• SSAC travel application deadline is Jan. 15
• Research, grant opportunities listed

Duke professor to present first Robert C. Nordlie Lectureship

Christopher Newgard, professor of pharmacology and cancer biology at Duke University, will present the first Robert C. Nordlie Lectureship at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, Keller Auditorium, Medical Science. He will present “New Insights into Mechanisms of Glucose Homeostasis: Glucose-6-phosphatase and a Whole Lot More.” At noon Jan. 15 he will speak on “Understanding Beta-Cell Function and Survival via a Multi-Disciplinary Approach,” at the United Hospital Lecture Hall, Medical Science.
The lectureship has been established to honor the successes and contributions of Dr. Nordlie, who served for 40 years as a faculty member, chair and researcher in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology, 17 of them as chair.
Dr. Newgard, who is also professor of internal medicine and director of the Sarah Stedman Center for Nutritional Studies at Duke, is internationally recognized for his studies of metabolic regulatory mechanisms and development of new therapies for diabetes and obesity.

The Robert C. Nordlie Lectureship was established in 2000 after his retirement. He is internationally known for his work on the biosynthetic activities of glucose-6-phosphatase. His research was continuously funded for 32 years by the National Institutes of Health, and throughout his career he received numerous awards for teaching, research and service.

Alumni, friends and colleagues have contributed to the Robert C. Nordlie Endowment in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology within the UND Foundation. The fund, established in appreciation of the dedication Nordlie exhibited at the University, provides for an annual lectureship in the areas of biochemistry and molecular biology.

– School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Marketplace for Entrepreneurs returns to Grand Forks

North Dakota’s largest and longest-running economic development conference is back with a new name and a new focus.
Marketplace for Entrepreneurs, formerly Marketplace of Ideas, will be held Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Alerus Center. “North Dakota’s heritage is that of a frontier state settled by pioneers who had only themselves to rely on. That pioneer spirit is alive in our state, and it is time we recognized that and take advantage of the resources we have right here in North Dakota,” U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad said. “Marketplace for Entrepreneurs will focus on bringing business ideas to life. North Dakota’s economic future can be found right here in North Dakota, among our people and our pioneering spirit. Marketplace will grow North Dakota from within.”

Conrad and Roger Johnson, agriculture commissioner, said the day-long economic development conference will keep the popular classes, workshops, “how-to” demonstrations and exhibits that last year drew a record attendance of nearly 7,000 people. They said, however, that the event’s new name reflects an new emphasis on necessary tools, information, skills and practical advice for North Dakota’s small- and start-up businesses and community leaders seeking to encourage new business growth.

“Marketplace for Entrepreneurs also retains a strong agricultural component that reflects the importance of farming and ranching in our state,” Johnson said. “At Marketplace for Entrepreneurs, producers can learn new skills and share ideas to improve their operations and to create new on-farm and off-farm business ventures.”

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the day before the event officially opens, organizations such as the Inventors Congress, the North Dakota Rural Development Council and the Nature Based Tourism Conference will hold meetings and conferences in conjunction with Marketplace for Entrepreneurs.

Conrad and Johnson are the organizing sponsors of Marketplace for Entrepreneurs, the state’s largest, and, at 15 years old, longest-running economic development effort.

Forums will focus on “The American Indian Experience”

Beginning in January and leading up to the 35th annual University of North Dakota Indian Association powwow in April, UND has scheduled a series of book discussions and forums on the topic of “Exploring the American Indian Experience.”

The events, sponsored by the American Indian Programs Council and a number of campus and community entities, are free of charge and open to the public. The schedule:

· Jan. 22 and Feb. 23: Discussion of The Dull Knifes of Pine Ridge: A Lakota Odyssey by Joe Starita, 7 to 9 p.m., Barnes & Noble University Bookstore. Birgit Hans, associate professor of Indian studies, will discuss this account of four generations of an American Indian family from South Dakota that, according to critics, offers a unique glimpse into Lakota culture from the 1870s to the 1990s.

· Jan. 29: Community forum, 7 to 9 p.m. in the Grand Forks Herald community room. Greg Gagnon, associate professor of Indian studies, will discuss “The Setting of the American Indian Experience,” exploring the history and common beliefs of and about American Indian culture.

· March 1: Community forum, 7 to 9 p.m. in the Grand Forks Herald community room. Jim Grijalva, associate professor of law, will discuss “Current Issues in Indian Country,” which range from state-tribal jurisdictions and demographics to treaties and gambling casinos.

· April 1: Community forum, 7 to 9 p.m. in the Chester Fritz Auditorium. Brian Gilley, assistant professor of Indian studies, and Russ McDonald, associate research director of the National Resource Center on Native American Aging at UND, both of whom will be involved in the UNDIA powwow on April 2-4 at the Hyslop Sports Center, will explain the role of tradition in modern powwows. Dancers and musicians will perform and explain the significance of various aspects of the powwow and of American Indian dancing.

More information about the events and the availability of the Starita book is available at www.conted.und.edu/AIE.

Regional Celtic artists perform at Empire Arts Center

Northwind Crossing, a regional Celtic band, will perform at the Empire Arts Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. The concert will feature a special guest appearance by Gail Johnson, an Irish step dancer and clogger from Fergus Falls, Minn.

Northwind Crossing is a quintet of northern Minnesota musicians drawn together by their common love for performing traditional Celtic music, primarily the music of Ireland and Scotland. Much of their repertoire is from the 18th and 19th centuries and earlier.

They play fiddle, tin whistles, harp, accordion and bodhran drum (a shallow one-sided Celtic drum that traces its origin to Celtic warriors who rhythmically beat their spears on their shields to intimidate their enemy as they marched into battle), augmenting the Celtic instruments with guitar, mandolin and bass.

Their first CD, Skye Vision – A Celtic Dream, has proven popular with Celtic music fans and is in its third printing. The band’s second CD, A Cold Winter’s Day, was released in December. A third, Harvest Home, is scheduled for release early in 2004.

Advance tickets for the concert are available through the Chester Fritz box office at 777-4090. Tickets will also be available at the door. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for students, and children age 12 and under are free with adults.

Upcoming events at the Empire are: Saturday, Jan. 17, Movie, McClintock, classic John Wayne western, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 20, Tuesday Night Live, Red River High School comedy group, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 24, Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 25, Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, 2 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 2, Red River High School Jazz Band, 7:30 p.m.

This schedule is subject to change. Call 746-5500 for more information on the Empire Arts Center or any of our events.

– Mark Landa, Empire Arts Center.

Talk will focus on finding peace in the presence of evil

On Friday, Jan. 16, at noon, bring your lunch to the River Valley Room, Memorial Union, for a discussion on finding peace in the presence of fear and evil. When we face crises in our lives or our community (war, illness, terrorism, abductions), our world views are challenged,.how do we account for evil in the world, and where do we find the presence of good?

The Rev. Gretchen Graf, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, will give an overview of the rich diversity of ways to understand the presence of good and evil in the world. We’ll talk about views which make sense to us and views we hear from others. The schedule follows: noon to 12:50 p.m., brown bag presentation by Rev. Graf; 12:50 to 1:50 p.m., circle discussion (reactions to the presentation, to present crisis around us, and to finding peace and goodness).

The event is sponsored by the Conflict Resolution Center.

– Kristine Paranica, director, Conflict Resolution Center.

UND hosts Honor Band, Choir, Orchestra Festival

The music department will host the 19th annual Honor Band, Choir and Orchestra Festival Friday through Sunday, Jan. 16-18. This festival will feature 340 high school students from throughout North Dakota and Minnesota, selected from more than 750 who auditioned in the fall. While these students are on campus, they will participate in rehearsals and master classes and present a concert.

