Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Quote of the Day
"Genius is the ability to renew one's emotions in daily experience."
- Paul Cezanne

Hot Topic
01. Computer Science Lecture Today: "Effective Computer Agents"

Topics of the Day
02. Training Session Today: Business Travel Forms
03. Register Now for eLearning 2.0 Conference
04. Faculty Session on Cross-Cultural Mentoring
05. New Employee Orientation Sessions: "Engaging You"
06. Old Sneakers Wanted for Earth Day
07. Special Discounted Rates for Drexel Employees: Liberty Mutual Auto and Homeowners Insurance
08. Distinguished Visiting Professor to Speak on Copyright, Tort Law and the Future of File-sharing
09. Drexel News Media Watch

 
Computer Science Lecture Today: "Effective Computer Agents"

The Department of Computer Science will present Dr. Kobi Gal, MIT and Harvard University, in a lecture, "Effective Computer Agents for Interacting with People," today, March 18, 2008 at 11 a.m. in room 153, University Crossings (32nd and Market Streets).

This lecture is part of the Computer Science Colloquium Series.

The range and complexity of human behavior raises significant challenges to the design of successful computer agents for mixed human-computer settings. A language for representing the different mental models agents may use to make their decisions when they interact with other agents and people will be presented.

A new empirical framework for investigating decision-making in these mixed human-computer settings, and its potential contribution to computational and social scientists, will also be presented.

Approved under the authority of Stephen W. Director, Provost

 
Training Session Today: Business Travel Forms

The Comptroller's Office, Procurement and the Office of Research Compliance and Administration will host a training session on business travel and expense policies today, March 18, 2008, from 10 a.m. to noon at Geary Auditorium B, New College Building (245 N.15th Street).

Faculty and staff members responsible for business travel and expense reporting are encouraged to attend. Visit http://www.drexel.edu/depts/compt/apps/travel_training.html to register for this session.

For more information, email the Accounts Payable Office at accountspayable@drexel.edu or call 215-895-2840 or 215-895-1462.

Approved under the authority of Thomas Elzey, Senior Vice President for Finance

 
Register Now for eLearning 2.0 Conference

The Office of Information Resources and Technology and Drexel eLearning, in partnership with Villanova University, will host the annual Drexel eLearning 2.0 Conference, "Technology Use in Teaching, Training and Learning," on Thursday, March 20, 2008, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Behrakis Grand Hall (32nd and Chestnut Streets).

Dr. Mark David Milliron, an award-winning leader, author, speaker and consultant best known for exploring leadership development, future trends, learning strategies and the human side of technology change will be the luncheon speaker. For more information about Dr. Milliron, visit http://www.markmilliron.com.

This conference presents an opportunity to share best practices and creative approaches to online teaching and learning. Last year, 50 institutions and organizations attended. This year, more than 20 presentations will take place. Dr. Stephen W. Director, provost will welcome attendees.

This conference is open to the public and attendees will choose from more than 20 presentations related to technology tools and pedagogical options related to online instruction. Attendance will be limited to the first 200 registrants, so register early at http://www.drexel.edu/irt/eLearningConf2008/.

Registration includes: welcome materials and information, access to the presentations and keynote speaker sessions, a continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon refreshments, and the door prize drawing at the conclusion of the event. Winners must be present to receive their prizes.

Registration fees for Drexel faculty and staff will be taken care of by Drexel. Simply follow the link to the registration site and select the “pay by check” option in the registration screen and the University will take care of the rest.

For more information about the conference, visit http://www.drexel.edu/irt/eLearningConf2008/.

Approved under the authority of John A. Bielec, Vice President for Information Resources and Technology

 
Faculty Session on Cross-Cultural Mentoring

The University Club, Office of Faculty Development and Equity and the Women in Engineering Research Group will sponsor the session "Cross-Cultural Mentoring with Dr. Betty Neal Crutcher" during a faculty luncheon on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University Club, located on the sixth floor of MacAlister Hall (33rd and Chestnut Streets).

Dr. Crutcher, a mentoring consultant with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, will discuss topics that cross race and gender lines from both the mentor and mentee perspective.

To make a reservation, email Alisa Morss Clyne at alisam@coe.drexel.edu.

Approved under the authority of Stephen W. Director, Provost

 
New Employee Orientation Sessions: "Engaging You"

Human Resources will present the New Employee Orientation Program every Monday (unless otherwise noted) from 9 to 11 a.m. The location will be provided to all registered participants.

All current staff members are welcome to attend this newly revised and improved program. They will learn what new employees are now learning about the University, and may find information that will enhance their own careers. Five seats will be available during each new employee session for current staff members.

To reserve a seat, email hr-rsvp@drexel.edu with first and second choice of dates for attendance. Seats will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, call Valerie Williams at 215-895-1488 or email vlw33@drexel.edu.

Approved under the authority of Adele T. Barbato, Senior Vice President for Human Resources

 
Old Sneakers Wanted for Earth Day

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Community Alumni Network at Drexel University (CAN DU) invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to donate unwanted athletic shoes (in any size, shape or form) to be recycled into playground surfaces. Drop-off for the sneakers is at the Daskalakis Athletic Center (33rd and Market Streets).

Donated athletic shoes will be collected at the Earth Day Educational Fair on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Quad (Between Market and Chestnut and 32nd and 33rd Streets).

