UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- As part of two initiatives aimed at helping alumni voters make informed voting decisions in the upcoming Penn State Board of Trustees election, the Penn State Alumni Association today (April 9) launched its "Three Questions for the Candidates" website -- http://pennstatermag.com/bot2012 -- that includes responses from alumni trustee candidates to key issues facing the University.
Seventy-two of the 86 candidates responded to three questions posed by the staff of the Alumni Association's Penn Stater magazine. The questions go beyond the events of the past five months that have received so much coverage and gave candidates the opportunity to address other vital issues concerning Penn State's future. The questions are:
1. In view of sharply declining state appropriations, what steps should Penn State be taking to secure its financial future?
2. The rising cost of tuition nationally is making college less affordable for many students. Outline the steps you believe Penn State should take to address the issue.
3. What form should Penn State's land-grant mission take in the 21st century?
On the website, voters will find candidates' answers to the three questions, additional biographical information and links to the candidates' official position statements. The site will remain available through the end of the trustee election, which runs from April 10 through 9 a.m. May 3.
In another effort to help educate alumni voters, the Alumni Association also recently announced that it will facilitate a "Meet the Candidates" event on April 21 during Blue-White Weekend at the University Park campus.
The informal meet-and-greet session will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Intramural Building across from Shields Building on Curtin Road adjacent to University Drive. Each candidate will be given a table to display information and from which to distribute literature and giveaway items. There will be no speeches or formal program. This free event is open to the public.
Additional details about the Board of Trustees and the upcoming election can be found on the Board of Trustees' website at http://www.psu.edu/trustees online.