As part of the festival, two concerts will be open to the public. The first, Friday, Jan. 16, in the Chester Fritz Auditorium, will showcase ensembles from the UND music department. The Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Mike Blake, will perform in the lobby at 7:30 p.m. prior to the concert, which will begin at 8 p.m. Featured will be the Concert Choir and the Allegro Women’s Choir, both conducted by Anthony Reeves; the Varsity Bards, conducted by Rebecca Raber; and the Wind Ensemble, James Popejoy, conductor. The Steel Band, also directed by Mike Blake, will perform in the lobby for a reception immediately following the concert. There is no admission charge.

On Sunday, Jan. 18, the Honor Band, Honor Choirs, and Honor Orchestra will present their concerts at 3 p.m. in the Chester Fritz Auditorium. Tickets for this event are $5 for adults, $2 for students/senior citizens, or $10 per family, and are available at the door. The Mixed Honor Choir will be conducted by Director of Choirs Anthony Reeves. Matthew Mehaffey, director of choral activities at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., will lead the Women’s Honor Choir. James Popejoy, director of bands, will conduct the Honor Band, and Eric Lawson, professor of strings, will lead the Honor Orchestra. The four ensembles will combine for a finale performance of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

For more information about this performance, contact the music department at 777-2644.

– James Popejoy, music.

Nichols to deliver next Faculty Lecture Jan. 20

College of Nursing Dean Elizabeth Nichols will deliver “Where Have All the Nurses Gone? Or, When I Press the Call Button, Will Anyone Come?” Tuesday, Jan. 20, as the next talk in the Faculty Lecture Series. The lecture begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Fred Orth Lecture Bowl of the Memorial Union. A reception begins at 4 p.m., and a question and answer period follows the lecture.
Two other speakers will deliver Faculty Lecture Series talks this semester. Both are at 4:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Lecture Bowl with receptions beginning at 4 p.m.

· Randy Lee, professor of law, “Pandering to the Risk-Averse in These Entrepreneurial Times: The Legislatures Choose Sides,” Tuesday, Feb. 17;
· Katie McCleery, professor of art, “Carved in Brick: Outsider Art From Inside the University,” Tuesday, April 13.

The Faculty Lecture Series was active from 1954 to 1988 and was resurrected in 1997. More than 200 faculty members have delivered talks about their work to colleagues, students and friends as a part of the University’s most venerable lecture series. The goal is to enhance UND’s academic atmosphere by showcasing the scholarly lives of several faculty selected from across campus. The lectures aim to present, with depth and rigor, the scholarly questions and goals of the individual faculty members.

The series is funded through the Office of the President.

University Senate will not meet until Feb. 5

The University Senate will not meet in January. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, Feb. 5, at 4:05 p.m. in Room 7, Gamble Hall.

– Nancy Krogh (registrar), secretary, University Senate.

Graduate School’s scholarly forum set for March 2-4

The graduate school is sponsoring a campus-wide scholarly forum, which will be held Tuesday through Thursday, March 2-4. The purpose of this forum is to allow the University to highlight scholarly activities and provide a venue to share research with students and colleagues. This year, we are pleased that Mary Burgan, general secretary of the American Association of University Professors and former professor of Victorian literature and chair of English at Indiana University, will give a keynote address Tuesday, March 2, at 3:30 p.m. A second keynote address by Kerry Emanuel, professor of meteorology in the program of atmospheres, oceans, and climate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology will be held Wednesday, March 3, at 3:30 p.m. Both speakers will present in the Lecture Bowl, Memorial Union.

Presentations, exhibits and/or performances from faculty and students are encouraged. Deadline for submission of abstracts is Monday, Feb. 16. For submission forms and guidelines go to www.und.edu/dept/grad and look under “In the Spotlight.”

Please contact the graduate school if you have any questions regarding the forum.

– Joseph Benoit, dean, graduate school.

Dates listed for Getting Started program

The dates for Getting Started 2004, an advisement and registration program for new freshmen, have been set and are listed below. It is now a two-day program. All reservations should be made online at www.und.edu/dept/sas/programs.jsp. Site will be active April 19.

Scholar sessions: Presidential, Pacesetter, and High School Leader, June 7-8; 8-9; 9-10, 10-11 (scholars will attend one session).

Honors and Integrated Studies session: June 14-15.

Getting Started 2004 program: June 15 to July 23.

Holiday (no program): July 5.

Introduction to Academic Life: June 21-24* and July 12-15*.

*Students will attend Getting Started on the third and fourth day of the program. There will be no Saturday program.

Getting Started 2004 is a program to which new first year students, admitted for the fall 2004 semester, are invited to come to campus for advisement and registration. Program activities begin on day one at 10 a.m. and include a welcome to the University, campus and community videos, a higher education presentation, housing, financial aid, business office, and student affairs presentations, mathematics and foreign language testing for students. Day two begins at 8 a.m. and ends around noon. It consists of individual academic advisement and registration. A separate family program runs simultaneously.

If you have any questions regarding the Getting Started 2004 program, please contact me.

– Sommer Bjerknes, student academic services, 777-2117, e-mail: sommer.bjerknes@mail.und.nodak.edu.

Higher ed board actions detailed

The State Board of Higher Education met Nov. 20 at Valley City State University. Following are some highlights from that meeting. For the full text, visit www.ndus.edu, click on State Board, then “meeting minutes.”

Board considers competency-based admissions
To better assess high school students’ readiness for college, the State Board of Higher Education has directed the NDUS office to develop a plan for implementation of competency-based admissions to North Dakota University System four-year campuses.
Interim Chancellor Michel Hillman said many students are not prepared for college, in part, because the current admission core curriculum requirement acknowledges “seat time,” rather than assessing a high school graduate’s knowledge, skills and abilities.
One possible solution, Hillman said, would be to combine the core curriculum requirement with the ACT assessment and its four sub-test scores. Stroup said it will be important for the board to lead this discussion and to encourage participation in the dialogue by all groups involved in P-16 education, as well as the Roundtable on Higher Education.

ConnectND
Lee Vickers, Dickinson State University, reported the ConnectND implementation project is on target and things are going well overall. There is still concern over staffing issues, but progress continues. An effort is being made to improve and increase communication with the campuses to alleviate anxiety and the fear of change. Other concerns include interaction between people and speed of implementation.

Vickers also reported that a consultant has been hired by ITD to update the return on investment (ROI) document to include long-term operational costs. Curt Wolfe, ITD, plans to have the document completed before the 2005 legislative session. Vickers warned that when ConnectND is implemented, he feels there will be some increased costs, and that cost savings won’t happen for two to three years.

Vickers said one ongoing concern is that the pilot campuses are not totally functional and they must get answers and support when necessary. It’s important that all campuses stay up-to-date with the implementation process. One lagging campus could jeopardize the entire project.

The original charter for ConnectND did not include some of the ancillary system modules, said Vickers. The executive steering committee now recommends that the project charter be revised to include ancillary system modules as part of the oversight responsibility of the project and the executive steering committee. Although not part of the PeopleSoft implementation, these ancillary system solutions need to be tightly integrated with PeopleSoft. At this time, funds are not available to put these modules in place, so a process and recommendation for purchasing the modules needs to be developed.

Stage I program requests
Hillman presented Stage I program requests approved by the chancellor and reviewed by the cabinet.
UND requests included a Center for Community Engagement; an M.S. in Applied Economics to be offered traditionally; and a certificate in clinical laboratory science categorical training in hematology/hemostasis, clinical chemistry/urinalysis, immunohematology, and microbiology to be offered online and off-campus/in person.

Board policy manual revisions
The following Board policy manual revisions were approved. For more information regarding these policies, click on “policies and procedures” at www.ndus.edu.

Introduction and first reading
607.2 – Positions Funded by Federal and Grant Money (delete)
HR 2 – Appointments
HR 24.7 and 24.8 – Reduction in Force
HR 28 – Grievance Procedures
HR 33.2 – Continuing Education for Employees

Second reading and final passage
402.4 – Admission Policies – Transfer Applicants
403.8 – Major and Minor Equivalency
409 – Degrees Offered
The second reading and final passage of SBHE Policy 611.9 – Selection of Textbooks and Other Curricular Materials will be on the February agenda.

