March 25, 2009
EVOLVING EQUITY: CHALLENGING POWER & PRIVILEGE
WOMEN’S WEEK 2009
As an African American religion columnist and public theologian, Irene Monroe speaks for a sector of society that is frequently not given a voice. And Monroe will use that voice when she presents the keynote address for Women’s Week on Wednesday, March 25 at noon in the Olpin Union Ballroom. A sought after speaker, preacher, and writer on women’s spirituality and gender issues, Monroe is a Ford Foundation Fellow and a doctoral candidate in the religion, gender and culture program at Harvard Divinity School.
Enhancing the Women’s Week celebration from an art perspective is The Wilderness Quilt—on display in the Olpin Union foyer from Wednesday, March 25 to Friday, April 3, with an opening reception Thursday, March 26 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Initiated by Women Protecting Wilderness, the Wilderness Quilt invites the community to participate in the project and offers a place for heartfelt discussion about why Utah’s wild landscapes are important and what we can do to protect them. Personal reflection, testimonials, and photos express the beauty of Southern Utah and the meaning wild places hold in our lives. Find out more about the Wilderness Quilt online (hotlink to http://www.womenprotectingwilderness.org).
Additional Women’s Week activities include a half-day conference for high school women; a community panel discussing the theme, More Power to You: Empowering Marginalized Groups; and the Edie Kochenour Memorial Lecture presented by Judith Kapustin Katz, (sold out). A complete schedule of Women’s Week activities (hotlink to http://www.womensweek.utah.edu) is online.
LINDA AMOS AWARD
Congratulations to Leigh Neumayer, recipient of the 2009 Linda K. Amos Award for Distinguished Service to Women. Neumayer is a professor of surgery and co-director of the Integrated Breast Program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The award, presented by the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, the Annual Women's Week committee, and the Office for Equity and Diversity, recognizes an outstanding female faculty or staff member who has selflessly devoted time and energy to improving the educational and work environments of women at the U.
MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH |
CÉSAR GAVIRIA TO SPEAK
Former President of Colombia to give World Leader Lecture
“Perhaps no part of the world will have a greater impact on the United States, both internationally and domestically than Latin America,” says Bob Goldberg, director of the Tanner Humanities Center. He’s referring to the upcoming presentation by César Gaviria, the former president of Colombia and secretary general of the Organization of American States. Gaviria will give the 2009 World Leader Lecture titled “Leadership in an Uncertain World,” with a focus on Latin America, on Thursday, April 2, at 11:00 a.m. in the Olpin Union Ballroom. Gaviria was elected president of Colombia in May 1990. During his four-year term, he enacted policies to strengthen democracy, promote peace, and reintegrate armed rebels into civilian life. In 1994, Gaviria was elected secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) and re-elected in 1999. During his tenure, the OAS intensified efforts to improve hemispheric security and combat terrorism, drugs, and corruption. Currently, Gaviria serves on the board of directors of Oceana (hotlink to http://oceana.org/europe), a global organization that seeks national policy changes to reduce pollution and prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals, and other sea life. For more information on the World Leaders Lecture Forum, contact the Tanner Humanities Center (hotlink to http://www.thc.utah.edu) or call (801) 581-7989.
A FEW QUESTIONS FOR JAYNE NELSON
Assistant Director, Hinckley Institute of Politics
Jayne Nelson, now in her 21st year at the U, arranges the Hinckley forums, coordinates speakers and classes, and oversees media coverage for the Hinckley Institute of Politics.
• What do you like most about your job?
The amazing people I work with, the incredible students who participate in our programs, and the interesting speakers who participate in our forums.
• What have you learned from the students who pass through Hinckley?
They are bright engaged students working hard to get a good education and finding ways to be engaged in public service.
• What do you think is the most important thing today’s students need to know?
Never give up or stop learning. Always help others and keep your integrity.
• What book should every person read.
Any book that helps you be a better person.
• What’s your favorite place on campus?
The Hinckley Caucus Room (255 OSH) because of all the incredible guests who speak there.
• If you could meet any notable person, who would it be?
