Awards and accolades Parking permits Faculty Senate meeting FACULTY SENATE MEETING THIS WEEK There will be a Faculty Senate meeting at 3:15 p.m., Wednesday, August 27, in Founders Hall. All faculty members are welcome to attend. Visit the Faculty Senate Web page for more information.

UM JUMPS SIX SPOTS IN U.S. NEWS RANKINGS

The University of Miami moved up six spots in the 2004 edition of U.S. News and World Report's rankings of "America's Best Colleges," which goes on newsstands today. In the category of Best National Universities-Doctoral, UM jumped from number 66 last year to number 60 this year. This puts the University just ten spots away from a position among the 50 best national universities. "We're certainly moving up quickly," says President Donna E. Shalala. "We're definitely going in the right direction-and at a brisk pace. Moving up six points in one year is huge, especially given the fact that many other universities also are aiming for the top tier. We'll be in the top 50 very soon." The University also was ranked again this year as one of the most diverse universities in terms of international students.


MAKING THE GRADE AMONG THE BEST COLLEGES

In the Princeton Review's annual college guidebook, The Best 351 Colleges, UM was ranked fifth best in both the "Great College Town" and "Most Beautiful Campus" categories, and ninth in the "Diverse Student Population" list. The book has 63 ranking lists, each one reporting the top 20 colleges. The survey asks students 70 questions about their own school's academics, campus life, and student body, as well as their study hours, politics, and opinions. The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for its test preparation courses, admission and education services, and books. For more information and the complete rankings, visit The Princeton Review's Web site.


FALL SCHEDULES FOR WELLNESS CENTER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE ONLINE

It's back to school, so it's time to get back into shape. Register now for instructional programs such as Pilates, aquatics, or martial arts, aerobics classes, studio cycling, or yoga. As an added benefit, purchase a full semester yoga and studio cycling pass and receive a 50 percent discount on the cost of the second pass. Visit the Wellness Center Web site for more information on these and other programs available.


PARKING PERMITS AT WHITTEN UNIVERSITY CENTER

UM students, faculty, and staff who apply for 2004 parking permits via EASY may pick up their permit at the information desk in the lobby of the Whitten University Center between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Tuesday, September 2, through Friday, September 26. 'Cane Card ID and vehicle registration are all that's required to pick up the new parking permits.


UNITEDHEALTHCARE'S WEB SITE HAS HANDY FEATURES

More than 3,000 of UM's faculty and staff who are enrolled in health care benefits are registered to use myuhc.com, the UnitedHealthcare Web site. Are you? Some of the features on the site include:

• Real-time inquiries into the status and history of your health care claims;
• View eligibility information, including copays and deductibles;
• Search for doctors or hospitals available in your area;
• Order new or replacement ID cards and print a temporary ID card;
• View and print Explanation of Benefits;
• Access your pharmacy benefits.
  

The Certificate Program in Healthcare Management, offered by the Division of Continuing Studies, is now accepting registration for two courses, Technology and Its Effects on the Healthcare Industry (Monday, September 22, to Monday, October 20) and Economic Structures (Wednesday, September 24, to Wednesday, October 22). Each course is 15 hours and costs $375. Tuition remission is available to University employees if the course is work-related. A total of six courses is needed to earn the certificate. For more information, visit the Koubek Memorial Center Web site and click the Courses Taught in English link. To register through the Tuition Remission program, send an e-mail with your social security number, name, address, and phone numbers. Your supervisor's approval also is needed for tuition remission.


GOLF SCRAMBLE SCHEDULED AT MICCOSUKEE GOLF COURSE

The Wellness Center is holding an Intramural Two-Person Golf Scramble at the newly renovated Miccosukee Golf Course on Friday, September 12. Entry deadline is 5 p.m., Friday, September 5, at the Wellness Center offices. The cost is $30 for students and $35 for non-students and is open to anyone. There will be a putting contest and longest drive contest during the event, and a raffle will be held during dinner served by Quiznos. Entries are open to the first 144 registrations. For more information, contact Jason Carroll at 305-284-8518. You can also find out more about the tournament at Intramural Web site.


ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME BAND TO PLAY BENEFIT CONCERT FOR UM/SYLVESTER

The Biltmore Concert Series benefiting the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presents a Labor Day Celebration with Lovin' Spoonful, 9 p.m., Sunday, August 31, at the Biltmore Hotel Country Club Ballroom. Combining the best of folk music and rock and roll, with a touch of country thrown in, Lovin' Spoonful's hit songs include Do You Believe in Magic, Daydream, and Summer in the City. Tickets are $85 for preferred seating and $65 for general seating. Doors open at 8:15 p.m., and complimentary wine and cocktails will be provided. Call 305-913-3204 to R.S.V.P.


