Professional development opportunities this winter for faculty or staff members looking to improve themselves.

Faculty can submit proposals through Jan. 13 for Freshman Seminars and Jan. 31 for Freshman Interest Groups, for the 2014-15 academic year

The Campus Duck Store will host its annual UO Faculty, GTF and University Staff Appreciation Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. Each attendee is asked to bring the flyer and UO identification card for entry to the party and prize drawing. The Duck Store has held this free event for more than 30 years. The appreciation night offers an evening of food and festivities for UO employees. A 20 percent discount will be available to all employees before the store’s annual sale opens to the public.

Sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota was named Oregon's offensive MVP for the second straight season on Saturday afternoon at the Ducks' postseason banquet.

Oregon special teams coordinator Tom Osborne and his son, undergraduate assistant Tyler Osborne, never miss the chance to play catch before Duck football games.