Quick Bits

No, really. Stay home!

Last week's bit about flu shots is really important. The coughing and sneezing on the rise is a normal part of the semester, said Dr. Mike Totaro of the Suzanne A. Snively Health Center.

Totaro said the rise is normal as the weather gets cooler and people spend more time indoors and have more time to share viruses. It is mostly colds that are being seen, he said. Locally, the flu season doesn't start until December.

He advises students to wash their hands often and limit their contact between their hands and faces. Home remedies such as eating chicken soup or loading up on vitamin C can have a psychological benefit.

Also, if mom nature blesses with a cold, take the hint. Stay home.

Gerth dans Paris? Oui!

Le President de l'universite must have slipped out a back door, because his office staff didn't know his whereabouts for the week when QuickBits called.

Thankfully, Jones' office knew the wayward administrator was at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization meeting in the City of Lights.

Gerth is attending UNESCO's conference on higher education because he is the president of the International Association of University Presidents. Jones is the treasurer of that organization.

How 'bout a Nooner?

Imagine QuickBits' surprise last Wednesday to see Dean Sorensen, head of UNIQUE's Nooner program, hawking his wares. Surely, that meant every student who's ever complained about a lack of stuff to do has already hit the Nooner.

With attendance averaging around 100 students per event, half of what UNIQUE shoots for, Sorensen wishes students would make Nooners a habit.

"We would like to see them for the whole series," he said.

So, no more avoiding "Snake Boy," for whom only 50 students showed up.

Wanted: good teachers

Though student evaluations aren't used for much by administrators (except for when the pilot light goes out in the furnace,) student input will be considered for the annual nominations of teachers for outstanding achievements.

So, if you want your favorite professor to be recognized for his skills in teaching, this is a good way to show your appreciation.

A letter of nomination must be sent to the dean of the teacher's department by Dec. 4.

For more information, call 278-6593 or 278-6784.