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Vol. XXXIV No. 7; Feb. 18, 2004

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1. Top Stories
    Stem cell research prompts two bills in the legislature.
    Economic impact study on U-Mayo partnership released Feb. 17.
    Central administration reorganization accepted by the regents Feb. 13.
2. News and Announcements
    New research on smoking cessation announced by U researchers Feb. 13.
    U Lobby Day for all campuses is today, Feb. 18.
3. Campus Events and Information
4. Links

1. Top Stories

STEM CELL RESEARCH prompted two bills in the legislature this week: one would eliminate state funding for the U if it pursues embryonic stem cell research on any lines other than those approved by the federal government; another supports research on all lines of embryonic stem cells and declares the value of open scientific inquiry and publicly funded research. No hearings on either bill have been scheduled. For more information about U stem cell research, see http://www.ahc.umn.edu/news/NewsFiles/stemcell021204 .

ECONOMIC-IMPACT STUDY ON U-MAYO PARTNERSHIP was released to legislators on Feb. 17. A copy can be downloaded from the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics Web site at http://www.mayouminnesotapartnership.org .

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION REORGANIZATION was accepted by the regents Feb. 13 and will be effective Mar. 1. Changes to existing positions are designed to improve U effectiveness in three areas: academic programs on the Twin Cities campus; systemwide strategic planning, budgeting, and institutional research and accountability; and long-term financial analysis, planning, and management. Christine Maziar's title will change to senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, primarily responsible for academic programs and student affairs on the Twin Cities campus. Robert Jones's title will change to senior vice president for system administration, primarily responsible for strategic planning, institutional research and accountability, and programs such as the extension service and international programs. Richard Pfutzenreuter's title will change to vice president and chief financial officer, primarily responsible for long-term, systemwide financial management. Changes were announced as part of a news release on the regents meeting; see http://www.ur.umn.edu/unsreleases/find.php?ID=1169 .

2. News and Announcements

NEW RESEARCH ON STRESS, HORMONES, AND SMOKING CESSATION found that stress affects men and women differently in relation to nicotine addiction and relapse, U researchers announced in Seattle Feb. 13. Team was led by UMD School of Medicine's Mustafa al'Absi. For more information, see http://www.d.umn.edu/news/2004/February/13.html .

TODAY IS U LOBBY DAY for faculty, staff, students, and alumni from all campuses. For more information, see http://www.umn.edu/groots/LobbyDay.php .

REGENTS APPROVED "ACCOUNTABLE TO U," the 2004 Plan, Performance, and Accountability Report, on Feb. 13. The report includes a new self-assessment that shows the U compares favorably with peer institutions. The report will go to the legislature this week. For more information, see http://www.umn.edu/urelate/govrel/uplan.html .

CAPITOL CONVERSATIONS series provides a sustained forum for dialogue between legislators and U faculty. Topics relate to policy-relevant research on children, youth, and family issues. President Bruininks kicked off the first conversation Feb. 10, "Supporting Minnesota's Teachers," attended by more than 40 legislators and faculty. The series continues with "Violence Prevention" (Feb. 18) and "Learning and Development in Out-of-School Hours" (Feb. 25). For more information, see http://www.cyfc.umn.edu/policy/capcon .

MINNESOTA EMPLOYMENT EXPO will feature 80 top local and national companies seeking college-educated employees and interns. Free and open to U alumni, students, and degree-holding members of the public. Mar. 4, 1-7 p.m., Radisson Hotel Metrodome. For more information, see http://www.alumni.umn.edu/expo .

3. Campus Events and Information

U-wide Events:
FINANCIAL BROWN-BAG LUNCH SESSIONS for employees include "How to Get Out of Debt and Build Wealth" (Feb. 19) and "Improving Your Financial Management Skills" (Feb. 26). Sponsored by Employee Benefits, with guest presenters. 12-1 p.m., 215 Donhowe. Videotapes will be available. For more information, call Myron Guthrie at 612-624-8550 or see http://www.umn.edu/ohr/eb .

WORK/LIFE BALANCE PROGRAMS on a range of topics--parenting, elder-care issues, choosing child care, and flexible work arrangements--are free for U employees. Two spring programs on parenting include "Ages and Stages: Birth to Age 5" (Feb. 24) and "Developing Respect and Responsibility: Building Character in Children" (May 20). Offered in partnership with the Working Family Resource Center. For more information, see http://www.umn.edu/ohr/worklife/workshops_events.htm .

