FAU has an estimated economic impact of $4 billion annually in its six-county service region, according to a recently released sponsored project report to the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida. The study was led by Alan W. Hodges, Ph.D., at the University of Florida, and Julie Harrington, Ph.D., at Florida State University.

"Universities must be fully engaged in the lives of the communities they service, and FAU clearly fulfills this responsibility on many different levels," said FAU President Mary Jane Saunders. "Economic development, research and community engagement are three areas in which FAU is dedicated to and will continue to expand upon in the years to come."

To put it into perspective, the $4 billion economic impact is the equivalent impact of 10 Super Bowls, 15 Oasis of the Seas cruises or seven Fort Lauderdale boat shows. The report also states that FAU has had a positive direct or indirect impact on 59,000 full-time and part-time jobs across the service region. According to the study, present value over a 30-year period of a bachelor's degree from a state university in Florida is $550,000, while a graduate degree is worth $1.87 million. More...

The College for Design and Social Inquiry has relocated its Dean's Office headquarters to the Boca Raton campus in the south wing of the Social Science building. The new general phone number is 561-297-4170. The School of Public Administration's main office has also relocated to the Boca Raton campus. The school's new phone number is 561-297-2330. Now all the Boca Raton-based faculty and programs are located in the south wing of the Social Science building.

FAU celebrates Black History Month 2012 in February. For a complete listing of events -- which is updated throughout the month -- visit www.fau.edu/explore/blackhistory.

Don't trust email links that are sent in unsolicited email messages. These messages could appear to be sent from a family member, friend or colleague, but they are not legitimate. They may have had their contact list stolen or compromised. Attachments or links in these types of email are ways to infect your machine with a computer virus and other malware.

Phishing or targeted phishing sends you a message that appears to be legitimate from your bank, credit card company, friend or family member with fake links for you to click on. This is an attempt to steal your personal information or infect your machine with malware. Also email phishing attacks can have an email attachment with the email message. Do not open the email attachments. This could also infect your machine with malware. Make it a practice to always scan any attachment coming from unsolicited email messages.

Be "Cyber Wiser" and visit www.fau.edu/oit/security for more tips and information.

The Division of Research Presents a Roundtable on "Exploring Biomarkers of Healthy Aging Through the FAU Healthy Aging Research Initiative (HARI)" on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Room 128, on the Boca Raton campus. See complete listing below for more details and registration information.

The FAU Strategic Planning Steering Committee, which includes representation from the faculty, staff, students, administration and community, is pleased to present a draft of the Florida Atlantic University 2012-17 Strategic Plan and invites comments from all interested parties. Visit www.fau.edu/planning/feedback.

FAU's Teaching with Technology Showcase provides a great opportunity for faculty to learn about using the latest technology in the classroom. The event will be hosted at the Broward campuses for the first time on Friday, Feb. 17 in Davie. Lunch will be provided. In addition to informative presentations, attendees will have opportunities to win prizes such as TVs, printers and Kindles. RSVP required at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TWT2012-RSVP. For the schedule and additional details, visit www.fau.edu/oit/broward/twt2012.

ATTENTION FACULTY MEMBERS: You are invited to take the FAU Testing & Evaluation's customer satisfaction survey. The survey will be available until Feb. 20, 2012, at http://iea.fau.edu/surveys/snap/testingandevaluation2011.htm. If you have questions, contact Shireen Lalla at slalla@fau.edu.

The Whitaker Fellow and Scholar Program offers 20 grants to high-quality candidates for the Fellows and Scholars summer program.

WHAT IS THE WHITAKER PROGRAM?
Grant funding for projects in biomedical engineering (or bioengineering) overseas.
Award: Monthly living stipend, round-trip international travel, accident and sickness insurance; tuition allowance, where appropriate
Projects: High-quality BME-relevant proposals will be funded, which can include: coursework, policy research, internships and post-doctoral work
Fellows (Pre-Doctoral): partial to full tuition reimbursement
Scholars (Post-Doctoral): overall award competitive with post-doctoral fellowship salaries

Deadline is Feb. 6 for Summer 2012. For more information on all the Whitaker International Programs, including profiles of past grantees, host institutions, as well as the online application, go to www.whitaker.org.

Registration begins today at 9 a.m. for the 2012 FAU Business Plan Competition, hosted by the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship and the College of Business. FAU students, alumni and members of the business community are invited to compete for a share of more than $200,000 in cash and prizes. For the first time, the competition will also include a high school track for juniors and seniors from local high schools to compete for a four-year scholarship to FAU. For more information and to register for the competition, visit www.business.fau.edu/bpc.

The Writing Across the Curriculum program is offering a two-day training seminar intended for faculty, including adjuncts and graduate teaching assistants, who have not yet participated in a WAC seminar and are teaching, or plan to teach, WAC courses this academic year, and those who are planning or teaching courses in FAU's University Honors Program. The workshop will be held on the Boca Raton campus in SU 223 (video conferencing is available) on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 29, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Contact Julianne Curran at jcurran3@fau.edu for more information and an application.

The President's Leadership Awards program is intended to recognize individual employees of FAU who have rendered services of an extraordinary nature to the University and/or the greater community.

