August 26, 2009
WELCOME BACK!
Before we get swept up in the work required to start a new year, I hope you find a moment to reflect on our remarkable achievements and very bright future.
I continue to marvel at the outstanding work our community of scholars and researchers accomplishes in positioning the U as a premier institution of learning and discovery. Our dedicated faculty provides students with a truly extraordinary education—one that offers opportunities for hands-on research that is unique in our state. We do more than disseminate knowledge here; we create it. Our students, coming from every corner of the state and all around the globe, continue to reach new heights both locally and on the world stage, bringing honor to the U through their scholarship and service. Our dedicated staff continues to keep this educational jewel moving in the right direction (despite some rigorous challenges).
Over the past year, we handled difficult budget cuts with courage and innovation, learned to live with construction interruptions because of the brilliant future they promise, and even challenged the constraints of the BCS on the field and in the halls of Congress. I expect other challenges will crop up this year as well—and I know we will face them with the same spirit of creativity and determination that has long distinguished the University of Utah.
As we begin the 2009-2010 academic year, please join me in celebrating our progress and our determination. Like you, I am extraordinarily honored to be a part of Utah’s most remarkable academic asset. Where else could you find an institution so perfectly equipped to prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators, so passionately determined to uncover and share knowledge, or so supremely committed to building local and global partnerships. What a marvelous time to be here at the U!
Michael K. Young
President, University of Utah
MARRIOTT LIBRARY RENOVATION IS COMPLETE!
In early August the west entrance to the Marriott Library reopened, marking the long-awaited completion of a four-year renovation project. The milestone will be celebrated in several ways: On the evening of Friday, Oct. 2, the library will host a special thank-you event for U students, complete with a D.J. and dancing, movies, and a burrito extravaganza. The library will be formally rededicated on Monday, Oct. 26 with a program that features an address by former First Lady Laura Bush.
New spaces in the Marriott Library include the Grand Reading Room and adjoining garden terrace, which provide areas for quiet study and reflection; the Knowledge Commons, an information and technology student center; and Mom’s Café on level 1, which provides seating for 70. Other features include the Advanced Technology Studio to support digital scholarship, the Automated Retrieval Center (ARC) for efficient robotic collection management, 20 high-tech classrooms, and state-of-the-art preservation facilities.
Watch for an article about the Marriott Library renovation in the fall issue of Continuum magazine, due early September and available online at www.continuum.utah.edu.
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY BREAKS GROUND ON SKAGGS PHARMACY INSTITUTE
A $69 million research facility—the L.S. Skaggs Pharmacy Institute—will provide a new home for the College of Pharmacy, whose faculty currently are scattered across campus in six different buildings. The new facility will foster interdisciplinary research to discover new treatments for diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. The structure also will house the Utah Poison Control Center, which is under the direction of the college. The new building will be located adjacent to—and connected to—L.S. Skaggs Hall, the current pharmacy building. Built in 1965, it was named in honor of L.S. Skaggs, Sr.
The College of Pharmacy is nationally recognized for training pharmacy professionals and for research into new medications and drug delivery systems. It is currently ranked second among all colleges of pharmacy by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for peer-reviewed research, and has been ranked among the top four pharmacy colleges in the country since 1975. Its doctor of pharmacy program currently ranks #16 in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.
John Mauger, dean, says the need for a new building is similar to what the college faced in 1965 when it moved into the current facility. “In 1964, the Skaggs family made a generous donation that allowed us to build our current college and move out of the top floor of what had been the former women’s gymnasium building,” he says. “We’re as excited today as our predecessors were 45 years ago.”
STUDENTS SCORE A WIN FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Concerned students got creative and, using a Facebook blitz, successfully lobbied lawmakers to get full funding—$1.5 million—restored to the New Century Scholarships (http://www.utahnewcentury.org/) for the coming school year. The scholarship covers up to 75 percent of college tuition for two years in exchange for the student earning an associate degree while still in high school. Last month, in response to an 8 percent cut in funding from lawmakers, the Utah State Board of Regents made the decision to cut the scholarships to 40 percent of tuition for this school year and 25 percent for 2010-11. They also decided to cut newly-awarded Regents Scholarship Exemplary Awards to 55 percent of tuition for this school year and an undetermined amount for 2010-11. But after 1,200 people joined a Facebook group called “We’re NOT okay with New Century and Regent Scholarship Cuts!!!,” and encouraged each other to flood lawmakers with e-mails asking for the scholarships to be restored, the regents did just that. The Aug. 17 agreement does not, however, apply to the Regents’ Scholarship Exemplary Awards, but higher education officials would like to fully restore that one as well. The additional funds will most likely come from within the higher education budget. Nearly 1,500 students will receive New Century Scholarships this year. Last year 116 students received the Regents’ Scholarship Exemplary Awards. In making their case, students said they had spent all of high school working toward the scholarships based on the understanding that 75 percent of their tuition would be covered. One student commented, “It’s a really good lesson for those of us who worked so hard to get it restored that if you get involved with the government you can make a difference.”
