In Brief

Theologian lectures on freedom

M. Shawn Copeland--associate professor of systematic theology at Marquette University whose studies include the African-American religious experience and feminist theology--will speak on Thursday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the Welles-Brown Room in Rush Rhees Library.

As a theologian speaking as a cultural critic, Copeland will discuss "The Religious Critic in the United States--The Paradox of Freedom." Looking at the United States, which was created as a beacon of hope and freedom yet practiced slavery for almost the first century of its existence, she says people need to reflect on these ironies in order to grow, change, and transform themselves and their situation.

Copeland has written extensively about such topics as suffering, identity and difference, the common human good, community, black theology, and freedom.

Her lecture is sponsored by the Newman Chair of Roman Catholic Studies and the Department of Religion and Classics.

Psychology conference convenes

More than 20 researchers who are investigating human motivation will convene a conference on Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, to discuss work that's closely related to the Self-Determination Theory. This theory was developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, professors of psychology in the Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology.

The presenters, who represent 19 universities or research institutes in three countries, will speak on a wide range of specialties. Papers given at the conference will be collected in an edited volume published by the University of Rochester Press.

All sessions will be held in Meliora Hall and are open to the University community; there's no registration fee. The program is sponsored by the Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology. For a schedule call x5-8719.

Free skin-cancer clinic returns

A free skin-cancer-detection clinic will be held at Strong Memorial Hospital's Ambulatory Care Facility on Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Local dermatologists and nurses will conduct skin screenings to detect skin cancers, pre-cancerous conditions, and related problems.

This year's clinic is sponsored by the Rochester Dermatologic Society, the Department of Dermatology at the Medical Center, and the American Cancer Society. The screening is staffed by 25 local dermatologists and five nurses who donate their time to the annual event.

Each screening takes about five minutes to conduct and a written report of findings will be given to each participant. Free samples of sunscreen and information on skin cancer and skin-cancer prevention also will be given to each person participating in the screening. A list of dermatologists in the community is provided to those diagnosed with skin cancer.

Summer hours begin at ID office

The Identification Card Office will be open regular hours--Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.--until Saturday, April 24.

Summer hours start on Monday, April 26. Hours will be Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 1, and Saturday, May 8, but otherwise will be closed on Saturdays during the summer.

Regular hours will resume on Monday, August 23.

Plan ahead to hire students

Departments intending to hire students from other institutions or wishing to hire University students who will graduate in May or students who aren't signed up for classes in the summer or fall will need to coordinate the hiring process through the Office of Human Resources or the Temporary Services Program, not the Center for Work and Career Development. The last day students will be eligible to be paid through Student Payroll is May 26. Plan ahead to ensure that students get paid without interruption by calling a human resource representative or Temporary Services, x5-7873.

Step up to help Strong's kids

"Stroll for Strong Kids"--a two-mile walk to raise money for patient care and pediatric research for Children's Hospital at Strong--will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, in Genesee Valley Park. The stroll will be followed by a free lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse, plus music and activities for children.

Participants raise money through sponsorship pledges. Those who raise $50 or more receive a commemorative T-shirt. Last year more than $30,000 was raised. For more information call x3-5948.

Get help for eating disorders

Frequent periods of binging with feelings of loss of control and extreme guilt may be signs of a condition known as "binge eating disorder." To treat this disorder, a specially designed program has been jointly developed by the Eating Disorder Treatment Service and the Weight Management Center at Strong Memorial Hospital. Call x5-1630 for more information.

New program aids world travelers

Now faculty, staff, and students traveling abroad have a resource at the University that can help them face the health concerns of international travel. Passport Health, a new health promotion/prevention initiative at the School of Nursing's Community Nursing Center, prepares international travelers for healthy, enjoyable pleasure and business trips.

During the course of a 45-minute session, Passport Health nurses and physicians prepare and educate the world traveler. They provide concise itinerary-specific travel counseling, a customized health education guide, up-to-date immunizations, important medication advice, current consular information, and hard-to-find health-related travel products.

Passport Health specializes in travel health medicine and provides the most current information available on diseases in other countries. It stocks vaccinations that would be required to go anywhere in the world, including vaccinations that are restricted, such as for yellow fever. Passport Health also makes sure that travelers have the right medication for malaria prevention and treatment of traveler's diarrhea.

For more information call x5-8884 or 1-888-499-7277.

Research participants needed

High blood pressure--African-Americans are needed for a study of Teveten, an investigational blood-pressure medication. Participation is for 12 to 18 weeks; medicine will be prescribed. Call x3-3972.

Osteoarthritis--The Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology is conducting a number of clinical research studies, including studies of different drugs for osteoarthritis. For details call Denise Coffin, x5-1647, or e-mail Denise_Coffin@urmc.rochester.edu.

Learning disabilities--University students with a reading-type learning disability are needed for a study of an alternative treatment for learning disabilities. Students must be at least 18 years old and provide official documentation of disability. The study requires about eight hours of treatment on campus and keeping a daily log. There is payment for participation. For more information or to enroll, call Dianne Vermillion, School of Nursing, x5-8860.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome--Female subjects suffering from abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits are needed for a research study. Call x5-6219.

Crohn's disease--Crohn's disease patients who are dependent on steroids are needed for a research study. Lab tests, medications, and clinic visits are free, and mileage compensation is available. Call x5-6219.

Low back pain--Individuals suffering from low back pain, especially beginning within the past year, are needed to participate in research studies for investigational medications. Call x3-5199.

Chronic neuropathic pain--Individuals suffering from chronic pain due to shingles (PHN), reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), or diabetic neuropathy are needed to participate in a research study of an investigational medication. Call x3-5199.