What are its immediate effects and its potential long-term effects? How may it impact the UO? Faculty members weigh in on the federal government shutdown.

The Oregon Legislature wrapped up a three-day special session on Wednesday by passing a set of five bills that will make changes to PERS, increase revenue and provide additional funding for education, mental health services and senior services. Gov. John Kitzhaber has indicated he will sign the bills, which provide $25 million in additional funding for the Oregon University System. Here's a recap:

Philip Frohnmayer, a University of Oregon alumnus and brother of former UO President Dave Frohnmayer, died Sept. 27 from complications of peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the abdomen. He was 66. Philip Frohnmayer, who joined the music faculty at Loyola University in New Orleans in 1982, taught as a visiting professor of music at the UO in 2005 during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation. His wife, Ellen, is also on the Loyola faculty and also served as a visiting professor at the UO during the 2005 evacuation.

Fall Family Day returns to the UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History on Sunday, Oct. 6, introducing families to archaeology and paleontology through a variety of hands-on activities. Part of the month-long statewide Oregon Archaeology Celebration, the event is open to the public and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum, 1680 E. 15th Ave. The cost is $5 per family. Museum members will be admitted at no cost.

Do you belong to a gym? Here's your chance to get reimbursed for it.UO employees this month are choosing and selecting health plans for the coming year. Among the benefits: Starting Oct. 1, if you go to a gym at least 12 times per month, you’ll be eligible to receive a $15 reimbursement per month. If your partner or spouse goes to the gym at least 12 times per month, they will also be eligible to receive a $15 reimbursement per month.