Two weeks until school starts

Announcements
These Announcements were submitted to the Monday Memo by University community members (employees, students and retirees). Announcements must be received by Thursday at noon for publication on the following Monday. To submit an item, use the Submit Announcements form to the right, or e-mail monday.memo@enmu.edu. Announcements can only be accepted from off-campus groups if the group is non-profit. The Web address for the Monday Memo is http://www.enmu.edu/mondaymemo.

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Defensive Driving Courses Offered on August 17 and 24 – All university employees who will be driving a university or Enterprise vehicle must have completed the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course. Employees must complete the six-hour DDC, and then take the four-hour refresher Defensive Driving Course every four years.

The four-hour DDC will be offered on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 1-5 p.m. at the Campus Union Building Pecos Room. The six-hour DDC will be offered on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the College of Business Room 128. The courses are limited to 30 people in each class.

You can register for the courses by calling Ginger Creighton at ext. 2796 or e-mail ginger.creighton@enmu.edu.

Alumni Shrimp Boil Cooks up Scholarships for Portales Students – A Cajun-style shrimp boil Aug. 19 will serve up mouth-watering food and boost scholarships for Portales High School graduates to attend ENMU.

The Portales chapter of Eastern New Mexico University's Alumni Association is sponsoring the event for a third year. The shrimp boil is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the home of Orlando and Melody Ortega, 2011 Boxwood St.

Jumbo shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, potatoes and mushrooms cooked in a savory seasoning will be served promptly at 7 p.m. Beverages will be served along with a delicious summer dessert.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased from the Office of Alumni Afffairs. For more information, call Alumni Affairs at 562.2125 or e-mail janice.cowen@enmu.edu.

KENW-TV Needs Volunteers – Volunteers are needed for KENW Television’s Fall Festival 2006 membership drive. Support KENW-TV by volunteering your time by answering the telephones for a few hours during Sept. 2-10 for Fall Festival 2006.

If you are interested in helping us with the drive, please call Candra Reynolds or Rena Garrett at 562.2112 or e-mail us at candra.reynolds@enmu.edu or rena.garrett@enmu.edu.

Thank you. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Information from Hardhat Hound

Over the next three years, Eastern will grow with more than $37 million in construction and campus improvements. Here are highlights of upcoming projects:

· The Alley: Meeting area construction to be started after work in Ground Zero is finished, possibly the first of the year

· Campus Union: Roofing nearly complete; renovations to the dish room, bathrooms and coffee shop will be finished in November-December

· ENMU fountain: New masonry installed; to be refilled by Aug. 28

· Greyhound Arena: Roofing will begin after Campus Union roof is complete

· Library: Roofing began in early August and be completed in December

· New ENMU sign: Masonry finished by Aug. 15

· Science Building: Renovation and expansion to start in November

· New Student Apartments: Units should be occupied by August 2007

· West Campus: Paving will start during the school year

Question for Hardhat Hound? – If you have a question for Hardhat Hound about construction on campus, e-mail hardhat.committee@enmu.edu.

General Obligation Bond Proposition "B" Would Renovate Music Building

General Obligation Bond Proposition "B" in the November 7 General Election is worth approximately $118 million to higher education in New Mexico, and $7.5 million for higher education in Curry and Roosevelt counties.

*$4.5 million for renovation of ENMU Music Building
*$3 million for Clovis Community College health center

These projects will also have a great impact on local economies as the money spent will recycle several times.

*Estimated Cost to Property Owners:

$50,000 home--$5 per year
$100,000 home--$10 per year
$150,000 home--$15 per year

*The net cost to property owners could be lower as older education bonds mature and are retired.

Early voting begins Oct. 10

Campus Meetings for Portales Staff (not faculty) Set for Monday – Annual Back-to-Campus Meetings are scheduled for today (Monday), Aug. 14, from 1:15-4 p.m. The session will begin promptly in Becky Sharp Auditorium in the College of Business with welcoming remarks from Dr. Gamble.

Beverages and cookies will served halfway through the afternoon session. The agenda will include ENMU's annual review of mission, vision, and key campus practices, updates on policies, campus construction projects, accreditation, and important safety and wellness issues.

This meeting is for Portales staff only. Faculty will attend meetings on Aug. 22.

