The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron (ABIA), of which the University is a partner, will sponsor its first “Value-driven Engineering: A National Conference on Medical Innovation and U.S. Global Competitiveness” April 22-24 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. ABIA plans to make this an “annual gathering of thought leaders from industry, academia, and public and private sectors to explore the promise of Value-driven Engineering in the United States.”

ABIA has issued a call for case studies. All submissions will be peer-reviewed and considered for inclusion in the final program. Three to five case-study finalists will be selected to make a short presentation at the conference and will receive a $1,000 prize. One finalist will receive a grand prize of $2,500.

The deadline to submit case studies is March 1, and the early registration deadline is March 16. For more information on the conference and to register, visit Value-driven Engineering and U.S. Global Competitiveness. | To the headlines.

The Institute for Lifespan Development and Gerontology invites faculty members of all ages to participate in a survey designed to gain a better understanding of the way faculty members view retirement.

We intend to explore retirement issues and work options that may be desirable for faculty members as they transition to retirement.

Based on the results of this survey, we also intend to offer retirement educational programming to aid faculty members in this transitional period. Your responses will help us better understand needs in retirement and help establish an improved understanding of retirement options.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions-hsterns@uakron.edu. We thank you for your participation. Take the survey. | To the headlines.

Lots 2, 13, 8 and 4 near James A. Rhodes Arena will be reserved on Saturday, Feb. 11, for those attending basketball games.

Lot 9 at InfoCision Stadium will be made available to visitors all day on Thursday, Feb. 16, for UA's Career Fair. To the headlines.

Dr. Rolando Ramirez, assistant professor of biology and integrative biosciences, will present his research at noon on Friday, March 9, in Leigh Hall 414. His research is titled “Relaxin as a Novel Hormone Replacement Therapy for Coronary Disease.” 

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of American women. Premenopausal women have a lower incidence of coronary artery disease relative to men; however, after menopause the risk is equal to that of men. Estrogen replacement therapy is effective in relieving the symptoms of menopause, but recent clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a significant cardio-protective effect. Therefore, fresh approaches to the concept of “hormone replacement therapy” in postmenopausal women would be useful. It is suggested that the ovarian hormone relaxin, which circulates during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, may contribute to the reduced incidence of coronary artery disease in premenopausal women. 

Bring your lunch and meet Dr. Ramirez, learn about his research endeavors and show support for one of your colleagues. RSVP to Mary Dingler, Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs, or call ext. 7774. To the headlines.

February is often a month for playing catch up! We've recovered from the holidays and are starting to get back into our routines and address our everyday responsibilities. With that, we want to remind you that IMPACT Solutions, our employee assistance program provider, offers a financial benefit that can be accessed by calling 1-800-227-6007. 

The benefit allows you to be set up with a financial counselor who can assist you during the tax filing process.

Also, consider using the online tax preparation tool:

1. Go to: IMPACT Solutions website.
2. Select "Go to member login" (orange button)
3. Enter "uakron" in the username field
4. Select TaxACT Online on the right side, under "Centers."

To the headlines.

Beginning this semester, people who use disability parking spaces on campus are required to register their state placard (or disability license plate) with the Office of Parking Services.

Those who do will be issued UA accessibility parking permits instead of the regular faculty/staff, commuter or resident student permits. This new permit is to be displayed in addition to (not in place of) the state-issued placard. There is no change in the cost of parking, only in the type of permit issued. The new permits must be obtained by March 1, 2012, as strict enforcement of the new requirements will begin at that time.

Visit the Parking Services website to find guidelines and a link to the accessibility parking permit application.

Upon verification of the placard registration, an accessibility permit will be sent via campus mail. We simply ask that you mail your regular permit to Parking Services within two weeks of receiving the new one.

For further information, visit Parking Services. To the headlines.

“Foam structures made of thermotropic liquid crystals” will be presented by Dr. Hiroshi Yokoyama in the Polymer Engineering Academic Center, Aggarwal Lecture Hall, Room 130, on Friday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. Yokoyama is director, Ohio Research Scholar and professor of chemical physics at the Liquid Crystal Institute at Kent State University.

