Briefings

The Regents will meet this week, with the first session beginning at 3 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Harding Mott University Center at U-M-Flint. Earlier in the day, U-M-Flint will host a ceremony to name its Classroom and Office Building in honor of David M. French. French was the first and only dean and CEO of the Flint College, founding the institution that later became U-M-Flint. Agenda items for the meeting include the monthly “Michigan Greats” presentation and state budget requests for all three campuses. Public comments will be heard at 4 p.m.

The meeting continues at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 20 in the Regents’ Room, Fleming Administration Bldg. Following opening remarks by President Lee C. Bollinger, the agenda includes a PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Report and Responses, the annual report on investments and regular agenda items.

Lane Hall dedication is Oct. 20

The Institute for Research on Women and Gender and the Women’s Studies Program are offering guided tours of selected campus exhibitions at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 21 beginning at Lane Hall. The exhibitions are part of month-long events celebrating the opening of Lane Hall.

The Lane Hall opening celebration on Oct. 20 includes a street fair along State St. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon; a keynote lecture by Johnnetta B. Cole, the Presidential Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and professor of women’s studies and of African American studies, Emory University, at 4 p.m. in Rackham Auditorium; and the world premiere of Mail: Daphne and Apollo Remade at 8 p.m. in Hill Auditorium. Panel discussions on “New Issues in Interdisciplinarity: A Roundtable by Doctoral Students in Women’s Studies” and “Enlarging the Circle: The Power of Feminist Education” will be held 9–10:15 a.m. and 10:30–11:45 a.m., respectively, in Room 2239, Lane Hall.

All events are free and open to the public. Reservations are required for the tours. Call (734) 764-9537 to make a reservation or for more information.

Kids Kare registration begins today

Registration for Kids Kare at Home, a sick or emergency backup child care service, begins today (Oct. 16) and is offered through Oct. 31. The program, which is partially subsidized by the University, is administered by the Family Care Resources Program, a division of Human Resources and Affirmative Action. Registration is free.

Kids Kare at Home contracts with an accredited home health care agency to provide emergency backup or sick child care service in the child’s own home. Services are available to registered faculty or staff with at least a half-time appointment on the Ann Arbor, Flint or Dearborn campus, and registered full or half-time students on the Ann Arbor campus.

Kids Kare at Home services are offered on a sliding fee scale, based on household income and number of children. Families are allowed a maximum of 36 hours of service per family Nov. 1, 2000–Oct. 31, 2001.

For details on the program, visit the Web at www.umich.edu/~hraa/familycare. To register, use your uniqname and Kerberos password. Participants must register each year. For more information, call (734) 936-8677.

Grad School Info Fair is Oct. 25

The Office of Career Planning and Placement (CP&P) is sponsoring a Graduate School Information Fair Oct. 25 at the Michigan Union. The event will connect students with graduate schools/programs from across the country. More than 100 schools are scheduled to attend. A list of participating schools/programs is available on CP&P’s Web site, www.cpp.umich.edu. For more information, call (734) 764-7460.

Parking Services closed afternoon of Oct. 20

The Parking Services office, 508 Thompson St., will be closed 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Oct. 20 for an in-service session. Regular office hours will resume at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 23.

Online exhibition chronicles state’s LGBT history

The story of the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is chronicled in a new online exhibition, “Artifacts and Disclosures: Michigan’s LGBT History.”

The site (http://lgbtheritage.org) features profiles of members of the LGBT community—who often were closeted due to social pressures—and social trends within the state’s LGBT community from the 1800s to the present. The Lavender Information and Library Association, the School of Information, and the University Library Labadie Collection collaborated on the site.

The exhibition draws from items in the Labadie Collection, the Bentley Historical Library, and collections at Michigan State University and elsewhere. It is a continuation of a 1999 library exhibition that showcased photographs, publications and other materials concerning LGBT people’s lives and accomplishments.

Highlights include a timeline of events spanning the past century, writings about the social trends of the LGBT movement and materials grouped by region within Michigan.

Undergraduate experience commission holds open forums

Students, faculty and staff are invited to two open forums, sponsored by the President’s Commission on the Undergraduate Experience, to express their thoughts on how the University should prepare and promote experiences that support undergraduate education programs. Forums are scheduled 6–7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in Auditorium C, Angell Hall (hosted by LS&A Student Government), and 7–8 p.m. Oct. 25 in the East Room, Pierpont Commons (hosted by the Engineering Council).

Questions for participants include: What should be the nature and scope of our undergraduate experiences? What are our special strengths, and how can we build upon them? In what ways can we use our size and resources to meet the needs of future undergraduate students and maintain a position of leadership?

For more information, contact Isabelle Turquat-Mertha, (734) 615-1634, fax (734) 764-4546 or iturquat@umich.edu.

