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 Polls consistently show that about nine of 10 Americans say they would vote for a qualified female presidential candidate. But new research by NIU political scientists indicates a significant percentage of survey respondents are hiding their true feelings to avoid the appearance of being sexist.
A team of researchers led by NIU’s Matthew Streb found that slightly more than one in four Americans would likely be unsupportive of a female candidate for president. The findings were consistent among both male and female respondents across several demographic groups.
“Our results indicate that a significant percentage of people are hiding their true feelings on questions related to female candidates for the presidency,” Streb said. “Consequently, public opinion polls tend to exaggerate support for a female president.
“We believe our findings have major implications, both with regard to the future of women in political office and to the accuracy of public opinion polls on certain issues,” he added. “While women candidates seem to be making some strides in races for many offices, including executive positions such as governor, the office of the presidency may be difficult to reach.”
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 Long-ago empowerment from a third-grade teacher has carried Carol Logan Patitu to the associate dean’s job in the NIU College of Education.
Patitu, professor and chair in the Department of Student Personnel Administration at Buffalo State (State University of New York), starts work March 16. Her journey to DeKalb essentially began in Mrs. Clark’s classroom in Marion, Ohio, about 45 minutes north of Columbus.
“She looked me in the eyes and said, ‘You can do whatever it is you want to do in life. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.’ I have never forgotten that, and I tell students that to this day,” Patitu said. “The impact a teacher can have on a student’s life can make them or break them, and Mrs. Clark is the one who’s giving me that light. I always wanted to be the world’s greatest teacher.”
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 Michael Jacoby, executive director of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials, is the recipient of the 2006 Getschman Alumni Award from Northern Illinois University.
This accolade, given in honor of Keith Getschman, is awarded annually to an alumnus of the NIU College of Education’s educational administration program who has made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the field of educational administration.
Jacoby, an educator for 26 years, completed his doctorate in educational administration in 1993. He recently served as superintendent of Geneva Community Unit School District 304, and has been an adjunct professor at NIU for 13 years.
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 The NIU Study Abroad Office is encouraging students to learn more about the opportunities available to them through two informational series offered this semester.
“Study Abroad 101: First Steps to Study Abroad” is an informal yet informative presentation and question-and-answer session. The sessions are geared for students who are considering studying abroad or who are in the first phases of the process. Content is the same at each session, so students need only attend once to learn the basics. Study Abroad 101 will be offered every Wednesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the NIU Study Abroad Office, Williston Hall 417.
The Study Abroad Provider Series gives students the opportunity to meet representatives of off-campus study abroad programs.
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 David W. Raymond, while a member of NIU’s first Board of Trustees, created an endowment to fund an annual grant to faculty working on ways to use new technologies in their teaching.
Income from the endowment is supplemented with funds from the Provost’s Office to provide a $2,500 grant to the faculty member with the best proposal for incorporating new technologies into his or her teaching. Tenured and tenure-track faculty are eligible to apply. Grant funds may be used for software purchases, equipment upgrades, graduate assistantship time or other costs associated with developing courseware or supportive materials that make effective and innovative use of instructional technology.
The recipient of the grant will be expected to discuss and demonstrate the project in a public presentation during the spring following the award.
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The Office of Assessment Services presents the Spring 2007 issue of “Toolkit,” its quarterly “nuts and bolts” e-newsletter. "Toolkit" is specifically designed to assist the NIU community with practical assessment issues in a user-friendly format.
This issue features the formation of the Campus Assessment Network, a group providing support and networking opportunities for personnel involved in assessment; a tool and rubric for measuring problem-solving ability; and a look at NIU’s general education assessment plan. Also featured are results from the 2005 Alumni Survey and an upcoming workshop on developing student learning objectives with Stephen Zerwas.
Back issues are posted on the Assessment Services Web site under “Toolkit.” Contributions to the newsletter are welcome at any time. The deadline for submitting articles for the next issue is March 26.
As a Recreation Services member, NIU faculty and staff have many benefits.
Enjoy full access to the Student Recreation Center, Chick Evans Field House and swimming pools located in Anderson and Gabel halls. Participate in recreation programs including intramurals, personal training, group fitness, massage therapy and acupressure. Take advantage of early-morning and late-night hours of operation. Memberships also are available for a spouse, significant other and dependent(s).
For more information, visit http://www.rs.niu.edu or call Marchelle Ratliff at (815) 753-0233.
Jack Olson Gallery has launched the 2007 spring semester with “Calligraphics: John Himmelfarb.”
“Calligraphics” affords the visitor the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for Himmelfarb’s artistic career spanning four decades. The exhibition includes early, mid-career and recent works in a variety of media.
For the duration of the exhibition, Himmelfarb will move his studio into the gallery and create a 10-foot-by-28-foot painting.
The exhibition runs through Thursday, Feb. 1, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. It culminates with a closing reception and artist talk from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1.
Clifford Orwin, a leading political philosopher from the University of Toronto, will visit campus for a public lecture from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, in the Lincoln Room of the Holmes Student Center.
Orwin is professor of political science, fellow of St. Michael’s College and director of the Program in Political Philosophy and International Affairs at the Munk Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto. -- MORE
The Office of Admissions invites participation in NIU open houses for prospective students and their guests held four times each year (two during the fall semester and two during the spring semester). Last year, NIU welcomed more than 9,000 visitors at the four open houses. -- MORE
NIU’s Presidential Commission on the Status of Women is seeking nominations for two awards given out in April.
All nominations are due Thursday, March 1, to Betty Baugh, Women’s Resource Center, 105 Normal Road, DeKalb, Ill., 60115. Fax to (815) 753-0337 or e-mail to bbaugh@niu.edu. Call (815) 753-9614 for more information.
The Wilma D. Stricklin Award for the Enhancement of the Climate for Women on Campus is given to an NIU-affiliated individual who has distinguished herself or himself by making continual and extraordinary contributions to the climate for women across campus. Nomination letters should not exceed two pages. -- MORE
NIU’s Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences has announced the schedule for its Spring 2007 Colloquia.
All talks will be held at 4 p.m. in Davis Hall 308 and are co-sponsored by NIU's Graduate Colloquium Committee. Call (815) 753-1943 or click here for schedule updates and more information. -- MORE
Want to teach one of the most rewarding classes on campus and help incoming students learn how to succeed in their first-year at NIU?
Become a UNIV 101/201 instructor for fall 2007. UNIV 101 is a one-credit, 12-week course aimed to help freshmen develop the essential academic and social skills needed to make a successful and enjoyable transition into NIU. UNIV 201 is a similar course designed specifically for NIU transfer students. -- MORE
NIU Athletics is looking for volunteers to assist in making the 2007 NCAA Men’s Golf Regional a success. NIU is teaming up with Rich Harvest Farms Golf Course to host the NCAA Regional from May 17 to 19.
To sign up, please contact the NIU athletic event staff at (815) 752-5300 or via e-mail. To register online, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
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