Nominations open for Crystal Apple awards

Nominations are once again open for the university’s two highest awards for distinguished teaching: the Ersted and Thomas F. Herman awards.

The Ersted Award goes to faculty members who have taught at the UO at least two full years but who are comparatively early in their teaching careers. The Thomas F. Herman, to faculty members who have held academic rank at the UO for at least seven years and who have demonstrated long-standing excellence in teaching.

Football coach to leave UO for NFL opportunity with Philadelphia Eagles

Football Coach Chip Kelly is leaving the University of Oregon to become head coach of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, the university's athletic department and the Eagles organization confirmed Wednesday morning.

Kelly, 49, had talked with the Eagles following the Ducks' Fiesta Bowl victory over Kansas State on Jan. 3, but indicated at the time that he would return to the UO. His decision on Wednesday was met with a variety of reactions.

Effects of fiscal cliff bill on UO payroll

President Obama signed into law the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 on Jan. 2, and federal income tax rates that have been in effect since 2001 have become permanent as a result.

A new 39.6 percent rate has been added for individuals with taxable income of more than $400,000 ($450,000 for married couples), according to a summary of the act and its potential payroll impacts that was prepared by the UO Business Affairs office.

UO puts new focus on South Asia

South Asia is home to nearly a billion and a half people, and is one of the world’s most important geopolitical areas – but remains little understood by many in the West.

The University of Oregon is addressing that knowledge gap by launching a new minor in South Asia studies that builds on the expertise of current faculty members and the research of a new assistant professor in history. Arafaat Valiani's recent book explores violence in contemporary politics in India.

On-campus flu vaccinations available

Flu season is in full swing across the U.S., including Oregon. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the good news is that vaccine is 91 percent effective for those who choose to withstand a little prick of the needle.

It's not too late for UO employees who have not yet received flu shots to protect themselves and their loved ones this season.

IN PRINT: "Walking Wounded," poems by Robert Hill Long

IN PRINT offers readers of AroundtheO a look at recent books by UO faculty and staff.

The book:

Walking Wounded, poems by Robert Hill Long

Published 2012

WordTech Editions, Cincinnati, Ohio

There is no victory in war. Everyone loses in some way, whether victim or hero. Robert Hill Long’s poems stare directly into war’s human misery, never blinking away from the gaping wounds, corpse-carrying uphill treks, or guilt-ridden memories.

Applications open for Feb. 9 TEDxUOregon tickets

Applications to attend the inaugural TEDxUOregon, to be held Feb. 9 in the Global Scholars Hall Great Room, are now available on the event's website.

TED rules limit attendance at the event to 100 people, and will select ticket recipients from among all who apply for tickets, rather than award them on a "first to snap up the tickets, first served" basis. Selections will be based on a variety of factors to help ensure a mix of students, faculty, staff and community members.