Meeting topics will include music and appropriate airplay, contracts and time slots for prospective shows. Free pizza and drinks will be available at the meeting.

For more information on becoming a DJ, email kust@stthomas.edu, view the KUST website, or check out KUST on Facebook.

The presentation, free and open to all students, will be held at noon Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Fireside Lounge of Koch Commons on the St. Paul campus of the University of St. Thomas.

The Minnesota Catholic Conference is the public-policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. Adkins, who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from St. Thomas and a law degree from the University of Minnesota, was named executive director of the conference in March 2011.

Pizza will be served; reservations are not required.

Adkins’ talk is co-sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Center for Catholic Studies at St. Thomas, and by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Take a few minutes to pick up healthy relationship materials while decorating sugar cookies.

The study’s criteria will require that participants identify as female, male, or transgender, freshman or sophomore between the ages of 18 and 21, are currently enrolled in college, and have struggled with an eating disorder. Participants will be asked to reflect on their adolescent years in middle school and high school. Those who participate will be asked to complete an online survey that includes 21 open- and closed-ended questions about the perceived pressures from their families, peers and media on the development of their eating disorders.

If interested in participanting in the study go directly to the online survey here. The study has been approved by St. Thomas’ Institutional Review Board.

For more information about the study contact Debra Lorasch-Gunderson, (715) 579-7929.

The club will host a speaker, Dr. Nathaniel Nelson of St. Thomas’ Graduate School of Professional Psychology, who will speak on neuropsychological outcomes of the blast concussion research he is conducting through the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis. 

The club also will discuss volunteer opportunities. Lunch will be provided.

Bring a partner to the class on Monday, Feb. 20, in Room 155, Murray-Herrick Campus Center. The class is free to all students; light refreshments will be offered before the class begins at 4:30 p.m. Register here.

For more information visit the Wellness Center website or call the center, (651) 962-6128.

The Wellness Center’s Heart Hunt ended yesterday morning on Day 3 of the contest. The hidden heart was found after the third clue had been posted.

Megan Sitek and a friend found the heart hidden under a table in the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Center. They will be given a prize valued at $150.

The Wellness Center thanks all who participated in this year’s hunt.

Meetings take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the O’Shaughnessy (“leather”) Room (108), O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library Center. Each week a professor from a different department gives a brief presentation on:

• His or her discipline.
• What attracts him or her to that field.
• Why the larger UST community should care.

Dr. William Junker

Junker’s talk is titled “Why Does Literature Matter?” The meeting will begin with a 15-minute introduction to Junker’s discipline and area of expertise, followed by a discussion and conversation among students and faculty. All students are invited to participate in the dialogue today and every Thursday. Cookies and juice will be provided.

Junker’s primary focus is literary criticism and theory, as well as Renaissance poetry and drama. He has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Dallas, and he completed his master’s in philosophy and English at the University of Notre Dame and Chicago, respectively. His Ph.D. focused on social thought and English, at the University of Chicago. His education is a testament to an integrated university experience.

For more information visit The Telos Project Facebook group or email the Telos Project.

Stop by for a treat and to register for door prizes.

An attorney from Moore, Costello and Hart is available for free legal advice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Off-Campus Student Services. Advice is offered on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. Off-Campus Student Services is located in Room 253, Anderson Student Center.

Free legal advice days also will be held Wednesdays:

• Feb. 29
• March 14
• March 28
• April 11
• April 25
• May 9

U.S. Department of Education financial aid policy requires that students earn their federal aid based on the amount of time they attend classes at UST. In order to earn all their federal aid, students must attend classes through 60 percent of the semester. (April 8, 2012, for spring semester undergraduate, and most standard graduate programs. This date is different for law and cohort programs.)

If a student withdraws before this date, the Financial Aid Office is required to calculate how much of a student’s federal aid he or she has earned and return the unearned portion to the federal government. There are no special circumstances (such as medical emergencies) that can prevent federal funds from being returned when a student withdraws before the 60 percent date.