At deadline for FYI News, the Salt Lake Tribune reports that, although New Century Scholarship funds have been fully restored for this school year, future changes to the program are likely.
WOMEN’S CLUB CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL
1909 – 2009
In the fall of 1909, Jane Kingsbury, wife of the president of the U, invited a group of faculty wives to her home to discuss the formation of a club to foster friendships and increase their interest in the University. By necessity, the group was small, since there were only 38 faculty members at the U. But that first meeting was the beginning of a century-long endeavor by women associated with the school to provide support for the U and service to the community. Today, the club retains several interest groups (literature, music, book club, and bridge, to name a few) and focuses first and foremost on raising money for scholarships for undergraduate women. The organization welcomes all women associated with the University—faculty wives, faculty, and staff—as well as women from the community who have an interest in supporting the University. During its centennial, the University of Utah Women’s Club celebrates the strength, courage, and vision of those original 27 women founders and continues to promote the mission of the University—especially in the education of women—through the awarding of endowed scholarships.
The University of Utah Women’s Club will hold a membership tea on Monday, Sept. 14, at the Rosenblatt House. Additional information is available online (http://web.utah.edu/wc/).
U TO DEVELOP CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR CAMPUS
Myron Willson has been going full force since he took over in July as the new director for the Office of Sustainability (http://www.sustainability.utah.edu). As a local architect and adjunct professor, Willson is heading up a number of projects with a primary focus on the U’s Climate Action Plan. The plan is a requirement of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/)—a document signed by President Young on Earth Day 2008 and now signed by presidents of more than 650 colleges and universities across the United States—committing each institution to achieving varying degrees of climate neutrality.
Using a greenhouse gas inventory completed in May 2009, the Office of Sustainability will be working with offices and departments across campus to develop a comprehensive action plan to guide the U of U toward becoming climate neutral. The plan will focus on carbon reductions within the areas of transportation, food systems, building design, and curriculum. The process will include opportunities for involvement and contribution by the campus community. If you are interested in helping formulate the U’s Climate Action Plan, contact Myron Willson (myron.willson@sustainability.utah.edu) or call (801) 585-3173.
UTA ADDS ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS TO FRONTRUNNER AND TRAX SERVICE
Faster FrontRunner trips, better bus connections, and new flexible bus routes are among many service improvements now in effect.
Since Aug. 24, UTA has made some additional improvements to its service:
- Faster trips between Ogden and Salt Lake
- Better express bus connections providing 15-minute peak service to Salt Lake City from Roy and Clearfield Stations
- A new 200 South bus route—“Route 2 to the U”—that now takes you from Salt Lake Central Station to downtown and the U of U
- Continuation of the popular FrontRunner Group Pass
Schedule and service details are online (http://www.rideuta.com).
UTES SEEK TO TAKE BACK BLOOD-DRIVE TITLE
Do you want to help break Utah State’s winning streak in the annual Bleed Red blood drive? The seventh annual blood drive competition between the U of U and USU will take place from Friday, Aug. 28, until game day on Thursday, Sept. 3. The Utes have won the battle on the football field for years, but Utah State has taken home the trophy for the blood drive competition the last five years. (Last year USU won with a total donation of 1,235 units to Utah’s 1,054.) This year, U of U students are determined to win on the football field and with blood donations. The competition is open to anyone who would like to donate blood, and all donations made at the U will go to University Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Primary Children’s Medical Center, or Shriners Hospital for Children. Of the 43 hospitals in Utah, these four hospitals use around 25 percent of the blood transfused in the state. Donors should bring photo ID and plan to spend 35 to 45 minutes to complete the paperwork, the mini-physical, and give blood. To be eligible, participants must weigh at least 110 pounds, be 18 years old, and be in generally good health. For a list of Bleed Red blood drive dates and locations, see the table below.
