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U target of national white supremacist propaganda
Virtual kidnapping scams on the rise
Reuters ranks U 30th for most innovative universities in the world
Election-related media requests
NCSAM Week 4: Cybersecurity training for U employees
October is Domestic and Dating Violence Awareness Month
2018 Triple I Initiative Team Building Grants
John R. Park Teaching Fellowships
Community Engaged Teaching and Scholarship Award
Applications for Taft-Nicholson Environmental Humanities Education Center
Applications open for ASUU government positions
Nominate an outstanding academic advisor
Distinguished Professor Nominations
U Target of National White Supremacist Propaganda[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]
[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]More propaganda featuring the logo of a group called Identity Evropa was found on campus last week. The Anti-Defamation League describes the group as a white supremacist organization focused on the preservation of white American culture and promoting white European identity. The group, which was founded in 2016, distinguishes itself from others by avoiding recognizable white supremacist imagery and language in order to enter the mainstream. Identity Evropa was found responsible for nearly half of all reported incidents of white supremacist propaganda appearing on college campuses during the past two years, according to a report published in January 2018 by the Anti-Defamation League. It uses these tactics to recruit college-age people to its ranks.
The University of Utah opposes this organization and all it represents and remains committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and respect for people from all backgrounds. The U believes that having a diverse community is vital to a vibrant future that is increasingly global. It is through respectful dialogue and exposure to new ideas and experiences that individuals grow, innovate and work together to address societal needs and improve the world for all. Everyone has a place and role in this mission.
If individuals see flyers, posters, stickers or other items posted improperly on campus, please follow these guidelines:
- Many departments and buildings have different protocols for posting fliers around campus. Familiarize yourself with the norms in your area and the university’s official posting policy (V. Signs, Literature and Structures).
- All posters on campus are required to have a sponsoring group, company or host noted. All posters are also required to have a date. If you see something that is posted without permission, please remove it.
- If you come across an item that is defaced, note the location and notify a campus official.
If you have questions about the posting policy or are interested in learning more about the variety of resources the U offers to support diversity and inclusion, please visit the Office of the Dean of Students in the Union Building, Room 270, deanofstudents@utah.edu, 801-581-7066.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
VIRTUAL KIDNAPPING SCAMS ON THE RISE[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]
[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Virtual kidnapping scams are on the rise according to a recent FBI bulletin. Don’t fall victim to this scam. The criminals stage a scene via phone call, text or social media that makes it appear to the victim that a loved one has been kidnapped. An immediate ransom payment is then demanded of the victims.
“Although virtual kidnapping takes on many forms, it is always an extortion scheme—one that tricks victims into paying a ransom to free a loved one they believe is being threatened with violence or death,” the FBI said. “Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone. Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart.”
Don’t become a victim. To avoid falling prey to the scammers, the FBI recommends looking for these indicators:
- Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line.
- Calls do not come from the supposed victim’s phone.
- Callers try to prevent you from contacting the “kidnapped” victim.
- Calls include demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer to Mexico; ransom amount demands may drop quickly.
If you receive a phone call from someone demanding a ransom for an alleged kidnap victim, the following should be considered:
- In most cases, the best course of action is to hang up the phone.
- If you do engage the caller, don’t call out your loved one’s name.
- Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to your family member directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
- Ask questions only the alleged kidnap victim would know, such as the name of a pet. Avoid sharing information about yourself or your family.
- Listen carefully to the voice of the alleged victim if they speak.
- Attempt to contact the alleged victim via phone, text, or social media, and request that they call back from their cellphone.
- To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
- Don’t agree to pay a ransom, by wire or in person. Delivering money in person can be dangerous.
If you suspect a real kidnapping is taking place or you believe a ransom demand is a scheme, contact your nearest FBI office or local law enforcement immediately. Tips to the FBI can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. All tipsters may remain anonymous.
*The above recommendations come from fbi.gov.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
Reuters ranks U 30th for most innovative universities in the world[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]
[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Stanford came in at No. 1 followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The rankings are based on “educational institutions doing the most to advance science, invent new technologies and power new markets and industries.”
Click here to read the full story about the rankings from Reuters.
In providing an example of the U’s innovations in research development, Reuters pointed to new technology developed by University of Utah electrical and computer engineering associate professor Rajesh Menon in which digital photos can be created with a “lensless” camera.
Click here to read the full story.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
Election-Related Media Requests[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]As the November election draws near, University of Utah employees may be asked to comment by media outlets on ballot initiatives that are up for vote. University of Utah remains neutral on all the ballot initiatives but is committed to being a trusted source for expert information.
As a reminder, employees who wish to engage in ballot initiative and other election-related advocacy activities must do so on their own time and with their own resources. For instance, they may not use university email accounts for this purpose. In addition, employees who choose to share their personal opinion with media are expected to make it clear that they are speaking on their own behalf and not on behalf of the university. [/bs_col][/bs_row]
NCSAM Week 4: Cybersecurity Training for U Employees[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]
[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]We live in a digital world — now more than ever. And while being constantly connected offers myriad opportunities to experience the world through a different lens, it also increases risks to our privacy and security.
The reality is, no one is immune to cyberthreats. But we can protect against them.
For the fifth year, University Information Technology (UIT) is participating in the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) campaign, during which we’ll discuss the many threats to your online security and actions you can take to avoid them.
