Thomas Connolly's contributions have landed the Museum of Natural and Cultural History archaeologist the 2013 Earle A. Chiles Award.

The University of Oregon will begin an eight-week course on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for faculty, staff and others on Oct. 7.

The course will run from through Nov. 25, with classes each Monday at 6:30 p.m., in the UO Baker Downtown Center. Participants are being asked to attend a mandatory orientation session Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. and a full-day workshop Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in addition to the regular Monday evening classes.

The Wayne Morse Center is now accepting applications for its new Undergraduate Scholars program. The program offers an opportunity for a select group of undergraduate students to study public affairs and American politics from practical, analytical and ethical perspectives.

University of Oregon sophomores and juniors from all disciplines are welcome to apply for the Scholars program. Between 15 and 20 students per year will be selected, primarily on the basis of academic merit, service experiences and demonstrated interest in politics or public policy.

What is the federal government shutdown? What are its immediate effects and potential long-term consequences? How may it impact the UO?

University of Oregon faculty members are weighing in on the federal shutdown and its effects – on the world, the U.S. economy and the UO. Read their responses, and check back as additional faculty insights will be added as they become available.

The UO research office issued a message directed to the research community following the announcement of the U.S. government shutdown.

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:

The Weekly Wrap is an update each Friday morning from the Office of Strategic Communications. It provides highlights of news you may have missed during the week and showcases UO stories about amazing students, faculty, staff and alumni.

UO in the News

Efforts to enhance UO’s quality are paying off

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.