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Columns::September 23, 2002
Digest
USG launches electronic data warehouse
The University System of Georgia has launched a Web portal of up-to-the-minute information about the state’s 34 public colleges and universities.
“USG by the Numbers” (http://info.usg.edu/) lets Internet users generate customized reports using data stored in an electronic data warehouse and updated continuously throughout the year. Using the portal, the public can research data on USG enrollment, retention and graduation rates and degrees conferred by gender, ethnicity and other variables.
“Our goal is to provide the public and our campuses with self-service access to USG data, as much as possible,” says Randall Thursby, vice chancellor for information and instructional technology and chief information officer for the University System. “Expanding public access to the data is just phase one of a project that we began planning two years ago. Providing access to USG financial data is next, and additional capabilities for student-related data also will be added.”
Thursby anticipates adding information on USG curricula, facilities and human resources to the data warehouse, fueling the generation of individualized reports. External data such as surveys, statewide and national statistics also will be available.
SREL expands outreach program
The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory has received an $80,000 grant to add a new program, “Teaching Kids the Science of Ecology,” to its outreach efforts. SREL, a UGA research unit, is well known for its popular outreach programs, which currently include EcoTalks, presentations, tours and the Ecologist for a Day program. David Scott, a field biologist with SREL, will administer the new program.
“Teaching kids about science is critical. And it isn’t just learning science facts that is important—learning the thought process, the methods, using logic and reason to analyze information—these skills are even more important,” says Scott. “The skills that kids can learn from ‘doing science’ will benefit them in all aspects of their lives. And if at the same time they also learn the importance of natural resources such as the Upper Three Runs Creek watershed, what a great bonus.”
A team of scientists and educators will develop the program, which initially will focus on lessons for fourth- and fifth-grade students at two schools, East Aiken Elementary School and New Ellenton’s Greendale Elementary School. Scientists Laura Janecek and Ria Tsaliagos will assist educators Dee Boggs and Jeri Peterson Mark in developing science activities that tie SREL research to the school science curriculum.
Writer takes part in ‘Peabody Conversation’
William Link, television writer and producer, will discuss his Peabody Award–winning film, The Execution of Private Slovik, with Peabody Director Horace Newcomb Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tate Student Center Theater.
The Peabody Awards program collaborates with the Center for Humanities and Arts to bring a Peabody recipient to the university each semester for a screening and conversation about the prize-winning work.
Produced and written by Link and the late Richard Levinson, The Execution of Private Slovik starred Martin Sheen in the title role and originally aired in 1974. It presents the story of the only American soldier executed for desertion during World War II.
Following an introduction by Center for Humanities and Arts Director Betty Jean Craige, The Execution of Private Slovik will be screened in its entirety. The audience is invited to participate in the conversation between Link and Newcomb .
Currently the president of the Mystery Writers of America, Link is the creator of the TV series The Cosby Mysteries and, with Levinson, Columbo, Murder, She Wrote and Mannix, among others.
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