November 19, 2008
RIVALRY WEEK NOW UNDERWAY!
• UNDEFEATED UTAH PLAYS BYU FOR LAST GAME OF THE SEASON
Did you get the memo? All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to wear red all week long as a lead-up to the game of the year on Saturday, Nov. 22 against BYU! Ranked No. 7 in the Mountain West Conference, Utah hosts BYU (ranked No. 14) in the Deseret First Duel Rivalry game at 4 p.m. in Rice-Eccles Stadium. Although the game is sold out, it will be televised on The Mtn. As of Nov. 17, for the second consecutive week, Utah is ranked No. 7 in both the USA Today Coaches’ Poll and the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standing—Utah’s best BCS standing since the 2004 Utes climbed to the No. 6 spot. The Utes are ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press and Harris polls!
• RIVALRY WEEK FOOD DRIVE
As the Utes complete their sensational season, don’t forget that Utah and BYU rivalry is about more than just football. Football is one thing—and hunger quite another, and while winning on the football field is nice, being victorious in the annual Utah/BYU food drive can be a lifesaver. In this slowing economy, the number of those in need is climbing, and the Utah/BYU food drive can go a long way toward helping to feed people and making their holidays a bit brighter. Let’s beat BYU in the food drive! Here’s how.
• From now until Nov. 22, bring canned goods and other nonperishable food items to the Alumni House (155 S. Central Campus Dr.).
• Bring donations (food, cash, or check) to the Utah-BYU game on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
• At the U Campus Store, buy a Utah “U” for $1 or make a monetary donation.
• Make a monetary donation online, or in person at the Alumni House.
For more information on the food drive, contact the Alumni Association (hotlink to https://www.alumni.utah.edu/rivalryweek/?display=forms/08_food-drive.php) or call 581-6995.
Go Utah!
2009 NATIONAL TEACH-IN PLANNED
Building on the success of the 2008 Focus the Nation Teach-in (hotlink to http://chronicle.com/news/index.php?id=5470&utm_source=pm&utm_medium=en), the Office of Sustainability is hosting its second annual climate change teach-in week from Feb. 2 through Feb. 6, 2009. During the week, instructors are invited to include in their course material discussions on climate change and solutions to global warming. The broader initiative is now called “The National Teach-in,” with events planned at colleges and universities nationwide. The goal is to engage the campus community in a dialogue about climate change, an issue of primary concern to the incoming Obama administration. Last year, over 80 U of U instructors participated, teaching classes ranging from geography and psychology to communications and architecture, with overwhelming success. U organizers hope to increase participation substantially in 2009. Resources for instructors are available online (hotlink to http://www.sustainability.utah.edu). For more information or to sign up, contact Craig Forster (hotlink to craig.forster@utah.edu) director of the Office of Sustainability.
NEWS BRIEFS
FOUNDERS DAY HONOREES NAMED
To commemorate the founding of the University of Utah in 1850, the Alumni Association each year honors four alumni and one non-alumnus/a who have distinguished themselves professionally, served the local and national communities, and supported the University in its mission. Founders Day 2009—A Celebration of Innovation—will be held Feb. 24, 2009. Receiving Distinguished Alumni Awards are Richard E. Kendell, former commissioner for higher education in Utah; William J. Rutter, a leader in biotechnology research; Beverley Taylor Sorenson, advocate of the arts and education for children; and Andrew A. Valdez, a judge in the Third District Juvenile Court. Receiving the Honorary Alumnus/a Award are Chase N. Peterson and Grethe Ballif Peterson, longtime envoys for the U. For additional information, visit the Founders Day site (hotlink to http://www.alumni.utah.edu/foundersday).
HUNTSMAN CANCER HOSPITAL BREAKS GROUND FOR EXPANSION
Cancer survivors and friends of Huntsman Cancer Institute joined Jon M. and Karen Huntsman in a celebration of hope at the official ground-breaking of the cancer hospital expansion on Oct. 31. The 156,000-square-foot expansion will be located northeast of the existing hospital building and is scheduled for completion in 2011. “We must conquer this terrible disease so that no individual will suffer from cancer again,” said Jon Huntsman. “Through translational research and medicine, we must put this curse behind us like we did polio and small pox. This hospital expansion will provide extra space to serve and heal our patients. We will win this battle.”
