There are news media reports today about a University police officer being involved in a shooting.

Shortly after 11 this morning, a University police officer made a routine traffic stop off campus, on Wolf Ledges Parkway near East Thornton Street.

The officer approached the vehicle, concerned about improper registration. During the stop, the driver produced a handgun. The officer fired his weapon and the driver was killed.

Akron police are working with University police on the investigation. Per protocol, the officer has been put on paid administrative leave. To the headlines.

Student assistants may work up to 29 hours per week for all on-campus jobs combined, consistent with new rules that limit hours for part-time employees.

The change takes effect Monday, the start of the summer term.

The Student Employment site has more information about summer employment of students. Anna Bahvala, assistant director for student employment, can answer your questions at ext. 8110. | To the headlines.

To test its emergency management and evacuation procedures, about 50 members of UA's emergency-response team participated in a disaster exercise May 15.

The UA team and local emergency response agencies responded to a simulated accident involving a truck carrying chemicals on campus. During the exercise, the UA team coordinated a multijurisdictional response to the incident, including an evacuation of campus and the care of people who came in contact with fumes.

Unlike last year's exercise, when firefighters and police could be seen on campus, this year's drill was limited to three rooms, where participants reacted to the scenario and simulated emergency responses (above).

Yesterday's exercise was coordinated by county and university emergency management staff. Following the exercise, participants and evaluators met to discuss the drill. Evaluators will issue recommendations based on what was observed.

UA holds at least one exercise per year to test its emergency response and evacuation procedures. Yesterday's exercise had been announced to participants and was conducted between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. To the headlines.

University employees should use Rootown for their wireless connection. Guests to the University should use UAGuest. ConnectAkron is not part of The University of Akron, nor does the University support it. If you have a UANet ID, use Rootown. If you do not have a UANet ID, you should sign on as a guest.

UAGuest is an open network designed to be used by guests to access their e-mails or perhaps VPN back to their business location. UAGuest provides limited access for what guests can do. For example, guests on this network will not be able to open Netflix, Facebook and any type of streaming video or audio.

To connect to UAGuest, guests should use the following instructions.

1. Click on the broadcast ID of UAGuest in your wireless client. You will then be connected but with no Internet access.

2. Open a browser and try to navigate to a web site. A splash screen will come up titled “Welcome to the University Guest Wireless".

3. At the bottom of the page, type in:

• UAGuest (as your Username) all lowercase
• UAGuest (as your password) all lowercase
• Then click on the button below: “I agree with the policy above.”

You will then be connected. To the headlines.

Jared Alspach, benefits analyst in Talent Development and Human Resources, will present “Family Medical Leave Act – An Overview for Supervisors” on Thursday, May 23, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Student Union 312.

To sign up for this seminar and future FMLA seminars, please visit Training Seminars to reserve a seat.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was passed in 1993 and revised, effective Jan. 16, 2009. It is essential for all supervisors to understand how to comply with FMLA. The purpose of this workshop is to address the requirements of FMLA in the workplace and to inform supervisors of their role in managing the FMLA leave process. To the headlines.

Bring your questions and course files to the evening sessions of the Springboard Open Lab during the week of May 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Springboard Open Lab is a facilitated lab in which participants are given support in managing active Springboard courses. There are 8 seats available for each session, which will be held in Computer Center 141.
  
The open lab offers you uninterrupted ‘quiet time’ to work on your class site and get technical assistance for your Springboard questions from a lab facilitator. In open lab, we will either answer your questions or connect you with someone who can answer them.

To register for the Springboard Open Lab, visit Training Seminars online.

Note: Springboard Open Lab is not a lecture-based seminar. For lecture-based seminars, please register for the Content, Gradebook-&-Dropbox, or Quizzes seminars offered at Training Seminars.

If you have questions, contact the Dean Shultz at rds@uakron.edu or ext. 7843. To the headlines.

Institutional Marketing has a new name, one that more accurately reflects the department’s dual responsibilities: University Communications and Marketing.

The change, approved by the Board last week, was recommended by the department’s leaders, Eileen Korey, who is the chief communications officer, and Wayne Hill, who is the chief marketing officer. To the headlines.

Information Technology Services is deploying Microsoft updates on Monday, May 20. These updates will become mandatory on Friday, May 24, at 3:30 p.m.

Depending on which updates are needed by your computer, you may be required to restart after the updates are installed. To install the updates, click on the system tray icon in the lower right corner when it appears.

If you have problems or questions, please contact the Support Center at ext. 6888. To the headlines.

If you are a graduate student, or know graduate students who would like to be involved on campus, Graduate Student Government has just the opportunity for you.

To achieve GSG's goal of “Connecting Campus,” it will introduce four new leadership positions. The four "directors of outreach" (representing alumni, undergraduates, student organizations and the Akron community) will act as the liaisons between graduate students and these groups, providing timely updates on issues as well as opportunities during the 2013-2014 academic year.

