The newsletter for the WKU community
January 30, 2020
WKU to host UNESCO karst conference
Did you know the world’s longest known cave system is located in southcentral Kentucky?
 
The Mammoth Cave System has long been attracting researchers from around the world who are eager to collect data in this information-rich environment.
 
This spring, the Mammoth Cave System, along with WKU’s Crawford Hydrology Laboratory, will facilitate another cave-related milestone: the arrival of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Karst Spring Conference, to be held at WKU from May 18-22.
 
“What the UN is trying to do is enhance international communication and improve the living conditions of the world through communication and cooperation,” said Dr. Chris Groves, director of the Crawford Hydrology Laboratory. “There’s a number of different ways they do that, including through science programs.”

Improved communication and collaboration are two key outcomes of this historic UNESCO gathering. In addition to a number of UN groups, Dr. Groves said the conference will host most of the international organizations that work with cave, karst science and conservation protection.
CLIMBING HIGHER
Twenty WKU students are candidates for the 2020 Coming Home King. Candidates will participate in numerous activities next week. The king will be crowned Feb. 8 during halftime of Hilltopper Basketball’s game versus Southern Miss at Diddle Arena. Learn More
Black History Month activities at WKU begin this evening
WKU will kick off its Black History Month celebration tonight and activities continue through February with programming led by WKU’s Intercultural Student Engagement Center in partnership with more than 10 campus and community organizations.
Spotlight: Autumn Singer
After graduating from the University of North Alabama with an undergraduate degree in aquatic ecology, Autumn Singer began exploring her options and connected with Dr. Chris Groves, director of WKU’s Crawford Hydrology Laboratory. Not only did Singer complete her graduate degree at WKU; she became so entrenched in the work and the research opportunities available through the WKU lab and Mammoth Cave National Park that she stayed on as a research hydrologist.
Board of Regents committees to meet Friday morning
The WKU Board of Regents will conduct committee meetings Friday. The meetings will begin at 9 a.m. in the Martin Regents Room of Jody Richards Hall.
WKU Phish Bowl
The Phish Bowl is a collection of phishing scams sent to the WKU community. WKU ITS posts recent phishing scams that are reported to phish@wku.edu . If you receive an email that you suspect is a phishing scam, check the Phish Bowl to see if it has been posted there.
Coronavirus Update
WKU Campus Recreation & Wellness and WKU Health Services have developed a website to keep the campus community better informed as to the nature of the Coronavirus, symptoms associated with the virus, and steps you can take to keep yourself safe. 
January
30
Thursday
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Fresh Food Company's Green Restaurant Certification will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Downing Student Union. More Info
January
30
Thursday
Chinese Painting & Calligraphy

The WKU Chinese Program will host Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Workshops by Professor Ji Sun from noon to 4 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Mahurin Honors College & International Center. More Info
January
30
Thursday
Black History Month Opening

The Cynthia and George Nichols III Intercultural Student Engagement Center will host a Black History Month Opening Celebration at 5 p.m. at Downing Student Union, room 3023. More Info
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101