Spectrum - Volume 21 Issue 01 August 27, 1998 - BULLETINS

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

BULLETINS
Artists and scholars series proposals sought

Spectrum Volume 21 Issue 01 - August 27, 1998

The Office of the Provost has issued the annual call for proposals for the Women and Minority Artists and Scholars Series for 1998. The deadline for applications is September 14.
The fund, as in past years, provides up to $500 to supplement departmental or college funds in support of guest lecturers and performances by women and minorities. The purpose of the program is to increase the diversity of perspectives and creative expression available on campus and to increase the number of women and minority role models for students.
Invitations to scholars from Virginia Tech's HBCU partner institutions (historically black colleges and universities) are especially encouraged. These schools are Hampton University, Virginia Union, Saint Paul's College, Norfolk State, Virginia State, North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Livingstone, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, West Virginia State, and Delaware State. Invitations to scholars and artists from other institutions, or non-institutional settings, are also welcome and appropriate. Application forms are available from the Provost's Office at 1-3312 or send a note to PHILLIPA@vt.edu.
Conference to Focus on Genomics, Bioinformatics
A fall conference, Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, will be held October 9 and 10 in the Fralin Biotechnology Center. The conference is supported through the Aspires Program of the University Research Division and Graduate School, and forms part of the activities of the Virginia Tech Institute of Genomics (VIGEN).
VIGEN was established in late 1997 to provide some focus for campus-wide efforts in this research area. For the conference an itinerary is planned that includes an overview of the purpose and goals of VIGEN, research presentations by different current members of VIGEN, and a tour of facilities in the Fralin Biotechnology Center and Department of Biochemistry. Five experts who work on different aspects of genomics and bio-informatics will attend the conference; they will provide an evaluation of current and planned activities at Virginia Tech in genomics research, and provide their own perspective on developments in this area. The conference is limited to 50 registrants.
Book events set for Volume Two Bookstore
Volume Two Bookstore will host a book reading September 10 at 7 p.m. featuring author Chris Bolgiano who will read from and sign copies of her just-released book, The Appalachian Forest, A Search for Roots and Renewal .
The book store will host a book signing on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. when Dave Toomey, a professor in the English Department, presents his book Amelia Earhart's Daughters: The Wild and Glorious Story of American Women Aviators from World War II to the Dawn of the Space Age .
Both events are free and open to the public. Volume Two Bookstore is located in the University Mall next to Kroger. For more information, contact Kari Lee at 1-9001 ext. 461.
Leave sharing requests listed
Virginia Tech employees in natural history have requested leave donations: There are also still Virginia Tech employees in the following areas who have requested leave donations: near environments, Minority Engineering, University Relations, and Residential and Dining Programs.
These employees are eligible to receive leave through the Leave Sharing Program. Salaried classified employees or a 12-month regular faculty members, may participate by donating annual leave in increments of eight hours. There is no maximum donation limitation per year, nor is there a minimum balance that must be maintained. Leave donations received after the employee's eligibility status changes (such as, return to work, disability retirement, retirement, etc.) will be returned to the donor in accordance with established Personnel procedures. To protect recipients, the names and details of the medical condition will remain confidential. However, leave be must be donated to either a specific individual or area.
Donor forms are available from department administrative offices or from Personnel Services department at 1-9331; or e-mail to jwhet@vt.edu .. Return the completed form to: Kathy Manning, Leave Administrator, Personnel Services, Southgate Center, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0318
Web site explains University Mail Service
The University Mail Service (UMS) has information available on the web to explain the bulk-mailing procedures used for campus mail. At http://www.edtech.vt.edu/ums/index.html browsers can find a general site with links to information about preparing first-class mail, preparing bulk and third-class mailings, mailing packages and address-change services. Lists of departmental mail codes by both number and department are provided. There is even a site to download transaction cards that must accompany mailings.
UMS is responsible for collecting and distributing both internal and external letters and packages on campus.
Auditions announced for Threepenny Opera
The School of the Arts and Department of Theatre Arts has announced open auditions for the upcoming production of "Threepenny Opera" on Monday, Aug. 31 through Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The "Threepenny Opera," written by Berthold Brecht and set to music by Kurt Weill, is a funny and sharply critical look at the underbelly of society and how it survives. The cast consists of approximately 20 performers: six principal/soloists and company. All auditioners must have singing ability to be considered and the directors are especially interested in having a multi-racial cast. Rehearsals begin September 29 with mostly evening requirements and continue through most evenings in October. The production will run November 9 through 15. For more information, call 1-5200.
Register your vehicle by telephone
Parking Services is now offering telephone vehicle registration for parking permit sales. Call 1-3055 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, through September 1. Be prepared to provide social-security number and vehicle information.
After the information is processed, either go to the Visitor Information Center on Southgate Drive to pick up permits or have it mailed. Payment should be made by either cash, check or certified funds before the permit can be made. To purchase permits by payroll deduction, let the telephone receptionist know for special processing.
Current parking permits expire on August 14. For more information call 1-3055 or visit http://www.vt.edu:10021/admin/parking/parking.htm ..
Exhibit focuses on stream health
"Save Our Streams" is a hands-on exhibit opening September 2 at the Museum of Natural History and continuing through December 31. Learn about the health of streams in your own area and how you can monitor the continued health of the stream. Free admission. Call 1-3001 for details. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.