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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Wednesday, Jan. 2. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

OSU, LSU TEAM UP TO HELP NEW ORLEANS COMMUNITY

During their trip to New Orleans for the National Championship game, a group of university representatives, including administrators, trustees, coaches' wives, and students, will team up with Louisiana State University representatives at the area Boys & Girls Club, where they'll renovate two baseball diamonds that were destroyed when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. It won't be the first time Buckeyes have reached out to the Big Easy. Since Katrina hit in 2005, Ohio State has had a strong presence in helping the region rebuild. Read highlights of their efforts online at www.osu.edu/features/2008/nola/

OSU POLICE OFFER SAFETY TIPS FOR A SAFE BCS BOWL TRIP

Traveling to New Orleans to see the Buckeyes take on the LSU Tigers in the national championship game on Monday (1/7)? The university’s Division of Police has compiled a document, “Safety Tips for a Safe BCS Bowl Trip,” to help you have a safe and pleasurable trip. The document is available on the Public Safety Web page. Read more >

SECOND EPISODE OF IMIX AIRS ON BIG TEN NETWORK

Ohio State will air a second episode of the non-sports program “iMix” on the Big Ten Network at 5 p.m. Thursday (1/3), 5 a.m. Monday (1/7), and 11 a.m. Thursday (1/9). Viewers can currently watch the first and second episodes of “iMix” at www.wosu.org/imix. The second episode features projects going on at ACCAD; a segment on fish farming from OSU’s South Centers Aquaculture Development Center; a visit to the Museum of Biological Diversity; and a trip to Italy where OSU students travel to study the language, attend music classes, and perform an opera for local audiences. iMix is produced by WOSU Public Media.

FEELING BLUE? EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CAN HELP

If the winter blues have got you down, the University Faculty and Staff Assistance Program can help pick you up. All faculty and staff, as well as their immediate family members, may take advantage of the free, confidential counseling service. Licensed, experienced professionals will advise on personal or work-related issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, conflict management and grief and loss. Call 292-4472 or (800) 678-6265 to speak with a counselor. You will receive a response within 24 hours. Read more >

JEFFERSON ACADEMY OF MUSIC OFFERS DISCOUNTS TO OSU COMMUNITY, FAMILY

Jefferson Academy of Music, the community music academy located in the OSU School of Music, provides music lessons for non-music majors in most instruments and voice. All students, faculty, staff and family are eligible for a 5 percent OSU discount. To request a catalogue of the program, including the cost and benefits included, contact 292-2693 or jeffacad@osu.edu

COSI AFTER DARK JAN. 4

University Housing is hosting its annual COSI After Dark event from 7 p.m.-midnight Friday (1/4/08). Admission to COSI is free with a valid BuckID. The entire facility will be open to the OSU community, family and friends. Enjoy movies showing in the COSI Extreme Screen theatre, a live DJ, henna tattoos, balloon sculptures, and other activities. Transportation is available at the Hale Center, Drake Union, Blackburn, and Buckeye Village Community Center bus stops beginning at 6:45 p.m. Buses will continuously loop every 25-minutes until midnight. Contact: 292-3930 or hallam.13@osu.edu

EXCESS FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE FREE TO FACULTY AND STAFF

Approximately 200 doses of the flu vaccine will be available free of charge to Ohio State employees from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday (1/8/08) and Thursday (1/10/08) at the University Health Connection, 100 Parks Hall. Schedule an appointment online at www.osumhcs.com/wellness/ (click on Flu Shot Sign-Up). Your employee ID number will be necessary to register. You also will need to present your employee ID number and photo identification at your appointment. Please wear a short-sleeve shirt. The free flu vaccinations are courtesy of the university’s Faculty and Staff Wellness Program.