More faculty achievements in Campus
Read in Campus News about the research presentation by Dr. Brad Edgar, Engineering, at a NASA conference; the presentation by Dr. Neal Vickers, Career Services, at the Arkansas College Personnel Association; a timely speech by Dr. Michael Dougan, History, in Little Rock; and concerts by the ASU Brass Quintet.

tickets.astate.edu hits a record
Ticket sales through ASU's web site have soared in recent months, far exceeding goals for the first year, according to Kenny Brewer, Box Office Manager for the Convocation Center. Tickets.astate.edu went online a little over a year ago. And since that time, tickets sales for events have gradually increased and have sold via the internet from places as far away as Scotland. 
     More importantly, concert ticket sales via tickets.astate.edu are bringing people to ASU from many parts of the six states bordering Arkansas that otherwise might not have visited the campus. A national touring company is bringing "Cats" in April 2004. And thus far, 42 percent of the sales for "Cats" has been via the internet. Brewer attributes the success to two things: 1) convenience and 2) being able to see an online view of the stage from the seat to determine ticket purchases.

ASU receives Abilities Awareness Award
On Nov. 20, Dr. Les Wyatt and ASU received the Abilities Awareness Award for improving the quality of life for all persons with disabilities at ASU. The Governor's Commission on People with Disabilities sponsored "Bridging the Gap," an Abilities Awareness Awards Luncheon at the Fowler Center where ASU was given the honors.
     In addition, many individuals were recognized for their contributions to attitudinal awareness of disabilities. Besides ASU and Dr. Wyatt, Julia Dunlap, ASU Catalog Librarian; Dr. J.W. Mason, associate vice chancellor for administration; Rebecca Miller Lee, ASU Interpreter and Peggy Vickers, Executive Director of the Arkansas Independent Living Council received awards. ASU was recognized for 11 achievements around the campus to improve life for persons with disabilities as well as increasing positive attitudes and awareness.   

First Friday report
In case you missed the e-mail, the December First Friday report from President Wyatt was distributed last week.  The report focuses on some of the long-time issues surrounding state funding for higher education.  A draft of a funding formula under consideration is detailed as a PDF attachment to the report.  The formula, for four-year institutions, was developed by Dr. Stanley Williams, a former vice president at ASU who is now on the finance staff at the Department of Higher Education.

Bad weather notification and policy reminder
If the University needs to close because of bad weather this winter, the best source for information is KASU, the public broadcasting service of ASU, which is heard at 91.9 FM.  The morning announcer (who does not get the day off, by the way) will give closing information for ASU and other area institutions periodically.  ASU also puts closing announcements on the www.astate.edu message scroll and provides closing information to local and regional radio and TV stations, which announce as many closings in their coverage areas as possible. For weather policy information, see the ASU System Staff Handbook, Inclement Weather section (page 11).

BlueAdvantage rep to meet with faculty & staff
Ms. Alison Morrison, with BlueAdvantage (formerly USAble Administrators), will be on campus this Thursday, Dec. 11, to discuss any issues or concerns employees might have about a healthcare claim. She is very knowledgeable and serves as ASU's contact for any claims issues. For those who have a claim that hasn't paid correctly or if you have specific questions, please contact the HR office at 3454 to schedule an appointment with Ms. Morrison. Meetings will be conducted in the President's conference room between 9 a.m. and noon.

TIAA-CREF seminar is Wednesday
Nannette Johnson, representing TIAA-CREF, will present a seminar, "Find out what TIAA-CREF's web center can do for you," on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 3-4 p.m., at training room 113 in Environmental Research, Safety and Training.  She also will be conducting individual retirement counseling sessions Tuesday and Wednesday.

Health Center planning move to new facility
The Wilson Student Health Center is planning to move into its new facility on Stadium Blvd., Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 17-19, according to Linda Farris, Director of the Student Health Center. Plans are to schedule appointments for patients beginning Jan. 5, 2004.

Ringing out the old
Next week's edition of Inside ASU, Dec. 15, will be the last edition of 2003. With the closing of the university for the holiday season, publication will resume on Jan. 5, 2004.  Send ideas and comments to ASUnews@astate.edu.

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