What do billiards, guitar, belly dancing, massage, and beer have in common? Not only do they combine to make a

great party, but you can learn any of these -- and more -- by spending an hour a week at Norris. Norris Mini Courses, offering unique and fun learning opportunities in a variety of subjects, has not enjoyed particular popularity on campus -- until now.

With the Winter Mini Course quarter well underway, it has become evident that the program is starting to gain recognition across the community. Record-breaking Winter registration led to the closing of more than 50% of the classes, with 93% topping out at well over half enrollment.

Winter's surge in enrollment is not the end of the story; evidence of gaining popularity reflects a bright future. More than 500 people have voluntarily signed up for the Mini Course mailing list, while its website has been visited almost 2500 times since mid-November. In December and January, the Mini Course website was the second most popular Norris webpage, falling short only of Norris' main homepage.

With such increased attention, the program itself cannot remain stagnant. A roll-out of new classes, more convenient scheduling, and increased marketing is planned for the upcoming quarters.

Spring quarter Mini Courses will begin April 18th, and Northwestern students, faculty, and staff receive a $5 discount off the published class price. Be sure to check the Mini Course website after March 1st, when Spring schedule details will be announced. Even if throwing a party is not in your near future, taking a Mini Course is the perfect way to unwind, socialize, and discover a new talent.

5 years is a long time.   5 years ago the Y2K threat fizzled.   5 years ago Bubba was at the White House.   5 years ago today's NU freshmen class was in junior high.   It has also been 5 years since Norris University Center conducted its last survey, titled very appropriately, "the Norris 5 year Survey."  

It's 2005 and it's survey time once again.   This year Norris University Center is outsourcing to Educational Benchmark, Inc. (EBI) to conduct the College Union/Student Center survey of Northwestern University undergraduate students during the winter quarter.   Towards the end of February, this electronic survey will be e-mailed to a random sample of 2,500 undergrads (625 in each class).  

The survey itself consists of general demographics questions as well multiple questions regarding students' opinions and impressions on various aspects of their student center.   Although the majority of questions are not Norris-specific, some very specific results will come from the responses.   There are questions regarding the food service, bookstore and overall impression of the building.   In addition to the general questions, there will be 10 specific Norris questions at the end of the survey.  

The survey is set to be sent out the weekend of February 19 and be open to these 2,500 students for a 3-week period.   Those students that do not fill out the survey immediately will be sent reminder e-mails up to 3 times during this period.   

We know that the information collected will be the incentive for Norris.   So what's the incentive for the students to take the survey?   How about a brand new Apple iPod or new Apple iPod Shuffle?   These 2 prizes will go to 2 students who complete the Norris survey.  

Custom Statistical Analysis and complete results of this survey will be available in July.   Norris Staff:   Stay tuned for an informational meeting before Fall Quarter begins regarding the results of the Norris Survey.  

Five years is a long time so we are going to get today's students' impressions of what Norris is doing right and what we can provide for the Northwestern community in the coming years.  

Notable News: Welcome Judith Cooper, new Assistant Director for the Center for Student Involvement.

February Birthdays:
Full-time Staff: Betty Trice, Feb 9 • Sameer Paroo, Feb 21

Student Staff: Don Cho, Feb 4 • Andrew Farley, Feb 4 • Anthony Ahn, Feb 7 • Elizabeth Drake, Feb 7 • Catherine Ceko, Feb 12 • Zachary Freeman, Feb 12 • Cecily Hastings, Feb 18 • Ian Ludwig Feb 20 • Guadalupe Gallegos Feb 22 • Fuat Pamuklu, Feb 22 • Jason Cassidy, Feb 26 • Vanessa Madngal, Feb 27 • Peter Sanborn, Feb 28