Academic consent agenda
The following UND programs were approved:
· Minor program in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies.
· Certificate programs in clinical laboratory science categorical training in: clinical chemistry/urinalysis, hematology/homeostasis, immunohematology, and microbiology.
· Terminate the B.S. with a major in Applied Science and a B.S. in Elementary Education and Music.
· An M.S. in Technology Education.

Financial and facility consent agenda
The board authorized UND to proceed with renovation of two floors of Ireland Laboratory. Estimated cost is $500,000; source of funds is from the W.R. Grace property damage settlement ($50,000) and institutional funds ($450,000).
The University was also authorized to proceed with installation of a de-aeration tank and its related power piping for the steam plant. Estimated cost is $300,000. Source of funds is steam plan maintenance funds.

Personnel consent agenda
Robin Holden (financial aid) was appointed to the State Grant Advisory Board through June 30, 2006. The board approved tenure for Paul A. LeBel (law dean) and Peter Alfonso (vice president for research).

The next meeting will be held Jan. 15 via conference call.

Holiday, spring semester hours listed

Martin Luther King Day observed Jan. 19
In accordance with State Board of Higher Education directives, Monday, Jan. 19, will be observed as Martin Luther King Day by faculty and staff members of the University. Only those employees designated by their department heads will be required to work on this holiday. – John Ettling, vice president for academic affairs and provost, and Diane Nelson, director, human resources.

Chester Fritz Library:
Hours of operation for the Chester Fritz Library for spring semester are: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to midnight. – Karen Cloud, Chester Fritz Library.

Health sciences library:
Martin Luther King holiday hours for the Library of the Health Sciences are: Friday, Jan. 16, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 17, 1 to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 18, 1 to 5 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 19, 1 p.m. to midnight. – April Byars, health sciences library.

Law library:
Thormodsgard Law Library hours for Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 19, are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

– Jane Oakland, circulation manager, Thormodsgard Law Library.

ConnectND corner

Following is information on the ConnectND project, which will replace the current administrative system. For more information, visit www.nodak.edu/connectnd.

IVN sessions
All ConnectND general and topical updates are recorded by the Interactive Video Network through web streaming. The video archive is at http://streaming.ndivn.nodak.edu/ndivn/. Click “recorded calls” to locate archived video streams.
The general updates of the overall ConnectND project are held the second Thursday of each month over IVN, at either 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. The monthly NDUS system (financial, human resources management, and student administration) sessions are held on a rotating basis. The upcoming schedule is:

· Thursday, Jan. 15 (9 to 9:50 a.m.) – ConnectND project update.
· Thursday, Jan. 22 (9 to 9:50 a.m.) – NDUS human resources management system.
· Thursday, Jan. 29 (9 to 9:50 a.m.) – NDUS student system.

Everyone is invited to attend the IVN update sessions. Specific locations are indicated on the calendar.

– Jan Orvik, for the ConnectND project.

Marketplace for Entrepreneurs seeks volunteers

The Marketplace for Entrepreneurs is seeking volunteers Jan. 14 and 15 at the Alerus Center. In 2003, Marketplace of Ideas drew more than 7,000 people. Our volunteers made the 2003 Marketplace of Ideas event a success. Please consider helping us out by donating a few hours of your time.

The following is a schedule of the volunteer shifts and positions. Please call today and schedule your volunteer shift with Laura at (701) 663-0150 or toll free at 888-384-8410 or e-mail marketplace1@btinet.net.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Registration and information center (six people per shift): 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., first shift; 1:15 to 5:15 p.m., second shift; 5:15 to 9 p.m., third shift.

Ushers and guides (six people per shift): 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., first shift; 1:15 to 5:15 p.m., second shift; 5:15 to 9 p.m., third shift.

Classroom monitors (four people minimum per shift): 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., first shift; 12:45 to 6 p.m., second shift.
Exhibit hall coordinators (assist with move-in, four people per shift): noon to 4:30 p.m., first shift; 4:30 to 9 p.m., second shift.
Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Registration and information center (five general public registration areas, 12 people minimum per shift): 7 to 10:45 a.m., first shift; 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., second shift; 2:15 to 6 p.m., third shift.

Ushers and guides (10 people per shift): 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., first shift; 12:30 to 6 p.m., second shift.

Classroom monitors (26 people minimum per shift): 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., first shift; 12:45 to 5 p.m., second shift.

Exhibit hall monitors (five people per shift): 7 to 11 a.m., first shift; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., second shift; 3 to 7 p.m., third shift.

Orientation (15 to 30 minutes prior to shift). Please select a schedule that works out best for you and call Laura at (701) 663-0150 or toll free 888-384-8410 or e-mail marketplace1@btinet.net as soon as possible.

– Jan Orvik, editor, for Laura Henry, Marketplace for Kids Program coordinator.

Transfer of Ralph Engelstad Arena completed

A new organization has been formed to complete the transfer of the $100 million-plus gift of athletic facilities from the Engelstad family to the University of North Dakota. The new organization, similar to other foundations, creates a charitable non-profit organization that benefits, protects and sustains the best interests of UND, the UND Foundation, UND athletics and the Engelstad family.

In 1999, the UND Foundation proposed to Ralph Engelstad the use of a 509(a)3 support organization for making his gift. This is available for donors who wish to provide gifts for one or more 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organizations and allows the donor to retain a certain amount of involvement. In the process of doing so, UND Sports Facilities Inc. was incorporated as a North Dakota 509(a)3 nonprofit corporation to serve as a support organization for the University and the UND Foundation.

A recent example of the partnership between the entities was displayed when the University of North Dakota administration requested the REA and UND Sports Facilities Inc. build a basketball-volleyball facility to be a part of the REA complex. The facility, which is under construction, will open in fall 2004.

– Ralph Engelstad Arena.

North Dakota ranks first in hospital care

Editor’s note: Recognizing that issues concerning health care and access are often in the news, the following letter was sent to North Dakota newspapers by H. David Wilson, dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The text of his letter follows:
Recently, the state of North Dakota was recognized as the best in the nation for the quality of care provided in its hospitals. The top ranking is the result of the annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study.

Ranking each of the country’s nearly 5,000 hospitals on 26 common procedures and conditions, researchers concluded that the quality of health care in the nation’s hospitals varies greatly from state to state.

They found better-performing hospitals tended to be in northern or sparsely populated states.

Why is North Dakota the best in the United States in hospital care?
We think it is due, in part, to the way students in medical and other health professions are educated and trained here. Through the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, medical education is woven into the fabric of health care provided in clinics and hospitals throughout the state. It is integrated into the daily practices of physicians and other professionals who educate and train our students.

The health care environment is stimulated and the quality of care is increased by the presence of bright, inquisitive minds. Doctors and other health professionals choose to establish their practices in North Dakota and join our school’s faculty, attracted by the prospect of teaching and shaping the next generation of medical and allied health professionals. Under the supervision of our faculty, students help care for patients, gather information and consider patient cases in light of the latest biomedical knowledge and research.

Further, in many instances, these students are being trained by UND graduates who have completed training and established their practices in the state. Nearly half of the practicing physicians, physician assistants and clinical laboratory scientists in North Dakota are alumni of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Almost 90 percent of practitioners in allied health professions in North Dakota are alumni of programs we offer in physical therapy (87 percent), occupational therapy (86 percent) and cytotechnology (88 percent).

North Dakotas enjoy a level of care that, at times, is taken for granted or underestimated. This outstanding national ranking reminds us of the highly effective and efficient health care provided in our state. (Just for the record, neighboring states ranked: Minnesota – 12, South Dakota – 10 and Montana – 14.) We should be very proud of this achievement, and the nationwide endorsement as evidenced in the HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study.