More information about the leadership positions, including the duties and qualifications, and the application packet can be found at Graduate Student Government online. Applications will be accepted from Friday, May 17, to Friday, May 31, at 5 p.m. Interviews will follow.

Please contact GSG President Marissa Blewitt with any questions at gsgpresident@uakron.edu. To the headlines.

The Akron Art Museum, One South High St., will recognize the celebration of International Museum Day today, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

As part of the regular monthly Third Thursday programming, enjoy free admission to the collection galleries as well as the exhibitions “The Snowy Day” and the “Art of Ezra Jack Keats” and its companion show, “Draw Me a Story; Line, Color, Illusion: 40 Years of Julian Stanczak;” and “Danny Lyon: The Bikeriders.”

Adding to the museum experience, Summit Artspace and the Main Library of the Akron/Summit County Public Library will also offer entertainment for downtown visitors.

At Summit Artspace, located behind the museum at 140 East Market St., the Women’s Art League of Akron presents its 80th Anniversary Exhibition, “Brushstrokes: Then & Now.” Gallery hours are noon to 9 p.m. Some of the artist studios on the third floor may also be open for viewing and purchases. For more information, visit Summit Artspace online or call 330-376-8480.

The Main Library’s Movies@Main, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the High Street auditorium, will feature four-time Academy Award winner “Life of Pi.” For more information, visit Akron-Summit County Public Library online or call 330-643-9000.

Through the University’s ongoing uArts Initiative, faculty, staff and students have free, year-round admission to the Akron Art Museum, and are eligible to attend special events at the museum at members-only prices.

To see the complete schedule of events or learn about current exhibits, visit the Akron Art Museum online. You can stay up-to-date on museum exhibits, events and special offers with a free subscription to its monthly newsletter. Just visit Art Museum Newsletter to sign up. To the headlines.

Summer sessions of American Red Cross swim lessons will begin the week of June 10. Instructors will teach swimming skills for children 6 months and older through adult learners. Lessons are open to the public and will be held at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and Ocasek Natatorium pools. Pricing includes eight group lessons. The member pricing applies to current UA students, UA faculty and staff, SRWC members, and also applies to their siblings and children.

Classes will be offered twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday evenings. One summer session of Saturday morning lessons will begin June 15. Registration is limited, and most classes fill quickly. 

For registration information or specific class days/times and pricing, please visit Group Swim Lessons and click on the registration form, stop by the SRWC, or contact Diane Weaver at weaverd@uakron.edu. To the headlines.

Caribbean and calypso music by the Steel Drum Band airs on Western Reserve Public Media (formerly PBS 45 & 49) at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21.

"Hammer on Steel: Steel Band Paradise" features highlights from the band's April 2013 concert at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, including guest artists Calypso singer Keet Styla, master pan player Ray Holman of Trinidad, and percussionist Tom Miller, a 1984 alumnus of the Steel Drum Band.

"Steel Band Paradise" was produced by students from Z-TV at the School of Communication under the guidance of Z-TV general manager and Phil Hoffman, an award-winning documentary producer. Story continues online. To the headlines.

The 2013-2014 season ticket package for the Broadway in Akron series at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall boasts the Tony Award-winning musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” “Hello, Dolly!” starring Sally Struthers and “Memphis,” the 2010 Tony Award-winner for best musical.

Subscribers are always first in line for special presentations throughout the season, which will include the return appearances of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis and Blue Man Group after sold out performances in 2011-2012. Additional special engagements will include Alton Brown Live!, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, “Bring It On: The Musical,” Rain - A Tribute To The Beatles and “Mamma Mia!.”

Package prices are $108.75, $128.25, $147 and $159.75, depending on seating. New subscribers will be seated in August. Subscribe online now. For further information, contact the Thomas Hall Ticket Office at ext. 7570 or visit BroadwayInAkron.com. To the headlines.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor will be the keynote speaker at the 2013 School of Law Commencement on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.

This year's ceremony marks the law school's 89th commencement.

"Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor is an example of the lawyer as public servant. Her deep and wide experience in high-level executive and judicial roles have enabled her to advocate effectively for improving the administration of our justice system and access to justice," says Interim Dean Elizabeth Reilly. "We are honored that she will speak at our commencement as our graduates make the transition from student to professional." Story continues online. To the headlines.

Talent Development & Human Resources encourages you to save the date for the 2013 Annual Service Awards, to be held Wednesday, May 22, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Quaker Square Grand Station Hall in recognition of employees with five to 45 years of continuous or combined service at The University of Akron. 

All UA employees are invited to attend and join us in celebrating with our service milestone recipients.

For questions, e-mail hrevents@uakron.edu. To the headlines.

Talent Development and Human Resources has introduced its 2013 Financial Wellness Lunch and Learn Summer Series, presented by experts at PNC Bank.

