UBC and the unions and associations representing its employees have launched a new program to help faculty and staff resume employment following an absence due to illness or injury.

The Return to Work program provides guidelines and support to bring employees back into the workplace in a fair and consistent manner. It aims to provide meaningful productive employment to employees who wish and are able to return to work.

Program manager Jennifer Sasaki and co-ordinator Colleen Garbe, of Health, Safety and Environment, will work with faculty, staff, unions and management to facilitate the process.

For further information on the program contact Jennifer Sasaki at 822-3162 or Colleen Garbe at 822-8766.

UBC Press is offering holiday savings of up to 30 per cent for faculty, staff and students on pre-paid orders of books until Dec. 31. Topics range from a guide to B.C. birds to a coffee table book on Chinese opera.

The books, published by UBC Press or the agencies it represents, are on display at the UBC Press offices, room 203, Old Auditorium.

Payment may be made by personal cheque or credit card. For further information call UBC Press at 822-5959.

The Valor Cup - a men's hockey competition among four Canadian universities - celebrates its inaugural season this year in Vancouver from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31.

UBC games take place at 7 p.m. in the Pacific Coliseum: Dec. 27 (vs. McGill), Dec. 28 (vs. Saskatchewan), and Dec. 29 (vs. Toronto). The consolation and Valor Cup finals take place Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Ticket are $8 (students and seniors), $12 (general admission), and $16 (reserved). Call Ticketmaster at 280-4444.