--- loncom/interface/loncommon.pm	2008/05/31 01:51:42	1.658
+++ loncom/interface/loncommon.pm	2008/05/31 23:53:18	1.659
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # The LearningOnline Network with CAPA
 # a pile of common routines
 #
-# $Id: loncommon.pm,v 1.658 2008/05/31 01:51:42 raeburn Exp $
+# $Id: loncommon.pm,v 1.659 2008/05/31 23:53:18 raeburn Exp $
 #
 # Copyright Michigan State University Board of Trustees
 #
@@ -636,8 +636,15 @@ ENDSCRT
 }
 
 sub select_timezone {
-   my ($name,$selected,$onchange)=@_;
-   my $output="<select name='$name' $onchange>\n";
+   my ($name,$selected,$onchange,$includeempty)=@_;
+   my $output='<select name="'.$name.'" '.$onchange.'>'."\n";
+   if ($includeempty) {
+       $output .= '<option value=""';
+       if (($selected eq '') || ($selected eq 'local')) {
+           $output .= ' selected="selected" ';
+       }
+       $output .= '> </option>';
+   }
    my @timezones = DateTime::TimeZone->all_names;
    foreach my $tzone (@timezones) {
        $output.= '<option value="'.$tzone.'"';