On Tuesday, May 21, “Credit 101” will be presented in Leigh Hall 414, from noon to 1 p.m. The session will cover the basics of credit and keeping your credit record in good shape. You will also learn how to obtain your credit history and credit score, protect yourself from credit card fraud and repair a poor credit history – or protect a good one.

Please visit Training Seminars to reserve a seat. To the headlines.

Attend our Weight Watchers At-Work Meetings, beginning Monday, May 20, and have a great summer. Cost is $156 for a 12-week program. There is a payment plan available. Meetings are held at 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. in the College of Business Administration.

Please e-mail Susan Smith at svs10@uakron.edu or call ext. 5691. Partial reimbursement from SummaCare is available. To the headlines.

Two sessions of the next Workplace Wisdom presentation are planned. “Supporting Our Veterans,” sponsored by Talent Development & Human Resources, in collaboration with the Akron-Region Interprofessional Area Health Education Center Veterans Mental Health Project, will be offered on Tuesday, May 14, and repeated on Monday, May 20. The one-hour sessions will begin at 1 p.m.
in Leigh Hall 207.

The U.S. military has been deployed to combat in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than a decade. Everyone deployed returns with adjustment issues to some degree, and about half choose to seek care in the civilian community. However, the civilian community generally knows very little about the military lifestyle and the issues facing returning service members and their families. This training will enable faculty and staff to provide more culturally appropriate services to veterans, service members and their family members.

• Patricia Hall, MSN, PMHCNS-BC, Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation New Dawn program manager at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, will present the Tuesday, May 14, session.

• Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Orticari, chief medical NCO of the 88th Regional Support Command, will present the Monday, May 20, sessions.

To reserve a seat, please visit the Training Seminars page. To the headlines.

Quality Matters in Online Course Design is a four-week workshop designed and developed at UA and hosted by the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL). With COHORT 20 filled, COHORT 21 has been added and will run simultaneously with Cohort 20, beginning Monday, June 3.

This four-week, online workshop is appropriate for instructors who are interested in developing fully online or hybrid courses. The course provides a foundation for planning, designing, producing and managing online instruction. Use this opportunity to learn practical techniques for online teaching and how to implement quality standards for excellence in online course design. Learn more about the workshop.

Register online. Questions may be directed to Jill Phipps at phipps@uakron.edu. To the headlines.

The Office of International Programs will host its Cultural Partner Program from May through August to pair international students and scholars with U.S. students, faculty, and staff. The program provides opportunities for international students to learn more about United States culture and practice speaking conversational English. U.S. participants can learn more about other cultures, exchange perspectives and make friendships across national borders.

Individuals interested in participating are asked to complete an online form and will then be paired with a partner. The partners can then meet regularly at a time they choose for conversation and sharing. Visit the Cultural Partner Program online to sign up to participate. For more information, contact Jessica Guy at jguy@uakron.edu or ext. 3503. To the headlines.

The University of Akron’s Surplus Property will now use Public Surplus for the disposition of surplus auction items. This secure site is for public institutions only. University employees and the general public are invited to register for free at the Public Surplus site. Those interested in the auctions can register at the site. 

Auction items will begin to be listed on the site on May 9, and new items will be added on a weekly basis. All items listed will be for local pick up only. If you have questions about the site, or any of the auction items, please contact us at publicsurplus@uakron.edu and we will be happy to assist you. To the headlines.

The Office of Accessibility has revised its procedures to enable students with disabilities to connect with notetakers earlier in the semester.

We will begin to use the revised procedures in May, in time for the summer sessions.

This document describes the new procedures, along with the responsibilities of the notetaker, the professor/instructor and the student. Any questions can be directed to the Office of Accessibility at ext. 7928. To the headlines.

As we near the end of the spring semester, many on campus are already planning to welcome our students back to campus in the fall. If your college or department is planning a Week of Welcome event for students and wants to have your event listed on the Week of Welcome website, please submit an event registration form to Chris Tankersley, director of New Student Orientation, at Week of Welcome event request.

Questions regarding Week of Welcome may be directed to Tankersley in the Office of New Student Orientation at tank@uakron.edu. | To the headlines.

The University of Akron Bands will host a Junior High Band Camp for students entering seventh through 10th grades the week of June 16 to 21. The camp is offered as either a commuter camp ($250) or an overnight camp ($475). A $25 discount is available for UA employee dependents. Please call ext. 6919 for more information. To the headlines.

Worried about the summer slump? Camp Digi-Lit is a great opportunity for your kids to have fun but develop their reading and writing skills to avoid learning loss over the summer months.

The Center for Literacy is seeking youth from second through eighth grade to register for summer day camps focusing on mystery writing. The camps cultivate a taste for exploration, creativity and expression, and stimulate a sense of excitement in reading and writing through technology.

The one-week camps will be held June 17-28 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and are based in Zook Hall. Registration ends May 31. For more details and to register, visit Camp Digi-Lit online. To the headlines.