Persons recognized should have played leadership roles in efforts that delivered substantial benefits to the University as a whole, to a community served by the University or to another external population. Leadership can be demonstrated in many ways. In all cases, however, leaders inspire and mobilize others to work cooperatively and effectively toward the betterment of the University or community. Leaders are innovative and resourceful. They have a vision of how the institution, its relationship to the community or the community itself could be made better. Leaders are willing to work hard to turn that vision into reality and they are able to earn the support of others for their projects. Leaders go beyond their job descriptions and exceed the typical expectations of the assignment. Leaders make a difference.

The President's Leadership Awards will be presented at the Employee Service Awards on April 18. More details and the nomination form, are available by download at www.fau.edu/eop/files/2012_PRESIDENT_LEADERSHIP-Description.doc or by visiting www.fau.edu/eop. Deadline to submit nominations is March 16.

Thursday, Feb. 2, 3:30 p.m.
ADM 305 (Board of Trustees Room), Boca Raton Campus, 561-297-2553.
Davis is the author of the poetry collection Forth a Raven.

Moveable Type will be setting up shop at the Jaffe Center for Book Arts on Thursday, Feb. 2, for a slide presentation followed by an afternoon/evening of printing demos, studio/truck tours and tall tales about life on the road. Gallery Talk at 3 p.m., followed by printing in the Type Truck 4 to 6 p.m. Participants can expect to get their hands dirty and make a print to take home with them. Moveable Type is a mobile print shop built into the back of an old delivery truck. Visit www.jaffecollection.org and click on EVENTS for details and a complete listing events at the center.

The College of Business will host Jordan Zimmerman, founder and chairman of Zimmerman Advertising, on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Room 101 in the Office Depot Center on the Boca Raton campus. Each week, speakers in the Spring 2012 Executive Forum Lecture Series provide a brief overview of their individual businesses, as well as other professional experiences, followed by a discussion of key issues facing their industries, businesses or the business climate in general. Visit business.fau.edu/executiveforum to RSVP starting the Monday prior to each lecture or for more information.

On Thursday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m., watch the film "My Perestroika" and join a discussion led by Renat Shaykhutdinov, FAU professor of political science, in the Performing Arts Building, Room 101, Boca Raton campus. The film follows five ordinary Russians living in extraordinary times, from their sheltered Soviet childhood, to the collapse of the Soveit Union during their teenage years, to the constantly shifting political landscape of post-Soviet Russia. Info: phough2@fau.edu.

The Faculty and Staff Club will host a themed happy hour on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. with drink specials. Additional themed happy hours will be held on Feb.16; March 1, 15 and 29; and April 12 and 26. Visit www.fau.edu/facultyclub for more information.

What is it you really need to market your company online? Learn about a variety of interactive marketing and digital media offerings to gain more visibility! Begin to understand the costs involved with creating an effective online marketing. Learn how to implement a media plan as part of creating awareness of your products and services. Which online efforts will work for your business and once executed how to determine their ROI? The importance of a website is critical for your business. Where does Mobile fit? Based on your target audience, certain channels may be more appropriate than others.

Part of the BPC Learning Sessions, which are free and open to the public. RSVP online at http://business.fau.edu/ls
Date: Friday, Feb. 3
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: OD 101, Boca Raton Campus

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will present Margaret Leinen, Ph.D., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU, as part of the 2012 Frontiers in Science public lecture series. "Our Changing Oceans" will take place on Friday, Feb. 3, at 3:30 p.m. in the Charles E. Schmidt Biomedical Science Center, Room 126. Boca Raton campus. Leinen will discuss some of the changes that oceanographers are seeing in the coastal oceans and open oceans and will talk about their implications for Florida. She will also talk about the ways in which research at Harbor Branch may contribute to understanding these changes and the ability to adapt to them. For more information, visit http://science.fau.edu/frontiers/brochure_2012.pdf or contact Lauren Millan at 561-297-2954 or lmillan@fau.edu.

The symposium, "Taking the Space: Gender and the Figure in Contemporary Art," will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 3:30 p.m., in the Performing Arts Building, room 101, Boca Raton campus. Internationally celebrated art historian Linda Nochlin will deliver the keynote address for the symposium at 6:30 p.m. The symposium, which is free and open to the public, is presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Figured Spaces: Selections from the John Morrissey Collection," on view in the Schmidt Center Gallery through Saturday, Feb. 11. For more information, visit www.fau.edu/galleries or call 561-297-2966.

The 11th annual Fiesta Maya will be held on Sunday, Feb. 5 at FAU Jupiter. Sponsored by Corn-Maya, Inc. and FAU's Corn Maya Club, the fiesta will include a soccer match, traditional procession and ceremony, dance theatre, live performances by marimba groups, food and fun. Fiesta Maya will begin at 9 a.m. with soccer on FAU Jupiter's main recreation field and proceed to the eastern recreation field behind the Education Classroom (EC) building for the remaining festivities. The parade will start at noon and will be followed by music and dancing throughout the afternoon. The event is free, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Initiated in 2002 as part of a cultural exchange between FAU, the Abacoa community and Jupiter's growing Guatemalan community, the festival has grown in both size and significance. For more information, call 561-307-3541.

