Benjamin Davis, an associate professor at The University of Toledo College of Law, is available to comment on the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report to be released today on the CIA’s interrogation and deportation program.

Davis

“Whatever is said by present or former senior officials about the release of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence executive summary of the torture report, we must remember that the issue is not the report but the underlying torture,” Davis said. “That torture besmirched the reputation of the United States and their actions betrayed the public trust these officials are sworn to uphold.

“The United States is bound by the absolute prohibition against torture. This report lets us know that crimes of great depravity were committed at the highest levels. Criminal accountability for these officials crimes remains elusive, but is absolutely essential.”

Davis, a faculty member at UToledo since 2003, is a contributing editor at the SALTLAW Blog. He has been addressing accountability for torture since early 2004 in law review articles, online articles, as a Board Member of the Human Rights Committee of the Society of American Law Teachers (SALT), and as a Member of the American Society of International Law (ASIL).

To schedule an interview contact Rachel Phipps, assistant dean for communications, at 419.530.2628 or Rachel.Phipps@utoledo.edu.

Media Coverage
Trouw (Dec. 10, 2014)
Dagsavisen (Dec. 11, 2014)

The University of Toledo Fulldome Studio (UTFS) will premiere its first production, “Santa’s Secret Star,” Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ritter Planetarium. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children.

“Santa’s Secret Star” will run Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1 p.m. through Dec. 20.

The 23-minute program geared toward children in kindergarten through second grade tells the story of how Santa uses astronomy to plan his annual trip around the world. A teacher’s guide and other resources to help further the educational impact of the program will be available.

“Santa’s Secret Star” is based on a planetarium program that Alex Mak, associate planetarium director, created in 1988.

“We’ve updated the script and have created a stunning visual adaptation,” Mak said.

Fulldome programs are immersive, 3D experiences that require a special projection system and are featured in modern, digital planetariums. UT’s fulldome projector, the Spitz SciDome XD, was installed in 2011. Creation of fulldome programs involves a large production crew and can be costly.

“We don’t have all of the needed talent on our small planetarium staff, but it occurred to us that UT, as a whole, does,” Mak said. “By combining our talent with that of others at UT, we have put together a team that can produce high-quality programs for a reasonable cost.”

“Santa’s Secret Star” will be marketed to other planetariums throughout the United States. Revenue generated will be used to support the Ritter Planetarium and future UTFS productions.

“There are many elements to creating a good program. It has to be scientifically accurate and up-to-date. It has to be interesting, engaging and informative. Finally, it needs visual appeal,” Mak said. “The program has to take full advantage of the technological capabilities of modern projection systems.”

UTFS utilizes talent from departments across campus, including the Center for Creative Instruction, the College of Education and the Art Department, among others.

The UTFS crew is planning its next production and hopes to produce two programs each year.

For more information about the Ritter Planetarium, visit utoledo.edu/nsm/rpbo/.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Dec. 11, 2014)

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEETING

Friday December 12, 2014
Driscoll Alumni Center, Board Room
8:30 a.m.
Upon convening the meeting, the Committee will enter Executive Session
to discuss the employment of a public employee
with Executive Search Firm Witt/Kiefer.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS

Monday, December 15, 2014
Driscoll Alumni Center, Schmakel Room
10:30 a.m. Clinical Affairs Committee Meeting
12:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided for the Trustees in the Driscoll Board Room
1:00 p.m. Academic and Student Affairs Committee Meeting
2:00 p.m. Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
3:30 p.m. Trusteeship and Governance Committee Meeting

BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOCIAL DINNER

Wednesday, December 17, 2014
The Toledo Club, West Point Room
5:30 p.m. Social dinner with spouses/guests

Any questions may be directed to the University Communications Office by calling (419) 530-7832 or via email at jonathan.strunk@utoledo.edu.

Joan A. Stasa
Secretary, Board of Trustees

The African Peoples Association at The University of Toledo will hold the fifth annual AIDS Awareness Gala Friday, Dec. 5, in the Student Union Auditorium.

For the event, the association is collaborating with Spectrum, Delta Sigma Theta Inc., the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Ryan White Program, the Center for International Studies and Programs, and the Lucas County Department of Health.

Doors will open at 7 p.m.

The gala with a formal dress code — black, red and white — will feature singing, dancing, giveaways, and poetry by UT students, along with speakers who will discuss the effects of the AIDS and Ebola viruses.

Tickets are $10 and are available at the Ask Rocky Desk in the Student Union and at the door.

This year, a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Doctors Without Borders to help fund Ebola relief in West Africa.

Free HIV testing also will be available during the event.

“This year, the goal is to let everyone know that if we want to eradicate these viruses, we have to be informed and united before we can accomplish anything,” said Victor Aberdeen Jr., UT senior majoring in communication and English, and president of the African Peoples Association.

For more information on the gala, contact Aberdeen at victor.aberdeen@rockets.utoledo.edu or 614.707.8302.

Media Coverage
The Independent Collegian (Dec. 10, 2014)