Isaac Prilleltensky, dean of the University of Miami’s School of Education and Human Development, leads an informal discussion of how community psychology can have a beneficial impact on the broader field of psychology during the Society for Community Research and Action’s 2013 biennial conference, held on UM’s Coral Gables campus from June 27-29. Themed “Communal Thriving: Pursuing Meaning, Justice, and Well-Being,” the three-day summit featured workshops, poster sessions, and scholars who spoke on topics such as “Participatory Policy Research in Times of Swelling Inequality Gaps” and “Principles of Social Change: Community Partnerships Promote Social Justice.”

Carlos Alberto Montaner, who will join UM’s Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies as a senior research associate, has authored several books and essays on the history of Cuba and Latin America.

Well-known exiled Cuban author and journalist Carlos Alberto Montaner, who serves as a political analyst for CNN en Español, will join the University of Miami’s Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies (ICCAS) as a senior research associate.

“This appointment will bring our institute a great deal of prestige,” said ICCAS Director Jaime Suchlicki. “Carlos Alberto Montaner has a superb intellect and great knowledge of the Cuban exile community.” Read the full story

With construction beginning on the Frost School of Music’s new facilities, faculty and staff who hold valid purple and preferred parking permits will still be able to enter Purple Zone parking lots in that area from the three primary access points: Robbia Avenue, Miller Drive, and Memorial Drive.

Construction fences will be installed in the coming days. In addition, signage will be posted in the area, and transportation attendants will be on hand to direct motorists. Construction of the addition to the Frost School of Music is expected to last until late 2014.

For more information, please contact Parking and Transportation at 305-284-3096 or email [email protected].

A typical package of sachet water, known on the street as “pure water.”

Many of West Africa’s largest cities continue to lag in supplying piped water to residents. Filling the service gap are plastic water sachets, which have become an important source of drinking water for the region. This industry provides many jobs and improves access to clean drinking water. Yet unintended social and environmental consequences associated with the widespread use of sachet water continues to stir controversy. Read the full story

The Billboard Latin Music Awards was among many of the stellar events held this year at the BankUnited Center.

The University of Miami’s BankUnited Center, an 8,000-seat multipurpose facility that hosts Hurricane men’s and women’s basketball games, concerts, family shows, and lectures, is one of Florida’s top venues in its class, according to Venues Today magazine. Read the full story