Monday, April 14, 2008

Quote of the Day
"People will generally accept facts as truth only if the facts agree with what they already believe."
- Andy Rooney

Topics of the Day
01. This Week on The Drexel InterView™
02. ELAM Panel Discussion Today: "Meet the Leaders"
03. Department of Computer Science to Present Lecture Today: “Automated Laboratory System Design”
04. Calling All Majors: Help Create the House of the Future on Campus
05. Spaces Still Available for Summer Term in Crete
06. Department of Physics to Present “A Drexel Graduate’s Journey through Physics Professorship”
07. 2007 W-2 Forms and TurboTax Option
08. Bistro Offerings for the Week of April 14-18
09. Benefits Buzz Today: "Tuition Remission"
10. CEO Workshop Today: "Greek Futures Explored"
11. Liberty Mutual Individual Conferences
12. Celebrate National Library Week
13. Social Justice in Health Care: Addiction and Mental Illness
14. CAB to Sponsor a Trip to See The Little Mermaid
15. Psi Chi to Host Third Annual Research Conference
16. Retirement Plan Individual Conferences
17. University Libraries to Host Fifth Annual Scholarly Communication Symposium
18. CAB to Host Free Screening: Charlie Wilson's War
19. International Travel Awards (ITA) for Faculty and Graduate Students
20. World Fusion Fest to Kick-Off Today with Several Events
21. This Week at the World Cafe Live (Note Drexel Specials)
22. Drexel News Media Watch

 
This Week on The Drexel InterView™

The Drexel InterView™ is hosted by Dr. Paula Marantz Cohen, distinguished professor of English at Drexel University.

On DUTV (Drexel University Television):

Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at 8 p.m.
Constantine Papadakis, President, Drexel University

All programs on DUTV air first on Tuesday at 8 p.m. and repeat on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings at 10 a.m. DUTV can be seen throughout Philadelphia on Comcast Cable channel 54 and in West Philadelphia on channel 62. On the Drexel University City Main Campus, DUTV can be seen on channel 33.

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

 
ELAM Panel Discussion Today: "Meet the Leaders"

The Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program for Women, a core program of the Drexel University College of Medicine's Institute for Women's Health and Leadership, will present the WMC/MCP Trust Fund “Meet the Leaders” Program today, April 14, 2008, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Queen Lane Medical Campus.

The program will feature a panel discussion featuring Eve Higginbotham, M.D., senior vice president for academic affairs and dean, Morehouse School of Medicine; Ruth Katz, JD, MPH, dean and Walter G. Ross, professor of health policy, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services; Dr. Lisa Staiano-Coico, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, Temple University; and Sharon Turner, DDS, JD, dean and professor, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

The panel will be followed by an informal discussion about career paths, opportunities and experiences.

The event is free and open to students, faculty and staff. Students of the Drexel University College of Medicine are encouraged to attend.

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

 
Department of Computer Science to Present Lecture Today: "Automated Laboratory System Design"

The Department of Computer Science will present "Automated Laboratory System Design and Analysis Using Petri Nets," today, April 14, 2008, at 11 a.m. in room 153, University Crossings (32nd and Market Streets).

Dr. Mark Russo of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute will be the speaker.

The field of laboratory automation involves the development and application of advanced technologies in an effort to accelerate and dramatically improve laboratory research. This talk will introduce the field of laboratory automation and explore Petri nets as an important tool for successfully designing and analyzing this new class of laboratory automation system. Topics covered will include deadlock detection and exclusion, throughput estimation and controller design.

This talk is part of the Computer Science Colloquium Series.

For more information, email David Breen at david@cs.drexel.edu .

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

 
Calling All Majors: Help Create the House of the Future on Campus

Students from all majors are invited to a Drexel Smart House recruitment meeting today, April 14, 2008, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Hill Conference Room, LeBow Engineering Center (31st and Market Streets).  

 Drexel Smart House is a student-led, multidisciplinary project to construct an urban home to serve as a "living laboratory" for exploring cutting-edge design and technology. Participants will conduct research and develop designs in the areas of environment, energy, interaction, health and lifestyle with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life in the urban residential setting.

The Drexel Smart House will be located at 35th and Race Streets in the heart of Powelton Village and will become home to 10 students. It is an approximately 5,000 square foot house excluding usable basement space.

