To understand the effects invasive species are having on the population of native Sonora Mud Turtles, researchers from the USGS’s Southwest Biological Science Center are trying to learn all they can about the existing turtles and their habitat. Research ecologist Jeff Lovich narrates this short video describing the phases of the project and the importance of caring for this common species. The video illustrates the work being conducted, and the diversity of habitat found in Montezuma Well and in nearby Wet Beaver Creek.

This profile scratches the surface into the journey of seasoned writer and poet, Mikel Weisser of Kingman, AZ. Weisser worked as a freelance journalist, and has published over 7 poetry and fiction books. Weisser teaches history at White Cliffs middle school in Kingman, is a member of NORAZ poets, and is currently campaigning for a congressional seat in Arizona’s District 4.

By Tara Graeber

William Eaton is perhaps best known for his work with Native American Flutist R. Carlos Nakai. Their first three recordings received critical acclaim, including GRAMMY® nominations for Ancestral Voices (Best Traditional Folk Album in 1994) and In A Distant Place (Best New Age Album of the Year in 2001). An innovative artist, Eaton’s musical composition is an evocative style that captures the spirit of the Southwest. He is also acknowledged as one of the world’s great designers and builders of unique guitars. Eaton co-founded the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in 1975, where he continues as director.

Image courtesy of NAU Health Promotions.

They are everywhere. Plastered to tack boards, flashing on televisions, slipped into napkin holders and floating around on fliers; and they have students talking.

NAU Health Promotions decided to use a cartoon squirrel to revamp the social norms campaign this year, which aims to spread awareness regarding healthier habits in unhealthy behaviors. Many advertisements address drug and alcohol use, sex and exercise.

Stacie Leach, a graduate assistant from Health Promotions, said the previous campaign needed a face lift to get students interested in thinking healthy, even if their behavior wasn’t.

“We did have a social norm campaign prior to this,” Leach said. “We did notice looking at some of our old posters that people have seen them and know them. But how can we take it up to that second notch where more people know and more people see? We know they’re succeeding when students say something about it.”

Leach said the campaign numbers are put together through the use of the American College Health Association’s National Collegiate Health Assessment (NCHA) survey as well as the Health and Wellness survey NAU conducts, obtained through the Office of the Registrar. This semester’s statistics only represented information from the NCHA survey though.

According to Leach, the NCHA survey typically records 1,200 answers out of a pool of 4,000 students and organizes information between graduate and undergraduate students as well as by gender.

“So, it’s a statistically significant representation of the student body,” Leach said.

Leach added the campaign largely tries to dispel rumors of social activities among students on college campuses.

Caitlin Jenkins, a senior public relations major, said she has noticed the ads but always questioned the validity.

“I thought they were funny. [My friends and I] didn’t think they were truthful,” Jenkins said. “I was indifferent to [the squirrel].”

Jenkins added she thinks the way the ads are presented to the student population is better than setting up a booth or students around to survey.

Derek Hansen, the marketing coordinator at NAU, helped create the artwork for the campaign. He said the squirrel idea came from observing what other schools used in their promotions and the benefits squirrel humor brought to the campaign’s language.

“We just had a really fun time. The squirrel seems to fit more with the Lumberjack . . . and that whole outdoor culture,” Hansen said. “But a lot of [the sayings] are a little edgy and double entendre. Things that are kind of fun and help people think and do a double take.”

Donovan Mak, a junior psychology major, said the campaign looks pretty successful but he always doubts the message in comparison to what he sees on campus.

“I say the squirrels are really cute, but the statistics seem extremely misleading,” Mak said. “I think they should get a larger sample size.”

Hansen said the campaign has proved to be a useful way to communicate with students about the realities of campus life.

“It’s to help students understand maybe they’re really not alone. They don’t have to get sucked in to what they think is the group scene,” Hansen said. “So far, it’s been pretty successful. I think students are able to relate to it a little better than a center for disease control kind of administrative statement.”

Leach said improvements are always being considered for the campaign. End-of-the-semester surveys will let the health promotions office gauge the campaign’s overall reception.

“We know the best feedback mechanism is [when] people are stealing [fliers],” Leach said. “But this is our first year having the health nut social norms campaign, so really a lot of it is getting it out there; getting it seen. We’re implementing ‘Ask the Health Nuts’ which is a program . . . so students can submit questions to ask the ‘health nuts’ and we’ll answer it for them.”

Hansen said the campaign, used similarly by other colleges, is a great way for students to remember important tips a find out the truth about campus life.

“It’s an opportunity for the university to debunk the myths of social activities that happen on campus,” Hansen said. “So far it’s been pretty successful. That’s been a fun way to approach the sensitive topics.”

Dear graduating students,

After years of hard work your time has arrived, and I hope that each of you can take a few moments to appreciate what you have accomplished.

Whatever your plans — to enter the workforce, to seek more education or professional training — this is an exciting time to be a new graduate of Northern Arizona University. I know the faculty and staff of NAU have prepared you well for a fast-changing world.

Many of the changes that have taken place on our campus over the past several years were geared to ensure your preparation. Refinements to curriculum, enhancements to technology, new facilities and new living spaces, expanded opportunities to engage in civic service—all of these contribute to a university experience that has made you a well-rounded, highly capable person.

Undoubtedly, you will continue to face new challenges. Each of you is taking a separate path, and those paths will lead in many directions. But all of you will know that you have taken a solid first step by graduating from NAU.

I personally congratulate you for your achievement, and I know I’m not alone. The entire NAU community shines with pride for all that you have accomplished as students, and in anticipation of what you will contribute to the world. And please be sure to thank those who have supported you in this venture: a little gratitude will go a long way for the people who helped you get here.

You have added to the rich legacy of NAU, and I sincerely hope that the NAU experience will remain a part of your life.  My best wishes for each and every one of you.

Sincerely,

John D. Haeger

President, Northern Arizona University

Short commercial on Willow Bend Environmental Education Center; a nonprofit organization here in Flagstaff dedicated towards teaching citizens of all ages about the environment which surrounds us.

A short promotional documentary providing a glimpse into three artists’s lives who have all come to The Old Jerome High School art center to embed their artworks upon the old cement walls. Through the High School’s history since it’s first use in 1932, the inner voices who have come to its company have transformed into the present community with ever lasting creativity. Their dedication to their work is a life changing story which continues to live on within the Old High School.

Produced by Naomi Thalenberg. Special thanks to Dr. Kurt Lancaster: NAU Documentary Film Professor.