Yokoyama will discuss the results of ongoing efforts to generate an optically transparent (or optical tunable) foam using smectic liquid crystals; microfluidc bubble injection devices and the resultant structures. For more on his work, visit Yokoyama's website.

The presentation is part of the Polymer and Advanced Materials Lecture Series hosted by the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. To the headlines.

Talent Development and Human Resources, with IMPACT Solutions, will present a Free Wellness Seminar— Improving Your Communication, on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Administrative Services Building, Conference Room 130B. Sign up at Training Seminars. Bring your lunch and learn with David Rust, a leadership and executive coach, to recognize the communication styles of others. You'll learn how to use these styles to improve interactions with spouses, coworkers and colleagues. Learn more. To the headlines.

The dotCMS editor will be the only editor available as of Feb. 29. This editor, which has been in use for several years, replaced Editor 2. The old editor has been kept active to give colleges and departments time to transfer pages into dotCMS.

For those who create, edit and maintain Web pages — if you still have pages in Editor 2 — it is necessary that you move them to the dotCMS editor. After Feb. 29, the Editor 2 will be turned off and you will not be able to access the Web pages.

If you have questions, contact Eric Kreider at ewk@uakron.edu, or ext. 5303. To the headlines.

If you are the parent of a current UA student, New Student Orientation needs your help!

We are asking parents of current students to sign up for a time to answer a few questions about your experience on Monday, Feb. 13, in Student Union 314. As you know, when children start college, parents have a transition to make, too. By sharing your experiences, you can ease the transition for other soon-to-be Akron parents.

The answers will be compiled into a video that will be used in Student Engagement and Success New Student Orientation Parent Sessions for 2012.

Please sign up for only one time using this link: http://www.doodle.com/s4nf9kaakv75d7yw.

If you have questions, please contact Aysen Ulupinar-Butzer, Student Engagement and Success New Student Orientation co-chair, at aysen@uakron.edu or ext. 5288. To the headlines.

Dr. Albert Korsok, an associate professor emeritus of geography, died Feb. 3. Services were held Feb. 6 in Willoughby. 

He joined UA in 1968 and retired in 1983. He earned a B.S. at Case Western Reserve University, an M.A. at Northwestern University and a Ph.D. at the University of Illinois in 1960.

An obituary is available at Ohio.com. To the headlines.

The Institute for Teaching and Learning and Distance Learning Services will offer a Certificate in Synchronous Distance Learning during spring semester. Thirty certificates were awarded in fall 2011.

To obtain the certificate, participants must complete four, one-hour modules that will be offered throughout the semester. The interactive modules will focus on providing a general understanding of live-interactive distance learning classrooms at The University of Akron, effective instructional and communication strategies, alternative assessment tools and techniques for the distance environment, and an overview of best practices compiled from more than a decade of synchronous distance learning at UA.

For your convenience, two sessions of each module will be offered. Please select only one of each module.

Module I — Welcome to the Distance-Learning Classroom
Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 2 to 3 p.m., Leigh Hall 208
Thursday, Feb. 16, from 8 to 9 a.m., Leigh Hall 207

Module II — Building Community: Technology meets Pedagogy
Wednesday, March 7, from 2 to 3 p.m., Leigh Hall 208
Thursday, March 8, from 8 to 9 a.m., Leigh Hall 207

Module III — Measuring Student Success: Assessment Tools for Distance Learners
Wednesday, March 28, from 2 to 3 p.m., – Leigh Hall 208
Thursday, March 29, from 8 to 9 a.m., – Leigh Hall 207

Module IV — Bringing it All Together: Top Ten Best Practices for Teaching in DL
Wednesday, April 11 from 2 to 3 p.m., – Leigh Hall 208
Thursday, April 12 from 8 to 9 a.m., – Leigh Hall 207
All UA graduate teaching assistants, part-time and full-time faculty are invited to participate. Faculty members teaching in UA's distance learning classrooms during spring 2012, or those who anticipate teaching in future semesters, are highly encouraged to attend. Also, anyone who completed a portion of the program during the fall 2011 semester and needs to complete specific modules to qualify for a certificate is encouraged to attend.

