Page 2 The Behrend Beacon WEEKEND WEATHER SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY $ S #* * Snow Likely High: 35 ° Low: 22° BEHREND BRIEFS Research and Economic Center to be built Construction of the new $3O million Research and Economic Development Center (REDC) at Penn State Erie is expected to begin this summer. When completed in early 2005. the 160,000-square-foot center will strategically support education, research, and technology transfer activities designed to strengthen the economy of northwestern Pennsylvania. "This is a truly transformative facility, one that is al most 20 years in the making," said Jack Burke, interim provost and dean. "It ranks among the biggest state capital investments in Erie County history, and it will be the largest of our 51 campus buildings." Teens prefer discussions with Mom When it comes to talks about serious subjects such as taking drugs, U.S. teens apparently believe that mother knows best, a Penn State expert says. "Seventy percent of the adolescents in my study stated that they were more comfortable discussing important topics with their mothers," notes Michelle Miller-Day, assis tant professor of communication arts and sciences. "This contrasted with 12 per cent of the respondents who favored talking with their fathers." Miller-Day published her findings recently in the Journal of Adolescent Re search. Her study was based on a survey of African-American and white teen agers ranging in age from 11 to 17. Given that adolescents may choose to talk with mothers rather than anyone else about risky issues and that they feel closer to their mothers, mothers may be logical targets for drug education and intervention pro grams, the researcher says. For the full story by Paul Blaum, visit http://www.psu.edu/ur/2003/ teenmomsdrugtalk.html E-Lion grade reporting system a success In keeping with the goal of becoming a more student-centered University, Penn State has gone high-tech with its grade reporting system for faculty. Although students have been able to get their grades through eLion for a few years now, those grades were input using older, slower technology, and students had to wait until at least the first week in January to find out their fall semester grades. Now, faculty can use eLion to enter their grades directly online from anywhere in the world, and students are able to access them in real-time. For the full story, check the Web at http://www.psu.edu/ur/archives/intercom_2oo3/Jan3o/elion.html 3 Nominations sought for various awards To celebrate the many accomplishments of women across the University, the Commission for Women (CFW) is seeking to recognize women who have achieved and excelled at Penn State and in their communities. Women selected for the award will be honored at the CFW's annual banquet on March 24 at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel on the University Park campus. All nominations should be submitted to Karen Hackett, Achieving Women of Penn State Nominations, 230 Computer Building, University Park, PA 16802. For more information, contact Karen Hackett at kmh@psu.edu. For a nomination form, contact the Commission office at (814) 865-1683 or visit the CFW Web site at: http://www.lions.psu.edu/cfw/ and click on the "Achieving Women" link. Sub missions are due no later than Feb. 14. Penn State’s Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equity each year presents two awards to faculty, staff, students, and technical-service workers across the University who strive to make Penn State a better place in which to live and work. The Outstanding Service Award is presented to an indi vidual within the University community who has shown outstanding service re garding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender concerns. The Ally Recognition Award goes to an individual who is identified as an ally of the lesbian, gay, bi sexual, and transgender community and has shown outstanding service regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender concerns. The deadline for both nominations is March 7. More information is on line on the Commission's Web site at http://www.lions.psu.edu/clgbte or by requesting a form from the Commission's office in 311 Grange Building or by calling 814-863- 7696. Penn State supports students in militaiy As the United States mobilizes thousands of troops for possible military action in Iraq, the effects are hitting home among dozens of Penn State students, faculty and staff who serve their country as part of the National Guard or armed forces reserves. Since August 2002, nearly 80 members of the University community have been called to active duty, and the number heeding the call of service to their nation will likely rise in the coming weeks. "Penn State will continue to support those whose studies and work need to be abruptly put on hold in order to serve their country," said President Graham B. Spanier. POLICE AND SAFETY In regards to an incident that happened on Jan. 21, a citation was issued to an individual who threw a campus ticket on the ground and left. 1/24/03 A complainant reported that several items were taken from his room this past weekend. 1/27/03 16:00 An information report was filed on an individual charged with a violation of Act 64. 1/28/03 06:15 Rain/Snow Possible High: 38° Low: 25° CLASSIFIED Snow/Rain Likely High: 38° Low:2B ° Friday, January3l, 2003 mv* •>