Get Your Employee Bus Pass!

Steenbock Library is pleased to serve as one of the pick-up sites for the UW-Madison Employee Bus Pass. The bus pass remains subsidized yet this year, 2012-2013, by Transportation Services and UW Health. Eligible employees must present a valid UW Wiscard ID* or UW Hospital ID at one of the distribution locations in order to collect a bus pass.

Distribution for the 2012-2013 bus pass will take place between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM at the following locations (do note dates):

• August 13 - 17: Memorial Library, West Corridor, Room 124
• August 20 - 24: Health Sciences Learning Center, Atrium
• August 27 - 31: Steenbock Library, Room 240
• September 4 - 7: WARF Building, Room 132

If an employee misses the initial distribution period for the complimentary bus pass, he/she can obtain one from Transportation Services after September 7, 2012.

For information about the distribution sites for the ASM Student Bus Pass, visit this link for more information.

* Faculty and staff who need a new or replacement ID card must present personal photo identification such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID to staff with the Wiscard Office, Union South. The Wiscard Office can produce a Faculty/Staff ID card once the employee's department has entered the appointment information (and proper authorization has been established) in the database. Visit the Wiscard site for more information.

International Education Week (Nov 16-20)

The most indelible experience from my undergraduate years was a year I spent abroad. One step off the plane and my life would never be the same. Not only did I augment my comprehension and fluency with another language but also my ability to cope with change and to feel comfortable in my own skin.

During International Education Week (November 16-20), you may wish to explore what programs are available to take you abroad. The Division of International Studies also has a blog (Badgers Abroad) where staff, students and alumni share information about their various experiences.

Wisconsin Public Radio program “Here on Earth” will also explore what it means to demonstrate “global-competence.” Be sure to listen to its Tuesday (November 17) broadcast.

Additionally, it is important to note that there are often internships, loans and scholarships available that can help to defray the cost of international opportunities. See the Financial Information pages posted on the International Academic Programs site.

Other study abroad opportunities are listed at the CALS Study Abroad site.

A Novel Way to Travel

According to Susheila Nasta, editor and founder of Wasafiri magazine, "reading is a passport to travel elsewhere. “

In the spirit of that adventure, she has recommended several of her favorite titles (with plot synopsis) in a recent article from The Guardian. I am pleased to note that all ten of the recommended titles are available from campus libraries.

Use the MadCat catalog or speak with your favorite librarian to confirm availability. Should one these titles be checked-out to other library users, do consider a UW-System search or visit one of our area public libraries. Again, campus librarians are happy to help you find available copies.

1. The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon

2. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (other editions, multiple copies on campus)

3. Baumgartner's Bombay by Anita Desai,

4. Austerlitz by WG Sebald

5. Paradise by Abdulrazak Gurnah

6. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende (other editions, multiple copies on campus)

7. Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

8. Mr. Potter by Jamaica Kincaid

9. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

10. The Emperor's Babe by Bernardine Evaristo

Travelers' Health

As someone who travels internationally, I often find it necessary to stay advised of any health concerns and/or recommended inoculations. For those of you similarly-inclined to do a little investigating, the following resources can be helpful for evaluating conditions and staying healthy at your destination.

CDC Travelers' Health

CDC Yellow Book for 2008

Travel Health Tips for Students Studying Abroad

Campus and area travel clinics:

University Health Services, Travel Clinic

UW-Health, Travel Medicine

Dean Clinics, Travel Medicine