Feb. 5, 4 p.m.: Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger, Aventura Family Health Center, "A German Life: Against All Odds Change is Possible"
Feb. 12, 4 p.m.: Professor Sam Lehman-Wilzig, Bar-Ilan University, "Seasons of Discontent: Arab Spring, Israeli Summer, Palestinian Autumn and Winter?"
Feb. 19, 4 p.m.: Rena Ferber Finder, Holocaust Survivor, The Erna F. and Henry S. Rubinstein Memorial Lecture in Holocaust Studies, "Rena Finder, Schindler's List Survivor"
March 18, 7:30 p.m. (Engineering Building East, Room 106): Professor Donald Dietrich, Boston College, May Smith Lecture Series on Post-Holocaust Christian/Jewish Dialogue, "Human Dignity and Jewish Christian Relations"
March 25, 3 p.m.: Dr. Moshe Peress, BocaFertility, "Raid on Entebbe" film with remarks by Dr. Peress, a hostage in the 1976 highjacking

All lectures are free and are held in the Performing Arts Bldg., Room 101, on the Boca Raton campus unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 561-297-2979.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District Four, will be conducting a Public Kickoff Meeting for the State Road 808 (Glades Road) Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The current phase of the project includes the evaluation of potential roadway, bicycle, pedestrian and transit alternatives along State Road 808 (Glades Road) between State Road 7 (US 441) and State Road 5 (US 1/ Federal Highway). The meeting will be held at Lakeside Terrace Catering and Conference Center, 7880 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33434 on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with the a presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. This meeting offers the public an opportunity to provide comments and participate in the PD&E process from the beginning of the study. Participation and comments are encouraged and appreciated. For more information, contact the Project Manager Gregor Senger at 954-777-4141 or toll free at 866-336-8435, extension 4141, or via e-mail at gregor.senger@dot.state.fl.us. Additional information is provided at www.gladesroadmobility.com.

The Division of Research Presents a Roundtable on "Exploring Biomarkers of Healthy Aging Through the FAU Healthy Aging Research Initiative (HARI)" on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Room 128, on the Boca Raton campus. Topic leaders are Ramaswamy Narayanan, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Research & Industry Relations, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and Keith Brew, Ph.D., Chair, Biomedical Science Department, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Epidemiologic study of the connection between objective biological markers and aging outcomes may provide important mechanistic clues to the changes occurring in age-related syndromes and disease. This can lead to translational opportunities arising from FAU's Healthy Aging Research Initiative (HARI), a longitudinal study of South Florida adults age 60 and older from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Researchers at FAU can take advantage of the biological data being collected in HARI. This study includes assembling a bank of blood samples for future investigation, as well as data from comprehensive assessments of health status, physical function, cognitive abilities, and psychological well-being using validated research tools. Studies have shown that several markers correlate with functional and cognitive decline in the elderly, providing insight into the mechanism behind these age-related conditions.

Currently existing studies are limited in their scope and/or study populations. It is clear that many areas would benefit from the Florida Atlantic University HARI multi-ethnic approach, validated measurement methods, and longitudinal approach. Investigation of HARI’s stored biological samples for biomarkers associated with aging outcomes should yield mechanistic clues into the pathogenesis of age-related syndromes and disease, as well as healthy aging. This will foster fresh translational opportunities, furthering the development of effective screening and intervention for age-related conditions.

Breakfast will be provided. RSVP (subject: HARI) to Beth Barak at 561-297-2311 or bbarak@fau.edu.

"Seagrass Monitoring in the Indian River Lagoon - No Such Thing as Status Quo" by Lori Morris, St. Johns River Water Management District. Positive trends in IRL seagrass coverage has been the story over the past 17 years. However, what appeared to be a functioning, balanced estuary has recently tipped into a spiraling decline. Can the balance be restored? The winter Ocean Science Lecture Series is presented every Wednesday (through March 21) at 4 and 7 p.m. An opportunity to meet the speaker, appetizer buffet and cash bar follow the presentation. Free. For more information, call 772-242-2506.

The Indian River Lagoon Symposium: Looking Forward will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at FAU Harbor Branch. It is the result of a multi-institutional, multi-agency effort that will provide a forum for current scientific research on the Indian River Lagoon and its management. The symposium is open to decision makers and the interested public so that the gaps between research and its applications can be narrowed. The theme for the 2012 symposium "Looking Forward" is restoration, although oral presentations and posters on many aspects of research at the lagoon will be given. A total of 71 scientific presentations will be made at what we hope is the first of an annual series of symposia on the lagoon. If you are interested in knowing more about the symposium, visit www.indianriverlagoon.org/symposium.html.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m., a lecture: "The International Context of Mass Political Unrest: North Africa and the Middle East in Comparative Perspective," by Mark Kramer, Harvard University in the House Chambers, Student Union, FAU Boca Raton. Info: 561-297-2623.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. there will be an opening reception for the Annual Juried Student Exhibition in the Ritter Gallery, FAU Boca Raton. Exhibition open through Feb. 25. Info: 561-297-2966.

The College of Business will host Raul Pupo, author of America's Service Meltdown: Restoring Service Excellence in the Age of the Customer, on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Room 101 in the Office Depot Center on the Boca Raton campus. Each week, speakers in the Spring 2012 Executive Forum Lecture Series provide a brief overview of their individual businesses, as well as other professional experiences, followed by a discussion of key issues facing their industries, businesses or the business climate in general. Visit business.fau.edu/executiveforum to RSVP starting the Monday prior to each lecture or for more information.

On Friday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m., a lecture: "Human Rights, International Relations and Europe: New Issues and Conflicts," by Nadia Boyadjieva, University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, in the Majestic Palm Room, Student Union, FAU Boca Raton. Info: 561-297-2623.

On Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12, catch the Repertory Dance Theatre Ensemble at the University Theatre, FAU Boca Raton. Tickets: $20; faculty, staff and alumni $16. www.fauevents.com.

On Sunday, Feb. 12, at 4 p.m., a lecture: "Seasons of Discontent: Arab Spring, Israeli Summer, Palestinian Autumn and Winter?" with Sam Lehman-Wilzig, Bar-Ilan University, Performing Arts Building, Room 101, Boca Raton campus. Info: 561-297-2979.

FAU's Center for Teaching and Learning invites you to join in a faculty development event: Tea-Time Talk: "Designing Assignments and Classroom Discussions to Foster Critical Thinking at Different Levels in the Curriculum," Based on an article written by Susan K. Wolcott, School of Accountancy, Daniels College of Business, University of Denver. The event will be held on Monday, Feb. 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. in GS 119 on the Boca Raton campus.

Using business educators and students as an example, Wolcott asserts that students struggle with critical thinking assignments dealing with open-ended problems. She cites three reasons: 1) they may lack the cognitive complexity to resolve such problems; they often perceive their purposes more simplistically than they teachers expect; and teachers often leave insufficient time to teach critical thinking skills. Wolcott examines how course assignments and discussions might be structured to enhance critical thinking development by scaffolding critical thinking throughout the term, helping students analyze the problem, identify the nature of problem, frame it, resolve it with well-founded justifications, and re-address as new information becomes available to recognize that these skills are an on-going process. This conversation will provide specific strategies to help your students improve the ways they think and write critically in your classes.

This event is co-sponsored by the University Center for Excellence in Writing (UCEW), the Scholarship of Teaching Office (SoTO) and the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). It is open to all members of the University community, including interested faculty, staff and graduate students. Contact Dr. Jennifer Peluso (jpeluso@fau.edu, 561-297-1033), Director of the Scholarship of Teaching, for a copy of Dr. Wolcott's article or if you would like to participate from a partner campus (we will schedule the event for videoconferencing if needed).

The School of Social Work is sponsoring a lecture entitled "Active Aging: Implications for the Workforce" on Monday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m. in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Room 126. Seating is limited. For more details and to RSVP, visit www.fau.edu/ssw/announcements/Hooyman-Poster.pdf or https://fauf.fau.edu/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=2120

FAU's professional ensemble-in-residence -- the Florida Wind Symphony with Kyle Prescott, conductor -- performs a special concert on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. in University Theater on the Boca Raton campus. It will feature the remarkable voices of Dean Peterson, soloist with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and FAU alumnus, and Birgit Fioravante, acclaimed soprano of the Duelling Divas and the Opera Orchestra of New York. This concert will fill your heart with romantic favorites. Conductor Kyle Prescott invites you to an elegant reception available following the concert. Tickets $15, $35 including reception at 1-800-564-9539 or www.fauevents.com.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m.. in CU 321 on the Boca Raton campus, James E. Cunningham, Department of Music, offers "The Music of the Right Coast: Florida’s Instrumental Surf Rock from the 1960s to the Present," part of the FAU Center for Body, Mind and Culture's Spring 2012 Coffee Colloquium Series. For more information, visit www.fau.edu/bodymindculture, call 561-297-0851 or e-mail bodymindculture@fau.edu.

The Alan B. Larkin Symposium on the American Presidency presents Madeleine Albright offering "Economy and Security in the 21st Century," a lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 3:30 p.m. in the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium on the Boca Raton campus. A book signing will follow the lecture. Single tickets are $35 and groups of 15 or more are $30 per ticket. FAU faculty and staff tickets are $10, and FAU students may obtain admission for free with a student ID. Tickets can be purchased at www.fauevents.com, by calling 1-800-564-9539 or at the box office in the Student Union.

Albright was the 64th secretary of state of the United States. In 1997, she was named the first woman secretary of state and became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. Prior to her appointment, Albright served as the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and as a member of U.S. President Bill Clinton's Cabinet and National Security Council. As secretary of state, Albright reinforced America's alliances, advocated democracy and human rights, and promoted American trade, business, labor and environmental standards abroad. For more information on the Symposium on the American Presidency, visit www.fau.edu/larkin.

"Harbor Branch's Latest Winged Robots' Recent Mission to Explore Gulf of Mexico Waters" by Fraser Dalgleish, HBOI/FAU. As part of the Florida Shelf Edge Exploration (FLOSEEII) cruise, two Spray gliders operated by Harbor Branch's Ocean Visibility and Optics Lab in collaboration with Bluefin Robotics were deployed for several months at Pulley Ridge. These glider deployments allowed large scale measurement of water quality parameters above the coral reef and the surrounding waters in support of cruise objectives. The winter Ocean Science Lecture Series is presented every Wednesday (through March 21) at 4 and 7 p.m. An opportunity to meet the speaker, appetizer buffet and cash bar follow the presentation. Free. For more information, call 772-242-2506.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Max Planck Florida Institute will offer "Illuminating Brain Circuits," a lecture by Dr. David Fitzpatrick, the Scientific Director and CEO of the institute, at the Royal Poinciana Chapel Fellowship Hall, 60 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach. The lecture will focus on the use of light to explore the structure, function and development of neural circuits in the living brain. What we are learning will amaze you! More information available here. RSVP to 561.972.9007 or rsvp@maxplanckflorida.org.

On Thursday, Feb. 16 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in IS 208 (Center for eLearning conference room, second floor, Bldg. 4) on the Boca Raton campus, join a brown bag discussion on "Hybridizing Courses at FAU: Benefits and Challenges." Join us for as much of the discussion as you can. We will begin with a general introduction and brief presentation about what "hybridizing" a course means, some of the reasons one would want to hybridize a course, and some of the challenges one must negotiate around in hybridizing a course. We will then break into small(er) groups for more targeted discussions about different groups' needs and concerns about hybridizing (to be determined at the time of the event). We will wrap up by summarizing the small group discussions and offer suggestions on proceeding with hybridizing projects. This event is co-sponsored by the Scholarship of Teaching Office in the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Center for eLearning. For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Peluso, Director for the Scholarship of Teaching, at ext. 561-297-1033 or jpeluso@fau.edu.

FAU's Teaching with Technology Showcase provides a great opportunity for faculty to learn about using the latest technology in the classroom. The event will be hosted at the Broward campuses for the first time on Friday, Feb. 17 in Davie. Lunch will be provided. In addition to informative presentations, attendees will have opportunities to win prizes such as TVs, printers and Kindles. RSVP required at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TWT2012-RSVP. For the schedule and additional details, visit www.fau.edu/oit/broward/twt2012.

The Department of Curriculum, Culture and Educational Inquiry would like to invite the University faculty, staff and students to its Spring 2012 Research Brown Bag Series. The research brown bags are a "learning community" forum where conversations take place following each presentation. The conversations promote a sense of shared knowledge construction and may, for both presenters and audience, offer new insights and perspectives about the art of teaching, research and more. We have these presentations already lined up, with a few more presentations to be added in the near future:

Feb. 17, 4 to 4:45 p.m.: Learning from children's voices (Dr. Lourdes Soto) AND 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.: City-Wide Educational Reforms: The Case of Montreal, Canada (Dr. Jean Archambault)

March 16, 4 to 4:45 p.m.: A propaedeutical approach to second language acquisition in elementary schools (Dr. Robert Kvasnak)

April 13, 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.: English learners and health literacy (Guillermina Raffo Magnasco, doctoral candidate)

All presentations will be in the Conference Room (Room 411), 4th floor, Education Building. For more information, email Dr. Yash Bhagwanji (ybhagwan@fau.edu) with your full name, contact information and question(s).

The Department of Theatre in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters presents "Wonder of the World," a comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire from Friday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 26, in the Studio One Theatre on the Boca Raton campus. Shows are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. General admission tickets are $20; FAU students may purchase tickets for $12, and FAU faculty and staff may purchase tickets for $16. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.fauevents.com, by calling 800-564-9539 or at the theatre one hour prior to the performance. The play tells the story of unhappy Cass, who attempts to leave behind her deadly dull life and husband by fleeing to Niagara Falls. There she becomes entangled with various neurotics -- a heartbroken tour-boat captain, a half-hearted would-be suicide nutcase, a pair of incompetent, but heartless private eyes -- all of whom, before the play is over, discover they are connected in a weird, comical lattice of coincidence.

Join the Executive Education staff on Saturday, Feb. 18 (9 a.m.) or Thursday, Feb. 23 (6:30 p.m.) to learn about the Professional and Executive MBA degree programs offered in FAU's College of Business. The staff will provide information regarding curriculum and specializations, AACSB accreditation, admission requirements, program format, tuition/financial aid and complimentary GMAT prep course and waiver eligibility. To register for an information session, visit REGISTER. For program information, visit www.business.fau.edu/emba or www.business.fau.edu/pmba. Contact Jane with questions at jherbert@fau.edu or 561-297-1086.

The College of Education's Distinguished Lecture Series presents Eustache Jean-Louis, M.D., M.P.H., offering "Health & Education Issues in Haiti and the local Haitian Community: Research and Service Opportunities," a lecture on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. in the Live Oak Pavilion, Boca Raton campus. A reception from 5 to 5:45 p.m., will precede the presentation and a panel discussion will follow at 7 p.m. The presentation provides an innovative approach to the FAU community and its collaborating partners on how to connect resources to the increasingly growing minority population of Haitian Americans in Florida. For more information, contact Michael Hall at 561-297-2420 or mhall61@fau.edu.

FAU and Stand Among Friends, a Boca Raton-based nonprofit organization, will host the second annual "emb(race)" on Sunday, Feb. 26, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on the Boca Raton campus. The event will feature a 5K, 10K and one-mile family walk and is open to people of all ages and abilities. Whether participants run, walk, stroll, roll, use a wheelchair or hand cycle, anyone is welcome to enter. There will be games for children, live music, food, prizes, raffles, awards and many other fun activities. For more information or to register, call 561-297-4400, visit www.standamongfriends.org or email events@standamongfriends.org.

