January 28, 2009
BUDGET CUTS: HOW DO WE CUT SPENDING AND PARE DOWN COSTS?
We want your ideas!
“I’ve been at the University 31 years and I’ve seen a lot of budget cuts but this is more severe than anything I’ve seen in my career here...It’s a huge problem, but don’t panic. We will survive this.”
David Pershing
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Presentation to the Academic Senate, January 2009
FYI News invites suggestions from the University of Utah community for ways to cut spending and pare down costs in an effort to better deal with pending budget cuts. Send your suggestions to FYI (hotlink to fyi@ucomm.utah.edu). We will include a sampling of ideas in each issue, and will include your first name only. Here’s one recently received.
I am co-chair of my college’s new “Green Committee.” As we look at ways to “save the environment” we have discovered that our own college spends quite a few dollars on such things as:
• Printing and copying documents, flyers, etc… (instead of using electronic copies)
• Mailing out what we print
• Using other paper products instead of more environmentally-friendly materials
• Leaving machines and lights on that should be turned off
• Using excessive heat or cooling in some building areas
These are only examples of a long list of wasteful activities that we believe could easily be reduced. Everyone would win; we can reduce spending and become regional leaders in good environmentally-sound activities. Colleges that make significant changes could be recognized (with an announcement, not with money) as a way to reward effort.
~David
UTA “TAP ON—TAP OFF” FARE COLLECTION SYSTEM NOW ACTIVATED
All U faculty, staff, and students are now required to use their Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Ed-Pass to “tap on and tap off” every time they ride UTA buses, TRAX, and FrontRunner trains. This means you’ll need to find a card reader machine—located inside individual buses and on the platforms at the TRAX and FrontRunner stations—in order to tap on and off. UTA officially launched its new electronic fare collection system Jan. 1, 2009.
Among the emerging challenges with “tap on and tap off” is the fact that many U employees have punched a hole in their Ed-Pass in order to wear it on a lanyard around their neck, but folding, stapling, or punching a hole in the Ed-Pass destroys the antenna inside the card and makes it unusable for the tap on-tap off technology. Privacy is another concern. UTA Ed-Passes do not contain personally identifiable information regarding pass holders. The University maintains confidential records that match University I.D. numbers with the UTA Ed-Pass. The only information UTA receives is a list of UTA Ed-Passes that are valid or invalid.
You’ll find answers to other frequently asked questions on the Commuter Services website (hotlink to http://www.parking.utah.edu/UTA/UTA_faqs.html).
A FEW QUESTIONS FOR DAVE MEIKLE
Award-winning graphic designer, Salt Lake City native, and U of U alum, Dave Meikle has worked for the past eight years with University Marketing & Communications.
• What book should every person read and why?
The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. It gives good insight on how to live life to the fullest and how to face extreme challenges gracefully.
• What’s your favorite building or place on campus and why?
The Annex—when I had my office there, I met my wife, Lacy Egbert, who works for one of the other departments in the building. It also wasn’t a bad place to spill paint in.
• If you could meet any notable person, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Maynard Dixon, the famous western artist of the early twentieth century. He was a colorful character and had an interesting way of portraying the western landscape.
• Name a favorite local place to eat.
Citrus Grill at 2991 East and 3300 South.
• What’s the most important thing today’s students need to know?
Both ancient and modern history are very important to understand. All the challenges that we face today are the result of decisions and outcomes in our past. Our global economy also requires knowledge of other countries and cultures.
• List two of your favorite websites.
Amazon.com (I can’t stop buying books.)
Wikipedia.org (I know, you have to be careful about the information you get from this site, but it is a good place to get a quick overview of a subject and good for visual reference.)
• What do you like best about your job?
I like designing and creating materials that make our clients and the University look good. There is always the challenge to push yourself to be a better designer and it is very rewarding to find new and unique solutions for a client.
• What reading material is on your bedside table?
Aviation History or Flight Journal magazines. I can’t resist reading about airplanes, past or present. I usually have a current issue of Time magazine as well.
• If politicians had to pass an exam before they were allowed to serve in public office, what question would you add to the test?
