See the University Calendar for events through 2009

Previous day's EMU Today

MONDAY, NOV. 23

NOTES AND QUOTES

Note: On this date in 1859, William H. Bonney, outlaw alias "Billy the Kid," was born at New York, N.Y.

Quote: ''Advise persons never to engage in killing.'' — Billy the Kid to a reporter after his capture at Stinking Springs, New Mexico.

SPECIAL NOTICES

*POLICE TRAINING: The EMU Department of Public Safety will conduct a police training session (starting Saturday, Nov. 21) through Tuesday, Nov. 24 at Goddard Hall. For more information, contact Robert Heighes at 487-0892.

STUDENT CENTER THANKSGIVING HOURS: Due to the upcoming Thanksgiving Recess, the Student Center will close at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24, and reopen at 7 a.m., Monday, Nov. 30. The computer lab will remain open for a portion of the break, keeping the following schedule: close at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24; open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Saturday, Nov. 28; open at 10 a.m. and resume normal operating hours, Sunday, Nov. 29. An EMU ID will be required to access the lab from the north entrance. For more information, contact Cristina McMurphy at cmcmurph@emich.edu.

LIBRARY'S THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: During the Thanksgiving Holiday break, Halle Library's schedule is Tuesday, Nov. 24, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Saturday, Nov. 28, closed. The library will resume regular hours Sunday, Nov. 29, 1 p.m. to midnight. For more information, call 487-0020, extension 2100.

TODAY

DID GOD SURVIVE THE HOLOCAUST?: Eastern Michigan University, EMU Hillel and Holy Trinity Catholic Student Parish present, "Did God Survive the Holocaust: A Jewish/Catholic Conversation," tonight, 7 p.m., Student Center Ballroom. Featured speakers are Guy Stern, director of the International Institute of the Righteous and director of the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus in Farmington Hills, and Father John T. Pawlikowski, professor of social ethics at the Catholic Theological Union and director of the Catholic-Jewish Studies Program at the Catholic Theological Union's Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Center. Marty Shichtman, an EMU professor of English, will serve as moderator. For more information, e-mail mshichtma1@emich.edu

WILLIAM STEWART COMPETITION: The finest EMU undergraduate wind and percussion music students compete for the opportunity to perform a solo with the Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony during a winter semester concert. The competition takes place tonight, 6-9 p.m., Pease Auditorium. For more information, contact the Department of Music and Dance at 487-2255.

LECTURES AND MEETINGS

*BATHHOUSE LECTURE: The Bathhouse Reading Series continues with a lecture by writer and visual artist Yedda Morrison Tuesday, Dec. 1, 12:30 p.m., room 310A, Student Center. Yedda Morrison combines photography, sculpture, and text in thought-provoking installations. Her books include "Girl Scout Nation," "My Pocket Park" and "Crop". From 1998-2005, Morrison co-edited "Tripwire: a Journal of Experimental Poetics and Visual Art." Represented by Republic Gallery in Vancouver, B.C., she has exhibited her visual work in the U.S. and Canada. The reading and lecture are co-sponsored by the creative writing program’s BathHouse Events and the art department. For more information, contact Jennifer Locke at 487-0465.

SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

*PERFECT MAJOR: Are you undecided about your major? Who are you? What are your interests? Come to the Finding your Perfect Major workshop Wednesday, Dec. 2, and Thursday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m., room 200, McKenny Hall, to get some help. For more information, call 487-1304.