Sunday-Monday, Feb. 26 to 27
Lifelong Learning Center and Live Oak Pavilion, Boca Raton Campus
Information at www.fau.edu/jewishstudies
Registration is $30; FAU students, faculty and staff are $5. Email greenspa@fau.edu or call 561-297-0645.

On Wednesday, Feb. 29, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in SO 250 on the Boca Raton campus, Juan R. I. Cole, University of Michigan, will present "The Obama Administration and the Arab Spring." Dr. Cole is Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History at the University of Michigan. For three decades, he has sought to put the relationship of the West and the Muslim world in historical context. For more information, contact Eric Hanne at ehanne@fau.edu or 561-297-3864.

FAU's Office of Multicultural Affairs and South Florida Organizations present South Florida Youth Summit 2012 on March 22 to 24. On Thursday, March 22, Dr. Cornel West will be the featured speaker at the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium on the Boca Raton campus at 6 p.m. Students with FAU ID will be admitted free and staff/faculty can purchase tickets through the box office. For details, visit www.sfyouthsummit.com or contact Juan Izaguirre, director of multicultural affairs, at 561-297-3959.

It is time once again for the annual FAU Employee Service Awards Ceremony. This year's awards will be held on Wednesday, April 18, in the Live Oak Pavilion on the Boca Raton campus.

The University will recognize completed years of service for regular full-time and part-time employees with continued and completed service of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 45 years at FAU as of 2011.

Please observe these very important points:
- Temporary and adjunct years of service do not apply toward years of service.
- Only employment years working for FAU apply.
- Other State of Florida service or State University System service cannot be added to years of service at FAU.
- Service must be continuous, with no break in service years.
- Service is calculated in "completed" years of service as of Dec. 31, 2011.

Employees celebrating 5 through 10 years of service will not be called up individually for recognition but will be recognized respectfully in groups. Their awards will be available for pick-up at the ceremony.

Employees with 15 through 45 years of service will be called up individually to receive their awards. The electronic check-in for 15-year through 45-year recipients will commence at 8:30 a.m., and refreshments will be served at that time. The program will start at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The University will also acknowledge winners of this year's President's Leadership Awards, Jeffrey Gabor Exemplary Employee Awards, the TIAA CREF Faculty Award and the VALIC Customer Service Award.

Invitations to all annual award recipients will be sent out electronically the second week of February. All employees of FAU are cordially invited to attend the ceremony.

The four digital Living Room Theaters are located in the Culture and Society Building on the Boca Raton campus. Patrons can enjoy the European style cafe after 5 p.m. Show dates, times and ticket information can be found at http://fau.livingroomtheaters.com.

Start off 2012 in good health -- employees can join the Recreation and Fitness Center for as little as $20 month (based on payroll deduction prices). For more information, visit www.fau.edu/campusrec or call the membership services office at 561-297-4512.

The Financial and Estate Planning in Retirement Program, offered by the College of Business Executive Education has the answers you need to actively take control of your financial future. A three-day educational seminar, the Financial and Estate Planning in Retirement Program will not only educate you in all areas of personal finance but also provide you with a personalized financial plan to organize your resources and help you understand the decisions you need to make to meet your financial objectives. You will also have the opportunity to invite a guest or your spouse, FREE of charge, to attend with you!

Sessions are offered through November on the Boca Raton and Jupiter campuses. Learn more and register at www.business.fau.edu/retirementplan.

FAU's Creative Writing Program is pleased to offer two eight-week, non-credit writing workshops for the University community on its Boca Raton campus.
Writing Fiction
Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
Feb. 14 to April 10 (no class during spring break, March 6)
$250 fee, $180 for FAU employees (or their immediate families), students or alumni
Writing Creative Nonfiction
Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
Feb. 14 to April 10 (no class during spring break, March 6)
$250 fee, $180 for FAU employees (or their immediate families), students or alumni

Seating is limited. Registration deadline: Feb. 7. For additional information or a registration form, contact Mary Sheffield at msheffi3@fau.edu or 561-297-2974.

The College of Business Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program offers FAU students, faculty, alumni and FAU Business Plan competitors an opportunity to receive one-on-one mentoring with highly experienced entrepreneurs and executives. Five accomplished entrepreneurs are available on Mondays through Thursdays in the DeSantis Pavilion in suite 201 on the Boca Raton campus. Each EIR has a wealth of experience in new venture development, advising start-up ventures and entrepreneurship education as well as a demonstrated history of innovation in high-growth industries. The Spring 2012 EIRs are:
- Bob Nelson, founding member of The New World Angels investment group
- David Gray, founder of Casebriefs
- Phil Viscomi, managing partner of Business Growth Advisors, Incorporated
- Ronald Rosenzweig, co-founder and previous executive chairman, president and chief executive officer for ANADIGICS
- Robert Schattner, founder and president of Omnimed

Appointments can be booked via email to adamscenter@fau.edu or by phone at 561-297-0927. For more information, visit www.business.fau.edu/eir

Get healthy with yoga. First class is FREE. Join any time. Spring classes run through May 4. Yoga exercises every muscle, nerve and gland in the body and releases stress and tension. Benefits include strength, flexibility and balance. The class is appropriate for every body type and fitness level. Classes are by the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:10 to 1 p.m. in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Building, Room 115. Cost for faculty and staff is $70 for 8 classes, or $10 for 1 class. Cost for students is $40 for 8 classes, or $5 for 1 class. Cost for community members is $80 for 8 classes, or $12 for 1 class. Contact Kristine Lee at 561-297-0159 or klee26@fau.edu for additional information.

