Announcements of interest

U FLOAT WINS INDEPENDENCE AWARD IN PROVO FREEDOM FESTIVAL PARADE

Bringing home a trophy from a Provo parade might just be more difficult than winning a Sugar Bowl, but that’s what the U did on July 4. Yes, there were hecklers and a few small objects were thrown toward the route (although the one Provo police officer who yelled “Go Utes!” seemed to draw more ire from the crowd than the U float ever did). But organizers say that all in all it was an amazing experience with very vocal supporters all along the route. One woman ran into her house and brought out a giant Utah flag to wave right at the end. Check the U’s Facebook post—one of the U’s most successful—here.

BRIEF STATS ON U TRANSIT USE

• There have been approximately 2.2 million transit trips to and from the U during 2011 using TRAX, FrontRunner, bus, and express bus. That number is most likely higher because not everyone tapped on and off.
• Between regular bus and express bus service, there were more than 500,000 trips to and from the U in 2011. That number is accurate because of the enforcement of tap on/off.
• The campus shuttle is moving about 42,000 people per week when school is in session.
• On average 6,600 UCards are used daily on the system.

MAY I HELP U? STICKERS
GET THEM NOW FOR FALL SEMESTER

University Marketing & Communications is offering complimentary stickers for staff and faculty to wear during the first week of school to help make it easier for new students and employees to ask for help in finding their way around campus. If you would like stickers for your staff, please email your request, including quantity and  campus mail address, by Aug. 1.

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY—U GOT TALENT AUDITIONS COMING SOON! 

“U Got Talent” is coming back with a new twist at this year’s Employee Appreciation Day (EAD) on Thursday, Sept. 27. Auditions will be held the last week in August and the first week in September so get practicing. We are looking for all types of acts that will be performing more than one number at EAD and also two more times throughout the year—more details to come. If this sounds interesting to you, polish up those vocal chords, dance routines, poetry/acting skills, or whatever you would like to do and watch for the application and more details in the next FYI News.

LARRY H. MILLER TOUR OF UTAH CYCLING RACE TO FINISH IN RESEARCH PARK 

The internationally sanctioned, professional cycling stage race, the Tour of Utah, set for Aug. 7-12, will include 550 miles of racing over six days. On Thursday, Aug. 9, Stage Three of the race is presented by University Health Care and will finish at Research Park. A post-race press conference will take place between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. See the finish map here.

FARMERS MARKET STARTS SOON

The 5th annual campus Farmers Market will link local growers and artisans with the campus community to provide fresh, healthy, local produce and unique arts and crafts.

• Where: Tanner Plaza, between the Student Services Building and the Union.
• When: Thursdays, Aug. 16 – Oct. 4
• Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Additional information is available here.

JOIN CLEAR THE AIR CHALLENGE AUG. 1-31

Air quality remains an ongoing health concern along the Wasatch Front and vehicle emissions are a significant source of pollution. Your travel choices make a difference. The Clear the Air Challenge is a great way to set your own goals and be part of the solution. In 2011, participants saved an estimated 2.1 million pounds of emissions, 1.2 million vehicle miles, and $700,000 in costs. Many U employees contributed to this success, with teams from ARUP, Facilities Management, and Biochemistry placing in the Top 20 for single occupant vehicle trips saved. To join this year’s Challenge, register here. For more information, contact Jen Colby, Sustainability Coordinator.

BIG BUS MAKES STOPS ON CAMPUS

Photo courtesy of KSL.com.

Big Bus is a new tourist transportation option with a handful of stops on campus. The open-air bus takes people on a 90-minute hop-on, hop-off loop around Salt Lake’s major attractions. Campus highlights include Red Butte Garden, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Natural History Museum of Utah, Fort Douglas, and Rice Eccles Stadium. Tickets may be purchased online or at the visitor information center at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Adult fares are $31 for a one-day pass, and $35 for a two-day pass. Family passes — good for two adults and all kids under 12 years old — may be purchased for $70 or $80 for one or two days respectively. See the listing of all Big Bus tour stops at KSL.com.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS WANTED

• People living near North Temple between 200 West and 2200 West

The Department of Family and Consumer Studies is looking for participants for an IRB-approved study to determine if Salt Lake City residents benefit from “complete streets” (streets that are designed not only for vehicles, but also for walking and biking) and to measure current travel and activity patterns, and residents’ perceptions and feelings about their neighborhoods. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, live 1.2 miles north or south of the segment of North Temple between 200 West and 2200 West. For more information contact Barbara Brown or call 801-581-7111.

• People with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome

The Department of Anesthesiology is seeking participants for a study to investigate the effects of Lyrica—a drug approved for treatment of fibromyalgia—on blood biomarkers. Researchers hope to learn more about why Lyrica is effective for some patients and not for others. Volunteers with fibromyalgia (FMS) or chronic fatigue syndrome and FMS who are not currently using Lyrica are needed to participate in this IRB-approved trial. Eligible volunteers will receive Lyrica for five weeks and a placebo for five weeks, and will be compensated for their time. For more information, contact Andrea White.

• Female adolescents with Major Depression

The Brain Institute is conducting an IRB-approved study for depressed females, ages 13-21, with Major Depressive Disorder who are taking an SSRI medication but are not feeling better. While maintaining current SSRI treatment regimen, subjects will be treated with the nutritional supplement, creatine. After a screening visit, subjects will participate in seven study visits, including two MRI scans of their brain, over a 10-week period. Participants will be compensated for their time. For more information, call 801-587-1549 or contact Lauren Forrest.