1) and mention Tri Delta, who will then receive 20% of profits for the evening. For more information visit: www.trideltamiami.com.

TUESDAY MARCH 9
In honor of Safe Spring Break Week, PIER 21, the AOD, and the NCAA hosts speaker Will Keim, on the topic of Sexual Assault at 7 p.m. at the UC Ballroom. For more information, please call 305-284-6120.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 10
The Cinematic Arts Commission presents “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” at the Cosford Cinema at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Admission is FREE with Cane Card.

THURSDAY MARCH 11
The Reach Out and Read Program would like to invite all UM students and staff to join them for lunch at noon in the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building 3rd-floor. Learn how to volunteer your time reading to children between the ages of 1-9 years old, while they wait to see the doctor. Please RSVP to David at ROR@med.miami.edu or at 305-243-5264.

FRIDAY MARCH 12
The Professional Development and Training Office is offering the first session in the Leadership Skills Development Program from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. During the seven full-day sessions, participants will gain a greater understanding of such topics as leadership, quality, continuous improvement, ethics, and values. For more information, including criteria for application and the application process, visit the https://www.miami.edu/development-training/LeadershipApplicationSpring2004.doc.

SATURDAY MARCH 13
The Alumni Club of Greater Miami will host the second annual Murder Mystery Dinner to benefit University of Miami scholarships. Enjoy a night of mystery, laughter, and surprises for a great cause. This year’s event will take place at the Calusa Country Club and includes a beef, chicken, or lasagna dinner, and entertainment. The cost is $40 for club members and $45 for guests. This year’s show will feature members of Theater Lovers Community (TLC). For more information, call Richard Webster at 305-519-3720.

Spring break courses open

Still need to pick up three credits this spring term? There is still time to register for a three-credit Spring Break course. Break your barriers with explorations in creativity, learn more about tough issues like drug abuse and HIV, launch a high tech business or take advantage of a rare opportunity to study lemurs. For more information or to register, email carol@miami.edu, call 305-284-4411 or visit http://www.miami.edu/intersession.

Who to call for information

Medicare and billing concerns? Address questions to Third Party Reimbursement/Office of Compliance at 305-243-HELP or 877-415-HELP. For information about this help line or training programs offered by the compliance office, contact Gemma Romillo at 305-243-5842. Research integrity concerns? Report concerns regarding research integrity and adherence to federal or University regulations directly to the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at 305-243-6415, or you can call the University’s toll-free compliance hotline at 866-YOURCALL.

It’s Athletic Training month

The month of March is National Athletic Training Month. The theme this year is “Injury Treatment: Early Care Speeds Recovery.” Look for athletic training students in the UC Breezeway during this month to learn more about the athletic training major offered through the School of Education. For more information, visit www.education.miami.edu/athletictraining.

Nomination forms out for 2004 Laurel Awards
The 2004 Laurel Awards provides you with the opportunity to nominate an outstanding Student Affairs employee. This award can be given to a full time staff member or student within the Student Affairs division. Information and nomination forms are available at all Student Affairs Offices. Forms are also available at our website http://www.miami.edu/laurelawards. Nomination forms are due by March 26, and are to be submitted to: Ali Rodriguez.
Email, Fax: Toppel Career Center alrodriguez@miami.edu 305-284-3668 Locator Code 6930

Football schedule changed

In response to requests from fans and with the cooperation of the Atlantic Coast Conference and opponent schools, the ‘Canes have changed the 2004 football schedule to avoid any conflicts with the Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah holidays. The home game against Louisiana Tech has been moved from Saturday, Oct. 16, to Saturday, Sep. 18, and the home contest against Louisville has been moved from Thursday, Sep. 16, to Thursday, Oct. 14. All dates remain tentative and subject to change, and game times have yet to be announced. Family Weekend, originally scheduled for the Oct. 16 game, will now be held in the spring semester 2005.

A “who’s who” of UM School of Communication alumni working in various aspects of the communications field will return to campus for the fifth annual Communication Week. With the exception of the Newspaper Design Workshop planned for February 27 and 28, all events are free and open to the public. “Alumni will team up with faculty for discussions on issues that interest communicators in all professions,” said Associate Dean Robert Hosmon. For more information, contact Margot Winick at mwinick@miami.edu or at 305-284-5500.

The University of Miami School of Law Entertainment and Sports Law Society presents their 7th Annual Entertainment and Sports Law Symposium Friday and Saturday March 5-6, 2004 at the University of Miami Coral Gables Campus Law. This two-day event will be filled with panel discussions led by noted attorneys and leaders in the sports and entertainment fields, along with lectures from some of the brightest minds in the business. The event will provide networking opportunities for all to enjoy. Cost is $20 for UM Students, $30 for any Non-UM Student, or $70 for all others. For additional information please contact Tania at UM_ESLS@yahoo.com, visit http://currentstudents.law.miami.edu/esls, or call (305) 284-6887.

RESEARCH REWARDED $CASH PRIZES$
The deadline for submission of abstracts for the Graduate Student Association’s Research & Creativity Forum is March 5. For more information, go online to www.miami.edu/rcf.

The Ibis yearbook is in need of writers. The theme of the book this year is school spirit, and they want to include as many voices and reactions as possible in the book. The Ibis covers anything and everything that takes place on campus, and even things off campus, like summer blockbusters, or the World Series. Everyone is encouraged to submit their stories, even if they think it’s not something that would be included. The stories are usually 250 through 300 words, but it is also okay if the articles are more, as that is something that can be worked with. There are plenty of assignments that need to be covered, and stories that are printed in the yearbook are considered published work, so it looks great on resumes! The Ibis yearbook wins awards every year, why not be a part of it? All quotes and stories can be sent to ibiswriter@hotmail.com or dropped off at the yearbook office in the UC 229. Include your name, year, and an e-mail address.

In cooperation with the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the Otto G. Richter Library will be offering online chat reference assistance 82 hours per week. Ask-A-Librarian uses instant messaging to contact librarians at ASERL libraries who help patrons find answers to their questions quickly and easily and search databases. Chat reference assistance is available during the following hours:
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. -9 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
For more information about the Ask-A-Librarian project, contact Carrie Leslie at 284-4042 or at cleslie@miami.edu. Ask-A Librarian can be found at http://www.library.miami.edu/Questionpoint/patronchat2.htm.