New Stuff Tuesday — February 23, 2016

Tyranny of the Meritocracy

The Tyranny of the Meritocracy
Democratizing Higher Education in America
by Lani Guinier
LA227.4 .G85 2015
New Arrivals, 2nd floor

Lani Guitier’s new book attempts to answer the question of why our so-called meritocracy can often be so unfair to many. She focuses on how our system of higher education often reinforces this unfair system by granting those already benefiting from wealth and privilege the best access to the best education. She articulates a call for a more inclusive vision of how we determine who has “merit”–arguing that we should not rely on standardize testing and instead focus on a holistic evaluation of the whole person.

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Critical Issues Facing African American Students

“Critical Issues Facing African American Students in Education” will be discussed on Tues., Feb. 23, from 3:30-4:30pm in UC275A. The alumni panel includes Dr. Alisia Moutry, Executive Director of Milwaukee Teacher Education Center, Dr. Tremayne Clardy, Principal of Sennett Middle School (Madison Metropolitan School District, MMSD), and Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown, Director of Teaching and Learning at Brown Deer School District. It’s part of the African American Heritage Lecture Series!

You can read an interview with Dr. Moutry at WisconsinWatchdog.org. You can read a brief introduction to Dr. Clardy in MMSD’s “Meet Our Principals” web page. Dr. Kelsey-Brown has a brief introduction as a member of the College of Education and Professional Studies Dean’s Advisory Board.

cover of book African American students in urban schoolsAndersen Library has resources for learning more, such as the book African American students in urban schools: Critical issues and solutions for achievement (3rd-Floor Main Collection, LC2717 .A37 2012) and articles such as these: “Challenges to success in higher education: An examination of educational challenges from the voices of college-bound black males” (Journal of Negro Education, 2013, vol.82:no.3, pp.288-299), “‘Our biggest challenge is stereotypes'”: Understanding stereotype threat and the academic experiences of African American undergraduates” (Journal of Negro Education, 2013, vol.82:no.4, pp.382-392), “Inside and outside gifted education programming: Hidden challenges for African American students” (Exceptional Children, 2008, vol.74:no.4, pp.433-450), “Improving African American student outcomes: Understanding educational achievement and strategies to close opportunity gaps” (Western Journal of Black Studies, 2014, vol.38:no.4, pp.209-217), and “The jar is half-empty and the jar is half-full: Challenges and opportunities in graduating first-generation African American undergraduates” (Critical Questions In Education, 2011, vol.2:no.1, pp.14-27).

Please Ask a librarian (visit the Reference Desk, call 262.472.1032, or choose to email or chat) for assistance with finding additional materials.

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Mental health & happiness

College is a hectic time. Between classes, work, homework, and a social life, there isn’t a whole lot of down time. It’s important to make time for you, and make it a priority.

Pet therapy dog at Andersen Library

The Andersen Library takes pride in offering many stress reducing activities throughout the semester. Each week – see schedule – therapy dogs are welcomed into the library to interact with students, share some hugs and kisses, and beg for treats. Many of our students miss pets back home and relish the chance to learn more about the dogs and to relax.

Being creative is also a great outlet for stress reduction. Adult Coloring books are all the rage right now. Just about every bookstore has rows and rows of books dedicated to coloring everything from mermaids to kittens. We have been printing coloring pages for students since 2010, though in the last year we have seen the usage double. We also hold a variety of craft events, such as valentine card, buttons, stress balls, and more throughout the semester. Be sure to check out news and events page for information about what is coming.

Are you struggling with stress or anxiety? UW-W Health and Counseling Services provides some great information about helpful tips to manage anxiety symptoms and reduce and manage stress- http://www.uww.edu/uhcs/wellness-information/az/anxiety and http://www.uww.edu/uhcs/wellness-information/az/stress. If you would like additional mental health information, counselors at UHCS are happy to help, so give them a call (262) 472-1305.

Looking for more information related to mental health in college?  Try books like Mental Health Issues and the University StudentBeyond Measure: Rescuing an Overscheduled, Overtested, Underestimated Generation, or books about overcoming anxiety and staying calm.

Just want to relax?  Try out some relaxing music, or read about techniques for relaxation and mindfulness.

