The integrity of scholarship and the scientific record requires that scholars and researchers uphold the highest scientific and ethical standards. Current policy and practice at UM reflects our shared commitment that the design, conduct, and reporting of scholarly activity and research will not be biased. As relationships between academic institutions and private industries become increasingly complex, we must continually reassess the manner in which we assure that scholarly activity and research at UM are unbiased.

On February 1, 2010, a new process was implemented to identify potential conflicts of interest (COI) in sponsored research at UM. Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend a training session to review the current UM COI policy for sponsored research and to learn about the new process for identifying potential COI in sponsored research. The sessions will take place on:

• March 15: 9 to 10 a.m., McArthur Annex Auditorium – Room 202 (Coral Gables campus)

• March 23: 2 to 3 p.m., Clinical Research Building (CRB) Room 989 (Medical campus)

• March 26: 12 to 1 p.m., RSMAS Auditorium (RSMAS campus)

• April 13: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Flipse Building, Room 502 (Coral Gables campus)

• April 14: 1 to 2 p.m., Lois Pope LIFE Seventh-Floor Auditorium (Medical campus)

Please register through ULearn.

For questions on the training sessions, please contact the Office of Research Education and Training at 305-243-5092 or at ResEDU@med.miami.edu.

You can make yourself more competitive in the job market and for graduate school admission by learning a new language, improving a language you already speak, or polishing your business English skills. Studies show that learning a second language has positive effects on intellectual growth and mental development, improves understanding of your native language, and increases job opportunities in many careers. The University of Miami’s Intensive Language Institute offers conversational language courses in a variety of languages, including French, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Classes meet at convenient times for working adults during evenings or weekends. Classes are also available to improve your business writing and professional presentations skills.

Language classes are available in a variety of formats: evenings, Saturdays, and intensive immersion-style courses. To learn more, call 305-284-4000 or visit www.educationmiami.com. Classes start in late March. UM employees may be eligible for tuition remission benefits for Spanish and ESL classes. UM employees and their dependents receive a 10 percent discount on French, Italian, Portuguese, and Mandarin classes.

Discover how the Velos system can help you manage patient enrollment on Thursday, March 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. This course will cover patient enrollment, patient status, and patient management.  Registration is available through ULearn or by contacting The Office of Research Education and Training Office at 305-243-5092.

It’s back. The flexible summer workweek schedule begins on June 11 and ends August 5 for Coral Gables and Rosenstiel campus-based employees. Last year, thousands of staff participated in the program, choosing to spend their free time in a variety of ways—from extending weekend travels and exercising to spending more quality time with family and friends.

“Last summer I went on vacation almost every weekend,” said John Gottshalk, publications coordinator for the division of Enrollment Management. “I was feeling really stressed and uncertain about the economy; having three-day weekends was the ultimate stress relief.”

In addition to reducing stress for some, flexible workweeks can help reduce commuting costs and improve overall work/life balance—a key component of the University’s new Wellness Philosophy. If you participate, you will work the same number of hours each week, possibly over a shorter period of time or with a modified work schedule. For example, some employees worked four days per week, while others used different work schedule arrangements.

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The School of Education and its Department of Educational and Psychological Studies host an opportunity to meet the faculty and learn about a new Master’s in Community and Social Change program to prepare globally aware leaders, researchers, and agents of change who create, inspire, and engage community organizations to foster well-being in diverse community settings.

Attend the reception, presentation, and Q & A session on Monday, March 22 at the BankUnited Center, Hurricane 100 Room, from 6 to 8 p.m. RSVP by March 15 by calling 305-284-3001 or by e-mailing sluefoung@miami.edu.