Employee/Alumni Briefs

Eastern retiree Ellen Jeane passed away last Monday at Roosevelt General Hospital. Ellen recently retired from her position as cataloging librarian of 29 years. Graveside services were held at on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Portales Cemetery. The University's sympathies are with her family.

Doug Heck of Fayetteville, Ark., was hired as senior vice president and consumer loan manager at Arvest Bank’s location on the Fayetteville Square. Heck was a personal banker for First State Bank of Austin, Texas, and worked nine years at Wells Fargo in Texas. Heck earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern New Mexico University.

ENMU graduate Brenda Capps likes to stay in tents when traveling. [read]

Sign Up for Lifelong Wellness – Another fall semester is almost here, and we encourage you to join our Lifelong Wellness program. Remember, you may use your tuition waiver for this program even if you are enrolled in another class. Faculty and staff enrolled in Lifelong Wellness may choose to use the MaxPAC and Natatorium; employees not enrolled in Lifelong Wellness need to buy a pass for those facilities.

To enroll for fall, simply reply to mary.drabbs@enmu.edu and tell me which option you would like.
1-credit (You need to accumulate 27 half-hour activity sessions.)
2-credits (You need to accumulate 54 half-hour activity sessions.)

If you would like to participate in an existing physical activity class, please tell Mary the class and meeting days/times, and she'll save a spot for you.

People new to the program will need to attend one half-hour orientation session. Sessions are scheduled on:
Friday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m., 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 8 a.m., noon, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 7, at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 5 p.m.

General Comments and Compliments

"I've now read the Monday Memo twice in the last year." – ENMU employee featured in last week's issue

New Titles at Educational Software Clearinghouse – The New Mexico Educational Software Clearinghouse at the Center for Teaching Excellence, located in Room 102A of the College of Education, has updated its holdings and announce the following new educational software. [read]

New Four-Year Funding Announced for TRIO Program – The U.S. Department of Education will award $381,000 annually to Eastern New Mexico University and $296,000 annually to ENMU-Roswell over the next four years for TRIO Talent Seach programs that provide academic, career and financial counseling to prepare students for college success.

"We expect the funding in Portales to total more than $1.5 million over the next four years," said Mary Watson, TRIO director for ENMU-Portales. The funding begins Sept. 1.

Dawg Days Set for August 24-27 – [schedule]

Kids Can Celebrate Birthdays with Greyhounds, Cheerleaders and Mascots – During the 2006 fall season, kids can celebrate their birthday at Greyhound football games. The package includes getting autographs from Greyhound football players, taking pictures with the Ralph and Roxie mascots and cheerleaders, having their name announced and flashed across the scoreboard during the game, and being treated to soft drinks and popcorn with their friends.

For more information, call Draco Miller at 562.2204 or e-mail draco.miller@enmu.edu.

Lil' Hound Pound Offering T-shirts for First 200 Kids Who Join

The Lil' Hound Pound, Eastern New Mexico University's athletics club for kids 12 and under, will offer free T-shirts and membership cards to the first 200 kids who sign up this fall. Membership is free, and kids receive free admission to all home sporting events when wearing their Lil' Hound Pound T-shirts or presenting their cards at the gate. Kids must be accompanied by a paying adult for free admission.

Sign up by calling the Office of the ENMU Campus Bookstore at 562.2721 or the Office of Athletic Events at 562.2236. Members should watch the mail for updates during the season.

Former Football Players Unite in Greyhound Gridiron Club

ENMU invites former football players to join a new Greyhound Gridiron Club. Charter members will receive a gift and a free season pass to all home football games this fall. They will also receive e-mail updates with game stories and previews, as well as quarterly newsletters with information on current and former players, the offense, the defense, special teams, recruiting and more.

Membership is $25. Upcoming activities include the premier 2007 Alumni Weekend, highlighted by an alumni game against the current team. For more information, contact Jason Shumaker at 562.2881 or enmugrid@enmu.edu.

Comedian Coming to Dawg Days – Comedian Ty Barnett, scheduled to appear at ENMU Dawg Days, finished second on NBC's "Last Comic Standing." Barnett will perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24 in the Campus Union Ballroom.

Updates from New Mexico Higher Education Department – [read]

Quote of the Week

"Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater." – Gail Godwin

Update on Prescription Drug Benefit – [read]

Eastern Getting Out of Home Internet Connection Business – As of Jan. 1, maintenance for the dialup (SLIP) modem server (home Internet connection) will no longer be available. ENMU has provided Internet Service Provider (ISP) service to students, staff, and faculty for 12 years, but due to the discontinuance of hardware maintenance service by the vendor, ENMU has been forced to plan the phase-out of dialup services.
Please call the Helpdesk at 562.4357 or come by UCC 110 for additional information.