Robert H. Hinckley, the founder of the Hinckley Institute of Politics. I have read and heard so many amazing things about him. (He died two months before I started working at the U.) He had the vision that “Our young, best minds must be encouraged to enter politics.” This vision has enabled thousands of people to make the world a better place.
• Name a favorite local place to eat.
Epic Casual Dining at 707 East Fort Union.
• What reading material is on your bedside table?
My scriptures and religious magazines.
• If politicians had to pass an exam before they were allowed to serve in public office, what question would you add to the test?
Would you do the right thing regardless of the political consequences?
• What is one thing you would like to ask people to do to change the world for the better?
Be involved, help your neighbor, volunteer in your community, read with a child, and remember to smile.
• What’s the best advice you ever got?
Live in the present. Find joy in the journey.
U GRADUATE STUDENTS WIN NATIONAL BUSINESS COMPETITION
A student team from the U’s Lassonde New Venture Development Center is the Life Science track grand prize winner in the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) McGinnis Venture Competition (hotlink to http://www.mcginnisventurecompetition.com/), one of the nation’s premier new venture competitions, awarding teams that bring new technology to market through entrepreneurship. “We are extremely proud of the team for winning this championship,” says Jack Brittain, dean of the David Eccles School of Business and vice president of Technology Venture Development. “Needless to say, with CMU’s engineering reputation, this is a national stage win.”
The Lassonde Center team, including students Charity Williams, Sean Mills, and Justin Baker, won the competition for a business plan they developed for a time-release technology developed by David Grainger, a professor in the U’s department of pharmaceutical chemistry. The proposed new venture, called ElutInc, would develop drug-releasing coatings for use with implantable orthopedic devices (mostly for hip and knee replacements). These coatings would improve the outcome of surgeries by reducing surgical site infections and promoting bone healing.
Also playing an important role was Troy D’Ambrosio, director of the Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneur Center, who worked with the team to shape market research and business plans that were presented at the competition. “Troy’s commitment and dedication are behind every team’s ultimate product, and he works selflessly on dozens of projects a year, always putting the students out front,” says Brittain. “He is a great educator who gives all the credit to others, but year after year is producing exceptional results and launching hundreds of students into successful careers.”
The winner of the McGinnis Venture Competition is an automatic qualifier for the University of Texas at Austin’s Global Moot Corp Competition (hotlink to http://www.mootcorp.org/), so now the hard work begins: winning the Utah Entrepreneur Challenge (hotlink to http://www.uec.utah.edu/History.html) and Moot Corp—both of which take place this spring.
...AND THIS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
We know. The economy is facing some headwinds right now. Some would call it a hurricane. The U of U, as you’re well aware, is not immune to this turbulent environment. That’s precisely why its programs, scholarships, colleges, institutes, and endeavors need your help. The Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign offers an opportunity to contribute to the areas of campus that matter most to you.
Here’s why Martha Bradley, dean of the Honors College and a professor in the College of Architecture + Planning gives back to the U:
As professors we have the amazing opportunity to teach to our passions. Because of this, my choice to give to the College of Architecture + Planning through payroll deductions is probably self-serving. At the same time, my donation expresses my greatest hope for the future: that this generation of architects will design in more socially responsible ways. I believe what we teach and back up that belief with financial support for students where I can see the impact in immediate and personal ways.
Read more from your colleagues (hotlink to http://ugive.utah.edu/giving) about why they’re giving back to the U.
CHANGE DAY COMING FOR UTA BUS AND TRAX
Sunday, April 5, marks the day when UTA ski service ends, and the day when many bus and TRAX schedules will change. Be sure to check your commute to see what’s new. Some trips have been added and some trips have been removed—but for the most part, times have been adjusted to improve reliability. See the new schedule online (hotlink to: http://www.rideuta.com/ridingUTA/routeChanges/default.aspx).
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE = HEALTHY AGING
The U campus is a great place to walk, and a recent study shows that a moderate level of physical activity, such as walking 30 minutes a day, lengthens life by 1.3 years and adds 1.1 more years without cardiovascular disease, compared with those with low activity levels. The study—the Framingham Heart Study—followed 5,209 residents of Framingham, Mass. for 46 years. Researchers calculated the effects of low, moderate, and high levels of physical activity, adjusted for age, gender, and smoking, and concluded that “...following an active lifestyle is an effective way to achieve healthy aging.” Those who chose a high physical activity level gained 3.7 years of life and added 3.3 more years without cardiovascular disease.