Federal financial aid includes:

• Direct Loans
• Perkins Loans
• PLUS Loans
• Pell Grant
• Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Teacher Education Assistance for Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

Note: This federal financial aid policy differs from the UST institutional refund policy. The federal requirement may mean that students will owe UST money because some of their financial aid has been returned.

Students who are receiving aid through any of these programs are encouraged to schedule a meeting with a financial aid counselor to consider the financial aid implications of withdrawing from school. Detailed information regarding the federal financial aid withdrawal policy for undergraduate and graduate students can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

For more information call the Financial Aid Office, (651) 962-6550.

The theme for the Senior Retreat is “The future is as bright as the promises of God!”

Cost is $15. Register by Sunday, Feb. 26, on Campus Ministry’s Retreat Calendar website.

Questions? Contact Vanessa Walsh, (651) 962-6562.

The session is geared to students who are seeking top scores and will include a comprehensive review of all content tested on the LSAT. To reserve a seat (recommended but not required), register at PrincetonReview.com.

For more information email Lauren Trout.

For details and registration materials see the Career Development Center website or stop by the office in Room 350, Murray-Herrick Campus Center. Details about the fair and the employers who will attend can be viewed on the Job and Internship Fair website.

Other campus events this week not mentioned in the videoblog include:

• Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., Fanamaniac Redemption, Campus Way in the Anderson Student Center
• Thursday, convo hour, Fanamaniac Redemption, Campus Way in the Anderson Student Center
• Thursday, 9 p.m., Isis Speaks, Scooter’s
• Friday, 9 p.m., Salsabrosa, Scooter’s
• Saturday, 1 p.m., Fanamaniac Women’s and Men’s Basketball, Schoenecker Arena, AARC
• Saturday, 10 p.m., Tommies After Dark, Dance Lessons, Dance in the lower level of the Anderson Student Center

(And remember to Follow STAR on Twitter at @USTSTAR.)

It isn’t necessary for students to have completed a structured eating disorder treatment program, but they should have an awareness and acceptance of a current or previous unhealthy relationship with food, eating or body image and be committed to continuing recovery.

Meeting with other people to share common concerns is a great way to gain support and learn new coping strategies when feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or confused. Being in a group can help people feel more connected, explore issues, gain insight, learn new skills and help others grow.

The group will meet weekly from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays in Room 370, Murray-Herrick Campus Center on the St. Paul campus.

Interested students are asked to schedule a brief screening appointment. To register for an appointment call (651) 962-6780 or email the group leaders, Deb Broderick or Emily Buoen.

To win, find the laminated heart and return it to the Wellness Center to receive an autographed copy of What Happy Couples Do, written by Professor Carol Bruess, and other “Happy Couples” merchandise, a $25 gift card to Coffee Bené, and a $100 gift card to Axel’s Bonfire restaurant.

Clues will be given out daily – published in Bulletin Today, and posted on the Wellness Center website, Facebook and Twitter. Clue No. 2 and a healthy relationship tip (as well as yesterday’s clue and relationship tip) are listed below:

*  *  *

Clue No. 2: A breathtaking view marks the spot.

Fighting fairly: A major stumbling block in any relationship is settling disagreements, which often are reduced to emotional shouting matches rather than caring problem-solving. Basic ground rules for effectively facing conflict in a relationship include:

1. Maintain a spirit of good will – remember: you care about this person.
2. Avoid attacking one another – discuss behavior, not personalities.
3. Share your feelings – explore and discuss them.
4. Focus on the present – past disappointments cannot be changed. Concentrate on the here and now.

(From: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Relationships)

*  *  *

Clue No. 1: Find the heart at the center of campus.

Healthy relationship tip: Keep expectations realistic. No one can be everything we might want him or her to be. Sometimes people disappoint us. It’s not all-or-nothing, though. Healthy relationships mean accepting people as they are and not trying to change them!

(From: Kansas State University, Healthy Relationships.)

ECA works with local schools to host campus visits and give off-site presentations to help demystify the college experience for students in fourth through eighth grade. Most visiting youth will eventually be the first in their families to attend college and are from diverse and low-income backgrounds.

