August 11, 2008

Summer 2008

CURRENTLY will resume weekly publication September 29. Deadline for that issue is Wednesday noon, September 24.

New president to speak at Fall Convocation

President Wim Wiewel will discuss the focus, commitment, and challenge of urban research universities at Fall Convocation Tuesday, Sept. 23. This year, Convocation is scheduled from 10:30 to noon, followed by a Fall Symposium from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and a reception from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. All events are in the Smith Union Ballroom. Focus on Faculty is scheduled the following day. For a full schedule and to register for the Fall Symposium, visit www.pdx.edu/oaa/fallevents08.html.

AAUP and PSU reach tentative collective bargaining agreement

Portland State University and Portland State University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement July 15. The agreement needs to be ratified by both parities, which hopefully will take place in August. For details of the agreement, visit www.pdx.edu/oaa/cba_update.html.

Higher Education Board approves new biennium budget

At its July 11 meeting, the State Board of Higher Education approved the Oregon University System's proposed $1.1 billion operating and capital budget for 2009-2011-an increase of 27 percent in state funding. The budget will be submitted to the governor and Oregon Legislature this fall for consideration in the 2009 session.

Included in the capital budget is $90 million for a new PSU School of Business Administration building. The board also approved a Portland State Ph.D. in mechanical engineering effective fall 2008 and a graduate certificate in public management effective this summer. read more >

Partnership program wins first Carter Foundation national award

Portland State's Community Watershed Stewardship Program, collaboration with the city of Portland, won the first-ever United States National Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Award for Campus Community Collaboration. The announcement and award were presented June 4 by former President Jimmy Carter at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. read more >

Architecture master's degree approved

The State Board of Higher Education has approved a new master's degree program in architecture at Portland State. It will be the second graduate degree of its type to be offered in Oregon. Approval of the long sought-after degree, coincides with the reopening of Shattuck Hall next month. The architecture office and classrooms will be located in the building. read more >

Library improves Scholarly Communication Web site

The PSU Library has launched an improved Scholarly Communication Web site to keep faculty from all disciplines informed about publishing issues, challenges, and trends. Check out the resources section, which includes author's rights tools, copyright basics, publishing outlets, and journal evaluation tools. From the Library homepage under "Services," click "For Faculty" for a list of offered services. Visit the Scholarly Communication Web site at www.lib.pdx.edu/services/scholarlycomm/scholcomm.htm.

Emeritus professor provides library endowment

Frank Cater, professor emeritus of mathematical sciences, has established a PSU Library endowment to purchase journals and mathematics materials. Cater is the first retired professor to establish a library endowment to support research in the department to which he dedicated his career. read more >

Aging Matters initiative program launched

A new initiative in the Institute on Aging could influence how we as a community address the issues of aging both here and internationally. Aging Matters, Locally and Globally is expected to develop innovative models for affordable, supportive housing in the U.S while addressing policies and services for older adults in developing countries. The initiative is being launched by a $1 million gift from alumni Michael DeShane and Keren Brown Wilson. read more >

Retired psychology professor passes away

Ronald Smith, professor emeritus of psychology, died June 21 at his Beaverton home. He was 89. Dr. Smith came to Portland State in 1955 and was instrumental in developing curriculum and recruiting faculty for the fledgling psychology program. He went on to earn widespread respect for his years of instructional accomplishments, research productivity, and conscientious faculty governance.

In 1962, an Oregon State System of Higher Education Counseling and Guidance Training Institute presented Dr. Smith with a Distinguished Counselor Educator Award. For several years he served as a director of the Fund for the New Social Studies designed to promote Northwest social studies programs.

Survivors include a nephew, William Fretwell of Salem, and a niece, Rebecca Stewart of North Logan, Utah. The Stevens family of Portland adopted Dr. Smith as a surrogate Grandpa 10 years ago. At Dr. Smith's request no services were held, but a memorial marker has been placed in the Sunrise Room at Riverview Abbey on Taylor's Ferry Road in Portland.

Football game to be televised in Portland

Fox Sports Net Northwest will televise the Vikings vs. Washington State Cougars game Saturday, Sept. 20, from Pullman. Starting with the 4 p.m. kickoff, the game can be seen on channel 34 (Comcast cable) in Portland. This is the first meeting ever between PSU and Washington State.

For August 2008

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