The Bullseye Spring 2014 Edition 1

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BULLSEYE YOUR GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT LIFE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA

BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE Studying abroad, FUSE grants, and Seed Projects are just a few of the ways UNO can help you reach beyond what’s comfortable into the realm of new and exciting opportunity.

Photo Credit: Criminal Justice and Journalism students from both Omaha and Lincoln in front of Warwick Castle in Warwick, England.

SPRING 2014 | ISSUE 3.0

IN THIS ISSUE A Letter from Kristina Juarez Study Abroad Seed Projects FUSE Overview Event Calendar Wellness Update FREE Apps You Should Have

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Hey, Mavericks!

Welcome to the spring semester. My name is Kristina Juarez, and I am the Director for Student Life and Leadership Development. I joined the UNO family a little over 6 months ago from California. This issue of The Bullseye is focused around the theme, “Step Out of Your Comfort Zone.” My recent transition from California made me a natural fit to welcome you all into this issue’s content while also sharing some lessons that I learned throughout my time as an undergraduate student.

The journey from California to Nebraska has definitely been full of new experiences. Scarves and hats have transitioned from accessories to necessities, and the term “cold” has a whole new meaning. The magnitude of this transition compares nicely with my transition to college several years ago.

While I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I took my time before trying new things beyond my studies.

I was the first person in my family to attend college, and while high school was a breeze for me academically, I knew that college would likely be a different story. I had joined my school’s Psychology Club to meet people in my major, but mostly relied on my hall mates from my residence hall to meet new people.

My first jump into major involvement was with our club lacrosse team. A friend from high school had gotten involved with the women’s club team, and they were looking for some additional players. Having never picked up a lacrosse stick in my life, I showed up to a practice and became a starting offensive player. I attribute this simply to being able to run and having great hand-eye coordination.

In my second year, I found new involvement opportunities that aligned with what I was passionate about, but also helped me recharge from the rigors of my classes. I joined a Greek organization, became a resident assistant, and got involved with intramurals. As you consider ways to get involved, I hope that you test the waters to find opportunities that line up with your values, help you grow as a person, and support your overall well-being.

From the FUSE innovation grants to Study Abroad, this issue of The Bullseye highlights a number of great opportunities available to you as a UNO student. Find the things that align with your values and aspirations. Is service your thing?

Consider starting your own Seed Project through the Office of Civic and Social Responsibility. Right now is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and explore new things.

I wish you lots of luck as you explore things beyond your comfort zone. If you ever have any questions or would like a little help, our door is always open in the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development, so please feel free to stop by if you are in the MBSC.

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a letter from Kristina Juarez director of student life & leadership DEVELOPMENT

keep in touch with student life

OVERVIEW Early applications are encouraged, and deadlines for studying abroad during the summer and fall semester of 2014 vary by program. Scholarships and financial aid apply for exchange and partner universities, and additional scholarships may be available on a merit basis. Please email ehassenstab@unomaha.edu to set up an appointment if you are considering applying. Find a list of sister cities HERE

MYTHBUSTERS It costs too much

If you choose one of UNO’s partner universities, you pay the same tuition rate you would pay if you were staying here at UNO. Existing scholarships also apply at these same universities. Additional study abroad scholarships may be available.

I don’t know a second language, and I’m not trying to learn one

Many universities offer a variety of courses taught in English, not to mention all those countries that also speak the English language.

I won’t graduate on time

If you speak to your academic advisor before taking off, you’ll discover many of your courses will transfer back toward your general education requirements, as well as your program of study.

It’s too dangerous

The university closely monitors world-wide events and will inform students if the level of risk is elevated. In general, many study abroad experiences will be similar to a US urban environment.

I’m not confident in a new environment, and I’m hesitant to leave home

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. New experiences can be scary, but they can also be completely worth it. Just imagine how much you could grow from a study abroad adventure.

Learn more about study abroad here

SOME ADVICE 1 2 3

START EARLY! It’s never too early to start saving and asking questions.

There is no better time than during your undergraduate years to experience a different worldview.

The UNO study abroad program is so developed and supported through partnerships with sister schools across the world.

