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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Monday, August 13. OSUToday is published on Monday and Thursday during the summer. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

STUDY: BLACKS WHO KILL WHITES ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE EXECUTED

Blacks convicted of killing whites are not only more likely than other killers to receive a death sentence — they are also more likely to actually be executed, a new study suggests. But the findings showed that African Americans on death row for killing nonwhites are less likely to be executed than other condemned prisoners. David Jacobs, co-author of the study and professor of sociology, said that this is the first study to examine whether the race of murder victims affects the probability that a convicted killer gets the ultimate punishment. Read More >

OSU SUPPORTS AAU STATEMENT

The Association of American Universities issued a statement on behalf of its 62 members - including Ohio State - which urges members of Great Britain's new University and College Union (UCU) to reject a boycott of Israeli academic institutions. Delegates of the UCU voted for "a comprehensive and consistent boycott" of all Israeli academic institutions, which was called for by British Palestinian trade unions in response to the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Read More >

RICE'S VICE PROVOST/LIBRARIAN TO LECTURE AUG. 16

Tyler Walters views libraries in the 21st century as a nexus where people, information technology and knowledge are brought together, but the users are challenged by the many different formats in which information is communicated. Walters is a leader and a visionary in utilizing emerging information technologies to enhance digital libraries, electronic resources, web-based information services, learning commons, and change management. He has played a principal role on collaborations with LC's National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program, NSF/National Science Digital Library, the DSpace community, LOCKSS Alliance, and the Educopia Institute. He will discuss advances in the Georgia Tech program he currently oversees, some of which have influenced the OSU Libraries' program development. Contact: 292-2503 or cetwinki.1@osu.edu

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE CONFERENCE

A one day conference, Antimicrobial Resistance: Interface in Human and Animal Health, is planned for August 27 in the Wexner Auditorium at the Veterinary Medicine Academic Building. The $50 fee is waived for Ohio State faculty, staff and students but registration is required and encouraged before August 20. The conference, organized by the colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, aims to: raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance in human and veterinary medicine; disseminate scientific information of the scientific basis of resistance; discuss the various host, pathogen and environmental factors that play a role; examine the current trends and potential control measures; and develop priorities for research. Read More >

BIG TEN NETWORK TO APPEAR ON COLUMBUS CAMPUS CABLE LINE-UP

OIT has announced that the new Big Ten Network will be available on the Columbus campus channel line-up when it launches on Thursday, August 30. The channel will be delivered to the campus as part of the basic cable TV line-up. The exact channel number is unknown at this time, but will be published when it is available. Read more or contact OIT at 688-HELP and select menu option 2.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND COLUMBUS FIRE DEPARTMENT TEAM-UP ON SAFETY DRILLS

Ohio State's Security & Fire Prevention Services (SFPS) routinely works with the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) to provide university departments free fire prevention training. Participants have the opportunity to learn from experts about subjects such as fire prevention principles, evacuation procedures, and the proper use of fire extinguishers. Groups that complete the training receive written recognition from the CFD for their efforts. Departments interested in participating in the training should contact Joel Schaefer at 614/588-4742.

WOSU LAUNCHES OHIOWARSTORIES.ORG

WOSU has partnered with other Ohio PBS stations to develop and launch a Web site designed to coincide with Ken Burns' The War. Ohio veterans and families will be able to share stories via print, still images, blogs, and video on the web site, which will also feature interactive forums. Produced spots from Ohio PBS affiliates, as well as educational materials and information pertaining to how students can create an oral history or interview a war veteran, are also accessible. Ken Burns' The War, which will air on WOSU TV on September 23 at 8p.m., is a seven-part television series that tells the story of the Second World War through personal accounts of men and women from four American towns. Read More >

EMPLOYEES ENCOURAGED TO CONFIRM HOME ADDRESSES

The Office of Human Resources will begin mailing Open Enrollment information to the homes of eligible faculty and staff in September. The university must have a current address in the HR system in order to send this essential information in a timely manner. Employees will need to actively enroll in benefits for 2008. Those who had coverage in 2007 — but do not re-enroll for 2008 — will be assigned to a default coverage plan. Employees should contact their department human resources professional to confirm a current address or to request an update be made. Open Enrollment mailings will be sent to addresses on file as of August 31.

STUDENT MOVE-IN SEPTEMBER 13 & 16 TO AFFECT TRAFFIC

Faculty and staff should be aware that traffic and parking on campus will be severely restricted on Sunday (9/16) when approximately 5,000 students will move into residence halls. Plan to avoid being on campus that day if possible. There will be traffic congestion in residence hall areas in the afternoon and evening of Thursday (9/13) when about 1,200 OWLs (Ohio State Welcome Leaders) arrive. Read More >

EXCELLENCE IN ETHICS CONFERENCE

Questions of ethics in corporate and social sectors are explored during a 2-day November conference designed to help participants gain insight into this gray area of business, legal, financial and academic organizations. The conference is sponsored by FAES, OSU Extension, Human and Community Resource Development, Epsilon Sigma Phi, and the Gist Endowed Chair for Extension Education and Leadership. Continuing education units are available for legal professionals and CPA's. Visit: http://ced.osu.edu, or contact the Office of Continuing Education at 292-8571.

CORRECTION

The Department of Astronomy's next monthly public lecture will occur on Thursday (8/16) and not Sunday (8/19) as previously reported. Bradley Peterson, OSU astronomy professor and department chair, will present, "Highlights from Hubble." Read More >

BRUTUS ON 2007 BALLOT FOR MASCOT HALL OF FAME

Brutus Buckeye has been named to the Ballot of Induction for the 2007 class along with five other school mascots. Voting began August 6 and runs until September 6. Fans can vote for Brutus by going to http://www.mascothalloffame.com.