African Religious Leaders Discuss Religion Equality at UVU

Religious leaders from Africa met on Monday, April 23rd with UVU officials and interfaith leaders to discuss UVU’s new Reflection Center, the Interfaith Student Association and ways to develop respect for other faiths.

Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya were among the eight provinces from Africa that engaged in the dialogue. The group was part of the State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program, they decided to come to UVU as part of their 21-day project to learn about religious freedoms in the United States.

“It’s such a neat experience, I never thought this would happen,” said Linda Walton, Co-Chair of the Interfaith Student Association. Walton further explained that they have met with Canadians and Syrians in the past, however this was their first time meeting with South Africans.

According to Walton, the interfaith ambassadors are trying to find ways to dissolve hatred in their provinces. “We’re hoping to encourage them, hopefully we can give them hope that it can be done,” said Walton.

Brian Birch, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented UVU’s new Reflection Center which will be completed within the next 2 years. The new center will feature a prayer room, mediation room, and convening room, open to all religions on campus.

“We’re very interested in reaching out to make sure that every student, and every faculty member, and every member of our staff feels welcome and comfortable,” said Birch.

Birch also explained that UVU plans to develop an Interfaith Student Council, which will convene various religious clubs that can come together and work with one another.

“Our theme for the Interfaith Student Association, is moving from tolerance to love,” said Walton. “We want to do everything we can to educate people.”

Mr. Nurudeen ALHASSAN, President of the Ghana Muslim Academy, asked student representative, Daniel Colver, what his biggest challenge was as a student.

Colver responded that he was disappointed with the bigotry that he saw around him and how it motivates him to get involved. He explained that it is crucial for others to step out of their comfort zones.

The discussion ended with handshakes and smiles, as the ambassadors and school representatives exchanged contact information. The religious leaders asked to take a photo with those present to remember their experience with at UVU.

Animal Care Facility Faces Scrutiny

Courtesy of symptomsofwormsinadog.com

The animal care facility in the new science building on UVU's campus is under the microscope. The facility contains two holding rooms, a procedure room, and is a portal for future animal research at UVU. I was given a tour of the room and given details about projects that are in the near future for the facility.

The animal care facility will give students better educational opportunities and could help UVU get grants for research. However, there are some who are concerned about the possible lack of transparency and the mistreatment of animals.

“First of all, that building is going to be there for the next 50-75 years,” said Mark Bracken, department chair of the Biology department. He explained that they do not plan on using the room for animal research right now or anytime soon. “We are anticipating that in some point of time that there may be some animal research that does occur,” said Bracken.

Bracken explained that UVU is a school that has evolved rather quickly in the past 15 years. He also explained the school does not have big enough facilities to do research and if they did do any, it would be very limited. He explained that in the years to come the goals of the university could change to doing research and getting grants

The anticipation of future animal research at UVU has raised concerns. “The problem is, it’s too much of a temptation for science departments to start testing on animals” said Karen Mizell, associate chair of the Philosophy department.

Mizell explained that if the science department were to consider doing animal testing in the future, they would have to put together an animal care review committee and currently, UVU does not have one. “I’ve had real concerns. Even if people right now aren’t going to do it, someone is going to come in and want to do it,” said Mizell.

“Between Hollywood and a lack of information, sometimes an impression people have is that animals are not treated as humanely as we could possibly do it and I do not agree with that,” said Dr. Heather Wilson, an associate professor of the Biology department. Dr. Wilson explained before she became a scientist that she was against animal research. She mentioned when she has done research at different schools in the past, every effort was made to ensure the animals were being treated properly.

According to Dr. Wilson, most of her students currently do their labs on a computer. However, the new animal care facility would give students the opportunity to work with animals. Dr. Wilson said her students were excited to hear about the new facility.

Courtesy of telegraph.co.uk

Chris Foster, a philosophy professor on campus said he is not in favor of animal research however, he is in favor of transparency about any actions taken in the animal care facility, “I’d be a lot happier,” he said. Foster suggested that cameras be put in the labs and that inspections should be on a regular basis.

“I love my university, but, I hope that doesn’t mean that we turn to the way of others universities in terms of researching on non-human animals,” said Foster. “I hope to remain proud of my university as an ethics centered school.”

Dr. Virginia Bayer, assistant professor of Biology, gave me a tour of the animal care facility and explained several projects they are considering in the near future.

“We have some animals that we’d like to do some breeding projects on to try to increase their numbers,” said Dr. Bayer. She explained they are trying to help animals that are endangered. The Blue Eyed Blonde California King Snake and the Standing’s Day gecko, are some of the reptiles the department plans to help breed.

“The goal of the facility is to increase awareness about conservation efforts,” said Dr. Bayer. Dr. Bayer explained they plan to use the room to showcase animals that are endangered and to discuss issues as to why they have become endangered, and things that they can do to help the animals.

“UVU is predominately a teaching institution, so we are not a tier one research institution. Research capabilities at this point are essentially non-existent when it comes to animal research,” said Dr. Bayer. “The only thing anyone could get upset with, are the animals being housed incorrectly. As far as anyone is concerned for animal welfare, I think we are meeting all the needs for that.”

Emergency Services Turns Up the Heat!

Photo courtesy of sunews.net

The Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security turned up the heat this week to raise awareness on emergency preparedness and disaster response. This week on campus was emergency service week, each day featured different presentations from the law enforcement, fire and rescue service members, and emergency management personnel.

Emergency service week was held to help build anticipation and excitement for a two-day emergency preparedness and disaster response conference on April 5th and 6th in the Sorensen Student Center on UVU campus.