This information is provided by Peak Academy (hotlink to http://www.health.utah.edu/peak/) in the College of Health.
CAMPUS WALK OF THE WEEK
Most people walk a comfortable 20-minute mile, so keep that in mind and take part of your lunch hour this week to walk over to the Mines Building (hotlink to http://students.arch.utah.edu/hba/htmlfiles/bldg024.html) and Military Sciences Building (hotlink to http://students.arch.utah.edu/hba/htmlfiles/bldg023.html) (located next to each other) just a short walk due north of the Park Building on 100 South. Both buildings will be razed soon—as part of the new Frederick Albert Sutton Building project—so now’s the time to see them. Note the detail in the brickwork at the top of the Mines Building. The Sutton Building, which is connected to the north end of the Browning Building, will have its grand opening Friday, April 17.
2009 U CHOOSE OPEN ENROLLMENT
Your 2009 U Choose Open Enrollment information will be mailed to you soon. Open Enrollment is the time—once each year—when you can make changes to your existing benefits for the 2009-2010 Plan Year.
The Health Care Plan options will remain the same for 2009. If you wish to participate in the Flexible Spending Account Plan (“FSA”), you will need to make a new Health Care FSA and/or Dependent Day Care FSA election during Open Enrollment. In addition, if you wish to enroll or cancel your enrollment in the Hyatt Group Legal plan, you will need to make your new election during Open Enrollment.
It’s simple and fast to enroll and make option changes. Once you receive and review your U Choose Packet, visit the Campus Information System (hotlink to https://gate.acs.utah.edu) to complete your Benefit registration online. The online registration system will be available from April 1 to April 30.
The U of U Benefits Department will host Open Enrollment sessions throughout the month of April. This will be your opportunity to meet with some of the benefit providers and have your questions or concerns answered in a personal, face-to-face setting. Please look for session locations and times in your Benefits Packet or online at the Benefits Department (hotlink to http://www.hr.utah.edu/ben).
If you have questions, call the Benefits Department at (801) 581-7447 or come by in person (420 Wakara Way, Suite 105). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
UPDATE FOR WELLU—2009
This year employees participating in the WellU Employee Wellness Program continue to receive a discount of up to $40 per month off the cost of their coverage in the Employee Health Care Plan. To participate in the WellU Program this year and receive the Health Care Plan discount, employees must complete the health risk assessment (HealthQuotient™) and a biometric screening. Biometric screening appointments and links to the WebMD HealthQuotient™ can be found online (hotlink to http://www.hr.utah.edu/wellu). Upon completion of the biometrics screening, you will receive a personal identification number (PIN) in the mail that will allow you to access your biometric data within your WebMD account.
*NOTE: If you participated in the Wellness Program last year and completed the Health Quotient and Biometric screening, you will have to take the HealthQuotient™ and Biometric screening again this year. Year 3 HealthQuotients will be available for you to complete after April 1, 2009.
Employees can continue to grant access to their spouses and dependents 18 years of age and older enrolled in the University Employee Health Care Plan. Spouses and dependents will be able to complete the HealthQuotient™ and may be eligible to receive high or moderate risk health coaching depending on their assessment. The U of U is committed to the well-being of its employees at work and, to the extent possible, at home. That means caring for the family as well. Additional information is online (hotlink to http://www.hr.utah.edu/wellu).
CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS
Equity and Diversity Awards
Nominations due April 10
The Office for Equity and Diversity is accepting nominations from faculty and staff for the annual University Equity and Diversity Awards. The awards recognize programs and persons who have demonstrated sustained excellence in fostering leadership and commitment to enhance equity and diversity for students, staff, and faculty at the U. The awards committee will accept nominations for both academic and non-academic units within the campus community. Nominations should be made by letter describing in detail how the nominee has enhanced equity and diversity within their own organization or at the University. Self-nominations are welcome. The deadline for award nomination letters is April 10. The awards lunch and presentation ceremony will be held Wednesday, April 29, at the Alumni House. For more information, contact Araueni Olivares (hotlink to a.olivares@utah.edu).