Students will get involved immediately at this meeting by breaking into committees according to their interests. There are five committees: Research, Facilities, Finances, Public Relations and Information Technology

The research committee is subdivided into five subcommittees, all of which are tasked with redefining our research vision and goals for the immediate future. These subcommittees include: Energy, Environment, Interaction, Lifestyle and Health.

The Smart House organization is truly multidisciplinary; anyone can get involved. Work on the Smart House will provide opportunities to make contacts, build resumes and improve teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary project that is gaining momentum in the international sustainability movement.

For more information, visit http://drexel.edu/smarthouse or email info@drexelsmarthouse.com .

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

 
Spaces Still Available for Summer Term in Crete

Students who are freshmen or not on co-op who would like to journey overseas this summer should consider the Drexel in Crete Program.

Several spaces are still available for this unique and exotic study abroad opportunity. Spend four weeks studying mythology, history, literature and other aspects of Greek culture.

Students earn 4.5 credits for completing the program.

Approved under the authority of Stephen W. Director, Provost

 
Department of Physics to Present "A Drexel Graduate’s Journey through Physics Professorship"

The Department of Physics will present a lecture “A Drexel Graduate’s Journey through Physics Professorship and Textbook Authoring,” on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. in room 919, Disque Hall (32nd Street between Market and Chestnut Streets).

Dr. John Jewett, professor of physics, California State Polytechnic University, will be the speaker.

Dr. Jewett graduated from Drexel in 1969 with a B.S. in physics. In graduate school, he had the goal of devoting his future endeavors to improving physics education rather than performing traditional physics research. At that time, there were no physics education research groups, as there are today; his academic job opportunities were necessarily limited to universities where teaching was emphasized over research.

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

 
2007 W-2 Forms and TurboTax Option

As a reminder for the April 15, 2008 IRS tax filing date, employees who elected to receive their W-2s electronically can print the form at any time from any computer with Internet access. In addition, active employees who have lost or misplaced their form can print a replacement whether or not they opted for electronic delivery.

Active employees have unlimited access to their forms via DrexelOne at https://one.drexel.edu . Instructions for accessing and printing the form are available at http://www.drexel.edu/depts/compt/payroll/online_w2.html .

If employees have forgotten their DrexelOne User ID, they can contact the IRT help desk at consult@drexel.edu .

For personal security, employees are encouraged to print their W-2 at home. If the form is printed from their workstations, they should immediately retrieve the form from the office printer.

For more information, email the Payroll Department at payroll@drexel.edu or call 215-895-2885.

TurboTax Import Feature

Employees who enrolled in the TurboTax import feature have the ability to import W-2 information from the University or Drexel University College of Medicine directly into the TurboTax forms. This functionality also supports the filing of electronic tax returns. Visit http://www.drexel.edu/depts/compt/taxoffice/w2import.html to learn more about this process.

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

 
Bistro Offerings for the Week of April 14-18

The menus for the week April 14-18, 2008 at the Academic Bistro (sixth floor of the Academic Building, 32nd and Chestnut Streets):
.
Lunch - $9 per person

Tuesday, April 15
Southern Barbecue Theme

• Fresh field greens salad
• Mandarin orange segments and red onions, walnut vinaigrette
• Barbecue pulled pork
• Cool vegetable slaw and lemon green beans
• Warm maple bread pudding
• Maple vanilla sauce and vanilla ice cream

Wednesday, April 16
Southwestern Flavors Theme

• Spinach and cheese empanadas
• Citronette tossed baby spinach
• Black bean and brown rice burger
• Manchego, arugula and tomato salad
• Creme caramel with blueberry topping

Friday, April 18
Mexican Fiesta Theme

• Grilled corn soup with cilantro crema
• Black bean and roasted vegetable enchiladas
• Red chili sauce and green rice
• Mexican hot chocolate
• Mexican wedding cookies

A la carte, noon to 12:45 p.m. seating - $10 per person

Select from a three-course menu that changes weekly and includes beverage and tax.

Dinner, 6:30 p.m. seating - $18 per person
Continental Fare

• Oyster amusebouche
• Caesar salad
• Carved New York strip
• Lemon mousse

All guests are $9 per person.

