News Briefs

Updated 11:00 AM September 9, 2004

News Briefs

Faculty, staff and students can update emergency contacts

Beginning this summer, all faculty, staff and students with a uniqname and Kerberos password can enter and update emergency contact information on Wolverine Access (http://wolverineaccess.umich.edu). Users can designate multiple contacts—including a primary contact—and include names, phone numbers, and mailing and e-mail addresses. University Housing and Department of Public Safety Emergency will use the information only in emergency situations for notification purposes. Faculty, staff and students without a uniqname and/or Kerberos password should contact the Information Technology Central Services accounts office to request one.

Reminder regarding U-M MCard CashChip

On May 31, 2001, U-M ended issuance of MCards with CashChips. A balance remains on some of the outstanding cards. Under Michigan law, MCL 567.221, unclaimed property must be turned over to the treasurer for the State of Michigan. The University will remit all balances to the state treasurer on or around Sept. 20. Prior to Sept. 20, to redeem the balance on the MCard CashChip, bring the card to: MCard Center, 1000 Student Activities Building, 515 E. Jefferson St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316. Thereafter, people wishing to redeem the balance on their MCard CashChip must obtain the money from the state treasurer. After Sept. 20, cardholders must obtain certification of the amount on the card in order to receive the balance from the state treasurer. To do so, bring the card in person to Treasurer's Office/MCard Administration, 10090 Wolverine Tower, 3003 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1283. For more information, contact Judy Hufziger at (734) 936-2626.

U-M raises tuition support for staff

On Aug. 1, the University raised the dollar amount of tuition assistance available to staff members. Under the University's Tuition Support Program, full-time staff members taking non-U-M courses are eligible for 75 percent of the cost of in-state tuition plus registration fees, or $1,006 per term, whichever is less. This represents an increase of 2.8 percent to the previous ceiling—the same percentage as the resident undergraduate tuition increase on the Ann Arbor campus approved by the Board of Regents. Full-time staff members enrolled in U-M courses continue to be eligible for 75 percent of the cost of in-state tuition plus registration fees for up to four credit hours per term. Part-time staff members with at least a 50 percent appointment are eligible for tuition support proportional to their appointment. Information on the program (SPG 201.69) is available in the Standard Practice Guide at http://www.umich.edu/~spgonlin/.

University Library publication honored

The University Library recently received two design awards from the University and College Design Association (UCDA) for its case statement "Illuminations." The UCDA cited the publication for best use of color in a printed publication—three colors or more, and for development information/fundraising. "Illuminations"—paid for by private donations, including Friends of the University Library—was one of 199 publications honored from 1,300 submitted. Linda Bennett, executive director for major gifts, southeast Michigan, University Development; designer Marie Howard; and writer Stephanie Kadel-Taras created "Illuminations."

Retirees Health Fair Sept. 17; briefing Oct. 11

The annual Retirees Health Fair will be noon-3 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Ypsilanti Marriott at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron, Ypsilanti. Doors will open at noon with a presentation by Benefits Office staff to follow from 1-3 p.m. in the Lakeshore Ballroom.

The fair is an opportunity for retirees and survivors to learn more about health plans and benefit options prior to this year's Open Enrollment period, Oct. 18-29. The presentation will include details of the two new preferred provider organization (PPO) plans—M-CARE PPO PLUS and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Community Blue PPO—available in 2005. The 2005 rates and coverage levels also will be discussed.

Retirees unable to participate in the health fair will have a second opportunity to meet with Benefits Office staff at a retiree benefits briefing 2-4 p.m. Oct. 11 in Suite 18 of Wolverine Tower. The briefing will cover the same topics as those presented at the fair but without plan vendors participating. Retirees planning to attend the Oct. 11 briefing should contact the Benefits Office in advance by sending an e-mail to hutchjr@umich.eduor by calling (734) 647-1717.

AATA offers football shuttle

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (ATTA) is operating Football Ride shuttle buses to all U-M home games for the 2004 season. Fans can park at 17 hotel and parking sites around Ann Arbor and pay $2 each way ($4 round trip) for tickets to ride the shuttle. Service begins two hours prior to kickoff and runs approximately 60 minutes after the game. Football Ride tickets are available at many of the shuttle sites, or by mail or in person at AATA's main office, 2700 S. Industrial Hwy. Detailed Football Ride information is available at (734) 973-6500 and http://www.theride.org.

Pepsi cans to highlight U-M neurological research

A new initiative that started last week will feature U-M's Program for Understanding Neurological Diseases (PFUND) on certain Pepsi cans sold in southeast Michigan. Information about PFUND, including the Web address, will appear on the sides of some 6 million cans of caffeine-free Diet Pepsi through September. PFUND was founded three years ago to foster basic research into the causes of and possible treatments for neurological diseases. For more information about PFUND, visit http://www.pfund.umich.edu.

Prescription drug 90-day supplies available at retail pharmacies

Effective Sept. 1, the U-M prescription drug plan will allow the purchase of 90-day supplies of medication from retail pharmacies for three co-pays. The plan change is an increase from the previous 34-day supply limit from retail pharmacies, and provides an alternative to obtaining 90-day supplies from the mail-order pharmacy, AdvanceRx, for two co-pays. More information is available at http://www.umich.edu/~benefits/plans/drugs/updates/90dayretail.htm.

University Productions seeks ushers for 2004-05 season

The School of Music's University Productions (UP) is seeking volunteer ushers for its 2004-05 productions in the Power Center for the Performing Arts and Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, and Halloween concerts at Hill Auditorium. Ushers assist attendees to their seats, distribute playbills and take tickets. To apply, visit the UP office in the Michigan League 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday beginning Sept. 8, or call (734) 763-5213.

U-M diversity exhibit goes on the road

A new exhibit about diversity and U-M's affirmative action lawsuits will hit the road this month. The exhibit, titled "A Case About Diversity: The Affirmative Action Lawsuits at the University of Michigan," will visit communities throughout the state this fall and into 2005. The exhibit is based on "Views and Voices"—the original, award-winning exhibit. "This exhibit offers the public the chance to learn more about this important debate and historic decision, and we hope that many, including students, will visit when it comes to their community," says Marvin Krislov, vice president and general counsel. It is expected to be on display at the Mardigian Library on the campus of U-M-Dearborn this month. A companion exhibit will run at the Capital Area District Library in Lansing through Sept. 29.

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