DIVORCE EFFECT ON KIDS DEPENDS ON PARENTS’ MARRIAGE
Children of couples who fight the most and loudest tend to fare better psychologically and socially after divorce than do the children of couples whose marriage reflects few outward signs of strife, according to research published in the February edition of the Journal of Marriage and the Family. The effects of divorce on children are determined long before a marriage ends and can be either negative or positive depending on the level of conflict between the parents, say Penn State sociologists Alan Booth and Paul Amato. Their research is the first to examine not only how marital conflict shapes the impact of divorce on the long-time well-being of children, but also the personal attitudes and social factors that influence low-conflict couples to end a marriage or remain together. For more, go to http://www.psu.edu/ur/2001/marriage01.html
ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK 2001:
PROJECT HAITI – SPREADING SMILES ACROSS THE MILES
Alternative spring break service programs at campuses nationwide tend to be judged according to quantity -- how many volunteers, how much work will be completed, how an area will be revitalized. But for one Penn State group heading to one of the poorest nations, service is measured by cultural exchange, self-empowerment and respect. Project Haiti will transport 42 University students and community members to the island of Hispaniola, where they will interact with local villagers to spread goodwill and happiness, in addition to much needed medical supplies and other provisions. However, the primary goal of the trip is not to ‘fix’ Haiti’s problems, but instead to erase stereotypes and prejudices about the country, offer support to its residents, and lend a helping hand wherever possible. Students also will gain an eye-opening perspective about life in a vastly different culture. For the full story by Tysen Kendig, go to http://www.psu.edu/ur/2001/asb3.html
BEDSIDE MANNER MATTERS IN RELATIONSHIP WITH PHYSICIAN
Bedside manner does make a difference in how men and women feel about their relationship with their physician. That’s one finding from a recent exploratory study co-authored by Jerome D. Williams, associate professor of marketing. The study, “The Role of Gender in Determining Strength and Nature of Marketing Relationships,” was presented at the Society for Consumer Psychology Winter Conference. “Women may invest more in a relationship and will consider the context of the situation and related information while men are perceived to be more task-oriented or driven more by the outcomes of the relationship,” he said. Based on an analysis of doctor-patient relationships, the researchers found that women had higher levels of relationship strength than men. For more on this story go to http://www.smeal.psu.edu/news/depth/feb01/bedside.html
INTERLIBRARY LOAN DELIVERS TO YOUR DESKTOP
The University Libraries' Interlibrary Loan is using a new software program --Prospero -- to deliver most articles electronically. Those who prefer not to use the new Electronic Document Delivery may continue to receive articles by mail as will those who request articles not yet in the electronic system. Prospero places the requested files on a secure server, converts it to a PDF file, and notifies the patron it is available. The user can then download it to his or her computer desktop after entering an email address and a Personal Identification Number, provided by the library. The file will stay on the server for three weeks. Users may download, save or print the file before it is deleted. Prospero and the Electronic Document Delivery system is only available to University Park patrons, but will soon be available through Penn State libraries statewide. For more information, call 814-865-3489 or go to http://www.libraries.psu.edu/iasweb/ill/EDD.htm
PENN COLLEGE OFFERS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Business Administration major will have a new concentration this fall - one that blends management and computer-science instruction to prepare students for success in a rewarding career field. The new Management Information Systems concentration is the fifth to be offered in the bachelor-degree Business Administration program in the School of Business and Computer Technologies at Penn College. It will give students an understanding of information systems as a management tool in the planning, control and decision-making activities of organizations. Graduates can expect to find jobs in systems analysis, information systems management, quality assurance, financial and market research and production planning. For more, go to http://www2.pct.edu/news/coursoff/MIS0201.htm
YVONNE GAUDELIUS HONORED FOR ART EDUCATION
Yvonne Gaudelius, assistant professor of art education and women's studies, has been chosen to receive the 2001 Mary J. Rouse Award of the Women's Caucus of the National Art Education Association. The Rouse Award is "given to honor an early professional who has evidenced potential to make a significant contribution to the art education profession." Gaudelius will receive the award at the National Art Education Association annual conference in New York City in March. Gaudelius is especially interested in feminist art criticism, feminist aesthetics and feminist pedagogy. For more on the College, go to http://www.artsandarchitecture.psu.edu.