To attend the sessions, please register via the ITL Online Registration. Questions regarding the certificate and modules should be directed to Eric Veigel at veigel@uakron.edu To the headlines.

Currently, Apple Safari is the default browser on the Mac Lab and Mac faculty/staff computers. Another Web browser, Firefox, is installed as a secondary browser.

If you prefer to use Firefox as the default browser for your faculty/staff computer, follow these steps.

1. Launch Firefox. If this is your first time running Firefox, you will be prompted to import your settings and bookmarks from Safari on your Mac.
2. To make Firefox your default browser, click the Firefox Menu and select “Preferences.”
3. Click on the Advanced Tab.
4. Under System Defaults, select the checkbox next to “Always check to see if Firefox is the default browsers on startup.”
5. Close the Preferences window.
6. Online instructions for setting Firefox as your default browser are available at Firefox Help.

Google Chrome is also available if you prefer. Chrome is not installed by UA's Apple Support Team on your Mac. If you prefer to use it as your browser, you will need to download Google Chrome.

1. Go to Chrome download to get the browser.
2. Instructions on how to make Chrome your default browser are at Chrome default instructions.

The Apple Support Team will ensure that computers have the latest Safari and Firefox browsers installed. Information Technology Services is also looking into the possibility of deploying Firefox updates to faculty/staff users using Absolute Manage, the Macintosh software and update deployment tool.

If you have questions about you Mac browsers, contact the Support Center at ext. 6888. Information about resetting your browser and clearing the cache is also available at the Support Center's Wiki, Reset browser. To the headlines.

The Military Veterans Association is selling tickets for an opportunity to win a Valentine's Day-themed gift basket. Two baskets are available and each contains chocolates, stuffed animals, wine glasses and a $25 gift card to The Cheesecake Factory. Tickets are $1 each and proceeds will fund student-veterans' programs on campus.

Members of the MVA will sell tickets for the baskets at a table in front of Union Market in the Student Union on Thursday, Feb. 9, and Friday, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Monday, Feb. 13, in the Polsky Building on the third floor, near the food court, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The winners of the baskets will be notified Tuesday, Feb. 14.

For more information, contact Christian A. Turner, president of the Military Veterans Association, at cat15@zips.uakron.edu, or Steve Motika, adviser of the MVA, at ext. 8695 or motika@uakron.edu. To the headlines.

The Department of Sociology will host its annual spring student career-related discussion with UA alumni on Wednesday, Feb. 29, in Student Union 312 from noon until 1:30 p.m.

Guest speakers currently working in education, the nonprofit sector and the health field will have career information for audience members.

This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage students to discover the advantages of earning a major complementary minor in sociology. Faculty and students are invited to stop in any time throughout the event with questions or comments. To the headlines.

The national leadership honor society Omicron Delta Kappa is accepting applications of junior, senior and graduate students through Feb. 24. The society recognizes and encourages superior scholarship, leadership and exemplary character.

Please share this opportunity with outstanding student leaders in your classes or with whom you work. Students whom you would like to nominate should complete the online application. To the headlines.

Student Health Services, in partnership with The Community AIDS Network, will offer free HIV testing for UA students on campus Thursday, Feb. 23, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Testing for UA students is by appointment only — call ext. 7390.

The free HIV testing is confidential and anonymous, with appointments listed only by birth dates. Individuals will receive information about the testing location when they call to schedule an appointment. To the headlines.

It's time for this year's LIFE (Legacy, Integrity, Fellowship and Excellence) Awards, which are designed to recognize and honor the leadership, excellence, achievements and support of our organizations, activities, students, and faculty and staff of The University of Akron.

The evening and its awards are organized by UA Adult Focus, Alumni Association, Undergraduate Student Government, Department of Athletics, Department of Student Life, Division of Student Success and Engagement, Graduate Student Government, Golden Key National Honor Society, Mortar Board, Office of Multicultural Development, Omicron Delta Kappa, Sigma Phi Alpha and The SOuRCe. The next celebration will be held April 17 and is by invitation only. Applications for individuals and organizations as well as recommendation forms and a list of the awards are available at LIFE Awards. The deadline for applications is March 2. For more information, please contact Lorri March, coordinator of All Campus Programs, at ext. 5517 or lorri@uakron.edu. To the headlines.