RECENTLY APPOINTED
Chibli Mallat has been appointed a Presidential Professor of Law by the U’s Distinguished Professors. Alan J. Smith has been appointed assistant dean for graduate medical education in the School of Medicine, and Jack Dolcourt has been named associate dean for continuing medical education in the School of Medicine. Congratulations to all!
KUDOS TO OUR STUDENTS
ASUU’s early voting station on campus attracted 7,809 voters—the highest number of any early voting station in the state. Nearly 6o percent of those voting were students. The intent was to offer voting as a way to build community on campus. ASUU leaders knew it had succeeded when one of them saw Nobel Laureate Mario Capecchi in line to vote. In addition, as has been reported here before, ASUU registered approximately 3,000 new voters on campus, making the U of U eighth of 160 schools in the nation participating in the voter registration project. Way to go!
2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
At the Nov. 3, 2008 Academic Senate meeting, Dave Pershing, senior vice president for academic affairs, noted that the University’s top priority in the upcoming legislative session will be faculty and staff salaries. On the capital facilities side, funding for a new business building tops the list. Pershing says new classrooms for the central part of campus are imperative.
ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE HOTLINE AVAILABLE
The University is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and encourages employees and others to report any dishonest or improper act that violates the law, wastes money, or endangers public health or safety. Employees are encouraged to report suspected improprieties to their supervisor or to a higher level if the supervisor is involved. Also, the University has an ongoing contract with EthicsPoint, a private company, to administer an ethics and compliance hotline: 888-206-6025 or online (hotlink to http://www.ethicspoint.com). This service provides confidentiality and offers 24/7 availability. If you know of fraud or abuse, report it to management. If you feel unable to communicate your concerns directly to management or another University department, use the hotline. Provide details—names, dates, times, amounts, circumstances, witnesses, etc. You can check back and respond to any questions the person investigating your report may have.
| Ethics Hotline | 888-206-6025 |
| Information Security and Privacy Office | 587-9241 |
| University Police | 585-2677 |
| Internal Audit | 581-5988 |
| Human Resources | 581-2169 |
| Environmental Health & Safety | 581-6590 |
| Health Sciences Compliance Office | 213-3948 |
THINK SNOW AND WEAR RED!
The U’s annual take-to-the-slopes-and-celebrate-the-end-of-the-semester event known as “Ski and Shred Red Day” is set for Friday, Dec. 12, at Snowbird. Wear your colors proudly and take advantage of the early snow and a great deal. Tickets for faculty, staff, and students are $38 (includes the tram and chair lifts). The regular price is $72 so it’s a sweet deal! Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 24 and are available at the following locations: Olpin Union front desk, the Field House, University Hospital gift shop, and the Outdoor Recreation office (2140 E. Red Butte Road, Fort Douglas, Building 650). Outdoor Rec. also has ski and snowboard equipment available for rent. For more information, visit Campus Recreation (hotlink to http://web.utah.edu/campusrec/outdoor_rec/index.html) or call 581-8516.
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
IRB-APPROVED STUDIES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
BLOOD PRESSURE
Married couples are needed during the weekday for a study on blood pressure. Participants must both work, although one spouse may be a part time employee. Both spouses need to be relatively healthy (i.e., no cancer, heart disease, nor cardiovascular medication) and have no children living at home. Participants wear an ambulatory blood pressure monitor during the work day and into the evening. Compensation is provided. For more information contact Wendy Birmingham (hotlink to wendy.birmingham@psych.utah.edu) or call 581-0336.
RELATIONSHIPS
Individuals are needed for a study on relationships and cardiovascular functioning. Participants must be available to participate in one session and return for a second session within two days. Participants must not be taking cardiovascular prescription medication, have pre-existing hypertension, a history of chronic disease with a cardiovascular component (e.g., diabetes, kidney, or heart disease), no recent history of psychological disorder(s), and not taking any medication for a psychological disorder. Participants complete surveys while hooked up to physiological equipment that measures blood pressure and heart rate. Compensation is provided. For more information, contact McKenzie Carlisle (hotlink to mckenzie.carlisle@psych.utah.edu) or call 581-8926.