Crookston:
BLACK EAGLE, a play about Ronald McNair, a scientist aboard the ill-fated space shuttle Challenger, combines drama and humor. A touring production of Mixed Blood Theatre, presented in honor of Black History Month. Feb. 25, 8 p.m., Kiehle Auditorium.

SNOW DAZE annual winter fun festival for students is Feb. 23-28. For more information, see http://www.crk.umn.edu/newsevents/notices03-04/snowdaze2004.htm .

Duluth:
MUSICA ITALIANA, works by Italian composers, will be performed by faculty Jeanne Doty, piano, and Rudy Perrault, violin, on Feb. 24, Weber Music Hall. For more information or tickets, call 218-726-8877.

PROPOSALS FOR UMD TECHFEST 2004 are now being accepted. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to propose demonstrations of successful uses of technology to enhance student learning. Techfest will be Apr. 2; proposal deadline is Mar. 12. For more information, e-mail spihlaja@d.umn.edu, call 218-726-7587, or see http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/etrg/techfest .

Morris:
"DEADLY PURSUASION: ADVERTISING AND ADDICTION" will be presented by author Jean Kilbourne as part of the Campus Activities Council's Convocations Lecture Series and as a keynote for UMM Women's Week. Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., Edson Auditorium. For more information, see http://www.mrs.umn.edu/alumni/universityRelations/news/view.php?id=102 .

26TH ANNUAL JAZZ FEST will be Apr. 1-3. Advanced ticket order forms are available at the information desk and the Office of Student Activities in the Student Center and have been sent to Performing Arts season-ticket holders. Orders will be processed Feb. 28. Any remaining tickets will go on sale Mar. 1. For more information, see http://www.mrs.umn.edu/stuorgs/ummjazz/jazzfest.html .

Rochester:
SEMINAR SERIES ON MAKING BETTER CONSUMER CHOICES continues with "How Green is Your Valley?" Flo Sandok, artist, environmental advocate, and teacher, will talk about using butterfly gardens, prairies, and nontoxic lawn care products to make peace with nature and neighborhoods. Feb. 28, 9 a.m-noon. For more information, see http://www.r.umn.edu .

Twin Cities:
FOUNDERS DAY, FEB. 25, WILL MARK THE U'S 153RD ANNIVERSARY. Events include a free concert by the U Symphony Orchestra (Feb. 21); a free chili feed on Northrop plaza (Feb. 25); a Great Conversations event, "The Loss of 9/11," with journalist Gail Sheehy and U professor Pauline Boss (Feb. 25); and theater and museum events. For more information, see http://www.umn.edu/twincities/founders .

CAMPUS NETWORK UPGRADE TOWN-HALL MEETINGS will be presented before installation begins. Everyone is invited to attend; advance registration is required. Meetings in St. Paul are scheduled for Feb. 24 and Mar. 3. To register, ask questions, or watch for upcoming dates, see http://www.umn.edu/nts/networkupgrade .

McKNIGHT SUMMER FELLOWS David Chang, history; Brenda Child, American studies; and Michael Gaudio, art history, will present their research, Feb. 25, 3:30-5 p.m., Campus Club, Coffman Union. More presentations through Apr. 22. For more information, see http://events.umn.edu/event?occurrence=376993;event=105010 .

DEADLINE TO NOMINATE U WOMEN for several awards and to apply for grants from the Office for University Women is Feb. 27. For more information, plus a preview of Women's History Month events, see http://www.umn.edu/women/bulletin.html .

U NIGHT WITH THE TIMBERWOLVES will offer discounted tickets and a pre-game question-answer session with alum Kevin McHale. Mar. 5, 5 p.m., Target Center. For more information, call Aaron Steele at 612-673-1685 or see http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/tickets/group_tickets.html .

MORE EVENTS include environmental law expert Barbara Freese on her book Coal: A Human History (Feb. 18), "Geometric Impressions," opening at the Larson Gallery (reception Feb. 19, on display through Mar. 12), Spark 2004 festival of electronic music and art (Feb. 20-22), "The Moral Passage of HIV/AIDS" (Feb. 23), the 6th Annual Latke-Hamentash Debate (Feb. 25), and "Biodiversity 911: Saving Life on Earth," on display at the Bell Museum (through May 2). These and many more events are posted on the Events Calendar at http://events.umn.edu .

Brief is compiled by University Relations at the University of Minnesota. Gayla Marty, interim editor; Ann Freeman, managing editor. Please send comments, questions, or submissions to Gayla Marty at marty001@umn.edu . All Twin Cities event submissions are handled through the events calendar at http://events.tc.umn.edu .

To receive Brief as a text-only e-mail, contact Gayla Marty, interim editor, at marty001@umn.edu .

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