These upcoming performances are free and open to the public.

Duo Amaral
Internationally renowned classical guitarists Jorge Amaral and Mia Pomerantz-Amaral will be in concert Friday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m. In Guzzetta Recital Hall. Already prize-winning solo artists, the duo has toured extensively throughout the United States and abroad since 2008, giving performances, workshops and master classes. They will perform works by Vivaldi, Franck, Handel, Albeniz and Ramirez.  

The concert is part of the sixth annual Stroud Classical Guitar Competition and Festival. For more information, call 330-972-8301 or e-mail concerts@uakron.edu.

Sixth Annual Stroud Competition Finals
Established in 2007, the Stroud Classical Guitar Competition features guitarists from Northeast Ohio. The finals will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Guzzetta Recital Hall. A reception follows. For more information, contact Steve Aron at ext. 6188.

24th annual Band Clinic Concert
Wadsworth High School Symphonic Band, UA Concert Band and Symphonic Band will perform Monday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. The guest conductor is Col. John R. Bourgeois, director emeritus of the United States Marine Band. For more information, call 330-972-8301 or e-mail concerts@uakron.edu. To the headlines.

On Thursday, Feb. 23, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Barnes and Noble Bookstore, The Conversation Nook will be held with Brandon Laster leading the conversation on “Awareness + Culture = OMD.”

The Conversation Nook is a new program created to be a safe, open forum for conversations to address cultural and informational questions students may be afraid to ask. The Department of Student Life encourages students, faculty and staff to join in on the conversation. To the headlines.

Student Recreation and Wellness Services is proud to bring you ZipLift. Fitness and Wellness is teaming up with Intramural Sports to bring you a competition comprised of both strength and endurance events. ZipLift is open to students and faculty and staff who are members of the Rec Center.

Bench Press 1-rep max - scored relative to body weight
Deadlift 1-rep max - scored relative to body weight
Bench Press endurance - Men: BW/reps; Women: 1/2 BW/reps
Deadlift endurance - Men: 1.5 x BW/reps; Women: BW/reps

Intramural Champion T-shirts will be awarded to the top male and female in each category. Order of participation will depend on weight lifted in each event. The event registration fee is $5 and registration information can be found online at Intramural Sports. The deadline to register is Monday, April 16, at 6 p.m.

For questions regarding the event, please contact Ben Hartman at bhartma@uakron.edu or call ext. 8382.

For questions regarding registration or payment, please contact Chelsea Phipps at cphipps@uakron.edu or call ext. 6620. To the headlines.

UA will host the Mid-American Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships Feb. 24-25, and volunteers are needed to help make this a first class event for our student-athletes and the conference.

The list of events, available time slots and the number of volunteers needed is available at Track and Field Volunteers. If you're interested in signing up, review the schedule and e-mail Allan Hoon, the Stile Athletics Field House manager, at allan1@uakron.edu with your availability. Those who would like to work with someone else should make that request and Hoon will schedule you together. For more information, call Hoon at ext. 7144. To the headlines.

The women's basketball team will don pink jerseys Saturday, Feb. 11, as it takes on Western Michigan for the Play 4Kay game at James A. Rhodes Arena at 5 p.m.

Play 4Kay — formally referred to as “Pink Zone” — is a unified effort for a nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund, in partnership with the WBCA and The V Foundation, which is the official Play 4Kay charity. A total of $650,000 was raised in 2011. This year's goal is to reach the $1 million milestone.
Proceeds from Saturday's game will support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

“It's an honor for our team to have the chance to raise awareness for such a great cause,” UA coach Jodi Kest said. “I encourage our fans to come out on Saturday and join us in the fight against cancer.”

Fans attending Saturday's game will have a number of opportunities to join the fight against breast cancer. Pink T-shirts are on sale for $10 at the Student Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day this week. The shirts will also be sold at Rhodes Arena throughout Saturday's game. Additionally, there will also be drawings for a pink gift basket and an autographed pink basketball.

