Thank you, veterans!

The 7th annual Student Veterans Appreciation Day went off without a hitch on November 12. The event, which was held in Coffman Memorial Union, celebrated the contributions of University student veterans, military members, and their families. This year's event featured a short program, including:

- The University's Military Color Guard
- The University Marching Band
- Remarks from veteran and University head wrestling coach J. Robinson; and
- Remarks from University student veteran Zach Benson.





Thank you to all of our student veterans for your sacrifice and service!

Winter coat drive

The Student Parent HELP Center has volunteered to organize a winter coat drive for low-income students and their children. If you'd like to donate gently used, clean, women's, men's, or children's coats, please drop off your items in the large gold box outside room 24 in Appleby Hall.

Children's boots that are in good shape are also accepted, as well as hats and gloves/mittens that still have their mates. The deadline to donate items is Wednesday, December 11.

Student work stream finishes IDPs!

For the past nine months, University business analysts, subject matter experts, and members of functional steering committees have been in IDPs evaluating what PeopleSoft has delivered and what our business requirements are. Read more about all of their hard work and what's up next.

Brainy biologists

If you have a chance, be sure to check out the second floor of STSS this Friday. Biology 2002 students will be presenting their final capstone projects from 8-10 a.m. in the general purpose study space on the second floor.

The students have been working hard on their projects all semester and often have fascinating results to share. Dean Bob Elde from the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) also encouraged staff to check out the students' work during his keynote address at the fall 2013 ASR staff event.

Changing bus routes

Beginning December 7, Metro Transit and other regional public transportation providers will resume bus service on Washington Avenue. U of M Campus Connector buses will also return to Washington Avenue on Monday, December 9. For more information on the new routes and bus stops, click here.

Holiday shopping online

Are you planning to avoid the crowds this holiday season and shop online instead? The November issue of "OUCH!" has a few tips for doing so securely. Take a minute to also download and share "OUCH!" to share with your family, friends, and other would-be online shoppers.

Stay updated on campus emergencies

If you haven't done so already, remember to sign up for TXT-U, the University's emergency notification text messaging system. You can register or update your information online at TXT-U, and add up to two numbers to keep family members or others informed.