This is the first time that the Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security have held such an event on campus for students. “Our primary audience was our students,” said Dr. Fisher, organizer of the event, and faculty member in the emergency services bachelor’s program. “If we were to do it for the Orem-Provo communities the approach may be completely different.”

The conference will feature keynote speakers who will offer their variety of knowledge with emergency preparedness and disaster relief. From former FBI members, to psychologists, policemen, and firefighters, the conference will be well equipped with those ready to share their stories with their attendees.

Students specifically from the criminal justice and the Institute of the Emergency Services and Homeland Security are invited to attend the conference to hone their expertise. These departments on campus are bursting at the seams with students. Dr. Fisher mentioned that the emergency services program alone has over 1600 students.

Dr. Fisher also said that they are further developing their program as well, and that they are currently designing a course on community-family preparedness.

When asked how students should cope with stress in disaster Fisher responded, “The most important thing is to realize that there is a possiblity [of a disaster] and to be prepared.” He recommended that students should have 72-hour kits. “A lot of people go through the exercise of this but over several months, it’s spread all over the house,” said Fisher.

Some of the major concerns of disasters in Utah are, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and heavy snowfall. “We may be overdue for an earthquake,” said Fisher.

On April 17th, Utah will participate in, The Great Utah ShakeOut. This event is the largest earthquake drill in Utah history. The goal of the ShakeOut is to promote Utahns to be prepared for major earthquakes.

For emergency preparedness and disaster response suggestions, students are encouraged go to bereadyutah.gov.


CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

10-11 a.m. Keynote Address, Dr. Mark Yang, “Spiritual and Existential Themes in Disaster Relief Work.” Introduced by Dr. Rodger Broome.

11:10-12 noon – Presentation: “Hero Construct,” Dr. Rodger Broome, Emergency Services Department.

1-1:50 p.m. – Presentation: “Terrorism Realities in America,” Ken Crook, JD, Criminal Justice faculty. Introduction by Eric Russell.

2- 2:50 p.m. – Presentation: “The LEAP Model of Leadership,” Dr. Jeff Maxfield, associate dean of the College of Technology & Computing.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

10-11 a.m. Keynote Address, Dr. David McEntire, “Disasters & 2012: Modern Myth or Future Reality?” Introduction by Dr. John Fisher.

11:10-12 noon – Presentation: “Extreme Interrogation Methods,” Matt Duffin, JD, Criminal Justice Department; “Mass Media Coverage of Disasters: Help or Hindrance?” Dr. John Fisher, Emergency Services Department.

1-1:50 p.m. – Presentation: “What We Have Here Is a Failure to Communicate,” Gary Noll, chair of Emergency Services Department; “Leadership and Chaos,” Andy Byrnes, Emergency Services Department.

Modernized Ugly Duckling Teaches Children About Bullying

Elementary and middle school students throughout Utah County are benefiting greatly from morals taught in UVU’s production of the children musical, “Honk!” The show is performed by UVU’s Black Box Repertory Company and tells the story of the Ugly Duckling.

The BBRC has brought their productions to schools in the local area for the past two years. Last year their emphasis was on the tragedy of suicide, this year their emphasis is on the fatalities of bullying and teasing.

“We wanted to find a piece that’s entertaining, fun, offers challenges for musical theatre students, and deals with the issues of bullying,” said John Newman, producer of the show.

So far, the group has gone to two elementary schools, two middle schools, and are also having a private school come to UVU to see the production. Newman further explained that they continue to receive calls from schools asking them to come and perform their show.

Director, Dave Tinney described the show as, a very well disguised parable. “It’s having an amazing effect so far,” said Tinney. “Teachers are really appreciative and kids are getting it. We have a full schedule for the rest of the semester.”

When HONK! is performed at schools, teachers are offered study guides to spark class discussion with students about the different scenarios in the show and how students should respond to bullying.

The show has added modern touches so they can better demonstrate forms of bullying to students. For example, a scene in the production shows ducks teasing the ugly duckling by pulling out their cell phones and taking pictures and sending text messages about him.

“This is one of the things happening in the schools, they are cyber bullying each other,” says Newman.

The Costumes for each of the characters also play a huge role in the production.

“The frogs are like go-go girls in green dresses and the chicks are like Dorothy and Little Bo-Peep,” said Annette Goodrich, a costume stitcher for the theatre department. “They have certain elements so they are supposed to look slightly animalish, but are still people.”

When asked which character was her favorite, Goodrich proudly held up a black leather jacket lined with curly soft fur, “The cat is one of my favorites. He’s got leather and a little bit of fur, he’s the bad kitty.”

HONK! is a great show for families, everyone can relate to different scenarios in the performance. “We all at some point feel like we’re an ugly duckling, it takes us awhile to kind of find our place,” said Newman.

The show will be available to the public for two days only on April 11th and April 13th at 1pm, for $3 dollars a ticket. To purchase tickets, contact the Noorda Box Office.

Wolverine Minute, April 4th

Skate for Jeremiah – Skate for Jeremiah is a charity event that will take place April 6th at Classic Skating in Orem to raise funds for Jeremiah Drennen’s medical expenses for his muscular dystrophy. The cost is $6 dollars at the door, and goes from 9-12pm
Clothesline Project – Today is the last day for the clothesline project. Students are invited to come and view shirts in the grande ballroom that have been created by survivors of abuse, or can create a shirt of their own.
UVU Plans to Expand Day Care Center – UVU is planning to expand the Wee Care Center to accommodate more children for students. Currently, the center can only serve 100 children. The proposal of the new building would accommodate to 450 children.