Fans are encouraged to go to Akron's Play 4Kay website to donate online to UA's team total.

To the headlines.

The University of Akron is interested in the health and well being of all faculty and staff. In an effort to encourage a healthier lifestyle, we are bringing a pilot program of Yoga at Lunch to the Polsky Building and Administrative Services Building (ASB). 

Classes will be held 11 to 11:45 a.m. on the following Wednesdays: Feb.15, Feb. 29, March 7 and March 14 in Polsky Building 313, and March 21, March 28, April 4 and April 11 in the Employee Break Room in the ASB Building.

Cost to participate is $1, or the donation of one can of food for the Haven of Rest Ministries. Learn more at Wellness Programs.

Due to space limitations, please sign up at https://www.uakron.edu/seminars/. To the headlines.

The Student Recreation and Wellness Services Aquatics Program will conduct an eight-week triathlon training class to prepare participants for our sprint triathlon, beginning Monday Feb. 27. The training class will feature two-instructor-led swimming, cycling and running sessions each week. All ability levels are welcome — workouts are designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced participants.

Registration for the training program earns participants weekly instructor-led class sessions, entry into the Spring 2012 Sprint Triathlon, Race T-shirt and much more. Participants will receive an informational packet containing class information at the time of registration.

Please contact Nick Weber at nweber@uakron.edu or 330-972-5972 with questions. The class fee is $30 for Rec Center members and $85 for nonmembers. To the headlines.

Please announce to your students that the University is serving as the Summit County host of College Goal Sunday on Feb. 12, beginning at 2 p.m. The college financial aid event is presented annually at sites around the state by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) and is endorsed by the Ohio Board of Regents.

College Goal Sunday is designed to provide assistance to students and parents in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is the application that is required to be completed to receive federal financial aid, including the Federal Pell Grant and student loans as well as need-based state grants.
This is a free event, and is open to current college students at any institution, as well as prospective students planning to attend a college in Ohio or out-of-state, and their parents. Registration is not required, but is encouraged. To register for College Goal Sunday, visit www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org, or call 1-800-233-6734.

The Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) is a nonprofit, professional organization for individuals actively engaged in the administration of financial aid within the state of Ohio for higher education. As an educational organization, OASFAA strives to offer resources to students, families and high school advisors to promote higher education and increase awareness of financial aid opportunities. To the headlines.

Women in Higher Education invites the campus community to attend the last of its “Travel Days” series this academic year. Travel to New Orleans with Alison Doehring on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from noon to 1 p.m., in Administrative Services Building 165N.

Those attending will share a Cajun meal, learn about UA's 2012 Alternative Spring Break program and meet colleagues. The cost, $4 for WIHE members and $5 for nonmembers, covers lunch and beverages. If you bring a Cajun dish, the cost is waived.

To attend Travel Day, contact Bev Brockett at ext. 8855 or bhb@uakron.edu for details. Please note that the public entrance to the Administrative Services Building faces Mill Street. To the headlines.

“Extreme Makeover: Leadership Edition,” will be the topic for Joseph Pusateri, president of Elite Homes, Inc., who will be the guest speaker at the Akron Roundtable luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 16. The event begins at noon in the Quaker Station ballroom, and is being presented in partnership with the Leadership Akron Alumni Association.

Pusateri founded Elite Homes, Inc., in 1976, one of the largest locally owned, home building and remodeling companies in Kentucky. In 2007 and 2010, Elite Homes was a builder featured on episodes of ABC's “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

A life trustee of the National Association of Home Builders, Pusateri was recognized in 2011 as America's Best Builder by Builder magazine. A graduate of Leadership Louisville, he has served on the boards of more 25 nonprofit organizations over the last two decades. His community leadership has garnered numerous awards, including the 2010 Philanthropist of the Year Award from the Louisville chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Members of the campus community interested in Pusateri's presentation may purchase tickets by contacting the Akron Roundtable at 330-247-8682 or by visiting the Akron Roundtable web site. Please encourage student leaders as well as students pursuing degrees in business, engineering technology, construction technology, and in family and consumer sciences to attend. At the conclusion of Pusateri's presentation, there will be time for questions. 

