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Three new ‘Bright Ideas’ show employee innovation 9:52 a.m., April 16, 2004--UD’s newest Bright Ideas winners have made suggestions for helping the University decrease diesel consumption, increase direct deposit privacy and bolster parental involvement by offering parents of UD students custom Internet portals of their own. The ideas, which were chosen from employee entries received from December through February, were selected as winners for their innovation and possible benefit to the University. Lynne W. Newlin, manager of IT-Network and Systems Services, suggests that UD buses, tractors, farm equipment and grounds equipment all begin using biodiesel (an environmentally friendly fuel made from soy oil and/or animal fats) in place of regular diesel. Switching to biodiesel would be a good choice because its viscosity extends a machine’s longevity and reduces maintenance costs, Newlin said. In addition, she said that using biodiesel could improve air quality and boost public perception of the University as a leader in alternative fuel use. The University is exploring alternative fuel options. Mary Jo H. Mankin, assistant registrar, wants to see equal Internet access for parents. Using the student and “UD & Me” portals as her models, Mankin proposes that parents could benefit from customizing their own portals, thereby giving them easy access to University information that particularly interests them. Mankin suggests that parents’ portals could access a student’s financial record and semester grades (with prior permission from their student) without requiring the use of the student’s Social Security Number or PIN. Newlin, Edwards and Mankin each will receive a Bright Ideas T-shirt and $100, as well as recognition at this year’s Bright Ideas reception, which will be held from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, April 29, in the Blue & Gold Club. The selection committee for the recent Bright Ideas submissions included Maxine Colm, vice president for administration; Richie Holland, manager of human resources; Benjamin Bruening, faculty representative and assistant professor of linguistics; Margo Toscano, Salaried Staff Advisory Council representative from economics; and Doris Miklitz, Professional Advisory Council representative from the library. Although not all submissions can be selected as winning entries and not all winning entries are implemented, Holland said that all Bright Ideas are appreciated. In addition to Newlin, Edwards and Mankin, the following 2003-04 Bright Ideas winners will be honored at the upcoming reception for their innovation and contribution to the University community: Susan Phipps, administrative assistant to the vice provost for research; Joseph Timothy Goecke, head exhibition designer; Mary McGlynn, recent retiree and former senior secretary for political science and international relations; Rita Pennypacker, service representative at the Physical Therapy Clinic; Carol Rylee, director of the Budget Office; Bernard Dworsky, project director at the Water Resources Agency; Eunice Wellons, administrative assistant at the Academic Services Center; Norma Gaines-Hanks, assistant professor of individual and family studies; Gwen Robison, secretary at the MBNA Career Services Center; and Chuck Wilson, sergeant for Public Safety. To read about their suggestions, visit [www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2004/ideas020204.html]. To submit a suggestion, go to the Bright Ideas web site at [www.brightideas.udel.edu] or click on the Bright Ideas link on UDaily [www.udel.edu/udaily]. For more information, contact Holland by phone at 831-2059, or via e-mail at [richieh@udel.edu]. University of Delaware students also are encouraged to submit their ideas for enhancing campus life. Students can get involved by visiting [www.brightideas.udel.edu/index-stu.html] and filling out a web form. Article by Becca Hutchinson To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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