7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24 Join writer and former C.U. instructor Ellen Orleans for a playful, exploratory writing workshop inspired by the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History’s Beetles exhibition. Using inquiry-based learning, create and share work in response to the thousands of diverse beetles on display in the BioLounge. Experiment with techniques that include writing query prose, Double E poems, list poems, even beetle-shaped poems.

7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16 Join biologists Jeff Mitton, Ph.D., and Scott Ferrenberg as they share their findings on the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Mitton explains, “This epidemic has an order of magnitude larger than any previously recorded, reaching trees at higher elevation and latitude than ever before.” Mitton adds, “Rising spring temperatures and longer summers have allowed some mountain pine beetles to develop an unprecedented summer generation, changing the life cycle from one to two generations per year."

2-5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12 Henderson Building BioLounge (adjacent to UMC) Celebrate the natural beauty of beetles and henna body art at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History's "Beetles" exhibition opening. Create and apply your own henna designs or choose from designs provided by henna artist Anita Boher. Refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you at the BioLounge!

Please join us for "The Materialist Turn in Religious Studies: Promises, Challenges, and Pitfalls" with Manual Vasquez from the University of Florida on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in Hale 230. Free and open to the public.

Dark Side of the Universe with Dr. Erica Ellingson Sept. 28, 7:30 pm $7 for adults, $5 for students/faculty with ID, and $3.50 for children and seniors To preorder tickets, call 303-492-5002. Learn how we came to believe that most matter in the universe is in an unknown, invisible form, and that the universe is accelerating its expansion due to a mysterious "dark" energy. Along the way, we'll explore Einstein's relativity, Hubble's greatest discovery, and the research that won the 2011 Physics Nobel Prize.

Enjoy a fun evening of Indian dance and music with delicious food celebrating the festival of Navratri. Learn and enjoy the traditional dance from India - Dandiya Raas and also try your Bollywood dance moves. This event is in support of a movement to empower the salt workers in Gujarat. All proceeds go towards their health and education reforms. Entry is free! Indian food and handicrafts will be available for purchase! Organized by Association for India’s Development – Colorado. When: Oct. 6, 6-10 pm Where: CU Rec Ctr. (General Gym)

The Bursar's Office will open at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 so the staff can attend a special training. Payroll checks will not be available until after that time.

Planning to pursue a career in public service? Come learn about an opportunity to help fund your graduate studies. The Truman foundation is seeking juniors with exceptional leadership potential committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education, or other public service. This prestigious scholarship provides leadership training and up to $30,000 for graduate study. Sophomores, come hear how to improve your chances. Truman Information Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 3:30 p.m.,

Attention Graduate Students: InterVarsity's Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF) is pleased to announce its Engage! Talk Series. Join us on Monday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in Old Main for a panel discussion. Hear a professor, a campus psychologist and a local pastor answer questions on the topic of transformational mentoring. For more info: check www.ivgcfcolorado.edu

Ethnography and Biography: The Practice and Product of Writing Lives is a two-day interdisciplinary conference organized by graduate students in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Colorado Boulder. The conference will be held Friday-Saturday, Sept. 28- 29 and will include panels moderated by University of Colorado faculty. For scheduling and other information, please visit our website: http://www.colorado.edu/Anthropology/projects/ethnographyandbiography/i…