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from students

If you do go on a trip, make a point to experience the local culture.

Talk to a student who has been on the trip that you are interested in.

They will have the BEST advice.

STUDY ABROAD OFFICE Arts & Sciences Hall, Room 220 402.554.2293 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

STUDY ABROAD

Reaching beyond your comfort zone and choosing to study abroad can be beneficial to your personal growth, both as a student and as a person. During the 2012-2013 academic year, UNO had 392 students studying in more than 30 countries and committed to doubling the number of students studying abroad over the next five years. Now is the time to start planning and applying for summer and fall study abroad programs. Getting started is easy, just fill out an application.

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works towards improving the local or global community. Don’t be afraid to get creative, there are no limits to your creativity. CSR is interested in hearing about any and all projects you might be considering. You are in charge of the process and project development. So, ultimately, it’s up to you.

In the past, CSR has heard from all kinds of students regarding their creative projects.

Here are a few examples: Public Art Projects Music Lessons for Underprivileged Kids SEED PROJECTS Garden and Park Renovations The Office of Civic and Social Responsibility Benefit Concert for Local Organizations (CSR) provides grants to students or Math Tutoring for Elementary Students student organizations that apply for Seed Benson Plant Rescue Mural Project Projects. These are student initiated and led service opportunities that contribute If you have a project idea, submit a proposal to the greater community and are meant with details about your project’s goals to encourage social innovations, learning, and purpose. Your proposal should include intellectual understanding, and service a letter of organizational structure and experience. Not only does the community a preliminary budget. After submitting benefit from these projects, but you can, too. Becoming involved with a Seed Project a proposal, you will meet with CSR staff can help you learn more about leadership, to discuss a project timeline and how to implement the project. Most of the time, project management, and social change, seed money doesn’t cover the cost of all of which contribute to your personal the project, but provides a small bank of and professional development. support. Other program support includes mentors, coaching, and collaborative Getting started is not difficult. However, resources to support you in planning and it does take time to develop a community project, so it’s important to know you have implementing the project. the time to commit to the entire project before applying. Projects can be as large or Contact UNOserve@unomaha.edu for more information or help starting your project. small as you like and pertain to whatever you’re passionate about, as long as it

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTION INFORMATION UNO Student Government (SG-UNO) has implemented many different projects and brought positive change to UNO’s campus this past year. Providing newspapers in most campus buildings, metro bus passes, student planners, B-cycle annual membership, and buses for UNO athletic events are some great examples of SGUNO projects. SG-UNO is an awesome platform for students to make a difference on campus and learn valuable leadership skills. Now, it’s your chance to affect positive change.

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SG-UNO Elections Applications due: Tuesday, February 18th by 11:59 pm Election day: Tuesday, March 11th Available seats for general elections: One dual ticket for the President/ Regent and Vice President 24 senator seats that represent different colleges at UNO Four senator seats representing the different housing communities For an application or more info regarding SG-UNO, find us on MavSYNC or visit sguno.unomaha.edu.

Campus highlights... through the lens.

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FUSE The Fund for Undergraduate Scholarly Experience (FUSE) provides funding to support faculty-mentored undergraduate student research and creative activity.

FUSE was created to help expand undergraduate research opportunities and provide students with the support they need to pursue their passion outside of the classroom. Every year, the projects are as diverse as the interests of the UNO community.

Grants of up to $2,500 per student are available to interested UNO undergraduates. The majority of the $2,500 awarded is typically a stipend that will “pay” students for their work.

This project is done outside of class and is an excellent way for you to build a resume, better understand academic goals and concentrations, and learn how to conduct research in a professional and ethical manner.

Office of Research and Creative Activity

Secure a faculty mentor

Write a proposal

Proposal Review

Find a mentor who has the time and interest in your project to help you. Your mentor should be your go-to source of information and advice.

Your project must have a proposal, and please remember to utilize the resources at the UNO Writing Center.

Your mentor will review your proposal and approve it prior to submission.

Beth White

Eppley Administration Building, Room 203 unofuse@unomaha.edu 402.554.2292

THE PROCESS

Project Development Work closely with your faculty mentor to design your project, create a budget, develop a detailed timeline, and determine if any additional approval is needed.

