Academics

<p>The University of Colorado Boulder will hold its winter commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Coors Events Center.</p>
<p>Due to possible traffic delays, and ongoing construction on U.S. 36 leading into Boulder, early arrival is strongly advised. Guests should plan on arriving well before 9 a.m. in order to be in their seats for the student processional. No tickets are required for the ceremony. The doors to the Coors Events Center will open at 7:30 a.m.</p>

<p>New Year’s resolution-makers beware: People tend to believe good behaviors are more beneficial in reaching goals than bad behaviors are in obstructing goals, according to a University of Colorado Boulder-led study.</p>

<p>The annual Geminid meteor shower could be a fun show this weekend for Coloradans weather permitting, according to a University of Colorado Boulder astronomer.</p>

<p>The University of Colorado Boulder will fly state-of-the-art hardware on the commercial SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launching to the International Space Station (ISS) Dec. 19 to support experiments designed to better understand why the virulence of some pathogens increases in the low gravity of space.</p>

<p class="p1">Using prefabricated elements in the construction of the new Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver — scheduled to open Dec. 13 — cut 72 workdays off the construction schedule and resulted in $4.3 million in savings, according to a study by University of Colorado Boulder engineers.</p>
<p class="p1">The study, by Matthew Morris and doctoral student Eric Antillon, both of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, is one of the first to try and quantify the full costs and benefits of using prefabricated elements in a large-scale construction project. </p>

<p class="p1"><b>"</b>Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Capt. William Dubois,” said CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip. P. DiStefano. “Capt. Dubois served<b> </b>in the United States Air Force and represented our nation, the state of Colorado, and this university with honor and distinction. His sacrifice, and the sacrifices of the other CU men and women in uniform, are honored by our entire campus community."</p>

<p>A measles vaccine made of fine dry powder and delivered with a puff of air triggered no adverse side effects in early human testing and it is likely effective, according to a paper to be published November 28 in the journal <em>Vaccine. </em>The paper is now available <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X14013620">online</a>.</p>

<p>The Leeds School of Business will present its 50th annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum on Monday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Denver.The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required for those planning to attend. </p>
<p class="p1">The comprehensive state economic outlook for 2015 will feature forecasts and trends for 13 business sectors prepared by more than 100 key business, government and industry professionals.</p>

<p align="center">CU System news release</p>
<p align="center"><em>Highest honor for educators recognizes exceptional research, teaching, service</em></p>
<p>DENVER – Six University of Colorado faculty members today were named Distinguished Professors, the most prestigious honor for faculty at the university.</p>
<p>Each year, the recognition goes to faculty members who demonstrate exemplary performance in research or creative work, a record of excellence in classroom teaching and supervision of individual learning, and outstanding service to the profession, university and its affiliates.</p>

<p>A new study involving the University of Colorado Boulder and Humboldt State University shows that senior citizens who run several times a week for exercise expend about the same amount of energy walking as a typical 20-year-old.</p>