Invitation to September Events

September 1, 2005

RE: Invitations to September events

Dear Colleague:

As I begin my first year as provost, I am very pleased to invite you to the opening events for the 2005-6 academic year. They each provide a chance for us to discuss current topics and engage with colleagues. Here is a quick look at the event schedule:

Our annual Convocation will be held on September 20 at 3 p.m. in Hoffmann Hall. President Bernstine's address: Portland State University:—Taking the Yellow Jersey will include an overview of the 2005 Legislative session and what it means for PSU, highlight areas where PSU is taking advantage of its strengths, and detail PSU's plan for the future in the areas of enrollment, research, and development of the University District. We also will have the opportunity to meet some of Portland State's newest employees. Please plan to stay for the hosted reception following the program.

The campus is also invited to Focus on Faculty Day on September 21. Visit us at our ninth annual Focus on Faculty. Consider attending some of the interesting and informative sessions described in the link above. This year's special guest speaker is Dr. Ting-Toomey, an eminent scholar in the field of intercultural communication and conflict management. The plenary address is entitled, "Teaching from a Mindful Intercultural Perspective."

Our 2005 Fall Symposium, "Building Knowledge through Local and Global Engagement," will be held on September 22 in Hoffmann Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Our internationalization efforts require us to consider many topics, including curricular innovation, research agendas, study abroad opportunities, alumni outreach, faculty support, student support, and resource development. This year's symposium will explore strategies for some of these areas and solicit your advice on how to make internationalization efforts effective for you and your students. A draft agenda may be found at the Fall Symposium link above. Save your spot and reserve your lunch by replying with the electronic response form found at the top of the Symposium agenda.

While looking at the fall activities listed on our website, please note that the 2005-6 faculty development funding opportunities can be found under Faculty Resources on the OAA homepage.

Please take the time now to mark your calendar for these events. If you have any questions about the activities, call us at 725-3422. I look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Roy W. Koch
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs