Faculty role key to quality of distance learning, says Bulger
Courses and degrees for the new system-wide distance-learning initiative will be subject to the same faculty governance procedures as other University courses, President William M. Bulger and Vice President for Academic Affairs Selma Botman told a crowd of about 260 at a Sept. 28 meeting.

Campus scientists complete genome sequencing study
A team of University scientists led by Microbiology professor Shiladitya DasSarma, in collaboration with noted molecular biotechnologist Leroy Hood of the Institute of Systems Biology (ISB) in Seattle, has completed the genome sequence of Halobacterium species NRC-1, an "extremophilic" microorganism that grows best in an environment 10 times saltier than sea water.

Grant boosts regional economic development plans
The University and its partners in the newly formed Regional Technology Alliance (RTA) have been awarded a two-year, $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Partnerships For Innovation program to boost the region's technology strengths and to attract new companies to the area.

New facilities chief surveys state of campus
"There's a lot going on and a lot that needs to go on." That's how new associate vice chancellor for Facilities and Campus Services Ted Weidner sizes up the varied and far-flung operations that he now leads.

Computer virus appears on campus
A computer virus that originated in China was discovered in more than 30 campus computers two week ago, according to Office of Information Technology (OIT) network operations manager Scott Conti.

Oct. 13 workshop to plan cross-campus curriculum for IT minor
A meeting to plan a cross-campus information technology (IT) curriculum is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 in the Campus Center Auditorium.

Schmidt and Ryan-Newton named to permanent posts
Two acting administrators in Auxiliary Services have received permanent appointment to their positions. Meredith Schmidt became director of Business and Facilities Services on Sept. 1, and Brenda Ryan-Newton became operations manager of Retail Food Services on Sept. 29.

Schafer joins Library staff
Gerald (Jay) Schafer has joined the Library staff as coordinator of Collection Development at the rank of librarian V.

Larson weighs in on wetlands case on Supreme Court docket
Joseph S. Larson, professor emeritus and former director of The Environmental Institute, is one of 18 nationally known wetland scientists to participate in a friend-of-the court brief for a case that will be heard next month before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Heinel named head coach for women's water polo
Former assistant coach Donna C. Heinel has been named head coach of the women's water polo team, replacing Dan McOsker, who resigned earlier this year. She is the first woman and first full-time coach in the program's seven-year history.