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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Monday, Sept. 15. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

TODAY: METRO HIGH SCHOOL FEATURED IN DOCUMENTARY

Metro High School, a collaboration between Ohio State, Battelle and the Educational Council of Franklin County, is one of the Ohio schools profiled in the documentary "Where We Stand: America’s Schools in the 21st Century" that will air at 10 p.m. today (9/15) on WOSU TV. Hosted by Judy Woodruff, the program features schools in Cincinnati, suburban Columbus, and rural Belpre. It examines the major challenges for U.S. schools and presents an evaluation of our educational system’s strengths and weaknesses. Topics discussed include globalization, measuring student progress, and the current school funding system, among others. Read more >

NETJETS DONATES FOUR TRAINING AIRCRAFT TO OHIO STATE

NetJets Inc. has donated four piston-engine training aircraft to Ohio State, at a total value of more than $400,000. In addition, the university’s Flight Education Program will offer flight lessons for non-pilot NetJets employees and their families. The donation will also allow existing OSU flight students to gain the benefits of having newer aircraft and additional instructors. The four aircraft include three Cessna 172s and a Cessna 310. The donation is one example of a larger collaboration agreement between Ohio State and NetJets Inc. that extends across multiple disciplines including the Fisher College of Business and the College of Engineering, as well as other disciplines. Contact: Cathy Ferrari, cferrari@osuairport.org or 292-5823

NEW OSU.EDU WEB SITE UNVEILED

The new osu.edu is here. The new site includes new International and O-H! second-level pages and a revamped visitors page. It has new features such as Image of the Day, Buckeye Loop events podcasting, and a more visible presence for O-H-I-O cheer photos. It also features more tailored audience content on second-level pages, including an e-mail reminder service that will help users remember important dates. See the new osu.edu

NEW OHIO STATE FACULTY TO TAKE TWO-DAY ROAD TRIP

Nearly 70 new professors and administrators from Ohio State will take a two-day road trip Tuesday (9/16)-Wednesday (9/17) as part of the Roads Scholars Tour, an annual effort to provide new faculty with a first-hand look at Ohio State’s partnerships across the state. The trip will highlight a few of the university’s partnerships, including a visit to Honda and a meeting with Procter & Gamble executives to talk about research initiatives. Several faculty participating in this year’s tour plan to blog about their experiences at outreach.osu.edu/roads_blogs.php.

UNIVERSITY LINKS FOUND ON FACULTY/STAFF WEB PAGE

Learn about Carmen, Ohio State's online learning management system. View the university's Recognizing Excellence web site. Download site licensed software. Click on the bus service link for CABS maps and schedules. Check out these and many other links on the Faculty/Staff web page.

APPLY FOR WOMEN’S PLACE STAFF LEADERSHIP SERIES

The Women’s Place is now accepting applications for the Staff Leadership Series Class of 2009, a year-long leadership initiative designed specifically for university staff women. Designed to expand opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power at OSU, the series of workshops and gatherings with notable university women will provide experiential skills building that will expand leadership capacity, and cultivate professional development. Applications are due by Monday (9/29). To learn more or to apply, visit womensplace.osu.edu (select the Leadership Series link) or contact beard.140@osu.edu or 292-3957.

RETIREMENT CHOICES FORUM SEPT. 17

Human Resources will offer a forum from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday (9/17) at 1590 N. High St., Suite 430 for newly hired faculty and staff to help with decisions regarding their retirement choices under ARP/OPERS/STRS. The seminar is designed for faculty and staff who have an appointment of at least 75 percent FTE and have been with the university for less than 120 days. A benefits representative will review, compare and summarize the plan options under the OPERS/STRS retirement systems and the provisions of the Alternative Retirement Plan. Contact: 292-1050. Read more >

RALLY FOR WELLNESS SEPT. 17 AT RPAC

The Faculty and Staff Wellness Program, USAC, Recreational Sports and Your Plan for Health are hosting Rally for Wellness! from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday (9/17) at the RPAC. Earn points toward the 2008 Incentive Program for attending. Enjoy exhibitor and health care professional booths, free biometric health screenings (pre-register), free lunch and free health screenings. A Red Cross blood drive will take place from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Call (800) GIVE-LIFE or visit www.givelife.org (sponsor code: buckeyes) to schedule an appointment. Read more >

FACULTY SOUGHT FOR BUCKEYES BEYOND OHIO PROGRAM

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions & First Year Experience is currently looking for faculty from different parts of the country to participate in a series of lunches with out-of-state students through the Buckeyes Beyond Ohio program. If you were born outside of Ohio, or even lived or studied somewhere else for a time, UAFYE would like your help. All it takes is an hour to eat lunch with our new Buckeyes once during fall quarter. Contact: anzollitto.1@osu.edu
Read more >

GRADUATE STUDENT CAREER GROUP STARTING OCT. 1

Faculty and staff, please let any graduate students you work with know about the existence of a Graduate Student Career Group that will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. six Wednesdays, starting Wednesday (10/1). This is a closed group - only students who can commit to attending every session should participate. Space is limited. Graduate students interested in participating should contact plunkett.21@osu.edu or 688-3898 by Friday (9/26). Read more >

HIT THE ROAD WITH THE BUCKEYES - BONUS OPPORTUNITY

Have you recruited your Hit the Road with the Buckeyes team yet? If not, stop by the table at the Rally for Wellness, from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday (9/17) at the RPAC. Print a registration form and bring it to the rally. Already registered? Be sure at least one of your team members attends the event to receive the 25-mile bonus, and to pick up your kickoff kits. Contact (800) 678-6010 or visit www.hr.osu.edu/HitTheRoad.

STUDENT MOVE-IN TO IMPACT CAMPUS TRAFFIC SEPT. 18 AND 21

Faculty and staff are advised to avoid driving on campus on Sunday (9/21), when more than 5,000 students are expected to move into residence halls. Most campus streets and many parking lots will be closed to normal traffic from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. On Thursday (9/18), approximately 1,500 students will move into the residence halls, affecting traffic from about 3-9 p.m. Those working on campus that day should try to avoid the high-traffic areas near the residence halls and plan for some potential delays. Read more >

FITNESS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ON THE ONCAMPUS BULLETIN BOARD

Want to get involved with the Oct. 4 Columbus Asthma Walk or the Oct. 12 Columbus Walk for Autism? Interested in attending a Weight Watchers session or losing weight through the Comprehensive Weight Management program? View details on these and other opportunities under the “Announcements/Meetings” category of the onCampus Bulletin Board (oncampus.osu.edu/bulletinboard/). Faculty and staff may post or view items under a broad range of categories. All you need to do is register using your OSU Internet ID (name.#).