Eastern Michigan University EMU HOME
 
news briefs
 

The following are news briefs about important activities and events happening at Eastern Michigan University.

  • VP for enrollment management candidates to host open forums: The four candidates for vice president for enrollment management will host open sessions for the campus community from 3:15-4:15 p.m., 201 Welch. The schedule is as follows: Lisa Kujawa, assistant provost for Enrollment Management, Lawrence Technological University, Thursday, Feb. 1. Leon Washington, assistant vice chancellor, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, University of California, Davis, Feb. 6. Tom Green, interim associate vice president for Enrollment Services and special consultant, California State University, Feb. 7. Bernice Lindke, interim vice president, Division of Enrollment Management, Eastern Michigan University, Feb. 14. For information, call Shirley Wentz, 487-4140.
  • EMU Faculty Art Exhibition

    SHOE SILHOUETTE: "Three Views of a
    Show," an archival digital print (pigment-
    based) by artist Karen Izenburg is part of
    the collection of Barry Avedon, an EMU
    professor of art. The piece is one of many
    that will be on display as part of "EMU
    Faculty Collects," which runs through Feb.
    23 in Ford Gallery.

    EMU Faculty Collects: Accompanying the "EMU Faculty Art Exhibition," "EMU Faculty Collects" is drawn from the personal art collections of EMU faculty members. The range of works includes ceramics, paintings, drawings, printmaking, photography, sculpture, metalwork and mixed media works. The exhibit will allow students and others to see the art that faculty members live with. The exhibit runs through Feb. 23, Ford Gallery. For more information, call 487-0465.
  • Ice skating at University Park: Ice skating at University Park begins today. Skating will be permitted Monday through Friday, 6-10 p.m.; and weekends, 1-5 p.m. Hockey skates and figure skates are available to rent from The Lakehouse. No rough play permitted. Skate at your own risk. After skating, warm up by the fire in The Lakehouse. Skating will continue as long as ice conditions permit. Student, faculty or staff ID required. For updates and information, call Martha Costa, 487-1338.
  • Maximum increases set for 403 (b) and 457 (b) accounts: The Benefits Office has announced the new salary reduction maximum deferral for the 403 (b) and 457 (b) plans for calendar year 2007. The new maximum deferral is $15,500, with an additional $5,000 as a catch-up for those over age 50. Based on prior-year contributions and years of service, an EMU employee may be eligible to contribute an additional $3,000 under the 403 (b) 15-year rule. The new 2007 salary reduction agreements for both the 403 (b) and 457 (b) plans are available online at www.emich.edu/hr/, under human resources forms, and in the benefits office, 235 Warner. Employees can save or defer taxes by participating in these plans.
  • Flexible Spending Account reminder for 2006: Medical and dependent care flexible spending account participants have until March 31 to submit receipt for any services incurred in calendar year 2006. Be sure to fax those receipts, along with a reimbursement form, to Ceridian Benefits Services, (877) 488-6454.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield explanation of benefits: Explanation of benefits (EOBs) are now available on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Web site at www.bcbsm.com/eob. These EOBs provide a summary of any medical services incurred. The EOBs can be viewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just go to the Web site and click on the member-secured services "log in" button. Information two years from the date of posting can be retrieved.
  • Save money with Naturally Blue: Blue Cross Blue Shield members, who are interested in alternatives to traditional medicine such as massage, can use their Blue ID care to save with the Naturally Blue program. Blue Cross Blue Shield participants can receive a 20-percent discount on massage therapy, acupuncture and nutrition counseling when they visit a Naturally Blue network practitioner. To receive the discount, just show your Blue ID card. To learn more about Naturally Blue or to get a list of network practitioners, go to www.bcbsm.com, click on "I am a Member," and then click on, "Helping Members Save Money."
  • event photo

    PLAN YOUR EVENT: The EMU Event
    Planning Office customer service hours
    are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    (above) EMU employees enjoy the recent
    Thanksgiving meal in the EMU Student
    Center Auditorium.

    Event Planning office hours: As of Jan. 24, the EMU Event Planning Office customer service hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Event Planning staff will be updating customer reservations from 8-9 a.m. daily. For more information, call the Event Planning Office, 487-4108.
  • Faculty and Tutor Appreciation Day nominations sought: Holman Learning Center (HLC) is now accepting nominations for their 2006-07 Faculty and Tutor Appreciation Day program, scheduled April 3. This program will recognize and reward faculty, lecturers, HLC tutors and Supplemental Instruction leaders who have demonstrated outstanding teaching and learning strategies both in and out of the classroom. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, March 16, at 5 p.m. To learn more about Faculty and Tutor Appreciation Day and how to nominate someone for this award, visit www.tlc.emich.edu. For general questions about this program, call 487-2133.