Briefs

Volunteers needed for 'Opening Day': The university is asking for volunteers to help roll out the big red carpet to the newest generation of Cornellians. On Friday, Aug. 20, more than 3,000 new undergraduate students will arrive on campus to begin their Cornell careers. Assistance is needed in welcoming and directing these new students (and their families) as they move into their residence halls and complete their registration requirements. Help also is needed with registration of new graduate students on Monday, Aug. 23. There are several types of positions available so that volunteers can be matched with tasks that fit their talents. Supervisory approval is needed for release time from work for volunteer hours that coincide with scheduled work hours. Hours spent volunteering will be considered paid release time (i.e., paid leave) only if they coincide with scheduled work hours. Hours spent volunteering that fall outside of scheduled work hours will be without pay. To register, sign up online at http://www.sws.cornell.edu/our/openingday.html. For more information, contact Marisa LaFalce at mfp1@cornell.edu or 255-2373 or Lisa K'Bedford at lmk2@cornell.edu or 254-2255.

Cornell on the Commons: The second annual "Cornell on the Commons" community event is Saturday, Aug. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the downtown Ithaca Commons. Cornell on the Commons, which also is a featured part of the university's Welcome Weekend at the beginning of the fall semester, has the dual purpose of familiarizing Cornell students with downtown Ithaca, while also showcasing many of the Cornell programs and services open to the Ithaca community. The event will feature information booths, fun activities for all ages, and four performance stages with Cornell and community entertainment, as well as other activities. Community organizations that want to participate in Cornell on the Commons should contact Susan Whitaker at 277-8679 or Susan@downtownithaca.com; Cornell-affiliated organizations that want to participate should contact Mike Barry at 255-1898 or mjb44@cornell.edu. Contact Barry for more information on the event. Cornell on the Commons is organized by Campus Life, the Office of Community Relations and the Ithaca Downtown Partnership.