Do you understand and practice empathy?
• Among the complex moral and political issues that affect humanity, which do you believe will never be resolved and why?
There will always be people with extreme forms of thinking (on both sides of an issue) who lack the ability to expand their horizons and reach a solution.
• What’s the best advice you ever got?
Get the best education you can. The value comes not only from the things you learn in books, but also the habits you form and the contacts you make (personal, academic, and professional) can and will determine the path for success for the rest of your life.
NOTE: Meikle recently designed some note cards depicting six buildings in Fort Douglas. They are available for purchase at the convenience store in the Guest House. For more information, call 587-1000 or contact the Guest House (hotlink to info@guesthouse.utah.edu).
ATTENTION FACULTY: NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE TEACH-IN
Monday – Friday, Feb. 2-6
By signing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment on Earth Day 2008, President Young committed the University to include sustainability throughout its curriculum. The Office of Sustainability is developing and implementing a plan to accomplish this—with your help—through a climate change teach-in. The goal is to have more than 100 U of U instructors link their course material to a climate change-related topic or issue in one class during the Teach-In week, Feb. 2-6. If you would like to be a Teach-In instructor, or for more information, contact Marie Martin (hotlink to mmartin@sustainability.utah.edu) or call 585-9352.
KUDOS
U PROFESSOR WINS COLE PRIZE
The American Mathematical Society (AMS) has awarded U math professor Christopher Hacon its Cole Prize in Algebra along with James McKernan from the University of California, Santa Barbara. The award, named for Frank Nelson Cole who served the AMS for 25 years, is for Hacon and McKernan’s “ground-breaking joint work on higher dimensional algebraic geometry.” The Cole Prize in Algebra is the most prestigious award given by the AMS to mathematicians working in algebra or number theory. Hacon was born in Manchester, England. He received his BA from the University of Pisa in 1992 and his Ph.D. from UCLA in 1998. He held a postdoctoral position at the U of U, then spent two years as an assistant professor at UC Riverside before returning to the U where he is now a professor.
DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARDEES NAMED
Congratulations to the following faculty members who have been selected by the University Teaching Committee to receive 2009 Distinguished Teaching Awards: Peter Alfeld, professor, Department of Mathematics; Abe Bakhsheshy, professor (lecturer), Department of Management; Lynn Bohs, professor, Department of Biology; Gary Keck, professor, Department of Chemistry; and Brian Saam, associate professor, Department of Physics.
You can read more about the accomplishments of your colleagues at Recognizing U (hotlink to http://unews.utah.edu/?action=recognizingU).
U MARCHING BAND’S VISIT TO D.C.
A few notes from their hosts
When the Utah Marching Band received an invitation to participate in the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., there was a scramble to raise money to make it happen. Of course all hotel rooms had been reserved weeks earlier—D.C. was a sold out town. So an enterprising U of U alum, Sherm Smith, who lives in nearby Ashburn, Virginia called on his neighbors to open their homes and take in members of the band for a two-night stay. Below are comments from some of those who hosted members of the band. Enjoy!
As a “bluer than blue” BYU graduate who spent six and a half years obtaining both my undergraduate and master’s degrees at the “Y,” I would have to say that if anyone told me at the beginning of the football season that the U would have a 13-0 season, beat BYU in football, and that I would go on to host two members of the University of Utah Marching Band in my home for two nights and actually love every minute of it? Well, we would have had a good chuckle together! But here we are. And that is exactly what happened. They were gracious, well-mannered and highly responsible. They represented their University and their families in such a way that would make everyone, yes, even “blue” fans and “red” fans alike, say… “Go Utes!”
We had a wonderful experience hosting two amazing drummers! We have no connections to Utah, but love to have guests and knew this would be a small but great way to be involved in the inauguration of the president. They played pool and Playstation with my son, and hung out with my daughters. Then we stayed up till midnight watching funny videos on YouTube. We got to watch their rehearsal the next morning—they sounded amazing! The girls loved watching the color guard, and they even let my son try the drums. So guess where my kids want to go to college now??? Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to host and get to know such amazing and talented young boys!