Calendar Items Being Accepted – University Relations is accepting calendar items for the online 2006-2007 University calendar. Calendaring your department's events helps everyone to be aware of what's happening around the University, and it helps your department when scheduling dates for new events. Take advantage of the easy, online process by sending all your calendar requests to calendar@enmu.edu. Please direct questions to Betsy Chavez at betsy.chavez@enmu.edu or call 562.2134.

Current Location of Ground Zero is Open This Summer – The Ground Zero Coffee Shop downstairs in the Campus Union is open this summer. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. They offer all of their usual varieties of coffees, fountain drinks, and snacks as well as breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls and donuts. Please drop by and help support their efforts to stay open during the summer.

ENMU Checks Valid for Six Months – All ENMU payroll, accounts payable, and student refund checks are valid for six months from the date of issuance. Checks that have not been cashed within six months will be voided.

Tutoring Positions Available for Undergraduate Students – [details]

Travel Voucher Available on Intranet – The Travel Voucher is now available on the intranet as a PDF form. You will need to make a copy for your records before submitting the original to the Business Office.

The Requisition is also available on the intranet as a PDF form. A requisition number will automatically be assigned when the form is opened. You will need to keep a copy of the requisition before sending it to the Business Office. If you need to prepare a second requisition, use the back key on the browser to go back to the menu and select Requisition again. When you go back in, the form will have another number. For this reason it is not recommended to "view" the form.

To access the Travel Voucher and Requisition, go into the intranet [http://inside.enmu.edu/] or go to ENMU home page, click on Faculty and Staff]; click on Forms; click on Business Office and then click on either Travel Voucher or Requisition.

The Business Office will have a supply of Travel Vouchers and Requisitions until depleted.

Please contact the Business Office at 562.2611 if you have any questions.

Writing Across the Curriculum Offered This Fall—Join us this fall for an online workshop: ENG 569 Writing Across the Curriculum. Use your tuition waiver and be involved in building a Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program at ENMU. The three-hour (S/U) course will explore best practices in the various disciplines. Faculty will have the opportunity to design a writing-centered course in their particular
discipline.

Many of you are committed to supporting students in their efforts to grow as academic writers. You also support the writing process and recognize that writing requires continued practice and is critical to molding academic writers. I encourage you to work with us to enhance the university's mission: Student Success—-that's what it's all about!

Direct questions to Dr. Pat Thatcher (patricia.thatcher@enmu.edu), ENMU Writing Programs Director, 562.2139.

Absence Report Form Available Online—The Report of Absence for Exempt Employees (professional and at-will) form is now available on the intranet under Personnel forms. If you have any questions, contact Personnel Services at 562.2115.

Fall Registration Ongoing at ENMU—Registration for the fall term at ENMU is underway. Courses are offered on campus, online and via instructional TV.

Currently enrolled students can register online at www.enmu.edu. Those not admitted should contact the Admissions Office.

For more information, call 1.800.FOR.ENMU (562.2175 locally) or e-mail enrollment.services@enmu.edu.

Please Help Save Energy—As many of you are aware, the University is experiencing major increases in utility costs. The electric bill through March is approximately $230,000 higher than last year. Please help to conserve electricity by shutting off lights in classrooms, dorm rooms, offices and other areas when not in use. Thank you.

2006-2007 Approved Holidays

Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 4, 2006

Thanksgiving: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23-24, 2006

Winter Break: Close at 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, 2006

Reopen at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007

Presidents’ Day: Monday, Feb. 19, 2007

Memorial Day: Monday, May 28, 2007

Independence Day: Wednesday, July 4, 2007

List Your Events on the University Calendar—It's never too late to take advantage of the online University Calendar. Make sure your University events are listed online by submitting your additions via e-mail. To ensure your request is processed in a timely manner, please send all calendar requests to calendar@enmu.edu. For any questions or problems regarding this process, please direct correspondence to betsy.chavez@enmu.edu or call 562.2134. Calendar Tip: Use the calendar to check what is happening around the University to help you when you are scheduling your event dates.

