<human>: I'm completely blanking right now, so *any* input would be most welcome.

I'm updating a biography book we use here at work which includes both mandatory and optional questions.

- - - -

**The mandatory questions I have so far include:**

* Preferred Name: (ex. Sam)
* Name listed in UAB Directory: (ex. Samuel)
* Department & Position: (ex. Professor, School of Health Professions)
* Years employed:
* Preferred e-mail:
* Campus Phone: 
* Campus Address: (ex. FF B84)
* Physical Location Address: (ex. 1222 49th Street South, zip 0100)
* Birthday: (ex. 08/11)

- - - -

The optional questions are supposed to be "fun" but also appropriate for a professional (university) setting.  This is the part with which I am struggling the most.

**Previous optional questions included:**

* Favourite thing about our campus:
* Favourite restaurant near campus:
* Favourite place you've traveled:
* Favourite hobby:
* Favourite TV shows:
* Favourite movies:
* Favourite books:
* Favourite musicians/bands:
* Do you play any instruments?:
* Do you have any notable awards?:
* Do you have any pets?:

I'm not completely sold on the old list at all.  

I do like the idea of asking an individual's favourite local spots, as it could help newcomers *and* outdaters discover something new and intriguing within our city.  I'm also leaning toward asking a question regarding family (we ask about pets, yet have no clue regarding spouse or children), though I don't know how to phrase this type of question.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Condense the text into a few key points
<bot>: What are some work-appropriate questions you might ask coworkers and colleagues to get to know them better?  Bonus points for questions that are university-centric in addition to interesting.