January 21, 2014

Provost Challenge projects off to a strong start

Twenty-four Provost Challenge projects from across campus are already starting to have an impact at the University. For example, a planned online Social Entrepreneurship Certificate, led by Cindy Cooper in Business Administration, has successfully completed initial phases and has received local press. And the University Studies On-line General Education Pathways Project, led by Rowanna Carpenter, is on track to offer classes this spring. The current status of all Provost Challenge projects can be found in this document.

University Welcome Center created

Last week, the Campus Visits office relocated to room 101 in the Academic and Student Recreation Center (ASRC) from Neuberger Hall. The move expands the services of the Viking Information Center in ASRC and transforms it into Admissions' new University Welcome Center. The renamed center is where all campus tours will begin, and where Admissions drop-in counseling is available daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for prospective and new students. READ MORE 

Architecture announces three-year master's degree

The PSU School of Architecture is accepting applications for its new, three-year Master of Architecture degree track, which starts this summer. The new option is open to candidates who hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline other than architecture. Like the existing two-year master's degree, the three-year program is National Architectural Accrediting Board-accredited. Application reviews for the two-year program begin Feb. 1 for admission fall 2014, and reviewers will look at three-year program applications starting March 1. READ MORE 

Plans discussed for Lincoln Station-area development

A public open house to discuss the long-term future of University Place Hotel and the area surrounding the new light rail station on Southwest Lincoln Avenue is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. A consultant team, hired to complete a market study and development strategy, will present preliminary development alternatives for feedback. The sessions will be held in the Coos Bay room of University Place Hotel. Selection of a development plan for the area is expected this spring. READ MORE 

New boilers amp up energy efficiency on campus

An upgrade in the University heating system is expected to result in as much as $119,015 in annual energy costs. Two new boilers recently replaced boilers that were more than 55 years old. Powered by natural gas, the boilers are located in the West Heating Plant near Peter Stott Center and boil water into steam that is used to heat many of PSU’s core academic buildings, including Neuberger, Smith, Millar Library, and the science buildings. READ MORE 

Apply for Diversity Mini-Grant

The Office of Global Diversity & Inclusion and the Diversity Action Council are accepting project proposals that promote a positive campus climate for diversity through research, curricular development projects, and campus events and programs. Proposals from faculty, staff and departments for President's Diversity Mini-Grants are due Feb. 7. Recipients will participate in a campus forum and will also be acknowledged at the President’s Diversity Awards Celebration. READ MORE 

Assessment of ecosystems discussed

The University community is invited to a free discussion of the 10 principles that guide interdisciplinary assessment of social, ecological and economic benefits of ecosystems and biodiversity. The discussion, part of the PSU Social Sustainability Colloquium, is Friday, Jan. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. in 660 Academic and Student Recreation Center. Presenters are Dave Ervin, Sara Vickerman and Simon Ngawhika. RSVP to simon.ngawhika@pdx.edu. READ MORE 

Ensuring device security

Following a few basic device security guidelines may prevent disastrous loss of personal data and exposure of University data. The Office of Information Technology, as part of its ongoing security awareness campaign, recommends choosing apps carefully, using an anti-virus program, and setting up safeguards to erase data on cellphone and laptops in case you lose your device. READ MORE  

Free science lecture tickets

Free tickets are available from the PSU Box Office for the upcoming Linus Pauling Memorial Lecture, "The Neutrino Hunters: The Thrilling Chase for a Ghostly Particle to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe," featuring Ray Jayawardhana. The lecture is at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 in the First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park. 

Enter to win Trail Blazer tickets

Faculty and staff who purchase 25 or more "dinning dollars" from PSU Dining before Feb. 7, will be entered to win a pair of Trail Blazer game tickets for the March 5 game against the Atlanta Hawks. PSU Dining and Coca-Cola have teamed up to give away seven pairs of tickets. Official rules are on the PSU-Dining.com website. 

For January 2014

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