• Project Description • References/Citations • Budget Justification

Proposal Submission Applications are only accepted electronically and must be submitted by midnight on the deadline date.

• Letter of Mentor Support

The next deadline for submitting your FUSE proposal will be fall 2014.

More details on the application process can be found HERE. 6

FUSE Steve Hartman Theater Performance and Directing Major How would you explain your project to a four-year-old?

For my project I produced and directed a fully-realized play.

This means that I had a complete set, lighting design, sound design, costumes - everything a professional production would have. In additional to the creative work with that, part of the project was reviving an old on-campus theater space that was not used anymore [The Castle of Perseverance].

What inspired this subject for you?

I would need and considered how much things would or should cost. Still, you should always leave yourself a little bit of wiggle room. I ended up taking money from some areas and moving them to others - but in the end I was $4 under budget!

What on-campus resources did you utilize?

I used my mentor as a sounding board for ideas and went to her for advice in tough situations.

In my work as an orientation leader, we would give campus tours to incoming UNO freshmen. One of the structures we talked about was the Castle of Perseverance, and I always hated that there was nothing good to say about it. "Uhm, this is the Castle of Perseverance...it's a theater space, but no one uses it and now everyone just smokes in it." I already knew I was going to direct a play for my undergraduate thesis, but working as an orientation leader solidified my decision.

How did you keep yourself organized?

How did you budget your grant?

There are a few things that I wish could have made the process a little bit easier, so of course I have things I would do differently. But either way, I was completely satisfied with the experience nonetheless. Ha, hence why they call it the FUSE: Funds for Undergraduate Scholarship Experience!

The budget is really something to think carefully about. The more and more thought you put in, and the more detailed your budget is, the better chance you have of your proposal being approved. I carefully went through the entire list of things that

You definitely need to have self discipline to work on projects like these. They're not homework assignments. There is no one else really telling you what to do. Make yourself a schedule and stick with it and have a desired completion date. Above all—make sure you LOVE the project you're working on so you'll stay motivated!

Anything you would do differently?

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FUSE Ali Hodge

Creative Writing – Fiction/Minor in English Major How would you explain your project to a four-year-old?

My project is about communicating the stories of immigrant children (first generation Americans) through performance storytelling and writing. It is my goal to find eight people who are from immigrant families and approach them to tell their stories. They will be paired with a writer, who will help them write their story in the most beautiful way possible, then the subject or the writer will have the option to perform it at the final event. The final performance will be performed at a local gallery for a night of crossing cultural boundaries and storytelling.

How did you keep yourself organized?

Hahaha! Sticky notes? I’m a work in progress as a whole.

How did you budget your grant?

At the moment, the money will be used to secure a venue and provide refreshments for the attendees. Remaining money and donations from the event will be donated to a local charity or organization that has yet to be determined, but I want the subjects of the project to work together to pick an organization that speaks to them.

When would you suggest starting the process?

What inspired this subject for you?

I have always been massively interested in other cultures.

I am a person who is hungry to know the troubles of others.

But, given the secretive nature of being part of an illegal family, or a family that has been put through danger, there is this gate between the personal lives of these students and the rest of the world.

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Early! Your original idea will morph and change, and then flip backwards and play tricks on you. So allow time for all of your original ideas to fly out the window and then return to you as something completely different.

How does this project affect you?

It makes me feel like I’m making an impact, even though it may be a small one. As a professional, it is helping me strengthen my organizational, management, and detail orientation skills.

As an artist and student, it is exposing me to a higher quality of work I wouldn’t have experienced in the classroom.

FUSE Maria Vargas Public Health Major How would you explain your project to a four-year-old?

My project attempts to find out why Latino/a American immigrants who speak Spanish change their eating habits after years of living in the United States.

What’s life after research look like for you?

I would like to create a computerized program where people can make comparisons between the cost of eating healthy and the cost of maintaining medical care after being affected by sickness due to malnutrition.

What inspired this subject for you?

Many years ago, I was born in México. For personal reasons, I immigrated to the U.S. 23 years ago. During this time, I have been observing how Latino/as health decreases over time while living in the U.S. Some people I know are now suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and other illnesses, and a nephew of mine is on the National Kidney Transplant List due to renal complication from his diabetes.