*LUNCH AND LEARN: Human Resources continues its Lunch and Learn Series with "Social Security," Wednesday, Dec. 2, noon, Human Resources, room 100, McKenny Hall. Social Security has become an integral part of one's retirement plan. This session touches on Social Security, its benefits, and importance for those nearing retirement as well as those who are in the middle of their careers. Frances Heimes-Savickis from the Social Security Administration is the presenter. To register, e-mail hr_tpd@emich.edu, with the course title and number, and your contact information.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

HOLIDAY RECEPTIONS: EMU President Sue Martin invites all faculty and staff to celebrate the holidays together at receptions at the University House, Monday, Nov. 30, through Thursday, Dec. 3, from 4-6 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend should RSVP for one of the dates by Friday, Nov. 20. In the spirit of giving back to our Ypsilanti community at the holidays, items for SOS Community Services will be collected. Founded in 1970 by EMU students, SOS Community Services is a nonprofit organization that serves homeless families and children, and others in crisis in Washtenaw County. Canned food items such as tuna and vegetables, bottled 100-percent juices, baby items and personal hygiene items are needed. Limited parking is located in front of University House. Additional parking is located in Convocation Center Lot C. To RSVP, email Andrea at achicko1@emich.edu with the date you plan to attend.

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS: The Career Services Center is collecting urgently needed supplies for shelter animals. Dry or canned dog and cat food, cat litter, cleaning and clinic supplies (“wish list” available at hshv.org) Donations will be taken to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. A donation box is located in room 200, McKenny Hall, until Dec. 18. For more information, call Sharon at 487-1194 or e-mail sbalduf@emich.edu.

30TH UNDERGRADUATE SYMPOSIUM AND 12TH GRADUATE RESEARCH FAIR: Online nomination sites are now available for the Undergraduate Symposium and Graduate Research Fair, and will remain open for student submissions until Jan. 15, 2010. For nominations for the Graduate Research Fair, go to http://commons.emich.edu/grf/2010 and choose the "submit event" option in the left margin to begin sign in process. For further information, contact Susan Anderson at sanderson1@emich.edu. For nominations for the Undergraduate Symposium, go to http://db1.emich.edu/symposium2010 and sign in using your my.emich username and password. For further information, contact Wendy Kivi at wkivi@emich.edu.

HOLIDAY RECEPTION MENUS: Holiday reception menus are now available from Dining Services. Enjoy four themed menus: Holiday Carving Board, Feliz Navidad, Traditional Holiday Party and European Holiday Special. Prices vary per menu. For a list of menus, go to http://www.emich.edu/dining/2009HolidayMenus.pdf. To place an order, call Event Planning at 487-4108 by Dec. 11.

ENERGY SAVINGS DAYS: Human Resources is pleased to announce that, as part of our campaign to contain costs and conserve energy, Eastern Michigan University is implementing another Energy Savings Days Program. This year, the University will be closed for business Wednesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Dec. 23. However, some offices critical to the operation of the University will remain open despite these closures. University employees normally scheduled to work on these days will use four hours of vacation or sick/personal time for each eight-hour day. EMU will cover the second half of the scheduled work hours with paid release time. If an employee’s vacation or sick/personal time is exhausted, the employee’s future accrual of vacation time will be borrowed against. Employees who are required to work on these days will receive regular pay for a normal work day and will be credited with paid release time generated at one hour for each hour worked up to a maximum of four hours of release time for each eight-hour day. For further questions, call Human Resources at 487-3430.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

*THE PRINCE, THE WOLF AND THE FIREBIRD: Eastern Michigan University Theatre presents "The Prince, the Wolf and the Firebird," a funny and fast-paced adventure based on a classic Russian folktale. Written by Jackson Lacey, the two-act play tells the story of a young prince and his quest to keep a promise to the magical Firebird. Performances are scheduled Dec. 4-5 and 10-11, 7 p.m.; and Dec. 5-6 and 12, 3 p.m., Quirk Theatre. Tickets are $15 regular admission, $12 for students, $9 for MAINSTAGE patrons, and $7 for children ages 6-12. For tickets, call 487-2282 or go to the Convocation Center, Student Center ticket office or the Quirk Box Office. For more information, call 487-2255.

