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Before they begin classes, new students at the University of Colorado at Boulder will participate in a variety of fun and information-packed activities starting Aug. 17 including biking and hiking tours, a carnival and concert. The activities are planned to allow students a chance to get acquainted with the campus and surrounding community before fall semester begins Aug. 23. The activities are in addition to the usual array of orientation sessions that cover the details of class registration, policies and student services at each college.

Note to Editors: Images and international media contacts for the project are available at http://www.glaciology.gfy.ku.dk/ngrip/index_eng.htm . A team of international researchers working on the North Greenland Ice Core Project recently recovered what appear to be plant remnants nearly two miles below the surface between the bottom of the glacial ice and the bedrock.

Instead of possible suspension after three violations of alcohol laws and policies, students at the University of Colorado at Boulder this fall can be suspended after their second violation. Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Ron Stump described it as a tougher "Three Strike" alcohol policy. "If a student is already on probation and again found to be in simple violation of alcohol laws or policies, he or she will be subject to suspension from the university for at least one full semester," he said.

Primary Points - First and foremost, at CU-Boulder, we are deeply concerned about the health and safety of our students. - Alcohol abuse and underage drinking are long-term societal problems that require long-term educational and social initiatives. - For universities, each year is a challenge with a new wave of students coming to campus, bringing a new set of experiences and issues.

For the first time ever, incoming freshmen at the University of Colorado at Boulder this fall are required to complete an online alcohol education course before classes begin Aug. 23. The three-hour "AlcoholEdu" course, created and administered by a private company, is intended to address alcohol abuse and related problems not by preaching but by focusing on educating students to make informed decisions.

The University of Colorado at Boulder is making solid progress on implementing the action plan for oversight and reorganization of its intercollegiate athletics program, according to CU-Boulder Provost Phil DiStefano. DiStefano presented a report on the most recent implementation steps during a study session by the CU Board of Regents Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Fitzsimons campus in Denver.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, City Auditor Dennis Gallagher, City Councilwoman Rosemary Rodriguez and Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder will be among the featured readers during the eight annual "Words to Stir the Soul: Readings from the American West" events presented by the CU-Boulder Center of the American West.

A University of Colorado at Boulder science policy center has received a $2.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study the process of decision making in uncertain situations as part of the U.S. Climate Change Research Initiative. Awarded to the Center for Science and Technology Policy Research, the five-year grant will focus on improving the connection between the nation's multi-billion dollar investment in climate research and those making climate-related decisions, said Director Roger Pielke Jr.

Lorrie Shepard, dean of the School of Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder, announced the school has issued a clarification of registration guidelines via email for a class that last week raised questions about the possibility of discrimination.

Jim Fadenrecht, chief of the CU-Boulder Police department since 1991 and a 30-year veteran of the department, has announced his retirement effective Jan. 31, 2005. In a memo to Paul Tabolt, vice chancellor for administration, Fadenrecht said, "My employment at CU has now spanned over three decades and I've decided it's time to transition into another phase of life." Fadenrecht praised the public safety staff, which he called "a committed and talented work force" and said the announcement was made "with mixed emotions."