April 16, 2008
EARTH DAY 2008
President Young to sign Climate Commitment
On April 22—Earth Day—President Young will sign the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (hotlink: www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org) on behalf of the University of Utah. The Climate Commitment provides a framework for America’s colleges and universities to go climate neutral—which means to reduce or offset greenhouse gases produced by the institution. The agreement recognizes the unique responsibility that institutions of higher education have as role models for their communities and in training the people who will develop the social, economic, and technological solutions to reverse global warming. The U of U joins more than 500 other institutions in this commitment to climate neutrality.
The signing of the Climate Commitment by President Young will take place in conjunction with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. for a new co-generation HTW (high temperature water) plant located east of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and south of the David Eccles School of Business. “In our continual move toward a more sustainable campus, this plant will provide all high temperature water needs for the lower half of campus,” says President Young. “At the same time, it recaptures enough heat to produce 5 to 10 percent of our electricity needs.” By providing the University with both hot water and electricity from a single generating plant, the U eliminates more than 63,000 tons of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Tours of the plant will be available immediately after the ribbon cutting.
Additional Earth Day events
The Utah Museum of Natural History will present “Polar Pallooza: Stories from a Changing Planet” (April 18, City Library, 8 p.m.), the final event in its Nature of Things lecture series. Supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation, the project explains how the rapidly changing Arctic and Antarctic affect the health and functioning of the entire earth.
The Bennion Community Service Center will sponsor a Bend-in-the-River Earth Day planting and celebration (April 19, 1030 W. Fremont Ave., 8:30 a.m. - noon) which will include a tree planting and garden bed preparation demonstration.
Learn more about what the U is doing in the area of sustainability from the Office of Sustainability (hotlink: www.sustainability.utah.edu).
The first Earth Day was organized in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson to encourage a nationwide grassroots demonstration for the environment. |
FROM THE U TO THE UNIVERSE
In an effort to increase student engagement at the U and provide a vibrant entry into campus, the administration is considering a mixed-use development in the nearly eight-acre parking lot west of Rice Eccles stadium. The development would take advantage of the opportunity provided by the TRAX station and UTA bus drop-off at 400 South and University Street, and could stimulate the private sector to develop along 400 South.
Campus office space, light commercial and retail, restaurants, and perhaps the Campus Store are just some of the options that might be included. Graduate student housing and condos above street level also are being considered. A new parking structure would mitigate nearly all parking spaces lost from the project and site lines from the stadium would be protected.
The idea for the Universe project came from some graduate students in the College of Architecture + Planning who were engaged in a studio project last academic year to consider a potential development in the stadium parking area. The assignment resulted in the mixed-use scenario.
Initial research and site visits to other similar projects have been completed. A committee to assess the options has been organized by the U and includes representation from the University, the community, and Salt Lake City.
Wikstrom Economic Planners conducted a market and financial analysis to determine what might be included in the mixed-use development. Initial results indicate strong demand for retail, housing, and office space based on current and future demographics—all with knowledge of projected development within the University district as well as downtown Salt Lake City.
A request for qualifications is now underway and, if the project is deemed feasible, a development team may be selected in August. Stay tuned.
ATTENTION TRANSIT RIDERS: UTA CHANGE DAY COMING
With rail service beginning Saturday, April 26, the FrontRunner is almost ready to roll. U of U faculty and staff ride free with their UCard and Ed Pass.
The next day—Sunday, April 27—Utah Transit Authority (UTA) will implement schedule changes to its TRAX and bus service. To find out how this will impact your commute, check out the route changes (hotlink: www.rideuta.com/ridingUTA/routeChanges/default.aspx#mtogden). Visit UTA (hotlink: www.rideuta.com) for general information.
FYI Mystery Photo Contest
Where is this on campus? Send your answer (be specific) to FYI@ucomm.utah.edu by noon on Monday, Apr. 21 for a chance to win two tickets for admission to Red Butte Garden, courtesy of Red Butte Garden.
The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer and then listed in the Apr. 30 FYI News.
Thanks to Red Butte Garden for providing the prize!
This contest is open to U of U faculty and staff only.
