UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The recorded Oct. 30 open forum on voting and the election is now available to view online. The forum provided an opportunity for Penn State students, faculty and staff to hear updates and ask questions around topics such as voting logistics, safety and security, mental health resources, support for international students, and more.
Among the topics discussed were available resources for students and employees on managing election-based stress, including:
- Offerings from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for election week:
- Expanded CAPS Chat hours for election week
- Resources for managing election stress
- YOU@PSU: Sign up for tips on managing election stress and more
- Interfaith Dialogue: Nov. 5 at noon focused on the intersection of faith and political identities
- Call CAPS at 814-863-0395 to schedule a conversation. In an emergency, use the 24/7 Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or access the 24/7 Crisis Text Line by texting “LIONS” to 741741.
- Support options for international students from Global Programs:
- Email DISSA-Adviser@psu.edu
- Visit “iStart” and use the “Submit a question” link
- Call DISSA at 814-865-6348 (option No. 2) and leave your name, email and phone number
- Support for faculty and staff:
The virtual event was hosted by Nick Jones, executive vice president and provost, and Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. Joining Jones and Sims were moderator Tiesha Brunson from Penn State Law and the School of International Affairs and Penn State student and administrative leaders, including:
- Ama Agyapong, doctoral candidate in material sciences and engineering, and an at-large delegate for the Graduate and Professional Student Association
- Victoria Dorsett, vice president of the Penn State Student Black Caucus
- Jacob Klipstein, president of the College Democrats
- Matthew Soska, secretary of the College Republicans
- Tim Balliett, director of the Center for Character, Conscience, and Public Purpose
- Brian Bittner, director of emergency management in University Police and Public Safety
- Roger Brindley, vice provost for Global Programs
- Stephanie Delaney, deputy chief police commander at University Park
- Hari M. Osofsky, dean of Penn State Law and the School of International Affairs
- Katharine Staley, assistant director of community education and outreach in Counseling and Psychological Services
The open forum is part of ongoing efforts to educate and support members of the Penn State community by sharing information and key resources around voting and elections. Comprehensive information on voting is available at psuvotes.psu.edu.