Anything you would do differently?

This research was limited to students of the Latino Center of the Midlands and the subject number was limited. If I would have the opportunity, I would extend this research to a more general population and increase the subject’s number to collect more information.

How does this project affect you?

The FUSE program is definitely important for students because it gives them hands on experience, increases their interest in public concerns, and also provides them with motivation to persevere in their studies.

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EVENTS

FEBRUARY - MARCH 2014

sun 9

mon 19

tues 11

Nebraska Wind Symphony Concert

Honors Program Blood Drive

Newspapers Wellness on in CurricuWheels la/Times Talk CPACS 132

MBSC Nebraska Room 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

MBSC Gallery Room 11 am - 12 pm

10:30 pm - 1:30 pm

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Writeing Center Workshop: MLA Citation Style

College to Career

Untold Stories A People’s History of USA Film

Conversation & Culture

Malcolm X Day

Adopt a Community Day

Strauss Performing Arts 3 pm - 5pm

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MBSC Nebraska Room 11 am

MBSC State Room 3 pm - 4:30 pm

wed 12

thurs 13

fri 14

UNO Men’s A Very Beary Basketball vs Valentine’s South Dako- MBSC Fireplace Lounge 11 am - 1 pm ta State Ralston Arena 7:07 pm

MBSC Nebraska Room 11 am - 2 pm

MBSC Dodge Room 12 pm - 2 pm

Free trip to Malcolm X Memorial Birthsite 11 am - 1pm

sat 15

Men’s hockey vs denver CenturyLink Center 7:07 pm Free bus @ MavCOURT

North Omaha

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Tuition & fees for the spring semester are due

Session 4 Intramural registration begins

AfroMIC Poetry, Spoken Word, & Music

Death by Design

Men’s Basketball vs IUPUI

men’s Hockey vs Colordao College

men’s Hockey vs Colordao College

Click Here to sign up

Love’s Jazz & Arts Center 2510 N. 24th St. 6 pm - 8pm

CenturyLink Center 7:37 pm Free bus @ MavCOURT

CenturyLink Center 7:07 pm Free bus @ MavCOURT

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Winter Choral Concert

Juried UNO Art Student Exhibit

Strauss Performing Arts 3 pm - 5pm

WFAB Gallery 129 10 am - 3 pm

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WFAB Theatre 005 7:30 pm

Ralston Arena 7:07 pm

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Student Government Presidential Debate

CBA Spring 2014 Career Fair

6th Annual Student Research & Creative Activity Fair

MBSC Fireplace Lounge 12 pm - 1:30 pm

Mammel Hall 118 7 am - 5 pm

Criss Library All day

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EVENTS

MARCH 2014 sun 9

mon 10

Junior, Senior, & Graduate Vocal Recitals

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Asian Cultural Night

thurs 13

fri 14

How to Navigate the US Job Search

FAFSA Night

Conversation & Culture

Casino Night men’s w/ maverick Baseball vs productions Air Force

MBSC Dodge Room 12 pm - 2 pm

MBSC Ballroom 7 pm - 10:30 pm

Boys Town Ballpark 1 pm

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MBSC Multicultural Affairs 4 pm - 8 pm Food will be provided in partnership with Project Achieve

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women’s Let Your Softball vs Body Speak: Wichita State Delivering Westside Field an Effective Westbrook Presentation

MBSC Ballroom 4 pm

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wed 12

MBSC Chancellor’s Room 3 pm - 4 pm

Strauss Performing Arts 3 pm - 4:30 pm

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tues 11

24

5 pm

MBSC Redick Room 12 pm - 1 pm

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sat 15

women’s Softball vs South Dakota Westside Field Westbrook 5 pm

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Seven Days of Service SIGN UP ON MAVSYNC

SPRING BREAK

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updates from the wellness center

MAVERICK FOOD PANTRY

Grateful to contribute to UNO’s growing culture of caring The Maverick Food Pantry thrives because of the donation of time, food, money, and support they receive from numerous UNO departments, faculty, staff, students, and Omaha community members. Since August 2013, the pantry has distributed nearly 3,700 pounds of food to UNO students and employees in need.