How to Reach Campus Police After Hours —To reach the Campus Police Officer on duty after 5 p.m., before 8 a.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday you can call the officer on his cell phone number at 760.2945. If for some reason you are unable to reach the officer on that number, call the Portales Police Department at 356.4404, ext. 0. The dispatcher will then send a Campus Officer to assist you.

Graduate Catalog Available as PDF Document—The 2004-06 Graduate Catalog is available as a pdf document at the following web address: http://www.enmu.edu/academics/courses-catalogs/catalogs/index.shtml.

Undergraduate Catalog Available as PDF Document—The 2005-07 Undergraduate Catalog is available as a pdf document at the following web address: http://www.enmu.edu/academics/courses-catalogs/catalogs/index.shtml.

Distance Education and Outreach

The following is a list of Extended Learning offerings. Please call 562.2165 for more information or to register.

Swimming - For ages 4 and up three rotations Mon.-Thu., 4-4:50 p.m. will be offered at the Natatorium this fall by Red Cross certified instructors. Rotation 1 is Sept. 11-21; rotation 2 is Oct 2-12 and rotation 3 is Oct 23-Nov. 2. The fee is $40. Please register by Friday noon prior to each rotation.

Aqua Aerobics – Try this soothing exercise Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 11-Dec. 6, 6-6:50 p.m., Natatorium. The fee is discounted to $90 prepaid by Sept. 6 or $8 per week.

Beginning Guitar – For students 12-18 years Mondays, Sept. 11-Nov. 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m.,SAS-166. Instructor Kirby Rowan states no prior experience is required, but you must have a playable guitar, notebook and pen. The fee is $75. Please register by Sept. 6.

Parent Empowerment-How to Help Your Children Learn – Find out six easy steps on how to help your children learn easier in this interactive class taught by Jo Laney, ENMU Grants and Contracts, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 6:30-9 p.m., COB-137. The fee is $25. Please register by Sept. 7.

World Dance – Ages 10 years through adult can learn different forms of ethnic dance with Dayna Kennedy Wednesdays, Sept. 13-Dec. 6, 6-6:50 p.m., GA-11. The fee is $75. Please wear long skirt with hip scarf and register by Sept. 8.

Night Sky-A Look at Our Universe – Bring your binoculars and join astronomy enthusiast Mick Hoffman Friday, Sept. 15, 7-9 p.m., Tech-119A. A planisphere is included with your registration of $10 per family. Please register by Sept. 12.

Pilates – Join Joseph Sanders Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 5-Nov. 30, 5:20-6 p.m., UTC-161 this semester. Be sure to bring a mat and wear comfortable exercise attire. No classes will be held Oct. 3, 5, 10, 12, 26, 31 and Nov. 23. The fee is $60. Please register by Aug. 31.

Yoga – Relax and stretch your body with Lisa Moyer Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 6-Nov. 29, 7-7:50 p.m., GA-11. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring a blanket or towel and mat. The fee is $65. An optional textbook can be acquired for approximately $10. Please register by Aug. 31.

Introduction to Homeschooling – This workshop, conducted twice for your convenience by Barbara Senn, will introduce the basics of homeschooling Thursday, Sept. 7, 6-9 p.m., ED-118 or Tuesday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-noon, GA-7. The fee is only $10 including one or both parents. Please register by Sept 1 or 7, respectively.

Beginning Tennis – Andy Mason welcomes both beginners and intermediate players ages 8 through adult Thursdays, Sept. 7-Dec. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m., ENMU Tennis Courts next to the College of Business. The fee is $70. Tennis racket and balls and athletic shoes are required. Please register by Sept. 1.

Tumbling – Deborah McGrew offers three skill-related tumbling classes this fall, Fridays, Sept. 8-Dec. 1, GA-11. Beginning Tumbling for ages 5 years and older meets 6-6:50 p.m. for $70; Intermediate Tumbling meets 7-7:50 p.m. for $70; and Advanced Tumbling meets 8-8:50 p.m. for $75. Please register by Sept. 5.

Scuba Diving – This Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Open Water Scuba class will be held over two weekends, Sept. 8-10 at ENMU and Sept. 23-24 in Santa Rosa at Blue Hole with Mike Hale instructing. Please call Distance Education and Outreach at 562.2165 for information on locations, times, materials and fees. Please register by Sept. 5.

Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Lyrical—Join Taryn Dedeaux for this 14-week program in one or more of seven skill-related classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 29-Dec. 7, GA-11. The fee is $80 with a $5 (one per family) recital fee. Leotard, appropriate shoes and costume required. Call Distance Education and Outreach at 562.2165 for class days and times.

Cheerleading—Krystle King is back this fall with an eight-week dance class for students 5-10 years old Wednesdays, Aug. 30-Oct. 18, 5-5:50 p.m., GA-11. Students should wear T-shirt, shorts and athletic shoes. The fee is $40. Please register by Aug. 25.

Puppy Kindergartent—This class taught by Rhomylly Forbes Wednesdays, Aug. 30-Oct. 4, 6-7 p.m., in Career Technical Education Building is back by popular demand for any breed of dog age 12 weeks or older in need of basic socialization/obedience skills. Please bring your puppy’s vaccine record (but not your puppy) to the first class. Dogs must be contained by training collar and six-foot leather or nylon leash by the second class. Owners are also responsible for their dog’s reward treats. The fee is $35. Please register by Aug. 25.

Hip Hop—Mytrice Williams will offer a 14-week session in hip hop this fall for ages 6 years through adult Thursdays, Aug. 31-Dec. 7, 8-8:50 p.m., GA-11. The fee is $80 with an additional $5 recital fee (one per family). This class will not be ordering costumes but improvising their wardrobe with inexpensive purchases or simple sewing. Please register by Aug. 28. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Ginger's Safety Tip of the Month

Small changes make a big difference in eliminating ergonomic hazards.

You need to be kind to your eyes. Avoid glare with matte finishes or indirect lighting. Locate commonly used displays (screens, etc.) at or slightly below eye level. Easy does it when typing. Keep your wrists in a neutral position and strike keys lightly. Have a seat, but make sure it's adjusted properly to avoid back pain. Reduce the amount of time spent standing on hard surfaces. Anti-fatigue mats are a good choice.

If you can, reduce the amount of physical effort needed to complete a task or maintain control of equipment. Get a handle on tool safety. Provide tools with cushioned grips and optimize the handle size to accommodate the user and the task. Automate highly repetitive tasks whenever possible. If you can't, provide short breaks, let the worker control the pace, increase the variety of tasks, or provide job rotation.

Use carts to move heavy loads. Pushing is preferable to pulling. Take a look around. Periodic worksite analyses can uncover ergonomic problems before they lead to injuries.

TechTips – Helpful Hints for using ENMU Technology
(courtesy of ITS Computing)

Computing
Word series – Get easy access to documents you use often
Want to keep documents you frequently use handy for future use? Using the Work menu is an easy way to keep your favorite Word files accessible.
To add the Work menu to the menu bar or a toolbar:
1. On the Tools menu, click Customize, and then click the Commands tab.
2. In the Categories box, click Built-in Menus.
3. Click Work in the Commands box and drag it to the menu bar or displayed toolbar.
With the Work menu on your toolbar you can add any Word document to the Work menu.
To add a Work document to the Work menu:
1. To add the current document to the Work menu, on the Work menu, click Add to Work Menu.
2. To open a document on the Work menu, click the document you want to open on the Work menu.
To remove a Work document from the Work menu:
1. Press CTRL+ALT+-(dash). Your cursor will look like a large, bold underscore.
2. On the Work menu, click the document you want to remove.

Outlook series – Your email can alert you when an important message arrives
You can set your system to display a prominent message in the center of the screen or play a unique sound when an important message arrives. Here is how,
1. Go to Tools, Rules and Alerts, New Rule.
2. Be sure “start from a blank rule” is selected.
3. Highlight “Check Messages When They Arrive”
4. And click Next.
5. Now set the conditions that trigger the alarm.
6. You can select “From people” and specify a person’s email address or base your alert on any aspect of the incoming message, such as words in the subject or message body.
7. When you have chosen the conditions, click Next to specify the type of alert action you want.
8. For a pop-up alert choose “Display a Specific Message in the New Item Alert Window” and enter the desired message to pop-up, e.g., “Your Boss has emailed you”.
9. For a sound check “Play a Sound” and specify the sound by clicking the hyperlinked word “sound” in the rule description window.

