Home > Brief > Archive > Brief (5-30-2007)

Vol. XXXVII No. 19; May 30, 2007
Editor: Gayla Marty, brief@umn.edu

Editor's note: Brief is now on its summer schedule. Publication dates are June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 29. The deadline for submissions is noon on the Friday before publication.

Read Brief on the Web at http://www.umn.edu/umnnews/Publications/Brief/Brief_5302007.html.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
--Legislature approves $149.6 million for the U for the 2008-09 biennium.
--CSBU Staff Day at UMTC, June 6, aims to be a zero-waste event.
--College of Veterinary Medicine interim dean, and more.

Campus Announcements and Events
University-wide | Crookston | Duluth | Morris | Twin Cities

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW: On the last day of the 2007 session, May 21, the Minnesota State Legislature passed a higher education bill that provides $149.6 million for the U for the 2008-09 biennium--about 82 percent of the U's request. President Bruininks expressed satisfaction with the outcome. The bill went to Gov. Pawlenty May 29; he has three days to sign it. Funds include new investments in health workforce and clinical sciences; environmental, agricultural systems, and renewable energy initiatives; measures to stem tuition increases and augment scholarships; and support for recruiting and retaining faculty and staff. Read more at http://www.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Legislature_passes_higher_ed_bill.html.

CSBU STAFF DAY AT UMTC IS JUNE 6. Volunteer Betty Jo Johnson reflects on the nine-year history of the annual celebration for civil service and bargaining unit employees, and recycling coordinator Dana Donatucci describes this year's goal of making it a zero-waste event. Come for lunch, gifts, music, and information tables. You must bring an invitation to pick up a gift and enter the raffle. Locations in St. Paul (Carter and Eckles, midday) and Minneapolis (Coffman Union, midday and evening). http://www.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Aiming_for_zero_waste.html.

PEOPLE: Interim dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine is Trevor Ames, a faculty member since 1981; Best Dissertation Award winners, Juran Fellows, and more. Read about these and more U awards and appointments at http://www.umn.edu/umnnews/Faculty_Staff_Comm/people.html.

CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

University-wide:

THE BOARD OF REGENTS WILL HOLD A PUBLIC FORUM ON THE U BUDGET on June 13, 1 p.m. Interested speakers should call the board office by 3 p.m. on June 6, 612-625-6300. For more information, see http://www.umn.edu/regents/forum.html.

THE myU PORTAL FOR ALL U CAMPUSES WILL MIGRATE TO A NEW VERSION JUNE 4. For about five hours during the migration, myU will be unavailable. Current users will not lose data, documents, or content during the process. Training and help documents will be available to introduce users to new myU features and orient them to where content appears in the new system. Learn more about the new myU and how to access important software during the migration at http://www.umn.edu/tel.

THE U FORUM ON RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS, sponsored by the Office of the VP for Research, will be "Who? Me?! Conflict of Interest: Perception vs. Reality," presented by Richard Bianco. The event is part of a series designated to satisfy the awareness/discussion component of the Responsible Conduct of Research continuing education requirement. June 6, 4-5:30 p.m., 215 Ben Pomeroy Center. To register or get more information, see http://www.research.umn.edu/events/research_ethics.html.

LAST CHANCE FOR UPLAN MEMBERS TO TAKE THE WELLNESS ASSESSMENT AND EARN $65. There's just one more day to get paid to complete or retake the UPlan Wellness Assessment. When you and your spouse or same-sex domestic partner (who is a UPlan member) complete the confidential online wellness assessment no later than May 31, you can each earn a $65 wellness reward. Whether this is the first time you are completing the 20-minute online questionnaire or whether this is a reassessment, go to http://www.healthconnections.umn.edu to learn how it pays in 2007 (up to $260 per couple) to improve your health.

HUMPHREY INSTITUTE POLICY FELLOWS program offers practical training in public affairs leadership for emerging leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. U staff statewide are eligible to apply and are encouraged to nominate applicants. Through a competitive application process, 25 leaders from around the state will be selected for 2007-08. Application deadline: June 22. See http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/cspg.

"WOMEN SCIENTISTS IN LEADERSHIP ROLES," a national conference hosted by Graduate Women in Science (GWIS), will explore prevailing myths about women in science and how achievement can be enhanced by leadership roles in education, academia, and the greater community. Scheduled events include a one-day symposium, a deans panel discussion, and a wide array of speakers, including VP and vice provost for equity and diversity Rusty BarcelÓ. June 13-17. To register and get more information, see http://www.gwis.org/86th_meeting/info.htm.