Approved under the authority of Stephen W. Director, Provost

 
Benefits Buzz Today: "Tuition Remission"

Human Resources will host "Tuition Remission" today, April 14, 2008, from 3 to 4 p.m. in room 116, Korman Center (33rd Street between Chestnut and Market Streets).

The next Benefits Buzz session, "What is the difference between Long-Term Care, Long-Term Disability and Short-Term Disability?" will be held on Monday, April 21, 2008, at the same time and location.

Benefits Buzz is an informal weekly meeting for answering questions and providing information about Drexel benefits. Human Resources representatives will be available to present information and answer questions from faculty and staff.

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

 
CEO Workshop Today: "Greek Futures Explored"

Katie Peoples, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, will present a workshop "Greek Futures Explored" from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Myers Hall Tutor Lounge (33rd and Race Streets).

Fraternity and sorority alumni continue to engage in community service after college at a far greater rate than their non-Greek peers. What does post-college life have in store for Drexel fraternity and sorority students? Attendees will learn how their Greek affiliations benefit them after their undergraduate days and long into their future.

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

 
Liberty Mutual Individual Conferences

Liberty Mutual offers substantial discounts to Drexel employees.  Human Resources will host individual auto and homeowners insurance conferences at the University City Main Campus with Liberty Mutual representatives on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the HR conference room, suite 430 (3201 Arch Street).

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

Drexel University: Liberty Mutual at http://www.drexel.edu/hr/benefits/libertymutual.html

DUCOM: Liberty Mutual at http://www.drexel.edu/admin/hr_hs/benefits/LibertyMutual-DUCOM.html

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

 
Celebrate National Library Week

The College of Information Science and Technology, the iSchool at Drexel, will celebrate National Library Week beginning today, April 14 through Saturday, April 19, 2008, and throughout the month of April.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the upcoming events that are a joint effort of the iSchool, Drexel University Libraries, Drexel University Online and local and student professional library organizations. A complete list of planned activities is available at http://www.ischool.drexel.edu/nlweek.

Approved under the authority of Stephen W. Director, Provost

 
Social Justice in Health Care: Addiction and Mental Illness

The Office of Student Life at the Center City Hahnemann Campus will host programming beginning today, April 14 through Wednesday, April 16, 2008. A facilitated discussion on mental health will take place today, April 14, from noon to 1 p.m. in room 2101 on the second floor of the New College Building (245 N. 15th Street).

Additionally, on Wednesday, April 16, a facilitated discussion on addictions will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in room 3217 on the third floor of the New College Building. Topics to be discussed include the stigmas associated with addiction and psychiatric problems, relapses and treatments. Complimentary lunch or breakfast will be provided to all who attend.

This program is part of the year-long series "Social Justice in Health Care: Meeting the Needs of Each Individual Patient." The goal of this series is to educate health care students about how they can better treat their patients by understanding their differences and by becoming familiar with their backgrounds, cultures and special circumstances. One week during each month of the 2007-08 academic year will be dedicated to special topics.

This month's highlighted topic is addiction and mental illness in health care. Informational handouts and brochures will be available in the Klahr Lobby of the New College Building along with giveaways and screenings of educational videos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.

The Office of Student Life is making a "Social Justice in Health Care" quilt. During each week of the series, all students, faculty, and staff are invited to decorate squares of fabric illustrating their hopes for the future of health care or to honor someone who may have suffered an injustice concerning their health. At the end of the year, the squares will be sewn together to create a quilt that will be displayed in the Center City Student Life Office.

For more information, visit Student Life's Web site at http://www.drexel.edu/cchc/studentlife/Campus_Life/socialjustice.html .

Approved under the authority of James Tucker, Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services

 
CAB to Sponsor a Trip to See The Little Mermaid

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is sponsoring a trip to a performance of The Little Mermaid on Saturday, April 26, 2008 on Broadway in New York City. Buses will depart from Towers Hall (34th and Arch Streets) at 2 p.m. for a performance that begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets go on sale today, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. and are $30 each, two per undergraduate student ID. Ultima Funds are accepted.

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of the evil sea witch Ursula and convince a prince that she's the girl with the perfect voice.

For more information, visit the CAB office in MacAlister Hall (33rd and Chestnut Streets), call 215-895-2575, or email CAB@drexel.edu.

