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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Thursday, June 21. OSUToday is published on Monday and Thursday during the summer. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

WETLANDS PROFESSOR RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

William Mitsch, director of Ohio State’s Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, recently received the Society of Wetland Scientists’ Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to wetland science, restoration and management. Mitsch is only the seventh scientist to receive the honor since 1996. The award honors wetlands scientists with a “distinguished and extensive career of consistent meritorious contributions to wetland science and … who have achieved special distinction in their career through sustained contributions to research, education, or policy in any field of wetlands science or management.” Read More >

ONCAMPUS BULLETIN BOARD ADDS REC SPORTS CATEGORY

So you’ve got eight people lined up for that recreational softball team, but it takes nine to play. Or maybe you’re tired of playing racquetball by yourself and ready for a partner. You can find those missing links in your sporting life by posting for players under the new “Recreational Sports” listing on the onCampus Bulletin Board. Want someone to practice yoga with? This is where you ask. Log in using your OSU name.number ID and your current password to get the word out to the entire Ohio State faculty/staff community. In no time you’ll be yelling “play ball” with more than one outfielder.

LATEST ISSUE OF ONCAMPUS NOW AVAILABLE

The June 21 issue of onCampus is now available, so please check your Ohio State mailbox. Here’s a preview from the online version of onCampus:
- Ever wondered what books world-famous scholars, researchers and students have stacked up on their bedside tables? Read More >
- Provost Barbara Snyder’s drive and commitment are legendary, but what else made her OSU career tick? Read More >

ONCAMPUS BULLETIN BOARD NOW ACCEPTS OBITUARIES

The onCampus Bulletin Board now offers faculty and staff a chance to post obituaries for present or former administrators, faculty or staff who have passed away. Often, faculty and staff are unable to keep up with those who leave the university. The obituary listing will allow faculty and staff to post a tribute to their former colleagues. Users must log in and register using their OSU name.number ID and their current password to post the information.

MONAGHAN TO DISCUSS CLIMATE VARIABILITY JUNE 22

As a part of Quest for the Best, Andy Monaghan, an atmospheric scientist from the Byrd Polar Research Center will discuss climate variability in the Polar Regions and its effects on coastal regions, from 1-2 p.m. Friday (6/22) in Suite 430 Gateway Building, 1590 N. High St. The Arctic has warmed at twice the rate of the global average and the Arctic Ocean is projected to be ice-free in summer by 2050. The event is free. Register online (click on customized events). Contact: hertzfeld.4@osu.edu

SUMMER'S FIRST CAMPUS HOP SET FOR TODAY

Celebrate summer in the University District with the Campus Hop today (6/21). View a complete schedule of events online at www.universitydistrict.org/campushop.php. Campus Hops also are scheduled for Thursday (7/19) and Thursday (8/16).

BARTLETT TO DELIVER ANNUAL FASS LECTURESHIP TODAY

John Bartlett, professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland and the recipient of the fifth Annual Fass Lectureship Award for Distinguished Achievement in Infectious Diseases, will deliver “Clostridium Difficile Update” at 7:30 a.m. today (6/21) in 170 Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute. Registration is not needed. Contact: watson.10@osu.edu

KOVAL TO ADDRESS TODAY’S MACFORUM SESSION

Nick Koval, Apple Systems Engineer, will deliver presentations on Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and Leopard Server and provide an iPhone update at the next MacForum, set for 1:30 p.m. today (6/21) in 120 Baker Systems Engineering. Koval also will provide a recap of WWDC07, held earlier this month in San Francisco. A Q&A will follow. All interested persons are welcome to attend MacForum meetings. Read More >

WOSU HOSTS COLUMBUS WORLD WAR II ROADSHOW

WOSU will host a Columbus World War II Roadshow from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday (6/23) at WOSU@COSI, 333 W. Broad St. Anyone with a WWII interest is invited to bring World War II photos, letters, souvenirs, and mementos and share family stories. Items will be videotaped and posted to WOSU’s ohiowarstories.org (set to launch in July), and some will be included in a local WOSU TV program airing in September. To reserve time for your story, contact 292-9678 or wosu@osu.edu.
Read More >