We congratulate all those who work in hospitals throughout North Dakota. Their capable and compassionate care for their patients, on a daily basis, have earned this impressive national honor for our state.

— H. David Wilson, vice president for health affairs and dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Dean Wilson elected to administrative board

H. David Wilson, dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been elected to the Association of American Medical Colleges Council of Deans 2003-04 administrative board.

Wilson, who also serves as vice president for health affairs, was elected recently to the 12-member board. The AAMC Council of Deans identifies issues affecting academic medicine to continue improvement of the nation’s medical schools. The council addresses policies guiding the AAMC in its service and advocacy functions; programs for the advancement of institutional management; and support for the deans’ leadership role in guiding individual schools toward excellence in medical education, research and patient care.

Combs named permanent GF HNRC director

Gerald Combs Jr., director of the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center for the past two years, has been named to the new Scientific Research Service of U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is the first in the nation to be appointed to the new research service, which was created to bring into the U.S. Department of Agriculture experienced and talented scientists.
Under this new appointment, Combs becomes the permanent director of the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. The new position also allows him to conduct research.

He had previously served 27 years as professor of nutrition at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and is internationally recognized for his research in the nutritional biochemistry of trace elements and vitamins.

The Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center is one of six human nutrition centers operated by the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The emphasis at the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center is on the mineral elements, including the determination of requirements for minerals to prevent disease and promote health and optimal function throughout life.

Nikki Seabloom holds new position at wellness center

The Department of Wellness is pleased to announce the promotion of Nikki Seabloom to the position of assistant director of business operations. A member of the department since October 2002, her chief areas of responsibility include human resources and budget. Seabloom earned a master’s degree in zoology, and formerly worked as AIDS education coordinator in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her husband, Robert Seabloom is a professor emeritus in biology.

– Wellness center.

Nominations sought for graduate faculty membership

The graduate school has issued the semi-annual call for nominations for membership on the graduate faculty. A memorandum detailing the process and a copy of the nomination form has been sent to the chairperson and director of each department/program offering a graduate degree. The deadline for nominations to be received in the graduate school is Tuesday, Jan. 20. Final action on the nominations is scheduled to be completed by Feb. 25.

– Joseph Benoit, dean, graduate school.

Business office moves to Union for fee payment Jan. 22, 23

The business office will be working with students attending the spring 2004 semester Jan. 12-23. The primary responsibility of the business office tellers will be fee payment assistance to the students. Due to increased student traffic during this time period, you can expect lines at the teller windows. During fee payment, Jan. 22 and 23, the business office will be closed. All students should be directed to the Memorial Union Ballroom. Departmental deposits will be accepted at a teller window, second floor Twamley Hall, from 2 to 3 p.m. only on these days. Although no receipt will be issued, the deposits must be logged in by a representative from your department, and will be processed as time allows. If departments anticipate special needs during these two days, contact Sandi Brelie at 777-3080 by noon Friday, Jan. 16. Due to the high amount of telephone traffic during the weeks surrounding fee payment, contacting the business office staff may be easiest through e-mail. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

— Wanda Sporbert, business office.

Annual staff performance evaluations due March 1

Annual staff employee performance evaluations are due Monday, March 1. The “performance management plan” form is available electronically as either a WordPerfect or Word document. To receive your copy via e-mail, contact us at human.resources@mail.und.nodak.edu. The Word document version may also be found online at www.humanresources.und.edu/Forms/forms.html. If hard copies are preferred or if you have questions, please call us at 777-4361. Please review and discuss the evaluation with the employee and return the signed forms to human resources, Box 8010, no later than March 1.

– Diane Nelson, director, human resources.

Information provided on leave reports

Please read these reminders regarding leave balances:

1. Any annual or sick leave used through Dec. 31, 2003 must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2004 to be deducted from your 2003 leave balance.

2. Leave that begins in one calendar year and concludes in another (such as Dec. 26, 2003 through Jan. 2, 2004) should not be submitted on one leave card. Due to computer programming, only dates from one calendar year may be submitted on one card. Therefore, in the Dec. 26 through Jan. 2 example, one card should be submitted for Dec. 26-31 and another leave slip must be completed for Jan. 2.

3. Supervisors should review leave slips to verify that all blanks have been completed, the information is correct and the writing is legible.

4. It is the responsibility of each department to review the departmental leave report for accuracy. Please compare the department copy of the leave card with the departmental leave report. The leave reports are only available on Pagecenter. If you are a supervisor, and have not already requested access to Pagecenter, please do so immediately.

For any further information or assistance, please contact the payroll office at 777-4226.

Please change wellness number in UND Directory

The correct phone number for the wellness center is 777-6476. Please change the information in your edition of the UND Directory. If you have any questions feel free to call me at 777-4330.

– Kim Sondreal, wellness center.

U2 workshops listed for Jan. 20-30

Below are U2 workshops for January 20-30. Visit our web site for additional workshops in January and February.

Please reserve your seat by registering with U2 by phone, 777-2128; e-mail, U2@mail.und.nodak.edu; or online, www.conted.und.edu/U2/. Please include workshop title and date, name, department, position, box number, phone number, e-mail address, and how you first learned of the workshop. Thank you for registering in advance; it helps us plan for materials and number of seats.

360 Degree Customer Service: Jan. 20, 9 to 10 a.m., 305 Twamley Hall. “Who is your customer and how important is your role in creating a positive experience for that customer? What is good customer service? What do you do when you have a difficult customer?” Presenters: Joy Johnson and Desi Sporbert.

What Every Employee Should Know About Workers Compensation: Jan. 21, 10 to 11 a.m., Memorial Room, Memorial Union. This class is designed to create a better understanding of the purpose of the North Dakota Workers Compensation Bureau. The process of filing a claim will be reviewed. Concepts such as work restrictions, claims management, compensability, and communication between all parties will be included. Time will be allotted for questions. Presenter: Claire Moen.

Purchasing Policies and Procedures: Jan. 23, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Memorial Room, Memorial Union. Find out who is responsible for the process of purchasing, obligations of process time, receiving acceptance, payment, product use, maintenance, insurance, and final disposal. Presenter: Purchasing office.

Lifesteps®, Weight Management Program, 15-week class:

Choose one:
Monday Sessions*, Jan. 26 to May 10, 12:15 to 1 p.m., or
Friday Sessions*, Jan. 30 to May 14, 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. (see date exceptions below), Swanson 16-18. Presenters: Brenna Kerr, licensed registered dietitian and Amanda Wiggens, wellness program assistant. Sponsor: wellness department. Fee: $45, includes instruction by health professionals and program materials. Limited enrollment per section; significant others are eligible to enroll. Registrations are complete when payment is received; refunds will not be issued. Trained health professionals conduct the sessions and show you proven weight management techniques. Your personal Lifesteps notebook contains hundreds of ideas for making new eating and exercise habits part of your daily life. Handouts, activities, and sample menus provided in weekly group sessions show you how you can enjoy foods you love, achieve the weight you want, and maintain a level of exercise that’s right for you. This class is designed for people who want to lose 10-50 pounds. If people need to lose more than 50 pounds to reach a “desirable” weight (one that would decrease their health risks significantly), they are encouraged to set up one-on-one sessions with Brenna Kerr through the Wellness Center.

Date Exceptions:
· No class Monday, Feb. 16. Changed to Wednesday, Feb. 18, 12:15 to 1 p.m.
· No classes during spring break (March 15-19).
· No class Friday, April 9. Changed to Wednesday, April 7, 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
* Limited to 20 participants per class.

Excel XP, Intermediate: Jan. 26, 28, and 30, 1 to 4 p.m. Prerequisite: Excel XP, Beginning (nine hours total). Work with templates, filter and sort data, import and export data, work with advanced formulas, analyze and share data. Presenter: Maria Saucedo.

