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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Monday, Dec. 31. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

OHIO STATE USES NEW TECHNIQUE TO STOP PAIN IN ORTHO PATIENTS

Anesthesiologists at the OSU Medical Center are utilizing a new ultrasound procedure to anesthetize certain nerves and provide pain relief to patients before, during and even after orthopedic surgery. A small catheter inserted next to the nerves can infuse numbing medicine for up to three days following surgery. Using the ultrasound-guided method makes it possible to direct numbing medication, as well as catheters, with more precision around the nerves. The ultrasound technique eliminates or reduces the use of narcotics, which can have adverse side effects. In addition, patients are able to participate in physical rehabilitation sooner, because they are not limited by pain. Read more >

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BEGINNING OF WINTER QUARTER

The Registrar’s Office confirms that classes for Winter Quarter 2008 will begin on Thursday (1/3). Since Winter Quarter is shorter than usual, the following accommodations are being made:

• Thursday (1/3): WI’08 begins. Attend Thursday schedule of classes
• Friday (1/4): Attend Monday schedule of classes, including evening classes. Friday classes will not be held.
• Monday (1/7): Resume regular class schedule

In addition, the Registrar offers the following reminders:

• Offices that normally remain open on Monday evenings will have the option to do so Friday (1/4).
• The automated waitlist registration process will still end on the first Friday (Jan. 4).
• The open add/drop process will still end on the first Friday (Jan. 4).
• The 100 percent refund deadline will be extended to Monday (Jan. 7).
  

Read more >

FREE CAMPUS HEALTH SCREENINGS BEGIN JAN. 7

The calendar for campus health screenings is once again wide open, with appointments available beginning Monday (1/7/08). Faculty and staff are encouraged to take advantage of the free benefit annually to track blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, weight and height. The health values obtained in the screening can be used to complete the Personal Health Assessment, which this year qualifies you to participate in the 2008 Incentive Program and can earn you a discount on your monthly medical premiums. Appointments are available daily at eight campus locations, including Pfahl Hall, Means Hall and the Science and Engineering Library, and at five mobile sites. Schedule your health screening online at http://yourplanforhealth.com (click on “Assessing Your Health Risks”) or call 292-1050.

INTERNATIONAL NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY TODAY AT RPAC

The university community, friends and family are invited to International Affairs’ annual New Year's Eve Party starting at 9 p.m. today (12/31) at the RPAC. Admission is free. Complimentary parking is available at Neil Avenue and Tuttle Park Place garages. Activities include swimming, basketball, table tennis, pool and select fitness equipment. The celebration includes music from around the world, dancing and a countdown broadcast from Time Square. Free refreshments, hats and noisemakers. Make free international telephone calls to family and friends around the world. Read more >

CINEMA LATINO KICKS OFF AT WEXNER JAN. 4

Cinema Latino, screening Fridays in January at the Wexner Center, spotlights the best new films from Latin America, affording a rare opportunity in this region to view these films on the big screen. The series begins at 7 p.m. Friday (1/4/08) with a free screening of the Sundance Film Festival smash “Under the Same Moon” (La Misma Luna). The screening is free, but tickets are required and can be picked up at the Wexner Center Ticket Office on Friday (1/4/08). Contact: 292-3535. Read more >

COSI AFTER DARK JAN. 4

University Housing is hosting its annual COSI After Dark event from 7 p.m.-midnight Friday (1/4/08). Admission to COSI is free with a valid BuckID. The entire facility will be open to the OSU community, family and friends. Enjoy movies showing in the COSI Extreme Screen theatre, a live DJ, henna tattoos, balloon sculptures, and other activities. Transportation is available at the Hale Center, Drake Union, Blackburn, and Buckeye Village Community Center bus stops beginning at 6:45 p.m. Buses will continuously loop every 25-minutes until midnight. Contact: 292-3930 or hallam.13@osu.edu

EXCESS FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE FREE TO FACULTY AND STAFF

Approximately 200 doses of the flu vaccine will be available free of charge to Ohio State employees from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday (1/8/08) and Thursday (1/10/08) at the University Health Connection, 100 Parks Hall. Schedule an appointment online at www.osumhcs.com/wellness/ (click on Flu Shot Sign-Up). Your employee ID number will be necessary to register. You also will need to present your employee ID number and photo identification at your appointment. Please wear a short-sleeve shirt. The free flu vaccinations are courtesy of the university’s Faculty and Staff Wellness Program.

DIGITAL UNION OFFERS TUESDAY TECH TUTORIALS

The Digital Union continues its series of hands-on technology tutorials every Tuesday (and the occasional Friday) from January through March. Learn about the newest tech tools for teaching, learning and research at workshops on blogs, wikis, Web design, Photoshop, video editing, Second Life and more. Workshops are free but registration is required. View detailed descriptions and register online.

STAFF ADVISORS SOUGHT FOR ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK TRIP

Staff advisors are needed for the 2008 Alternative Spring Break program. Trip planning is underway with sites confirmed and trip leaders selected. Contact Rosie Holmes at holmes.443@osu.edu for the advisor application as well as trip specific information. Applications should be submitted to the Ohio Union Information Center by Friday (1/4/08).