Weekly Bulletin

Retirement reception for Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz, School of Education undergraduate program director and University certification officer, is retiring Dec. 31 after 28 years of campus service.

A reception in his honor will be held Thursday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the University Club.

Friends and colleagues are invited to attend. RSVP by Dec. 14 to Joyce Putnam, School of Education, 125 Furcolo Hall (japutnam@educ.umass. edu; 5-2002). Gift contributions, made payable to University of Massachusetts/Education, may be sent to Joyce Putnam.

Classes end, finals begin

The last day of classes is Friday, Dec. 14. The Reading Period is scheduled for Dec. 15-16 with final exams beginning Monday, Dec. 17 and continuing through Saturday, Dec. 22.
The snow day for exams is Monday, Dec. 24.

Christmas, New Year's observed as state holidays

Most University offices will be closed on two upcoming state holidays: Christmas (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1).

Winter session dates listed

Winter session begins Wednesday, Jan. 2 and runs through Thursday, Jan. 24.

The last day to add or drop courses with no record is Thursday, Jan. 3. From Jan. 4-14, students may withdraw from classes with a record of "W."

Holiday mail schedule

Mail Services will deliver all mail by noon on Monday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 31. There will be no afternoon pickups on these days. Mail Services will, however, be open for business during regular business hours.

Offices that plan to be closed during the holidays should notify Mail Services as soon as possible.

Questions should be directed to Richard Clarity, manager of Mail Services, 306 Goodell, at 5-2488.

Mileage rate going up

Effective Jan. 1, the reimbursement rate for the use of personal cars on University business will increase from 34.5 cents to 36.5 cents per mile. The new rate is consistent with the rate set by the Internal Revenue Service, according to Stephen W. Lenhardt, vice president for Management and Fiscal Affairs and treasurer.

Final fall semester grades due Jan. 2

Final grades for fall semester are due in the undergraduate, graduate and Continuing Education registrars' offices by noon on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Weight Watchers Winning Points Program

Meetings for the Weight Watchers Winning Points Program are held on Mondays from noon to 12:30 p.m. in 253 Boyden and are open to all members of the Amherst community.

Call Cheryl (548-9404) or Susan (5-2391) for more information.

Aging and muscle function study

The Muscle Physiology Laboratory is looking for men and women between the ages of 65 and 85 to participate in a study of aging and muscle function. Men and women in good health and free from disease that may affect muscle function are eligible to participate. Financial compensation will be provided for those who complete the study.

Call Ted Towse or Ian Lanza at the Muscle Physiology Laboratory (5-5305) for more information.

Molecular Genetics and Microbiology seminar

William Britt, professor of microbiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, speaks on "Herpes Virus Tegument Protein Intracellular Trafficing and Virus Assembly" on Friday, Dec. 14 at 12:15 p.m. in the MGM Seminar Room, S5-310 of the Medical School in Worcester.

Heating oil co-op

The Commuter Services and Housing Resource Center invites faculty and staff to join the Pioneer Valley Oil Cooperative (PVOC). Savings this year are especially good, according to CSHRC, with co-op prices currently running 8 to 14 cents less per gallon than market prices, bringing customers a savings of approximately $25 per full tank.

Call 5-0865 for information or join the co-op online (www.cshrc.org).

O'Brien and Newcomb are Sports Luncheon speakers

The Weekly Sports Luncheon on Dec. 12 in 1009 Lincoln Campus Center, will feature women's basketball coach Joanie O'Brien and women's swimming and diving coach Bob Newcomb.

The cost of the buffet lunch is $6.50. Call 5-4289 for reservations.

Outstanding advisor nominations solicited

Each year, the campus recognizes individuals as the Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisors. The Nominating Committee for the 2001-02 Outstanding Academic Advisor Award invites all students, faculty and staff to nominate academic advisors whose practices distinguish them from other advisors.

The characteristics of an outstanding advisor include but are not limited to:
Building strong relationships with students;
Monitoring students' progress toward academic and career goals;
Making appropriate referrals; and
Knowing and understanding institutional regulations, policies and procedures.
Nominations are requested of faculty and staff who advise undergraduate students.

Send nominations to Outstanding Academic Advisor Award Committee, Office of the Provost, 362 Whitmore Building.

Nominations should be received by Monday, Dec. 17, and can be made in writing, by phone, or by e-mail.

For further information, contact the Provost's Office at 5-2554 or by e-mail
(provost@provost.umass.edu).

Sabbatical leave requests for 2002-03 academic year

Sabbatical leave requests for the 2002-03 academic year (first semester, second semester or entire year), approved by departments heads or chairs, are due in deans' offices by Friday, Dec. 7.