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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Tuesday, Oct. 2. OSUToday is published daily Monday-Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

COMMITTEE TO REVIEW COLLEGES OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

The Colleges of the Arts and Sciences Review Committee has been charged to assess the progress made on the goals and objectives of the Federation of the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences, as outlined in the 2003 "white paper" issued by former President Karen Holbrook and former Provost Edward Ray. Members of the committee are Professor Ralph Boerner, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology; Professor Lisa Florman, History of Art; John Heimaster, director of Systems Management, Physics; Professor Anne McCoy, Chemistry; Professor William McDaniel Jr., Music and African-American and African Studies; Professor James Phelan, English; Patricia Riechel, associate to the Dean, Arts; Linda Seitz, assistant vice president, Development, Arts and Sciences; Professor Sandra Stroot, senior associate dean, Education and Human Ecology; and Professor Gifford Weary, chair, Psychology. A final report is requested by the end of Winter Quarter 2008. Read more >

OSU MARION CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN A BIG WAY

The Ohio State Marion campus is celebrating its golden anniversary with a full schedule of events, including the renaming of the Student Services Building to Maynard Hall in honor of its first dean and director C. Eugene Maynard (1957-1982). In addition to the naming of that and other campus landmarks, there are 50th anniversary banners on light poles throughout campus, news articles that chronicle campus history, and shared memories from past students, particularly those from the class of 1957. Ohio State began offering classes at the former Harding High School, in Marion on Oct. 1, 1957. Read more >

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AWARDED DIVERSITY GRANT

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences has been awarded a $309,500 three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to increase the number of African American, Hispanic and Native Americans who apply to, matriculate, and graduate from SBS doctoral programs. In addition, the funds are intended to help enhance and develop strategies to achieve that goal, and to identify successful strategies and publish the knowledge so that other institutions can join in the effort to increase diversity in academia. Contact: Kaufman.3@sociology.osu.edu or dickerson.144@osu.edu

2008 UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES’ COURSE ENHANCEMENT GRANTS

University Libraries is accepting proposals for the 2008 Course Enhancement Grant program. Grants of $2,000 will be given to instructors for the enhancement of courses by substantially integrating library resources and services. The deadline for proposals is Friday (11/2) for courses to be taught during Winter or Spring quarters 2008. For details, see http://library.osu.edu/sites/outreach/cegrfp.php or contact Nancy Courtney, 688-8771 or courtney.24@osu.edu.

FSA GUIDANCE AVAILABLE DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT

One of the main decisions employees make each year is whether or not to contribute to a flexible spending account, and if so, how much to contribute. Faculty and staff who are currently enrolled in an FSA must re-enroll during Open Enrollment to maintain participation after Jan. 1, 2008. Worksheets are available to identify and estimate eligible expenses. Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit the FSA Web site to view this tool and learn what other health expenses are reimbursable through the FSA program. Contact: service@hr.osu.edu or 292-1050

GORDON TO SPEAK ON URBAN DESIGN OCT. 3

David L.A. Gordon, associate professor at the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Queen's University, will discuss “20th Century Capital Cities and Urban Design” on Wednesday (10/3) as part of the Knowlton School of Architecture lecture series. With more than 20 years of professional practice experience, Gordon’s research centers on implementation in urban design projects. The lecture will take place in the Knowlton Hall Auditorium. Read more >

CLIMATE CHANGE DISCUSSION AT FAWCETT OCT. 4

With support from the Battelle Endowment for Technology and Human Affairs, the Byrd Polar Research Center is offering the last event in a series of evening forums to engage the public with discussions about the implications of climate change. Representatives from business and industry will lead a panel discussion, followed by a question and answer facilitated by Andy Keeler, OSU faculty member from the John Glenn School of Public Affairs. The event will end at 8:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Contact: landis.83@osu.edu or 688-8279

SNIDERMAN TO DISCUSS MUSLIMS IN WESTERN EUROPE

Paul M. Sniderman, the Fairleigh S. Dickinson Jr., Professor of Public Policy at Stanford University, will discuss “Muslims in Western Europe” at 6 p.m. Wednesday (10/10) in 10 Page Hall. Sniderman offers a provocative look at the attitudes toward multiculturalism, immigrants and immigration, conflicts of values, and conflicts of identities. The event is presented by the Department of Political Science and is free and open to the public. Contact: alcalde.1@osu.edu

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. The entire Campus community is invited to respond. Please 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

REGISTER FOR OSU DISTANCE LEARNING CONFERENCE

Distance Learning 2007, sponsored by the OSU Distance Learning Community and TELR will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday (10/12) in the new PAES Building. The keynote speaker is Michael Beaudoin, professor of education, University of New England and the 2004 recipient of the Charles Wedemeyer Award for his book, “Reflections on Research, Faculty and Leadership in Distance Education.” Registration is $15 (faculty and staff) or $10 (students). Register online by Monday (10/8), or contact 292-0988 or stein.1@osu.edu.

COLLEGE PLANNING SESSION OCT. 16

Are your children considering college? It's not too early to start planning! The office of Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience is offering a college planning session for OSU faculty and staff with children in grades 7-10. Bring a lunch to the brown bag session on Tuesday (10/16) in 172 Newton Hall. The one-hour session will help parents understand open and competitive admissions processes, how high school courses affect a child's changes of being admitted to college, and strategies for paying for college. For details or to RSVP, contact brown.1112@osu.edu or 688-4468.

GLBT STUDENT SERVICES OFFERS ONLINE SIGN UP FOR NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

Each year Ohio State's Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services publishes a full-page ad in The Lantern for National Coming Out Day on Thursday (Oct. 11), that includes an increasingly expansive list of faculty, staff and students who support Ohio State's LGBTQIA community. Listing the names of GLBT individuals and non-GLBT supporters creates visibility and sends a positive message that GLBT people are accepted and supported at OSU. Add your name to the list online at http://mcc.osu.edu (GLBT Student Services section, National Coming Out Day Lantern Ad Sign Up Form).

ONCAMPUS SEEKS FACULTY, STAFF STORIES ABOUT USING FACEBOOK

onCampus is looking for faculty and staff who are using the popular Internet networking site Facebook for professional or personal purposes. Faculty who use Facebook in their classes to communicate with students or provide them with course materials are especially invited to contribute stories. Contact Julia Harris at harris.587@osu.edu or call 292-4971 by Monday (10/8).

DOWNTOWN LUXURY CONDOMINIUM 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