October 30, 2012 Students CU-Boulder Today

In this Issue

History of Halloween? Professor Scott Bruce explains

Contrary to contemporary beliefs that the spooky holiday originated with vampires and werewolves -- or even more sinister, candy and costume companies -- CU associate professor of history Scott Bruce notes that Halloween's origins lie in ancient Pagan harvest festivals practiced by the Celts, and Christian traditions.

Make your voice heard, remember to vote

Students can vote in the University Club, on the campus-side of Broadway and across Euclid from the UMC, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. all week.

CU-Boulder to host President Barack Obama on Thursday, Nov. 1.

The University of Colorado Boulder will host President Barack Obama on our campus on Thursday, Nov. 1. The Obama for America campaign has reserved the Coors Events Center for a campaign event. The event on University property does not constitute an endorsement of the Obama campaign by the University or the Board of Regents.

Hurricane Sandy: Local and national resources if you are affected

If Hurricane Sandy has impacted you or your family, there are local and national resources available.

Here are some University resources that, depending on your situation, might be helpful for you to access. Given that it is very common for people who have experienced an upsetting event to notice delayed stress reactions, we invite you to make use of these services now, or at any point that you feel the need. The Office of Victim Assistance can assist you in navigating academic, university or off-campus systems.

CU invites alumni ‘Back to Boulder,’ announces new parade day, time

Have you been “Back to Boulder?” It’s a question being posed by the University of Colorado Boulder Alumni Association to its family of more than 250,000 students and alumni. Alumni, current students, faculty, staff and community members will find a broad slate of activities for the 2012 Homecoming weekend starting Thursday, Nov. 1. A full description of activities and events as well as event registration can be found on the Back to Boulder website at http://www.cualum.org/back2boulder.

Community Notes

Global seminar to Israel information session

Join the Program in Jewish Studies and CU's Study Abroad Program for an information session about this newly approved global seminar, "Justice, Human Rights and Democracy in Israel" that will be offered as a Maymester 2013 course in Israel from May 21-June 20, 2013.

This seminar is open to all students of all backgrounds and majors.

Website: http://JewishStudies.Colorado.Edu

Thompson Awards for Western American Writing - Win $500

Each year, the Center of the American West awards cash prizes to talented CU-Boulder students writing on Western topics. All CU-Boulder degree students are eligible to enter. Categories include poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, academic non-fiction, and memoir. The work must have as its subject or theme any aspect of the American West.

Rec Center construction update: Increased truck traffic in area

The excavation phase of the Recreation Center renovation and expansion project begins today, bringing increased truck traffic to the streets around the facility. During the week of Oct. 29 through Nov. 2, expect high truck traffic on Folsom Street and Stadium Drive as crews excavate near the location of the former tennis courts. (see map at the link below)

From Nov. 5 through Dec. 14, expect high truck traffic on University Avenue, Macky Drive and Pleasant Street as crews excavate for the new southwest entrance to the Center.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/BuffUpTheRec

UMC Costume Contest, Oct. 31, noon to 1 p.m.

Come watch the fun or compete in the annual UMC Costume Contest. Prizes will be given out for 1st and 2nd place winners in the most scary, most funny and best team costume categories. Reserve your spot to compete at umc-events@colorado.edu.