A Discussion Group - Follow Up

There were enough takers that this will happen.  Our first meeting time is the Thursday (1/8) at 10 AM in BIF.  This is NOT the regular meeting time.  That has yet to be determined.  It is a time that works because classes are not in session.

If you are interested in joining us, please do.  In that case, I would appreciate it if you would let me know ahead of time, either by a comment to this post or by emailing me.

Thanks.

Something for Next Semester - A Discussion Group*

If there is interest I would like to start a weekly discussion group in the spring on the general theme of taking the long view on your learning - things members of the group might try to have a greater take away from both the academic side and the intellectual part of the recreational side of undergraduate life.   It would also be a place for group members to drive the discussion, talk about issues they are having and have the group weigh in on how to think it through.  In some sense it is meant as a face to face alternative to the blogging you have done this semester.  

We know each other a bit now from our class so we shouldn't need to spend much time breaking the ice.  The group would be a bit of an experiment on whether outside of a course setting coaching qua thinking "it" through (whatever it is) can be effective for participants.  I've not done a discussion group with students like this before.  I tried this last year, but didn't get any takers.  Truthfully, this probably would be more useful for juniors (or sophomores) than for seniors.  The seniors are too close to getting out of here to benefit from this sort of thing.  Of course, if you are a senior and you're interested, I certainly wouldn't stop you.  

In my ideal we'd block off  an hour once a week.   Size-wise I'd hope for 4 or 5 students. That's about the max where if everyone shows each can participate vigorously in the conversation.  Less would be okay but make the group more vulnerable to no shows.  If more are interested I'd want to accommodate that, but it would move the group closer to a classroom setting and then the participation issue would creep in.  

If you are interested you can indicate that via a comment to this post.  That might encourage others to do likewise.  Alternatively, if you'd rather be the follower than the leader, you can send me an email to indicate your interest.  

Thanks for your attention.  

A little celebration today

I bought the cider and doughnuts, so we are on for today.  I hope there isn't any precipitation when heading to class.

In case you are not confused enough about the difference between conflict and an argument...

...this is pretty funny and should be part of your cultural repertoire.

From the Econ Department - Internship/Job Possibility - Homecoming Celebration

From: Newell, Melissa Allison
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 8:08 AM
To: Econ Faculty
Subject: Northrop Grumman Recruiting Event and Homecoming

Hello,

Please feel free to pass along the information below and promote these upcoming events to your undergraduate Economics students (or those interested in the major).  We hope you are able to attend the Homecoming Celebration on Saturday- it is always a great time and a good way for students to connect to the Department and meet others.

Sincerely,

Melissa

Northrop Grumman Info Event

Thursday, October 23

5-6pm

114 DKH

Business Casual Attire

Dinner Provided

Internships and Full-Time Positions!

An Executive from Northrop Grumman (and UI Alumnus) will be presenting on the company and providing information on internships and full-time opportunities!  Even if you are not looking for an internship or full-time job yet, this is a great opportunity to hear about a company who recruits Econ students.

We have Econ alumni working for Northrop Grumman (positions such as Financial Analyst), and they recruit on campus, and are looking for Economics Students.  This is a great opportunity to hear more about the company, ask questions, and network.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Economics Homecoming Celebration

Today is the last day to register to attend our Homecoming Celebration: go.illinois.edu/EconHomecomingRSVP

Saturday, October 25

9-11am

Tent on the David Kinley Hall Quad
(DKH Quad is East of the building)

 Attire: Informal - ILLINI ORANGE & BLUE

 Meet other students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and it's free!  Win prizes, enjoy great food, and celebrate an Illini and Economics tradition!

My Prediction for the Nobel in Economics

The announcement should be next Monday.  I've been predicting William Baumol as the winner for the last 10 years or so.  He hasn't won it yet, but I've got no reason to change my prediction.

The Traffic Helicopter Theory of Management

This is not in the the book (I invented this particular labeling of this sort of managerial behavior).  It is similar to playing the Whip (honest broker) for a committee, except now it pertains to how a little unit interacts with the entire large organizations.

The Traffic Helicopter Theory of Management

Out with a (big) bang

This has nothing to do with economics, let alone our class, but I thought it was cool and that you'd be interested in it.

Researcher shows that black holes do not exist via kwout

Since I reacted to #3 today in class.....

.... you guys might as well see the entire list and apply not just to me but to the other professors you interact with as well.

10 Things Every College Professor Hates - Business Insider via kwout

Optional Survey on Mentoring

This survey is meant as follow up to the previous post.