UW-Madison and Japan Quake/Tsunami: Updated March 17, 2011
UW News — March 17, 2011
“International Academic Programs Suspends Japan programs”
Due to changing and uncertain conditions in Japan, International Academic Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has suspended its study abroad programs through spring semester in that troubled island nation.
As Japan faces a variety of daunting challenges from an earthquake, tsunami and damaged nuclear reactors, UW-Madison officials on Thursday advised students to leave Japan following the programs’ suspension.
“Keeping our students safe is always uppermost in our minds,” says Julie Lindsey, interim director of International Academic Programs (IAP). “We’ve kept a very close eye on the developing situation in Japan and feel that the wise course is to have our students leave the country.”
Of the 14 students in programs at four different Japanese universities, eight are still in Japan.
The U.S. State Department issued a Travel Warning for Japan on March 16, which can be found here.
Free transportation out of Japan is being provided to the students.
The university recognizes that making arrangements with regard to credit, personal finances and departure will be stressful for returning students. The IAP staff will be available to assist students in making the process as smooth as possible under the circumstances.
—————————–
UW News — March 14, 2011 (Updated on March 15, 2011)
“Expert available on nuclear power, safety”
EXCERPT:
Michael Corradini, University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of engineering physics, is an expert on nuclear power and nuclear safety. He can discuss aspects of nuclear power and reactor safety as they relate to the events at the Fukushima power plant in Japan.
Japanese nuclear regulations regarding radiation release dictated the plant announce a site emergency; however, says Corradini, radiation levels outside the plant are low. “The sun, radioactive elements in the ground, and our own radioactivity, make up the natural radioactivity we receive over the course of our lives,” he says. “The Japanese site emergency was announced because the amount of radiation release per hour approached 10 percent of the annual natural background radiation. That means it would take about five to 10 hours to reach an annual dose from natural background radiation. It fell below that threshold and has spiked after the hydrogen combustion in each of the plants.”
—————————–
LiveScience.com — March 14, 2011
“The Science Behind Japan’s Earthquake and Tsunami”
EXCERPT:
On Friday afternoon in Japan, disaster struck as a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake generated a wall of water that surged over the east coast of the island nation, sweeping many to their deaths.
Here’s what you need to know about the quake and its aftermath …
—————————–
UW-News — March 12, 2011
“Chancellor message to Japanese students, faculty, staff and alumni”
EXCERPT:
Chancellor Martin sent the following message to Japanese students, faculty, staff and alumni on March 12.
I can not tell you how deeply saddened I was to hear of the news of the earthquake and tsunami that has devastated Japan. The effects of this terrible tragedy are beyond comprehension.
Along with the entire University of Wisconsin-Madison community, I hope that you and your families are safe and have not suffered greatly. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all those who have been injured, had their property destroyed, or who have lost their lives.
In times like this, we come together as a community. We are here to assist you and will lend our energy and talents to support you and all of Japan’s recovery.
—————————–
UW-News — March 11, 2011
“UW-Madison students in Japan are safe: Campus reacts to international tragedy”
EXCERPT:
In the wake of the massive earthquake and tsunami, UW-Madison has confirmed the safety of all of its students studying in Japan.
International Academic Programs has a total of 14 students in programs based at four universities in Tokyo, Nagoya and Sapporo.
As of 5 p.m. Froday, March 11, all students have been reached. Communications were complicated by power and cellular outages. In addition, information about tsunami warnings has been communicated to students studying in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.
UW-Madison officials will continue to monitor the situation through the weekend and throughout Spring Break.
—————————–
UW-News — March 11, 2011
“UW-Madison experts available to media to discuss Japan quake, tsunami”
EXCERPT:
Hundreds are confirmed dead and thousands without shelter or power after an earthquake of 8.9 magnitude, and resulting tsunami, near the Japanese island of Honshu. These University of Wisconsin-Madison experts can provide context and analysis for interested media.