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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Wednesday, Sept. 26. OSUToday is published daily Monday-Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY EXPERT IS OCT. 2 LECTURER

Thomas Homer-Dixon, director of the Trudeau Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Toronto and a leading expert in environmental security, will deliver “A Theory of Societal Collapse: Convergent Shocks, Thermodynamic Disequilibrium, and Brittleness” at noon Tuesday (10/2) at the Mershon Center for International Security Studies. Homer-Dixon’s research focuses on threats to global security in the 21st century and how societies adapt to complex economic, ecological and technological change. RSVP online. Read more >

WHY STUDY ASIANS IN AMERICA? ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION SEPT. 28

A roundtable discussion from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday (9/28) in 168 Dulles Hall will kick off a yearlong celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Asian American Studies Minor at Ohio State. Roundtable presenters will discuss how the field of Asian American Studies is being developed and transformed at Ohio State and at major institutions across the Midwest. The university community is invited to attend. RSVPs preferred by today (9/26) to 247-2574 or hawkins.174@osu.edu. A complete listing of Asian American Studies Research Series events is available online.

ISRAEL'S AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT LECTURE TODAY

Israeli agriculture reporter Ami Ruzansky will present “Israel's Agriculture and Rural Development: An Overview of Israel's Agriculture by Sectors, and Rural Development Activities" at 11 a.m. today (9/26) in 111 Agricultural Administration Building. All are welcome. Ruzansky’s visit is part of a one-year program with OSU Extension designed to bring Israeli agriculture experts to give workshops and training to OSU scientists and Extension educators. In turn, Ohio State scientists and Extension educators will travel to Israel to be trained in their areas of interest. Contact: pollock.58@cfaes.osu.edu or 292-3799

LINKS TO DISCOUNTS FOUND ON FACULTY/STAFF WEB PAGE

Purchase discounted tickets to OSU Department of Theatre productions or join area fitness centers at discounted rates. Save up to 37 percent on entertainment at the Arena Grand, Drexel East, and Drexel Grandview theatres. Participate in Ford and GM vehicle discounts. Learn about these and other discounts available to OSU faculty and staff by clicking on the benefits link on the Faculty/Staff Web page

CRITICAL DIFFERENCE GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Professional Development and Women of Color Advancement Grants are available for women faculty and staff continuously employed by Ohio State for at least one year, and students (graduate/professional students with a 3.0 GPA and undergraduates with a 2.5 GPA). Grants can be used for research, supplies, dependent care, travel, etc. Significant financial need is a key consideration. Applications are due Thursday (10/25). Apply online. Contact: 292-2800 or hornsby.1@osu.edu

SEGAL IS OCT. 2 READING SERIES GUEST

The OSU Creative Writing Program Reading Series is hosting a free public reading with Lore Segal at 4 p.m. Tuesday (10/2) in 311 Denney Hall. Segal taught writing at Columbia University's School of the Arts, Princeton, Bennington College, Sarah Lawrence, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Ohio State, from which she retired in 1996. Her novels include “Other People's Houses” and “Her First American,” which won an award from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. Contact: 292-2242

JOIN A LEAGUE OR PICKUP GAME - CHECK ONCAMPUS BULLETIN BOARD

Are you a squash player? Do you enjoy playing in recreational basketball or volleyball leagues? Faculty and staff are looking for others to play under the recreational sports category on the onCampus Bulletin Board. Faculty or staff can post or look at items on the Bulletin Board for free. All you need to do is register using your OSU name.number ID and create a password. Visit oncampus.osu.edu and click on the Bulletin Board located on the right of the Web page.

FINDING THE BEST TALENT AT OSU DISCUSSION OCT. 3

The University Career Services Committee invites faculty and staff to attend a panel discussion, “Finding the Best Talent at OSU: Defining Core Competencies and Using Competencies to Guide the Selection Process,” from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday (10/3) in 150 Younkin Success Center. Hear from those who are hiring OSU students for internships and full-time positions. A panel discussion and Q & A with business representatives will provide insights into the competencies, the selection process, and help the university prepare students. Contact Pam Park-Curry at 292-8616

TAKE FACULTY CLUB SURVEY, EARN FREE MEMBERSHIP

Ohio State’s Faculty Club needs your assistance in determining its future direction. Enter to win three months of free membership (no dues charged) at the club. Even if you are not a member, you are invited to take a brief survey regarding services that would be most beneficial to you. Your participation is greatly appreciated. The deadline to enter is Wednesday (10/10). Take the survey

ETHICS CONFERENCE EARLY REGISTRATION UNDERWAY

The early bird registration deadline is Friday (9/28) for the Excellence in Ethics Conference being held Wednesday (11/28)-Thursday (11/29) in Columbus. Group discounts are available. The event is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, OSU Extension, Department of Human and Community Resource Development, Epsilon Sigma Phi and the Gist Endowed Chair for Extension Education and Leadership. Register online. Contact: 292-8571

CONTINUING EDUCATION PREPARES STUDENTS FOR SUCCESSION

Continuing Education's Noncredit Programs is offering a new course in Succession Planning to be held once a week from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Monday (10/1)-Monday (11/26) in Mount Hall. Seasoned managers will learn how to plan for succession so the right people are trained and ready to assume responsibilities at the right time, and those new to the profession will learn how to position themselves for future opportunities. Faculty and staff receive discounted rates, and registration is still open. For details or registration, visit ced.osu.edu or call 292-8571.

DOWNTOWN LUXURY CONDOMINUM AUCTION OCT. 28

Twenty-four brand new condominiums at Carlyle’s Watch in downtown Columbus will be auctioned on Sunday (10/28). Eight residences will be sold absolute, regardless of price. One- and two-bedroom lofts with high-end finishes including hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, terraces, indoor parking and rooftop sky lounge and garden. Suggested opening bids start at $70,000 for $200,000 to $770,000 originally priced lofts. OSU community members receive a free bidder’s package with OSU ID. Call 222-1827 or visit www.carlyleswatch.com