CHARLES MCGEE AT 85: "Energy - Charles McGee at 85," a 60-year retrospective of Charles McGee's art, will be on display through Dec. 19, in Ford and University galleries. His work addresses the current environmental crisis and calls for respect among all ethnic, racial and religious groups. McGee has work displayed in hundreds of museums, private collections and galleries, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. McGee received The Kresge Foundation Award, which came with a $50,000 prize, in December 2008. For more information, call 487-1077 or 487-0465.

ATHLETICS

*HOLIDAY HOOPS: The EMU basketball teams have home games over the Thanksgiving break. The men's team hosts Davenport Saturday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m., Convocation Center. The women's team takes on Missouri State Sunday, Nov. 29, 2 p.m., Convocation Center. For more information, call 487-0317.

*CAN CANISIUS: The EMU men's basketball team takes the hardwood against Canisus Monday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Convocation Center. For more information, call 487-0317.

REMINDERS

FOCUS EMU ON THE WEB: Eastern Michigan University honored veterans with a host of activities. Read about the military experiences of Tuskegee Airmen and other veterans. The annual Faculty and Staff Giving Program is underway. Learn where you can donate. The Department of Public Safety recently arrested two EMU students in connection with recent burglaries in Phelps-Sellers Hall. And this week's "Why I" feature works closely with the McNair Scholars Program. Guess who it is. For these and many other stories, be sure to check out the Nov. 17 issue of FOCUS EMU at http://www.emich.edu/focus_emu NOTE: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no issue of FOCUS EMU Nov. 24.

EMPLOYEE PAYROLL EXEMPTIONS: If you are an EMU employee who wants to change your payroll exemption status (per Internal Revenue Service regulations) or withholding allowances for 2010, you are required to complete a new federal W-4 Form called the Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. If you are not making a change, you do not need to take any action. You can link to the Federal W-4 Form from the Payroll Department Web site at http://www.emich.edu/controller/finserv/payroll/forms.htm, link directly to the IRS Web site at http://www.irs.gov/, or obtain a copy of the form in the Payroll Office in Room 104 Hover. For questions, call the Payroll Office at 487-2393.

FACULTY STAFF GIVING PROGRAM UNDERWAY: The annual Faculty and Staff Giving Program is offically underway. To learn more about getting involved, go to http://emufoundation.org/email2009.html

HIRING TUTORS FOR WINTER SEMESTER: Holman Learning Center (located in room G04, Halle Library) is currently hiring tutors for 100 and 200 level courses, especially in math, biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics for the winter semester. Holman Learning Center offers flexible hours and competitive wages. If interested, please fill out an employment application available at Holman Learning Center or at emich.edu/tlc.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT VENDOR HOLIDAY CLOSING: BASIC, EMU's Flexible Spending Account vendor, will its offices Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27. For questions, call EMU's Benefits Office at 487-3195.

FSA 2009 DEADLINE REMINDER: The plan year for the 2009 Flexible Spending Account ends Dec. 31, 2009. Please review your account balance and submit your 2009 claims by faxing them to BASIC at 1-800-391-6562. As indicated by IRS guidelines, any unused funds remaining in your account at the end of the plan year will be forfeited. The account plan grace period has a deadlne of March 31, 2010, to have claims, incurred during 2009, submitted to BASIC. For questions, call EMU's Benefits Office at 487-3195.

INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE: Looking for an internship? Check out www.InterninMichigan.com. Intern in Michigan is a new initiative to keep Michigan's college graduates in Michigan. The Web site matches student profiles with internships posted by Michigan employers. Log in today, create a profile and start matching. For more information, contact the Career Services Center at 487-0400.