Defensive Driving: Jan. 27, 6 to 10 p.m., 211 Rural Technology Center. Presenter: Officer Dan Lund. This workshop is required by state fleet for all UND employees who drive state fleet vehicles on a regular (monthly) basis, received a traffic violation, or had an accident while operating a state fleet vehicle. Employees are encouraged to bring a family member. This workshop may also reduce your North Dakota insurance premiums and could possibly remove points from your driving record.
Mainframe Computer Usage and Monthly Reports: Jan. 28, 9 to 11:30 a.m., 361 Upson II Hall. Find out how to use the mainframe uniform accounting system, various screens, and computer printouts. Presenters: accounting services, grants and contracts office.

Position Budget Maintenance: Jan. 29, 9 to 11 a.m., 361 Upson II Hall. The workshops are designed to give departmental personnel who process appointments/revisions, staff position requisitions, new position requests and add or delete funds to positions. You will learn to access information to maintain a more accurate position budget file and assist in more timely processing of payroll forms. This is a hands-on workshop, and authorization to the following CICSB (main frame) screens are necessary: PB70, PB75, PB80, PB90, PB95, BD40, GL19, GL70, GL53, NA90 and NA75. Presenters: Cindy Fetsch and Cherie Stoltman.

— Julie Sturges, U2 program assistant, University Within the University.

2003 Staff Senate cookbooks available

Want a suggestion for a nice reasonable gift for someone or yourself? The UND Staff Senate brings you our new cookbook, “Mixing It Up With UND Spirit” 2003 edition. The cookbooks sell for $15 (tax included) and have a hardback, three-ring binder (7” x 9”). There are over 700 recipes collected from faculty, staff, and students, including a wide selection of appetizers, beverages, soups, salads, vegetables, main dishes, casseroles, cakes, cookies, etc. If you wish to purchase a cookbook, contact Joneen Iverson, education and human development, 777-3718, or joneen.iverson@mail.und.nodak.edu.

Proceeds will develop funding sources for scholarships and other programs as they apply to Staff Senate. Thank you for your support.

– Staff Senate fundraising/scholarship subcommittee.

Winter yoga classes offered

Winter yoga classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Lotus Meditation Center, 2908 University Ave. Classes are held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings for beginners and mixed levels and at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays for intermediate level. The cost for single classes is $10 and the full eight-week session costs $65. For more information or to register call Dyan Rey, instructor, at 772-8840 or 777-2257 (message only) or e-mail dyanre@aol.com. Classes continue through March 4; a spring session will follow.

– Dyan Rey, art.

“31 Days of Glory” raffle winners announced

Recent winners of the “31 Days of Glory” Staff Senate raffle, sponsored by UND Staff Senate, are:

Wednesday, Dec. 17, Roger Orchard (off campus); Thursday, Dec. 18, Mary Ann Hentschell (off campus); Friday, Dec. 19, Lars Helgeson (teaching and learning); Saturday, Dec. 20, Cameron Blilie (son of Teresa Blilie, campus passport ID); Sunday, Dec. 21, Lona Spicer (mathematics); Monday, Dec. 22, Jared Bruggeman (athletics); Tuesday, Dec. 23, Dawn Pladson (budget office); Wednesday, Dec. 24, Dennis Feist (family practice); Thursday, Dec. 25, Cathy Perry (pathology); Friday, Dec. 26, Pat Swangler (dining services); Saturday, Dec. 27, Mike Powers (safety); Sunday, Dec. 28, Peggy Lucke (finance and operations); Monday, Dec. 29, Donna Wathne (off campus); Tuesday, Dec. 30, Matsimela Changa (MC) Diop (Multicultural Student Services); and Wednesday, Dec. 31, Beth Arbegest (off campus).

Proceeds from the sale of these raffle tickets go toward funding scholarships for dependents of UND staff attending the University. Thanks to everyone who supported Staff Senate by purchasing a ticket.

– Tanya Northagen (student and outreach services), vice president/president elect, Staff Senate.

Human Nutrition Center seeks volunteers for studies

Minerals and bone health

Osteoporosis affects 28 million Americans and costs over $14 billion annually. Half of women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

Researchers at the USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center want to know if taking minerals, such as copper and zinc, with calcium supplements are more effective in protecting bones compared to calcium alone in postmenopausal women.

Participants will receive calcium and multivitamin supplements free for two years. In addition, they will receive either a copper/zinc supplement or a placebo. Follow-up tests can be done in Grand Forks or Fargo, depending on participants’ choice of location.

Postmenopausal women, ages 51-80, are encouraged to take part in this study. Medications that do not interfere with calcium absorption, such as synthroid and statins, are acceptable.
Participants can earn $750.

For more information, call (701) 795-8396 or visit www.gfhnrc.ars.usda.gov/volopp.htm.

– Brenda Ling, USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center.

SSAC travel application deadline is Jan. 15

The third deadline for travel applications to the Senate scholarly activities committee is Thursday, Jan. 15. Travel applications will be considered at that time only for travel that will occur between Jan. 16 and May 3. No other applications will be considered.

The fourth deadline for applications is Tuesday, Feb. 17. Research/creative activity and publication grant applications as well as applications for new faculty scholar awards will be considered; no travel applications will be considered.
The fifth deadline for applications is Monday, May 3. Travel applications will be considered only for travel that will occur between May 4 and Sept. 15. No other applications will be considered.

The committee reminds applicants to carefully prepare their proposals and be specific and realistic in their budget requests. The proposal should be written with a multidisciplinary readership in mind. Avoid technical jargon and undefined abbreviations. Although the SSAC encourages submission of research/creative activity proposals and travel/publication requests, the committee takes into consideration the most recent SSAC (or FRCAC) award granted to each applicant. Priority will be given to beginning faculty and first-time applicants. Requests for research/creative activity awards may not exceed $2,500.

Application forms are available at the office of research and program development, 105 Twamley Hall, 777-4278, or on ORPD’s home page, at www.und.edu under “research.” A properly signed original and seven copies of the application must be submitted to ORPD on or prior to the deadline. Applications not prepared in accordance with the directions on the forms will not be considered by the committee. Please feel free to contact any of the current SSAC committee members for information or guidance when preparing your application. Their names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses are available on ORPD’s home page or by calling ORPD at 777-4278.

– Jim Hikins (communication), chair, Senate scholarly activities committee.

Research, grant opportunities listed

Following are research and grant opportunities. For additional information, contact the Office of Research and Program Development at 777-4278 or shirley.griffin@mail.und.nodak.edu.

Portions of the following data were derived from the Community of Science’s COS Funding OpportunitiesTM which is provided for the exclusive use of the University of North Dakota and may not be republished or made available outside the University of North Dakota in any form except via the COS Record ShareTM on the COS website.

AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY (AHRQ)
AHRQ Grants for Health Services Research Dissertation (PAR-04-039; addendum NOT-HS-04-004)—Support for dissertation research focused on areas relevant to health services research, with emphasis placed on methodological and research topics that address the mission of AHRQ. Deadlines: 1/15/04, 6/15/04, 10/15/04. Contact: Greta Drott, 301-427-1530; training@ahrq.gov; http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/par-04-039.html.

Demonstrating the Value of Health Information Technology (HIT)–Support for projects to increase knowledge and understanding of the value of HIT, which includes clinical, safety, quality, financial, organizational, effectiveness, efficiency, or other direct or indirect benefits that may be derived from use of health information technology in delivery of health care. Deadlines: 3/22/04 (Letter of intent); 4/22/04 (Application). Contact: Eduardo Ortiz, 301-427-1585; EORTIZ@AHRQ.GOV; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-04-012.html.

