THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
PAGE 3
UNIVERSITY
American Studies celebrates 60-year milestone
CALEB SISK
csisk@kansan.com
It was sixty years ago that former Chancellor Deane Mallot called for the creation of a program that would combine multiple disciplines and spheres of thought. This program, which would go on to become the Department of American Studies, celebrates its 60-year history this week.
The celebration is a weeklong series of events entitled "Reflecting Forward" - a reference to the department's heritage and future. "This is designed to be more than just a series of events, we will show where the department started and where it is heading in the future," Professor Jennifer Hamer said.
This project has been in the works for about a year, with most of the work being done in the last six months. A committee of like-minded professors, headed by Hamer, has scheduled a number of events and guest speakers that they believe will reflect the strengths of the department as a whole. The department and the committee felt that there was a need to reassert themselves on campus by putting on this celebration.
opportunity to honor our past, and to remind the campus and the community of the important, exciting, and diverse scholarship that our students and faculty engage in every day," said Henry Bial, Chair of the Department of American Studies.
"We are thrilled to have this
This celebration reflects not only the history of the department but shows how heavily involved it has been in the history of the University. This was one of the first interdisciplinary pro
sessions with prominent figures in the field. These events will also be available free-of-charge to the public, excluding a test screening on Wednesday night that will be an invitation only event.
This is an opportunity for American Studies to remind the campus and the community about the importance of the program."
Students and members of the community will be able to attend
grams at the University and it has had a hand in the development of multiple programs during its time here. It is this spirit of involvement and diversity in research that led more than 10 departments to co-sponsor the week's events.
JENNIFER HAMER American Studies Professor
"Given the interdisciplinary nature of the program, we are very pleased that so many different departments on campus have contributed to making the celebration possible," Bial said. Scheduled events include film screenings, lectures and meet-and-greet
"Lunch-and-
Learn" events
held at various
locations across
campus every day
this week except
Tuesday. The
department will
also have informa-
tional tables
in the Kansas
Union every day
this week from 11
a. m. to 1 p.m., where students can pose questions to representatives from the department.
"This is an opportunity for American Studies to remind the campus and the community about the importance of the program," Hamer said.
Anyone wishing to find more information on the events scheduled this week should visit www. americanstudies.ku.edu/reflecting-forward.
—Edited by Evan Dunbar
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This is National Hazing Prevention Week. There is a video and poster contest, a presentation in Budig Wednesday evening, and much more.
POLICE REPORTS
Information based on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office booking recap.
- A 25-year-old male was arrested yesterday on the intersection of Kansas Highway 10 and Church Street on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence. A $500 bond was paid.
- A 19-year-old female was arrested yesterday on the 1000 block of Mississippi Street on suspicion of domestic battery. No bond was posted.
CAMPUS
—Emily Donovan
Required course raises sexual harassment awareness
MADDIE FARBER
mfarber@kansan.com
The unwanted words and gestures from an admirer can bring an onset of nausea and fear to a victim of sexual harassment. Anyone can become a victim anywhere and anytime. This is one of the many reasons why the KU Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access has created the mandatory sexual harassment online course for all University students.
"So many students don't think it's going to happen to them, so they
don't take it seriously. It can be as simple as little, everyday things." Lauren Moore, a Ph.D. student at the University said.
Last year the course had an outstanding 86 percent participation rate. But does the student body truly take it seriously or just click through it? Sophomore Will Nye expressed his views on the course: "I feel like most students just breeze through the process and have no consequences for lack of attention."
This might be the general consensus among the majority of the student body. However, Jane Mc-
Queeny, Executive Director at the IOA office, said, "For the students who just click through, I really wish they would read it and be thoughtful about what they're learning through the course.
Students who approach it seriously are better citizens of our community."
According to McQueeny, the course is not only designed to help students become aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to sexual harassment, but also encourage them to be responsible and engaged.
"The primary focus is to make sure these behaviors don't come onto campus and prohibits students in the education process. It's not about just being bystanders, but taking action to protect each other," McQueeny said.
The course also helps students learn about resources available at the University if they ever encounter issues with sexual harassment. If students don't feel comfortable going through a formal investigation through the IOA, McQueeny encourages them to visit the Emily Taylor Center for Women and Gender Equity. The Emily Taylor Center offers individual consultations for students who need someone to talk to about various topics, ranging from assault or discrimination issues to career concerns.
"Although statistically it doesn't happen as frequently, men can be sexually harassed too. This issue is not just limited to women. The IOA recognizes this, and the law protects both. The
course takes care of all" McQueeny said, expressing her views of why all students, regardless of gender, should continue to stay
After sharing her personal experience with sexual harassment, Moore said, "You hope you never have to, but it's good to know who to turn to if something does happen. It's empowering to know what resources are available. You can stop feeling victimized and do something about it. It's so important to speak up."
engaged and informed.
Students must check their KU email for the link, and have this online course completed by Sept. 30.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
• Union Ballroom 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Union Parking Lot 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Donor Bus
• Ellsworth Hall 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Strong Hall 11:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Donor Bus
Edited by James Ogden
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
• Union Parking Lot 11:0 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Donor Bus
• KU Alumni Association 1:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Gamma Phi 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
MONDAY-FRIDAY,
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• Parking Lot 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Donor Bus
Catholic Campus Center 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Strong Hall 11:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Donor Bus
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
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• Hashinger Hall 11:30 a.m. - 3:30
• Rec Center Parking Lot Noon - 4:00 p.m. Donor Bus
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