MCNAIR SCHOLARS PROGRAM: Are you an undergraduate student interested in working towards a doctorate. The McNair Scholars Program can help. This federally funded program mentors undergraduate students to help get them through their program of study with the right research skills and tools to be ready for graduate school applications and success. Benefits include a summer research stipend, faculty research mentor, travel expenses for presenting research or graduate school visits, advising and graduate school preparation. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2010. For an application and eligibility requirements, go to http://www.emich.edu/honors/mcnair/ For more information, contact Cindy Rodrigues, 487-8240, or e-mail crodrigue1@emich.edu

BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION: The Center for Entrepreneurship at EMU is "Open For Business" and accepting entries for the 2010 Skandalaris Business Plan Competition. The deadline to submit an entry form is Dec. 18. (Actual plans are due in January).University and community college students will compete along with high school students in separate categories for nearly $5,000 in prize money. Plans will be judged by EMU professors, local business leaders and business counselors. The competition will take place in conjunction with the Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference Feb. 12, 2010. Chosen finalists will present their plans at the conference, which takes place at the EMU Student Center. All entries require a signed advisory form and the completion of an official entry form. All forms, including eligibility and requirements can be viewed online at http://www.cob.emich.edu/include/templatesubpage.cfm?id=1115&preview=1. For details, contact Paul A. Nucci at 487-0902.

EVANS-STRAND DIVERSITY PRIZE: The College of Arts and Sciences is seeking nominations for the Evans-Strand Diversity Prize. This $1,000 prize is modeled after the Nobel Peace Prize and is annually awarded to recognize an individual for significant contributions to enhancing understanding of and promoting unity among diverse populations at EMU. The prize is open to students currently enrolled in or graduating in the 12 months preceding the semester of the award. The nomination deadline is Tuesday, Dec 1. Nomination forms are available at http://www.emich.edu/cas/stu-scholarships.html or the CAS Dean's Office, 411 Pray-Harrold. For questions, contact Diane Winder at 487-4348.

AQIP ACTION PROJECTS SOUGHT: EMU’s Continuous Improvement Operations Council (CIOC) requests proposals for AQIP Action Projects to be implemented in January 2010 and beyond. The CIOC will review proposals at its December 2009 meeting. Propsals should be submitted by Tuesday, Dec. 1. Any member of the EMU community (student, faculty, staff, or administrator) can propose an Action Project. Action Projects are concrete, specific continuous improvement projects that address an EMU area of functioning that can be improved. The project should identify evidence supporting need for improvement. Ideally, an Action Project will document measurable improvement over a period of six months to three- year intervals. Additional information can be found at http://www.emich.edu/aqip/index.html, and the application form can be found at http://www.emich.edu/aqip/actionproject1.html. Proposals should be submitted electronically by Tuesday, Dec. 1, to jeanne.thomas@emich.edu. For more information, please contact Jeanne Thomas at 487-7120, extension 2742; or e-mail jeanne.thomas@emich.edu.

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARDS NOMINATIONS SOUGHT: Nominations for the 2009 Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Faculty Awards are now being sought. These awards give the University community the opportunity to recognize outstanding faculty who excel in their professional academic life. Awards are granted in the categories of: Teaching I, Teaching II, Research I , Research II, Service to the University and Creative Activity. The guidelines, deadlines and nomination forms for the 2009 Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Faculty Awards can be found online at http://www.emich.edu/public/aa/faculty.html. Please share this information with the appropriate people and/or committees within your department or area. The awards will be presented at the Faculty Awards Ceremony March 24, 2010. For questions, contact Akosua Dow at adow3@emich.edu or call 487-0889.

"WHY I" FEATURE SUBJECTS REQUESTED: If you know of an interesting faculty, staff member or administrator that you think would make an interesting "Why I" subject, please forward to Ron Podell at rpodell@emich.edu or call 487-4400. The employee must have worked at EMU for at least three years. Participants receive a green "FOCUS EMU" polo shirt.

SCHOLARSHIPS

LINK TO SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: To find out about current scholarship opportunities, go to www.emich.edu/finaid/schols/schols.htm

The deadline to submit events for consideration for EMU TODAY is noon the day before the event is to occur. For inclusion in EMU TODAY, entries should be formatted in the EMU TODAY style and forwarded electronically to emu_today@emich.edu. Most events will only be able to appear for three days. For more information, call the Office of University Communications at 487-4400.