Doug Lavensberg CCSG Contributor In Pennsylvania, there is currently a discouraging trend longer a concern of state legislators. All colleges and universities have begun to feel the “pinch” of tight budget proposals. This is not just an individual college or university issue; this is an issue that involves all public higher education institutions. We, as students. must take the initiative to address the current funding shortages to higher education in order to improve conditions for future students. This year exactly 273 students from a wide array of commonwealth locations stood on the Pennsylvania State University State Capitol to demonstrate their support of raising state appropriations for higher education in Pennsylvania. Their hard work and dedication has played an important role encouraging many legislators to place higher essential Pennsylvania priority. were able to listen to Rep. Lynn Herman from Centre County, a majority member of the House Education Committee and Rep. John Yudichak, a Penn State graduate who is the minority Secretary for the House Education Committee. Students also put efforts into meeting legislators from their home districts, and from districts in commonwealth locations are situated. They were able to discuss a variety of issues, including personal stories that addressed the rising rates of tuition, and how a quality education results in excessive debt. This topic was stressed as Kyle Templin, the Council of Commonwealth Students Governments Governmental Affairs Director, mentioned to all present that the individuals standing behind him accounted for millions of dollars in debt. However, as far as we, the students, have come in addressing the issue of state see RALLY page 3 CCSG Contributor Students will no longer need to cut classes to go to home early for Thanksgiving starting in the 2007-2008 academic year. Penn State’s fall and spring semesters will be identical in format and length. Instead of classes fall break, or study day, students will be given a weeklong break over Thanksgiving holiday. Each semester will have duration of 15 weeks. Classes will begin on the Monday before Labor Day in the fall. ~The Spring semester calendar will remain the same with the weeklong spring break. No changes have been planned or made for the summer academic calendar.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers