Weekly Wrap: Transgender commitment; Peace Corps volunteers; women's track title

      A look back at the top stories for the week of Feb. 26

      Malika Aworet does her best friend Patience Biko's hair at the Retreat in downtown State College. Aworet, a Penn State senior studying petroleum engineering, and Biko, a Penn State alumna who is now working as a nurse, met each other at Penn State's African Student Association. Aworet is from Gabon and Biko is from Cameroon. They have many similarities, one being their first language is French. The two were photographed as part of a College of Communications photojournalism project focused on "Best Friends at Penn State." The rest of the gallery can be viewed at http://news.psu.edu/gallery/453734/2017/03/02/communications-269-todays…. Credit: Rose Defino. All Rights Reserved.

      This week's top stories from across Penn State:

      TRANSGENDER PROTECTIONS: In light of the recent change in federal policy on the rights of transgender students to use facilities corresponding with their gender identity, Penn State reaffirmed its commitment to nondiscrimination on March 1. The University's long-standing policies protecting the rights of individuals and prohibiting gender-based discrimination have not changed.

      PEACE CORPS: Penn State has once again been recognized among the nation's top producers of Peace Corps volunteers. With 50 undergraduate alumni serving overseas and working in fields such as agriculture, education, environment, health, community economic development and youth development, the University is No. 8 on the Peace Corps' 2017 rankings of colleges and universities in the large school category.

      TRACK AND FIELD TITLE: The women's track and field team captured its fourth Big Ten indoor championship in program history.

      TRUSTEE BALLOTS: Ballot positions for the 2017 election of Penn State trustees were determined on March 1 by a drawing.

      TEENS AND PARENTING: Although it may come as no surprise to the Fresh Prince, kids think that parents just don't understand what it is like to be a teen in an internet-connected world, and this lack of understanding may hinder the development of skills necessary to safely navigate online, according to a team of researchers.

      FINANCING COLLEGE: This is the first in a five-part series of stories, titled “Financing College: Where’s the Money?” offering techniques and ideas for ways to pay for a college education.

      Last Updated March 2, 2017