Rain Date: Thursday, April 10.

Sneaker donors will receive a complimentary bottle of FRED (a new bottled water product) as a thank-you for their thoughtfulness and eco-friendliness.

For more information about Earth Day events, visit http://www.drexel.edu/ia/alumrel/association_candu.asp.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
Special Discounted Rates for Drexel Employees: Liberty Mutual Auto and Homeowners Insurance

Human Resources will host Auto and Homeowners Insurance Individual Conferences with representatives from Liberty Mutual on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in room L34, College of Law Building (3320 Market Street), and on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the HR Office on the first floor of the Bellet Building (1505 Race Street).

Liberty Mutual offers substantial discounts on auto and home insurance to Drexel employees.

Special Offer: The first 50 employees who receive a no-obligation quote from Liberty Mutual sales representatives during the month of March will receive a $5 Starbucks gift card. No purchase is necessary. Limit-one card per customer.

For registration/contact information, click on one of the links below.

Drexel University: LibertyMutual at http://www.drexel.edu/hr/benefits/libertymutual.html
DUCOM: LibertyMutual at http://www.drexel.edu/admin/hr_hs/benefits/LibertyMutualDUCOM.html

For more information, email Rhianna Pearl at pearlr@drexel.edu.

Approved under the authority of Adele T. Barbato, Senior Vice President for Human Resources

 
Distinguished Visiting Professor to Speak on Copyright, Tort Law and the Future of File-sharing

The College of Law will host a talk regarding the relationship between copyright and tort law and its impact on the future of file-sharing today, March 18, 2008 at 3 p.m. in room 440, College of Law Building (3320 Market Street).

Fred Yen, Drexel Law's inaugural distinguished visiting scholar of intellectual property will present the talk. Yen is director of the Emerging Enterprises and Business Law Program and a professor at the Boston College Law School.

A reception will follow the talk on the second-floor gallery.

For more information, contact Dan Filler at 215-571-4705.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

 
Drexel News Media Watch

An Associated Press story in which Dr. Joseph Mason, associate professor of finance, is quoted was published on the Web sites of CNN, Forbes, BusinessWeek and dozens of other news outlets March 14, 2008. The story is on the Federal Reserve's intervention to assist Bear Stearns with funding. The Wall Street Journal 's blog section on March 17, 2008, published an op-ed piece by Dr. Mason on the Bear Stearns intervention.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/51e841c877a9e6331729bc62da225baa.htm
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2008/03/17/should-the-fed-save-wall-street-firms/?mod=googlenews_wsj

A Newsweek story published March 14, 2008, notes Dr. Nicholas Vacirca, a doctoral degree candidate in electrical engineering. The story is on the use of microwaves in cooking vegetables.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/123325

Dr. Edward Schulma, professor of medicine in the pulmonary division of the Drexel University College of Medicine, is quoted in a Philadelphia Inquirer story published March 17, 2008, about the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's annual meeting, in Philadelphia in 2008. Dr. Schulman and colleagues are developing an allergy treatment.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20080317_Convening_to_combat_allergies.html

Today's Sunbeam (Salem, N.J.) on March 17, 2008, notes that the University will host the FIRST Regional Robotics Competition, which will be held March 27 to 29.
http://www.nj.com/news/sunbeam/local/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1205727611106300.xml&coll=9

The Philadelphia Inquirer 's March 17, 2008, “On the Boards” section notes the appointments of Lisa Ulmer, professor and chair of the Department of Community Health and Prevention in the School of Public Health, as an officer of A Better Philadelphia and Ximena Varela, research director of the arts administration graduate program and assistant professor, to the board of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20080317_On_the_Boards.html

Drexel continues to be noted as the host of the October 30, 2007, Democratic presidential candidates debate. The University was cited in a story published March 17, 2008, on PolState.com.
http://polstate.com/?p=5320

Brian Foley, visiting associate professor at the College of Law, is quoted in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story published March 16, 2008, about the trial of an Allegheny County (Pa.) former coroner.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08076/865641-85.stm

Steve Wong, a junior majoring in architectural engineering, is quoted in a Philadelphia Inquirer story published March 16, 2008, about texting etiquette.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/image/20080316_Time_for_a_text_etiquette.html

The University is noted in a story published in the Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.) and on NanoWerk.com on March 14, 2008, and on SolancoNews.com on March 16 about Gov. Rendell's $9.8 million plan for nanotechnology projects. The story also appeared in the Philadelphia Business Journal March 17.
http://www.sunherald.com/447/story/432166.html

Dr. Bruce McCullough, professor of decision sciences, is quoted in a story published in Handelsblatt (Germany) on March 3, 2008, about the effects of file sharing on CD sales.

The University was noted in a Wall Street Journal story posted to Pantagraph.com March 15, 2008, about students giving up their spring breaks to travel to colleges around the country and recruit students for voter registration.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/03/15/news/doc47db60bc0692c599541080.txt

An interview on the job-search process with Selina Poiesz, a senior majoring in communication, was rebroadcast on WCAU-TV (NBC-10) on March 16, 2008.

The University's campus was shown during a weather forecast report on WTXF-TV (FOX-29) March 14, 2008.

Mark Brack, associate professor of architecture and design in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, was featured in a segment broadcast on KYW-TV (CBS-3) about a proposed skyscraper, the American Commerce Center, to be built in Philadelphia.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

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