September 19, 2012 Faculty-Staff CU-Boulder Today

In this Issue

Hitting the right note with Robert Cloutier

Tuning pianos is an art. Robert Cloutier is the artist who keeps the College of Music sounding spectacular. In the first two-thirds of his 34-year career, Cloutier, an expert piano technician specializing in concert preparation of Steinway grand pianos, earned a national reputation working with a who’s who list of musicians and Hollywood movie and recording studios.

Staff Council update: Resolution on Performance Management

BY: UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER STAFF COUNCIL COMMITTEE FOR PAYROLL, BENEFITS, RETIREMENT & LEGISLATION

The Resolution for Improved Performance Management System was approved by the full Boulder Campus Staff Council at its Aug. 8, 2012 meeting.

Call for Nominations for the 2012 Chancellor's Employee of the Year Award

Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano invites nominations for the 2012 Chancellor's Employee of the Year Award. This annual award is presented to University of Colorado Boulder staff in recognition of and appreciation for exceptional job performance and distinguished contributions to the campus community. The award includes a prize of $1,500 (subject to payroll taxes) and a commemorative gift. The 2012 award will be presented at a private reception in November.

CU mathematicians show how shallow waves may help explain tsunami power

While wave watching is a favorite pastime of beachgoers, few notice what is happening in the shallowest water. A closer look by two University of Colorado Boulder applied mathematicians has led to the discovery of interacting X- and Y-shaped ocean waves that may help explain why some tsunamis are able to wreak so much havoc.

Consumers differ in desire for explanation, says new CU-Brown University study

The depth of explanation about novel products influences consumer preferences and willingness to pay, according to a study led by the University of Colorado Boulder and Brown University.

When it comes to descriptions about the functions of new and unusual goods -- such as a self-watering plant system, special gloves for touchscreens or an eraser for wall scratches -- some people prefer minimal details. Dubbed “explanation foes” in the study, they gain a strong sense of understanding and desire for products through shallow explanations.

Community Notes

Faculty Lunch: CU-Boulder Strategic Messages

In collaboration with the Boulder Faculty Assembly, the university's Strategic Marketing Alliance seeks faculty input on its effort to enhance the coordination of campus-wide advertising and taglines in order to more efficiently convey the university's value to its stakeholders. One more session is available this week: Thursday, Sept. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. in The Gallery at the University Memorial Center. Pizza will be provided. Please come and share your input!

Cmdr. Scott Carpenter returns to Boulder, Sept. 20

Please join the City of Boulder for a park rededication ceremony with Commander Scott Carpenter in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his 1962 earth orbit space flight. Commander Carpenter, pioneering NASA astronaut, Sealab aquanaut, book author and Boulder native, will be present to speak and reflect on his distinguished career.

4 - 5 p.m., Scott Carpenter Park. Please bike, bus, walk or carpool. Parking is extremely limited.

Broadway/Euclid improvements complete; celebration to honor funding partners

The city is proud to announce the completion of multimodal improvements on Broadway between Euclid Avenue and 18th Street! To celebrate this milestone, the city will be hosting a project completion celebration from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, on the east side of the new Broadway/Euclid underpass. The public is invited to attend.

Watch a short time-lapse video about the completed project.

Learn a language!

Registration is now open for non-credit language classes! These classes are open to CU staff, faculty, graduate students, retirees and spouses. Classes begin Sept. 24 and meet twice a week for eight weeks. Tuition is $75.

Website: http://altec.colorado.edu

Contact: Courtney Malone

ATLAS Speaker Series presents talks on wide range of technology-related topics

The ATLAS Speaker Series presents distinguished speakers who discuss a wide range of technology-related topics. This fall, topics include satellite imaging, entrepreneurship, digital publishing, virtual justice, gender issues, game design and more.

Jobs on Campus: Finance Manager, Office of the Provost

The Office of the Provost invites applicants for the Finance Manager. This position has budget, accounting and financial analysis responsibilty. Postion assists the Provost Office Chief of Staff in the management of the campus tuition remission program and the annual merit exercise for faculty and exempt professionals. Consideration deadline: 9/26/12. For more information and to apply, visit www.jobsatcu.com posting #819298

CU GOLD Core Leadership Program taking applications for fall 2012 now

Join the Core Leadership Program (CLP) for Fall 2012 to gain valuable leadership experience for your future. CLP is a free semester-long program consisting of a leadership retreat, weekly seminars on relevant leadership topics featuring facilitators from all over the community, and a group service project.