This site is not meant to replace the advice of a health care or counseling professional. You should not rely on any information on this blog to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation.
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Stories from Student Veterans

David Chrisinger, Communication Specialist and veteran transition expert, will be the guest speaker on the webinar Stories from Student Veterans on Thurs. Feb. 18 & 25, at noon, hosted by Kognito. He will talk about “best practices to better engage student veterans, make them feel at home at the university, and teach them the skills they need to succeed in college” (https://www.kognito.com/news/). Registration for the webinar is free.

Chrisinger’s book, See me for who I am: Student veterans’ stories of war and coming home, contains a collection of essays by 20 student veterans at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where Chrisinger is a lecturer. He also is a managing editor of the web site Stronger at the Broken Places.

Andersen Library has additional resources, if you’d like to learn more. Search Research@UWW to find books such as From the Army to college: Transitioning from the service to higher education (2nd-floor New Arrivals UB357 .V342 2015), Creating a veteran-friendly campus: Strategies for transition and success (3rd-floor Main Collection, LB2343 .N44 2009), From the Marine Corps to college: Transitioning from the service to higher education (3rd-floor Main Collection, UB357 .V34 2014), and Supporting veterans in higher education: A primer for administrators, faculty, and advisors (available to UWW staff and students from UW-La Crosse by making a free UW Request).

There is a lot of information provided for veterans on the web site of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs as well as at web sites for VA hospitals, including the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison.

UWW, a Military Friendly School, offers many resources and services to support the academic success of student veterans and service members. See, for a start, the Admissions page for Veterans.

Ask a librarian (visit the Reference Desk, call 262.472.1032, or choose to email or chat) for assistance with finding additional materials.

Andersen Library is a federal and Wisconsin depository library with federal and state government documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in various formats (print, DVD/CD-ROM, online). Check out your government at Andersen Library!

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New Stuff Tuesday – February 16, 2016

Cover Image of From the Other Side of the World

From the Other side of the World:
Extraordinary Entrepreneurs, Unlikely Places
by Elmira Bayrasli
HD62.5 .B397 2015
New Arrivals, 2nd floor

Innovation is thriving beyond Silicon Valley. In From the Other Side of the World, Elmira Bayrasli introduces readers to creative minds in Turkey, Nigeria, Pakistan, Mexico, India, Russia, and China. These individuals demonstrate the profound impact of global entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs in emerging economies might do things a little differently, but they are without a doubt positively impacting the world. This book is highly recommended to anyone interested in entrepreneurship.

If you’re looking for more examples of global entrepreneurship, check out TedTalks. There are all kinds of stories from entrepreneurs around the world, like Achenyo Idachaba from Lagos, Nigeria.

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Keep yourself healthy

Washing your hands is important, but doing so in a high traffic space like the Library, can be even more important. Did you know that we have sanitizing wipes available to clean off study space and computer areas? We also have anti-bacterial hand sanitizer available at the circulation and reference desks for your use.

Hand sanitizer for use by students

Hand sanitizer for use by students

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prefer the soap and water method? Make sure you’re washing your hands correctly. According to the CDC’s video titled “Put Your Hands Together”, you must “wet your hands, apply a good amount of soap, and lather up, and then focus on washing your hands for about 20 seconds—about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.”

Avoiding germs is important, but did you know that you are also less likely to get sick if you get enough sleep? UW-W Health and Counseling Services provides some great information about the importance of sleep and how to improve your sleep patterns. If you have questions or concerns about your sleeping patterns, UHCS has medical staff and counseling staff that can address a variety of sleep related problems.

Interested in reading more? Browse some materials related to sleeping well and staying healthy while in college, or check out Live right! : beating stress in college and beyond by Debra Atkinson or The smart student’s guide to healthy living : how to survive stress, late nights, & the college cafeteria.

