Water policy and politics have global ramifications, and a new class at the University of Oregon explores these issues in depth.

Nominations are open for this year’s Financial Stewardship Institute, a University of Oregon program that offers training for employees with budget responsibilities.

The 43-hour program is offered to UO staff annually to help develop knowledge and skills around the principles of financial stewardship. This year, 28 spots are available in the program.

All staff who hold positions with budget responsibility – officers of administration, instruction and research, and classified staff – are eligible for nomination. Participants can be self-nominated or suggested by others.

Seven construction projects to support the University of Oregon's core academic mission will pump a combined $299.74 million into the economy and create more than 2,700 construction jobs as the projects' starting dates are staggered over the coming year.

Two of the projects – a combined $44 million in maintenance, seismic upgrades, renovation and classroom expansion at Straub and Earl halls, and a $50.25 million Student Recreation Center expansion – are getting underway this summer.

University of Oregon President Michael Gottfredson is one of 165 university presidents and chancellors representing all 50 states who have signed an open letter to President Obama and members of congress, expressing concern about federal budget cuts to research and higher education.

Legal intern Colleen O'Malley's summer is off to a good start. She recently won her first trial under the supervision of a deputy district attorney for Deschutes County.

O’Malley, a student in the University of Oregon School of Law who lives in Eugene, is a certified legal intern with the Deschutes Office of the District Attorney.

Being a native of Bend, Ore., 18-year-old Megan Heinrich was drawn to one thing in particular about the University of Oregon: climate.

“It doesn’t snow here,” she said, laughing.