Hawks Abroad
Way to Go!
Congratulations! You’re finally overseas and all of the paperwork and packing has paid off. You’ve probably attended a “disorientation” program at your site, and are realizing that you’re no longer in Iowa City. That’s GOOD! That’s why you went!
Anurag Dusaupta
Our office will be sending you periodical updates on stuff going on Stateside, and offering some tips and advice on how to make the most of your time abroad.
We’d like to hear from you. How about writing a brief column for this newsletter, to share some information about where you’re living now? Just send us a note and include “Hawks Abroad” in the subject line.
Office for Study Abroad launches Facebook pages
New Facebook pages for UI students studying in the UK and Ireland have recently launched. Plans call for creating more pages for students bound for other destinations soon. We’ll make further announcements in subsequent issues of Hawks Abroad.
John Rogers
Irish Doorway
Study Abroad in the United Kingdom and Ireland is a communications clearinghouse for those of you who are overseas now. You can post items, message each other, link to your blog, and generally find out what’s going on throughout the UK & Ireland this fall from UI students scattered across those islands. This portal also leads to other pages for specific UI programs.
We anticipate that UI students interested in study abroad will become fans of our Facebook pages, allowing them to monitor information posted there and perhaps send questions about study abroad to students living overseas.
Studying in the UK or Ireland and can’t figure out how to join the new Facebook page? Send us a note and we’ll help you get going.
Blog me, Baby!
We’ll help you get famous! Just send us a link to your blog. We’ll select several to feature on our web page (please keep it clean — remember, your Grandma might read it!) and refer prospective students to it. We need new bloggers for the 2008-09 academic year! Want to share your blog? Send us a note.
Rock the Vote!
So, you’re abroad, soaking up the local culture and basking your new surroundings. Great, live it up, but don’t forget about us! The presidential election is swiftly approaching. Although American politics might be one of the last things on your mind, it’s still important to get your opinions out there. American citizens living abroad are still eligible, and encouraged, to vote. Here’s some steps on how to vote:
1) If you have not already done so, you need to register to vote.
2) Print off the documents online at the Federal Voting Assistance website, or the Overseas Vote Foundation page. Simply fill out the application, and mail it in to your local election official. If your register this way, a ballot should be sent to you via mail.
3) If you are already registered in your home state, you need to request an absentee ballot. Requests and instructions can be found at the above website.
Good luck, and rock it!
Important Dates for Overseas Citizens
General Election: November 4, 2008
Register by: October 4, 2008
Request ballot by: October 25, 2008
******Return ballot by: November 18, 2008******
Back on the Farm
Local & National News (compiled by Meg McCurtain, Peer Adviser)
University of Iowa
President Sally Mason on Tuesday, 9/23, fired Vice President for Student Services Phillip Jones and VP Senior Consul Marcus Mills for their roles in the handling of the alleged sexual assault of a female UI athlete by two UI football players in Hillcrest Hall last year. The terminations come after an independent investigation into the UI’s handling of the case was critical of the two. Jones has worked at the UI for 40 years; Mill has worked at the UI for 17 years.
The Studio Arts Building located at the old Menards on Highway 1 has been refurbished and is now hosting art classes.
A woman reported a sexual assault attempt early morning on Sunday, September 7th. She was pulled into an alley on North Linn Street at 2:40 am. The woman stated that she was able to escape from the two men who attempted to assault her. As of now, police have no suspects.
Moo! Where are you??
The Johnson County Farm Bureau will present 25 resolutions, including one which aims to make Iowa a renewable energy powerhouse, Sept. 4th and 5th, at a conference in Des Moines. Although Iowa is the 3rd largest state in annual wind power output, the board insists that more renewable energy is needed.
Authorities are looking into expanding the Nite Ride Service. The service, which takes females home from downtown and other University Buildings at night, is considering expanding their operation. Such expansions include upgrading from a van to a small bus, or purchasing a new van to accommodate males.
Workers are working at a feverish pace to reopen the University’s power plant by November 1st. The current power system, using steam from boilers, will not be sufficient for the demands of winter.
Several UI students protested and rioted at the Republican National Convention. On Monday, the first day of the convention, UI rhetoric teaching assistant Cody Clevidence was arrested on a felony riot charge. She was released, and is waiting to see if charges will be filed against her.
Sports
Another season of Hawkeye football is under way! The Hawks took on the Maine Black Bears in the season opener on August 30th. The Hawks rolled over the competition 46-3.
Again the Hawks triumphed against Florida International. Scoring two touchdowns on their first two drives, the Hawks dominated their opponent 42-0.
The Hawks faced their first true test against the Iowa State Cyclones. The Hawks clinched another victory, beating State 17-3. The highlight of the game was when Andy Brodell ran back a punt for a Hawkeye touchdown!
Iowa lost their first game on the road to Pitt. The Hawks suffered a heartbreaking 21-20 loss. Then they lost the Homecoming game against Northwestern after turning over the ball 5 times.
Women’s volleyball Head Coach Sharon Dingman will make her home debut this weekend as the University of Iowa volleyball team hosts the Hawkeye-Holiday Inn Challenge. The Hawkeyes will face Portland Friday, before a doubleheader Saturday against DePaul and Tulsa.
Nation
The presidential campaign is in full swing after both the Democrats and Republicans hosted their national conventions. Obama, Biden, and company gave rousing speeches in Denver. Clinton, in her speech also threw her support with O’bama. At the Republican Convention, John McCain clinched the party’s nomination. As a surprising development, McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. Palin has been the governor of Alaska for two years.
Hurricanes threatened Louisiana and Texas. Gustav, which was a category 2 storm, tore through the bayou country on September 1st. Hurricane Ike left devastation in Texas.
Stocks broke through into positive territory on September 16, before falling back. Investors appeared at the market a day after the worst session in seven years the day before.
The Midwest is feeling the effects of Mother Nature as well. Storms struck the weekend of September 13-14.
Pop Culture
Tina Fey parodied Sarah Palin on SNL last Saturday. Fey, along with Amy Peohler who impersonated Hillary Clinton, discussed sexism in politics.
Miley Cyrus appears to have found a new guy. The singer has been seen with Justin Gaston, a model and aspiring country singer.
Jennifer Hudson just got engaged to her boyfriend, David Otunga. The couple has been dating for less than a year.
Brad Pitt pledged $100, 00 to help stop a ban on a California initiative to ban gay marriage. Pitt said in a statement that he supports the ban, “Because no one has the right to deny another their life even though they disagree with it.”
Gwen Stephani and husband Gavin Rossdale just welcomed their second child, Zuma on August 21st.
Local / Regional Newspapers
World Newspapers
The International Herald Tribune
InkPot
Link to dozens of international newspapers.