Aug. 28-Sept. 3 Friday, Aug. 28 Monday, Aug. 31 Tuesday, Sept. 1 Wednesday, Sept. 2 Thursday, Sept. 3 |
PBS’S DINOSAUR TRAIN FEATURES NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM EXPERT
Scott Sampson educates kids on new series from The Jim Henson Company
Our own Scott Sampson, research curator at the Utah Museum of Natural History and adjunct professor in the College of Geology and Geophysics, is the science advisor and on-air host of a new series for preschoolers from PBS called Dinosaur Train. Produced by the Jim Henson Company, the show starts this fall and will run weekdays on KUED-7 at 8:30 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. A two-hour preview will air at those times on Labor Day (Sept. 7). Dinosaur Train celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills as the audience learns about natural science, natural history, and paleontology. According to Sampson, each of the 40 half-hour episodes features “cool and colorful” animation. Sampson appears on each 11-minute segment to highlight the science behind the stories. “Rather than being solely about dinosaurs, the show uses dinosaurs (as trains!) as a vehicle to get preschoolers excited about nature. It’s been a whole lot of fun and I look forward to the Labor Day première,” he says. For additional information, contact KUED-7 (http://www.kued.org/?area=contactUs).
Bring your family to meet Scott Sampson, host of Dinosaur Train, and Buddy, one of the characters on the show, on Saturday, Sept. 5, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Utah Museum of Natural History. U faculty and staff are free with the UCard.
NEWS FROM CAMPUS REC
- DISC GOLF NOW OFFERED ON CAMPUS
Grab your Frisbee and head for the green! Campus Recreation Services is pleased to announce the construction of a new disc golf course located on the remaining green space from the former golf course. This new recreational space offers 18 scenic holes and is located between Wasatch Drive and Mario Capecchi Drive. Play is first come, first served and disc sets are available for rental at the Outdoor Recreation Program office, Einar Nielson Field House, HPER Complex, and Heritage Center. More information is online (http://www.utah.edu/campusrec).
- SIGN UP NOW FOR FALL FITNESS PROGRAMS
Get fit for fall—from belly dance to tennis and everything in between, including break dance, disc golf, Latin dance, Pilates, adult/children swim, yoga, yogalates. Campus Rec has something for everyone in its line-up of fall fitness programs. Group X and personal enrichment classes also are offered in various types of cardio and fitness classes. Online registration is now open and in-person registration begins Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Field House. Classes start Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Check out the classes for free during “free week” between Monday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 5 (excludes tennis and swim classes).
Additional Field House features include personal training, a 5,000-square-foot cardio area, and a free-weight center—and don’t forget to check out the new cable weight equipment.
- FITPASS
Beginning fall semester Campus Rec offers a new FITPASS program. For a fee of $55 you are eligible to attend any Group X class that suits your interests, goals, and time constraints. You may attend as many classes as you want, whenever you want. Classes are on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited in number of participants. For more information on how the FITPASS works, contact Cheri Jenkins (cjenkins@crs.utah.edu) or call (801) 581-8898.
- INTRAMURAL PROGRAM IS FOR EVERYONE
The intramural program offers many leagues in a variety of sports including flag football, soccer, and basketball. Campus Rec also has individual sports such as tennis and racquetball. Although a majority of participants register as full teams, individuals without teams may register as free agents for a chance to be put on a team. Faculty and staff who are members of Campus Recreation Services are eligible to participate. Why not form your own team to compete against those 20-something students? For more information on intramural sports, contact Julian Gomez (jgomez@crs.utah.edu) or call (801) 581-3797.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
An abundance of opportunities to be of service
- UTAH MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Share your passion for art, culture, and learning by volunteering at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. The UMFA is seeking enthusiastic people to act as docents, family program volunteers, and visitor service representatives. Training programs enable all volunteers to develop effective communication skills, gain knowledge about the permanent collection and special exhibitions, and provide public service. In addition, docents receive special art history education opportunities. Volunteer training and shifts are available on weekdays and weekends to fit your schedule. For more information on applications, or to arrange an interview, contact Amy Edwards (aedwards@umfa.utah.edu), call (801) 585-9875, or visit the museum online (http://www.umfa.utah.edu). Applications are due Tuesday, Sept. 22.
- EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY: SEPT. 24
Can you help with the soccer or football field goal kick? Dole out pizza, snow cones, or drinks? Help with exhibit and vendor tables? Staff the entry gate, help with take down, or be a helper-at-large? Your services are needed! And to show appreciation, volunteers who work a two-hour shift will receive a pair of tickets to a Utah Athletics event. Training will be provided. To sign up, contact Shanna Erickson (shanna.erickson@vpers.admin.utah.edu) by Monday, Aug. 31. For more information about Employee Appreciation Day, contact Susie Johnson at (801) 581-8365 or check online (http://www.hr.utah.edu/).
NEW OPTIONS FOR W-2 FORMS
Going GREEN: Employees can elect to receive their Form W-2 electronically and view W-2s back to 2001
The U recently made it possible for employees to elect to only receive the W-2 Wage and Tax Statement electronically. This choice has several advantages:
- Employees will be able to access their Form W-2 a couple of days earlier, because they will not have to wait for it to be delivered in the mail.
- Sensitive personal information will not be sent through the mail.
- For employees eligible to file a tax return electronically with the IRS, no paper copy of the W-2 is required so natural resources are saved by not printing and mailing W-2 forms.
- In these tight budgetary times, this will have a positive impact on the University’s budget.
Here’s how to sign up now to take advantage of this opportunity:
- Sign on to the CIS (https://gate.acs.utah.edu/psp/plpr/EMPLOYEE/EMPL/h/?tab=PAPP_GUEST) and click the Employee tab (if it is not your default tab).
- Under My Human Resources/Payroll, click on Payroll, Taxes and Salary.
- Click Paperless W2 to access the option to select to receive your Form W-2 electronically.
In addition, you now have the ability to access at any time your W-2 forms back to 2001. To view your past W-2 forms:
- Sign on to the CIS (https://gate.acs.utah.edu/psp/plpr/EMPLOYEE/EMPL/h/?tab=PAPP_GUEST)and click the Employee tab (if it is not your default tab).
- Click W-2 Form Reprint to access your W-2 forms back to 2001.
For additional information, contact Tax Services & Payroll Accounting at (801) 581-3428 or visit online (http://fbs.admin.utah.edu/index.php/tax-services/asktax/).
NEWS ON SAFETY CLASSES FOR RESEARCHERS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL PICKUP
- SAFETY CLASSES
Environmental Health and Safety offers Biosafety Level 2 and Chemical Hygiene classes. This compliance training addresses the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and Hazardous Chemicals In Laboratories requirements, respectively. Faculty, staff and students who work with Risk Group 2 infectious microorganisms, Viral vectors or recombinant DNA (r-DNA) at BSL-2, Biological toxins, Human or primate blood/tissues/body fluids/cells, or cell culture should participate in the Biosafety Level 2 class prior to beginning research with these agents. Faculty, staff, and students who work with flammable, corrosive, toxic, oxidizing, air or water reactive chemicals in the research laboratory should receive training in Chemical Hygiene. Find course descriptions and registration under Lab Safety online (http://training.ehs.utah.edu/.
- HAZARDOUS MATERIAL PICKUP
Environmental Health and Safety has implemented a new system for hazardous material pickup on campus. The Lab Management System will allow waste generators to see in real time whether a request has been entered properly and when it has been picked up. It will also format container labels for printing. Materials can be added to an existing request and replacement containers requested among other features. EHS is confident that the Lab Management System will provide a lot more functionality for campus users and facilitate required record keeping. See more online (http://www.ehs.utah.edu/LMS.html). Questions may be sent here (questions@ihs.utah.edu).
UPCOMING ON CAMPUS
All campus events are listed in the U’s online events calendar—are yours? If not, contact Lisa Westlind or call (801) 581-5819.
• FARMERS MARKET
Each Thursday through Oct. 8, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Webster’s Lawn, east of Pioneer Memorial Theatre
Additional information is online (http://www.hr.utah.edu/wellu/farmers_market/index.php).
• VOLLEYBALL SEASON OPENER VS. ARIZONA STATE
Friday, Aug. 28, 7:00 p.m.
Utah Crimson Court (HPER East)
Watch the women's volleyball team take on Arizona State in the Utah Classic—the first home game of the season.