We had a great time with our two young men. They couldn't have been more gracious and appreciative. My son has just been accepted at the U of U and is a marching band enthusiast. He was still weighing options about where to attend, but was definitely bitten by the Ute bug this weekend after having them here, spending time hanging out with them, and especially hearing them play. Thanks for all your efforts. Let’s do it again in four years!
We had a thoroughly enjoyable experience housing two of the band members. The boys were gracious, intelligent, and appreciative. I was able to have a long talk with them on Monday night while they polished their band shoes in preparation for the following day's events. Both boys are music majors with lofty future goals. They were so articulate and interesting and we loved having them. I also think it broke down some barriers since our own son plays for the BYU Marching Band and the two schools tend to have an acrimonious relationship. They both said numerous times that they couldn’t believe that people just offered to house “total strangers.” We definitely made a connection with them. My kudos to you for having the courage to take on what must have been a daunting task. It was fun!
CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS
• THE ROSENBLATT PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE
Nomination deadline: Friday, Jan. 30
The Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence honors excellence in teaching, research and administrative efforts collectively or individually, on behalf of the University. The $40,000 prize is particularly suited for faculty who are nationally recognized scholars with demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, service and/or administration. Detailed information on the nomination process is online (hotlink to http://www.gradschool.utah.edu)
Send nominations to:
2009 Rosenblatt Prize Committee
The Graduate School
310 Park Building
Campus
• PHI KAPPA PHI HONOR SOCIETY
Faculty are asked to encourage their students to apply for the following.
SCHOLAR OF PROMISE
Application deadline: Monday, Feb. 2
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society will give Scholar of Promise awards of $1,200 to several local U undergraduates for study during fall semester 2009. Candidates from all majors must have completed at least 30 credit hours at the U of U and have achieved an overall GPA of 3.5 or better. Applicants need not be a member of Phi Kappa Phi. Applications are available online (hotlink to www.sa.utah.edu/phikappa).
LOCAL AND NATIONAL GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS
Application deadline: Monday, Feb. 2
A local graduate fellowship of $1,500 will be awarded to an outstanding graduating senior for full-time graduate study at any university beginning fall 2009. The successful candidate will be the U of U Phi Kappa Phi chapter’s nominee in the national competition for one of 60 national graduate fellowships of $5,000 each and 40 Awards of Excellence of $2,000 to be awarded for the 2009-2010 academic year. Applicants need not be a member of Phi Kappa Phi. Applications are available online (hotlink to http://phikappaphi.org/Web/Scholarships/graduatefellowship.html).
For questions on either scholarship, contact Lori McDonald (hotlink to lmcdonald@sa.utah.edu) or call 581-8081.
• LINDA K. AMOS AWARD
Nomination deadline: Monday, Feb. 9
The annual Linda K. Amos Award for Distinguished Service to Women at the U is named for the founding chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and a professor of nursing. Amos also served as dean of the College of Nursing and associate vice president for health sciences. Nominations must be made by U of U faculty, staff, or students and should include a letter stating how the candidate’s contribution has improved the educational or working environment for women at the U. Include one or more letters of support from members of the U of U community. Send nominations to: diversity@utah.edu or via campus mail to:
Selection Committee
Linda K. Amos Award
204 Park Building
Campus
• ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS
Nomination deadline: Friday, Feb. 20
The Alumni Association is accepting nominations for outstanding candidates to receive the following awards for 2009. Awards will be presented at the annual Spring Awards Banquet on April 21. Applications are available online (hotlink to www.alumni.utah.edu/awards).
YOUNG ALUMNI PAR EXCELLENCE AWARD
Established in 1982, this award pays tribute to a young alumnus/a who is making a notable contribution to the community, the U of U, and her/his profession. Nominees must have attended the U within the last 15 years.
FACULTY/STAFF COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has contributed significantly to the betterment of the off-campus community through sharing or volunteering her/his time, talent, and/or resources. The recipient will be recognized with a $500 cash stipend.
PERLMAN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT COUNSELING
Awarded to a faculty or staff member who has made contributions to the U through her/his student advising and counseling, the recipient will be recognized with a $500 cash stipend.
UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS—NEW RULE
NOW APPLIES
Supplement to Policy 1-001
University Policy 1-001 was adopted in spring 2008 by the Academic Senate to put in place a more effective and efficient system for developing, revising, and publishing University regulations. The proponents of the policy agreed to provide details for implementing the system within one year. A new rule—Rule 1-001—unanimously passed by the Senate in early January, satisfies that agreement and includes details for a wider framework established by its parent policy (Policy 1-001). Rules are as binding to the U community as are policies, but deal more with the practical application of policy. This new rule is now in effect. You can access it here (hotlink to http://www.regulations.utah.edu/Rules/General/R1-001.html).
UPCOMING ON CAMPUS
• THE U CELEBRATES CHARLES DARWIN’S BICENTENNIAL
January and February
Various locations around campus
Charles Darwin was born Feb. 12, 1809. Two hundred years later, the U celebrates his birthday with a number of events. See a complete schedule here (hotlink to http://web.utah.edu/fyi/current/darwin.html).
Charles Darwin Bicentennial
Campus Events
| Jan. 16 – Feb. 27 |
The Evolution of Darwin Exhibition |
| Jan. 28 – March 3 | Darwin Bicentennial Film Series |
| Jan. 28 | The Tennessee Monkey Trial (Radio play) |
| Feb. 3 | Inherit the Wind |
| Feb.12 | Humanists of Utah’s 2nd Annual Darwin Day |
| Feb. 26 – 27 | The Evolution of Human Aggression |
• THE MIDDLE EAST THROUGH ITS FILMS—2009 FREE FILM SERIES
The Kite ( Arabic, with English subtitles. Lebanon 2008, 80 minutes)
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts Dumke Auditorium
A discussion follows with Laurence Loeb, professor of anthropology. These films are not rated and may contain mature subject matter. The Kite is a “fairytale for troubled times,” where sixteen-year old Lamia must cross a border checkpoint between Lebanon and Israel to marry a man she has never met. Neither she nor her betrothed are eager to consummate a marriage to a stranger—a matter further complicated by Lamia’s admission that she is in love with the Israeli soldier guarding the border.
• UNIVERSE PROJECT COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Thursday, Jan. 29, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Rice-Eccles Stadium Tower, Varsity Room (6th floor)
Thursday, Feb. 26, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Rice-Eccles Stadium Tower, Varsity Room (6th floor)
Thursday, March 26, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Olpin Union Building (room to be announced)
The University has selected Inland American as the developer of the Universe Project, a mixed-use project to be developed on the Rice Eccles stadium parking lot site. Three Universe Project community workshops will be conducted by GSBS, a local Salt Lake architectural firm, as a part of Inland American's team. The goal of the workshops is to dialogue with the community and interested parties about the design of the Universe Project.For more information on the workshops, please send an email message (hotlink to cdc@fm.utah.edu). More information about the Universe Project can be found online (hotlink to www.unews.utah.edu/p/?r=110408-1).
• FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE LECTURE
LOW-COST PLASTIC SOLAR CELLS
Thursday, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Aline Skaggs Biology Auditorium
Alan J. Heeger, Nobel laureate and professor of physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, will discuss the development of a low-cost plastic solar cell, made from organic materials, that exhibits the world’s highest energy efficiency rating for such devices. Additional information is available online (hotlink to www.science.utah.edu/fos.html) or by calling (801) 581-3124.
• KUED PRESENTS WALLACE STEGNER
Monday, Feb. 2, at 9 p.m.
KUED-7
See this one-hour biographical film portrait of U alum and celebrated writer Wallace Stegner, produced by John Howe and KUED in honor of Stegner’s 100th birthday. The film includes interviews with Sandra Day O’Connor, Bruce Babbitt, Stewart Udall, biographers Philip Fradkin and Robert Steensma, author Thomas McGuane, Page Stegner as well as legacy interviews with Edward Abbey, David Brower, and Wallace Stegner. Additional information is available online (hotlink to www.kued.org/?area=productions&action=viewDetails&id=108) or by calling (801) 581-7777.