Approved under the authority of James Tucker, Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services

 
Psi Chi to Host Third Annual Research Conference

Psi Chi, in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania, the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and Temple University, will host its third annual research conference today, April 14, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the Edmund D. Bossone Research Enterprise Center (Market Street between 31st and 32nd Streets).

More than 50 students from all over the Northeast will present their psychological research.

Refreshments will be served.

Approved under the authority of James Tucker, Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services

 
Retirement Plan Individual Conferences

Human Resources will host individual investment education conferences with TIAA-CREF at the Center City Campus on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the HR conference room, on the first floor of the Bellet Building (1505 Race Street).

Please note that reservations are required for the individual conferences.

Scheduling information and dates are available on the Drexel University and DUCOM Web sites in calendar format.   Click on one of the links below.

Drexel University: Retirement Plan at http://www.drexel.edu/hr/benefits/IE-IndividualConf.html
DUCOM: Retirement Plan at http://www.drexel.edu/admin/hr_hs/benefits/InvestEducation.html        

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

 
University Libraries to Host Fifth Annual Scholarly Communication Symposium

The University Libraries will host "Scholar 2 Scholar: How Web 2.0 is Changing Scholarly Communication," on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Edmund D. Bossone Research Enterprise Center (Market Street between 31st and 32nd Streets).

How are scientists and scholars using Web 2.0 technologies in research and education? Attend the discussion at this symposium to learn what Web 2.0 is doing for scholars.

This event is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.

Registration is required.

Approved under the authority of Stephen W. Director, Provost

 
CAB to Host Free Screening: Charlie Wilson's War

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) will host a free screening of Charlie Wilson's War on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 9 p.m. in room 111, Nesbitt Hall (33rd and Market Streets).

This real-life drama, based on a Texas congressman, portrays Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.

For more information, visit CAB's office in MacAlister Hall (33rd and Chestnut Streets), call 215-895-2575, or email CAB@drexel.edu .

Also, visit CAB's Web site at http://www.drexel.edu/CAB and CAB's Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com .

Approved under the authority of James Tucker, Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services

 
International Travel Awards (ITA) for Faculty and Graduate Students

The Office of International Programs announces the International Travel Awards (ITA) for University faculty and graduate students.

The competitive International Travel Award Program provides assistance to full-time faculty and graduate students up to $750 per academic year toward participation in an international conference outside the United States within the participant's professional field. Deadline for 2007-08 applications is Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Approved under the authority of Stephen W. Director, Provost

 
World Fusion Fest to Kick-Off Today with Several Events

World Fusion Fest, co-sponsored by Student Life and the USGA, will kick-off today, April 14, 2008 with several events:

Discussion on the Importance of Understanding World Cultures

Dr. James R. Tucker, senior vice president of student life and administrative services; Dr. Mark Greenberg, dean of Pennoni Honors College; and Philip Poczik, program director for the Center of Civic Engagement will share stories on the importance of understanding culture around the world from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Great Court, Main Building (32nd and Chestnut Streets).

This event will also feature complimentary international cuisine, world music and prizes.

All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

For more information, email Shams Ahmad at ssn25@drexel.edu .

Additional events today for World Fusion Fest:

Free Salsa Dance Class
Drexel’s Latin dance team, Salsa Con Caché, will present a free salsa dance class today in activity room 2 of the Daskalakis Athletic Center (33rd and Market Streets). This class is open to everyone. For more information, email Joe Casey at jc54@drexel.edu .

Philadelphia 76ers "Fan Appreciation Night"
The International Students and Scholars Service will sponsor a fan appreciation night at the Sixers game from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wachovia Complex, from 7 to 9 p.m. This game is the last game of the season.

Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis from the ISSS office, suite 210, Creese Student Center, (32nd and Chestnut Streets). $15 per ticket (Box office price is normally $30).

 For more information, email Megan Kohr at mmk59@drexel.edu .

Table Tennis
The Department of Athletics will sponsor table tennis games from 6 to 10 p.m. in the south gym of the Daskalakis Athletic Center (33rd and Market Streets).

For more information, email Dan Simmons at des26@drexel.edu .