"BEYOND CHECKLISTS: Developing and Implementing Business Plans for Pandemic Influenza," a CIDRAP Business Source interactive Web seminar, will feature U professor Michael Osterholm; Karen Dye, Sun Microsystems; and Barry Cardoza, Union Bank of California. Free for U staff, faculty, and students. June 15, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CDT, 5-125 Moos Tower. See https://events.tc.umn.edu/event.pl?eid=117007 or contact palensky@umn.edu.

TWO DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES offered by the Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) coming up are Introduction to Infant Mental Health (June 4-Aug. 6) and Parent-Infant Pathways: An Educator's Guide to Providing Information and Support to New Parents (June 11-Aug. 13). See http://education.umn.edu/ceed/coursesandtrainings.

Crookston:

NEW ASSOCIATE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT is Peter Phaiah, beginning in early June. He brings extensive experience in academics, student services, recruitment, student development, and international programs along with his knowledge of diverse student populations. See http://www.umcrookston.edu/umcnews/stories/story531.html.

A UMC DELEGATION TO CHINA May 17-June 6 aims to advance collaboration between the U and Zhejiang Economic and Trade Polytechnic (ZJEPT). The meeting will build the relationship and explore possibilities for collaboration with the Zhejiang Forestry University (ZFU) in Zhejiang province, China. See http://www.umcrookston.edu/umcnews/stories/story530.html.

UMC WOMEN'S PROJECT FUND: Nearly 70 women alumni, friends, students, and employees of UMC and UMTC gathered for a reception hosted by U First Lady Susan Hagstrum at Eastcliff May 15. Five women shared stories about their Crookston experiences, and Judy Kirk, U of M Foundation, encouraged women to support the U. Northwest Minnesota breads, Crookston chippers, and St. Paul campus cheeses were served. Currently, 24 women are sponsors of the Crookston campus Women's Project Fund. For more information on getting involved, contact Barbara Muesing at candb@gvtel.com.

Duluth:

NATIONAL ACADEMIC ADVISING ASSOCIATION (NACADA) Region 6 conference will feature more than 20 presentations by advisers and higher education professionals. Keynote speakers will be Nancy King, Kennesaw State U, and Wes Habley, ACT, Inc. May 31-June 1, Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. See http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Regional_Divisions/region6/sessions.htm.

UMD MARKET DAY is open to the public every Wednesday, 2-4 p.m., during the summer, in the UMD Kirby Plaza courtyard. The market offers plants, berries, vegetables, fruits, skin and health products, and more, plus live music. Sponsored by Farmer's Market, UMD Auxiliary Services, RSOP, UMD Stores, U of M Employee Wellness Program, and UMD Human Resources. See http://www.d.umn.edu/unirel/homepage/07/mkday.html.

Morris:

SYMPOSIUM ON SMALL TOWNS will address strategies to gain both education and community vitality as demands on rural public schools and small towns escalate. "Leveraging Resources to Improve Schools and Communities" will feature a panel of key legislators, school-community partnership showcases, roundtable conversations, and an evening celebration of rural life with local foods, wine, and music. June 5-6. It's not too late to register; Minnesota Public Radio members get a 10 percent discount. See http://www.morris.umn.edu/ummnews/View.php?itemID=2965.

Twin Cities:

BURSAR OFFICES WILL STOP SELLING POSTAGE TO DEPARTMENTS JULY 1. The change, which responds to an audit recommendation, was made in consultation with the Office of Budget and Finance, Office of Asset Management, and Department of Audits. To use stamp inventory, the Bursar Office reserves the right to substitute a combination of stamps (up to two stamps per denomination) to fill postage orders. Department options for purchasing postage are described on the bursar Web site, http://oam.software.umn.edu/bursar.

WEST BANK BURSAR OFFICE WILL CLOSE FOR THE SUMMER, June 4-Sept. 3, reopening for business Sept. 4. The East Bank Bursar Office, 145 Williamson Hall, and St. Paul Bursar, 107 Coffey Hall, remain open to assist students and departments. See http://oam.software.umn.edu/bursar.

ORIENTATION BEGINS JUNE 6. First-year students: June 6-July 13, Aug. 1-2, and Aug. 27-28. Transfer students: July 16 and Aug. 3-24. Graduate and professional students: Aug. 21-23 and Sept. 29. See http://www.ofyp.umn.edu.

SUMMER AT NORTHROP OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES, presented by U of M Summer Session and the Department of Concerts and Lectures, will feature 26 free concerts. June 4-July 26, noon-1 p.m., Northrop plaza. Official launch will be June 11 with free ice cream cups from UDS and sandwich samples from Jimmy Johns, while supplies last, plus a drawing for air tickets and other prizes. See http://www.umn.edu/umato/summer.html.