Transforming Healthcare Quality Through Information Technology (THQIT)–Support for community-wide planning processes across multiple healthcare organizations within a local or regional area that will enable them to develop healthcare information technology infrastructure to provide effective exchange of health information within the community. Deadlines: 3/2/2/04 (Letter of Intent); 4/22/04 (Application). Contact: Lisa Dolan-Branton, 301-427-1588; ldolan@ahrq.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-04-010.html.

ALLIANCE FOR CANCER GENE THERAPY (ACGT)
Gene Therapy for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research Grant–Support for research aimed at furthering development of gene therapy approaches to treatment of lymphoma and leukemia. Contact: Allison Neslage, 203-358-8000, ext. 495; aneslage@acgtfoundation.org; http://www.acgtfoundation.org/lymphoma_award.html. Deadline: 2/16/04.

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
Support to develop Centers for Genomics and Public Health at schools of public health to provide a regional hub of expertise by coordinating existing programs at the recipient institution and by creating links with local, state, or regional public health programs. Deadline: 2/15/04. Contact: Timothy G. Baker, 770-488-1441; tgb2@cdc.gov; http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/07oct20030800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/pdf/03-25240.pdf.

CHIANG CHING-KUO FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY EXCHANGE (CCKF)
Conferences and Seminars–Support for research on Chinese culture, with an emphasis on: Chinese cultural tradition and its transformation; development of the Republic of China, including developments and changes since its establishment; Taiwan area studies, including the humanities, sociology, history, economics, and other relevant disciplines; comparative research related to Chinese culture; and research on the Chinese classics and historical works. Deadline: 2/15/04. Contact: Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation, Telephone: 886 (02) 2704-5333; CCKF@ms1.hinet.net; http://www.cckf.org/e-dornation-3.htm.

COMPTON FOUNDATION, INC.
Environmental Grants and Population Projects–Support to address community, national, and international concerns in the areas of peace and world order, population, the environment, equal educational opportunity, community welfare and social justice, and culture and the arts. Deadlines: 2/15/04, 9/15/04. Contact: Executive Director, 650-328-0101; info@ComptonFoundation.org; http://www.comptonfoundation.org/pop.html.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
Arthropod and Nematode Gateways to Genomics–Support for research in the following priority areas: molecular characterization of signaling pathways between arthropods or nematodes and their hosts; cellular and molecular basis of interactions of arthropods or nematodes with plant resistance genes, plant defensive compounds, pheromones, or semiochemicals; and molecular studies of arthropod or nematode interactions with microbes; genetic manipulations to evaluate function of arthropod or nematode genes, and characterization of novel targets for pest control, including pesticide resistance studies. Deadline: 2/18/04. Contact: Mary Purcell-Miramontes, 202-401-5114; mpurcell@csrees.usda.gov; http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/04/rfa_nri_04.htm.

ELLISON MEDICAL FOUNDATION
Senior Scholar in Global Infectious Disease–Support for biomedical research on parasitic and infectious diseases caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal or helminthic pathogens of major global public health concern that are relatively neglected in federally funded research within the U.S. Deadlines: 3/4/04 (Letter of Intent); 6/30/04 (Application). Contact: Stephanie L. James, 301-657-1830; http://64.71.129.47/emf_gid_ssa_over.jsp.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
Water Quality Cooperative Agreements–Support to conduct and promote coordination and acceleration of investigations, training, demonstrations, surveys and studies relating to causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution. Deadline: 2/8/04. Contact: Tina Yin, 415-947-3549; yin.christina@epa.gov; http://www.epa.gov/region09/funding/water_quality.html.

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA)
Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP)–Funding for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop skills needed to successfully compete, enter, and graduate from health professions schools. Deadline: 2/20/04. Contact: Karen L. Smith, 301-443-1348; Ksmith1@hrsa.gov; http://fedgrants.gov/Applicants/HHS/HRSA/GAC/HRSA-04-009%26%23032%3B/Grant.html.

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI)
Application of Emerging Technologies for Cancer Research–Support for research to evaluate usefulness of emerging technologies that are ready for initial application to clinical or biological questions in cancer research. Deadlines: 1/16/04, 5/17/04, 9/17/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/17/04, 6/17/04, 10/18/04 (Application). Contact: Gregory J. Downing, 301-496-1550; wningg@mail.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-05-003.html.

Circulating Cells in Cancer Detection–Support to develop novel technologies for capturing, enriching, and preserving exfoliated abnormal cells and macromolecules in body fluids or effusions and develop methods for concentrating the enriched cells for biomarker studies. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 6/1/04, 10/1/04. Contact: Mukesh Verma, 301-496-3893; mv66j@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-035.html.

Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Practice–Support for health services, social and behavioral, and outcomes researchers to develop innovative research projects to increase the knowledge base for enhanced translation of effective colorectal cancer screening techniques into community practice. Deadlines: 1/23/04, 9/22/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/23/04, 10/22/04 (Application). Contact: Carrie N. Klabunde, 301-402-3362; ck97b@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-04-036.html.

Exploratory Grants for Behavioral Research in Cancer Control–Support for investigators from a wide range of behavioral and social science disciplines who wish to focus research on the behavioral aspects of the cancer control continuum from prevention to end of life care. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 6/1/04, 10/1/04. Contact: Crystal Wolfrey, 301-496-7800; wolfreyc@mail.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-034.html.

Innovations in Cancer Sample Preparation–Support for research involving development and significant enhancement or adaptation of sample preparation methodologies and technologies, development of assays to assess sample quality, and studies designed to elucidate criteria by which to judge sample quality. Deadlines: 1/16/04, 5/17/04, 9/17/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/17/04, 6/17/04, 10/18/04 (Application). Contact: Gregory J. Downing, 301-496-1550; downingg@mail.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-05-004.html.

Innovative Technologies for Molecular Analysis of Cancer–Support to develop and integrate novel and emerging technologies to support of cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment; specifically, highly innovative, high risk and cancer-relevant technology development projects associated with molecular analysis of cancer. Deadlines: 1/16/04, 5/17/04, 9/17/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/17/04, 6/17/04, 10/18/04 (Application). Contact: Gregory J. Downing, 301-496-1550; downingg@mail.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-05-002.html.

Rapid Access to Intervention Development (RAID)–Support for rapid movement of novel molecules and concepts from the laboratory to the clinic for proof-of-principle clinical trials. RAID will provide any (or all) preclinical development steps that may be obstacles to clinical translation. Deadlines: 2/1/04; 8/1/04. Contact: RAID, 301-496-8720; raid@dtpax2.ncifcrf.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-CA-04-003.html.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Support to establish Centers of Excellence for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CERC), with emphasis on applying cutting-edge scientific approaches to elucidating mechanisms of action of CAM therapies and modalities. Deadlines: 1/16/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/17/04 (Application). Contact: Barbara Sorkin, 301-496-8004; sorkinb@mail.nih.gov; http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-AT-04-002.html.

Developmental Centers for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine–Support to establish centers to assist extramural researchers and practitioners developing and participating in high-quality research; to promote research expertise and infrastructure development; and support enhanced communication and partnership-building between CAM and conventional institutions. Deadlines: 1/17/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/17/04 (Application). Contact: See above and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-AT-04-003.html.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR EURASIAN AND EAST EUROPEAN RESEARCH (NCEEER)
National Research Competition: Research Contracts–Support to develop and sustain long-term, high-quality programs of postdoctoral research on the social, political, economic, environmental, and historical development of Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe. Deadline: 2/15/04. Contact: National Council for Eurasian and East European Research, 202-822-6950; dc@nceeer.org; http://www.nceeer.org/Programs/national_research_competition.htm.

NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE (NHLBI)
Cultural Competence and Health Disparities Academic Awards–Support to develop core curricula and educational materials to increase overall knowledge and skills of medical students, house staff, and other professionals, including practicing physicians, on the ethnic, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, linguistic and other factors that contribute to health disparities, and on culturally competent approaches to mitigating these disparities. Deadlines: 1/23/04, 9/19/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/23/04, 10/19/04 (Application). Contact: Héctor Ortega, 301-435-0202; ortegah@mail.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HL-04-012.html.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (NIOSH/CDC)
Support to establish Centers for Construction Safety and Health to conduct exploratory, prevention/intervention, and translation projects that address priority construction safety and health problems and provide a national focus for construction health and safety issues. Contact: Michael J. Galvin Jr., 404-498-2524; mgalvin@cdc.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OH-04-002.html. Deadlines: 3/13/04 (Letter of Intent); 4/13/04 (Application).

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIAID)
Development of Immune Monitoring Reagents and MHC Typing Technologies for Non-Human Primates–Support for pre-clinical, non-human primate research in the fields of infectious disease vaccine development, transplantation, and autoimmune diseases. Deadline: 3/1/04. Contact: Carl Newman, 301-496-8371; cn109s@nih.gov;
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-AI-04-007.html.

Genomics of Transplantation Cooperative Research Program–Support for research into the genetic basis of immune-mediated graft rejection and differences in transplant outcomes. Contact: Crystal Y. Koh, 301- 496-5598; ck67q@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-04-002.html. Deadlines: 2/16/04 (Letter of Intent); 3/15/04 (Application).

HIV Vaccine Design and Development Teams–Support for research to advance vaccine concepts toward the product stage via a focused, development-based approach. The goal is development of new safe and immunogenic vaccine candidates that merit further evaluation in larger human trials. Deadline: 2/19/04. Contact: Janet Mattson, 301-496-0993; jm32u@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-AI-04-006.html; http://www.niaid.nih.gov/contract/archive/RFP0442.pdf.

In Vitro and Animal Models for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biodefense–Support for research essential to development of therapeutics, diagnostics, and preventive measures for emerging infectious diseases, including bioterrorism agents. Deadline: 3/1/04. Contact: Paquetta Myrick-Hancock, 301-451-3692; pm286u@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-AI-04-013.html.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (NICHD)
Accessible Health Promotion and Fitness for Persons with Disabilities: (SBIR/STTR)–Support for innovative design modifications of diagnostic medical devices and fitness equipment that will be suitable for facilities and/or homes in order to increase accessibility for persons with disabilities, improve their health and wellness, and reduce occurrence of secondary conditions. Contact: Nancy L. Shinowara, 301-402-2242; shinowara@nih.gov; http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-03-013.html. Deadlines: 3/17/04 (Letter of Intent); 4/16/04 (Application).

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)
Funding for Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science Centers for Mental Health to support collaborative, hypothesis-driven basic research activities to extend cutting-edge theories and approaches in basic behavioral science to incorporate current approaches in neuroscience. Contact: Mary Ellen Oliveri, 301-443-3942; moliveri@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-04-004.html. Deadlines: 1/18/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/18/04 (Application).

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS)
Administrative Supplements: Counterterrorism and Neuroscience Research–Supplemental support for research aimed at protecting the nervous system from harmful effects of a chemical or biological terrorist attack. Deadlines: 2/16/04, 6/15/04. Contact: David A. Jett; 301-496-3102; jettd@ninds.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-NS-03-011.html.

Administrative Supplements for DNA Microarray Analysis–Supplemental support to include gene expression profiling experiments on the nervous system in NINDS-funded research projects. Contact: Thomas Miller, 301-496-1779; tm208y@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-NS-04-002.html. Deadline: 2/17/04.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING (NIA)
Oral Health of Special Needs and Older Populations–Support for investigator-initiated clinical research focused on the oral health of special needs populations, including those with developmental or acquired physical or mental disabilities, people with mental retardation, people living with HIV/AIDS, and frail or functionally dependent elders. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 6/1/04, 10/1/04. Contact: Ruth Nowjack-Raymer, 301-594-5394; Ruth.Nowjack-Raymer@nih.gov; http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-031.html.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA)
Analytical Chemistry and Stability Testing of Treatment Drugs–Support for development of analytical methods, quality control tests and stability studies for compounds and dosage forms to be used in medications development. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 6/1/04, 10/1/04. Contact: Dawn Rabunsky, 301-443-6677; dr23a@nih.gov; http://www.eps.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NIDA/N01DA%2D4%2D8844/SynopsisP.html.

Behavioral and Cognitive Processes Related to Adolescent Drug Abuse–Support for research with potential to advance understanding of the causes, consequences, prevention, and treatment of adolescent drug abuse and addiction. Deadlines: 1/20/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/20/04 (Application). Contact: Paul Schnur, 301-443-1887; pschnur@mail.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-04-009.html.

Group Therapy for Individuals in Drug Abuse or Alcoholism Treatment–Support for research addressing group-format behavioral treatments for drug abuse or alcohol use disorders; or research focused on interventions to reduce spread of infectious disease in substance abuse treatment populations. Contact: Melissa W. Racioppo, 301-443-2261; mr313x@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-04-008.html. Deadline: 2/20/04.

HIV/AIDS and Other Infections Among Drug Users in the Criminal Justice System–Support for innovative research to advance knowledge and understanding of epidemiology, prevention, and treatment service needs of drug users in the criminal justice system who have or are at high-risk for HIV and other infectious diseases, and receive legal supervision in the community setting. Contact: Elizabeth Y. Lambert, 301-402-1933; EL46i@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-04-015.html. Deadlines: 2/23/04 (Letter of Intent); 3/23/04 (Application).

Notice Regarding Availability of Administrative Supplements to Support International Collaborative Research on Drug Abuse–Supplement support to existing NIDA-supported research projects to expand current research efforts, within the scope of the original grant, to conduct research in international sites. Deadline: 3/1/04. Contact: Steven Gust, 301-443-6480; sgust@nida.nih.gov; http://www.drugabuse.gov/Funding/Internationalsupp.html.

Screening and Intervention for Youth in Primary Care Settings–Support for health services research to expand the role of primary care in prevention and treatment of problem drug use, abuse, and related health problems among youth in the predependency phase of drug abuse, with emphasis on marijuana use (alone or in combination with nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs of abuse). Contact: Jerry Flanzer, 301-443-4060; jflanzer@mail.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-04-006.html. Deadlines: 1/19/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/19/04 (Application).

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
Clinical Islet Transplantation: Clinical Centers and Data Coordinating Centers–Support for Centers to participate in a consortium of investigators and institutions to perform studies of islet transplantation in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Deadlines: 3/16/04 (Letter of Intent); 4/13/04 (Application). Contact: Thomas L. Eggerman, 301-594-8813; te39q@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-04-005.html; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-04-004.html.

Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation–Support for consortia of institutions to participate in a cooperative, multi-site consortium for interventional or observational clinical studies, accompanied by mechanistic studies, to enhance understanding of and ultimately reduce immune-mediated morbidity and mortality of organ transplantation. Deadlines: 2/16/04 (Letter of Intent); 3/15/04 (Application). Contact: Nancy D. Bridges, 301-496-5598; nbridges@niaid.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-04-003.html.

Diet Composition and Energy Balance–Support for short and longer-term research investigating the role of diet composition in energy balance, including studies in both animals and humans. Projects may range from basic studies investigating the impact of micro-or macronutrient composition on appetite, metabolism, and energy expenditure through clinical studies evaluating efficacy of diets differing in micro-or macronutrient composition, absorption, dietary variety, or energy density for weight loss or weight maintenance. Contact: Susan Z. Yanovski, 301-594-8882; sy29f@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-033.html. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 6/1/04, 10/1/04.

Group Therapy for Individuals in Drug Abuse or Alcoholism Treatment–Support for development and testing of behavioral treatments for drug abuse and alcohol abuse disorders that can be delivered in community substance abuse treatment settings. Deadlines: 1/20/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/20/04 (Application). Contact: Melissa W. Racioppo, 301-443-2261; mr313x@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-04-008.html.