Staff Excellence Awards
Six winners will each receive $5,000
Nominations due May 11
The purpose of the U’s Staff Excellence Awards is to recognize superior service and ongoing contributions by the U’s full-time staff. Twenty-four staff members from six districts will be recognized: academic affairs, administrative services, general administration, hospital and clinics, other health sciences, and student affairs. In addition to receiving the District Staff Excellence Award, the selected employees from each district will have their names forwarded as nominees for one of six University Staff Excellence Awards. All 24 District Staff Excellence Award winners will be honored at a special lunch where the final six University Staff Excellence Award winners will be announced. Recipients of the University Staff Excellence Award will each receive $5,000, a special plaque, and their names will be added to the perpetual plaque that resides in the Human Resources Building at 420 Wakara Way. Nominees must have at least three years of full-time (.75 FTE and above) continuous service at the University of Utah by the nomination deadline to be eligible. Faculty, director-level staff and above, part-time hourly employees, U of U Staff Council members, and District Award team members are NOT eligible for this award. You may nominate anyone from your district or from another district who meets the eligibility criteria. Watch for more information and a call for nominations from your District Awards team. Additional information is online (hotlink to http://www.hr.utah.edu/etc/psa) including nomination forms (hotlink to http://www.hr.utah.edu/etc/psa/#forms), which are due Monday, May 11. For more information, contact Terri Crow (hotlink to terri.crow@utah.edu) or Thuy Nguyen (hotlink to nguyen.t@utah.edu).
UPCOMING ON CAMPUS
• THE MIDDLE EAST THROUGH ITS FILMS 2009
The Band’s Visit
Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m
UMFA Dumke Auditorium
Hebrew and Arabic, with English subtitles. Israel 2007, 87 Minutes
The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives in Israel from Egypt for a cultural event, only to find there is no delegation to meet them, nor any arrangements to get to their destination of Petah Tiqva. When they find their own ride, they arrive instead at the remote town of Beit Hatikva. Stuck there until the next morning’s bus, the band settles in as best it can, each of the members attempting to get along with the natives in their own way. What follows is a special night of quiet happenings and confessions as the band makes its own impact on the town and the town on them. (Films are not rated.) More information on the film series can be found online (hotlink to http://www.hum.utah.edu/index.php?&pageId=1255).
• ANNUAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC GALA
Honoring 2009 Camerata Award recipients
Friday, March 27, 8:00 p.m.
Libby Gardner Concert Hall
The program of classical favorites includes performances by the Utah Philharmonia, University Wind Ensemble, University Singers, and A Cappella Choir. This event celebrates the work and contributions of the 2009 Camerata Award winners: Kem and Carolyn Gardner and Betty Jeanne Chipman. Camerata Awards recognize individuals for their service to the School of Music. Ticket information is online (hotlink to http://www.kingsburyhall.org/default.asp?lnopt=2&sn1opt=2&sn2opt=1&month=3&year=2009&newsID=0&vw=lst&hpb=1) or call (801) 581-7100. The School of Music is presenting several concerts this spring. See the complete schedule (hotlink to http://www.music.utah.edu/) online.
• PETE SUAZO SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARDS
Friday, March 27, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
College of Social Work, Goodwill Humanitarian Community Room
The awards honor the life of the late State Senator Pete Suazo by recognizing the work of those who dedicate themselves to the goal of social and economic justice. Recipients of the 2009 Suazo Awards include:
- Central Region Refugee Support Team, Department of Workforce Services
- Denise Castañeda
- Forrest Crawford
- Linda Hilton, Crossroads Urban Center
- Sandra Asbury, Transitions
- Sheila Walsh-McDonald, Salt Lake Community Action Program
- The Human Rights Education Center of Utah
RSVP immediately to Carrie Allen (hotlink to carrie.allen@socwk.utah.edu) or call (801) 581-8913.
• LAUNCH OF WomenLeadersUtah.org
Tuesday, March 31, 3:00 pm – 5:00 p.m.
