Oriented

Orientation week started yesterday. The only things I was informed about were fringe benefits. I have 6 days to choose a health care provider and 30 days to make up my mind on other items like life insurance, tax sheltered annuities, and many other things I barely have any idea about.

The good news is that we have already chosen our health care provider, our next door neighbors, Gundersen Lutheran Hospital. They gave us all the literature about each health care provider in the state of Wisconsin. I was surprised to find that this is one of the better health care systems in the state.

Here is an old aerial view of the complex. I know it's old because our apartment is not in the picture. Our building is twice as long now with an extension towards the river. You would be able to see the apartment on the plot of land next to the last big building on the left. This picture also shows how close we are to the Mississippi River. During the floods, the waters can creep into the lower ground which is behind the mass sea of parking lots.

Back to orientation, today I will meet our students briefly for the first time. Most of the day will be spent on grading their entrance essays. I will also get my university ID and website photo taken today. Still I need to find out how to get the parking permit.

As far as getting to know the campus, I only know where the library, the student center, and the recreation center is. Of course, I know where my office and classrooms are. I'm blogging this in the morning, so I will blog an update later.