This site is not meant to replace the advice of a health care or counseling professional. You should not rely on any information on this blog to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation.
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New Stuff Tuesday – February 9, 2016

Cover Image of From Echo

Echo:
a Novel
by Pam Muñoz Ryan
HD62.5 .B397 2015
Curriculum Collection, Fiction, 2nd floor

Just as this grand tale sweeps across time and place, it spans the genres of historical fiction, fantasy, fairy tale, and multicultural literature. Ryan weaves together the stories of three children: 12-year-old Friedrich during Nazi occupied Germany, two brothers in an orphanage in Depression-era Pennsylvania, and fifth-grader Ivy Lopez in Southern California. Their stories revolve around a single Hohner Marine Band harmonica and are set by the opening tale of a lost boy, three sisters, and a witch’s curse.

This Newbery Honor Book for 2016 will engage the 9-14 year-old crowd and beyond.

Andersen Library regularly adds Newbery and other award books to the Curriculum Collection. Search Research@UWW by award name, or visit the LibGuide for handy links to Award Books in the collection and tips for finding them.

TeachingBooks.Net provides video interviews with Ryan and other resources, especially useful for classroom teachers. Visit TeachingBooks.net through WI Badgerlink to browse author resources such as the video collection below.

Click for resources about Pam Muñoz Ryan

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Workout while you study!

Student reading while using the treadmill desk at Andersen Library

The Andersen Library is the perfect place to balance your physical and educational goals.

Did you know that the Andersen Library has a treadmill desk? You can actually plug in your laptop and start your paper while you are walking. How cool is that?!?

Sitting is tough on a person. We know that. That’s why we also added standing desks and bike pedals to help beat the sedentary lifestyle.  Want to try one out? We keep them across from the reference desk in the computer alcove. Grab what you need, but just remember to put it back when you’re done!

UW-W Health and Counseling Services provides some great information about the importance of staying physically active, tips to get started, and how to stay motivated. http://www.uww.edu/uhcs/wellness-information/az/exercise

Getting fit in public not your thing? You can also check out one of our many fitness dvds, or even borrow some CDs to dance to. Whatever it takes to keep you moving.  Check out our exercise DVDs, fitness video games, resources for children, and a wide variety of books on the topic of fitness and exercise.   Are you looking for specific types of exercise? Give Zumba, Yoga, Spinervals (cycling). Tai Chi, or Pilates a try!

 

This site is not meant to replace the advice of a health care or counseling professional. You should not rely on any information on this blog to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation.
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Student Book Club – Redeployment

Join us!  Andersen Library is hosting a Student Book Club featuring the book Redeployment by Phil Klay. Meetings will be held on Feb. 9, 16, and 23 from 5-6pm. Richard Harris, Poster for Redeployment Book ClubStudent Veterans and Military Services Coordinator, will facilitate.  This reading group is low pressure – Can’t finish in time? Discuss any way!

Feb. 9 – Books will be dispersed to participants (free copies). Discussion will focus on introducing the book and providing insight into what life is like for student veterans and active service members on campus. Many of our returning soldiers are fighting a war home that’s unseen. The enemy is depression, PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, suicide and addiction to medication prescribed to treat their physical & psychological wounds.

Feb. 16 – Discussion of the first half of Redeployment by Phil Klay

Feb. 23 – Discussion of the second half of Redeployment by Phil Klay

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided and are sponsored by Undergraduate Research and Honors Programs.

Reserve your place! bit.ly/1RZGpxc

Questions or need special accomodations? Contact Rebecca Jones at 262.472.7164 or jonesrl@uww.edu.

 

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T3: Google Scholar Settings

Google_Scholar_logo_2015

Google Scholar can be a great tool to use in combination with the Library’s databases. As long as you are on campus or using the campus VPN, Google Scholar will show you links that will help you find the full text of articles within Andersen Library databases. If you are off campus, you will need to make a quick edit to Google Scholar’s settings to get these same links to the full text of articles:

  1. Go to http//:scholar.google.com
  2. Optional: Sign in to your Google account in order to save your preferences for future searches.
  3. Select Settings from the menu at the top of the page.
  4. Click Library Links at the left of the page.
  5. Type UW Whitewater in the search box. A checkbox option for UW-Whitewater will appear below your search. Check the box. You may also wish to search for Open WorldCat and add that to your connections. Don’t forget to click Save.

That’s it! You will now see the Find It at UW Whitewater utility when you use Google Scholar.

For instructions with screenshots, please visit the full guide on how to use Find It with Google Scholar.

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