College of Social Work, Goodwill Humanitarian Community Room
Plan to attend the public launch of WomenLeadersUtah.org (hotlink to http://www.womenleadersutah.org/launchdate), an online registry to increase access to and visibility of women’s leadership throughout Utah. This vehicle for identifying women leaders, building relationships, and expanding networks was developed through collaboration with some of Utah’s most dynamic and skilled women.
• PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.
Libby Gardner Hall
The U’s award-winning Percussion Ensemble—two-time national champions—is celebrating 30 years under the direction of Douglas Wolf with a concert featuring music commissioned specifically for the occasion. Throughout the years, the ensemble has been featured at many conferences in the U.S. Ensemble alumni are returning for the event—many of whom now hold distinguished positions as teachers and performers around the country. “Needless to say, I am very proud of my former students!” says Wolf. Video of the ensemble from the past 30 years will be shown, and a reception follows. Learn more about the percussion ensemble and the upcoming concert online (hotlink to http://www.music.utah.edu/ensembles/bands/percussion_ensemble). Tickets are $7 ($3 for students) and are available at the door.
• THE NATURE OF THINGS LECTURE SERIES
Global Warming: Effects on the world’s biota —
a no-analog future
With Fred Wagner, professor emeritus, Utah State University
Thursday, April 2, 7:00 p.m.
City Library Auditorium (240 East 400 South)
Fred Wagner is the former dean of the College of Natural Resources and director of the Ecology Center at Utah State University. He contends that the rise of average temperature and precipitation will create ecosystems that people have never seen before. Millions of species of plants and animals (biota) are adapted to the current climate, and Wagner claims that a rise of just two degrees would have both a positive and negative effect on the biota, and on their relationship with each other. The lecture is co-sponsored by the Hinckley Institute of Politics and the Utah Museum of Natural History.
• BRIDGING TWO WORLDS
U of U Inter-Tribal Student Association Powwow
Saturday, April 4, 11:00 a.m.
HPER East Gym
Providing others with insight into American Indian culture while reminding American Indians of the beauty and importance of their own heritage is one of the opportunities that a traditional powwow provides for the community. For more information, contact the U’s American Indian Resource Center (hotlink to airc@sa.utah.edu) or call (801) 581-7392.
• SPRING ORCHID SHOW SALES AND EDUCATION SESSION
Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Red Butte Garden
The Utah Orchid Society and Red Butte Garden present the annual spring exhibit and sale of orchid plants. This year’s theme is "Orchids for Everyone" and Utah Orchid Society members will be on hand to offer cultural advice on how to grow these spectacular plants. The public is invited to submit healthy plants to be judged by the American Orchid Society—the plants must be brought to Red Butte Garden by 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 4, and remain in the exhibit until closing on Sunday afternoon, April 5. Garden admission is waived for exhibitors. For more information, contact Shawn Quealy at (801) 531-7369, or Barry Cole at (801) 255-9026).
• ANNUAL 5K FUN RUN AND WALK FOR THE UTAH DIABETES CENTER
Saturday, April 11, 9:00 a.m.
615 Arapeen Drive in Research Park
All proceeds go to the Utah Diabetes Center (UDC) Treasure Chest Fund, which allows people who cannot afford Diabetes care and education to go to the UDC. The event includes a special contest for the best participation by U of U teams with a grand prize of lunch for 10 people at The Pointe restaurant. Register online (hotlink to http://www.healthcare.utah.edu/utahdiabetescenter/resources/events/funrun.html) or call (801) 587-3921.
BULLETIN BOARD
• CAPTURED: A THOUSAND CALLS OF THE WILD
Marriott Library’s Western Soundscape archive reaches 1,000 sounds
If you can find the elusive Gunnison sage grouse while hiking through isolated pockets of remote southeastern Utah, you might be able to hear one. But now, thanks to nature recording specialists (hotlink to http://westernsoundscape.org/video.html) and a grant from a library institute, you can listen to its distinctive gurgling calls at your desk with a click of a computer mouse. The sounds of the grouse in the wild is now one of 1,000 calls of different bird species, coyotes, frogs and other creatures available through the Western Soundscape Archive(hotlink to http://westernsoundscape.org), an online site dedicated to the natural sounds of the western United States. Read the news release (hotlink to http://unews.utah.edu/p/?r=031309-2) about the Marriott Library’s Western Soundscape Archives.
