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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Wednesday, March 26. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

STUDENTS WITH CELL PHONES MAY TAKE MORE RISKS, STUDY FINDS

Carrying a cell phone may cause some college students - especially women - to take risks with their safety, a new study suggests. A survey of 305 students at one campus found that 40 percent of cell phone users said they walked somewhere after dark that they normally wouldn't go. A separate survey found that about three-quarters of students said that carrying a cell phone while walking alone at night made them feel somewhat or a lot safer. "Students seem to feel less vulnerable when they carry a cell phone, although there's not evidence that they really are," said Jack Nasar, co-author of the study and professor of city and regional planning at Ohio State University. "If anything, they are probably less safe because they are paying less attention to their surroundings." Read more >

OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SPEAK AT HILLEL

Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann will present "Importance of Law and Ethics in Our Society" at 7 p.m. Tuesday (4/1) at OSU Hillel, 46 E. 16th Ave. Dann played a critical role in the investigation of "Coingate," the scandal surrounding the investment of $50 million by the Bureau of Workers Compensation in rare coins peddled by Tom Noe, a long-time fundraiser. Contact kurland.3@osu.edu or 294-4797

MORGAN SPURLOCK FYE SPEAKER

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience will welcome Morgan Spurlock as the First-Year Distinguished Speaker on Thursday (4/10) at 7:30 p.m. in Weigel Hall Auditorium. Academy Award-nominated Spurlock will talk about his experiences as a documentary filmmaker and about the 30 Days episode "Minimum Wage"-- set in Columbus-where he tries to survive for 30 days on $5.15 an hour. Tickets will be available to the campus community and general public on Thursday (3/3). Tickets can be picked up in 120 Enarson Hall. Contact: schultz.173@osu.edu

COLLEGE TEACHING SERIES CONTINUES APRIL 2

The College Teaching Series continues spring quarter with sessions on teaching issues designed primarily for novice TAs and faculty. However, all instructors are invited to attend and will find useful information about improving teaching. The first session, "How Understanding Learning Styles Can Improve Teaching and Learning" will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday (4/2) in 150 Younkin Success Center. Register online. Contact: ftad@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 here. FSA reimbursement request forms available online. Contact: service@hr.osu.edu or 292-1050

UPCOMING FACULTY SURVEY

Faculty will receive an email on April 2 requesting their participation in a survey about their experiences at The Ohio State. The survey will allow Ohio State to take part in a larger collection of data on faculty satisfaction, workload, and climate that is being conducted by the American Association of Universities. It was developed by the Office of Institutional Research and Planning at the president's and provost's request. The results of previous surveys may be found here. The 2008 survey results will be tallied and posted to that address early this summer. Read more >

STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP FOR DEPARTMENT CHAIRS 4/2

Strategic Planning Overview," a workshop for department chairs, school directors, and division heads, will be held on Wednesday (4/2) from 9-11 a.m. in Suite 430 at 1590 N. High Street (Gateway). Registration is required. Contact: 292-2800.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR 2009-10 FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Ohio State faculty and professionals are encouraged to apply to the Fulbright Scholar Program if they are interested in lecturing or conducting research abroad, or participating in international seminars. The Council for the International Exchange of Scholars is accepting applications now for grants that will be available to use in 2009-2010. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, there are opportunities available in nearly 130 countries and in a wide variety of disciplines. The Office of International Affairs is the representative for the Fulbright Scholar Program on the Ohio State campus.

REGISTER FOR COSI'S FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHTS

COSI's Family Friday Nights and the OSU Center for Family Research presents "Top 10 Issues Related to Special Education" with Dr. Stephen Gavazzi as facilitator from 7-8 p.m. Friday (3/28) at the Central High Exploration Space at COSI. The program is included in the price for Family Friday Night admission ($7 per person and free for COSI members). To register, call Robbi Spanoudis at 598-0684 or email spanoudis.1@osu.edu.