CHRONIC BACK PAIN
Couples are needed for a study on chronic back pain. Criteria for eligibility include presence of chronic back pain (in one member of the couple), married or cohabitating for five years, and over the age of 35. No travel is necessary and compensation is provided. For more information, contact Michelle Skinner (hotlink to michelle.skinner@psych.utah.edu) or call 585-5094.
WINTER TIPS FROM THE GROUNDS CREW
As we move into the winter season, now is the time to prepare for the cold, wet, and slippery conditions. Follow these tips from the Grounds Department for safer travel.
WALKING
• Wear the right footwear. Rubber and neoprene composite-soled shoes are best.
• Concentrate. Walk slowly and take small steps to keep your center of balance under you.
• Wipe your feet before you enter a building and use handrails whenever possible.
• Test potential slick areas by tapping your foot on them.
DRIVING
• Check your tires to be sure they aren’t bald. Use snow tires if you don’t have front-wheel or 4-wheel drive.
• Put a shovel and a 50 lb. bag of salt in the trunk of your vehicle. You never know when you may need it for yourself or to help another driver.
• If driving conditions are bad, take the bus or TRAX for a safe ride by a professional.
PARKING ON CAMPUS
• When parking along a curb with an adjacent sidewalk, park one foot from the curb to allow the snowplow to clear the sidewalk and eliminate possible damage to your vehicle.
• Do not leave your vehicle parked on campus overnight. All parking stalls need to be plowed.
• Department vehicles that remain parked in stalls overnight should—whenever possible—be grouped together. Following a storm, vehicles should be moved so stalls can be cleared of snow. You are encouraged to call the Grounds Department when the vehicle has been moved so they can plow the space.
As you are sleeping in your warm bed, know that the campus snow-removal crew is hard at work to provide a safer campus when you arrive. The staff that keeps the major roads open during the evening hours starts to plow parking lots at 2 a.m. They remove snow from stairs and sidewalks while checking for ice during scheduled campus events, at the dorms, and 24/7 at the hospital. The employees who shovel by hand, and the sidewalk plow operators start as early as 4 a.m.
UPCOMING ON CAMPUS
• INTERNATIONAL GIS DAY OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
OSH, second floor, south wing
The Department of Geography’s open house features panel discussions, displays, and information tables with professionals in the GIS (geographic information systems) field designed to show just how employable geography and GIS skills are. Lunch is included and everyone is welcome to attend. For additional information, visit the geography department (hotlink to http://www.geog.utah.edu) or call 581-9167.
• WORLDWIDE WAYNE FILM FESTIVAL: THE DUKE TRAVELS THE GLOBE
Nov. 20-23, times vary
Post Theatre, Fort Douglas, free
Seven John Wayne films will be shown over four days with a humanities scholar leading a discussion after each. For more information, visit the American West Center (hotlink to http://www.awc.utah.edu) or call 581-7611.
• UNION GALLERY STROLL
Friday, Nov. 21, 6 – 9 p.m.
Olpin Union, Student Lounge
U students and artists from the surrounding community display their work. With an international theme, the art exemplifies the importance of diversity and cultural acceptance. The event provides access to the expression, appreciation, and understanding of the visual arts at the U. For more information, call Brandon Patterson at 581-7658.
• WILD BIRDS OF THE AMERICAN WETLANDS
Monday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.
Utah Museum of Natural History
Rosalie Winard’s photographs have been published in a book, Wild Birds of the American Wetlands, and are now on exhibit at UMNH. Join her for a discussion of her birding adventures as she shares photos from her personal archives, then walk with her through the exhibit to get her story of the photographs. The exhibit runs now through Feb. 22. For more information, visit UMNH (hotlink to http://www.umnh.utah.edu) or call 581-6927.
BULLETIN BOARD
• LOOKING FOR A BOOK...DO YOU HAVE IT?
