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Updated 12:00 PM February 9, 2004

News briefs

Illness affects Markley residents

A number of Mary Markley Hall residents, almost all from the same corridor, received medical treatment last week for a vomiting and diarrhea illness. Following standard protocols, the University's Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH) department immediately was brought in to interview sick students and determine as quickly as possible the likely source of the infection. OSEH, in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Public Health Department, concluded that the outbreak was consistent with viral gastroenteritis (commonly called the stomach flu) and not consistent with any foodborne illness or food poisoning.

The rapid spread of communicable diseases and infections is of particular concern in residence halls because of the close living quarters and shared bathrooms of large numbers of students. To prevent further spread, University Health Service and Housing officials urged students to remember to wash their hands regularly and avoid contact with anyone showing signs of illness.

Spring Commencement student speaker deadline March 3

The deadline for prospective student Spring Commencement speakers to submit speeches for consideration is 5 p.m. March 3. The commencement ceremony will be 9:15 a.m. May 1 at Michigan Stadium. The competition is open to U-M students who will receive a bachelor's degree during Winter or Summer Term 2004. Submissions must include a typed draft of the speech—five minutes or less in length—and a standard audiocassette or CD of the author delivering the speech. Entrants also are asked to submit a curriculum vita or resume, and include an e-mail address and local phone number where they can be reached. A committee of students, faculty and staff will select the student speaker. Committee members will look for a speech that emphasizes experiences unique to U-M, and is brief and well written. Submit entries to the Office of the Vice President for Communications, 2080 Fleming Administration Building, 1340. Attention: Student Speaker Entries. For more information, contact Julie Ashley at (734) 647-6974 or ashleyj@umich.edu.

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