October 9, 2000
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Ohio State's news, experts and events give you more on the news
News
Study finds phone polls less precise - Most political polls are conducted over the telephone, but a new Ohio State University study finds that those telephone surveys are not nearly as accurate as good, old-fashioned mail polls. Jon Krosnick, a professor of political science and psychology at Ohio State, has found that the most accurate predictions are made when pollsters filter out all but interested people who absolutely will vote. Krosnick says that method eliminates all but about 20% of respondents, but predicts results that are always closer to the eventual outcome than phone polls. Krosnick points to a long time staple of central Ohio politics - the Columbus Dispatch mail poll, as one that only counts opinions of actual voters, and is more accurate because of the methodology. He says despite evidence that finds the most accurate poll results are obtained by counting only actual voters, most pollsters continue to use-and publicize-results of telephone polls. Contact: Jon Krosnick, (614) 292-3496Class requires debate viewing - Students enrolled in an Ohio State political science class are taking an in-depth look at the 2000 presidential campaign. Taught by political science professor Herb Asher, the distance education course originates in Columbus and is sent to other regional locations via two-way audio-video links. Discussions take place each Tuesday from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Students in the class, titled "The Process and Politics of the 2000 Presidential Campaign," are required to view several other programs, including the three presidential and the vice-presidential debates, and two programs featured on WOSU-TV, "The 30-Second Candidate" and "Frontline: The Choice 2000." Contact: Herb Asher, (614) 292-1484
Experts
Middle East peace is unraveling - Recent violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip may be the death knell for the Middle East peace process. More than 80 have died in recent fighting between Palestinians and Jews, putting the Clinton administration's plan for peace on hold. Two Ohio State experts in international politics say the situation is looking less hopeful with each passing day. Contact:Donald Sylvan, Political Science, (614) 292-3235; or Richard Herrmann, Political Science, (614) 292-8196Events
Student groups get out the vote - through Oct. 10. A coalition of student groups and campus offices has combined to form Project Vote 2000, with a goal of presenting registrations for 5,000 new voters to the Ohio Secretary of State this week. The deadline for registration is Tuesday (10/10). "We have approximately 2,000 new registrations so far," said Kevin Cope, chair of Project Vote 2000. "By registering voters, bringing political figures and candidates to campus to discuss and debate their views, and making sure that students actually know where and when to vote, we will make a tremendous impact in combating apathy and creating enthusiasm for the democratic process." Registration is available 9a.m. to 5p.m. in offices of the Council of Graduate Students office (208 Ohio Union), the Undergraduate Student Government office (201 Ohio Union) and at the giant tent on the Oval. Contact: Kevin Cope, (614) 292-4380College announces Business Plan Competition-Oct. 11. Teams of entrepreneurs with an OSU connection can compete for up to $70,000 in start-up funds and services. Details of the Fisher College of Business/Arthur Andersen Business Plan Competition will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (10/11) in 140 Pfahl Hall, 280 West Woodruff Avenue. Richard Langdale, founder, chairman of the board and former CEO of SubmitOrder.com., will present a keynote address on "The Evolution of a Business Plan." Contact: Anna Rzewnicki, Fisher College of Business, (614) 292-8937
OSU's Heart and Lung Research Institute Opens-Oct. 13. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the opening of Ohio State's new Heart and Lung Research Institute. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Friday in the Institute auditorium, 473 W. 12th Ave. During the ceremony, President Kirwan will announce a major gift to the Institute and official naming of the building to reflect the benefactor's generosity. The seven story Heart and Lung Research Institute is one of the nation's only free-standing facilities devoted entirely to research of diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and vessels. Scientists will test new approaches to preventing and treating diseases, and study how molecular, genetic and biochemical occurrences undermine the body's normal functions. Through 12:30 p.m., reporters may to tour the facility and speak with researchers about the fundamentals of their work. Contact: David Crawford, Medical Center Communications, 614-293-3737
Multicultural Education is focus of Diversity Lecture-Oct. 13. James A. Banks, professor of education and director of the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington, Seattle, will present "Multicultural Education Issues and Perspectives in a Multicultural Society, " at 9 a.m., Oct. 13, in room 10 of the Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road. Banks' lecture is part of Ohio State University's 2000 - 2001 Diversity Lecture Series. For a schedule of upcoming speakers, click on www.osu.edu/diversity; or Contact: Dr. Frank Hale, 688-4255, or Trina Phillips, 688-4240.
It's Homecoming week! - through Oct. 14. Ohio State's Homecoming has grown into a week-long celebration where alumni, students, faculty and staff can immerse themselves in Buckeye spirit. This year's celebration, "Buckeyes and Beyond," features a number of activities. Among them:
-- Buckeye Blast, at 7 p.m. Wednesday (10/11) at the Schottenstein Center; includes TBDBITL, comedian Carrot Top, cheerleaders and Ohio State athletes;
-- House building with Habitat for Humanity on the Oval 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday (10/11-12)
--The Homecoming Star Show, 8 p.m., Smith Lab Observatory, 174 W. 18th Ave.
--Homecoming Parade-9 a.m. Saturday (10/14) before the 12:10 kickoff for the Minnesota game. The parade starts at 17th Avenue, heads toward North High and ends at 12th Avenue.
Contact: Karissa Shivley, University Relations, (614) 292-8295The person listed as Contact will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story--Elizabeth Conlisk, (614) 292-3040; Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385; Lesley Deaderick, (614) 292-0569; Melinda Sadar, (614) 292-8298; and Karissa Shivley, (614) 292-8295.
Compiled by Amy Murray, University Relations, (Murray-Goedde.1@osu.edu)