There have been several food drive events that have aided in the pantry’s success, including University Housing’s award-winning Reverse Trick-or-Treating food drive and Student Life’s Stuff the Shuttle Challenge at UNO’s Homecoming concert.

In December 2013, the pantry graciously accepted a donation from the University of Nebraska Foundation that will allow for further growth to serve the UNO community better than ever while continuing to contribute to UNO’s culture of caring.

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The mission of the Maverick Food Pantry is to contribute to UNO’s culture of caring by providing immediate food assistance packages to UNO students, faculty, and staff who are in need. Currently located in the Milo Bail Student Center, the Maverick Food Pantry is managed by the UNO Wellness Center and runs entirely on nonperishable food and monetary donations.

For more information, or to complete a Food Request Form, please visit the Maverick Food Pantry MavSYNC page. Be sure to click “Join Now” to show your support!

For additional questions about opportunities to get involved, please email unomavfoodpantry@unomaha. edu or call Katherine Keiser at 402.554.2409.

Counseling Services Tips on Beating the Winter Blues The holiday season may have just ended, but that doesn’t mean the bah humbugs don’t stay with us until the spring. Many people get the winter blues, where their mood seems to be lower than most times of the year. You might notice as the winter months set in that you feel depressed, anxious, withdrawn socially, more tired, are sleeping more than usual, have trouble concentrating, and generally not like yourself. There are some easy things you can do to get yourself out of this winter slump.

• Take in as much sunlight as you can • Try and eat some of those fruits and veggies • Get some exercise!

• Try something new to push yourself out of your comfort zone If these suggestions aren’t working, try talking with someone. The services in the Counseling Center are free for students. Come in and talk to a counselor about the symptoms you might be experiencing. You can make an appointment by calling 402.554.2409 or stopping by HPER 102. Take an active role in keeping yourself mentally well this winter and keep the wintertime blues at bay.

Bust out of your comfort zone for Spring Break this year with the Outdoor Venture Center (OVC) From March 22-30, they will be traveling to Grand Teton National Park for seven days of winter camping, cross-country skiing, and experiencing the snowcapped mountains of Wyoming just south of Yellowstone National Park.

Previous experience is not necessary, but highly recommended. Cost of the trip is $439 for UNO Campus Recreation Members and UNO Students and $527 for Non-Members. A mandatory pre-trip meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11, from 7:00 pm-9:30 pm in the HPER building.

Visit the OVC Call 402.554.2997 Email Joel Bauch There are inherent risks involved with all campus recreation activities including loss of property, injury, illness, and death.

view the spring wellness guide

Health Services It is recommended that you and your partner get tested for an Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) before engaging in sexual activity. UNO Health Services offers: • Condoms • STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea with a urine test • Free STI medications for positive results • Free HIV counseling and testing with same visit results • Gynecologist and a women’s health nurse practitioner to assist with your needs You can request a nurse from Health Services to come and speak with your group or organization about STIs, contraception, as well as any other health related topics at 402.554.2374.

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that should be in every college student’s smart phone allrecipes Make your meals at home using the recipes you find using this app. Allrecipes even has an option to search for recipes based on ingredients you already have.

ANY.DO Create and organize a checklist that helps you timeline your tasks and gives reminders for when they’re due.

EVEREST Keep track of your goals. With your busy college schedule, this app helps you keep track of your long-term life goals. It helps you to set steps, check out what people with similar goals are up to, and ask for suggestions when you get stuck.

wifi finder Find great study spaces at nearby locations that are offcampus and have free WiFi.

lifelock wallet Back up all of your credit card and personal information in case you ever forget or lose your wallet.

google drive Organize your hard work. With your gmav account, every student has access to the world of Google accounts. Google Drive specifically allows you to access, create, and edit documents online and on the go. The share feature is great for collaboration in group projects, papers, and presentations.

google keep Capture your thoughts easily by taking photos with your phone’s camera and making notes with talk-to-text features.