At the recent Employee Appreciation Day, a particular book may have been donated in error to the “Hooked on Books” event and the original owner would like to purchase the book back. The book title is This Is My God, by Herman Wouk. It belonged to the donor’s brother and was mistakenly included in the books for sale. If you bought this book or have information about it, please contact David at 581-7827.
• E-CARDS FOR U!
Check out the new Little Swoop and Red Rover e-cards. Choose from five themes—birthday, congratulations, condolences, a special Cream of Cougar Soup card (just in time to send to your BYU colleagues before the big game), and one more in case you need help getting a date. Curious? See them online (hotlink to http://ecards4u.utah.edu/affyi.html).
• GIFT IDEAS FROM CAMPUS—LAST CALL!
FYI’s annual holiday listing will be included in the Dec. 3 FYI News. If your college, department, or center will be inviting food or clothing donations or offering holiday gifts or other items for sale, send information to FYI (hotlink to fyi@ucomm.utah.edu) by Nov. 24.
• HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM UNIVERSITY GUEST HOUSE
The Guest House offers a special holiday rate to U employees and their families of $75 per room (single or double) during the holiday season, Nov. 24 to Jan. 2. Services include free breakfast, parking, and internet access; and each room has a refrigerator, microwave, and cable TV. Your holiday guests could stay there instead of at your house, or you could stay there and take TRAX downtown to see the holiday lights and do some shopping. For more information, visit the Guest House (hotlink to http://www.guesthouse.utah.edu) or call 587-1000. Be sure to mention the special rate. This offer does not apply to official campus business.
• TRY THE U FAN FONE SERVICE
This tool is designed to assist fans attending football games at Rice-Eccles Stadium who are being plagued by disruptive behavior, safety concerns, or suspicious activity. Use your cell phone to contact dispatch: Text 953-7778 or call 587-7777.
• DARWIN TURNS 200
Feb. 12, 2009, marks Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday. To see what’s going on around campus in January and February 2009, and to find out how to participate in Darwin’s bicentennial celebration, visit Marriott Library’s Darwin Day website (hotlink to http://www.scl.utah.edu/audio_visual/darwin/darwin.html) or contact Julie Mayhew (hotlink to or jmayhew@union.utah.edu) or call 581-4004.
• DEC. 3 IS LAST ISSUE OF FYI NEWS UNTIL JANUARY
FYI Mystery Photo Contest
FYI Mystery Photo
Where is this on campus? Send your answer (be specific) to FYI@ucomm.utah.edu by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24 for a chance to win a weekend ski rental for two, courtesy of the Outdoor Recreation Program. The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer and will be listed in the Dec. 3 FYI News.
Thanks to Outdoor Recreation Program for providing the prize!
Note: This contest is open to U of U faculty and staff only.
Last issue’s FYI Mystery Photo Contest answer
The Nov. 5 FYI Mystery Photo shows the rock garden—big specimens of rocks ranging from igneous to petrified wood—on the east side of the Browning Building. The rock garden was completed in 1971 and has evolved into a teaching laboratory for students where they learn to identify rocks and make various measurements using compasses and inclinometers. Congratulations to Chanel Stewart, winner of the Nov. 5, 2008 FYI Mystery Photo Contest! Chanel has worked as an assistant in the law school’s admissions office for just over one year and is a sophomore in the business program at the U. Chanel was randomly selected from the pool of contestants who sent in the correct answer. She received tickets for two to The Kronos Quartet performing at Kingsbury Hall on Nov. 18. A big thanks to Kingsbury Hall for providing the tickets! And thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. We invite you to try your luck with our Dec. 3 issue, which will be our last FYI News until January. |
U SAVING ENERGY
Daily Air Quality Alerts Available
Winter weather and heavy single-car commuting is the perfect recipe for a nasty inversion. Vehicle emissions pollute the valley air, contributing to an increase in respiratory and cardiopulmonary disease, and cancer. Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to air pollution-related health conditions. In the winter, it is even more important to use transit, especially on yellow air-quality days. Sign up for daily alerts (hotlink to http://www.cleanair.utah.gov/listserv.htm).
