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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Friday, March 7. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

OSU MEDICAL CENTER LEADS AREA JOB GROWTH

The OSU Medical Center created 3,742 new jobs over the last six years accounting for nearly 50 percent of the region’s net employment gains. At the same time seven of the area’s top 20 employers reduced jobs, according to an economic impact report released this week by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The study examined the central Ohio market’s employment gains from March 2001 through March 2007. Read more >

SCULPTURE STUDENTS’ ART TAKES OVER DAIRY BUILDING

Students in the Department of Art are exploring the relationship between art and historic Vivian Hall, once home to the university’s dairy plant and agricultural/food science laboratories. Professor Malcolm Cochran obtained permission for the mostly vacant building to be used for site-specific installations by undergraduate and graduate students. The public is invited to view their work during “An Evening with Vivian” from 6-9 p.m. Sunday (3/9) at Vivian Hall. Contact: 292-5072. Read more >

OFF-CAMPUS CORE AREA LIGHTING PROJECT DEDICATED

Columbus and Ohio State officials, OSU students and the community participated in a dedication of the Street Lighting Improvements Project for the OSU Off-Campus Core Area on Thursday (3/6) at Summit United Methodist Church on East 16th Avenue. The ceremony, attended by Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and OSU President E. Gordon Gee, marked the completion of the project that resulted in 150 new streetlights in the off-campus area. Installation began in September. Contact: Rick Tilton, Public Utilities, 645-6622

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS SPRING FACULTY AND STUDENT GRANTS

International Affairs is seeking applications for its Spring Faculty and Student Grant Competition. The purpose of the grant program is to promote the understanding of foreign countries, cultures and peoples through academic study. Projects can explore languages, arts and politics, as well as address global issues in a regional context such as public health and public policy. Applications are due Friday (3/28). For a list of requirements and an application form, visit http://oia.osu.edu.

2007 FSA PLAN YEAR FILING DEADLINE MARCH 31

The deadline for submitting Flexible Spending Account reimbursement requests for the 2007 plan year is Monday (3/31). Eligible expenses had to be incurred between Jan. 1, 2007 and Feb. 29, 2008. Forms may be sent via U.S. mail or dropped off at Suite 300, 1590 N. High St. Requests received after Monday (3/31) will not be processed and any remaining balance will be forfeited per IRS guidelines. To verify current account balance, click on the FSA Online link at hr.osu.edu/benefits/healthflex.htm. FSA reimbursement request forms available online. Contact: service@hr.osu.edu or 292-1050.

PORTION OF NEIL AVENUE CLOSING MARCH 10

As preparations continue for the start of construction on the new Lane Avenue Parking Garage and Student Academic Services building, the section of Neil Avenue between Lane Avenue and the east Tuttle 3 parking lot entrance will be closed for utility roadwork on Monday (3/10). The closure is expected to last one to two weeks, weather permitting. For details, visit the Transportation and Parking Services Web site.

4-H CENTER TOUR AND TASTING EVENT MARCH 19

You and a guest are invited to participate in the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center Tours and Tasting from 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday (3/19). Enjoy tours of the new, state-of-the art center, located across the street from the Schottenstein Center, that offers meeting spaces for up to 400 guests, and taste food from Columbus' best gourmet restaurants. RSVP to Amelia Brashear at brashear.1@osu.edu.

REC SPORTS FREE WEEK MARCH 10-16

Faculty and staff with a valid university ID are invited to use the OSU recreation facilities for free Monday (3/10)-Sunday (3/16). This is the perfect opportunity to try a group fitness class for free and enjoy family hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Register at the RPAC Welcome Center or Adventure Recreation Center. Read more >

OSC HOSTS SUPERCOMPUTING WORKSHOP

The Ohio Supercomputer Center on West Campus is hosting a workshop, Supercomputing at the Ohio Supercomputer Center, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday (4/3) at OSC. The free workshop will provide an overview of OSC’s supercomputing and related resources offered to Ohio academic researchers and their collaborators. To register, contact trn-contact@osc.edu or 292-0890. Read more >

REC SPORTS OFFERS LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSE

The Department of Recreational Sports Age Groups and Camps Program is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course Spring Quarter for members and non-members. Registration ends Wednesday (4/2) and classes begin Sunday (4/6). Details are available online, or contact 292-8787.