Anne Rubin, associate professor of history, has been named the president of the Society of Civil War Historians. Rubin is the author of A Shattered Nation: The Rise and Fall of the Confederacy, 1861-1868

The Society of Civil War Historians (SCWH) is an association of scholars dedicated to exploring slavery, the sectional crisis, Civil War, emancipation, and reconstruction roughly from the 1830s through 1880. SCWH’s goal is to bring greater coherence to the historical field by encouraging the integration of social, military, political, and other forms of history and generally to promote the study of the Civil War era.

In a video for the blog “The Civil War Monitor,” Rubin discusses her new role and her aspirations for the next two years of her presidency.

“I’d like the society to have a voice in the ongoing conversation about the Civil War sesquicentennial,” Rubin said. “I’d like us also to have more of a digital presence, more of a social media presence.  We’re historians, we like the past, but the digital world is upon us and it’s a great tool for outreach and to get the message of the society out there to a broader and younger public.”

The video can be seen here.

 Last night we witnessed the third and final presidential debate of the 2012 election. Everybody… on the count of three, cue the collective sigh of relief.

Not to say we here at USDemocrazy don’t enjoy these events. As thoroughly nerdy blogateers, debates are like our Super Bowl (only we get three and a half of them).

We won’t take up your time with who won and who lost. The network you choose for  post-debate coverage will decide that. 

Suffice it to say, a clear distinction has been drawn between the two candidates and the never ending story campaign is coming to a close. 

We would like to take some time and ask you, the reader, what observations you have about the campaign thus far? What are your greatest criticisms? What are your pet peeves?

Because this is the time when ads and speeches and debate analysis does little to sway the electorate. All that matters at this point is what voters (you hopefully) have come to think.

By the way in case you are hoping to vote this year find your polling station here. 

Jodi Kelber-Kaye, associate director of the honors college, was featured in a recent Baltimore Messenger story on phone banking for marriage equality.  Kelber-Kaye has joined the pro-marriage equality efforts at Bolton Street Synagogue.

“I’m extraordinarily hopeful” that Question 6 will pass, Kelber-Kaye told the paper. Kelber-Kaye was one of the plaintiffs in a 2004 lawsuit challenging a state ban on same-sex marriages

The story, “Bolton Street Synagogue trying to get out the vote for marriage equality,” appeared online on October 22.

SRA International’s goal for 2013 is to provide educational learning opportunities which provide best practices, practical applications, and new/creative ideas that attendees can implement in their own organizations. SRA is accepting proposals for 75-minute concurrent sessions, 3.5-hour half day or 7-hour full day workshops.  

As an SRA International speaker, you’ll be joining a fantastic lineup of presenters from around the world. This is an opportunity to share what you know, build your profile in the community, and make connections with new colleagues.

SRA invites you to submit a proposal to present at the below 2013 Section Meetings and/or Annual Meeting. You can present by yourself, with a panel or using group exercises. New as well as recurring topics and speakers are always welcome!

-       Southern/Western Section Meeting, April 7-10, San Antonio, TX   Click Here to Submit  Deadline Extended to November 9

-       Northeast/Midwest Section Meeting, May 5-8, Providence, RI   Click Here to Submit  Deadline October 26

-       Annual Meeting, October 26-30, New Orleans, LA   Click Here to Submit  Deadline January 11

Questions?  Contact Nora Potter, Education Coordinator, with questions about submitting a proposal. Emailnpotter@srainternational.org or + 1 (703) 741-0140 ext. 221.

Honoraria & Travel Expenses
As a non-profit association, SRA does not pay an honorarium for speaker presentations at section or annual meetings.  The speaker is responsible for all travel-related and accommodation expenses. 

(From the UMBC International Field Research web site)

Switzerland, a country of stunning mountain vistas, truly lies at the crossroads of Europe. It is among the top-rated countries in the world with regard to health care, environmental policy, public transportation, infrastructure, live-able cities and healthy lifestyles. This experiential learning program applies an ecological framework to better understand how culture, policy, and practice interact to achieve a sustainable and healthy society.

During spring semester students attend a weekly seminar, complete background research, and write a research paper. Students are assigned to a research team based on the theme they select. For our Swiss academic program, we stay in Kandersteg, nestled in the Alps, travel to nearby cities and hike to complete a series of related research exercises. Highlights include day trips to Geneva, Zurich, Bern, glaciers and the Swiss people.

Research methods include visual digital storytelling, expert interviews, participant observation, local informants, literature review, administrative and historical data, survey, and case studies. Possible research themes include:

• A lifespan approach to health and aging: An international perspective
•  Science and medicine: Technological revolutions and societal change
• Environmental sustainability and climate change
• Arts and the Humanities
• Alpine hiking, physical conditioning, and stress reduction

Students considering careers in health, aging, public policy, information systems, education, computer science, media, business, science, engineering, or research are encouraged to apply.

The deadline for application is December 3, 2012.

Students who are accepted into the program will enroll in HAPP/SOCY 403 in Spring 2013 (also available as a 600-level course for graduate students),and have the option of also taking PHED121. This will be followed by the International Field Research Experience in Switzerland, June 24-30, 2013.

For more information, check out the UMBC International Field Research Program's web site.

Here are 4 videos that you can use in your department to spread the word about all the ways you can make Healthy Choices Every Day.

http://my.umbc.edu/groups/wellness/media

UMBC Wellness Initiative
Explore the Wellness Initiative website:  www.umbc.edu/wellness
Join the Wellness Initiative myUMBC Group!