FALCON DAILY
    
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015

“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isnt thinking." --George S. Patton

Rainy last day of classes, finals begin Wednesday

             

The mixture of snow and rain brought out the umbrellas on the last day of classes Monday. More rain and or snow is in the forecast for Wednesday, the first day of final exams. Photo by Kathy M Helgeson.

Announcements


Early time approval today and Dec. 29

Due to the upcoming holidays, there are early time and absence deadlines for student employees, temporary employees, and university staff. If time is not entered and approved by the deadlines below, the employee will not be paid. The Nov. 29-Dec. 12 pay period must be approved by 10 a.m. today, Dec. 15. The Dec. 13-26 pay period must be approved by 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29. 


Tread safely this winter

Slips and falls is the #1 type of injury for Wisconsin state workers. The majority of these injuries happen during the winter months. Please be cautious of snowy and icy conditions that can cause falls. Being prepared for adverse conditions will help to avoid these types of injuries. Remember, no matter how well snow and ice is removed, you will likely still encounter slippery surfaces while walking outside during the winter. Suggestions for a successful walking gait for winter surfaces could integrate some penguin-like qualities:

*  Walk flat footed.

*  Take short, slow steps.

*  Concentrate on maintaining balance. Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain your balance – carrying things changes your center of gravity. 

*  Don’t lean forward; keep your head up. 

Other suggestions:

*  Wear appropriate footwear for the conditions outside.

*  Approach with caution any wet or dark areas on pavement as they may be icy.

*  Walk on designated paths as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles or ridges can be hazardous.

*  When walking on steps always use the handrails.

*  Always be aware and “give way” to snow removal equipment, they are out there working hard to make the campus safer for everyone. 

Thanks for your patience during the snowy season. If you have any questions or comments, email [log in to unmask] or call 3827 for assistance or to report icy or slippery spots so they can be treated.


Tax exempt reminder

Just a reminder when shopping at local and area stores to announce that the purchase is tax exempt at the beginning of the transaction when using procard and store accounts. Don’t assume that the clerk will know because you are a regular customer or that the # appears on the procard. It is good to have a tax exempt card with you, that you can get from the Accounts Payable office. It is a busy time of the year, especially for store cashiers, so let’s make it a little easier on them. Please also make a habit to regularly check the receipt before you leave the store so if you do get charged tax, you can get it quickly taken care of while still at the store. We are exempt from both State & any local or city tax as well.


Opening Week events

Please join us for Opening Week events to celebrate the beginning of the spring 2016 semester. On Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, an all-campus hospitality event begins at 1 p.m. in the Riverside Ballroom, UC, followed by the Open Meeting at 1:30 p.m. More meetings and activities throughout the week can found on the Opening Week Schedule at www.uwrf.edu/openingweekevents.


Upcoming Events


Women’s basketball vs. Augsburg College, Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Karges.


Fall Semester Commencement, Saturday, Dec. 19, at River Falls High School due to Falcon Center construction. For more information, visit 

http://www.uwrf.edu/Registrar/Commencement/Index.cfm


Spring Semester All-Campus Opening Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 1:30 p.m., Riverview Ballroom, UC. Preceded by an all-campus reception at 1 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend.


Don't Forget

Tuesday, Dec. 15

Study day. Final exams begin tomorrow, Dec. 16. 

Chancellor’s Holiday Reception, 2-4 p.m., Petes Creek, UC. Chancellor Dean and Mary Van Galen invide all students, staff, faculty and emeriti to enjoy refreshments, festive music and lively conversation. No registration required.


Education News

With Remarks in Affirmative Action Case, Scalia Steps Into Mismatch Debate, The New York Times, Dec. 10.

Paying to Ignore Racism, Inside Higher Ed, Dec. 10.

Summit Broaches Wisconsins Structural Economic Challenges, WPR, Dec. 9.


Falcon Daily is an e-newsletter sent to all UW-River Falls faculty, academic and university staff and off-campus subscribers weekday mornings during the academic year and on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the summer. Submit items by 4 p.m. the day prior to possible inclusion to falcondaily-submit or [log in to unmask].