October 4, 2001
New Briefs
Human rights speaker slated for UW appearance
Nobel Peace Prize Winner Jose Ramos-Horta of East Timor will speak on Human Rights: Democracy and the Rule of Law in the Asian Pacific Region as the Severyns-Ravenholt Lecturer at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, in 210 Kane. A reception will follow the lecture in the Walker-Ames Room. Both the lecture and the reception are free and open to the public.
Ramos-Horta shared the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to restore independence to his homeland of East Timor, which was invaded and occupied by Indonesian troops in 1975. In exile from East Timor for a quarter century after the invasion, he acted as the spokesman for human rights and self-determination of his homeland. In 1999, in an historic referendum, the East Timorese expressed their will for independence from Indonesia, and Ramos-Horta returned to help rebuild East Timor. Concerned with human rights, democracy, and the rule of the law throughout the world, he now acts a force for peace in response to a wide range of international concerns.
The lecture is very timely as it comes directly after the first-ever democratic election for a constituent assembly on Aug, 30, in this soon-to-be independent nation. After 24 years of struggle, East Timor is now well on the road to independence and democracy.
Jose Ramos-Horta is currently the Timorese foreign affairs chief in East Timor’s U.N. transitional government. Although Ramos-Horta is not an official candidate for political office, it is likely that he will accept a position in the new cabinet. For more information, contact Lin Ying, Political Science, 543-2780.
Nominations for health, safety group sought
The nomination process for UW Health & Safety Committee representatives is under way.
Nominations can be made through Oct. 12 on the Web at http://www.ehs.washington.edu or by filling out a printed form available by calling UW Environmental Health and Safety at 206-543-0464. Those nominated will be involved in the Nov. 5-16 election.
All UW employees, including faculty, staff, hourly, temporary, and student employees are eligible. Those elected will serve a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2002.
There are 11 different Health and Safety Committees on campus. Their responsibilities include reviewing and evaluating health and safety inspection reports, accident investigation reports, and accident and illness prevention programs. The committee also provides a forum for employee concerns about health and safety.
The committees work at the unit level, advising deans, vice presidents and other administrative heads. But two representatives from each of the 11 committees sit on a University-wide committee, which helps provide a consistent approach throughout campus.
Senate exec committee to consider legislation
At its meeting on Oct. 8 the Senate Executive Committee will be considering legislation pertaining to Distance Learning. This legislation will standardize policies and procedures for offering Distance Learning courses and lessen the distinctions between these courses and courses offered in residence. The proposal places authority for review of undergraduate residence-requirement waivers and of undergraduate DL-degree proposals in the hands of the Faculty Senate.
Faculty are encouraged to read the legislation on the Web at: http://www.washington.edu/faculty/facsenate/senate/legislation/classb/dl.pdf and contact their senator or the senate office (senate@u.washington.edu) with comments.
University meets Locke’s energy conservation goal
The UW reached in June the goal of reducing energy consumption by 10 percent, a goal set by the governor in an executive order.
While some important steps have been taken centrally by Facilities Services, much energy conservation relies on individual choices. Usage in July was down more than 11 percent over last year; in August it was down just over 7 percent.
Energy conservation has resulted in $1,114,300 of avoided energy expenditures January through August. Future savings is dependent on future adjustment to individual energy usage.
