Outsourcing operations an option for bookstores
The Office of the Provost has sent out a request for proposals as it investigates the possibility of outsourcing the operations of University Bookstores, interim Provost Woody Hunter announced last week.

Hunter and Charlotte Johnson, senior vice provost for administration, said the change is being considered not because of the bookstores’ current management but rather industry changes as a whole; the proliferation of large, chain booksellers and the emergence of online retailers have made it increasingly difficult for small, independent bookstores to remain financially viable.

“Over the next several months,” Hunter said, “we will have the time to compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of managing the operations internally or contracting with a vendor to manage them.”

University Bookstores is made up of the main bookstore and the Medical Bookstore in the Dobbs Center, the Computer Store located in a modular unit adjacent to the Dobbs Center, and Druid Hills Bookstore in Emory Village and the Oxford College Bookstore. Johnson said replies from vendors are due April 19, and a decision about future management will be made after a thorough review of the options.

Places still available for Nunn policy forum
The effects of industry-sponsored academic research in the 21st century will be the focus of the sixth annual Sam Nunn Policy Forum, which comes to the Emory campus, April 5–7.

Seats are still available for the event, which is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information, go to www.emory.edu/PROVOST/SamNunnForum, or call 404-727-1155.

The forum will feature several panel discussions and group lectures by noted speakers such as University of Georgia Provost Karen Holbrook, conference organizer and Emory professor Donald Stein, and Sen. Nunn himself.

Speakers will offer a variety of perspectives on the ethical, economic and intellectual impact of the growth of patents, copyrights, commercial ventures, and companies being developed my university faculty members around the country.

The forum also will look at the implications these activities have for undergraduate and graduate teaching and research.

Conference to address issues of faith, mission
Emory will host the “Consultation on the Great Commission” conference, April 3-6.

This gathering, which is coordinated by several Methodist organizations, including the Candler School of Theology, will provide and international context for the church to address critical issues of faith and mission.

More than 30 people, representing a variety of Christian thought and mission work will lead plenary sessions, focus seminars and worship services on topics ranging from prison ministries, presenting faith material in a multicultural setting and many others.

A full schedule of conference events is available on the web at http://candler.emory.edu/ABOUT/events.html.

Participants must register prior to the consultation.

For more information, call 404-727-6352 or send e-mail to candleralum@emory.edu.

Tax credit for plan contributors
Beginning this year and expiring after 2006, a tax credit is available to low- and moderate-income individuals who make pre-tax contributions to the Emory retirement plan or an IRA, according to Human Resources. The credit is calculated as a percentage of the first $2,000 contributed and the percentage is based upon the adjusted gross income.

Retirement plan participants may credit:
• 50 percent: Joint filers up to $30,000; heads of household up to $22,500; all others up to $15,000.

• 20 percent: Joint filers $30,001–$32,500; heads of household $22,501–$24,375; all others $15,001–$16,250.

• 10 percent: Joint filers $32,501–$50,000; heads of household $24,376–$37,500; all others $16,251–$25,000.

Filers in all categories whose adjusted gross income exceeds the given ranges are not eligible for tax credit. Other rules may apply.

For more information, contact your tax advisor.