One hands-on activity of the Early College Awareness program looks at sensory persception.

The ECA program staff and student coordinators will create developmentally appropriate hands-on activities such as College Jeopardy, College Mad Libs, and a college simulation to show the youth what college is all about. A typical visit includes a general college introductory activity, a mock class or college simulation, lunch and a mini tour of campus.

While ECA student coordinators work behind the scenes with staff to develop and run the program, volunteers are needed to help lead activities, hang out with the youth at lunch and lead mini-tours of campus. Each volunteer is guaranteed 10 hours of community service by helping at three visits. (There is an option to choose to help at more visits.) These hours can count toward club requirements, Business 200, and other requirements.

Requirements

• Be available for at least two hours between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. (convo hour is not enough by itself) on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Attend Training on Sunday, Feb. 19; Reflection on Thursday, March 29; and Final Celebration on Friday, May 11
• Be excited about working with the community and talking to kids about college and your experiences

To apply, fill out an application and turn it in at the CILCE Center by Monday, Feb. 13. An application is available online here, and for pickup at three locations:

1. CILCE in Room 153, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
2. Diversity and Inclusion Services in Room 224, Anderson Student Center
3. Dean of Students office in Room 241, Anderson Student Center

For more information email ECA or call program director Katie Hunt, (651) 962-6801.

Sigma Chi, built on the ideals of friendship, justice and learning, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest social fraternities.

“If you’re looking to get involved in something that’s more than the typical club at St. Thomas, Sigma Chi is the organization for you. Our fraternity best serves its purpose by developing, implementing and monitoring programs that foster leadership, build character and promote positive relationship skills, which, in turn, enable our members to become productive and caring participants in their families, colleges and communities,” commented Nick Snidarich ’12.

The cookie giveaway will be held from 11:40 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, on the second floor of the Anderson Student Center. The informational meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at a site to be determined.

The list of notable Sigma Chi brothers includes Drew Brees, quarterback, New Orleans Saints; Mike Ditka, Chicago Bears tight end and coach; Grover Cleveland, U.S. president; Luke Donald, pro golfer; David Letterman, talk show host; Brad Pitt, actor; and John Wayne, actor.

Contact Recruitment Chair Chris Cuddihy or President Tim O’Brien for more information about Sigma Chi.

Election packets will be available starting today on the USG website and in the Campus Life Office, Room 325, Anderson Student Center. Packets are due back by 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, in the USG office, Room 314, Anderson Student Center.

Candidates will give two-minute speeches to the Undergraduate Student Government General Council at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Woulfe Alumni Hall, with the special election immediately following.

For more information about the elections email Mike Orth.

Mike Orth sworn in as USG president

Undergraduate Student Government announced Sunday that junior Mike Orth, executive vice president of USG, would be stepping in as president, following the resignation of Greg Scharine from the position. Orth was sworn in Sunday at the weekly USG meeting.

Orth previously served as freshman and sophomore class president before being elected to the USG Executive Board in April 2011. He will now serve as president of USG and as student representative to the St. Thomas Board of Trustees.

Email Jared Scharpen, USG vice president of public relations, for more information.

Students are invited to play Grocery Bingo for a chance to win bags full of nutritious groceries; in addition, each time students attend Grocery Bingo their names will be entered into a drawing for one of two generous gift cards that will be given away at the end of the semester.

Bingo dates 

• Feb. 7
• Feb. 21
• March 6
• March 27
• April 10
• April 24
• May 8

Sessions will be held:

• Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Room 202, Opus Hall, 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Room 252, Terrence Murphy Hall, 5 p.m.

 Students in the course will experience unique opportunities:

• Meet President Jakaya Kikwete and Alfonso E. Lenhardt, U.S. ambassador to Tanzania.
• Visit Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Ruaha National Park, Tanzanian universities and nonprofit organizations.
• Develop a critical and cross-cultural understanding of leadership, economic development and underdevelopment.
• Enrich individual philosophies and practices of leadership as a consequence of formal and informal intercultural exchanges in Tanzania.

