A look back at the top stories from across Penn State:
THON: Penn State's THON kicks off at 6 p.m. on Feb. 16, the culmination of a year-long fundraising effort to benefit Four Diamonds, which helps children with pediatric cancer and their families.
GRADUATE UNION: On Feb. 9, Penn State became aware of the decision of the hearing examiner appointed by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board directing an election among certain graduate students at the University. Although the University is disappointed by the decision, Penn State will continue to follow the PLRB process, while evaluating all its options going forward.
ASKED AND ANSWERED — GRADUATE EDUCATION: The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board recently made a decision directing the start of an election process among certain graduate students, to determine if they want union representation. Penn State is committed to each graduate student successfully obtaining the advanced degree they came here to pursue, and believes a union could fundamentally change the critical relationship these students have with faculty mentors. In this next installment of "Asked and Answered," watch as Penn State faculty describe the individualized training they provide each student, the successes of those they mentor, and the importance of maintaining the current faculty-student relationship.
MUMPS: Four cases of mumps have been confirmed at the University Park campus and University Health Services recommends that the campus community practice self-care and take precautions against the mumps and flu.
HELPING LOCAL BUSINESSES: A student advisory group from Penn State Beaver will serve as consultants to area businesses and non-profits, identifying their specific problems and challenges and connecting them with faculty and students who may be able to provide solutions.
SHENANGO SPORTS: With the recent return of intercollegiate athletics at Penn State Shenango, the campus reached another milestone in the program's revival with its official reinstatement in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.