Biologist Ehrlich to discuss ‘Genes, Ethics and Our Futures’

Paul Ehrlich, biologist, Stanford University, and specialist in evolution, ecology and population biology, will discuss “Human Natures: Genes, Ethics and Our Futures” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in Rackham Auditorium. The free, public lecture is sponsored by the School of Natural Resources and Environment, the Evolution and Human Adaptation Program, the Museum of Zoology, the Department of Biology and the Ecosystem Management Initiative.

Ehrlich is the author of the best-selling book The Population Bomb. His latest book, Human Natures: Genes, Cultures and the Human Prospect, addresses such issues as whether genes are destiny, why an understanding of cultural as well as genetic evolution is crucial, and why human nature is an ever-changing phenomenon.

Geriatric Clinic offers peer counselor training

The Turner Geriatric Clinic is offering peer counselor training for people who want to become volunteers and visit an older person in his or her home. Sessions will be held 9:30 a.m.–noon Oct. 23 and 30 and Nov. 13 and 20 in Room 1139, Cancer and Geriatrics Centers Bldg.

For questions and reservations, call Mary Rumman or Lynn Stern, (734) 764-2556.

Social Security discussion slated for Oct. 25

The School of Business Administration’s Office of Tax Policy Research (OTPR) will host “Social Security at Risk: The 2000 Election,” a free, public forum, 4:15–5:45 p.m. Oct. 25 in Hale Auditorium, Business School.

The future of Social Security and how it is managed are hot political issues in this year’s presidential election. During the forum, short video clips will be shown from the recent presidential debates. Panelists will respond to the statements made by each candidate. Panelists are Paul Courant, associate provost, faculty associate, Survey Research Center, and professor of economics and of public policy; Joel Slemrod, the Paul W. McCracken Professor of Business Economics, professor of business economics and public policy and of economics, and OTPR director; and James R. Hines Jr., research director, OTPR, and professor of business economics. Keith Crocker, the Waldo O. Hildebrand Professor of Risk Management and Insurance and professor of business economics, will moderate.

For more information, call (734) 763-3068.

IT workshops rescheduled for Nov. 6

Two Information Technology (IT) Education Services workshops for middle school students, originally scheduled for Oct. 13, have been rescheduled for Nov. 6, an Ann Arbor School District no-school day. “Programming with Lego Mindstorms,” building and programming a Lego construction, will be held 8:30–11:30 a.m. “Digital Photos, T-Shirts and Screensavers,” taking a digital photo and transferring it to a T-shirt or screensaver, will be offered 1:30–4:30 p.m.

Middle school students may sign up for one or both workshops. For more information, visit the Web at www.itd.umich.edu/education.

Shakir to discuss Arab American women

Evelyn Shakir, associate professor of English, Bentley College, and author of Bint Arab: Arab and Arab American Women in the United States, will discuss “Arab American Women: Finding a Voice” 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. today (Oct. 16) in Elliott Hall, School of Management Bldg., Dearborn.

Shakir previously worked as a reporter and reader on the “Arabic Hour” television program in Boston. She also produced a two-part documentary on the Lebanese and Syrians for WGBH radio in Boston. Shakir’s research has centered on Arab American literature, and her teaching interests include ethnic literature, autobiography and creative writing.

Dissertation Award nominations are due Dec. 8

Nominations for the Distinguished Dissertation Awards are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Eligible nominees must have completed a dissertation and earned a doctorate during the 2000 calendar year. Nominees will be judged on their overall credentials and on the quality of the dissertation, as well as its degree of innovation, creativity, insight, scope and importance to the field. Faculty members from a broad range of disciplines are encouraged to make nominations.

Nominations require a completed cover sheet and must be endorsed by the student’s department or program. For complete instructions and a coversheet, visit the Web at www.rackham.umich.edu/Faculty/DDAletter.html or contact Mary Gibbons, (734) 647-7548 or mgibbons@umich.edu.

ITCom’s number changes

Information Technology Communications Services (ITCom)—the University’s telephone, video and computer networking products and services provider—has changed its general information number to (734) 763-2000.

Mueller poetry reading is Oct. 26

Lisel Mueller, author of seven books of poetry, will read from her work at 5 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Pendleton Room, Michigan Union. Sponsored by the Department of English and the Office of the Provost, the free, public reading is part of the Visiting Writers Series.

Mueller’s most recent work, Alive Together: New & Selected Poems, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1997. In the book, she explores a wide range of subjects, including her cultural and family history and her fascination with music and the discoveries offered by language. Mueller’s honors include the Carl Sandburg Prize and a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship.

For more information, call Ian Reed Twiss, (734) 647-6471.