To ensure parking for those attending, you are urged to access the Roo Shuttle that will take you to Quaker Square, or you may walk from your office to the Quaker Station. To the headlines.

The Pie Factory at Quaker Square has planned some sweet treats in February.

Available for Valentine's Day will be chocolate-covered strawberries — $1.99 each or $19.99 per dozen (preordered). Also available will be Zippy cookies.

On Feb. 21, for Fat Tuesday, there will be pie specials and “King Cake” cupcakes.

Pie Factory hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ext. 7492 for more information. To the headlines.

The University will realize its goals as set forth in Vision 2020 through the exemplary work of faculty, administrators, and staff.

As in the past, University-wide awards will be given to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and service.

Nominations may be made by faculty, administrators, staff, or alumni; self-nominations will not be considered. Nominations and supporting documentation must be received by Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Download details:

• Outstanding Teacher Award
• Outstanding Researcher Award
• Award for Exemplary University Service
• Award for Outstanding Teacher/Mentor of First-Year Students

To the headlines.

The Counseling Center is offering the following workshops during the week of Feb. 13:

Discussing Our Choices –Tuesday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. in Simmons Hall 306. Take the online e-CHUG program on the Counseling Center website and discuss your choices about the use of alcohol.

Stress Management Through Biofeedback – Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m., Student Union 310.

Peace, Love, Happiness – Wednesday, Feb. 15, noon, Student Union 316.

Emotional Support Group – Friday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m., Simmons Hall 306.

Visit the Counseling Center webpage for additional information about these workshops and comprehensive psychological services. To the headlines.

Please share with your students the opportunities they have to prepare for their job search and UA's upcoming Career Fair at information sessions hosted by the Career Center.

The Career Fair will be held Thursday, Feb. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Union Grand Ballroom. Employers will be on hand to recruit talented UA students for internships and full-time careers.

Here are the workshops:

'Career Fair: Tips and Hints'
Wednesday, Feb. 8, or Thursday, Feb. 9
Location: Student Union 316
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Do you know the three keys to introducing yourself to a potential employer at a Career Fair? Do you know how to market your skills, knowledge and abilities? Come to this session to gain an edge in presenting yourself to employers at the Career Fair.

'Dress to Impress: the How To's of Dressing Professionally'
Monday, Feb. 13
Location: Student Union 316
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
First impressions last forever! Learn how to “Dress to Impress” and give yourself an edge over the competition and show your potential employer your level of professionalism. This session will provide you with etiquette information, including suitable introductions, appropriate conversation topics and proper social etiquette that can help you effectively network with others. Remember, how you conduct yourself during networking events (informal or formal) is just as important as the formal interview. To the headlines.

Do you know a student leader who lives off-campus in the area that surrounds the University? Is she or he looking for a job? 
 
We're introducing community ambassadors at The University of Akron. The students chosen for this role will work with the Department of Off-Campus Student Services to provide helpful information to off-campus residents. Working eight to 10 hours a week, each ambassador will provide social and educational information to fellow off-campus students who live near them. 

If you know of students who would be interested in this paid position, please send them to the Off-Campus Student Services website to fill out an application, or contact Zak Steiner at ext. 8305 or zds1@uakron.edu. 

Among a community ambassador's duties:

• Participate in monthly Neighborhood Block Watch meetings;
• Create and maintain a Facebook page for your community;
• Interact with students, residents and landlords that live in your community; and
• Gather groups of students to engage in programs offered by Off-Campus Student Services and other UA departments.

To the headlines.

Faculty interviewers are needed for an Honors College event on Friday, Feb. 24. Faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in applicant interviews during UA's annual spring “Invitation to Excellence: Scholarship Friday” event from noon to 2 p.m. (session one) and/or from 3 to 5 p.m. (session two).

Participants will interview high school, transfer and continuing UA applicants for scholarship consideration and Honors College admission. During an interview session, you will speak with an applicant whose interest is in a similar academic field to yours. This is an opportunity to recruit academically strong students to your department. Depending on your schedule, you can interview in one or both sessions. There are up to eight half-hour interviews, spread over the two sessions in the afternoon.

