Announcements

WUSTL is implementing two new programs this fall to expand and improve its emergency preparedness: a “My Emergency Preparedness Information” page in HRMS, on which employees can confirm their emergency contact information; and the designation of emergency response roles to department employees in the event of an emergency situation.

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis asthma specialist Mario Castro, MD, is seeking volunteers for a study investigating whether taking vitamin D can make asthma medication more effective. Study participants must be 18 or older and have a physician’s diagnosis of asthma. They also must have been taking some type of therapy to control their asthma for at least one year.

A letter to the WUSTL community on the Sept. 6, 2011, passing of James E. McLeod, vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

A search committee to identify candidates for the position of vice chancellor for public affairs has been appointed by Provost Edward S. Macias, PhD, executive vice chancellor and the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences, and Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration. M. Fredric Volkmann, the current vice chancellor for public affairs, will retire Sept. 30, 2011.

Washington University’s American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant (ACS-IRG) is now accepting applications from junior faculty for pilot project awards through 4 p.m. Oct. 14.

Ever wondered what it felt like to save a life? You’ll have four chances this academic year. The first of four university-wide blood drives of the academic year will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, at eight different locations throughout the university and at a variety of times to accommodate busy schedules. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in this effort to replenish the region’s blood supply.

Washington University in St. Louis’ Campus Card program has been expanded and renamed to become Bear Bucks. Bear Bucks can be used at dining locations on four WUSTL campuses, the Campus Store, campus laundry and vending machines, off-campus eateries Bobo Noodle House and Kayak’s Coffee, and more.

The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Washington University in St. Louis will host an open house titled “Show Me LLI” for prospective members from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8. LLI offers a variety of courses that emphasize peer learning and active class participation by senior adults. The event is free and open to senior adults ages 55 and older.

Phil Valko, a WUSTL alumnus, has been named director of sustainability at Washington University in St. Louis, announced Steven P. Hoffner, associate vice chancellor for operations. The director of sustainability is responsible for providing leadership, vision and strategy to advance WUSTL’s sustainability efforts.

Renovations at Washington University in St. Louis’ Campus Store are complete. To celebrate and welcome the campus community to explore the updated Campus Store, the Campus Store is hosting a Back-to-School Bash from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29.