U-M specialists to speak about lung cancer

Hundreds of people worldwide are part of the “invisible” population of lung cancer survivors who were diagnosed with lung cancer but never referred to a cancer specialist. “Lung Cancer: The Invisible Disease,” a free, community program sponsored by the Comprehensive Cancer Center, will be held 7–8:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Livonia West Holiday Inn (on Six Mile Road east of I-275).

U-M specialists will discuss detection, treatment options, symptom management and the latest research in lung cancer. Registration is encouraged; call (800) 742-2300 and enter category 7870.

Basement Arts presents ‘Control Freaks’

Control Freaks, written by Beth Henley, is the latest production from Basement Arts, the Department of Theatre and Drama’s student-run theatre company. Free, public performances will be given at 7 p.m. Oct. 19–21 and at 11 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Arena Theatre, Frieze Bldg.

Control Freaks focuses on an array of unique characters, including a schizophrenic, lovable woman named Sister; Paul, the “quintessential slime ball;” and Sister’s brother Carl, who dreams of opening a Furniture World store.

When Paul plans to leave Carl’s store in ruin and run away with his wife, the relationships between the characters begin to dissolve. The characters are not who they seem to be, and only one character is left standing, though extremely altered.

All performances have general admission seating. Please arrive early to ensure a seat. For more information, call (734) 764-6800.

UROP announces GE Fellowship Program

The General Electric (GE) First Year Fellowship offers up to $500 to first-year students interested in completing undergraduate degrees and possibly pursuing graduate work in engineering, physics and/or computer science. The program is open to historically underrepresented minority students and/or women in the sciences.

All GE first-year fellows are required to actively participate in faculty-sponsored engineering, physics or computer science research during the winter 2001 term. Students who are not currently engaged in research will receive help from Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) staff to identify potential faculty research sponsors. Students awarded the fellowship will be automatically incorporated into UROP. Students also will prepare an academic plan, present their research at the GE Symposium and meet with a GE program representative.

GE Fellows can use their $500 award for travel costs to present research at a professional conference, funding to purchase course textbooks or as a scholarship. Applications, due Nov. 6, are available at UROP, 715 N. University, Suite 201, or by contacting Tanya Drosis, (734) 998-9381 or ge.first.year.info@umich.edu.

Britt to deliver Mullin Welch Lecture

Donna Britt, syndicated columnist for The Washington Post and U-M alumna, will discuss “In the Flow: Blending Career, Family and Spirit” 3:30–5 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Founders’ Room, Alumni Center. Britt will present the 2000 Center for the Education of Women Elizabeth Charlotte Mullin Welch Lecture.

Prior to joining the Post in 1989, Britt served as a reporter and writer for the Detroit Free Press, and directed the Los Angeles bureau of USA Today for three years. Britt addresses such topics as family, culture, race and spirituality in her columns. She has been awarded the American Society of Newspaper Editors’ Distinguished Writing Award for commentary and received a Pulitzer nomination for a first-person essay.

A reception will follow the free, public lecture. For more information, call (734) 998-7080.

Physiology hosts Biology Research Forum

The Department of Physiology is hosting the 11th Annual Systems and Integrative Biology Research Forum Oct. 18. Daniel Drucker will discuss “Physiology and Therapeutic Potential of the Glucagon-Like Peptides” at noon in Room 7745, Medical Science Bldg. II. Other highlights include student oral presentations 9–10 a.m. in Room 7745, Medical Science Bldg. II, and a poster session showcasing faculty and student work in the Systems and Integrative Biology Training Grant Program 10 a.m.–noon on the seventh floor, Medical Science Bldg. II. For more information, contact Anne Many, (734) 936-2355 or ahm@umich.edu.

Graduate School accepts proposals for Interdisciplinary Seminars

The Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies is accepting proposals for its Rackham Interdisciplinary Seminars (RIS) for the 2001–02 academic year. Senior faculty who are interested in the opportunity to team teach with someone with whom they might not ordinarily work and who are excited about the possibility of exploring an interdisciplinary topic are invited to submit proposals before Nov. 13.

Seven interdisciplinary seminars will be offered over the academic year. Each seminar is offered on a one-time basis; schools and colleges are compensated for the time faculty spend teaching the new courses. The courses are designed to attract students from various disciplines to spark new ideas, explore new topics and seed new interdisciplinary research projects. Some courses may become recurrent offerings. Faculty teams are encouraged to design hybrid courses at the graduate and undergraduate level, or develop new research possibilities together.

For more information, visit the Web at www.rackham.umich.edu (under “Events and Initiatives” and “Rackham Interdisciplinary Seminars”) or contact Lynne Dumas, ledumas@umich.edu or (734) 647-2644.

Sign up for IM flag football, wallyball

The Department of Intramural (IM) Sports is accepting entries for its flag football and wallyball tournaments 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the IM Sports Bldg. Entry fees and game dates are listed below.