The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch affecting Rolla and the surrounding area. It is likely that freezing rain will develop overnight Thursday, Jan. 12, into Friday, Jan. 13. University officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and their potential impact on campus operations. If you are traveling back to campus this weekend, please monitor the road conditions map from the Missouri Department of Transportation.Updates will be posted on alert.mst.edu.

The west side of Emerson Hall will be open for classes this semester, which will begin Tuesday, Jan. 17. The east side of Emerson Hall will remain closed until further notice, following a fire on the roof of the structure on Dec. 8. Faculty and staff who previously worked in Emerson Hall will continue to work in relocated offices.

University Police is hosting response training for approximately 40 law enforcement officers Wednesday, Jan. 11, on Missouri S&T’s campus. Training began with classes in Bertelsmeyer Hall. Participants will undergo scenario training with replica weapons in Harris Hall in the afternoon.

All members of the campus community are invited to attend an open meeting to discuss the future of Miner’s Golf Course. The meeting will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Missouri Room of the Havener Center.

Beginning Jan. 1, the university’s mileage reimbursement rate for business miles driven using a personal vehicle is now 50.5 cents per mile. Additionally, the university will reimburse moving mileage at 14 cents per mile. The travel and expense system has been updated and expense reports that include miles driven on or after Jan. 1 will automatically be reimbursed at the new rate. The University of Missouri follows the State of Missouri’s practice of reimbursement for business transportation expenses at a mileage rate that is three cents less than the IRS standard mileage rate.

In February, the University of Missouri System will coordinate with Conduent HR Services (formerly Xerox HR Services) to conduct a dependent eligibility verification. This process asks employees to provide proof that their dependents remain eligible for coverage under their health plans. If you cover dependents on your University of Missouri-sponsored health insurance, it is important that you take the time to prepare now so your verification process is as smooth as possible. You can learn more about the verification process and explore a list of the documentation you’ll need to complete the process on a dedicated webpage, umurl.us/deverify.

The Spring 2017 calendar of faculty professional development events offered on campus is now available online. The events for faculty are sponsored by several offices, including: undergraduate advising, new faculty programs, educational technology, Curtis Laws Wilson Library, Human Resources, Equity and Inclusion, sponsored programs, and the Center for Educational Research and Teaching Innovation (CERTI). View the calendar.

Applications are being accepted from across the region for TEDxMissouriS&T. Join a diverse lineup of scientists, artists, storytellers and volunteers and share your vision of the future. If you have a big idea or a bold solution, apply for the event, which will be held Thursday, April 6, on campus. To apply or for more information, please visit https://www.tedxmst.com/speakers.

University of Missouri extension and engagement will host community conversations on the four University of Missouri System campuses and Lincoln University in January and February to gather input. Faculty are invited to the campus community conversation at Missouri S&T 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 8, in St. Pat’s Ballroom C of the Havener Center. RSVP for the event.