NEWARK CAMPUS CHAUTAUQUA HAS WORLD WAR II THEME

Ohio State Newark is hosting Chautauqua, a traveling tent show that presents history in the form of first-person historical characterizations, this week through Sunday (6/24). This year’s theme is World War II and the tent will be located on the lawn near the Reese Center. Evening performances begin at 6:45 p.m. Daytime workshops for youth and adults are available. All events are free and open to the public. Read More >

USAC’S ANNUAL STAFF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS SURVEY

The University Staff Advisory Committee will be asking for the opinions and concerns of a select number of staff for their Fifth Annual Staff Compensation and Benefits Survey. The survey addresses issues relevant to staff such as health care benefits, vacation and ill time, parking, hidden benefits, and compensation issues. USAC uses the data from the survey to make recommendations to the president, provost and Human Resources for consideration of changes in current programs and services to improve the work-life experience of OSU staff. A random sample of 1,500 current staff will be receiving the brief survey beginning Friday (6/22). Read More > (click on “FAQs”)

NEWARK CAMPUS CHAUTAUQUA HAS WORLD WAR II THEME

Ohio State Newark is hosting Chautauqua, a traveling tent show that presents history in the form of first-person historical characterizations, this week through Sunday (6/24). This year’s theme is World War II and the tent will be located on the lawn near the Reese Center. Evening performances begin at 6:45 p.m. Daytime workshops for youth and adults are available. All events are free and open to the public. Read More >

USAC’S ANNUAL STAFF COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS SURVEY

The University Staff Advisory Committee will be asking for the opinions and concerns of a select number of staff for their Fifth Annual Staff Compensation and Benefits Survey. The survey addresses issues relevant to staff such as health care benefits, vacation and ill time, parking, hidden benefits, and compensation issues. USAC uses the data from the survey to make recommendations to the president, provost and Human Resources for consideration of changes in current programs and services to improve the work-life experience of OSU staff. A random sample of 1,500 current staff will be receiving the brief survey beginning Friday (6/22). Read More > (click on “FAQs” and “Write to USAC”)

WEB SITE OFFERS OVERVIEW OF 2008 HEALTH PLAN CHANGES

Visit yourplanforhealth.com for a brief overview of next year’s health plan changes . Faculty and staff can find out about the new plan options that are designed to better manage costs and promote overall well-being through quality health care benefits while giving employees a more active role managing their health care. Listen to a narrated presentation about Your Plan for Health programs and benefits, including the Faculty and Staff Incentive Program and 2008 health plans. Read More >

VETERINARY COLLEGE HOSTS PUPPY CLASSES

The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine is offering puppy socialization classes for puppies age 8-16 weeks and their owners. Puppy Kindergarten serves to socialize new puppies so that they may learn to handle stress and new situations well as an adult and provides owner education in all aspects of canine development and behavior problem prevention and resolution. Weekly classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday (7/5). OSU employees and students receive a $10 discount on the six-week course (regularly $95). Registration and fees to reserve a spot in class are due by noon Tuesday (7/3). Registration forms are available at vet.osu.edu/1875.htm

CEDAR POINT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR BLOOD DONORS

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday (6/26) in front of Hitchcock Hall. Those that donate will receive an $8 discount to Cedar Point amusement park. Those who donate at this drive will also be entered into a drawing for a six-month car lease from Saturn (2007 AURA). If you donated on or before Tuesday (5/1) you are eligible to donate again. Make an appointment online (sponsor code: buckeyes) or call 251-1451.

ROOM CHANGE FOR TODAY’S OPERS RETIREMENT FORUM

Human Resources and the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System are offering an on-campus forum from noon-1 p.m. today (6/21) in M100 Starling Loving Hall. The seminar is designed for staff who have been at the university for less than 180 days. Contact: 292-1050. Read More >