UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Three Penn State Board of Trustees committees met virtually on Dec. 15 in a series of off-cycle meetings.
The committees meeting included Governance and Long-Range Planning; Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life; and Outreach, Development and Community Relations.
The Committee on Governance and Long-Range Planning:
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Reviewed its comprehensive board assessment calendar and assessment goals. As part of its ongoing effort to grow and advance, the board is undertaking a continuous cycle of assessment, action and improvement.
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Reviewed operating guidelines for the Subcommittee on Compensation.
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Reviewed questions for alumni seeking election to the Board of Trustees.
The Committee on Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life:
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Engaged in a panel discussion on the topic of “Student Success: Strategies for Increasing Graduation Rates Among Underrepresented Students at Penn State,” led by Justin Schwartz, interim executive vice president and provost.
The Committee on Outreach, Development and Community Relations:
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Heard updates from Development, Alumni Relations and World Campus.
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Received an overview from Zack Moore, vice president for Office of Government and Community Relations, on the 2022 elections and their potential impacts on Penn State. Moore also discussed talking points for Advocate Penn State as the University seeks increased support from the commonwealth in order to close disparity in funding compared to other state-supported institutions.
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Reviewed the scope and impact of Penn State’s agricultural extension program, which has more than 320 subject matter experts dedicated to providing people, businesses and communities with access to science-based information. A panel of leaders from the College of Agricultural Sciences discussed the program’s footprint and structure across the commonwealth, the impact it has on the communities it serves, and strategies for continued growth and implementation of its programs. The University’s extension program maintains a presence in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, as well as three research and extension centers in the state. Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agricultural industry relies on Penn State Extension for research, education and assistance in areas including invasive species, food supply chains, emerging technologies, workforce development, infrastructure and the federal farm bill.
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Discussed potential ways to increase participation of alumni — particularly new graduates and young alumni — in the election of alumni trustees to the board.