FAU is committed to the safety and well-being of all employees. In keeping with this commitment, the University has developed a return-to-work program for employees who sustain a workplace injury. This return-to-work program will provide modified duty and/or alternate duty assignments, where possible, that accommodate the functional restrictions and limitations as determined by the authorized treating physician, and will bring the employee back to work as quickly as medically possible. See all of the details about this program at www.fau.edu/hr/files/ReturnToWorkprogram.pdf.

The OIT computer training schedule for February 2012 is now available online at www.fau.edu/oit/training/files/feb_12.pdf. To register for classes, go to https://swise.fau.edu/training.

The Weppner Center for Civic Engagement and Service (WCCES) in the Division of Student Affairs is compiling a list of on-campus volunteer opportunities for students. If there are departments that have a need for student volunteers, complete the Request Form for Volunteers found at www.fau.edu/volunteer under the Community tab on the left-hand side of the page. Questions? Contact Jheanelle Shepherd at 561-297-3607 or jshephe8@fau.edu.

THIS SCREENING IS FOR STUDENTS ONLY: In collaboration with Microsoft Partners in Learning and the College of Education, come to an exclusive FAU screening of "American Teacher" on Wednesday, Feb., 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the College of Education Building (Bldg. 47), Room 119. The movie offers a definitive look at the state of teaching in America that offers a solution to the education crisis.

"American Teacher" is the feature-length documentary produced and directed by Academy Award–winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth; produced by Nínive Calegari, co-founder of the literacy nonprofit 826 National, and bestselling author Dave Eggers; and narrated by Academy Award-winner Matt Damon. It chronicles the stories of four teachers -- Erik Benner, Jonathan Dearman, Jamie Fidler, and Rhena Jasey -- who live and work in disparate urban and rural areas of the country. By following these teachers as they reach different milestones in their careers, the film tells the deeper story of the teaching profession in America today. The film shows us the experience of these four young teachers as they recognize the importance of what they do, and how much they love what they do, but have to ask themselves: Can I afford to continue to teach?

Contact Dr. Charles Dukes at 561.297.1081 or cdukes@fau.edu for more information.

Phi Alpha Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) is a national honor society that celebrates the scholarship and leadership of adult students in higher education. The FAU ASL chapter is now open for students to apply for spring term membership. If interested, contact jtakeda@fau.edu. Membership requirements include:
- Degree-seeking adult undergraduate FAU student (part-time or full-time)
- Minimum of 60 credit hours earned toward degree with at least 12 credits from FAU
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale

FAU Counseling & Psychological Services offers therapy groups. Groups are confidential, free, open to students and led by professional staff. If interested contact us at 561-297-3540 to schedule a brief intake meeting with one of our counselors. Visit the 2nd floor above the Breezeway Food Court, Bldg. 8, Rm. 229 or www.fau.edu/counseling.

Graduate Student Personal Growth Group
Come explore, understand yourself better, and improve ways of relating to others. Get support in navigating the waters of graduate school. This is a confidential group open to male and female graduate students who want to expand their ways of coping and learn more about their relationships with others and themselves.
Group Facilitators: Rhonda Seiman, Ph.D. & Jamie Powderly, M.A.
Day/Time: Mondays 1: to 2:30 pm.

Personal Growth Group
Come explore, understand yourself better and learn ways to nurture your growth. This is a confidential psychotherapy group open students who want to participate in art therapy, experiential self-awareness activities, open discussion and much more.
Group Facilitators: Jon Sperry, Ph.D., LCSW, LMHC & Corynne Carranza, BA.
Day/Time: Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Group
Have you ever wanted a safe space to explore and talk with others about the challenges and joys of being gay, lesbian or bisexual? If so this group is an opportunity for you to do just that. We will meet on a weekly basis in a confidential and affirming group to talk and offer emotional support. We will explore themes that are relevant to your life such as relationships with family, friends, and partners, coming out, being out, identity and ways to embrace all of who you are.
Group Facilitator: Jill Hranicka, Psy.D.
Day/Time: Wednesdays 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Healthy Expression of Emotions Group
This is a therapy group that focuses on achieving a better understanding of anger and other emotions, and on fostering relationships through discussions, skill-building exercises, journaling and relaxation techniques.
Group Facilitators: Marisol Blanco, Psy.D., LMHC & Corynne Carranza, BA.
Day/Time: Thursdays 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Experiential Processing Group
Come explore, connect with other students and learn about yourself. This supportive group will give you the opportunity to explore relationship challenges, communication concerns, gender expectations, and overall self-care. This is a process-oriented and experiential group designed for students who want to actively work through life’s difficulties. This group will help you enhance self-confidence and worth, develop positive social interactions and heal from past experiences as needed.
Group Facilitators: M.A. Lawless Coker, Psy.D., LMFT & Giovanna Rivano de Gomez, M.S.
Day/Time: Fridays 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Personal Growth Group
This is a confidential and supportive psychotherapy group open to male and female students who want to expand their ways of coping and learn more about themselves and others. Participants are encouraged to learn healthy ways to manage feelings and express them appropriately. This is an opportunity to learn more about your relationships and develop helpful tools for success in school, work and other areas of life.
Group Facilitator: Rhonda Seiman, Ph.D.
Day/Time: Fridays 1 to 2:30 p.m.

