Still Life
Commencement across Penn State: Spring 2012
Spring commencement 2012 under way
Penn State, Moroccan students problem-solve together
Finals Week Spring Semester 2012
Children explore career options at University Park
Painting the Lines at Beaver Stadium
Did They Get It Right? - RedTails
Iconic Penn State elm taken down over spring break 2012
We ... are Penn State (December 19, 2011)
Disease stricken matching elm tree slated for removal
Penn State's creamery, from the cow to the cone
Improving student labs and learning centers at University Park, and developing baccalaureate programs that meet regional demand at other campuses are just some of the measures Penn State has taken during year three of the University's strategic plan, the Board of Trustees learned Friday (May 4). The program changes are focused on increasing the number of applicants selecting a Commonwealth Campus as their first choice, Rob Pangborn, interim executive vice president and provost, told the board. Pangborn said much of what was done this past year for the strategic plan took place through the Academic Program and Administrative Services Review Core Council. (more)
When Penn State President Rodney Erickson addressed the state Senate Appropriations Committee on March 1, he made a point of explaining the land-grant mission that has been part of Penn State since the passing of the Morrill Act in 1863. It's a message he also delivered last fall to faculty and staff gathered to hear an update on the progress of the University's strategic plan and Core Council process. Erickson, then Penn State's executive vice president and provost, told that group, "I think we're in for tough sledding, because the public in general doesn't have a clue about what it means to be a land-grant university. There's just no sense that this really is something that's that important ... and so they would rather support other areas" with their tax dollars.
Erickson said then that a key to changing this is taking a fresh look at the land-grant concept. "Over the years we ended up doing many things that were not necessarily part of our core mission, or they were not directly related back to the strong research that was taking place here. What we do in Extension needs to be connected back here to the University. That's the way we demonstrate our value, not just as a land-grant university, but also as a much more engaged institution."
That sort of re-focusing has been taking place University-wide as implementation of both the strategic plan and the Core Council recommendations continue. (more)
Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability. The council is seeking public input for the five-goal plan during the drafting process. The fifth and final goal of Penn State's Strategic Plan for Sustainability aims to help people throughout Pennsylvania and the world to develop and embrace more sustainable environmental, economic and social systems. "Serving the Commonwealth and engaging with its citizens is fundamental to Penn State's land-grant mission. Our many partnerships with communities in Pennsylvania -- and beyond -- put us in an extraordinary position to help develop innovative solutions to sustainability challenges," said Susannah Barsom, associate director of the Center for Sustainability. (more)
Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability. The council is seeking public input for the five-goal plan during the drafting process. The fourth goal of the plan seeks to integrate sustainability into Penn State's research programs. "The creation of new knowledge and its widespread application are critical elements in addressing this important challenge. We are fortunate at Penn State to have all of the ingredients necessary to make remarkable contributions: disciplinary excellence, a culture of collaboration, extensive outreach tools and a model of integrated research and teaching," explained Denice Wardrop, co-chair of the Sustainability Council and assistant director of the Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment. "The challenge is to synergize them and focus a portion of that collective power on sustainability." (more)
Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability. The council is seeking public input for five-goal plan during the drafting process. The third goal seeks to support and recognize efforts to make individual behaviors and facilities more resource efficient as well as celebrate the broader impact of Penn State through alumni and partners. "Goal 3 calls on us to 'walk the talk,' " explained Erik Foley, director of the Penn State Campus Sustainability Office, and member of the council. "Opportunities are everywhere to improve operational effectiveness, promote wellness and control costs through smart sustainability practices in our offices, labs, classrooms, residence halls and dining areas. And because Penn State thrives beyond our walls, especially through our alumni, Goal 3 also asks how we can further engage and recognize their sustainability leadership." (more)
The University Sustainability Council is drafting Penn State's first Strategic Plan for Sustainability and is seeking public input during the drafting process. Several town hall meetings have been scheduled across the University this semester. Erik Foley, director of the Penn State Campus Sustainability Office, and Susannah Barsom, associate director of the Penn State Center for Sustainability, will visit each campus to share the plan in its current form and to listen to input from the campus and the public. (more)
Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability. The council is seeking public input for five-goal plan during the drafting process. The second goal of Penn State's Strategic Plan for Sustainability aims to educate students about sustainability. "Students are requesting more sustainability instruction, aware that employers are seeking to hire graduates who are knowledgeable about sustainability," said Rob Pangborn, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education. "Penn State can play a unique role in addressing one of our society's most pressing issues by bringing faculty expertise and emerging research to the classroom, to produce graduates who also can lead in this effort." (more)
Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability and is seeking public input during the drafting process. The first goal of Penn State's Strategic Plan for Sustainability aims to embed sustainability as a core principle and fundamental part of the Penn State experience. (more)
Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability and is seeking public input during the drafting process. "The Strategic Plan for Sustainability will provide the roadmap for ensuring that the Priorities for Excellence goal of increasing the number of academic offerings that incorporate sustainability into the curriculum is met and that sustainability is researched, taught, promoted and practiced," said Rod Erickson, Penn State executive vice president and provost. "It will follow the University's strategic planning framework, and specific strategies and metrics will be developed concurrently at the college, campus and unit levels. Its development will involve students, faculty, staff, leadership, alumni, supporters and corporate partners." (more)
Penn State's University Sustainability Council is drafting the University's first strategic plan for sustainability and is seeking public input during the drafting process. Following are frequently asked questions and answers. (more)
