MONDAY, MARCH 2 – SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2015
BEST BETS
FRIEL READY TO LEAD UA’S NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM – Dr. John Friel is trading in the below freezing temperatures that he has grown accustomed to in New York to settle in a slightly warmer climate. The ichthyologist from Cornell University begins his new role today as director of the Alabama Museum of Natural History at The University of Alabama. Friel is available for interviews this week. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu
CURRENT COMMENT
FCC’S APPROVED INTERNET REGULATION PLAN COULD HAVE LASTING IMPLICATIONS – The Federal Communications Commission’s approval of the Open Internet Order last week puts into play regulations that would prevent Internet service providers from slowing or blocking web traffic, or creating paid fast lanes on the Internet. “What this means is that everyone is guaranteed equal access to the fastest Internet service and prohibits Internet Service Providers from permitting faster Internet access to companies that can pay for this service,” said Dr. Anna McFadden, an associate professor in the College of Human Environmental Sciences Institute for Interactive Technology. “I think we’ll begin to see community broadband providers begin to expand their services and, perhaps, even have hi-speed Internet service from expansion projects like Google’s Fiber project.” For more information, contact Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, at 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMPLETION RATES, FUNDING CONTINUE TO DECLINE – Degree completion rates at community colleges in most states have declined or remained flat since 2012, and three of four community colleges do not have state operating budget plans to increase degree and certificate completion, according to a new University of Alabama Education Policy Center survey of community college leaders in more than 42 states. “State cuts are increasing, too,” said Dr. Stephen Katsinas, director of the Education Policy Center. “In 2013-14, 14 predicted state appropriations wouldn’t cover inflation; for 2014-15, the number is 31, making it difficult to raise completions. A new way forward is needed to jump-start degree completion, to make America #1 again in adult degree and certificate completion.” For more information, contact David Miller, UA Media Relations, at 205/348-0825 or dcmiller2@ur.ua.edu.
UA EXPERT TIPS
UA MATTERS: THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF ONLINE APPAREL SHOPPING – In the past decade, online apparel shopping has seen tremendous growth, with many department stores’ ecommerce sales surpassing those of their largest brick-and-mortar locations and online only retailers, such as Shopbop and Zappos, becoming part of many consumers’ daily internet browsing. Despite this growth, many consumers are still hesitant to shop online. The University of Alabama’s Babs Davis, an instructor in clothing, textiles and interior design, offers some “do’s” and don’ts” for online shopping beginners in this week’s UA Matters. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA MATTERS: SMART STEPS FOR GETTING OUT OF DEBT – Part of smartly managing debt includes reducing your debt level and maybe even getting out of debt completely. It is important to use debt wisely and manage it appropriately within your current financial situation. The University of Alabama’s Dr. Melissa Wilmarth, assistant professor of consumer sciences in the College of Human Environmental Sciences, offers some steps that will help you reduce your debt level in UA Matters. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 808/640-5912 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu
EVENTS
RISE STUDENTS CELEBRATE DR. SEUSS’S BIRTHDAY – A partnership between UA’s RISE program, Shelton State Community College, Wells Fargo and Tuscaloosa County High School results in a birthday celebration to remember – one for Dr. Seuss. Along with cake and juice, the high school students will read to the children at RISE. The birthday party starts at 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 2. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu
UA’S MOUNDVILLE PARK FEATURES SOUTHEASTERN INDIAN SHELL CARVING – This week’s Saturday in the Park program at Moundville Archaeological Park features Dan Townsend, a Muscogee from Tallahassee, Florida. Townsend’s Southeastern Indian shell carvings are in collections throughout the world and in use by a number of tribal communities as instruments in ceremonial teachings. He will display his work, discussing the meanings of the designs he carves with visitors, while children string a shell to make a necklace of their own. The program will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 7. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu
LOOKING AHEAD
ANCIENT TECHNOLOGIES FEATURED AT UA’S MOUNDVILLE – The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park invites the West Alabama community to explore what it means to live a simple life during the 15th annual Knap-In and Ancient Arts Meet March 13-14. Stone tools makers, bow makers, basket makers, shell carvers, gourd artists, earth skill experts and potters will gather at Moundville Archaeological Park and demonstrate some of the arts and technologies that were once used by ancient people everywhere. Most also display and sell their pieces. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 808/640-5912 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu