A spring break travel alert for Mexico has been issued by the U.S. Department of State for U.S. citizens traveling to that country. Individuals who may be traveling during spring break to any locale are urged to use common sense precautions. University Police offers some general tips and links for more information about traveling abroad. (more)
The state-of-the-art courtroom at Penn State Law will transform into the set for a new television and interactive series, "World on Trial," where viewers around the world will render verdicts on provocative international human rights issues. Cherie Booth, the eminent human rights barrister and wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, will preside over the first trial, which will be on the French "headscarf law" and will be filmed on Sept. 20. (more)
Standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT have long been used in college admissions to sort through thousands of applications. Whether or not such tests accurately assess a student's ability to succeed in higher education is up for debate, but a Penn State expert says that, ultimately, current classroom performance is what prepares a student for admission -- and test day -- better than cramming or retesting to boost scores. (more)
Rural America is vastly different than it was 50 years ago. Prosperity for many rural communities depends on innovative income-generating strategies, such as extracting alternative energy sources. Today, agricultural producers need to be sophisticated business professionals. With one of the nation's largest rural populations, Pennsylvania's economy is dependent upon its rural communities. This fall, Penn State Law will launch its new Rural Economic Development Clinic to support this important sector of our economy, giving law students hands-on learning experience in a wide variety of legal issues specifically faced by agricultural businesses and rural communities. (more)
Law professor David H. Kaye shares his insights into how the the use of DNA evidence has impacted our legal system. While its use has far-reaching implications, Kaye points out that "DNA is only a tool. It gives information depending on the nature of the samples and how well the analysis is done," and lawyers and judges need to understand the science behind DNA analysis. (more)
Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, clinical professor and director of Penn State's Center for Immigrants' Rights, has been named by the American Bar Association (ABA) to its Commission on Immigration. The 13-member commission was established in August of 2002 and directs the ABA's efforts to ensure fair treatment and full due process rights for immigrants and refugees within the United States. (more)
Penn State Law student Adam Shapiro knew he wanted to work overseas; after all he has spent the past year polishing his Mandarin language skills. He initially set his sights on big firms, but a professor suggested a different path. After months of researching organizations and sending out resumes, Shapiro began corresponding with the Arbitration Association of the Republic of China. Though the Association had never hosted an intern previously, his persistence paid off and he landed in Taiwan in late May. (more)
Yes, says Kimberly Schreck, an associate professor of psychology at Penn State. "A large number of these potential workers can successfully contribute to society and the workplace." The key is early intervention with a combination of applied behavior analysis, or ABA, and educational and vocational training. (more)
Penn State Law Professor Katherine Pearson has been invited to testify before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging about the regulation of continuing care retirement communities. Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin called for evaluation of CCRC practices in 2009, and Pearson's testimony will coincide with the July 22, 2010, release of a GAO report citing her work on the topic on regulation of continuing care retirement communities. (more)
At the request of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Courts and Competition, Penn State Law Professor Beth Farmer testified at a hearing on the impact of China's antitrust Law and other competition policies on U.S. companies. Particular issues that were addressed included merger review, monopoly, state owned enterprises and intellectual property. The hearing was held in the Rayburn House Office Building at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13. (more)
