UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At its Friday (May 8) meeting, on the cusp of its spring commencement weekend when nearly 13,400 students will receive degrees, Penn State’s Board of Trustees announced member election and appointment results. They also received an update about the University’s next strategic plan from the provost and year-in-review remarks from the president, among other actions:
-- President Eric J. Barron offered a first-year review of his presidency.
-- Provost Nicholas P. Jones reviewed the current status of Penn State’s next strategic plan, which includes a vision statement focusing on the University’s “strong, positive, meaningful and measurable” impact of its academic, research and service and outreach activities.
-- Outgoing University Faculty Senate Chair Jonna M. Kulikowich shared a report on the Senate’s year.
-- Four incumbents and nine new members were named to serve on the Board of Trustees, either by appointment or election, with terms beginning July 1. New member positions include a student trustee, an academic trustee and three at-large trustees.
-- Following a recommendation from the Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning, the board approved an interim budget for 2015-16 and also reviewed airport changes and other construction projects.
Highlights from committee meetings include:
-- During its May 7 meeting, the Committee on Outreach, Development and Community Relations heard from students Megan Renaut and Katie Mailey, THON’s 2015 and 2016 executive directors, respectively.
-- Also on May 7, the Committee on Academic Affairs and Student Life convened at the Krause Innovation Studio in Chambers Building on the University Park campus to hear presentations on topics related to learning spaces, learning innovations and the expansion of a digital presence in teaching and learning.