This week's top stories from across Penn State:
BUDGET IMPASSE: Without action to release state appropriations that are eight months overdue, there will be profound changes to four universities that together educate more than 110,000 Pennsylvanians each year. That was the message on March 2 from leaders of Penn State, Temple, Lincoln and the University of Pittsburgh during their appropriations hearings before the House and Senate, and in a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda.
TOWN HALL: Penn State students will have a chance to hear from President Eric Barron and ask questions during a University Town Hall meeting student government organizations are holding at 3 p.m. March 16.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE AWARENESS WEEK: Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which brings attention to the issue and the Penn State resources available to prevent and address it, includes a variety of events this year, starting March 28.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI: Eight Penn State alumni have been selected to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, the University's highest award for an individual.
POLITICAL BLOG: As the 2016 presidential election heats up, Penn State academics are turning their eyes -- and their research -- toward the ongoing race and the many topics that have made national headlines. A new blog -- Election 2016: Research Behind the Race -- collects research-based commentary and insight into many campaign-related topics all in one place.
MOSQUITO WARNING: As Penn Staters prepare to leave for spring break, University Health Services warns of the ongoing transmission of Zika, chikungunya and dengue viruses currently circulating in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and a few Pacific islands.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: The University's governing board met in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and took action on a number of items. Trustee election ballot positions were also announced this week.
FACULTY FULBRIGHTS: Eight Penn State faculty members were named recipients of Fulbright grants in the 2015-16 awards cycle.
MOVIN' ON: Alternative music band Walk the Moon will headline the annual Movin' On music festival April 29.
STEP EXPANSION: This summer, the Student Transitional Experiences Program, an optional summer program designed for students making the junior-year transition to University Park from another Penn State campus, will be expanded.