A variety of activities will be held on campus this week in celebration of International Education Week, today through Friday.

The event, now in its second year, was started by President Clinton as an opportunity to promote international education and the understanding of different cultures around the world.

MSU officials believe the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks will be an important factor in recognizing the event this year.

“Events related to Sept. 11 and the aftermath of it is kind of a focus of people’s concerns right now in terms of international activities,” said Jay Rodman, special projects coordinator for the Department of International Studies and Programs.

“One of the events that was, in fact, organized specifically for International Education Week was keeping up with the rumors and what is going on with immigration policies.”

Other planned events include museum exhibits, speakers, films and music performances.

Rodman said International Education Week at MSU will be extended to Saturday and Sunday to include more events and to celebrate Global Festival 2001 on Sunday at the Union.

“It’s very appropriate,” he said. “There is a heightened interest among students and international issues now and I think we’ll have healthy turnouts.”

Peter Briggs, director of the Office of International Students and Scholars, said he believes the events held during International Education Week will be beneficial to students.

“I believe it’s gratifying how everybody supports the need for security,” he said. “It’s a matter of how we do it, what’s going on and an appropriate system to put in place.

“It’s a terrific discussion