Committee openings: The Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (ACSW) is currently seeking applications for the 1996-97 academic year from men and women faculty and staff members and students (undergraduate and graduate) to fill nine vacancies on its 24-member committee. ACSW represents a broad, diverse campus constituency that advises the Cornell administration on women's issues and advocates for changes in policies and procedures to improve conditions for women at Cornell. The current focus of the committee is on issues of mentoring, diversity, pay equity and career development. For a brochure and application materials, or for more information on membership and/or the committee, contact ACSW, c/o Beatrice M. Biebuyck, Office of Equal Opportunity, 234 Day Hall, 255-3976, 255-7665 (TDD), e-mail: bmb5@cornell.edu; or visit ACSW's Web page at http://cithr.cit.cornell.edu/ACSW/

Retirement meeting: Statutory faculty and staff who are enrolled in the Optional Retirement Plan (TIAA/CREF) as their basic retirement plan, are invited to attend an informational meeting provided by Aetna Retirement Services Inc. The primary purpose of this meeting is to provide options for retirement planning with Aetna's optional retirement program. Ken Walcyk, certified fund specialist from Aetna Retirement Services Inc., will discuss the new options in the plan. He also will explain the funds available in the expanded plan, such as Fidelity, Alger, Janus, Lexington, Nueberger & Berman, TCI and Aetna. Statutory employees have the option to participate in the Optional Retirement Plan provided by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Presentations will be held in the Centennial Room at the College of Veterinary Medicine on Tuesday, April 8. Presentation times are: 9-10 a.m.; noon-1 p.m.; and 4-5 p.m.

Fulbright program: Those who wish to learn more about the U.S. government-sponsored Fulbright program and explore opportunities for participation are invited to attend a meeting April 23 at 4 p.m. in Room G08 Uris Hall. At that meeting, Professor Milton Esman, the campus Fulbright adviser, will outline the criteria and procedures for applying. The Fulbright program enables students to study or perform research in foreign countries, usually for a period of one academic year. Costs of travel, maintenance, tuition and health insurance are covered jointly by the U.S. government and the host country. Cornell's participation in the Fulbright Program is managed by the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies. Persons eligible to compete for the 1998-99 grants must have earned bachelor's degrees before September 1998. Those who will have received doctorates prior to the 1998-99 academic year are not eligible. Members of the class of 1998 and graduate students are therefore eligible. Candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Hatfield Fund proposals: The committee for the Hatfield Fund to Enhance Undergraduate Economics Education is seeking proposals in support of faculty members who propose innovative ways of strengthening the teaching of economics to undergraduate students. Proposals are invited that will 1) encourage the use of technology in the classroom, 2) promote change in the pedagogy of economics education, 3) create case studies for examination of the major issues facing our economic system, 4) bring real-world authorities as classroom speakers and seminar leaders, and/or 5) offer actual field experiences designed to expose participating students and faculty to the complexities of economic decision-making. Approximately $50,000 is available to distribute to faculty-initiated projects. The committee is especially interested in proposals that stretch across the university, creating connections among the many avenues through which economics education is offered. Proposals need not be longer than three or four pages and should include a detailed projection of expenses. Proposals are due to Vice President Susan Murphy's office, 311 Day Hall, no later than April 30. The committee will award grants by the end of May.