News briefs

Library displays history department accomplishments

An exhibit in the Millar Library displays the recent accomplishments of the PSU history department. Available for viewing through Feb. 28, a collection of publications from around the world can be seen on the first floor in the new books area.

Tom Luckett, acting chair of the department, gathered the samples for the display. The display includes a December issue of the American Historical Review featuring professor Jim Grehan’s cover article “Smoking and Early Modern Sociability: The Great Tobacco Debate in the Ottoman Middle East (Seventeenth to Eighteenth Centuries).” Luckett said this is probably the first time a PSU professor has had an article in the publication.

–Deeda Schroeder

Bernstine backs up DOJ ruling

PSU President Daniel Bernstine told student government members Wednesday that he will reject a Student Fee Committee budget this spring if SFC member Angela Leonardo voted on any part of the budget.

The Judicial Board ruled that Leonardo could still participate in the SFC because she was planning to make up the credits she did not complete in fall term. Leonardo’s membership in the SFC came into question because she did not complete the required six classes during fall term.

The Department of Justice reviewed the board’s decision, ruling that the decision was in the Judicial Board’s purview, but disagreed with the decision, according to Monique Petersen, student government administrative affairs director. The president said he will not sign off on the SFC budget because the Department of Justice disagreed with the Judicial Board ruling.

Student government members also requested that Bernstine consider that Associate Students of Portland State University (ASPSU) be allowed autonomy from Student Activities and Leadership Programs (SALP). Because ASPSU funds SALP, Petersen said that allowing autonomy would prevent a conflict of interest.

Bernstine said in the meeting he would consider the autonomy from SALP if student government members present him with colleges that currently run that way.

–David Holley

Portland International Women’s Day

Portland’s International Women’s Day will celebrate its 32nd anniversary on March 4 in the Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom. The event, which observes the value of women and their contributions to the community, will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

There will be educational workshops, art exhibits, a health fair, entertainment, retail vendors, local nonprofit organizations, international food and is free with donations are accepted at the door. Free childcare will be available and additional information is available at www.piwd.org.

–David Holley

Bookstore scholarships available

The Portland State University Bookstore will award a total of $40,000 in scholarships during the 2007-2008 school year for students wanting to purchase textbooks and supplies from the PSU bookstore.

Awards will be offered to 30 to 60 students for amounts ranging from $250 to $750. To qualify, students must be enrolled part-time or full-time for undergraduate or graduate studies at PSU during the 2007-2008 school year and must demonstrate financial need as determined by FAFSA. The bookstore scholarship program is new and last year awarded $35,000 to students in need.

The deadline for applications is March 1, and priority will be given to early applicants. Students may apply online at https://portlandstate.scholarships.nelnet.net/ or download the paper application at www.pdx.edu/finaid/scholarships.html. Completed applications can be turned in to the Office of New Student Programs in 105 Neuberger Hall. Although past the deadline, applications will be accepted until May 19 if funds are still available.

–Katie Kotsovos

Oregon corporate kicker

Kulongoski wants lawmakers to approve a one-time suspension of the corporate kicker rebates and to put the $275 million that would go corporations, many of which are out-of-state, into a rainy day fund instead.

Sen. Ryan Deckert, chairman of the revenue panel, contends the corporate kicker is an unwise fiscal policy and that this might be a good time to put the issue to a statewide vote.

-Brad Cain, Associated Press