UW prof will be Guelph's engineering dean

After nearly 20 years as a faculty member at UW, Tony Vannelli, electrical and computer engineering, will begin a five-year term as dean of the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences at the University of Guelph next January 1.

A memo from engineering dean Adel Sedra expresses regret at Vannelli’s departure. “He has been a tremendous leader in the Faculty and the University. For six years he provided inspired leadership to our largest department, Electrical and Computer Engineering, during a period of tremendous growth. During the last two years, Tony worked very hard to establish the new portfolio of associate dean, research and external partnerships. He defined this new position and set a very high standard for the work of the Engineering Research Office.”

A Guelph press release notes that during Vannelli’s term as chair of electrical and computer engineering, “the department introduced interdisciplinary programs in software engineering, nanotechnology engineering and a new online graduate degree program in the power area. The department also grew from 40 faculty members in 1998 to 70 faculty members in 2004."

Vannelli is a UW grad (PhD ’84) who specializes in optimization of integrated circuit layouts.

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Dell battery recall

from Bob Hicks, IST

You may have heard that Dell has issued a recall notice on batteries in many of its notebook computers (Latitude, Inspiron, XPS and Dell Precision Mobile Workstation). It is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could pose a risk of fire. They should not be used while you are waiting for a replacement battery: use your AC adapter power cord in the meantime.

Dell provides a web site ( https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com) to help you identify whether or not the battery in your notebook is defective. If it is defective, Dell will provide a replacement as well as a mechanism to return the defective unit. If you would like IST to facilitate your battery eligibility and exchange please call the IST hardware shop at extension 32456 or email schepers@uwaterloo.ca and have the following information available: model number of laptop (e.g. Latitude D610), service tag number located on the bottom of the laptop, battery part number (see Dell's web site for details). If you are not comfortable removing the battery, please bring your laptop to the CHIP in MC 1052.

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Looking ahead

“What is the closing date of the Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival at Ontario Place in Toronto? Email your answer to UWRC@admmail.uwaterloo.ca no later than 4 p.m. next Tuesday for a chance to win a prize.” The question is this month’s contest, held by the UW Recreation Committee to promote its activities. This fall’s offerings include everything from Learn to Crochet to Laughter Yoga to the King of Kitchener Festival, as well as discount tickets for events such as the Lantern Festival. There will also be a “UW Has Talent Show,” co-sponsored by UW's Employee Assistance Program, to be held October 25. More information about that, including how to audition, will be forthcoming from the committee.

Warrior Soccer try-outs and training start next week on Columbia Fields # 2 and 3 on the north campus. . . . Shooting to Score hockey skills development camp for boys and girls age 6 to 13 takes place all next week at Columbia Icefield Arena; registration and family skate and barbecue is on Sunday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Married couples are sought for a study on the interactions within couples being conducted by Jennifer LaGuardia, a professor in psychology. The study assesses attitudes towards the relationship and coping with stressors within and outside the relationship.Participants will complete an initial 45-minute survey, a brief set of questions at the end of the day for two weeks, and a final 30-minute survey at the end of the two weeks.Each couple will receive $50 and a pair of movie tickets for completion of the study in appreciation of their time.For information call 519-888-4567, ext. 38112, or email jlagra@watarts.uwaterloo.ca.

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