Session 1 • 10:45–11:30 a.m.

1. Seeking Support: McCain, Obama and the American Voter

William Sabo, professor and past chair, political science

Political scientist William Sabo explores why voters make the choices they do and what Senators McCain and Obama are doing to influence those decisions.

2. Integrative Liberal Studies

Edward Katz, associate vice chancellor/university programs, literature and language professor, 2004 Distinguished Teacher Award recipient

This veteran faculty member has been instrumental in designing the new, award-winning general education program, Integrative Liberal Studies, and its first-year component, the Freshman Colloquium, which has won recognition from U.S. News & World Report. The program combines issues of the day with general subjects, with course titles such as Anthropology for a Small Planet, Society and Weather, and Insects: the Small Majority, while introducing students to the liberal arts education. It is writing intensive and emphasizes the responsibilities, challenges and rewards of college life.

3. You Be the Judge! Lawyering 101

Mark Gibney, Belk Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, professor of political science

Participants will be given summaries of five actual law cases—five impossible cases—allowing them to serve as judges. For example, Procanik v. Cillo is a suit brought by an infant born without a brain who is suing for “wrongful life.” In Head v. Colloton, a man dying of leukemia is seeking to get the name (Mrs. X) of a would-be bone marrow donor in order to try to save his life. Come explore some difficult issues from a legal standpoint.

4. What Is College Writing?

Dee James ’73, literature & language professor, first-year writing program director

Join us for an exploration of “college writing,” with special emphasis on how we do it here at UNC Asheville. We’ll talk about differences between expectations from high school and college, what Information Literacy Intensives are and how their criteria apply to the first-year writing class, what an LSIC course is, and what the WI designations and requirements are. We’ll do a little talking, a little writing and Dr. James will answer questions.

5. Linnaeus Is Dead: Hidden Biodiversity in the Animal World

Timothy Forrest, professor of biology

Species is the fundamental unit of biodiversity. It makes up the tips of the branches in the tree of life, our classification of living organisms. Forrest discusses the changes in scientific classification of organisms that have occurred in the past 250 years and how the genetic revolution has changed our view of a species.

6. Life Is Calling...the Liberal Arts, Intention and Career Choices

Eileen C. Buecher, Career Center director Holly Waltemyer, Career Center assistant director

Learn about the Career Center’s decision-making model for using its services and programs. The staff will show you how they teach students the value of the liberal arts and their relationship with students’ natural gifts, interests and goals to identify a career path. Family members will also have the opportunity to participate in experiential activities related to intention.

7. Love and Service

Merritt Moseley, Key Center professor for citizenship and service learning, literature professor, 2001 recipient of UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Merritt Moseley is the Director of UNC Asheville’s Key Center for Service-Learning; he has frequently taught an interdisciplinary course on Love for entering freshmen. What does Love have to do with community service and civic engagement?  Professor Moseley will explore the connections.

Session 2 • 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

1. Spiritual Growth During the College Years

Richard Chess, Center for Jewish Studies director, literature & language professor, 2002 Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching

Grant Hardy, history professor

These experts will explore faith development and spirituality during the college-age years from an interfaith perspective. How does faith impact the college student? What are ways faith can be developed on campus? How can you as a family member support your student’s faith development? All questions are welcome!

2. The Immigration Debate in Historical Perspective

Bill Spellman, professor of history and director, master of liberal arts program

Immigration-related issues—especially the challenge of undocumented immigration—stand at the center of political debate in the U.S. How have states addressed the immigration phenomenon over the past 500 years, and how have trends in globalization since 1945 redefined the nature of the immigration experience? Join us to learn more from the author of Uncertain Identity: International Migration Since 1945 (2008) and The Global Community: Migration and the Making of the Modern World (2003).

3. The Making of a Great University: The History of UNC Asheville, 1927–present

Kevan Frazier ’92, associate vice chancellor for alumni

Join this alumnus and former History Department faculty member for an interesting look at UNC Asheville since its founding in 1927 as a junior college. We’ll explore collegiate traditions unique to UNC Asheville and offer answers to intriguing questions such as, Why did the first valedictorian pay his last semester’s tuition with eggs? When and why was the University housed in a castle, and what do UNC Asheville and Sylvester Stallone have in common?

4. Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Daniel Pierce, associate professor of history

The park celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2009. Join historian Dan Pierce, author of The Great Smokies: From Natural Habitat to National Park, who will talk about the surprising things he has learned about these mountains and their national park while conducting research over the last 15 years.

5. Football at UNC Asheville? A look back at UNC Asheville Athletics

Join UNC Asheville Athletics and head basketball Coaches Eddie Biedenbach and Betsy Blose as they discuss the diverse history of Bulldog Athletics.

Not only did UNC Asheville have a football team, but former New York Mets GM Al Harezin was once the voice of the UNC Asheville basketball team. Speaking of basketball, did you know that alumna Sheila Ford was the first player in the nation to record 2,000 points and 2,000 rebounds?

6. Easing the Transition to College

Calvin Kelly, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs

We know that as you prepare for your student’s year at UNC Asheville, parents and family members are going through some transitions and adjustments. With that in mind, this seminar will offer suggestions to help make the adjustment smooth and healthy for everyone.

7. Climate Change and Society, a New Master’s Program

Sandra Byrd, assistant provost for graduate and continuing education, Asheville Graduate Center; and Leonard Bernstein, project manager and Nobel laureate

The Asheville Graduate Center is directing a multi-university Task Force that is planning a master’s degree in Climate Change and Society. This innovative, interdisciplinary graduate program will bridge the gap between the science of climate change and its effects on society at the local, state, country and global levels. The program brings together expertise and resources found right here in Asheville. Learn more and join the conversation during this class.

8. Undergraduate Research: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Mark Harvey, undergraduate research program co-director, associate professor of psychology

Student presenters will discuss their research in academic areas ranging from the humanities to the natural and social sciences while program co-director Mark Harvey moderates. You’ll see what undergraduate research is about, from the beginning of a scholarly and/or creative project to design and implementation of the study to dissemination of results.