This week, we’re talking about information security training for U employees.
Missed last week’s topic? Catch up here.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC AND DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]
[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Domestic and dating violence are violence and abuse that occurs between two people in a close relationship. Domestic violence can include physical and sexual violence, stalking and/or emotional and mental abuse by a current or former partner. Join campus partners throughout the month for important information, student perspectives, workshops, events, calls to action and campus resources by following @uofuwellness and #uofudvam and visiting this website.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
2018 TRIPLE I INITIATIVE TEAM BUILDING GRANTS[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Internal submission deadline: Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018
The Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Disease (III) Initiative at the University of Utah is pleased to announce a request for proposals for collaborative research projects. The goal of this program is to promote collaborations and provide funding support to enhance preliminary/project data that will allow competitive applications for multi-PI extramural funding by the NIH or other agencies and foundations, such as multi-PI R01s and P01s. Click here for more information.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
JOHN R. PARK TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Deadline: Friday, Nov. 2, 2018
The Park Fellowships are awarded to faculty who will undertake one-semester activity during the 2019-2020 academic year to study at a site outside the state of Utah with the purpose of enriching and enlarging the individual’s teaching role. Tenure-line and Career-line faculty are eligible. Preference will be given to applicants whose primary affiliation is as faculty at the University of Utah. Each award is for $5,000 with the possibility of an additional $5,000 to the faculty member’s department to help defray costs for released time. These awards will be announced in December 2018. Click here for more information.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
COMMUNITY ENGAGED TEACHING AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARD[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Deadline: Friday, Nov. 2, 2018
The CES Award recognizes and rewards a University of Utah faculty member of any rank for high-quality work that integrates teaching, research and community engagement. The award recognizes faculty who show a record of successful teaching and research that is carried out through long-term, collaborative community-engaged partnerships that address a community-identified need or priority. These awards will be announced in December 2018. Click here for more information.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
APPLICATIONS FOR TAFT-NICHOLSON ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES EDUCATION CENTER[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]
[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]The University of Utah’s Taft-Nicholson Environmental Humanities Education Center is a unique education destination focused on engaging the humanities to deepen and enliven environmental study. In addition to offering powerful educational opportunities and experiences, it is also a perfect launching point for exploration of Montana’s beautiful Centennial Valley and the surrounding region.
The Taft-Nicholson Center is now accepting applications for the 2019 season. Applications for courses, workshops
and
events are due Oct. 31, 2018. Please visit the website to learn about the center and to submit an application.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR ASUU GOVERNMENT POSITIONS[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]
[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]A great way to get involved on campus is to join ASUU! The Associated Students of the University of Utah are looking for students who want to make a change. A great way to do that is to run in this year’s upcoming election. Students are able to run for executive positions like president or run for legislate positions in either senate or assembly. The filing forms are now open for all ASUU positions. Visit the Elections Information page and click “Candidate Information” to find out more.
Click “Forms” to find the right filing form for you or email the Elections Registrar Caroline Ranger at cranger@asuu.utah.edu with questions.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
NOMINATE AN OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ADVISOR[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]
[/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Do you know an academic advisor who has made a positive impact on campus and for students? Nominations are now being accepted from students, staff
and
faculty for the Outstanding Advisor Award and Outstanding New Advisor Award. Nominations are quick and easy! The deadline to nominate is Nov. 2, 2018.
The awards recognize University of Utah academic advisors who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding advising of students such as:
- Approaches advising as teaching
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Available to advisees
- Reaches out and supports underserved populations
- Makes appropriate referrals
- Uses and disseminates appropriate information sources
- Caring, helpful attitude toward advisees, faculty and staff
- Works with students outside of the office in formal university-related activities
- Monitors advisee progress toward academic and career goals
- Mastery of institutional regulations, policies, and procedures
- Participates in and supports advisor development programs
- Proactive; builds relationships with advisees and follows up
- Practices developmental advising
It only takes a few moments to complete the nomination process. Please click here to nominate your favorite advisor.
Additional questions can be addressed to Michelle Brooks or Nicole O’Shea (nicole.oshea@utah.edu) (michelle.brooks@utah.edu). Consider recognizing an outstanding advisor at the U by submitting a nomination today.[/bs_col][/bs_row]
DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR NOMINATIONS[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Nominations are being solicited for the rank of Distinguished Professor. Nominations from all parts of the campus are strongly encouraged.
Policy and Procedures 6-300 states, “The rank of Distinguished Professor is reserved for selected individuals whose achievements exemplify the highest goals of scholarship as demonstrated by recognition accorded to them from peers with national and international stature, and whose record includes evidence of a high dedication to teaching as demonstrated by recognition accorded to them by students and/or colleagues.” A person should not ordinarily be recommended to the distinguished professorship unless she/he is a member of the faculty who has completed eight years of service at the University of Utah prior to the nomination.
The nomination and selection of Distinguished Professors occur annually. Repeat nominations are permissible up to three years. After three years, the nominee must wait two years before being eligible for re-nomination. Regarding repeat nominations, we encourage nominators and/or other professors to add any additional information to update the file that they deem important for this year’s consideration.
All nominations must be submitted electronically. A list of current Distinguished Professors, nomination guidelines and forms can be found online.
Nomination forms and curriculum vitae must be submitted no later than Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.
Questions, please contact the Distinguished Professor Advisory Committee.[/bs_col][/bs_row]