• TRANSPORTATION FAIR
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Marriott Library, West Entrance
As part of Welcome Week, the transportation fair provides an opportunity to learn about Commuter Services programs, bike lockers, and the ins and outs of the shuttle service. Utah Transit Authority (UTA) will provide new schedules for TRAX, FrontRunner and buses, and planning office staff will be on hand with maps. Energy-efficient vehicles will be on display, as well as research results by faculty and students on the moonbuggy and the Key2SafeDriving program. Be sure to see Marriott Library’s Special Collections display of vintage transportation photos, such as the one shown here of a horse drawn trolley. Additional Welcome Week events can be found at online (http://www.sa.utah.edu/welcomeweek).
• UTAH FOOTBALL OPENER
Thursday, Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m.
Rice-Eccles Stadium
Don’t miss the season opener when Utah goes against Utah State University right here on our home turf. Ticket information is online (https://www.nmnathletics.com/tickets/TicketHome.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=1400).
• DINO EXPERT SCOTT SAMPSON AT UMNH
Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
UMNH, free admission with your UCard
See the related article in this issue of FYI News.
• GOULD LECTURE: SPUTNIK’S CONNECTION TO GPS SPACECRAFT DEVELOPMENT
with Peter G. Wilhelm, Director, Naval Center for Space Technology, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 12 noon, free and open to all
Marriott Library, Gould Auditorium
A brief history of the National Research Laboratory’s earliest pioneering efforts in the U.S. space program beginning in 1946 will provide a backdrop for understanding how their efforts led to the development of a scientific program to launch and track satellites, among them the first Global Positioning Satellite. Hear more about satellites and other futuristic technologies currently under development to benefit society. For more information contact Mary Ross (mary.ross@utah.edu) or call (801) 581-7791.
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
A new Web site (http://www.digit.utah.edu/cit/cit.html)—just in time for the beginning of fall semester—provides information that will make it easier for those who are driving and walking through campus to avoid delays due to construction. A new interactive map uses red triangles to show the location of traffic congestion and road closures. Roll over the symbols with your computer mouse to get the time frame and description of the traffic impact. Additional features of the site include:
- Yellow construction zones that show active areas of construction where heavy equipment is operating.
- A “query” function that displays the location of future construction on a specific date chosen by the user.
- Map layers that can be turned on to show different views (click on “set visible layers,” then click the appropriate box to display the desired layer.
Take a few minutes to explore this new resource—it’ll make getting around on campus easier!
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. For any specific project, contact the Campus Design and Construction at (801) 581-6883 to be directed to the respective project manager.
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, Aug. 31 for a chance to win two tickets to the first home football game vs. Utah State on Sept. 3 at 7:00 p.m., courtesy of Utah Athletics. The winner will be randomly selected from the pool of those submitting the correct answer and will be listed in the Sept. 9 FYI News.
Thanks to Utah Athletics 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 Aug. 12 FYI Mystery Photo (this was a tough one!) shows the Henry Eyring (chemistry) Building and sub-level D.M. Grant NMR Center (http://www.nmrc.utah.edu/). New magnets recently were installed in this sub-level research center. Congratulations to Lisa Reynolds, winner of the Aug. 12 FYI Mystery Photo Contest! Lisa was randomly selected from the pool of 47 contestants who sent in the correct answer. Lisa began working in the ER of the original hospital when it was housed in what is now the ENT Clinic of the School of Medicine. “I finished at the U and came back as a nurse in 1991 and have been here ever since,” she says. Lisa currently works with the Quality and Patient Safety Department as a Quality Improvement Specialist. “Thank you so much! I am thrilled to have won the Mystery Photo Contest and very much appreciate the opportunity to have obtained this amazing prize!” she says. Lisa received a tandem or solo weekend recreational kayak package, courtesy of Campus Recreation. A big thanks to Campus Rec for providing the prize. And thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. We invite you to try your luck again with the Sept. 9 FYI News. |
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
A new Web site (http://www.digit.utah.edu/cit/cit.html)—just in time for the beginning of fall semester—provides information that will make it easier for those who are driving and walking through campus to avoid delays due to construction. A new interactive map uses red triangles to show the location of traffic congestion and road closures. Roll over the symbols with your computer mouse to get the time frame and description of the traffic impact. Additional features of the site include:
- Yellow construction zones that show active areas of construction where heavy equipment is operating.
- A “query” function that displays the location of future construction on a specific date chosen by the user.
- Map layers that can be turned on to show different views (click on “set visible layers,” then click the appropriate box to display the desired layer.
Take a few minutes to explore this new resource—it’ll make getting around on campus easier!
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. For any specific project, contact the Campus Design and Construction at (801) 581-6883 to be directed to the respective project manager.