REGISTER NOW FOR PRE-FALL SEMINARS ON TEACHING WITH WRITING, which fill quickly.
--For faculty, a five-day seminar on teaching with writing, Aug. 20-24, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 135 Nicholson Hall. Limit: 25. Details: http://writing.umn.edu/prefallseminar. Registration: http://writing.umn.edu/register-prefallsem.htm.
--For graduate students who are teaching, a two-day seminar, "Commenting on and Grading Student Writing," Aug. 27-28, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 35 Nicholson. Limit: 90. Details: http://writing.umn.edu/taseminar. Registration: http://writing.umn.edu/taseminar/TAregister.htm.

MINNESOTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN ETHICS (I.C.E.) 2007, sponsored by the Department of Philosophy, will bring a small group of moral philosophers to UMTC to discuss research on topics of common interest. Keynote speakers will come from the universities of Arizona, Adelaide, Auckland, Minnesota, Trier, and Virginia, and from Columbia and Georgetown U. June 29-July 1, Humphrey Center. Register online at http://mnice.umn.edu.

THE CAFÉ BAR AT THE CAMPUS CLUB IS OPEN TO ALL FACULTY AND STAFF every weekday afternoon this summer, 3-6 p.m., beginning June 4. Membership is not required for this special offer. The Café Bar serves adult beverages, nonalcoholic drinks, and food, and offers great views (including the terrace) and the ambiance of the club. Enter to win a free Campus Club membership. See http://www.umn.edu/cclub/CafeBarHappyHour2007.htm.

STOCK UP FOR SUMMER GRILLING. The Department of Animal Science's Meat Lab sales room is open, offering a variety of beef, pork, and some lamb; bratwurst is on special. Wednesdays, 2-5 p.m., 26 Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science (lower level), St. Paul. See http://www.ansci.umn.edu/meatlab/meatsales.htm. Inquire about additional days and hours by contacting Pete Nelson, nels5618@umn.edu or 612-624-9260.

DISCOUNT VALLEYFAIR TICKETS, up to $12.45 off, are on sale at the Coffman Union and St. Paul Student Center information desks and Gopher Express West. See "seasonal tickets" at http://www.coffman.umn.edu/tickets.php.

GREAT CONVERSATION: "WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR PARACHUTE? The New Face of the Working World," will be the final conversation in the 2006-07 series, with best-selling What Color Is Your Parachute? author Richard Bolles and U Center for Spirituality and Healing senior fellow and author Richard Leider. June 5, 7:30 p.m., Ted Mann Concert Hall. See http://www.cce.umn.edu/conversations/2007conversations/parachute.html.

SUMMER ASIAN FILM SERIES will open with Tears of the Black Tiger (Thailand), June 13. Seven more films on Wednesdays through Aug. 8, 7-9:30 p.m., 155 Nicholson Hall. See http://ias.umn.edu/calendar.php and http://ias.umn.edu/Marran.php.

MORE EVENTS include the 34th annual H. K. Hayes Memorial Lecture, presented by Fazle Hassan Abed, founder and CEO of one of the world's largest nongovernmental development organizations, BRAC (May 31); Fifth International Conference on Language Teacher Education, "Bridging Contexts, Making Connections" (May 31-June 2); Still Present Pasts: Korean Americans and the Forgotten War (through June 2); Pride @ Work picnic potluck at Como Park Pavilion (June 4); herbarium tour honoring Carl Linnaeus (June 5); CSBU Staff Day (June 6); "Reweave the World: Investing in Tomorrow's Leadership," a symposium on youth leadership development led by Meg Wheatley, sponsored by the U of M Extension Center for 4-H Community and Youth Development (June 6); "Genes and the Environment: The Emerging Role of Genomics in Public Health," a School of Public Health roundtable in celebration of Rachel Carson's 100th birthday (June 8); BioBlitz 2007 (June 8-9); Flashback: Norwegian Landscapes in Retrospect, an exhibit at the Bell Museum of Natural History, part of the metro's Nordic Summer celebration (June 9-Aug. 12); U of M Job Networking 101 (June 12). SEE THESE AND MORE TWIN CITIES CAMPUS EVENTS ONLINE at http://events.tc.umn.edu.

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Published by University Relations at the University of Minnesota. Please send comments, questions, or submissions to the editor at brief@umn.edu. All Twin Cities event submissions are handled through the events calendar at http://events.tc.umn.edu.

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