UAA combines EXPO with new homecoming activities

By LINDA SIEVERS
Special sections editor

Fall, college, homecoming – they have always gone together. This year, University of Alaska Anchorage introduces a new tradition with a continuing event – UAA EXPO/Homecoming 2000, Oct. 6-14.

The week of university activities begins Oct. 6-7 with EXPO 2000. For a third year, the College of Arts and Sciences hosts this event, inviting the community to get up close and personal with the world of teaching, research and service at the university.

This year will feature everything from a gladiator’s workshop with Ron Crawford of the History Department to a debate on the Anchorage tax cap presented by the Journalism and Public Communi-cations Department. There will be time to throw the prehistoric atlatl, hear Russian fairy tales, and investigate much more of the academic life on the Anchorage campus.

Throughout the nine days of Homecoming Week, university departments will host receptions and special events. While on campus, alumni and the community can attend the Mainstage production of "The Grapes of Wrath," enjoy the Accapella Festivella, participate in an Alumni Career Brown Bag lunch or enjoy a host of other college activities.

Homecoming week leads up to the "big game." With no college football in Alaska, UAA’s newest tradition will culminate in the Nissan Classic Hockey Tournament. Scheduled Oct. 13 and 14 at Sullivan Arena, UAA will host teams from Merrimack, University of Michigan and Michigan State in the tournament. The Nissan Classic UAA Homecoming Game will be Saturday with Michigan versus UAA at 7:05 p.m.

For updated information about events during UAA EXPO/Homecoming 2000, check out the web site at www.uaaexpo.uaa.alaska.edu.

New student orientation

Students should come early Saturday, Aug. 26 to the Williamson Auditorium to meet faculty from their academic interest areas, attend workshops (campus employment, National Student Exchange, financial aid, stress and time management, etc.), explore a "Taste of UAA" our campus resource fair (various student clubs, organizations, campus departments and programs), and a barbecue with live music.

Optional activities after the barbecue and "Taste" from 1 - 4 p.m. include campus tours including the bookstore, student IDs and parking permits.

While WolfLine telephone registration is open through Sept. 1 to continuing students or new students who have submitted an "Intent to Register" form, onsite registration is Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. All registration activity is located in the campus center. Orientation runs from 8:30 am - 2 p.m., early check-in from 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. The first day of fall semester classes is Aug. 28.

Special welcome for non-traditional students

A student panel of UAA non-traditional students (over 25, re-careering, finishing degrees, starting programs) will address incoming students Thursday, Aug. 24 in the Campus Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Information on campus resources is also part of this opportunity for students to meet others and "de-mystify" the college experience. Services such as student IDs and computer account sign-ups will be available and the bookstore will be open until 9 p.m. These students are also invited to attend the Saturday program.

RSVP deadline for Orientation Activities is Aug. 18. To RSVP for either or both and for more information about Fall 2000 New Student Orientation and Non-Traditional Student Welcome at University of Alaska Anchorage, check the web site www.uaa.alaska.edu/orientation or phone (907) 786-1525.

Science/Society Lectures series announce

The annual Science and Society Lecture Series, sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, will run six consecutive Mondays from September 18 to October 23 in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium. The lectures will begin at 7:15 p.m., last an hour and follow with a question and answer period. Free to the public, the lectures promise an entertaining evening with professors from the fields of Biology, Physics, Psychology, Aviation and Institute for Economic Research.

Those wishing to earn credit for attending these lectures, can pre-register for ED 580J-701 through the Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) office at UAA West Campus, Bldg. K., Room 103E (786-1932). Registration is also available on the first night of the lecture series. This is a one-credit class with a letter grade. 

• Sept. 18, Dr. Frank Von Hippel, Assistant Professor of Biology, Extinction Debts in Africa: Will primates pay up?

• Sept. 25, Dr. James Pantaleone, Associate Professor of Physics, Order in Chaos: Finding Patterns in Complex Systems.

• Oct. 2, Dr. Robert Madigan, Professor of Psychology, New Insights into the Human Memory System.

• Oct. 9, Dr. Peter Q. Olsson, Chief Scientist/Associate Professor Aviation Technology, Forecasting in Alaska: 21st Century Approaches to an Age-Old Problem

• Oct. 16, Dr. Stephen Colt, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Social and Economic Research, Wild Values: Putting A Price on Nature

• Oct. 23, Dr. Lillian Alessa, Assistant Professor of Biology, Witches, Barnacles and the Myth of Coastal Sustainability

View the UAA Science and Society web page at http://cwolf.uaa.alaska.edu/~afjtp/sos.html for further details about the requirements to earn the one credit and about present and past lecture series.

Slingerland testing, fall courses available

University of Alaska Anchorage will offer Slingerland screening testing on Saturday, August 19 at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $35. Testing will occur at the UAA Sally Monserud Building, Room 104. Students may register by calling 345-0894.

The Slingerland screening test will identify why reading is difficult, what students learning strengths are, and how a student learns. Slingerland courses are designed for adults with learning challenges. For students facing such challenges or wishing to improve skills in reading, writing and spelling, Slingerland recommends taking the test before registering for courses this fall.

For more information contact the Developmental Education Department at 786-6856.

©2000 Anchorage Daily News