• 2009 STEGNER CENTER SYMPOSIUM
Friday–Saturday, March 6-7
Marriott University Park Hotel
Early registration deadline is Feb. 15
The campus is celebrating the 100th birthday in 2009 of acclaimed writer and U alum Wallace Stegner. The law school’s annual Stegner Center Symposium, this year titled Wallace Stegner: His Life and Legacy, will include as keynote presenters former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and award-winning writer Wendell Berry. Deadline for early-bird registration is Feb. 15. The symposium often sells out, and with the cast of presenters this year, it’s a sure bet that it will. Register online (hotlink to http://www.law.utah.edu/stegner) or call (801) 585-3440.
BULLETIN BOARD
• Participants wanted for fibromyalgia treatment study
Researchers in the Department of Anesthesiology are seeking individuals interested in participating in an IRB-approved clinical study to evaluate rehabilitation programs for treating Fibromyalgia. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Syndrome; are between 21 and 65 years of age; and do not exercise regularly (less than 30 minutes per week), you may be eligible for this study, which includes evaluations and 10 consecutive weekly, two-and-a-half-hour treatment sessions. All evaluations and treatments are free. For more information, call The Pain Research Center at (801) 585-7697 or visit online (hotlink to http://www.painresearch.utah.edu/clinical/PPTF.htm).
• Registration now open for Continuing Ed classes
Spring has sprung, and if you’re benefits-eligible, it’s time for you or your spouse to use that 50 percent tuition reduction benefit with noncredit classes from Professional Education, Technology Education, Lifelong Learning, and Test Preparation. These continuing education programs offer hundreds of classes each term for U faculty and staff to acquire new skills, get ready to apply to graduate school, or just plain have fun. Check online (hotlink to www.continue.utah.edu) for more information.
• Start dialing 10 digits for local calls
Qwest is adding a new 385 area code to the existing 801 area code region. (The new 385 area code will be used only for those signing up for new service. People who now have area code 801 will continue to have the 801 area code.) This will require 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit telephone number) whenever you place a local call from the 801 or new 385 area codes. Mandatory 10 digit dialing starts on March 1, 2009. Start dialing 10 digits now to be prepared for the change. Beginning March 1, 2009, calls dialed with 7 digits will not go through. If you forget and dial 7 digits you will receive an intercept informing you to dial 10 digits. Dialing on campus with 5 digits will continue as is. Visit the OIT website (hotlink to http://www.it.utah.edu/services/phones/dialing.html) to find out what you and your department need to do to prepare for mandatory 10-digit dialing.
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, Feb. 2 for a chance to win two tickets to see Gladys Knight at Kingsbury Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, courtesy of Kingsbury Hall. The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer and will be listed in the Feb. 11 FYI News.
Thanks to Kingsbury Hall 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 Jan. 14 FYI Mystery Photo shows Building 017, the Performing Arts Building, otherwise known as PAB, home to the Department of Theatre. Congratulations to Dale Hoskins, winner of the Jan. 14, 2009 FYI Mystery Photo Contest! Dale was randomly selected from the pool of readers who had the correct answer. Dale supervises the metals and machine shop for plant operations. “I’ve been at the U for 25 years in April,” says Dale. “I love the University community and my employment here has always provided plenty of challenges and the opportunity to use my creativity. It’s just a great place to be!” Dale received two tickets to the radio theater performance of The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial with Ed Asner and John Heard at Kingsbury Hall on Jan. 28. Thanks to Kingsbury Hall for donating the tickets! And thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. We invite you to try your luck again when the next FYI is published on Feb. 11. |
U SAVING ENERGY
Since the University’s behavioral energy saving program began in July 2003 the U has saved CO2 emissions equivalent to 10,872,634 gallons of gasoline consumed.
Did you know that the rule of thumb for thermostat savings is: For each degree you are able to lower your thermostat in winter, you can save about 3 percent on your heating bill? You can also help by keeping blinds or curtains open during the sunny part of a winter day. For more information, contact Bianca Shama (hotlink to Bianca.shama@fm.utah.edu) or call 585-1171.
