News briefs

Sept. 11 lectureChristian Parenti will speak about policing, surveillance and the national security state today at noon. The free lecture will be held in the Smith Center Ballroom. Parenti, professor of sociology and politics at the New College in San Francisco, has published numerous books and articles on topics of police, surveillance and the prison-industrial complex. His lecture will examine the historical context of the Sept. 11 attacks.


PSU weekendEnvironmental activist Robert Kennedy Jr. will be delivering the keynote address during PSU Weekend. The event goes from Nov. 2-4 and includes a wide variety of activities on campus.

The title of the Kennedy lecture is Our Sustainable World.
For more information on the keynote address or any other PSU Weekend event simply call 503-725-4949.


Teaching excellence seriesPSU faculty are encouraged to attend the Carnegie Campus Conversation series. On the first Thursday of each month, the group will meet to discuss methods for improving classroom organization and strategies. The meetings go from 3-5 p.m. in Smith 238, with wine and cheese reception provided.


Fellowship money in fusion energy scienceThe U.S. Department of Energy is accepting applications for grants from students considering a doctorate in areas relating to Fusion Energy Sciences. Criteria include academic performance, Graduate Record Examination scores, letters of reference, a statement of career goals and honors/awards received by the applicant.

Contact Pam Bonee at 865-576-3147 for details.


Volunteering abroadAmerispan Unlimited is seeking volunteers to boost their staff in Latin America. Each year approximately 3,000 students participate in the program, learning language and culture while helping others. The Web site, www.amerispan.com, is complete with details, or call Elizabeth Gregory at 1-800-879-6640 ext. 303.


Free computer classesFree computer classes are available for faculty and staff. Class offerings in the next several weeks include “Introduction to Web Design with Microsoft Front Page,” Nov. 5, 7 and 9, 9 to 11 a.m.

Interested individuals must pre-register through the Office of Human Resources at email address [email protected] or by phone at 503-725-4926.