DAT file version update – To check that your computer is up-to-date with the most current versions of virusscan software, locate the blue and white shield with a red “V” in it by your system clock on the bottom right side of your screen and click on it with the right mouse button. Then choose “About VirusScan Enterprise” in the pull-down box. There are two things to look for; one is the “Virus Definitions” which should be at 4786 and the other is the “Scan Engine” which should be at 4400. If either one is not displaying the above versions, click on the red “V” again with the right mouse button, then choose “Update Now” in the pull-down box. This will open a dialogue box displaying the status of the update process. Once complete, close the dialogue box and rerun the “About VirusScan Enterprise” option as described above. If the version is not at or greater than the one above, please contact the Helpdesk at 562.4357 for assistance.

If you have a tip you would like to share with us please send it to: ENMU.TechTips@enmu.eduMeetings

Undergraduate Admissions and Standards Committee
Second Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in COB 163
(student petitions needing action are due by 5 p.m. the first Thursday of each month)

Student News

If you are proud of Eastern New Mexico University and are looking for a fun way to show it, then we may be looking for you.  ENMU is looking for a new Ralph mascot.  Anyone interested in showing off their school spirit can contact B.J. Bernet at 693.1060 or 762.4183.  Thanks your school support. 

Are you outgoing, organized, a sophomore or above, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and enjoy working with students?  The ENMU Freshman Seminar program is looking for students to serve as Learning Facilitators for UNIV 101.  A stipend is available. If you are interested in applying, a complete job description and application is available in the Advising Center (SAS 232) or e-mail Cheryl.Pachak-Brooks@enmu.edu. Completed applications are due no later than Tuesday, Aug. 22. 

ENMU-Roswell News

Read the August issue of ENMU-Roswell's The Grapevine – [read]

ENMU-Roswell Undergoing Accreditation Visit – Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit November 13-15 by a team representing the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell has been accredited by the Commission since 1971. Its accreditation is at the associate’s degree level.

Off-Campus News

Overeaters Anonymous Meetings

Overeaters Anonymous meetings are held at 9 a.m. on Saturdays at the Presbyterian campus house on the corner of Avenue K and University. The contact person is Janice at 505.356.9191.

Job Opening at Community Services Center

The Community Services Center is accepting applications for the position of full-time secretary. An application and job description may be picked up at 1100 Community Way in Portales. The Community Services Center is an EOE. The deadline to apply is Monday, Aug. 7, at 5 p.m.

Call for Applications for Young Global Leaders Summit

Eastern New Mexico University students wishing to make a difference in the world are invited to apply for the Young Leaders Summit on the Future of U.S.-Islamic World Relations, scheduled Aug. 19 at the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, Texas. The summit features workshops, speakers, and discussions on how young eople can take positive action to improve U.S.-Muslim relations. Students will hear from top experts and then have the chance to weigh in with their own views on the future of this critical global relationship. The summit, which is underwritten by corporate sponsors, is free for selected students, including tuition and meals.To apply to the conference, visit www.aidemocracy.org/august19.cfm.

Off-Campus News

Portales ranked 15th in quality-of-life

If you’re looking for a small town with a great quality of life, Portales, N. M., is the place to be. According to a study conducted by Bizjournals.com, of 577 micropolitan areas, Portales ranked 15th in the nation and ninth in the western United States in overall quality of life. The goal of the study was to identify America’s most attractive micropolitan areas and points were given to small, well-rounded communities where the economy is strong, traffic is light, the cost of living is moderate, adults are well-educated, and access to big-city attractions is reasonably close. The ranking indicates that Portales, New Mexico is a great place to live and work.

The study identified 12 categories including population growth, per capita income, small business growth, professional jobs, commuting, cost of living, and advanced degrees. Cities were given points for positive results and negative scores if they were below the national averages. These scores were then totaled to determine its overall rank on the list of micropolitan areas.

Portales, the smallest city in the top 25, received a quality of life score of 8.96, the 15th highest score in the nation. According Scott Thomas, the author of the study, the income per capita, short commuting times, exceptionally low taxes, and substantial percentage of adults with a graduate degree are huge factors in why Portales is one of the top places to live in America. The only obstacle to overcome to be in the top 10 listing is our access to a large metropolitan area. Los Alamos was the only other New Mexico city to be recognized in the top 20.

Portales Mayor, Orlando Ortega Jr. says, “It is exciting and very deserving to have Portales ranked 15th in quality of life among the micropolitan category. The community as a whole is very focused and has been working diligently for some years now to provide the best quality of life possible, offer opportunity and the American dream to all who choose to live in Portales."

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