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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Monday, Feb. 18. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

WHEN PEOPLE FEEL POWERFUL, THEY IGNORE NEW OPINIONS, STUDY FINDS

Don’t bother trying to persuade your boss of a new idea while he’s feeling the power of his position - new research suggests he’s not listening to you. Powerful people have confidence in what they are thinking. Whether their thoughts are positive or negative toward an idea, that position is going to be hard to change, said Richard Petty, co-author of the study and OSU professor of psychology. The best way to get leaders to consider new ideas is to put them in a situation where they don’t feel as powerful, the research suggests. Read more >

MERSHON CENTER FURNISS AWARD AUTHOR TO DISCUSS BOOK

Jacques E.C. Hymans, assistant professor of government at Smith College and winner of the Mershon Center’s Edgar S. Furniss Book Award for “The Psychology of Nuclear Proliferation: Identity, Emotions, and Foreign Policy” (Cambridge University Press, 2006), will discuss his book at noon Monday (2/25) at the Mershon Center. In his book, Hymans explores why few states have acquired nuclear weapons even though dozens have long been capable of doing so. To reserve a seat, contact tompkins.46@osu.edu.
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USAC MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

The University Staff Advisory Committee is accepting membership applications for the 2008-2011 term. USAC maintains an active and participatory line of communication with the university community and provides a forum through which staff can raise, discuss and make recommendations on nonacademic issues and activities. The deadline for staff to submit applications to join USAC 2008-2011 term has been extended to Friday (2/29). The application is available online.

RETIREMENT CHOICES FORUM FEB. 20

Human Resources is hosting a forum from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday (2/20) at 1590 N. High St., Suite 430 for newly hired faculty and staff to help with decisions regarding their retirement choices under ARP/OPERS/STRS. The seminar is designed for faculty and staff who have an appointment of at least 75 percent FTE and have been with the university for less than 120 days. A benefits representative will review, compare and summarize the plan options under the OPERS/STRS retirement systems and the provisions of the Alternative Retirement Plan. Contact: 292-1050. Read more >

VOTE FOR LEADERSHIP AWARDS FEB. 18-29

Faculty and staff are encouraged to vote for two of this year’s Leadership Awards: the Student Organization Program and Student Organization Web site. A popular vote will account for 20 percent of each applicant’s overall score, with the remaining 80 percent coming from the judges’ review of application materials. Vote online (use your name.#) by Friday (2/29). Award recipients will be recognized at the annual Awards Celebration on Friday (5/16). Contact: pelletier.17@osu.edu

INTENSIVE CHINESE LANGUAGE STUDY PROGRAM INFO SESSION

The OSU Chinese Flagship Center, partnering with the OIA Study Abroad Program, is hosting an information session on Intensive Chinese Language Study in Qingdao, People’s Republic of China, from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday (2/19) in 145 Hagerty Hall. Students of all majors who can demonstrate an intermediate level, or high intermediate-advanced level of Chinese are eligible. Faculty and staff are encouraged to inform eligible students of this session. Contact: zong.7@osu.edu or 247-8906. Read more >

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE DAY

Volunteers are needed to guide small groups of girls to and from 24 different workshops during the 24th Women in Science Day to be held on campus Friday (3/14). About 300 girls in grades six-eight and their teachers will attend. OSU students, faculty and staff of either gender are invited to volunteer. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Drake Performance and Event Center Main Lounge. Please reply by Monday (3/3) to volunteer. Volunteers should be able to commit 1.5-hours at a minimum. Details are available online (click on volunteer opportunities for the OSU community). Contact: adamson.29@osu.edu or (740) 243-1454

SCHOOL DESEGREGATION REVISITED AT OHIO STATE LAW JOURNAL SYMPOSIUM

A national conversation on race in public policy, sparked by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2007 ruling on voluntary integration in public schools, will continue at the Ohio State Law Journal Symposium, “The School Desegregation Cases and the Uncertain Future of Racial Equality,” on Thursday (2/21) and Friday (2/22). Top legal scholars, social scientists and education experts will gather at the Moritz College of Law to explore the potential impact of this decision on the pursuit of racial equality in public schools and beyond. Read more >

TODAY: PUBLIC HEALTH DEAN TO PRESENT RESEARCH ON ELDERLY AND COGNITIVE DISORDERS

Stanley Lemeshow, dean of the College of Public Health will present details on his research as part of the college’s Public Health Seminar Series from 12:30-1:30 p.m. today (2/18) in M-008 Starling-Loving Hall. His research focuses on analyzing the vascular risk factors for vascular and cognitive disorders in a study of elderly people and possible correlations between Alzheimer’s and height, income and educational achievement. No RSVPs necessary. Contact: krenick@cph.osu.edu

FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE THROUGH OHIO BENEFIT BANK

The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks have launched a statewide effort to provide free federal and state income tax return preparation assistance to households with incomes below $54,000 per year. The assistance is offered through the Ohio Benefit Bank, a service that provides free tax and benefits help for low- and moderate-income Ohioans. For assistance, visit www.OBB.Ohio.Gov through Tuesday (4/15). Households earning less than $54,000 may utilize the site’s free online tax preparation program, use the site’s locator to find Benefit Bank counselor-assisted tax help or call the Benefit Bank hotline number at (800) 648-1176.