Message of the Week #174
January 7th, 2003

FAMILY HAPPENINGS:
Congratulations to Lauren Morgan, Class of 2003, who is scheduled to be married this weekend.

To those students of the Orthodox Christian faith we wish you a Merry Christmas, celebrated on January 7th.

NOTICES:
INCLEMENT WEATHER ABSENCE POLICY: Make sure you understand your responsibilities as a WVU medical student during periods of inclement weather and potential absences. See the policy posted on the web. http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/students/handbook/weather.asp

MESSAGE FROM DR. D'ALESSANDRI ON THE HSC FINANCIAL STATUS: As you know, the State of West Virginia is facing a serious budget shortfall, and we at WVU and the Health Sciences Center are already feeling the effects. The situation is likely to continue throughout 2003 and possibly longer. It's going to force us to do some serious belt-tightening and re-examine the way we work. See Attached.

UPDATE HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION: As you receive your health insurance renewal cards, remember to go on your demographic and update the information.

STUDENT ACADEMIC RECORDS: Remember that your personal student academic record here in Student Services contains narrative evaluations (part of the official grading system) on each course as it is completed. You are strongly encouraged to review these narratives.

HSC CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION: http://www.wvhealth.wvu.edu/construction/construction.htm

SMALLPOX WEB SITE: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed a website to provide current and comprehensive information about smallpox and the Bush administration's vaccination plan, www.smallpox.gov.

EVENTS:
AOA ELECTIONS: Jan. 22, 2003 - 5:00 p.m., JEJ "A" Morgantown and Room 3290 WVU Building Charleston. Members will be electing students from the Class of 2004, as well as faculty, resident and alumni members. Food will be provided.

RESIDENCY FAIR: January 13, 2003, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., John E Jones Conf. Center. Watch your emails for details from Carol.

HSC TALENT SHOW: Saturday, February 1, 2003, HSC Auditorium. If you are interested in participating in the talent show you should contact Anne Banfield at abanfie3@mix.wvu.edu, or Jamey Friebe-Cost at jfriebe@mix.wvu.edu. Signups will be taken in front of the bookstore from January 14-17, 2003. Proceeds to benefit WVU Children's Hospital.

MSI SNOWBALL FORMAL: Annual First Year Medical Student Winter Formal will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2003 at Lakeview Resort and Conference Room. This will be held in the newly remodeled Chestnut Rooms. Cocktail hour is 6:30, dinner to begin at 7:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Watch your Health Sciences Mailbox for your invitation. Any questions, please contact Carol Kurcaba in Student Services at 293-4961 or ckurcaba@hsc.wvu.edu.

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What's Happening this Week - Morgantown:
STUDENT ORGANIZATION MEETINGS:
AMA MEETING, Jan. 8, 2003 - noon - 1:00 p.m., Room - Tentatively Room 2157

AMWA MEETING: Jan. 8, 2003, noon - 1:00 p.m., Room - CANCELED!

WILDERNESS MEDICAL SOCIETY: Jan. 8, 2003, noon - 1:00 p.m., Path Amp, Room 2118

PAIG MEETING: Wed., Jan. 8, 2003, noon - 1 p.m., Hostler Auditorium.

EMIG MEETING: Jan. 15, 2003 - noon - 1:00 p.m. Room - Path Amp, Room 2118

SIG MEETING: Wed., Jan. 22, 2003, noon - 1 p.m., Path Amp, Room 2118

HELP DESK MOVED: Due to asbestos abatement, the Customer Service Center has been temporarily moved from Room 2264 to the Computer-Based Learning Center Hallway. If your laptop requires service, please go to the CBLC for assistance. We anticipate being moved back to Room 2264 in approximately 3 - 4 weeks. Thank you.

INTERNAL MEDICINE GRAND ROUNDS: Melanie Fisher, MD, will be lecturing on "The Threat of Smallpox" as part of Medicine Grand Rounds on Friday, January 17, 2003 at 8am in the HSC Auditorium. She will provide an overview of the disease as well as discuss issues related to vaccination.

JUST A REMINDER: As you know, the current smoking policy prohibits smoking within all buildings and facilities of West Virginia University, as well as within the boundaries established around the entire HSC complex, indicated by clear and concise sign age..With inclement weather upon us, several may be inclined to smoke in prohibited areas; such as, doorways, alcoves, etc. Please work with us to respect the rights of others to enjoy a smoke free environment. Your cooperation with this matter is greatly appreciated.

Class Notes:
MS 4/Class of 2003:
CLASS MEETING: Wednesday, January 15, 1-3 p.m., JEJ 1,2,3. Agenda: Graduation and Match. All are encouraged to attend.

MS 2/Class of 2005:
SPRING COMPUTER FEES: We will begin collecting these fees Monday, January 13. Payment Deadline is Monday, January 27. Make checks payable to UHA, $840.00. Visa, Master Card and Discover accepted.

RURAL HEALTH INTERDISCIPLINARY SESSION PRESENTATION: ATTENDANCE REQUIRED. Tuesday, January 21, 12:00 - 2:00, HSC Auditorium. Lunch will be provided.

RURAL HEALTH ORIENTATION: ATTENDANCE REQUIRED. Tuesday, January 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m. 2116 and Hostler.

RURAL HEALTH FAIR: Participation strongly encouraged. Tuesday, January 21, 4:00-6:00 p.m. HSC Lobby.

THIRD YEAR SCHEDULING INFORMATION will be presented as part of the Rural Health Orientation Tuesday, January 21st. Actual scheduling will begin

USMLE STEP 1 REGISTRATION: www.nbme.org ; Deadline March 15, 2003.

MS 1/Class of 2006:
SPRING COMPUTER FEES: We will begin collecting these fees Monday, January 13. Payment Deadline is Monday, January 27. Make checks payable to UHA, $690.00. Visa, Master Card and Discover accepted.

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What's Happening This Week - Charleston:
Class Notes:
RESEARCH DAY: Abstract submission deadline is Friday, February 7. Research Day is Tuesday, April 8. If more information is needed, contact Student Services for further details.

INTERNET PAYMENT SERVICE: Tuition/fees and other charges to be paid to Student Accounts may now be paid by credit card or electronic check via the WEB. The payment link can be found on either of the Account Summary pages under Student Records in STAR WEB. The link is located at the bottom of the page and will only appear if you have a balance due. You may access STAR WEB by using MIX or http://star.wvu.edu.

RESEARCH LUNCH AND LEARN: Wednesday, January 15, noon. Topic: "Time Trends in Colon Cancer in WV 1993-1999" and "Screening for Colon Cancer - CAMC and State Experience," presented by Drs. Steven Jubelirer and James Frame. It may be viewed in Rooms 101 and 102 at General, the 3rd floor Conference Room at W&C's and by "live" lecture in Room 2000 of the WVU Building next door to Memorial. RSVP to 388-9960 to be included in the lunch count. Lunch will be provided at all sites.

MS 4/ Class of 2003:
CLASS MEETING: Tuesday, January 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Room 2000. Agenda: Graduation and Match. All are encouraged to attend.