Approved under the authority of James Tucker, Senior vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services

 
This Week at the World Cafe Live (Note Drexel Specials)

Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at 8 p.m. China Forbes - The Voice of Pink Martini
On her long-awaited solo album, ’78, Forbes dusts off her guitar and returns to her singer-songwriter roots. She recorded the album of strikingly personal songs in her hometown of Portland, Oregon with producer/drummer Gregg Williams. For more information about this show, visit http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2363 .

Thursday, April 17, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin formed in New York City in the late 2000s. Their name might imply a tongue-in-cheek approach to the music, but Sarah McLellan (lead vocals), Helen Destroy (drums), Lisa Brigantino (bass, mandolin, keys), and Steph Paynes (guitar) take their tribute very seriously.  For more information about this show, visit http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2375 .

Friday, April 18, 2008, at 9 p.m. Emmitt-Nershi Band
As the dynamic lead singer and mandolin player with the popular jam band Leftover Salmon and his own Drew Emmitt Band, Drew is a true renaissance man on musical instruments. Playing mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, he’s a string man to be reckoned with. Bill Nershi has delighted countless fans as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and founding member of the String Cheese Incident.  For more information about this show, visit http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2434 .

Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 9 p.m. Alô Brasil
Alô Brasil, consisting of 12 Philadelphia musicians spanning three generations, was born out of a passion for Brazilian music. Accompanied by stunningly costumed dancers, the band draws audiences into an irresistible, full body-and-soul experience. For more information about this show, visit http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1172 .

Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. WXPN and SOB's Welcome Gil Scott-Heron
Since writing poetry as a teenager and making his first foray into songs on 1970's Small Talk at 125th & Lenox, Gil Scott-Heron's fusion of message and music has influenced countless activists and artists. His aggressive, political street poetry — especially the funk-based anthem "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" — inspired the earliest rappers.  For more information about this show, visit http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2417 .

World Cafe Live - Drexel Offers:

• 10% off food and beverage minimum for private events.
• 15% discount on lunch or dinner (for faculty and students).
• Ticket discount for Drexel students - $3 off tickets $11-$15, $4 off tickets $16-$25, and $5 off tickets $26+ (downstairs shows only).

• Exclusive Wednesday Night Specials for Drexel University students: A free order of wings or French fries from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Drexel ID.

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

 
Department of MSE to Present Lecture Today: “Bio-inspired Nanomaterials”

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering will present a lecture “Bio-inspired Nanomaterials” today, April 14, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the Hill Conference Room, LeBow Engineering Center (31st and Market Streets).  

Dr. George C. Papaefthymiou, associate professor of physics at Villanova University, will discuss the fundamental processes involved in iron bio-mineralization in the ferritins and in biomimetic processes leading to the encapsulation and isolation of magnetic nanoparticles for use in biotechnology.   

This event is open to all students, faculty and staff. 

Refreshments will be served immediately after the seminar in the Materials Science and Engineering Lounge (room 331) of the LeBow Engineering Center.

For more information, contact Keiko Nakazawa at 215.895.2323 or knakazawa@coe.drexel.edu.

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

 
Drexel News Media Watch

Sen. Hillary Clinton’s town hall meeting on campus received widespread coverage. The Democratic presidential candidate’s visit is noted in The Philadelphia Inquirer on April 11, 2008, and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on April 10. Clinton’s visit was also noted on KYW-TV (CBS-3), WCAU-TV (NBC-10), WPVI-TV (ABC-6), WPSG-TV (CW-57), WTXF-TV (FOX-29), WGAL-TV (NBC-Harrisburg, Pa.), KYW-AM (1060), WHYY-FM (90.9), POTUS’ (XM Radio) “Morning Briefing” and RealClearPolitics.com.
Storylink - The Philadelphia Inquirer

The College of Law’s public-interest auction is noted in a story published on LawFuel.com on April 9, 2008.
Storylink - LawFuel.com

Dr. Joseph Mason, associate professor of finance, is quoted in a CNN.com story published April 10, 2008, about mortgage-backed securities.
Storylink - CNN.com

Drexel’s Career Fair was noted on a KYW-AM (1060) newscast April 9, 2008.

Dr. Rakhmiel Peltz, director of the Judaic Studies program and professor of sociolinguistics, is quoted in a Jewish Exponent story published April 10, 2008, about the Six-Day War.
Storylink - Jewish Exponent

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

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