December 5, 2011

United Way chief to speak at Autumn Commencement Friday

Janet Jackson, President and CEO of the United Way of Central Ohio, will deliver the commencement address at the Autumn Quarter ceremony Friday. Graduation will be held starting at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial, Friday, December 9. The event is free and open to the public. 

United Way of Central Ohio is one of the largest United Way organizations in the country. Jackson’s goal for United Way is “to help people achieve the building blocks of a good life: a quality education that leads to a productive career, income that can support a family through retirement, good health and a safe place to live.” 

Prior to coming to United Way, Jackson served six years as Columbus City Attorney and nearly 10 years as a judge on the Franklin County Municipal Court. 

Her honors and awards include: Allies of Equality Award from Equality Ohio, Woman of Achievement Award from the YWCA of Columbus and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Columbus Education Association. She was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

A record 575 students have petitioned to graduate Friday at the Autumn Quarter ceremony. The largest number for an Autumn Quarter to date has been 456.  

Apply for International Faculty Development Seminars in Cuba

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has announced that applications are now open for summer 2012 International Faculty Development Seminars in Cuba, focusing on “Cuba in a Changing Global Community.” Collaborating with the University of Havana, CIEE will offer two 10-day seminars in Cuba next summer, tentative scheduled for mid-June and early July.

The University of Havanna, Cuba

Cuba is on the cusp of unprecedented political, economic, and social transformation. Liberalization of the Cuban economy, changes in leadership, and renewed interconnectedness with the world are heralding the start of a new era in Cuba. CIEE hopes to bring members of the U.S. and Cuban academic communities together to explore the country’s dramatic history, rich culture, and the profound changes that are under way.

Please visit the CIEE website for a program description, information on the host institution and seminar leadership, as well as application guidelines. Columbus State faculty can contact Kimberly Brazwell Coordinator, Diversity and Study Abroad, at Ext. 2426 for more information.

Reminder: Deadline for Fee Waivers is Dec. 15

The deadline for employee/dependent fee waivers for Winter Quarter 2012 is Thursday, December 15. A Request for Fee Waiver form must be submitted to Human Resources by 4:30 p.m. to guarantee that fee waivers will be processed before late fees are assessed.