VOL. 37, NO. 8 - DECEMBER 8, 2005

Commencement ceremonies set

Photos by Kurt Stepnitz Top: Dan Bulkowski, Department of Horticulture, prepares the skeleton for the annual poinsettia tree at the greenhouse conservatory in the Plant and Soil Sciences Building. Matt Pulling, a Lansing Community College student from Williamston, steadies the ladder. Bottom: The 16-foot tree made entirely of poinsettias is on display through the holidays. The free holiday open house is today from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will feature a visit from Santa, decorating demonstrations and a holiday plant sale.

MSU’s 2,618 candidates for degrees will mark a milestone in their academic careers with commencement ceremonies Dec. 9 and Dec. 10. (Full Story)

Professors named fellows of the American Physical Society

Two MSU faculty members have been named fellows of the American Physical Society, one of the world’s largest and most respected physics organizations. (Full Story)

New 'U' home page in the works

MSU is preparing to launch a redesigned university home page, which will sport a new look and feel. (Full Story)

MLK day to celebrate historic voting rights act

MSU’s 2006 Martin Luther King Jr. celebratory activities will recognize what is hailed as one of the most effective pieces of civil rights legislation passed by Congress. (Full Story)

'U' faculty receive Fulbright award

Seven faculty and administrators have received Fulbright Scholar awards for the 2005-2006 academic year. (Full Story)

'U' program responds to nursing shortage

The College of Nursing is offering a new degree program that could have as many as 150 new nurses working in hospitals, clinics and other settings within a year. (Full Story)

Faculty Conversation with Eric Strauss, Director, Regional and Urban Planning Program

(Full Story)

Global Focus showcases faculty, staff talent

International Studies and Programs, in cooperation with the MSU Alumni Association, recently announced the winners of the seventh annual MSU Global Focus photography competition for MSU students, faculty, staff and alumni. (Full Story)

Genomics used to help developing countries

A collaboration involving MSU researchers is using genomics to increase the nutritional value of rice in order to help address malnutrition in developing countries. (Full Story)

Initiative seeks improvement in math, science education

PROM/SE, Promoting Rigorous Outcomes in Mathematics and Science Education, an innovative research and development initiative led by MSU and five partners, seeks to dramatically improve mathematics and science teaching and learning in grades K-12, bringing U.S. students up to or above international standards. (Full Story)

'A Prairie Home Companion' broadcasts from 'U'

Fans of both MSU and “A Prairie Home Companion” couldn’t help but feel proud when The Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band started playing their take on the MSU fight song at the radio show’s live broadcast from the MSU Concert Auditorium on Nov. 26. (Full Story)

New information systems project launched at MSU

A major undertaking, which may lead to new information systems for both financial reporting and human resources at MSU, has begun with a Systems Requirements Definition (SRD) project. The project has been launched to understand just what information and capabilities the academic and administrative units need to support this work. (Full Story)

State of the Payroll Address for year 2006

The following information is provided by the MSU Payroll Division. (Full Story)

Stewardship program seeks volunteers

MSU’s Office of Campus Sustainability is seeking motivated volunteers to join its Stewardship Coordinator Program to help promote progress toward sustainability on campus. (Full Story)