Author: Susan Killenberg McGinn

After testing and evaluating different learning management systems over the past two years, a committee of faculty, staff and administrators has selected Blackboard Learn 9.1 to be the new online teaching and learning tool for the Danforth Campus. The new learning management system is being phased in on campus beginning this fall.  

Students are invited to submit proposals for grant money from the Women’s Society of Washington University (WSWU) to support projects or activities that benefit the university community. Each fall semester, WSWU awards grants that range from $300 to $2,000. The goal is to advance students’ educational and cultural experiences as well as to encourage service projects.

As the number 11 has become the rallying number for the St. Louis Cardinals and their fans this season, could 11 also factor in poet Carl Phillips winning the most coveted literary prize in 2011? Phillips, professor of English in Arts & Sciences, has been selected — for the fourth time — as a finalist for the National Book Award in poetry. While the Cardinals are pursuing their 11th World Series title, Phillips is nominated for his 11th collection of poetry, Double Shadow.

Jerome R. Cox Jr., ScD, senior professor, and Jonathan S. Turner, PhD, the Barbara J. and Jerome R. Cox, Jr. Professor, both in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, will receive the 2011 Chancellor’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship during the Faculty Achievement Awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 in Simon Hall Auditorium.

Twelve current or former Washington University in St. Louis students have been awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarships to study, conduct research and/or teach English abroad for the 2011-12 academic year. They are among 1,600 U.S. citizens who will spend a full academic year in a host country through the Fulbright Program.    

Faculty and administrators are invited to submit proposals for program initiatives that strengthen and promote diversity and inclusion at Washington University. Projects aimed at improving the university environment for women and members of underrepresented minority groups can receive up to $30,000 through Washington University’s Diversity and Inclusion Grant program. The deadline for submission of 2011-12 proposals is Saturday, Nov. 5.

More than 20 years ago, Sarah C.R. Elgin, PhD, the Viktor Hamburger Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences, founded Washington University’s Science Outreach. Today, Elgin’s success with Science Outreach is being recognized as WUSTL launches the interdisciplinary Institute for School Partnership, the university’s signature effort to strategically improve teaching and learning within the K-12 education community. Elgin’s work with Science Outreach and the institute’s opening will be recognized during a reception at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, in Holmes Lounge, Eads Hall. 

Arts & Sciences students will have to look in a new place this year to find their advisers and other administrative services. The College of Arts & Sciences moved its offices over the summer to the first floor of Cupples II Hall, which has been renovated over the past year. In addition, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and the Office of Undergraduate Research have new homes in Cupples II.

Ever wondered what it felt like to save a life? You’ll have four chances this academic year. The first of four university-wide blood drives of the academic year will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, at eight different locations throughout the university and at a variety of times to accommodate busy schedules. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in this effort to replenish the region’s blood supply.

More than 1,200 Washington University in St. Louis freshmen are expected to participate in Service First, WUSTL’s largest annual community service project, at 12 local elementary schools from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Some 100 students will head to each school to complete creative projects developed by the school principals and staff members. The schools are: Central Visual and Performing Arts, Fanning, Ford, Gateway IT, Henry, Jefferson, Long, Mallinckrodt and Sumner in the Saint Louis Public School District; Brittany Woods and Flynn Park in the School District of University City; and KIPP: Inspire Academy.