Father Jean-Pierre Bongila, 2010-11 Global Citizenship Award winner, is instructor for the course. For more information contact Bongila, (651) 962-4799.

To win: Just find the laminated heart and return it to the Wellness Center to receive an autographed copy of What Happy Couples Do, written by Professor Carol Bruess, and other “Happy Couples” merchandise, a $25 gift card to Coffee Bené, and a $100 gift card to Axel’s Bonfire restaurant.

Clues will be given out daily – published in Bulletin Today, and posted on the Wellness Center website, Facebook and Twitter. Clue No. 1 and a healthy relationship tip is listed below.

Clue No. 1: Find the heart at the center of campus.

Healthy relationship tip: Keep expectations realistic. No one can be everything we might want him or her to be. Sometimes people disappoint us. It’s not all-or-nothing, though. Healthy relationships mean accepting people as they are and not trying to change them!

(From: Kansas State University, Healthy Relationships.)

David Steele, director of Undergraduate Research and Collaborative Scholarships, will lead the session, with former grant recipients Aaron Hays and Ashela Richardson on hand to answer questions and talk about their projects.

Applicants who are selected will receive $4,000 and free campus housing to cover expenses as they complete a major summer research project that benefits a community organization. Grant recipients spend 400 hours over 10 weeks and are supervised by a mentor from both the St. Thomas faculty and the community. The Community-Based Research Program is based out of the Undergraduate Research and Collaborative Scholarships office.

Grant recipients must meet three basic requirements:

• Confirmed full-time research project
• Faculty mentor
• Community mentor from the organization with which the student will work

To be eligible for this year’s grant, applicants must be degree-seeking undergraduate students during spring and summer 2012.

The deadline for grant proposals is Friday, Feb. 24. For more information contact Steele, (651) 962-6038.

The courses:

Intercultural Communication in Japan, (UST)

By traveling throughout Japan and interacting with diverse groups, students will learn how to become more thoughtful and adept communicators in any multicultural context. They also will learn about uniquely Japanese communication styles and about the theories and practice of intercultural communication.

• Program directors: Carol Bruess, Communication and Journalism, and Chie Kakigi, UST
• Prerequisites: permission of instructor
• Fulfills: the practice/application category of the COJO major and minor (COJO370) and the human diversity core requirement

*  *  *

Sustainable Alternative Energy Sources and the Future in France and Italy, (UST)

Students will learn about cutting-edge alternative energy sources such as tidal-, wind-, nuclear-, hydrogen-, and solar-power generation through tours of alternative energy power plants, readings and lectures presented by leading experts throughout France and Italy.

• Program directors: Greg Mowry and John Wentz, Engineering, UST
• Prerequisites: none
• Fulfills: engineering technical elective; environmental science humanities and policy elective

*  *  *

Ethics in Tibet, (UST)

Based in Lhasa, Tibet, China, this course introduces students to the study of comparative ethics. Students will explore ethical theories in Western philosophy – virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism as well as core themes in Buddhist ethics.

• Program director: Jon Stoltz, Philosophy, UST
• Prerequisites: PHIL 115
• Fulfills: PHIL214 (moral and philosophical reasoning second core requirement) and the human diversity core requirement

*  *  *

Past and Present: Human Rights in the Making: Lessons from Argentina’s History, (UMAIE)

This course explores Argentine historical, political, social and cultural developments from the 1950s to the present. Students will focus on human rights and the complex negotiations that take place when a society transitions from a dictatorship to a democracy.

• Program directors: Paola Ehrmantraut and Don Miller, Modern and Classical Languages, UST
• Prerequisites: SPAN 300, 301 and 305
• Fulfills: SPAN 411: Spanish major/minor requirement and human diversity core requirement

*  *  *

Co-Sponsored Programs

St. Thomas co-sponsored programs offer a variety of summer study abroad options. For a full list, refer to the new Study Abroad website, click on “Find a Program,” then “Program Search,” and select “Summer” under the “Term” drop-down menu, or view the full list here.