FUTURE FACULTY PREP: A new program at the University of Missouri is helping graduate students sort through important career questions. Preparing Future Faculty aims to help doctoral students get ready for a prospective career in a variety of settings.

“We want students in the program to get direct exposure to the roles, responsibilities and cultures of different kinds of institutions, then use that exposure to make informed career decisions.”

Eleven students are participating in this, the first year of the program. They meet and discuss how to develop teaching expertise, the hiring process for faculty, university governance and the realities of tenure and promotion. The students also interact with faculty from a group of partner institutions ranging from the University of Kansas to an area community college.

CAROLINA GREEN: The University of North Carolina and Nike Inc. have agreed to extend a lucrative contract for team uniforms and licensed merchandise. The contract with the Oregon-based athletic apparel company is good for $28.34 million in money and apparel during the next eight years. UNC will receive 10 percent in royalty payments from Nike for all Carolina-logoed merchandise sales. According to terms of the contract, Nike must adhere to codes of conduct set out by the University and the Fair Labor Association for all licensed merchandise.

OPEN CENTER: The University of Arizona recently opened the doors on a $20 million Integrated Learning Center for first-year students. The building will be the computer and classroom center for incoming students. But more importantly, it will help freshmen adjust to academic life at the university. The center features high-tech classrooms and offers advising and tutoring.

BELL BASH: The University of Michigan and the surrounding Ann Arbor community gathered to celebrate last month to celebrate the Burton Memorial Tower’s $1.8 million renovation and 65 years as a campus landmark. The tower houses the Charles Baird Carillon, which, at 43 tons, is the fourth heaviest in the world. According to reports published by the university, the 55 bells range in weight from just 16.5 pounds to 12 tons.

Peer Portfolio is a compilation of news from the campuses of the UW’s peer institutions.