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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Friday, March 16. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

OSU EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER GETS $1 MILLION BOOST

A gift of $1 million by JPMorgan Chase to the College of Education and Human Ecology will champion children and families in the economically distressed Weinland Park area. The gift supports construction and programming in the Early Childhood Development Center, the college’s cornerstone in a partnership to enhance early childhood education and family well being as a stimulant to economic development and success. The gift was announced Thursday (3/15) during a ceremony at the site of the new center - expected to be completed in June 2007. Read More >

NEW CELL TYPE IDENTIFIED IN CANCER DEVELOPMENT

Scientists have discovered a new type of cell that appears to play a role in the development of cancer - a highly volatile, precancerous stem cell that can either remain benign or become malignant, depending upon environmental cues. The finding may help define the role of cancer stem cells in the growth and recurrence of the disease as well as offer new options for cancer prevention, detection and treatment. The team of scientists was led by Jian-Xin Gao, a researcher in the department of pathology at the OSU Medical Center. Read More >

HR SYSTEM UPGRADE WILL IMPACT FSA PROCESSING

Human Resources, OSU Medical Center, Research Foundation, and Information Technology will be upgrading the Human Resources system from version 8.0 to version 8.9 Friday (3/23)-Wednesday (3/28). A temporary suspension on the processing of Flexible Spending Account reimbursement checks will occur during the system downtime. FSA claims submitted Monday (3/26)-Friday (3/30) will be processed the following week. Normal processing of FSA claims will resume on Monday (4/2) and FSA reimbursement checks submitted during the system downtime will be mailed on Friday (4/6). Contact: 292-5372 or fsa@hr.osu.edu
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CONSTRUCTION ON 12TH AVENUE TO IMPACT TRAFFIC

Beginning Saturday (3/17), 12th Avenue will be reduced to one lane between the Biomedical Research Tower and Doan Hall for construction. Officers will be present to maintain traffic in both directions. The closure will also take place on the following dates: Monday (3/19), Sunday (3/25), Monday (3/26), Wednesday (3/28), and Friday (3/30). Read More >

LEWICKI TO ADDRESS AFPW LUNCHEON MARCH 28

The Association of Faculty and Professional Women will bring Roy J. Lewicki back to campus for a discussion on negotiations in the workplace at the Blackwell Hotel Ballroom at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday (3/28). The presentation is a follow-up to the January introductory session on negotiations, with a stronger emphasis on successful negotiations associated with job responsibilities and compensation packages. The January session is not a prerequisite to participate. Seating is limited. Register online at http://afpw.osu.edu. Contact: Amy Thaci, 292-0969

ARMITAGE GONE! DANCE DEBUT SET FOR MARCH 29

Armitage Gone! Dance, renowned choreographer Karole Armitage’s company, makes its Columbus debut at 8 p.m. Thursday (3/29) in the Thurber Theatre at the Drake Center. Tickets are $17 (members), $18 (general public), $15 (student) and $5 (teens) and are available through High 5 Tickets to the Arts. Contact the Wexner Center Ticket Office, 292-3535 or Ticketmaster, 431-3600 or www.ticketmaster.com. Contact: 292-3535. Read More >

APRIL 20 EVENT EXPLORES COMMUNITY/UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS

The Service-Learning Initiative and the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences will present a lecture and panel discussion for faculty, staff and community members on Friday (4/20) at 1590 N. High St., Suite 430 (Office of Human Resources). Kenneth Reardon, Cornell University, will deliver “Promoting Community/University Development Partnerships that Work: Lessons from East St. Louis” at 10 a.m., followed by the panel discussion at 11:15 a.m. and lunch at 12:15 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Monday (4/16) to slearning@osu.edu or 688-3041. Read More >

DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR VAUD-VILLITIES

OSU faculty, staff and students can receive $5 off the regular ticket prices to Vaud-Villities 2007 show, “That’s Entertainment Thru the Decades” featuring two hours of family entertainment with a cast of singers and dancers (including 10 OSU staff) performing music and dance numbers from the Roaring ‘20s to the New Millennium. Evening performances will take place at Veteran’s Memorial Thursday (4/12)-Saturday (4/14); matinee performances are at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (4/14) and Sunday (4/15). Discounted ticket prices are $23 (adults) and $13 (children under 12). Order by Tuesday (4/3). Order tickets online. Contact: privette.3@osu.edu or 688-3728. Read More >

WEIGHT WATCHERS AT WORK SESSION BEGINS MARCH 27

A free Weight Watchers informational meeting is scheduled for noon Tuesday (3/27) in the Gateway building, 1590 N. High St., Suite 430. Hosted by Human Resources, meetings will be held from noon-1 p.m. every Tuesday for 10 weeks. The cost for the program is $110 for new members and $100 for current or lifetime members with more than five pounds to lose. Participants enrolled in a university-sponsored medical plan may receive a 50-percent reimbursement through Your Plan for Health. For a list of OSU Weight Watchers at Work sessions, visit www.yourplanforhealth.com. Contact: clark.936@osu.edu or 292-4325