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine–Support for projects that will require interdisciplinary collaborations among investigators with expertise in a range of disciplines including, but not limited to: engineering, physics, chemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and materials and computer science. Applications may propose hypothesis-driven, discovery-driven, developmental, or design-directed research. Contact: Eleni Kousvelari, 301-594-2427; Kousvelari@de45.nidr.nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-045.html. Deadlines: 2/18/04, 8/19/04.

Occupational Health and Safety Research–Support to develop knowledge to be used in preventing occupational diseases and injuries and to understand their underlying pathophysiology. Contact: Susan B. Board, 404-498-2512; sboard@cdc.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-038.html. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 6/1/04, 10/1/04.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF)
Arctic Research Opportunities (NSF 03-574)–Support for research in the Arctic and related research and data analysis in order to gain a better understanding of the Earth’s physical, biological, geological, chemical, social, and cultural processes, and interactions of ocean, land, atmosphere, biological, and human systems. Deadline: 2/15/04. Contact: Anna Kerttula, 703-292-8029; akerttul@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03574.

Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR)–Support for a three-science thrust to study climate variability and predictability from seasons to years and/or decadal to centennial climate variability; and to model and detect anthropogenic climate change. Deadlines: 2/15/04, 8/15/04 (Ocean Sciences); None (Atmospheric Sciences). Contact: Eric Itsweire, 703-292-8582; eitsweir@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/geo/egch/gc_clivar.html.

Emerging Models and Technologies for Computation (EMT)—Support to advance fundamental capabilities of computer and information sciences and engineering by incorporating insights from areas such as biological systems, quantum phenomena, nanoscale science and engineering, and other novel computing concepts to bring fundamental changes to software, hardware and architectural design aspects of future computational models. Collaborations among computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians, biologists and other disciplinary scientists are imperative. Contact: Mitra Basu, 703-292-8910; mbasu@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2004/nsf04530/nsf04530.txt. Deadline: 3/15/04.

Marine Geology and Geophysics–Support for research on all aspects of geology and geophysics of the ocean basins and margins, as well as the Great Lakes. Deadlines: 2/15/04, 8/15/04. Contact: Bil Haq, 703-292-8582; bhaq@nsf.gov; http://www.geo.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/geo/showprog.pl?id=37&div=oce.

Oceanographic Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination (OTIC) Program–Support for a broad range of research and technology development activities. Unsolicited proposals are accepted for instrumentation development that has broad applicability to ocean science research projects and that enhances observational, experimental, or analytical capabilities of the ocean science research community. Deadlines: 2/15/04, 815/04. Contact: Alexandra Isern, 703-292-8582; aisern@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/geo/showprog.pl?id=39&div=oce.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)–Support to recognize outstanding mentoring efforts that enhance participation of groups (i.e., women, minorities, and persons with disabilities) that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Deadline: 3/2/04. Contact: Marilyn J. Suiter, 703-292-5121; msuiter@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04525.

Quantitative Systems Biotechnology (QSB)–Support for innovative, high-risk/ high-return research which combines in-depth analysis of large-scale cellular biological systems, or their representations, with creative software tools for development of computer models as well as complementary quantitative experimental approaches. Multidisciplinary proposals are encouraged. Deadline: 2/17/04. Contact: Frederick G. Heineken, 703-292-7944; fheineke@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04516.

RIDGE 2000–Community-based science initiative focused on integrated geological and biological studies of the Earth-encircling mid-ocean ridge system. Deadlines: 2/15/04, 8/15/04. Contact: David Epp, 703-292-8581; depp@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf02011.

Robert Noyce Scholarship Program–Funding for scholarships, stipends, and programs for students who commit to teaching in high need K-12 schools. Deadlines: 3/25/04 (Letter of Intent); 4/2/04 (Application). Contact: Joan T. Prival, 703- 292-4635; jprival@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2004/nsf04527/nsf04527.txt.

Science and Technology Studies (STS)–Support for research and related activities that contribute to systematic understanding of the character and development of science and technology, including their cultural, intellectual, material, and social dimensions. Proposals are welcomed from various disciplinary perspectives, including history of science, history of technology, philosophy of science, and various social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, and political science. Deadlines: 3/15/04, 8/1/04. Contact: Keith R Benson, 702-292-7283, kbenson@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2004/nsf04531/nsf04531.txt.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) to Develop New Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes and Its Complications–Support to apply cutting edge technology to research to develop new approaches to prevent, treat, and cure type 1 diabetes and its complications. Deadlines: 1/19/04 (Letter of Intent); 2/19/04 (Application). Contact: Sanford Garfield, 301-594-8803; sg50o@nih.gov; http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-03-020.html.

Sociology Program–Support for research on problems of human social organization, demography, and processes of individual and institutional change. Theoretically focused empirical investigations aimed at improving the explanation of fundamental social processes are encouraged, including research on organizations and organizational behavior, population dynamics, social movements, social groups, labor force participation, stratification and mobility, family, social networks, socialization, gender roles, and the sociology of science and technology. Deadlines: 1/15/04, 8/15/04 (Regular Proposals); 2/15/04, 10/15/04 (Dissertation Proposals). Contact: Patricia E. White, 703-292-8762; pwhite@nsf.gov; http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/sociol/start.htm.

OPEN MEADOWS FOUNDATION
Funding for projects designed and implemented by women and girls which have limited financial access, reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of our society, and promote empowerment of women and girls; and projects for social change that have encountered obstacles in their search for funding. Deadlines: 2/15/04, 8/15/04. Contact: Open Meadows Foundation, 718-768-4015; openmeadows@igc.org; http://www.openmeadows.org/.

SOCIETY FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF SEXUALITY (SSSS)
Student Research Grants–Funding for students enrolled in degree-granting programs who are doing sexuality research. Contact: lsa Lottes, 610-530-2483; http://www.sexscience.org/awards/index.php?category_id=427. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 9/1/04.

UDALL FOUNDATION, MORRIS K.
Environmental Public Policy and Conflict Resolution Dissertation Fellowships support dissertation writing in the areas of environmental public policy or environmental conflict resolution. Deadline: 2/3/04. Contact: Melissa Millage, 520-670-5542; millage@udall.gov; http://www.udall.gov/p_fellowships.asp.

UNITED STATES ANTI-DOPING AGENCY (USADA)
Support for research working toward eliminating use of prohibited performance-enhancing drugs and methods in sports. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 5/1/04, 8/1/04, 11/1/04. Contact: Program Officer, 866-601-2632; webmaster@usantidoping.org; http://www.usantidoping.org/research/how.htm.

UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH (UCAR)
Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS)–Funding for training undergraduate and graduate students who are members of groups historically underrepresented in the atmospheric and related sciences who are interested in pursuing careers in those sciences, including educational and research opportunities, mentoring, and career counseling and guidance. Related fields include the geosciences, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, physics, or social science. Deadline: 2/1/04. Contact: SOARS Program Office, 303-497-8622; soars@ucar.edu; http://www.fin.ucar.edu/soars/dirindex.html.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
Sultan bin AbdulAziz Al-Saud Visiting Scholar/Post-Doctoral Fellow–Support for research on the theme “Arab Culture: Traditions and Transformations.” Contact: Professor Nezar AlSayyad, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, 510-642-8208; cmes@uclink4.berkeley.edu; http://ias.berkeley.edu/cmes/programs_files/programs_sultan.html. Deadlines: 2/1/04, 2/1/05.

UPJOHN INSTITUTE
Support for policy-relevant research on employment issues. Research Grants lead to book-length manuscripts; Mini-Grants provide funds for innovative research papers with special funding needs. Deadline: 2/2/04 (3-page summary); 4/12/04 (Full Proposal). Contact: Institute Grant Committee, webmaster@upjohninstitute.org ; http://www.upjohninst.org/grantann.html#dates.

— William Gosnold, interim director, research and program development.