FOR STUDENTS: Student Involvement & Leadership is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2012 Leadership Reading Circles. Leadership Reading Circles are small groups of students who gather to read and discuss a book with a faculty member five times over the course of a semester, and include discussion on issues in leadership, ethics, current events and other relevant topics. Students who participate in every session will be awarded a $50 voucher to be spent in the FAU Bookstore. Visit www.fau.edu/sil/lrc.php to find out more about this year's Leadership Reading Circles or email kburke19@fau.edu.

The University Galleries present "Figured Spaces: Selections from the John Morrissey Collection," through Saturday, Feb. 11 in the Schmidt Center Gallery on the Boca Raton Campus. The exhibition features works by 12 artists selected from the collection of West Palm Beach attorney John Morrissey. All of the artists present the human figure in spaces or environments that convey a wide range of psychological states and evoke strong emotional responses. Co-curators Karen J. Leader, assistant professor of art history, and W. Rod Faulds, director of the University Galleries, selected the works. For more information, visit www.fau.edu/galleries or call 561-297-2966.

Each year, the Office of International Programs holds a photo competition and exhibit to celebrate and highlight the amazing moments captured by our students while studying abroad. An exhibition of the the entries opened on Nov. 1 on First Floor West of the Wimberly Library on the Boca Raton campus and will remain on display until Feb. 29 More information at www.fau.edu/goabroad/PhotoContest.php.

Birds and nature are common threads in this show, which features ceramics by Karla Walter, who is the curator of the Eissey Art Gallery at Palm Beach State College (PBSC), and photographs by Dennis Tishkowsky, a photography instructor at PBSC and John I. Leonard High School. The free exhibition runs through Friday, March 9, at the John D. MacArthur Campus Library Gallery. For more information, call 561-799-8530 or visit www.library.fau.edu/npb/npb.htm.

Clinical Research Studies at FAU's College of Medicine is conducting a clinical research trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an investigational medication for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. There is no cost to participate and eligible participants will receive payment for time and travel. If you or someone you know is suffering from Alzheimer's, call 561-297-0164 to learn more.

Are you currently taking an antidepressant and experiencing sexual side effects? Clinical Research Studies at the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is conducting a clinical research study to better understand the effects of an investigational antidepressant medication on sexual functioning when compared with an approved medication. We are currently enrolling individuals who are taking Celexa (citalopram), Paxil (paroxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline), and have well-controlled depression but are experiencing sexual side effects thought to be caused by their current antidepressant medication. For more information, please call 561-297-0164. Eligible participants will receive payment for time and travel.

The Language Development Lab, under the direction of Professor Erika Hoff, is conducting a federally funded study of early monolingual and bilingual development. We are looking for 24- to 30-month-old children who are learning Spanish at home and at least one parent was born in a Spanish-speaking country. For participating, you will receive $150 in gift cards and your child will get a gift and a t-shirt. With your permission, we will contact you again every 6 months until your child is 5 years old. We will pay for your time at each visit. If you complete this study through the age of 5 years, you will receive a total of $1,000 in gift cards.

We are also looking for 24- to 30-month-old children who are learning only English at home. For participating, you will receive $50 in gift cards and your child will get a gift and a t-shirt. With your permission, we will contact you again every 6 months until your child is 5 years old. We will pay you for your time at each visit. If you complete the study through the age of 5 years you will receive a total of $400 in gift cards. We plan to study children's language development from 2 years and 6 months to 5 years.

The purpose of these studies is to gain a better understanding of how language develops during this period. We will come to your home or you can come to our playroom on the Davie campus of Florida Atlantic University or to our office on the Boca Raton campus -- whichever is easier for you. If you are interested in this study, email langdevlab@fau.edu. You may also call 954-236-1142 or check out psy.fau.edu/~hoff/LangDevLab/index.htm for more information.

The Communication Disorders Clinic is located on the 4th floor of the College of Education building on the Boca Raton campus and provides speech, language and hearing diagnostic and therapy services -- including accent reduction therapy -- to children and adults. Services are available Monday through Friday during every semester on a space-available basis. Appointments for diagnostic or treatment services may be made by calling Maria at 561-297-2258. Payment can now be made by VISA or MasterCard.

The clinic offers Stroke Support and a Stuttering Support groups, each meeting once a month. Interested parties should contact the clinic for details. FAU faculty and staff members and their families receive a 50 percent discount for all services. Full-time FAU students receive a 50 percent discount for evaluations and then are charged $10 per treatment session.

The Communication Disorders Clinic is operated by FAU's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. For more information on clinic services, visit www.coe.fau.edu/csd/clinic.htm.