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uno mavmate Use the digital MavCARD to get the barcode from your physical Student ID onto your device. You can scan your phone at the library to check out books and use it at athletic events. You can also check out menus and hours of operation for MBSC food court, Library, PKI, CBA, and HPER. If you need a hand around campus, check out the campus map showing vending machines, parking, ATM locations, bike racks, and more. Utilize the Safety button available from any screen that lets students quickly access campus security and emergency numbers if you are ever in need of emergency assistance.

mint Sync your bank account with Mint, so you can accurately set budgets and goals and make smart financial choices.

Start budgeting to help track where all your money goes.

myfitness pal Track fitness and nutritional goals with the largest database of calories and preloaded exercises. This app allows you to add and store custom exercises, share fitness goals with friends, and track each other’s progress.

reference me Scan barcodes on books and the app will format in-text and bibliography citations, giving you the formatting option of several different reference styles. Reference projects are saved within the app and can be shared via email or Facebook.

SUNRISE Sync your Facebook events into your calendar with this app. It keeps your calendar up to date with all of your social events.

venmo Connect to your bank account, and easilty transfer money to a friend’s account when you owe them money and vice-versa.

URBANSPOON Find restaurants near you and discover new places for whatever it is you’re craving. This app tracks your dining history, so you know what you’ve tried and whether or not you had a good experience.

evernote Record class notes with the audio recording feature or type directly into the app. Supplement class notes by adding web links or photos directly into the app. All notes can be organized into different ‘notebooks’ for easy-to-find referencing.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February Events

3 Kickoff Celebration

5 Robert D. Rose

6 “A Prince Among Slaves”

Preview of the Month’s Events ● 11-1pm MBSC Dodge Room

Tuskegee Airman Speaker ● 11-1pm MBSC Nebraska Room

Film & Discussion 6:30-8:30pm CPACS Commons

Black History Month 2014

“Africana Global Emphasis Month” 9 Worship: in the Gospel Tradition Salam Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. Bachus 11:30am 3131 Lake St.

11 Robert Armstrong

HUMANITY

DIGNITY

JUSTICE

16 Worship: in the Gospel Tradition

18 “College to Career”

19 Untold Stories

Omaha Housing Authority CEO/ Former President ● 11-1pm MBSC Nebraska Room

Zion Baptist Church Pastor Allen 10:40am 2215 Grant St.

Academic & Career Development Center Workshop ● 11-2pm MBSC Nebraska Rm.

A People’s History of USA Film/Discussion 11-2pm MBSC Nebraska

20 Lunch & Books

21 Malcolm X Day

22 Adopt A CommunitylDay

Free trip: Aframerican Bookstore ● 11-1pm Sign Up: Black Studies or Multicultural Affairs

Free trip: Malcolm X Memorial Birthsite 11-1 Sign Up: Black Studies or Multicultural Affairs

23 Worship: in the Gospel Tradition

24 Dr. Virgil Woods: Assistant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

25 AfroMIC: Poetry, Spoken Word, & Music

Speaker ● 11-2pm MBSC Nebraska Room

6-8pm ● Love’s Jazz & Arts Center 2510 N. 24th Street

Sponsored By: UNO Black Studies & Multicultural Affairs

Service Project: North Omaha Free transportation Sign Up: Black Studies or Multicultural Affairs

26 “The Meaning of Trayvon Martin”

Discussion ● 5-7pm MBSC Nebraska Room

Co-Sponsors:

St. John’s Baptist Pastor Ashley 10:45am 3912 N. 16th Street

27 “Do the Right Thing” Dramatic Performance Trae Graham & Cole Evans ● 11-1pm MBSC Dodge Room

UNO: Political Science, Academic and Career Development Center, Forensics, American Multicultural Students Agency, Office of Civic & Social Responsibility.

Community: Malcolm X Foundation, Love’s Jazz & Arts Center, Salem Baptist Church, St. John’s Baptist Church, Zion Baptist Church, Aframerican Bookstore. Student Organizations: African American Organization, Black Studies Student Association.

University of Nebraska at Omaha is an equal opportunity educator and employer with a comprehensive plan for diversity. For accommodations, call 402-554-2248 / TTY 402-554-3799.