Last Issue’s FYI Mystery Photo Contest Answer
The Apr. 2 FYI Mystery Photo shows the front steps of Kingsbury Hall on Presidents Circle, named after Joseph T. Kingsbury who served for two decades as president of the U beginning in 1897. From the 53 correct responses we randomly chose Benjamin Emery as the winner of the Apr. 2 FYI Mystery Photo Contest. We had no idea how tricky this photo would be. Seventy people had the wrong answer—close location but not quite there. A majority of the incorrect responses thought the photo was of the Park Building. Second place for the wrong answer went to Gardner Hall. Benjamin Emery is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Human Physiology at the School of Medicine, specializing in reproductive physiology and just a few weeks from graduation. “What a pleasant surprise!” he says. “I've only entered the contest twice, but I've been on campus as a student, employee, or both for the past 15 years.” In his spare time Benjamin is a full-time employee working as the manager of the Andrology Clinic in the Division of Urology. Benjamin wins a pass for two to Red Butte Garden, courtesy of the garden. Thanks to all who entered and thanks to Red Butte Garden for donating the prize. |
STAFF AWARD NOMINATIONS CLOSE MAY 5
Recognizing people for their good work
Joseph Buchanan received a staff award in 2006. He works at the Marriott Library providing administrative support for the online courses, supervising a group of people who ensure that the communications and tools work for those students who take the courses. “I was embarrassed by the award because I was just doing what I should be doing,” he says. “But obviously the person I report to thought it was important to give recognition. It was an honor to receive the award.”
The deadline for nominations for the 2008 U of U District Staff Awards and the 2008 Staff Excellence Awards ($5,000 prize) is Monday, May 5. Download instructions here (hotlink: www.hr.utah.edu/etc/psa).
2008 EQUITY AND DIVERSITY AWARDS NAMED
The Office for Diversity recently announced recipients of this year’s Equity and Diversity Awards. They include the Department of Education, Culture, and Society; Irene Ota, diversity coordinator and instructor in the College of Social Work; Robert D. Newman, dean, College of Humanities and associate vice president for interdisciplinary studies; and University Neighborhood Partners.
The awards are presented for excellence in fostering leadership and commitment to enhance diversity and expand opportunities for students, staff, and faculty at the U. Nominations from across campus highlighted the efforts of these individuals and departments in making important and sustained contributions to equity and diversity.
WEDNESDAYS ON THE GREEN GEARS UP FOR A SECOND SEASON
As the number of students on campus decreases and the heat of summer sets in, you can look forward to a mid-week break when Wednesdays on the Green offers live music from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your own brown bag lunch or pick up something at the Union and enjoy an hour on the Union patio. Here’s the schedule.
June 4
Lost by Reason (alternative folk rock)
June 11
Eddy Zen (acoustic guitar)
Union Patio
June 18
Cory McCann (acoustic guitar)
Location to be announced
June 25
Three Reasons (rock jam band)
Union Patio
July 9
The Buckle Busters (string band trio)
Location to be announced
July 16
Kristin Erickson (folk singer/songwriter, acoustic guitar)
Union Patio
July 30
Stacey Board (singer/songwriter acoustic guitar)
Union Patio
August 6
Monrovia (classic rock cover band)
Location to be announced
August 13
Gary Gerber (classical guitar)
Union Patio
For more information, call 581-6773.
UPCOMING ON CAMPUS
• SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE!
Wednesday, April 16, 6 - 8 p.m.
Port O’Call (400 S West Temple)
The College of Science will host a Science Night Live! social event with chemistry professor and this year’s Honors Professor Matt Sigman who will give a half-hour presentation titled “Chemistry and Biology: The Shape of Things to Come,” highlighting his work developing new pharmaceutical drugs and catalytic reactions. No RSVP is required but you must be 21 years of age to attend. In addition, Sigman will be a guest on KCPW 105.3 FM, April 16, at 10:40 a.m.
• TREASURE
April 17 – 20
Studio 115, Performing Arts Building (west of the Campus Store)
Based on the true story of the nation’s first treasury secretary, Alexander Hamilton, whose affair with Maria Reynolds was used in attempts to derail his economic policies, Treasure is a tale of 18th century politics, indiscretions, and manipulation of power brokers. Written by theater faculty member Tim Slover, Treasure was the recipient of the 2006 Christopher Brian Wolk Award for Excellence in Playwriting, Abingdon Theatre, New York. For show times and ticket ($9) information, contact the Kingsbury Hall ticket office at www.kingtix.com or call 581-7100.
• 2008 World Leaders Lecture Forum: Shirin Ebadi
Recipient of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize
Friday, April 18, 11 a.m.
Olpin Union Ballroom
Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her pioneering efforts in democracy and human rights, especially the rights of women and children. She is the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to receive the prize and is known for promoting peaceful, democratic solutions to serious problems in society. She takes an active part in the public debate and is well-known and admired by the general public in her country for the legal defense of victims of the conservative faction's attack on freedom of speech and political freedom.
• AMY GOODMAN—STANDING UP TO THE MADNESS
Monday, April 21, 6 p.m.
UMFA, Dumke Auditorium
The Marriott Library and Utah Museum of Fine Arts, along with KRCL 90.9 FM, welcome Amy Goodman, host of radio’s Democracy Now. Free and open to all but tickets are required. Call 363-1818.
