The Backpack

Parents’ Association News

DEADLINE IS TODAY!

Don’t forget! The Parents’ Association is hosting an informal reception at Collins’ Irish Pub, 2 N. Leroux St., in Flagstaff on Saturday, February 21 at 6 p.m. Meet others and enjoy light refreshments and casual conversation. Please RSVP today, February 13, to LBarker.naupa@gmail.com.

Special Notice

Did your financial circumstances change during the 2008 tax year?

Given the state of the economy, the Office of Financial Aid encourages your student to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for college financial assistance.

The 2009–2010 FAFSA is now available. If your student has completed the FAFSA in the past, you may complete the renewal using your FAFSA personal identification number (PIN). If this is your student’s first time applying, you and your student will need to obtain a PIN from FAFSA.ed.gov prior to completing the application. To complete the application, you and your student will need your 2008 financial information.

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid after completing your FAFSA and speak with a representative regarding your particular circumstance. Our main number is 928-523-4951.

Want more information? The answers to many financial aid questions are just a click away on the Financial Aid TV website.

Student Spotlight

Name: Curtis Durocher
Hometown: Belle River, Ontario, Canada
Major: Parks and Recreation Management
Class: Junior

Northern Arizona University junior track and field star, Curtis Durocher, continues to dominate not only the men’s weight throw on a weekly basis, but also the Big Sky Conference. For the third consecutive week Durocher has been named the Big Sky’s Men’s Field Athlete of the Week.

Learning Assistance Center

Academic English Support (AcES) is now available at the North Learning Assistance Center (NLAC).

This new tutoring service is free and has been created for non-native English speaking students. It provides the following:

General academic support
Guidance using appropriate use of writing styles at American universities
Advice about cultural questions/concerns
Assistance with language concerns related to grammar, usage, etc.
Assistance with interpreting written English

These are just a few of the things that AcES tutoring can help with. Have your student call the NLAC (located in the University Union on the second floor) at 928-523-5524 to schedule an appointment with an AcES tutor.

Athletics News

All NAU students with valid student ID receive free general admission to all NAU athletic regular-season home events. Students simply swipe their card at the entrance! Plus, encourage your student to join the Jack Pack Student Booster Group. The Jack Pack is the only group that rewards students for attending NAU athletic events. Membership with the Jack Pack is free and it is easy to join. For more information call 928-523-3389.

Men’s Basketball

NAU vs Montana
Saturday, February 14 at 5:00 p.m.
NAU Skydome
Blizzard Game: Wear White!

Track and Field

Saturday, February 14
NAU Invitational
All day at NAU Skydome

More athletics news this week…

Important Dates

Mar–Apr	Housing reapplication
Mar 1	Fourth rent payment due for the spring semester
Mar 13	Last day to drop with a “W”
Mar 16–20	Spring break
Mar 23	Early enrollment begins for continuing students
May 1	Instruction ends
May 4–7	Final exams
May 8	Residence halls close for spring semester
May 8–9	Commencement

College of Arts and Letters
Events Highlights

All events are free unless noted. For more events and information visit nau.edu/calevents. Sign up for a weekly email reminder at nau.edu/calconnect.

FILM

Films are shown at the Cline Assembly Hall at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Feb 17

The Country Girl (1954)
Starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and William Holden

Feb 21–22

The 3rd Annual Tournées French Film Festival

Feb 23

The Business of Fancy Dancing (2002)
Part of the Native American Film Series, celebrating indigenous film makers

MUSIC

Feb 13–14	Jazz Madrigal Festival Various locations and times All-day performances free of charge; call 928-523-2642 for more information
Feb 25	Symphonic Band Ardrey Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Elliott Tackitt, conductor

THEATRE

Feb 27–28; Mar 1*, 4–7

The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
Clifford E. White Theatre
Curtain: 8 p.m., *2 p.m.
Tickets available at 928-523-5661

ART EXHIBITIONS

Feb 10–
Mar 26

2009 School of Art Faculty Exhibit
NAU Art Museum

LECTURE/TALK SERIES

Feb 24

Sherman Alexie, 7 p.m.
Ardrey Auditorium
Free tickets available at 928-523-5661

Events and Happenings

Valentine’s Day Concert

Presented by Flagstaff Cultural Partners

A Romantic Evening of Gypsy Jazz

Saturday, February 14 at 8:00 p.m.
Coconino Center for the Arts
Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 day of show

Guitarists Chuck Hulihan and Ryan Vance alongside Armand Ramirez on upright bass are The Hot Club of Phoenix. These musicians perform a style of hot jazz often called “gypsy swing” or “gypsy jazz”—an homage to the influence of the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, the famous musician who defined european jazz by blending his musical roots with the swing era of american jazz while redefining how the guitar could be played.