After two years of effort, the university staff employment category goes into effect Monday. Here is a look back on some major milestones and a look forward at what's to come.

With state-of-the-art training equipment and high-end design features, the new Health Sciences Innovation Building is a hub for medical education and research activity. Lo Que Pasa takes you inside the nine-story, 220,000-square-foot building. (Story includes a link to a photo gallery.)

Two faculty members visited world-renowned theater destinations in search of study abroad opportunities. Their stops included a school in Paris founded by a pioneer in physical theater and a "breathtaking" theatrical performance in London.

The "Faculty Learning EXchange" podcast will cover a variety of topics related to career development and well-being. "The purpose of the podcast is to share ideas, experiences and knowledge from faculty for faculty," says Allie Min, assistant dean for faculty development at the College of Medicine – Tucson and one of the podcast's three co-hosts.

From eating better to being more mindful, University experts give advice on how to make 2020 the year that you follow through with your resolutions. In many cases, our experts say planning is just as important as execution.

The new CATalyst Studios, a makerspace offering high-end technology including 3D printers, laser cutters and virtual reality, is now open. "If you're an instructor, we really hope to work with you to engage in your curriculum and figure out ways that this community, the technology and the space can be a part of what you're doing in the classroom," says Jennifer Nichols, director of CATalyst Studios.

Congratulations to these recent honorees: Hong Hua, James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences; Victor Hruby, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and College of Medicine – Tucson; Mary Peterson, Department of Psychology; Michael Marks, College of Applied Science and Technology; Linda Denno, College of Applied Science and Technology; Stephanie MacFarland, Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies; and Hank Stratton, Arizona Repertory Theatre.

The Center for Environmentally Sustainable Mining enables on-site research to promote environmentally sustainable practices for copper mines across the country. "We want to make sure environmental impact is included at every decision point in the process," says Julia Neilson, the center's director.

Poinsettias and Christmas cactuses are commonly given as gifts during the holiday season. With the right care, these plants can grow to live long lives, sharing blooms annually.

Course topics this spring range from politics and human rights to travel writing and adobe. "We decided to offer a discount to University of Arizona employees because we wanted them to be able to take advantage of the rich and diverse expertise we have in our own backyard," says Maribel Alvarez, associate dean of community engagement for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.