Eastern Michigan University EMU HOME
 
news briefs
 

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

  • View the sky: Families looking for free summer fun mixed with education will want to visit EMU's observatory. EMU's 14-foot long, 10-inch diameter refractor telescope will open up the sky, making the stars, planets and the moon much more visible and their colors more brilliant.

Free viewing days are July 14 and 28 and Aug. 11 and 25 at Sherzer Observatory around 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Access to the observatory is limited.

Scherzer telescope

LOOK, UP IN THE SKY: Norbert Vance,
Eastern Michigan University's observatory
director, looks toward the heavens at
Sherzer Observatory. The EMU Astronomy
Club will host public stargazing sessions
July 14 and 28, and Aug. 11 and 25.

"Star clusters are the ever-popular stars of summer and the colorful binary stars are real eye-catchers in the telescope," said Norbert Vance, EMU observatory director. "Venus and Jupiter will be the two brightest objects in the sky."

Throughout July and August, Venus and Jupiter can be seen in the west after sunset, and they will appear to be near each other all August. The moon also will be something to see, said Vance.

"The first quarter of the moon (July 28) is pretty to look at in the scope," said Vance.

As for the Milky Way, it's nearly impossible to ever see it anywhere in Ypsilanti, he said, citing light pollution as the cause.

The EMU Astronomy Club will host public stargazing sessions, following its 8:30 p.m. meetings at 402 Sherzer Hall. Visitors are welcome at the meetings and, if the skies are clear, viewing will be from the adjoining Sherzer Observatory telescope and on the roof.

For more information on this and all club activities, call 487-3033 or 487-4146. The club's Web site is www.physics.emich.edu/astrclub

  • AFSCME PPO prescription coverage changes: As of July 1, 2005, the Community Blue PPO prescription drug coverage for all AFSCME employees have changed. The new co-payments for the plan have changed to $10 for generic drugs and $20 for brand name drugs. This change is a result of a new contract between the University and AFSCME Local 3866. This is an internal change within Blue Cross Blue Shield. The new co-payments also apply to the mail order portion of the plan. Remember, a three-month's supply of maintenance prescriptions can be purchased with one co-payment through the MEDCO HEALTH mail order program, which results in savings to employees. For the mail order packets, please stop by the Benefits Office or call 487-3195.
  • Ninth Annual Friends of Wrestling Golf Outing scheduled July 18: The EMU Friends of Wrestling Golf Outing is scheduled Monday, July 18, at the Washtenaw Country Club in Ypsilanti. Funds raised at the outing go into endowed wrestling scholarships to augment the scholarships offered by the University. For more information, call 487-1050.
  • Career workshop scheduled for teens: EMU's departments of public safety and career services are partnering with the Washtenaw County Crime Prevention Officers' Association to present "Teens Building a Bridge for their Future," Aug. 1-5. The free workshop is for Washtenaw County students, ages 15-17, and is limited to 30 participants. The last day to register is July 20. To register, go to www.emich..edu/publicsafety/ or call 487-1222. The workshop will focus on youth development, interviewing skills, creating a resume and safety awareness.
  • Golf Scramble set for July 29: The 10th Annual Accounting and 1st Finance Alumni/Student Golf Scramble is scheduled Friday, July 29, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Eagle Crest Golf Course. Golf and lunch is $75. The price of lunch only is $25. Prizes, raffle, networking and fun. Please R.S.V.P. at 487-3320, and ask for Hedy or Mary.
  • Unwind with aerobics classes: The Rec/IM is offering a summer aerobics program. The cost is $45. The classes run through Aug. 5. Please visit the Rec/IM Web site for classes.
  • Update your information: Faculty, staff and students are able to change their information — home and campus address and telephone numbers — via campus pipeline (my.emich). Please check your information to make sure that it is correct. The deadline to make any changes to your personal or campus listing is Aug. 15, 2005. For more information, call 487-4400.
  • Emeritus faculty updates needed: It's almost time for the 2005-06 Eastern Michigan University telephone directory to be compiled. Your directory information on file with EMU can be verified and updated through your my.emich account or through Academic Human Resources. Please check to make sure your information is correct. If the information needs to be updated, you must initiate that change through your my.emich account or by e-mailing Bonnie Touroo in Academic Human Resources at btouroo@emich.edu in order for the change to appear in the directory. The deadline to make any changes to your personal listing is Aug. 15, 2005. For more information, call 487-4400.