• APRIL IS EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Our friends at Environmental Health and Safety (hotlink to http://www.ehs.utah.edu) remind us that April is Earthquake Preparedness Month in Utah and offer the following resources to help with personal and family preparedness:
- Video of Wasatch Fault (watch online) (hotlink to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DByPiCkznE0)
- Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country – Your handbook for earthquakes in Utah (download or read here) (hotlink to http://ussc.utah.gov/putting_down_roots.html)
- Additional information on emergency preparedness available from EHS (hotlink to http://www.ehs.utah.edu/Fact.html).
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, Mar. 30 for a chance to win a pass for two to Red Butte Garden. The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer and will be listed in the Apr. 8 FYI News.
Thanks to Red Butte Garden 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 Mar. 11 FYI Mystery Photo shows the Olympic Cauldron Park at the south end of Rice-Eccles Stadium. Congratulations to Ashley Hind, winner of the Mar. 11, 2009 FYI Mystery Photo Contest! Ashley was randomly selected from the pool of contestants who sent in the correct answer. She works as the data integrity program manager for the Central Development Office in Research Park—keeping information on our donor database up to date and accurate Ashley received two tickets to see Arlo Guthrie at Kingsbury Hall on Sunday, March 29, courtesy of Kingsbury Hall. A big thanks to Kingsbury Hall for contributing the prize! And thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. We invite you to try your luck again with the Apr. 8 FYI News. |
U SAVING ENERGY
Since the U’s behavioral energy-saving program began in July 2003 the U has saved the equivalent of the carbon sequestered by 1,926,353 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
TIP: Did you know that screen savers do not save energy but giving your computer a nap does? Enable power management features so your computer monitor and hard drive will go into a low power (blank screen) "sleep mode" when not actively in use.
Source: U of U Energy Management. For questions, suggestions, or more information contact Bianca Shama (hotlink to Bianca.shama@fm.utah.edu) or call (801) 585-1171.
DEALING WITH THE BUDGET CUTS
SUGGESTIONS FROM
FACULTY AND STAFF
Attention faculty and staff:
FYI News continually invites you to send in your suggestions for dealing with the campus budget cuts. Your ideas will be forwarded to Vice President David Pershing for his review. Although he is not able to respond personally, he will read them all. We will continue to post a sampling of the responses on this site.
Send your suggestions to FYI News.
From the week of Mar. 9, 2009
LOCK IN A TUITION RATE NOW
There are plenty of struggling students paying for tuition, but there are an equal number of students with parents picking up the tab for their education. Those parents are much more likely to be in a financially secure position. Why not allow parents to pre-pay student tuition, locking in the current rate of tuition and avoiding the 4-10 percent increase the U makes to tuition and fees every year—it’s the best return on their money in this market. Educating students is a sunk cost for the U. Educating at a discount in future years to avoid dissolving critical programs would be worth it and is essentially a “university stimulus” to weather this difficult time for the U.
ALLOW MORE ADVERTISING ON CAMPUS
A video billboard here or there in major arteries with messages from the U and advertisers could provide a handsome sum of soft money—change the policies to allow this.
VOLUNTARY EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Allow staff to take a full-time voluntarily leave of absence to pursue advancing their education through a graduate degree. Maintain the commitment for reduced tuition and guarantee their return placement to their jobs.
—Josh
CONSIDER GOING TRAYLESS
Many universities across the country are “going trayless” in their cafeterias. Elimination of the large trays used to carry items to the table saves, energy, water, and food. Some studies claim as much as a 50 percent savings. Not only does it save money it also lessens our environmental footprint and increases our sustainability. See an article from USA Today online (hotlink to: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-07-22-trays-college-cafeterias_N.htm). A white paper on the subject (hotlink to http://www.aramarkhighered.com/pdfs/articles/ARAMARK%20Trayless%20Dining%20July%202008%20FINAL.PDF) created by Aramark Food Services can also be found online.
—James