FREE COMPUTER BOOKS IN THE BREEZEWAY

The Division of Continuing Studies Computer Training Group will give away computer books in the Whitten University Center breezeway, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, September 4. The books are surplus or slightly old computer textbooks that are no longer needed. Staff members also will be on hand to discuss computer-training classes available, such as the University of Miami Office Specialist certification, which trains, tests, and certifies your skills in Windows, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.


NEED A CREW TO CLEAN YOUR HOUSE?

The men's crew team is raising money by doing your chores! For $15 per person per hour on a Saturday or Sunday of your choice, a rower will do any house or yard work. Money raised supports travel expenses so the team can compete in national regattas such as the South Eastern Championships and the Dad Vail National Championships. Interested? Contact Wes Geyer.


RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR SEMINAR ON CUBA'S FUTURE

The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies presents the luncheon seminar Foreign Assistance in a Transitional Cuba: The Role of Volunteerism and Non-Governmental Organizations, 12 to 2 p.m., Monday, September 8, at Casa Bacardi. The cost is $25 for the luncheon and seminar, and it's free to faculty and staff without lunch. For those interested in reserving a space for lunch, call the Institute at 305-284-2822 (CUBA).


FILL THE BOWL WITH ORANGE AND GREEN AT UM EMPLOYEE DAY

UM Employee Day at the Orange Bowl is set for Saturday, September 13, when the 'Canes will take on East Carolina at 7 p.m. All full-time employees are eligible to receive one free admission ticket and can purchase up to an additional five tickets for $1 each with a valid University identification. Ticket sales representatives will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the dates listed below. Tickets also can be purchased at the Hurricane Ticket Office in the Hecht Athletic Center. Call 1-800-GO-CANES for additional information.

SUNDAY CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR COMPUTER CERTIFICATIONS

The Division of Continuing Studies Computer Training Group will be offering Sunday classes for the Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) and Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certifications starting Sunday, September 7. For more information, visit the Computer Training Group Web site or call 305-284-5800.


UM CONVOCATION CENTER BOOKS POPULAR MUSICIAN

Sunseeker Entertainment presents rap artist Ludacris, with opening act Trouble Is, 7:30 p.m., Friday, September 5, at the UM Convocation Center. Tickets are on sale at the UM Convocation Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations for $29.25 ($34.25 day of show). For more information, call 305-284-8686 or visit the UM Convocation Web site.


REMINDERS

• The Instructional Advancement Center is hosting orientation sessions for new faculty and teaching assistants for the Coral Gables and Rosenstiel campuses (Law School not included). Orientation for new teaching assistants will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., today, August 25, at Founders Hall. Orientation for new faculty is set for 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, also at Founders Hall. Breakfast will be available from 9 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch from 12 to 1 p.m. on both days. RSVP to Peggy Nickerson at 305-284-2008.
  
  
• The 2003 Leadership Skills Development Program is accepting applications until Friday, August 29. Presented by the Professional Development and Training Office, the seven-part program covers topics such as leadership, continuous improvement, strategic planning, managing change, creativity, and ethics and values. For application criteria and schedule, visit the Web page.
  
  
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offering Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (S.T.E.P.), an eight-week discussion group that offers parents of children ages 7 to 12 a realistic and practical approach to meeting the challenges of raising kids today. The group will meet from 12 to 1 p.m. every Tuesday, August 29 through October 14, on both the Coral Gables campus (EAP conference room in the Plumer building) and the Medical campus (fifth floor conference room of the McKnight Vision Research Building). Register online at www.miami.edu/development-training. Questions? Call the EAP at 305-284-6604.
  
  
• The University has launched a required certification program for all faculty/investigators and non-faculty departmental personnel involved in the administrative aspects of sponsored research activities. The program is currently open to non-faculty departmental personnel who originate, review, or approve any phase of a sponsored grant or contract document, including proposals, awards, and transactions. The course is divided into five sessions. Attendance is required for all sessions, and a test will be given at the end of the program. The schedule of classes and registration for non-faculty departmental personnel is through the Professional Development and Training Office. Make sure to register for the entire program (sessions one through five) at the same time. For more information, e-mail Jill Tincher. The faculty/investigator program will begin after most non-faculty departmental personnel are certified.