California State University, Sacramento
Public Policy & Administration

COMMUNICATOR

April 30, 2001

Director's Corner

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Student Research Conference
I wish to encourage as many of you as possible to make presentations at an annual Student Research Conference to be held on our campus on Friday, May 4. The conference is conducted by an organization of faculty (the Social Science Research and Instructional Council, or SSRIC) from around the CSU system; I'm the current chair of this group. This conference offers a friendly, supportive environment for discussing work you've done. There are also small cash awards for the best papers.

The scope of this conference is broad: empirical papers on all sorts of social science topics are welcome. Even the word "empirical" is broad, including work based on interviews, case studies, etc., as well as more quantitative analysis. We're looking for interesting, article length type papers (20 double spaced pages is a rough guideline, but we also accept papers that are shorter or longer). Coauthored papers are fine, and even papers coauthored with a faculty member are welcome (provided the student's role in the research is more than supportive and the student makes the presentation). This year for the first time we're also welcoming people who might want to present their work in a poster session rather than in the form of a traditional paper presentation. And it's perfectly reasonable to (for example) use a paper you've done for PPA 207 or submit a portion of your draft thesis.

I'd also note that this same conference was held at CSUS in 1999, and CSUS students swept the awards for best papers. Our own Deborah Franklin won the award for the best paper by a graduate student. With all due respect to students from other schools, we'd like to duplicate the 1999 pattern.

Please write tedl@csus.edu or call (278-4864) if you want to discuss participating in the conference. Also, please note that the deadline for submissions is Friday, April 27, that papers should be submitted directly to me, and that papers should be in hard copy (not fax or electronic) form.

Call for Papers
The Henry B. Gonzalez Award The Financial Markets Center sponsors an annual contest on the subject of central bank reform. Entries may be sweeping in scope or focused on a specific aspect of the Fed’s structure, governance, operations, staffing, culture or statutory authority. The winning entry receives a cash award of $2,500 and is published by the Center. Deadline for entries: April 28, 2001.

Great Valley Center Central Valley Conference
The Great Valley Center Central Valley Conference will be May 9 and 10, 2001. Professor Rob Wassmer will be on a panel about the Fiscalization of Land Use in California. Get more information here.

Commencement
Commencement this year is Friday, May 25 at 4:30 p.m. at Arco Arena (participants should be there no later than 4:00 p.m.). Students in the MPPA program who will be participating must sign up at the SSIS Dean's Office, Amador Hall, Room 255, 916/278-6504. Gowns and hoods may be purchased from the ASI Business Office (University Union, 3rd Floor).

WRITING PROBLEMS PLAGUING YOU?
The CSUS Writing Center can help! All registered CSUS Students may schedule appointments with The Writing Center tutors free of charge. Students may seek assistance with papers for any class, in any department, or for preparation for writing exams. The Writing Center is located in Calaveras Hall room 128. The phone number is 278-6356.

Writer's block: A Support Group for Thesis Students
Facilitated by Francine Toder, Ph.D. Psychologist and Author
What are the thoughts, emotions and/or behaviors that interfere with beginning or completing your thesis? This group will help you to identify and challenge your discomfort at any phase where blocks occur from topic selection to the final draft. Learn to recognize your beliefs and attitudes about writing that interfere with the process. Identify your personal or interpersonal struggles. Try out new skills and strategies.

Call 278-6416 for a screening.

Day & Time: Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
Location: 2nd Floor, Student Health Center
Psychological Counseling Services www.csus.edu/psysrv

Department Office Hours
Open Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed April 9 - 13 for Spring Break.

Finals Week May 21-25, 2000

The PPA/IA ListProc keeps you informed!! Subscribe now.

CSUS Public Policy Working Paper Series

Those interested in contemporary public policy issues should check the list of working papers available at the Masters Program in Public Policy and Administration Web Site (www.csus.edu/mppa/content.htm). Recent papers include works on the current state budgetary battle, county fiscal stress, and public opinion about ballot initiatives. For more information call Suzi Byrd at 278-6557.

We welcome your contributions to the Communicator! Contact the Director, Bob Waste, or the Department Secretary, Suzi Byrd, (916) 278-6557, in the PPA Department Office.

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