• STUDENTS TAKE ON SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Wednesday, April 23, 3:00 – 4:20 p.m.
LNCO, Room 1100
Fifty-five crisis communication students conducted research and learned from guest speakers and case studies about campus safety, risk issues, and vulnerabilities. They then selected several topics to address in a crisis response campaign. They include pedestrian safety, night safety, 72-hour kits, classroom communication devices, evacuation and general emergency procedures, technological communication in crisis, and ICE (“In Case of Emergency” numbers on cell phones). Each group will present its research and campaign strategy. All are invited to attend.
• VIOLINIST TIMOTHY FAIN TO CLOSE VIRTUOSO CONCERT SERIES
Thursday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
Libby Gardner Concert Hall
The Virtuoso Series presents its final performer of the season, violinist Timothy Fain, accompanied by faculty pianist Heather Conner. The “charismatic young violinist with a matinee idol profile, strong musical instincts, and first-rate chops” (Boston Globe) was featured as the sound of Richard Gere’s violin in the 2005 movie Bee Season, and was selected as one of Symphony Magazine’s “Up-and-Coming” young musicians of 2006. For tickets ($25), contact the Kingsbury Hall ticket office at www.kingtix.com or 581-7100.
BULLETIN BOARD
• CALL FOR ART—YOURS!
Deadline extended to April 25
Print & Copy Services is extending its deadline to April 25 for U of U-related art submissions of photographs or original art by faculty and staff for its 2009 University calendar. All winning entries will receive a print of their winning art, plus four calendars. Submissions are due April 25 to shelly.christensen@printing.utah.edu.
• All entries must be submitted in a high resolution (300 dpi) digital format. No hard copies will be accepted.
• Entries need to fit on a 10 x 8.25 inch sheet with a horizontal orientation.
• Submissions are limited to two entries per person.
Contact Shelly Christensen at 587-7930 for further instructions or for assistance in converting your original art into a print-ready digital file.
• TEXTBOOKS NOW TAX-FREE
Good news! Thanks to some hard work by ASUU leadership, U of U students are now exempt from paying sales tax on textbooks and course packets that are purchased through the University Campus Store or Print & Copy Services. (Please note that the sales tax exemption is only available through U of U-owned on-campus departments.) ASUU President Spencer Pearson and his team are credited with promoting the exemption by persuading tax authorities that, because the U of U is considered a charitable institution by the IRS, there should be no tax on the textbooks—saving U of U students approximately $700,000 per year.
• THE BELLS—THE BELLS!
Have you heard them? The Union has new bells marking each quarter hour. Purchased from the Verdin Company, a six-generation family-owned bell business in operation since 1842, the system cost about $8,000. The old bells stopped working due to age and a major system malfunction. The new digital system—no actual bells—plays twice as many tones, and a keyboard connected to the system is capable of recording any chimes. Of special note, with speakers on the roof, the system’s microphone can be used to make announcements as an emergency broadcast system. In the meantime, Union staffers plan to play the theme to Jeopardy during finals week.
• NON-CREDIT SUMMER CLASSES NOW LISTED ONLINE
Register now for summertime lifelong learning, professional education, and technology education classes through Continuing Education. Benefits-eligible faculty and staff receive 50 percent off tuition. Visit www.continue.utah.edu for class listings.
• WHICH SUBSCRIPTIONS DO YOU WANT?
MARRIOTT LIBRARY WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK
Each year, Marriott Library evaluates part of its subscriptions before renewing them. Readers can help determine which subscriptions are retained by reviewing and submitting comments on the list at www.lib.utah.edu/libraryinfo/dept/colldev/2008serialsintro.htm by June 20. For more information, contact Barbara Cox at barbara.cox@utah.edu or 587-9167.
• COST OF MAILING A LETTER GOES UP MAY 12
Since the price of first class mail changes from $.41 to $.42 on May 12, it’s a good time to stock up on “forever” stamps at the $.41 rate. They’re good forever and are available at the post office in the Campus Store. You can also get $.01 stamps to use with any older stamps. Departments may order stamps through the Campus Store Website at www.bookstore.utah.edu.
U SAVING ENERGY
Since the U’s behavioral energy-saving program began in July 2003 the U has saved the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by recycling 28,337 tons of waste instead of sending it to the landfill.
TIP: Did you know that there is a common misconception that it takes more energy to turn on a computer than to leave it on? The truth is that turning the computer off always saves electricity. If your IT professional says it is okay, set the example and turn off your computer at the end of each day. Share your behavior with your neighbors and make this a common office practice. We all have the potential to make an impact on the power used here at the U!
Source: U of U Energy Management. For questions, suggestions, or more information contact Bianca Shama at 585-1171 or Bianca.Shama@fm.utah.edu.