Recommended training sessions for interviewers will held at 1 and again at 2 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 20, and at 1 and again at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Honors Complex 178. Reservations are not required for training.

Last year, more than 300 applicants attended the event, and we expect a similar number this spring. Students and their families attend a program in the Student Union Ballroom while the students await their interviews. Teams of two usually conduct the interview sessions with students.

To participate, send your name, department, telephone extension and choice of interviewing sessions to Peggy Walchalk at peggy1@uakron.edu or call ext. 5247. To the headlines.

The Department of Athletics invites you and your family to the 2012 Basketball Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The women's team will take on Western Michigan at 5 p.m., followed by the men against Northern Illinois at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are just $10 and include admission to both games and a complimentary meal served between the two games. The menu includes all-beef hot dogs, brats, vegetarian pasta salad, chips and drinks.

For more information or to purchase your tickets, please call ext. 6920 or visit the C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office located at the southwest corner of InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To the headlines.

Akron IMG Sports Marketing and the Department of Athletics would like to thank the faculty and staff for all they do for UA students and student-athletes by recognizing an "Employee of the Game" on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the men's basketball game against Northern Illinois, which begins at 7:30 p.m. 

One lucky UA employee will receive a gift courtesy of Taylor Made Jewelry and two reserved seats to the basketball game.

To register, e-mail your name, department and phone number to Adam Matth at adam.matth@imgworld.com, subject line: "Employee of the Game." All entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. The winner will be notified on Friday, Feb. 10. To the headlines.

A new session of American Red Cross swim lessons will begin the week of Feb 13. Classes are offered twice weekly on Tuesday/Thursday evenings, and once weekly on Saturdays. Class times are listed on our registration form. All instructors are certified by the American Red Cross to teach swimming skills for children 18 months and older through adult learners. Registration is open to the public. 

Member pricing applies to current UA students, faculty and staff, and Student Recreation and Wellness Center members, and also applies to their siblings and/or children. The price on the registration form reflects the total cost of the session (pricing includes eight group lessons).

Registration is limited, and the deadline for registration is by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12. For registration information or specific class days/times and pricing, please visit Group Swim Lessons and click on the registration form, stop by the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, or contact Diane Weaver at 330-972-7172 or weaverd@uakron.edu. To the headlines.

The Outdoor Adventure Program will hold a winter backpacking clinic Wednesday, Feb. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. The fundamental skills and strategies needed to backpack during the winter months will be covered. This clinic is a prerequisite for the winter backpacking trip to Oil Creek State Park in western Pennsylvania March 3-4.

The registration deadline for the clinic is Friday, Feb. 24. Please register in person at the OASIS located in Student Recreation and Wellness Center 140 (back entrance). Cost is $5 for students and $10 for faculty/staff and Rec Center members. This program is free for participants registered for the winter backpacking trip. 

For more information, contact Mackenzie Yates at outdoorga@uakron.edu or ext. 7443. To the headlines.

The School of Law will host Discover Law Day for all students interested in attending law school on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The event is offered in conjunction with the Law School Admissions Council and will feature a mock class, admissions information session, student-alumni panel and a law school tour.  

This program is FREE and open to the public. Please register at: Discover Law. To the headlines.

Through a partnership between the University and the Akron Art Museum, faculty, staff and students receive free admission and member benefits to the museum throughout the current academic year.

Simply show your Zip Card at the admissions desk to enter. Your gratis membership includes admission and discounts to events, workshops and the museum store. See all member benefits.

The museum is at 1 South High St., two blocks north of Quaker Square. See museum hours and parking tips. To the headlines.

Getting home from classes or events late in the evening just got easier.

Roo Express weeknight shuttle services have been extended by 15 minutes — they now begin their final circuits at 11 p.m.

Buses will be waiting at the Student Union, College of Arts and Sciences Building, Polsky Building, James A. Rhodes Arena and the Buckingham Center for Continuing Education.

Board a shuttle at one of these locations and it will take you home or to your vehicle anywhere within University Park. To the headlines.