UO E-clips, Oct. 30

University fee policy set for revamp, but not everyone’s on board (Higher Education News and Associated Press): The University of Oregon and Eastern Oregon University have an "energy surcharge." Portland State's got a "student services" fee. And every university in the state tacks on a little extra for the privilege of using the school's computer system. Such fees have exploded in Oregon in recent years, as state support for higher education declined, and the seven public universities looked for ways to make up the gap. This week, the state Board of Higher Education will get the first look at a plan to eliminate such fees for undergraduates within three to four years. Student leaders praise the idea, but some university administrators including Dave Frohnmayer, the president of the University of Oregon have argued against blanket changes, saying universities need financial flexibility.

Global warming activist brings that heat to Oregon (Oregon Daily Emerald): Some students don't see this Saturday's football game as a way to hoist the University into the national athletics spotlight. They see it as a way to spread the word about global warming. Students will march from the EMU to Autzen Stadium this Saturday as part of "Step It Up 2007," a grassroots effort to encourage congressional action on global warming. University student Jesse Hough is helping organize the campus "Step It Up 2007" event, which will include a speech by Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and a march to Autzen Stadium, where ESPN College GameDay will broadcast nationally before the Oregon-Arizona State football game. "It's a huge game, so there will be thousands of people to spread awareness," Hough said. "We can talk to fans who might not be thinking about global warming."

Stern in best frame of mind since scandals (USA Today): David Stern, exuding the familiar bravado of his 24-year tenure as commissioner, is downright giddy sitting in the NBA's Manhattan offices talking about tonight's start of the 62nd season. Gone is the emotionally drained person who nearly four months ago spoke without his usual impenetrable aura ("I didn't look too good," he admits) in his first public comments on the Tim Donaghy gambling scandal. … "That cuts to the core of the credibility of the league," says Paul Swangard, managing director of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon. "That has the risk of having a negative effect on the league's image."

Tiny’s big promise (Portland Tribune): For seven years, Dr. Ed Neuwelt of Oregon Health & Science University has used tiny particles of rust to help locate tumors in people’s brains. In a clinical trial that has involved an estimated 150 patients to date, Neuwelt has injected iron oxide into people’s bodies intravenously, then watched via brain scans as the particles percolate across the blood-brain barrier. … The first capital investments came in 2003, when the state funneled $20 million toward expanding nanotech studies at PSU, the University of Oregon and an Oregon State University lab at Hewlett-Packard Co.