Focus EMU Online: People

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

Woods

Proposal II: What Does it Mean?: Professors Ron Woods and Jessica Alexander present "Michigan Civil Rights Initiative Ballot Proposal," Wednesday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. and noon (sessions are 45 minutes each), Guild Hall, McKenny Union. The proposed Constitutional Amendment would immediately eliminate opportunities for women and miniorities to have equal access to jobs, education and contracts. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Refreshments and desserts will be provided. For more information, call 487-3229.

Fleming Lecture Series: EMU hosts documentary filmmaker Madison Davis Lacy Thursday and Friday, Oct. 19-20, in celebration of the kick-off of Halle Library's Fleming Lecture Series. Join Lacy for a screening of "Black Boy," a documentary about author Richard Wright, followed by a discussion Thursday, Oct. 19, 4-6 p.m., Halle Library Auditorium. Lacy wrote, produced and directed the film. Pizza will be available for all participants. The Fleming Lecture Series kicks off with keynote remarks by Madison Davis-Lacy Friday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m., Halle Library Auditorium. Lacy is credited with framing the original concept for "Eyes On the Prize." He also wrote two episodes of the eight-hour "Eyes on the Prize II" series chronicling the American civil rights struggle, and was a contributing producer for Ken Burns' PBS series, "Jazz." For more information on these events, call Campus Life, 487-3045, or go to www.emich.edu/clcal.

EAGLE CHEERS: The football team is looking for a
large crowd to come out and support them as they
take on the Toledo Rockets in EMU's Homecoming
game Saturday, Oct. 21, 3 p.m., in Rynearson
Stadium.

EMU Homecoming 2006: The countdown to Homecoming 2006 at EMU is on! The weeklong celebration culminates in the EMU vs. University of Toledo football game at Rynearson Stadium, 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, along with afterglow events. For more information, check out the complete list of activities at www.emich.edu/homecoming and join the excitement. For more information, call 487-0250.

Healthcare open enrollment period: This year' s open enrollment period for healthcare coverage runs through Friday, Oct. 20. Faculty have the opportunity to evaluate and select a different plan from those offered. Full- time lecturers may elect to change their previously selected PPO option during the period. All EMU employees also have the right to waive their EMU medical coverage, provided medical coverage is verified through the spouse's employer or through another non-EMU healthcare plan. The decision to waive healthcare must be made annually during the open enrollment period. Employees, who previously waived, may elect to return to EMU's health plan during open enrollment. During the open enrollment period, any changes related to dependents (additions which were not previously added within 30 days of the event) may be done as well. The effective date of coverage is Jan.1, 2007. The Benefits Office, 235 Warner, must receive all enrollment forms no later than Friday, Oct. 20. For more information, call Jeanette Hassan, 487-3195.

Flexible Spending Account open enrollment: This year's open enrollment period for the flexible spending account (FSA) runs through Friday, Oct. 20, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2007. Ceridian Benefit Service administers the FSA. The FSA is an easy, convenient way to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay medical, dental and dependent care expenses. EMU employees can set aside up to a maximum of $5,000 each per year per family for health expenses and dependent care expenses. There will be a minimal fee for faculty and full-time lecturers. For more information, call Jeanette Hassan, 487-3195.

Griffin

Kathy Griffin coming to Convo Center: An Evening with Kathy Griffin is scheduled Friday Oct. 20, EMU Convocation Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale at the EMU Convocation Ticket Office. They also can be purchased by phone at 487-2282, or online, www.emich.edu/convocation. Ticket prices are $20 for EMU students, $35 for lower bowl seats and $40 for main floor. For more information, call 487-2282.

Collection for Washtenaw County Safehouse: The EMU Women's Association is sponsoring donation boxes in Halle Library through Oct. 31 that will benefit Washtenaw County Safehouse. Toiletries and cell phones for women, and hats, gloves and toys for children will be collected. For questions, please contact Rita Bullard at rita.bullard@emich.edu

Thanksgiving Buffet: It's time to purchase tickets for this year's Thanksgiving Buffet, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., New Student Center Grand Ballroom. Staff tickets are $11.40 each and student tickets are $10.10. Canned goods, cash and checks will be collected at the door again this year for Food Gatherers. For more information, go to http://www.foodgatherers.org To make a reservation, call Event Planning, 487-4108, or e-mail lpanzica@emich.edu.

Continuing Education scholarships available: Two $500 awards are available through Continuing Education. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in any of the programs offered through Continuing Education during the 2007 winter, spring or summer terms are eligible. The application deadline is Nov. 1, 2006. Application forms are available at www.ce.emich.edu/scholarships.htm.